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Horizon #2
Deadzone
The survivors have made it out of the jungle, but they may be sorry they ever left when they stumble upon a whole new ecosystem, populated with entirely new threats.
And the greatest threat of all may come from within. Because one of the kids is changing...
The seven-book series begun by #1 New York Times bestseller Scott Westerfeld only gets bigger and bolder under the frenzied imagination of bestselling, critically acclaimed author Jennifer A. Nielsen!
And the greatest threat of all may come from within. Because one of the kids is changing...
The seven-book series begun by #1 New York Times bestseller Scott Westerfeld only gets bigger and bolder under the frenzied imagination of bestselling, critically acclaimed author Jennifer A. Nielsen!
Paperback
First published September 12, 2017
80 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer A. Nielsen
53 books9,607 followersJennifer lives at the base of a very tall mountain in Northern Utah with her husband, three children, and a naughty puppy. She loves the smell of rainy days, hot chocolate, and old books, preferably all at once. She is a former speech teacher, theater director, and enjoyed a brief but disastrous career as a door-to-door pollster. In her spare time, Jennifer tends to panic, wondering what she has forgotten to do that has allowed her any spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
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August 30, 2017Sure, I'm biased but hey -
This book has...
Blood Sand
Acid Snot
Sand-nados
And something beneath the sand that will pull you under faster than you can blink.
Whatever it is, it's targeting one member of the team.
This book has...
Blood Sand
Acid Snot
Sand-nados
And something beneath the sand that will pull you under faster than you can blink.
Whatever it is, it's targeting one member of the team.
September 12, 2017
"Worms don't swim. If a fish sees one, it should look for the hook."
This book was really good. The same level as, if not better than, the first which was a little slower because it had to set up the story and introduce each of the characters. Since this one didn't have to do that, it was fast-paced from the very start and so easy to get into! The characters stayed true to their original selves which is nice because I always worry about that when the series has different authors for each book.
Now, I have gotten a little bit worried for the characters in another way. If the rest of the books keep up the same way that these two have, we might not have any survivors by the end. Hopefully, I'm worried for nothing because I really don't want to lose any of the characters left! They each bring something so important to the story and their personal narratives are just so fun to follow along with and see each viewpoint of the story.
And I can't rave enough about the really cool settings that basically drive the plot. It seems that each author will introduce a new setting right before the end of the book and leave the reader wanting to figure out where the next author will take things and just what cool landscapes, creatures, and obstacles that will be introduced next!
I'm definitely looking forward to whatever else the series has to bring! Hopefully they pick some more of my favorite authors to continue with it!
ARC provided by the publisher not dependent on a review
This book was really good. The same level as, if not better than, the first which was a little slower because it had to set up the story and introduce each of the characters. Since this one didn't have to do that, it was fast-paced from the very start and so easy to get into! The characters stayed true to their original selves which is nice because I always worry about that when the series has different authors for each book.
Now, I have gotten a little bit worried for the characters in another way. If the rest of the books keep up the same way that these two have, we might not have any survivors by the end. Hopefully, I'm worried for nothing because I really don't want to lose any of the characters left! They each bring something so important to the story and their personal narratives are just so fun to follow along with and see each viewpoint of the story.
And I can't rave enough about the really cool settings that basically drive the plot. It seems that each author will introduce a new setting right before the end of the book and leave the reader wanting to figure out where the next author will take things and just what cool landscapes, creatures, and obstacles that will be introduced next!
I'm definitely looking forward to whatever else the series has to bring! Hopefully they pick some more of my favorite authors to continue with it!
ARC provided by the publisher not dependent on a review
January 12, 2018
Just as good as the first, crazy stuff. Good characters really good story. Definitely can't wait for more, wish they were all released!
Read
December 5, 2019can they escape the island.
July 10, 2024
This is an AMAZING book. I love the blood sand, the acid snot stuff, and everything about it (well except when Oliver died. Rip Oliver, you are forever in our hearts) Jennifer Nielsen is one of my absolute favorite authors EVER!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 15, 2024Reading so can talk with my 5th grader.
November 28, 2018
Much better than Horizon 1. Jennifer Nielsen never failed to impress me.
April 3, 2018
Nielsen, Jennifer A. Deadzone (Horizon, #2), 208 pages. Scholastic, 2017. $15. Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.
Seven teens are trying to survive in an unknown territory after their plane crashes. The place is run by robots and has different landscapes covering miles of land. The teens call themselves team Killbot and they are trying to help each other survive while also trying to find the edge of the territory. When one of their teammates goes missing, only to return for a while talking like a robot, their distrust for the robots grows.
This is the second book I have read in this series, and each book is an unfinished story making it a very dissatisfying read. The front cover says there is going to be seven books, but the series won’t be finished until January 2020. The action is interesting, but there isn’t a lot of character development and after reading two books I still don’t feel like I understand the rules of their world. The story is like a mix of the TV series Lost and Survivor.
MS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Seven teens are trying to survive in an unknown territory after their plane crashes. The place is run by robots and has different landscapes covering miles of land. The teens call themselves team Killbot and they are trying to help each other survive while also trying to find the edge of the territory. When one of their teammates goes missing, only to return for a while talking like a robot, their distrust for the robots grows.
This is the second book I have read in this series, and each book is an unfinished story making it a very dissatisfying read. The front cover says there is going to be seven books, but the series won’t be finished until January 2020. The action is interesting, but there isn’t a lot of character development and after reading two books I still don’t feel like I understand the rules of their world. The story is like a mix of the TV series Lost and Survivor.
MS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
September 9, 2019
This book was great. Especially the last thirty odd pages, but it was too short. The time on the blood sand came and went so quickly, and it barely felt like anything had happened once it was over. The first book, though also short, felt much longer. More than 50 pages longer.
September 21, 2017
Review:
Protagonists: As our heroes traverse a new ecosystem, more about their pasts come to light. After surviving the Rift's jungle the survivors of a downed Horizon flight have found that somehow they are right where they're supposed to be, just in some sort of Rift in the earth that houses multiple ecosystems and countless terrors. They journey to find the truth of where they are and hope to find a way home. There are still a lot of characters in this book, but by now I think I've gotten a good handle on who they are as characters and this book, while short, does a lot to flesh out these characters and show new sides of them. My favorite character is probably Yoshi, he's heroic and adventurous, but what really draws me to him is just how flawed he is. He's impulsive, selfish, stubborn, a lone wolf, and will lie to get his way, but that doesn't keep him from having some fantastic character development in this book. All of the characters, in some way or another, have similar character development, though it varies in substance.
World Building: A new book means a new environment, and a new environment means new challenges. One of the things that really hooked me about this world was that there's just this random rift in the middle of a tundra and that these kids have to traverse it uncovering secrets along the way. Honestly, other than showing off a completely new environment there isn't all that much in terms of world-building that I can talk about without spoiling things. Honestly, there isn't all that much, don't get me wrong the things learned in this book make up for that, it's just that I felt like I came out with more questions than answers and I'm interested to see how many are answered in the next installment.
Predictability: This book is by far more unpredictable than the previous one. In the first installment we were getting to know these characters and this world while crazy stuff happened, but now that it's easier to understand what's going on and just what might happen, well, it gets intense. I won't say that there are a whole lot of twists and turns in this story because a lot of this story is still about these characters and their interpersonal relationships as they try and escape, and also because this book is so short, but the twists that are in here are the gut-punching, I can't believe that just happened, kind. In terms of things I could predict, there wasn't all that much in fact I never had one of those, "Oh because of this, this, and this, that will happen" kind of moments.
Ending: As this book begins to head toward the final climax, I wasn't sure what would happen. Before I could really ponder it all that long, things... went... down... Now the final climax wasn't the intense action scene I was hoping for, but honestly, I was sort of intense action-ed out and liked that it became more of a game of intense strategy, with just a bit of action. The cooldown period was a bit plateaued, but the last line, that was a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Rating:
Despite being a rather short book without all that much world building I really enjoyed this story and a lot of questions were raised and are still up in the air and I can't wait to see and learn more about this world!
Protagonists: As our heroes traverse a new ecosystem, more about their pasts come to light. After surviving the Rift's jungle the survivors of a downed Horizon flight have found that somehow they are right where they're supposed to be, just in some sort of Rift in the earth that houses multiple ecosystems and countless terrors. They journey to find the truth of where they are and hope to find a way home. There are still a lot of characters in this book, but by now I think I've gotten a good handle on who they are as characters and this book, while short, does a lot to flesh out these characters and show new sides of them. My favorite character is probably Yoshi, he's heroic and adventurous, but what really draws me to him is just how flawed he is. He's impulsive, selfish, stubborn, a lone wolf, and will lie to get his way, but that doesn't keep him from having some fantastic character development in this book. All of the characters, in some way or another, have similar character development, though it varies in substance.
World Building: A new book means a new environment, and a new environment means new challenges. One of the things that really hooked me about this world was that there's just this random rift in the middle of a tundra and that these kids have to traverse it uncovering secrets along the way. Honestly, other than showing off a completely new environment there isn't all that much in terms of world-building that I can talk about without spoiling things. Honestly, there isn't all that much, don't get me wrong the things learned in this book make up for that, it's just that I felt like I came out with more questions than answers and I'm interested to see how many are answered in the next installment.
Predictability: This book is by far more unpredictable than the previous one. In the first installment we were getting to know these characters and this world while crazy stuff happened, but now that it's easier to understand what's going on and just what might happen, well, it gets intense. I won't say that there are a whole lot of twists and turns in this story because a lot of this story is still about these characters and their interpersonal relationships as they try and escape, and also because this book is so short, but the twists that are in here are the gut-punching, I can't believe that just happened, kind. In terms of things I could predict, there wasn't all that much in fact I never had one of those, "Oh because of this, this, and this, that will happen" kind of moments.
Ending: As this book begins to head toward the final climax, I wasn't sure what would happen. Before I could really ponder it all that long, things... went... down... Now the final climax wasn't the intense action scene I was hoping for, but honestly, I was sort of intense action-ed out and liked that it became more of a game of intense strategy, with just a bit of action. The cooldown period was a bit plateaued, but the last line, that was a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Rating:
Despite being a rather short book without all that much world building I really enjoyed this story and a lot of questions were raised and are still up in the air and I can't wait to see and learn more about this world!
May 28, 2019
Jennifer Neilsen is the 2nd author to continue the Horizon series started by Scott Westerfeld. This is definitely not a stand alone book. A reader would be pretty lost if they did not start with the first book. In this book, Molly becomes the leader and works on doing what is best for the group. Yoshi reveals some of his secrets and readers will get to know him a little bit better. The group decides to leave the jungle and make the trek across the Blood Sand, which comes with a lot of danger. The group realizes that they are on earth, but they still can’t explain the strange rift. They have technology which helps them alter gravity, which has led the group to survive some dangerous circumstances. The laws of physics are different in what they now think is a purposefully created environment. The story ends on a cliffhanger, but it’s the perfect set up for the third book.
I’m really glad that I had the 2nd book because I was dying to continue it after the first one. As a librarian, I would just tell my students to check out the 2nd one if they are checking out the first one. There is a little bit of humor sprinkled throughout the story, especially as they come up with trying to name things (like plants and animals). It’s still suspenseful, action packed and mysterious. Readers will get more insight into the characters. More sensitive readers should be aware that there is grief and loss, but how the characters deal with it may give readers some tools into dealing with their own emotions. I do think this book will appeal to a wide audience of middle grade readers. It is a good addition to the school library. This book would be a good fit for a “Survival” book display. There are multiple perspectives, so readers will be exposed to that writing style. I like the cover and the attention to detail on the inside pages. It’s kind of like a messy spaceship log. There are not a lot of professional reviews found for this book, which I think happens a lot for series books. Don’t let the lack of reviews stop you from buying this series. This one really is very good and I’ve been enjoying it. I think middle grade readers will too!
I’m really glad that I had the 2nd book because I was dying to continue it after the first one. As a librarian, I would just tell my students to check out the 2nd one if they are checking out the first one. There is a little bit of humor sprinkled throughout the story, especially as they come up with trying to name things (like plants and animals). It’s still suspenseful, action packed and mysterious. Readers will get more insight into the characters. More sensitive readers should be aware that there is grief and loss, but how the characters deal with it may give readers some tools into dealing with their own emotions. I do think this book will appeal to a wide audience of middle grade readers. It is a good addition to the school library. This book would be a good fit for a “Survival” book display. There are multiple perspectives, so readers will be exposed to that writing style. I like the cover and the attention to detail on the inside pages. It’s kind of like a messy spaceship log. There are not a lot of professional reviews found for this book, which I think happens a lot for series books. Don’t let the lack of reviews stop you from buying this series. This one really is very good and I’ve been enjoying it. I think middle grade readers will too!
November 16, 2019
Team Killbot is still traveling through the Rift, trying to look for the way out. Tragedy strikes again while they make their way across the “blood sand,” and things are looking dire. A strange messenger appears to them early one morning. Are they being helped or manipulated? Will they ever find their way home?
Initial Thoughts
Team Killbot is still stuck in the rift, fighting robots and unseen creatures that want to pull them into the ground. Sounds terrifying! Don’t worry though, the authors of the Horizon series have done a great job of making this mystery/sci-fi safe for young readers. Now that I have finished two of the books in this series, I would say that the series is aimed more at middle-grade readers than young adults. I say this because the story lacks a certain depth that I think is required for young adult readers. The characters in the story are definitely dealing with some real-life emotional issues that we’ll take a look at in a moment, but the story does not provide enough detail about the kid’s home-life to really cause the reader to stop and think about what the characters are going through or how their back story affects their thought processes and their approach to problem-solving or conflict.
I don’t say any of these things to discourage you from having your middle-grade reader enjoy this story. I would encourage you to have them read this series, especially if you are willing to read it along with them and discuss with them some of the more profound concepts that the authors don’t elaborate on.
Quotes and Other Thoughts
Molly has been chosen to be the leader of the group. She’s smart and thoughtful, but leadership is a difficult task in any circumstance, let alone in a strange place where everything seems to want to kill you and your team. Molly is careful to consider the consequences of her actions before giving instructions to her team, and only provides the information they need to stay focused on survival.
While all of Team Killbot is very smart, Anna seems to be the most intelligent. She is analytical, paying close attention to details, but that means she often comes across as cold and calculating. She is probably the most outspoken person in the group - she’s never afraid to offer her perspective on the teams’ circumstances.
Javi is our team’s comedian. We don’t know much about Javi except that he as a great family that loves and cares for him. At one point in the story, he suggests that Yoshi should come to stay with his family - that they would accept him with open arms.
Oliver is still a bit of an enigma to us. It seems that whoever or whatever created the Rift is looking for Oliver, but we know why this would be. The harsh circumstances the team is facing has helped Oliver, the youngest of the group, to grow up a bit. Although he still has a timid personality, he is beginning to come out of his shell, speaking up and offering his thoughts on what they should do to ensure their survival.
We haven’t gotten the opportunity to get to know Kira & Akiko either. Because they can only speak and understand Japanese and French, their communication with the rest of Team Killbot is limited body language, facial expressions, and verbal interpretation through Yoshi.
I would consider Yoshi to be the main character in this series. His character is developed more than any other character, which is saying something since this story is aimed at young readers and character development, has not been a high priority in this story. We know from the first book that Yoshi is on his way to live with his father in Japan and that his father has very high expectations of Yoshi. His father doesn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment in Yoshi. The author reveals to us in book two that Yoshi’s mother decided to send Yoshi to Japan because she feels that she has no control over him. This revelation has a profound impact on Yoshi. He already felt like he had no home. He felt too Japanese to relate to people in America and too American to be accepted in Japan. Realizing that his mother did not want him around anymore and knowing that he could never please his father, left Yoshi feeling alone and without a family.
Team Killbot’s reaction to Yoshi is probably the thing I appreciate the most about this book. The Killbot kids are a bright group, and they pick up on Yoshi’s feelings pretty quickly. Javi makes many attempts to get closer to Yoshi to befriend him. Yoshi seems suspicious of Javi’s intentions, but deep down, I think Yoshi appreciated the effort.
What you will find in this book
The kids undoubtedly have their ups and downs in this story, but you can certainly see them beginning to draw closer together as a result of their experiences.
I can confidently say that you will not find any objectionable content in this book. In fact, book two is mostly fluff designed to bridge the gap between book one and book three. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it. The Horizon series is currently planned to be a seven-book series (according to my search on Goodreads). There are four books available at the time of this writing, so I plan to continue reading through the series to find out if the kids find a way out of the Rift. I see also that books six and seven are slated to be written by Scott Westerfeld, who also wrote book one. I’m looking forward to seeing how he wraps up the story.
While this book doesn’t contain much content of any substance, it will still provide your child with excellent reading practice, and it contains just enough action and suspense that it should keep your young reader engaged and wanting to know more about what will happen to Team Killbot.
Initial Thoughts
Team Killbot is still stuck in the rift, fighting robots and unseen creatures that want to pull them into the ground. Sounds terrifying! Don’t worry though, the authors of the Horizon series have done a great job of making this mystery/sci-fi safe for young readers. Now that I have finished two of the books in this series, I would say that the series is aimed more at middle-grade readers than young adults. I say this because the story lacks a certain depth that I think is required for young adult readers. The characters in the story are definitely dealing with some real-life emotional issues that we’ll take a look at in a moment, but the story does not provide enough detail about the kid’s home-life to really cause the reader to stop and think about what the characters are going through or how their back story affects their thought processes and their approach to problem-solving or conflict.
I don’t say any of these things to discourage you from having your middle-grade reader enjoy this story. I would encourage you to have them read this series, especially if you are willing to read it along with them and discuss with them some of the more profound concepts that the authors don’t elaborate on.
Quotes and Other Thoughts
Molly has been chosen to be the leader of the group. She’s smart and thoughtful, but leadership is a difficult task in any circumstance, let alone in a strange place where everything seems to want to kill you and your team. Molly is careful to consider the consequences of her actions before giving instructions to her team, and only provides the information they need to stay focused on survival.
While all of Team Killbot is very smart, Anna seems to be the most intelligent. She is analytical, paying close attention to details, but that means she often comes across as cold and calculating. She is probably the most outspoken person in the group - she’s never afraid to offer her perspective on the teams’ circumstances.
Javi is our team’s comedian. We don’t know much about Javi except that he as a great family that loves and cares for him. At one point in the story, he suggests that Yoshi should come to stay with his family - that they would accept him with open arms.
Oliver is still a bit of an enigma to us. It seems that whoever or whatever created the Rift is looking for Oliver, but we know why this would be. The harsh circumstances the team is facing has helped Oliver, the youngest of the group, to grow up a bit. Although he still has a timid personality, he is beginning to come out of his shell, speaking up and offering his thoughts on what they should do to ensure their survival.
We haven’t gotten the opportunity to get to know Kira & Akiko either. Because they can only speak and understand Japanese and French, their communication with the rest of Team Killbot is limited body language, facial expressions, and verbal interpretation through Yoshi.
I would consider Yoshi to be the main character in this series. His character is developed more than any other character, which is saying something since this story is aimed at young readers and character development, has not been a high priority in this story. We know from the first book that Yoshi is on his way to live with his father in Japan and that his father has very high expectations of Yoshi. His father doesn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment in Yoshi. The author reveals to us in book two that Yoshi’s mother decided to send Yoshi to Japan because she feels that she has no control over him. This revelation has a profound impact on Yoshi. He already felt like he had no home. He felt too Japanese to relate to people in America and too American to be accepted in Japan. Realizing that his mother did not want him around anymore and knowing that he could never please his father, left Yoshi feeling alone and without a family.
Team Killbot’s reaction to Yoshi is probably the thing I appreciate the most about this book. The Killbot kids are a bright group, and they pick up on Yoshi’s feelings pretty quickly. Javi makes many attempts to get closer to Yoshi to befriend him. Yoshi seems suspicious of Javi’s intentions, but deep down, I think Yoshi appreciated the effort.
What you will find in this book
The kids undoubtedly have their ups and downs in this story, but you can certainly see them beginning to draw closer together as a result of their experiences.
I can confidently say that you will not find any objectionable content in this book. In fact, book two is mostly fluff designed to bridge the gap between book one and book three. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it. The Horizon series is currently planned to be a seven-book series (according to my search on Goodreads). There are four books available at the time of this writing, so I plan to continue reading through the series to find out if the kids find a way out of the Rift. I see also that books six and seven are slated to be written by Scott Westerfeld, who also wrote book one. I’m looking forward to seeing how he wraps up the story.
While this book doesn’t contain much content of any substance, it will still provide your child with excellent reading practice, and it contains just enough action and suspense that it should keep your young reader engaged and wanting to know more about what will happen to Team Killbot.
April 16, 2019
Jennifer A. Nielsen has done it again! She is one of my favorite juvenile/ya authors, and this book did not disappoint. I wish she was writing the next book in this series!
I know some reviews say this series reads too young, and it IS a quick read, but I think it's great! It's perfect for middle grade and up. It does have some scary parts, bizarre monsters and animals, but it's all very thrilling and action packed. (semi spoiler alert: there is a monster/animal in here that reminds me a bit of the movie "Tremors".)
My only "complaint" would be that there are so many unanswered questions in this book. Some carry over from book one, and now there are more. But, this does have a "Maze Runner" quality to it, which I enjoy. I just hope we get SOME answers soon! It can't ALL be mystery.
Favorite things about this book: Character development. Jennifer did a great job showing the characters' growth in this book.
The "voices" felt much more distinguishable and distinct in this book. It's told in 4 POV's, and this time I could tell them apart. (my complaint about book #1 was that every speaker sounded exactly the same.)
The books didn't feel drastically different from each other. I was worried that with a different author for every book, the narration wouldn't be similar enough and the characters would feel like different people from book to book. But so far, Jennifer picked up right where Scott left on with no problems.
I'm very excited for book #3! I've never read anything by that author before, so I hope it's as great as the others.
I know some reviews say this series reads too young, and it IS a quick read, but I think it's great! It's perfect for middle grade and up. It does have some scary parts, bizarre monsters and animals, but it's all very thrilling and action packed. (semi spoiler alert: there is a monster/animal in here that reminds me a bit of the movie "Tremors".)
My only "complaint" would be that there are so many unanswered questions in this book. Some carry over from book one, and now there are more. But, this does have a "Maze Runner" quality to it, which I enjoy. I just hope we get SOME answers soon! It can't ALL be mystery.
Favorite things about this book: Character development. Jennifer did a great job showing the characters' growth in this book.
The "voices" felt much more distinguishable and distinct in this book. It's told in 4 POV's, and this time I could tell them apart. (my complaint about book #1 was that every speaker sounded exactly the same.)
The books didn't feel drastically different from each other. I was worried that with a different author for every book, the narration wouldn't be similar enough and the characters would feel like different people from book to book. But so far, Jennifer picked up right where Scott left on with no problems.
I'm very excited for book #3! I've never read anything by that author before, so I hope it's as great as the others.
October 26, 2018
After having reread the first book and starting on this second one, it was easy to pick that it was a different author by the style employed in the opening chapter in which JN had to recapitulate the events and characters of the first book. But from there on, the pace continued in much the same way as the previous one with lots of action and unpredictable twists and turns. Because we're now in a desert instead of a jungle, it didn't seem to have quite the same rich abundance of life or scenery but that's exactly what a desert is like so only to be expected. This of course, gave the opportunity to open up more about the personalities and backgrounds of the characters, their emotions, strengths and weaknesses which appears to be where female writers excel compared to males who look at what's around us more. When Yoshi finds and reads his mother's letter, it was like a punch in the guts. Parent rejection is an awful thing. JN, you did a fantastic job of continuing the series and I'm rereading this second book again because I'm trying to pick up any clues I can as to what the story is all about and how it's going to end. I find that I'm scratching my head in bewilderment as to so many unanswered questions piling up and with likely more in store. Series are aimed at age 12+ but adults will enjoy too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
The rollicking adventure continues. Nothing much is learned, nothing much is accomplished, the kids just keep traveling, looking for a way out of the Rift. These books are fun, mindless entertainment, and I enjoy Johnathan McClain's slightly sarcastic reading style.
These books have a great, diverse mix of kids, evenly split boys and girls, and I enjoy how the kids (engineering students!) continue to be curious and brave, and problem-solve as a team. I really appreciate that the girls are just as integral as the boys, and their informal leader is one of the girls. Which makes it doubly annoying that the publishers have chosen to feature only boys on the first two covers.
Because I'll forget by the time I get to the next book, here's the very spoilery recap:
These books have a great, diverse mix of kids, evenly split boys and girls, and I enjoy how the kids (engineering students!) continue to be curious and brave, and problem-solve as a team. I really appreciate that the girls are just as integral as the boys, and their informal leader is one of the girls. Which makes it doubly annoying that the publishers have chosen to feature only boys on the first two covers.
Because I'll forget by the time I get to the next book, here's the very spoilery recap:
September 28, 2017
Ok, lets go...
Horizon; Deadzone was a book that makes you sit at the edge of your seat when you read it.
It's so intense, with so many scenes happening at one time that you just give up and stay up all night reading. I finished this novel quickly, for it was such a short story with lots of things attacking you at one time. But , I made a list of the pros and cons so, let's go-
Cons-
I thought it was kind of obvious that the group of authors that wrote these books so far ( Scott Westerfield and Jennifer A. Nielsen ) are stretching the series so they can make the novels a "seven book series". In my opinion, the series should have been done by the second book.
I think the only "Cons" in this book was that, affecting the whole series.
Now..
Pros-
I really loved how JN put everything together at the end. I loved how a question is born and when you finish the book you get your answer.
I also love how every character has their backstory and own personality.
In all, I really liked this one. It gave you a break from all those contemporary novels. So do I like it? Yes, yes I do. Do I want to be with the characters on their adventure? No, no I do not
Horizon; Deadzone was a book that makes you sit at the edge of your seat when you read it.
It's so intense, with so many scenes happening at one time that you just give up and stay up all night reading. I finished this novel quickly, for it was such a short story with lots of things attacking you at one time. But , I made a list of the pros and cons so, let's go-
Cons-
I thought it was kind of obvious that the group of authors that wrote these books so far ( Scott Westerfield and Jennifer A. Nielsen ) are stretching the series so they can make the novels a "seven book series". In my opinion, the series should have been done by the second book.
I think the only "Cons" in this book was that, affecting the whole series.
Now..
Pros-
I really loved how JN put everything together at the end. I loved how a question is born and when you finish the book you get your answer.
I also love how every character has their backstory and own personality.
In all, I really liked this one. It gave you a break from all those contemporary novels. So do I like it? Yes, yes I do. Do I want to be with the characters on their adventure? No, no I do not
June 28, 2018
"But good science is universal. If it works for them, it should work for us."
The problem is - the Kilbot team has no idea who "them" is. Are the ones behind the robots good or bad? Are they helping the team or leading them to disaster?
Yoshi, Anna, Molly, Oliver, Javi, Kira, and Akiko - the Kilbot Team - have stumbled upon the Blood Sand in the mysterious land in which they have found themselves after their plane crashed. Danger lurks just underneath the sand, ready to drag them under. Their mission is to get through the sand, get to the building that they see in the distance, and hope that whatever is in the building is friendly and can help patch up Molly's injured arm. Lying in their path is the Blood Sand, Pincer Bots, Mite Bots, and Sand Grabbers. What will the team have to do or give up to make it across the sand - together?
"There's a scientific reason for it. Theres a scientific reason for everything. Every question has an answer."
This installment of the middle grade sci-fi series is written by Jennifer Nielsen, who does a fabulous job moving the story along, and leaving us wishing the third installment were sitting on our TBR piles.
The problem is - the Kilbot team has no idea who "them" is. Are the ones behind the robots good or bad? Are they helping the team or leading them to disaster?
Yoshi, Anna, Molly, Oliver, Javi, Kira, and Akiko - the Kilbot Team - have stumbled upon the Blood Sand in the mysterious land in which they have found themselves after their plane crashed. Danger lurks just underneath the sand, ready to drag them under. Their mission is to get through the sand, get to the building that they see in the distance, and hope that whatever is in the building is friendly and can help patch up Molly's injured arm. Lying in their path is the Blood Sand, Pincer Bots, Mite Bots, and Sand Grabbers. What will the team have to do or give up to make it across the sand - together?
"There's a scientific reason for it. Theres a scientific reason for everything. Every question has an answer."
This installment of the middle grade sci-fi series is written by Jennifer Nielsen, who does a fabulous job moving the story along, and leaving us wishing the third installment were sitting on our TBR piles.
March 4, 2022
The remaining survivors of Aero Horizon Flight 16 are headed out of the jungle towards a building they spotted. It means crossing a desert, though, and just like the jungle, it has some nasty surprises in store.
The mystery just deepens in this one. Which I honestly expected since it is only book 2 out of 5 or something. This reminds me of the TV show Lost but more directed at kids. That doesn't mean everyone necessarily survives though. This series is very much a high stakes, life and death survival adventure, much more so than the average middle grade. I let book 1 sit around forever before giving it a try and now it will be a challenge to find all of these because I've also got middle schoolers getting very hooked. I have totally been ignoring the online game component, and I can appreciate the story just fine without that.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. As mentioned, there are some life and death situations with some serious wounds and one situation that involves a possible death of a character. No excessive blood or gore. Lots of psychological tension though.
The mystery just deepens in this one. Which I honestly expected since it is only book 2 out of 5 or something. This reminds me of the TV show Lost but more directed at kids. That doesn't mean everyone necessarily survives though. This series is very much a high stakes, life and death survival adventure, much more so than the average middle grade. I let book 1 sit around forever before giving it a try and now it will be a challenge to find all of these because I've also got middle schoolers getting very hooked. I have totally been ignoring the online game component, and I can appreciate the story just fine without that.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. As mentioned, there are some life and death situations with some serious wounds and one situation that involves a possible death of a character. No excessive blood or gore. Lots of psychological tension though.
June 29, 2024
I found the first book in a secondhand bookstore, but didn't bought it since it's not really my priority to buy even if it's about 3-4USD (estimated, not our local currency). And that made me read the first book (and mentioned not being interested in this series since I disliked it), but then... I found this book on the SAME secondhand bookstore which is way cheaper (1USD) so I bought it but the first book is gone...
I mentioned that I was harsh on the first book since it was made for children, and I'm not the target audience and I don't care for mystery boxes or this series - just wanted how it ended especially since this series was shortened from 7 books down to 5, BUT...
I kinda don't like this book, it's seems a little bit of a "monster of a week" vibes - with new creatures in a new location. And the characters are honestly not that fleshed out, maybe because there's a lot of them and it's hard to juggle and give them personalities or something to do.
I was going to give this 2 stars, but as CHILDREN book it could be fun, so gonna bump it up to three.
Horizon Ranked
1. Horizon #1: The Crash (3/5)
2. Horizon #2: Deadzone (2.5/5)
I mentioned that I was harsh on the first book since it was made for children, and I'm not the target audience and I don't care for mystery boxes or this series - just wanted how it ended especially since this series was shortened from 7 books down to 5, BUT...
I kinda don't like this book, it's seems a little bit of a "monster of a week" vibes - with new creatures in a new location. And the characters are honestly not that fleshed out, maybe because there's a lot of them and it's hard to juggle and give them personalities or something to do.
I was going to give this 2 stars, but as CHILDREN book it could be fun, so gonna bump it up to three.
Horizon Ranked
1. Horizon #1: The Crash (3/5)
2. Horizon #2: Deadzone (2.5/5)
December 10, 2017
I galloped through this second instalment of the ‘Horizon’ series. It has been a bit of a long wait actually.....probably just as well considering the reaction Book 1 had on me. Book 1 had me in a spin.....it reminded me so much of the TV series ‘Lost’.....that I was in agony all over again. (See my reaction on my review of ‘Horizon #1 : Survival is No Game’ by Scott Westerfeld).
This follow up book - by a different author (read.....Librarians nightmare)....is not so much along the lines of ‘Lost’ (phew)....but there are elements of it still.
I enjoyed the adventures of the teenage characters...and their interactions.
I admire the way Nielsen has seamlessly continued the story line. I may have actually enjoyed this instalment better....... the first book just pushed soooooo many buttons for me.
I look forward to Horizon #3.....you guessed it....by another author....another big name in children’s writing.......Jude Watson. (Hey, I just found out that Jude Watson is female.... excellent)
This follow up book - by a different author (read.....Librarians nightmare)....is not so much along the lines of ‘Lost’ (phew)....but there are elements of it still.
I enjoyed the adventures of the teenage characters...and their interactions.
I admire the way Nielsen has seamlessly continued the story line. I may have actually enjoyed this instalment better....... the first book just pushed soooooo many buttons for me.
I look forward to Horizon #3.....you guessed it....by another author....another big name in children’s writing.......Jude Watson. (Hey, I just found out that Jude Watson is female.... excellent)
May 26, 2019
I continue to like this series!
I have had problems reading extended series in the past. I’ve also struggled reading series with books from different authors as Horizon is written. I feel like they get long and boring cause the same thing kind of happens in each book just different scenarios. I guess this may feel like that to some readers. I don’t feel that yet. Yes we hey are struggling to survive and it’s different habitats similar life threatening situations that could become repetitive if all 7 books did the same thing but I have to say I’m still into this series. The new threats are just different enough that they keep me entertained and nailbiting. The ultimate goal is intriguing and will they get rescued and most of all what is this place and why is it there and the way it is? The mystery I guess is what makes this series so great not necessarily the journey because the journey is fairly predictable on a broad scale. They details are different and twisty though. I’m going to keep reading. Book # 3 here I come!
I have had problems reading extended series in the past. I’ve also struggled reading series with books from different authors as Horizon is written. I feel like they get long and boring cause the same thing kind of happens in each book just different scenarios. I guess this may feel like that to some readers. I don’t feel that yet. Yes we hey are struggling to survive and it’s different habitats similar life threatening situations that could become repetitive if all 7 books did the same thing but I have to say I’m still into this series. The new threats are just different enough that they keep me entertained and nailbiting. The ultimate goal is intriguing and will they get rescued and most of all what is this place and why is it there and the way it is? The mystery I guess is what makes this series so great not necessarily the journey because the journey is fairly predictable on a broad scale. They details are different and twisty though. I’m going to keep reading. Book # 3 here I come!
October 13, 2017
195 pages. This was quite an interesting book. I guess I am going to call it science-fiction. The characters are continuing their journey and find themselves in a dessert environment with most unusual features and dangers. Characters have to make crucial decisions and their survival is tested at every angle. The author crafts a great book with surprises around every corner. It makes the reader want to crawl out the very edge and peek over to see what is next...knowing it is probably a nightmarish challenge up ahead. Yet, I could NOT stop reading the last half until I finished it last night. This genre of book is not what I usually go for, but I have to say that I like how it stretched my mind and thoughts in different ways. I highly recommend it to boys and girls in Grade 5 and up. Adults who like sci-fi might also enjoy this one as a break from your regular kind of reading. Well crafted! Well done! Can't wait to see what Jude Law is going to come out with for book 3. Bravo!!!
April 7, 2018
Should they stay or should they go?
They went.
Leaving what they had learned to survive for a new environment. Was this a good choice? I'm not going to tell you! Read the book!
Like the first installment in the Horizon series, this is a fast-paced, riveting book. You will not put this book down. And if it is possible, it is better than the first book!
Tremors meets Flight of the Phoenix (and if you don't know this film reference... GO WATCH IT NOW ... the original version with Jimmy Stewart, PS).
I will not tell you more except that this series will pull in some of the most reluctant readers, including females. Because we have some really strong female characters. And the narrative shifts from character to character. Not as 1st person, but omniscient and somehow from that character's point of view.
Give a student Horizon 1, and you will have them begging for 2. Give them 2 and they will want 3....
They went.
Leaving what they had learned to survive for a new environment. Was this a good choice? I'm not going to tell you! Read the book!
Like the first installment in the Horizon series, this is a fast-paced, riveting book. You will not put this book down. And if it is possible, it is better than the first book!
Tremors meets Flight of the Phoenix (and if you don't know this film reference... GO WATCH IT NOW ... the original version with Jimmy Stewart, PS).
I will not tell you more except that this series will pull in some of the most reluctant readers, including females. Because we have some really strong female characters. And the narrative shifts from character to character. Not as 1st person, but omniscient and somehow from that character's point of view.
Give a student Horizon 1, and you will have them begging for 2. Give them 2 and they will want 3....
November 8, 2017
I enjoyed Deadzone, but not as much as Horizon. I felt like this lacked the spark and excitement that Horizon had. It wasn’t a bad story, and I do plan to continue this series – I just didn’t think Deadzone was as good. I understand everything was necessary to move the plot along and I can appreciate that.
It feels like its going to be a long wait to finish this series, that's my only struggle/complaint! But this is a great middle grade read that I would definitely recommend – middle grade students will LOVE this if they’re into survival stories.
I listened to this entirely as an audiobook and I love the narration! Same narrator as Horizon and I hope he narrators all the books. He has a monotone voice but I feel like it works well for this story – I’m picky with male narrators but this one is good!
It feels like its going to be a long wait to finish this series, that's my only struggle/complaint! But this is a great middle grade read that I would definitely recommend – middle grade students will LOVE this if they’re into survival stories.
I listened to this entirely as an audiobook and I love the narration! Same narrator as Horizon and I hope he narrators all the books. He has a monotone voice but I feel like it works well for this story – I’m picky with male narrators but this one is good!
December 2, 2017
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
I really like this book. The story is high action, with a multicultural ensemble cast. The idea is similar to the 39 Clues series--publish a series in which each book is written by a different accomplished MG writer and tie in an online game. Here is where I think Scholastic has missed the mark. The publishing schedule calls for 7 books, 1 every six months. That means that the final book will be published in January of 2020. Students who started the series have to wait 3 years for the final installment. Many will age out of it. Others will lose interest. It is obvious that they already have the story arc written. It’s too bad they have opted for such a long timetable. I think they will miss out on readers and readers will miss out on the last few books.
I really like this book. The story is high action, with a multicultural ensemble cast. The idea is similar to the 39 Clues series--publish a series in which each book is written by a different accomplished MG writer and tie in an online game. Here is where I think Scholastic has missed the mark. The publishing schedule calls for 7 books, 1 every six months. That means that the final book will be published in January of 2020. Students who started the series have to wait 3 years for the final installment. Many will age out of it. Others will lose interest. It is obvious that they already have the story arc written. It’s too bad they have opted for such a long timetable. I think they will miss out on readers and readers will miss out on the last few books.
October 3, 2017
Thanks to @kidlitexchange for the advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The second installment in the Horizon series was not a let down. I did not read the first one, so I had a little catching up to do, but this book has it all. Action, suspense, blood and oh did I mention action? I found myself staying up to finish or putting other things off. I just had to know what happens to Molly, Javi, Yoshi and the rest of the cast of characters. This series immediately went on my wish list for my classroom library and I know I will have kids eating it up. If your kids, or students liked Scar Island, Hatchet or anything of the like, snatch this series up and be on the lookout for the release of Book 3.
The second installment in the Horizon series was not a let down. I did not read the first one, so I had a little catching up to do, but this book has it all. Action, suspense, blood and oh did I mention action? I found myself staying up to finish or putting other things off. I just had to know what happens to Molly, Javi, Yoshi and the rest of the cast of characters. This series immediately went on my wish list for my classroom library and I know I will have kids eating it up. If your kids, or students liked Scar Island, Hatchet or anything of the like, snatch this series up and be on the lookout for the release of Book 3.
June 12, 2018
I feel like this book was the tiniest bit better than the first one. And maybe less Maze Runner. Although didn't they go into a desert in book two of Maze Runner as well? Hmm.
Anyway, my favorite character is still Yoshi. He actually seems to have some depth to his character. Plus he has a sword. While he can be headstrong, that gives him lots of room for improvement. He better not get killed.
Another plus to this series is that it is good at making it hard to put down. I just wanted to keep reading until the end. Although, honestly, they just gave me more questions and not really any more answers.
(Also, there are apparently going to be five more in this series. They'd better find something interesting soon, because I don't see how they can stretch this out that far.)
Anyway, my favorite character is still Yoshi. He actually seems to have some depth to his character. Plus he has a sword. While he can be headstrong, that gives him lots of room for improvement. He better not get killed.
Another plus to this series is that it is good at making it hard to put down. I just wanted to keep reading until the end. Although, honestly, they just gave me more questions and not really any more answers.
(Also, there are apparently going to be five more in this series. They'd better find something interesting soon, because I don't see how they can stretch this out that far.)
December 30, 2020
So I read all the books and basically this is my review for each one:
Okay, people trash this but lets keep in mind it’s a MIDDLE GRADE. Even though I’m older than the target audience, I still really enjoyed it. I kept thinking to myself “If they redid this series but more in-depth for an older audience, it would be so much better.” It was a quick read, I flew through them all, and it was just so fun. I would definitely recommend. There’s not as much character building at first, but as you read on, you’ll certainly get attached. If you can’t stand middle grades, then maybe don’t pick this one up. But if you just want a quick read and a good story, you picked up the right book!
I thought this one was just as good as the first!
Okay but can we talk about the models on the covers?? They’re supposed to be kids!! No hate to them, I just found it funny!
Okay, people trash this but lets keep in mind it’s a MIDDLE GRADE. Even though I’m older than the target audience, I still really enjoyed it. I kept thinking to myself “If they redid this series but more in-depth for an older audience, it would be so much better.” It was a quick read, I flew through them all, and it was just so fun. I would definitely recommend. There’s not as much character building at first, but as you read on, you’ll certainly get attached. If you can’t stand middle grades, then maybe don’t pick this one up. But if you just want a quick read and a good story, you picked up the right book!
I thought this one was just as good as the first!
Okay but can we talk about the models on the covers?? They’re supposed to be kids!! No hate to them, I just found it funny!
January 13, 2024
The plane crash survivors are working together to get to a building they hope will provide answers to their rescue. Red sand with all sorts of perils is in their way. It seems to stretch on forever and their progress across it is slow. One member of the team ends up in peril and the others try to save him. There are so many weird things to avoid, things that can kill. This adventurous story has many twists and is a real page turner. Rooting for the kids to make it to safety is easy. The hard thing is for them to actually do it. Molly makes some very tough decisions as leader. Javi is worried about Molly's shoulder that she keeps hidden since she was attacked. Yoshi struggles with his own demons stemming from battles with his father. Suspenseful book, fun and interesting.
October 14, 2018
This is a fun extension of the first book and moves the story in an interesting direction. To its disadvantage is its obvious construction as a bridge story; that’s not the author’s fault, as the book delivers on that front. It’s just that you get a sense of being hemmed in by the requirement of “show some more but not too much.” As a result the questions raised feel more like treading water than moving forward.
I applaud that there are some genuinely surprising moments, but think that the story probably would have benefited from more freedom to develop instead of “advance the franchise.”
(Really more a 3.5 star, but my ongoing complaint about Goodreads’ rating system is registered.)
I applaud that there are some genuinely surprising moments, but think that the story probably would have benefited from more freedom to develop instead of “advance the franchise.”
(Really more a 3.5 star, but my ongoing complaint about Goodreads’ rating system is registered.)
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