Solving for X

by Ellie Lieberman

It's been at least a decade since words like "outbreak" turned to "epidemic." The suburban population has retreated to apartment complexes, where they created miniature societies. Garrett, Erik, and Jenna try to survive this world any way they can.
Will Garrett get stuck in the fear of the unknown like everyone else? Can Erik keep his world from crumbling? And, how much more can the epidemic and new world take from Jenna?

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2016

About the author

Words are magic, and Ellie Lieberman has been enamored with the magic of storytelling since before she could hold a pencil. She learned how to write so she could write her stories. Though her books vary between ages and genre, one element that is always a guarantee is the light in the dark, from the flicker of a candle to dragon fire.

Reviews

[Barbara Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of being the editor and formatter for this second book by Ellie Lieberman

I am not a fan of zombie stories and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. This is not your formula YA dystopian, post-apocalyptic story but a more complex examination of relationships behind and outside the chain-link fences. All the elements are there for yet another how-will-they regain-control and just-who-is-behind-the-epidemic-that-changed-their-lives type of story. And, yes, there are zombies. But this is more of a dystopian sundae with zombie sprinkles, than a 'let's kill all the zombies before they kill us' storyline as well. Ms. Lieberman takes us into the hearts and souls of her characters, as they struggle against a world created for them, to protect them. Just who are the monsters is the theme of this story. You'll be asking yourself that question long after you finish the book.

[Annette Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solving for X is a short but thought provoking look at life in a post apocalyptic world where a mysterious epidemic has swept the nation and the remains of humanity live in small enclaves. Our central characters Garrett, Erik and Jenna live in one such community , where Erik contributes by acting as a scout who goes out on missions to find food and other necessities while his partner Jenna who was an artist before still creates but also spends time working on guard duty. Garrett is younger, orphaned by the outbreak he has grown up alone but looks up to Jenna and Erik, and as he is reaching maturity and having to decide about his future, he is keen to take risks that Jenna would rather see him avoid.
This book is not afraid to examine some deep issues despite its brevity, most notably how those in power can see certain types of people as almost disposable , as well as the importance of art and its role in society both as a solace and as a means of protest. I found the book interesting and the characters sympathetic, but it did struggle to hold my attention a little bit in the middle before coming to an ending that really packed an emotional punch.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved SOLVING FOR X, a great sci-fi novel with a post-apocalyptic zombie feel. The novel jumps you right into the action with great showing and not telling, allowing the reader to piece together through dribs and drabs of information about an outbreak and an epidemic and that now there are the infected out there beyond the walls of a compound where our main characters live. The story centers on a few characters, Erik, a young person in the group, Carlyle, who leads teams out into the dangerous wilds of the city, Jenna, an artist who uses her art to resist. I loved the emotional meat of the story, how all the characters wanted to hold onto little bits of their pre-outbreak lives. Lovely themes of censorship and art. I especially loved the character of the memory keeper. This was a real treat to read! 5/5 stars.

[Mrs Z · Rating 1 out of 5]

The way it's written is very jumpy between characters with no real flow between the jumps. Very difficult to follow. Got 30% through and DNF.

[Debbie Civil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative and heartbreaking!



Damn! Who knew that a book about zombies could actually connect with me emotionally? I had no idea how attached I would become to certain characters when I first began reading. I actually teared up a little during one part of the book. I’ve got to hand it to the author, this read was anything but predictable.
This book is the first in a series. The narrative switches between the prospective of a couple, Erik and Jenna, and Garrett, a teenager that the couple looks out for. Jenna and Eric have knowledge of what life was like before the world was infected, but Garett, who’s younger, has little memory of a pre-zombie period. Jenna is an artist who paints designated areas of the compound. Eric has a dangerous job that Garrett covets. You know how teenagers are. They are always longing to grow up, even when they aren’t ready. Some parts of this book get’s kind of philosophical, which is how the title comes into play. I won’t spoil any more of this read. But I promise there is a council, like there is in every great dystopian novel. Of course the leaders make a bunch of decisions that I most definitely don’t agree with.
I would recommend this read to anyone who loves dystopian novels that focus on the emotional impact an outbreak can have on a society.

[Meg Tessensohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This summer I began my journey reading Independent Authors. I had meet Ms. Lieberman at a booksigning was intrigue with the idea of young teens facing a new world after an outbreak of Zombies. I am not a Zombie fan and this is outside of my normal book choice. The three main characters, Erik, Jenna, and Garret faces these challenges as they discover their relationships with each other and this "brave new world". The zombies are not the main focus but necessary to see the impact it had on their lives. When you look at history, you learn "the world has never been perfect" and "It's easier to be angry at something than to try and change it" these two quotes are true statements in our own society. For such an young author there is wisdom in understanding human nature. Reading with an open mind, brings a new sense of adventure especially outside your comfort zone. Enjoy this YA noval.

[Joharra Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal read!

This story was beautifully and tragically written as siblings try to survive the zombie apocalypse. There were so many powerful lines, and it felt so real with some struggles we face ourselves. It showed that not everything ends without tragedy. A phenomenal story that I recommend to everyone.

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is x?

How do you solve an equation when you don't have all the parts? How do you have a community if they don't want to be saved? Questions that you may find answers to in this book. It's a very different book but will give you a good read.

[Karen Pessoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world in chaos

This book reminds us of the chaos the world was thrown in. Well developed characters. The depiction of the world trying to survive this turbulent times.