Countdown

by Michelle Maddox, Michelle Rowen

A petty thief and a convicted murderer find themselves entangled in a deadly reality TV game and a heart-pounding attraction for each other.

Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Post Apocalyptic, Fiction

293 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2008

About the author

Pseudonym of paranormal romance author Michelle Rowen. www.michellerowen.com

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads

Thank you HarlequinTeen for sending me this copy. No compensation was given or taken to alter this review.

"Time's ticking."
"Isn't it always?"

Countdown promised a lot. However it did not deliver as much. I feel like I'm slowly falling into a reviewing slump (therefore sorry for my lame review) so I think this review will be more effective in point form. And here we go...

1. The world building was narrow. I truly value the amount of world building in dystopian novels; it's probably one of the most important elements in a dystopian novel. Hence immediately, my view on Countdown began to worsen as I found it awfully hard to visualise Michelle Rowen's world. I do believe this is a standalone which just strengthens my point in saying that Countdown needed more of a back story, of how the society grew to what it is. The lack of knowledge of the world I was reading about just made me feel detached from the characters and even agitated. Like what other psi abilities were there? How did they come to exist? Why is there the divide of the rich and the poor? And so on and so forth.

2. The characters were typical. Kira, the main character was actually a decent one, not whiny and was quite fierce; she soon learns that she has psi abilities. However the main problem was that I could not connect with her at all. I'm not sure if it's just me as I don't seem to be connecting with anything of the late or the actual book. Kira also doesn't have much consistency in her personality. One minute she's all sceptical the next minute she doesn't have a care in the world. Rogan was no better, he was actually worse. Far worse. Rogan: mysterious, humorous, 'good looking', badass, 'romantic. Yeah... no. It's happened multiple of times and I am utterly fed up with character clichés.

3. The romance was like a switch. On and off. On and off. I believe you, I don't. Make up your mind Kira! I do like the fact that there is the never ending theme of trust and faith in Countdown however taking it to the extremes in romance was a bad idea. The romance wasn't necessarily instant but it was just as cheesy and inconsistent as ever.

4. As original as paper. I'd be shocked to ever come across someone who has never read The Hunger Games. Countdown felt like a copy of The Hunger Games, just changing the names and setting and adding some psi ability there. I am not a fan of comparing books but the similarities between these two was literally glaring at me.

All in all, I wouldn't say that I'd recommend this to anyone. While I loved the concept of The Game, the characters, originality, romance (which was a bit dominating) and world building was poorly executed.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun fact:
This book was originally published in 2008 as an adult novel, under the author's pseudonym Michelle Maddox. When she got the rights back, she turned it into a young adult novel.
I'm not sure what the original was like, but this version was a fast-paced thrill ride!
It mixed up quite a few cool ideas, and ended up being totally entertaining to read.

First up is the whole idea that these two kids are trapped in a game of survival, which is being televised for the entertainment of a secret group of viewers. So the vast majority of the people in this dystopian society have no idea that anything like this game even exists.
Second. you have Kira's psi abilities, which gives the story a paranormal twist. She has the ability to read emotions like guilt or kindness from people. It doesn't seem like they're much to write home about, but as the story progresses she finds them a bit more useful that she originally thought. She also learns that her powers aren't as freakish as she first believed, and there are other children cropping up like her all over the place. Some of them are even living in a domed city, and being trained to hone their skills.
Third, you have the the very sci-fi idea that an artificial intelligence has (unbeknownst to humans) started a takeover of our world. Very creepy!

So Rowan took some of my favorite genres, put them in a blender, and poured out a cocktail that was a lot of fun to read.
I think I'll name this new genre Parascitopian.
Damn, I'm good!
It's Running Man, Matrix, and Hunger Games all rolled into one! And really, how can you go wrong with something like that?

The only thing the least bit negative I have to say is that the world-building wasn't spectacular. Don't get me wrong, it was explained well enough so that you understood everything, but I would have loved to have seen the society a little more in-depth.
There was plenty of wiggle room left over for this book to have a sequel, though. Perhaps more things will be revealed in a future book?
*fingers crossed*

Thanks you to NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Low 3 stars, and only because this book was kind of...well, fun. It was completely brainless, eye candy for the mind.

If the blurb leads you to believe this is the Hunger Games remixed, jut go with it and you won't be disappointed. There's a little bit of everything thrown in here: action, dystopia, romance, the plague, scary technology, and the ruins of civilization.

Because Rowen tried to do so much, the whole book feels rushed and thrown together, a jumble of ideas piled one on top of another.

Kira (this name sure has become trendy) and Rogan wake up in a cell, shackled together. The last thing Kira remembers is stealing a new pair of shoes at the mall. And now this? And then things get worse. The Countdown begins:



Kira and Rogan have to complete a series of challenges in order to advance to the next level of the Countdown. And, as Kira learns, the whole thing is being broadcast on a super secret channel to super rich subscribers who have super cool implants in their brains allowing them to watch the chase and gore in the privacy of their own homes!

Kira soon finds out that Rogan is a murderer (at least that's what she's told). She doesn't know whom to trust, doesn't know who's good and who's bad; she only knows she's drawn to Rogan and desperate to be done with the Countdown so she can win the ultimate prize: a trip to the Colony (a luxurious "bubble" city somewhere far, far away).

If the world building here sounds vague, it's because it is. We find out the world crumbled about 25 years before when the Great Plague hit. What happened exactly, what kind of Plague and why, is never discussed. There doesn't seem to be a government of any kind. Kira mentions a great mall that is now in ruins, but the location of this mall isn't specified, and neither is the location of the Colony. What's happening in the rest of the world is also not mentioned. The Plague seems to have triggered genetic mutations in a select minority, causing these people to have psychic abilities. Kira is one such person; she can feel others' feelings, see into their minds, read their thoughts.

While civilization is going to hell, technology has become all powerful. There are floating digicams recording the Countdown race; robots who look and act just like humans; brain implants capable of streaming video and audio, etc.

Neither Kira nor Rogan are well-developed characters. Kira is all hot and bad ass and a little schizophrenic; she jumps from trust to suspicion, from sensitive to bitchy, in a minute flat. Rogan is the typical brooding bad boy hiding a tortured soul. Of course, there's going to be romance between these two.

Again, this is a stew with everything and the kitchen-sinking thrown in for flavor. There are a lot of twist and turns, most of which are resolved too easily. If Rowen doesn't know what to do with a character, she just kills them off - yup, it's that easy!

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This review and others are posted at Inspiring Insomnia.

Kira and Rogan are strangers forcibly thrown into a deadly "game" called Countdown. They must complete a series of tasks, each within a pre-determined time limit. Complete the task and move on, or fail it and be killed. Some of the tasks are puzzle-like, and others are designed to test their morality. It sounds like an interesting premise, but everything fell apart quickly.

Kira is informed that Rogan murdered and dismembered nine young women. Any reader will know that this can't possibly be true. Why? Because he's good-looking. But Kira believes it, and she's horrified by this supposed mass murderer. However, in a very brief span of time, she's hugging and trying to kiss him and telling him she knows he's a good person. Her abrupt, 180 degree change of heart is completely irrational. I don't understand why Rowen bothered depicting Rogan as an evil murderer who terrified Kira, only to dispense with the whole thing a few pages later.

Earlier this year, I reviewed the similarly unpleasant Article 5 by Kristen Simmons. (You can see that review here.) One of the things that bothered me about that book is that so many of the male characters were portrayed as wanna-be rapists. I think those characters were somehow transported into Countdown, because many of the men in this book are depicted as leering, slobbering animals who would happily rape Kira if given the chance. Perhaps it's not a coincidence that their covers are nearly identical.





We've got similarities to The Hunger Games, too, that are impossible to ignore. From Kira: "I just wanted to let you know that every one of you Subscribers disgusts me. Why do you sad, pathetic scumbags keep watching this? They're forcing us to play. We have no choice. You want to see people killed? You're sick! All of you are sick!" Does this remind you of anything? Kira and Rogan are paired up as a team initially, but then they are told they must kill each other since there can only be one winner of The Hunger Games. Whoops! I mean, of the Countdown game. If Kira wins the game, she will be given a nice house, sufficient food, and will live out the rest of her life in comfort in District 12. Whoops! I mean, if Kira wins the game, she will relocate to a luxury apartment in the swanky environs of The Colony, and she will live out the rest of her life in comfort. If Kira and Rogan step off their platforms early, they will be blown up. Whoops! I mean, if they separate more than 90 feet from each other, they will be blown up. The game is filmed live for the enjoyment of the Capitol residents. Whoops! I mean, it's being filmed for the enjoyment of the Subscribers. Caesar...whoops - an unknown narrator - gleefully gives the subscribers a live narration.

Setting aside all of those THG comparisons, I'm still wondering how and why this game is permitted. It's an underground, exclusive club, with only the Subscribers aware of its existence. Kind of like a glorified dog-fighting ring. But these are people being killed, not animals, and somehow this is all being done under the radar? At one point, it's mentioned that prisoners were forced to compete. Did none of these prisoners have families who wondered why they suddenly disappeared?

And let's not forget Kira's super power. She's supposed to be an empath with the ability to read others' emotions. But somehow, this power only kicks in when it's convenient to the story. At other times, when it's necessary for Kira to be in danger, she is completely unable to read those who would do her harm.

Kira's not the only one whose behavior makes little sense. One character, for no reason whatsoever, brags about murdering Kira's family while Kira is pointing a gun at him. Not surprisingly, she shoots him, but her aim is off, so he's only wounded. He dies shortly after in a fall from a rooftop after a scuffle with Kira, while trying to kill her. But Kira is not quite sure that the death of this murderer of her family is a good thing, because she says: "I'm glad he's dead. Is that wrong?" No, Kira, you should mourn the death of the guy who slaughtered your family and tried to kill you.

At one point, Rogan says, "I never said it made sense. None of it does..." I couldn't agree more.

Note - I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker]

I could not get into this book. Something about the girl being a Badass one minute and an annoying girly girl the next. Seemed too extreme and thus, too unrealistic. Plus I liked The Running Man too much to have it remade. I'm not rating it since I didn't get far into the book.

[Luli · Rating 1 out of 5]

You can find this review in English below.


DNF @ 73%...Pero ha sido más por aburrimiento que otra cosa.
Y también ha pesado mucho toda la tralla de The Hunger Games que, aunque ni los he leído ni los he llegado a ver, tan sólo con los ratitos que he mirado la tele mientras los ponían creo que le cogí el tranquillo a toda la historia, y claro, ésta en comparación, no sale bien parada. Aunque parece ser que ésta fue la primera en ser publicada… según GR por meros meses… vete tú a saber…

En honor a la verdad he de decir que lo peor de la historia ha sido la ausencia de contexto, de antecedentes. No hay apenas referencias ni explicaciones de la sociedad y el momento en los que se desarrolla la historia. No he entendido el porqué de nada de lo que pasaba. Era como empezar una serie por el libro 2. Todo estaba ya afianzado cuando llegué y he ido arrastrando las dudas toda la historia hasta que no he podido seguir porque ya no sabía a qué agarrarme.
Y lo de 3…2…1…. la Cuenta Atrás en sí, ha sido un poco repetitivo y ha perdido su fuerza a la tercera vez que la autora usó el recurso…

Nota: He encontrado algunas reseñas aquí en GR que clasifican esta historia como YA. En la edición que yo he leído los protagonistas tienen veintipocos ella y casi treinta él, así que ésta debe de ser la versión original de la historia que después fue modificada y reeditada.

***

DNF @ 73% ... But it has been more out of boredom than anything else.

And it has also weighed a lot all the tiring omnipresenceness of The Hunger Games that, although I have neither read nor seen, only a few minutes here and there on the TV, I think I got the hang of it pretty fast, and this one, in comparison, didn´t come out well. Although it seems that Countdown was the first one being published... according to GR for mere months ... Who knows?

I must say that the worst about this story has been the absence of context, of antecedents. There are hardly references or explanations about the new world and society development. I couldn´t understand half the things that happened. It was like starting a series from book 2. Everything was already established when I arrived and I have been struggling through the whole story until I could not continue because I wasn´t interested anymore.
And what can I say about the 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... the Countdown per se? It got old real fast. It was so repetitive that lost its force the third time the author used the resource ...

Note: I found some reviews here in GR that classify this story as YA. In the edition I read, the MC´s are in her early twenties the heroine and almost thirty the hero, so this must be the original version of the story that was later modified and reissued.

[~Tina~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty-five years ago, the world was still at it's best. Thriving, successful, peaceful. Then came the Great Plague and in a matter of weeks took almost all of human life. Those who survived carried on, but it was never the same. Illness, starvation and crime inevitably followed. But there was a city that had been built. A Colony paradise filled with opportunity. It was a place of dreams and hope.

Countdown is an underground reality-televised game that is designed as a series of six challenges within a set time frame for the sole purpose of sadistic entertainment for the very rich. If you succeed you get to choose a new life, a better life. If you fail, you die.
Sixteen year old, Kira Jordan was orphaned after her parents were murdered two years ago and is a known thief. She woke-up in the dark, chained and found herself as a participate in the game, one she never signed up for.
Seventeen year old, Rogan Ellis is a known murderer. He woke-up the same way, but the only difference is he was on his way to Saradone, a maximum prison before he decided to be a willing participate.
The only connection between Kira and Rogan is simply. They both want to live, even if it means they have no choice but to be partnered up in this twisted game. They have to trust each other long enough to face six challenges together, beat the clock and come out of this alive or die trying. The Countdown has begun...

Okay, yes, The Hunger Games. That's exactly what I thought too once I figured out the gist of what Countdown was all about and while some may not like books that strongly resemble an already popular series, I for one still enjoyed what this book had to offer. A steady pace of action, intrigue and entertainment with characters that have depth, complexity and are heartfelt, that have been thrown against vicious and deadly odds.
Despite the similarities between this book and HG, Rowen manages to still deliver a very interesting concept. The challenges were cruel and inhuman tasks that were deranged and morally wrong. It makes you question your very soul. I loved how Rowen threw in some really good spins to play with our minds throughout the story. I was constantly on my toes. I wasn't sure who I could trust, who was lying and who was telling the truth, and remarkably that goes for our main characters as well. Rowen makes the reader want to believe in them, but we're not certain of anything till it's all said and done. That cloud of doubt lingers throughout the entire reading experience which made this even more fun to read. It was calculating, unpredictable and very well written.

There aren't very many characters in this one, but the ones we do meet all played their parts well.
Kira is a strong minded with real horrors in her past. I liked that she's a fighter and that even though what she's been through would normally make anyone hard and mean, she still has hope for herself and is willing to believe and fight for others. I liked that she has a rare hidden talent that she was aware of, but wasn't actually sure what it was. It put a new edge to the story-line and gave it that extra something to make her character already standout more then it does.
Rogan isn't like your typical badass. He may have a reputation but there is so much more to his character then what it seems. He may seem like he plays calm and collected but inside he's given up and really who could blame him. But he finally has something and someone to fight for. Someone, by all rights should hate him dares to believe in him instead.
Kira and Rogan are obviously the main focus of this book, but they really do own every page. They have a wonderful sassy sarcastic banter-humor that felt perfect for their predicament. Comical enough to bring some relief but not taking away from the dire situation constantly at hand. They're not exactly a perfect fit but at the same time they compliment each other. They may have been paired in extreme circumstances, fighting for their lives, but you can genuinely feel their connection and that they care what happens to other.

All in all, I really enjoyed Countdown. The concept may not be new, but it still pounds with excitement and thrills. Kira and Rogan are characters that you want to be invested in from the moment you meet them and the writing is strong and intense. A solid read!

[Ruth Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an e-ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Countdown is a YA Dystopian novel. Its description reminds me a bit of The Hunger Games. Why? A televised battle to the death. The winner will be bathed in luxury and has no choice but to compete. I don't mind the similarities because let's face it: The Hunger Games is VERY similar to Battle Royale. A lot of books borrow ideas. I'm not even sure the author did borrow the idea from The Hunger Games because this is a new version of a book that had been published in 2008. Guess what, The Hunger Games was originally published in Sept 2008. It takes time to write a book, edit it, create a cover and get it released. So I think the similarities are just that - similarities. It happens.

On to my review!

I absolutely loved the characters of Kira and Rogan. I felt they were both fleshed out really well, provided with the perfect amount of backstory as the novel developed. Often you were questioning Rogan's loyalities and no wonder, with his history how could you know what was true and what wasn't?

Countdown kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was easy to read, brutal and fascinating. A constant page turner that kept me up late at night needing the next chapter. There were tons of twists and turns that were impossible to see coming. They weren't thrown in but delicately placed so that looking back you can see it but not have known that were the case! It's brilliant writing.

If you love reading YA dystopian novels, I highly recommend Countdown. Perfect for ages fourteen and up.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay I was a little confused when I read this because it was clearly not the book others had reviewed. Turns out as the author explains at the end, she had rewritten an adult book as a YA book. It worked just fine as a YA. I understand that the adult book had a bunch of sex scenes which were not included in this version.

This is dystopian. The plot and action were interesting. The writing was workmanlike. I enjoyed the hero and heroine but I didn't love them. The bad guy's motive was different and the game aspect was pretty well done.

[Selly - Leggere Romanticamente · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stelline e mezzo per questo romanzo distopico autoconclusivo.
Lettura scorrevole, consigliato se vi piace il genere.
Sei prove da superare, un pizzico di romance tra i due protagonisti principali, qualche colpo di scena.

[J.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary

Kira, a homeless street teen, wakes up chained to a wall in a dark room. She soon finds out she has been kidnapped and is being forced to be one of the newest contestants in a game called countdown. As if it isn't bad enough that her very life depends on beating the timed challenges with heartless subscribers watching, but she is also paired up with a convicted murderer as her partner.
With the odds against them, Kira must do things she never would have considered before to survive in hopes of winning the game.

Personal opinion

This was an older book that I'd originally gotten and read back in 2013 and thought it was time for a reread.
I really liked Kira as an MC. Her strong and sarcastic attitude was very entertaining. It also gave her an edge without making her into the damsel in distress type of character.
It's a dystopia styled novel that is similar to The Hunger Games.
Unfortunately, the world building could have been a bit more detailed. There wasn't much descriptions with the surroundings, making it hard to picture as I read.
Overall, it was an interesting read with action, drama and some twists along the way.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We'd been thrust together, neither of us had any choice in the matter, and we'd dealt with it the best we could. Now it was over, and the moment we reached our destination I might never see him again. This was the way it was supposed to be. Even though I knew that, it still hurt like hell."

When reading the summary for this novel, I had high expectations. From the moment I did, I knew that this book was going to be something that has never been written before, or even hinted at. There have been many reviews noting that this is very similar to The Hunger Games. Yes, they do have their similarities, but they both have their differences as well. What's not to like about this racing beautiful book? A secret game where rich fat-sacks (Gareth and Jonathan, haha) put two criminals together in a game of six levels? Yeah, that's just my type of book, and it will be yours, too.

So that's the basic plot of this book. Kira and Rogan wake up in a cell, both attached to the wall. They have no idea why they're there (except Rogan, who has a small hint) and they see two keys on the floor. They decide to switch keys in front of them, and that's where the Countdown began. They are in a game of survival, where there are six levels, and if they pass those six levels, then their criminal record is swept clean and they get to go to the Colony. The Colony is a paradise-like city where everything is better. After the Great Plague that killed sixty percent of the population, people went on with their lives and went on to rebuild their lives. Then the Colony was formed and your only ticket in is if you're smart, having the right kind of money, or know the right kind of people. And winning the Countdown can give Rogan and Kira this kind of paradise that the rest of the world dreams of. They begin risking their lives and getting hurt throughout, but the main question is: Can they trust the people around them, including themselves?

I'm lost for words. From the first page in, I was addicted. Michelle Rowen is such a brilliant author. This is my first time reading one of her books and I know that I will read more of them. She creates such a beautiful world and the concept flows perfectly with everything else. Everything about this book was just brilliant. (Except the harsh things that Rogan and Kira went through, haha.)

At first, I didn't know how to classify this book. I had a strong feeling that it would become a full-crazed thriller, and I'm glad it did. I personally adore thrillers. The feeling of my heart clenching when I'm afraid for the characters and afraid of what's going to happen is probably one of the best feelings in the world. The adrenaline that Michelle Rowen created for me was just powerful. But yes, this was a dystopia sci-fi thriller romance, with some fantasy introduced in between.

I absolutely adored this book. I know I have come to love many books, but my love for this one is something different than most. After reading, I got this feeling that made me want to re-read it over and over again. The action and whole story is so unforgettable, and I'm still in a book-hangover after it. I feel like I'm caught in the world of Kira and Rogan, two amazing characters who weren't perfect. They had their flaws, and that makes them even better in comparison.

Kira was the most sarcastic character I've ever read about. I love sarcasm, and she was a character who totally had it from head to toe. Although she was struggling with a little of depression and fear, she was a witty and hilarious character who knew how to act. She wasn't afraid to be rude to the bad guys. She wasn't afraid to love Rogan when the time came. She was just calm and outstanding. I loved reading from her POV. Her voice is one to remember.

I had an insta-love moment with Rogan. I just loved him too much. There was no insta-love between him and Kira, which was absolutely perfect. They took their time to make their relationship go to the next level (even if it was in a matter of days) and he was one of the cutest men I've read about in a while. He's badass and sympathetic at the same time.



The plot was spectacular the whole time through. It kept me going the whole time through and not once (NOT ONCE, WHOA) was I bored. I just want to squeal every second when I think about this book. My love for it is unreal. *laughs*

I was very pleased with the ending. Although I was sad that this was completely over (it's a standalone!) it was beautiful. Ahh! READ THIS BOOK. You will end up: fangirling, squealing, and crying and yelling. :)

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review also appears on Happy Indulgence. Check it out for more reviews!

Countdown immediately caught my attention due to it’s similarities to Hunger Games, where subscribers tune in to watch a cruel reality TV show involving deaths on screen. However, it wasn’t just a direct copy – it took the main idea and changed it into something new and exciting.

Instead of being forced to kill each other in an arena, Countdown is a show where two criminals must compete in a series of trials in order to gain their freedom, which for Kira, is a one way ticket to a perfect life in the colonies. Kira and Rogan are held prisoner to the implants in their head, which will administer a deathly shock if they venture too far from each other or do not comply with the show’s direction. The only thing that gives them any hope of escaping is Kira’s psi abilities, where she can read people’s innermost feelings and even thoughts.

When we first meet Rogan, we are led to believe that he is a murderer and that Kira is stuck with him throughout the course of the show. As the two work together, they learn each others secrets and get to know each other intimately. Perhaps because of their forced circumstance, an obvious romance develops, which I enjoyed as it developed over the course of the novel. There are some predictable plot devices which will occur now and again throughout the novel, such as saying it was Rogan responsible for the deaths of Kira’s family,

“I feel a sense of loss if I’m not working against a countdown. Sue me.” – Kira.

Kira is a great character who is determined to win the show and her psi ability and being a master pickpocket on the streets helps her out immensely. She’s smart, savvy and can handle her own two feet even without Rogan. I liked how she trusted her intuition (which also could have been her psi abilities) which was mostly spot on when it came to people. Rogan was your typical reformed bad boy who is now trying to prove himself. I took a while to warm up to him, knowing about his dark past, but all his actions were honest and he only proved to be an asset as he kept on saving Kira.

Outside of the Countdown show, there is barely any world building going on and a lot of questions will go unanswered about how the show came to be and why the subscribers would agree to these implants in their head. We’re simply told that a plague happens that took out most of the humans, and the perfect place where there is peace and no murder, killing or crime is The Colony. This makes it difficult to connect with and would be frustrating if you thought about it too much.

Perhaps the coolest part of Countdown for me was how it explored artificial intelligence. The geek in me loved reading about how the A.I. was used in the book, especially when they started talking about how deeply ingrained it was into Countdown. The other unique part of the book were the psi abilities, which unfortunately led to a few more questions that were sadly unanswered, like how its integrated into the world.

Overall, I enjoyed Countdown with the fast-paced action and unique mesh of a cruel reality TV show with psi and A.I. As long as you don’t mind the absent world building, there are some great characters developed over the course of the novel and struggling against their seemingly impossible circumstances. It’s great how it’s a standalone too, so everything is wrapped up nicely in the end.

Thank you Harlequin Australia for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stelline ^.^
Avete presente quando si inizia un libro con 0 aspettative?
Quando cerchiamo di intuire, paragrafo dopo paragrafo, se quello che stiamo leggendo sia interessante o meno?!
Ecco. Io non ho dovuto impegnarmi troppo per capirlo.
Countdown è una bomba, mi correggo: una bomba ad orologeria!
Una lettura che sin dai primi paragrafi ti catapulta in questo mondo così strano: microchip,tecnologia all'avanguardia, IA infettate dalla malvagità più oscura... tutto questo scandito da un continuo conto alla rovescia. Una serrata e adrenalinica lotta contro il tempo, che riesce a coinvolgere completamente, senza un attimo di respiro.
Una trama che si svela poco alla volta, retroscena e dinamiche che prendono vita durante il "countdown", che inesorabile scandisce ogni livello, collegando il passato al presente attraverso i ricordi dei protagonisti.
Lo stile di Michelle Rowen è incalzante, veloce, chiaro e non dà tregua al lettore. Istantanee di luoghi, raccontate con descrizioni vivide ma concise, che permettono di entrare quasi nella scena e viverla attraverso gli occhi di Kira e Rogan. Di conseguenza le emozioni dei protagonisti si riflettono sul lettore, che si trova a tifare, imprecare e sperare che il tempo a loro disposizione sia sufficiente per... superare il livello successivo.
Il tempo, anzi la sua mancanza, è il filo conduttore dell'intera trama, una manciata di secondi che possono fare la differenza, e un'alleanza che diventa il loro unico punto di forza.
Risulterò un tantino criptica, ma sto cercando di evitare spoiler...
Ho letto questo eBook, gentilmente inviato al nostro blog dalla harlequin, in un solo giorno perché era impossibile fare altrimenti. La curiosità e la voglia di sapere cosa sarebbe successo ai protagonisti nel capitolo successivo, hanno avuto la meglio sulla mia forza di volontà.
Una storia che non solo coinvolge ma travolge e affascina, mescolando azione, mistero, complotti e... un pizzico d'amore!
Una lettura veramente imperdibile *.*

[Nisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read the sci-fi/post-apocalytic genre very often in adult romances. In fact, I think I've only come across one other book that is comparable to this one, Game Over. Though, stylistically simple, the story-telling was First Class.

We a dropped into story as Kira Jordan, a homeless thief wakes up chained up in a cell with a convicted rapist murderer, Rogan Ellis. This part vaguely reminded me of the Saw films franchise. They have to work together to have any chance of survival. Then it become the adult version of Hunger Games, in which the pair has to survive to leave the game alive, while entertaining the masses of the bored, over-rich degenerate clientile. But with each chapter, we learn about the circumstances that brought these two people to the game. Of course, this book still qualifies as a romance, so Kira and Rogan's partnership develops into something more as they save the world from an AI takeover.

Kira's is an interesting character. Her story, like her counterpart, Rogan, unravels slowly, to reveal a person that was not perfect and is generally condemned by society, but is essentially a good person. I liked having to reevaluate the main characters as we learn more about their past.

The technology part wasn't too technical. In fact, even I could understand it, so it was pretty dumbed down. The main theme was mind control and communication through surgically implanted computer chips, sorta overdone in the sci-fi world, but not at all in the romance world.

Overall, this was a surprisingly good read. It's a blend of genres, so I would recommend it for the romantically minded readers, who can appreciate a simple HEA ending once the good guys save the day. Oh yea, there are sex scenes...really hot ones, so enter at your own risk.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown was just action and excitement all the way through and I loved every minute of it.

Kira awakens in a dark room to find herself chained to a wall, in a room made completely of metal. And she's not alone. There's a boy chained to the wall across the room, Rogan. How did she get here? The last thing she remembers is being at the mall, after stealing herself a new pair of shoes. Now she discovers she's in a deadly game and Rogan is her partner. And the odds of them surviving to the end is extremely slim.

I expected this to be something along the lines of Nerve by Jeanne Ryan, but it was so much better. It's set in a dystopian world but there's artificial intelligence, psi abilities, fast paced action, excitement, many nail biting moments and great characters.

Read it!!!

[Manda (The Glittery Nerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not too sure on rating maybe 3.5ish? Enjoyed it though..

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS)]

I am so embarrassed I read this years ago and gave it five stars. My GR friend, Luli, tried it based on my original review. She gave it one star. After that, I reread it. I don't know where my head was at. Please forgive me.

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Filled with suspense, mystery, killer robots and just a hint of romance. YA Dystopian and gamer fans will really enjoy this action packed adventure book.

Opening Sentence: IT’S CALLED NYCTOPHOBIA.

The Review:

Twenty-five years ago a virus hit the earth and it took out 60% of the world’s population. Those that survived moved on because they had no other choice but nothing was quite the same afterwards. People started to abandon cities in hopes of getting away from all the crimes and illnesses, but whether you choose to live in the city or the country, it wasn’t going to be easy. A utopia city called the Colony has risen where it is said you can live a full and healthy life. It is rumored there is a train that will take you there but only the very rich, or someone with connections is able to score a ticket.

Kira Jordan is a thief. Two years ago her family was brutally murdered, and instead of going into foster care, she has taken her chance on the streets. To survive she has learned that with a pretty face and the right smile it is easy to distract someone long enough to steal whatever she wants from them. It’s not an ideal life, but it is all she has. Until one day when she wakes and finds herself locked in an empty room with the infamous Rogan Ellis.

They have entered into a deadly game where if you win, the reward will be greater than you could ever imagine, but if you lose there will be no walking away. If Kira wants to survive she is going to have to trust Rogan even though everything she has heard about him makes her want to run the other way. With the stakes higher than ever and the clock ticking, Rogan and Kira will have to be cunning and resilient to make it out alive.

Kira was an awesome heroine. She is resourceful and shows great intellect when put under pressure. The last few years of her life have been difficult but she never gave up, and while she had to do things she’s not proud of, she always stayed true to who she is. Her drive and determination made it easy to admire and respect her. Overall, I thought that she was a very strong character and I really liked her.

Rogan quickly became one of my favorite book boys. With his bad boy good looks and secretive past, what’s not to like. He has spent the last few years in a detention center for young adults for a horrific crime. He is in no way perfect, but as each layer of his character was peeled away, I found myself totally falling for him. He is brooding and smart, but when his vulnerabilities showed through, I found I could really sympathize with him. As for him and Kira, they have pretty hot chemistry and I really loved watching them interact.

Countdown was full of action and suspense. Once I started the book, I ended up finishing it in one setting because I just couldn’t bring myself to put it down. The idea was original and very intriguing. The characters were fun and engaging. The plot was pretty predictable, but for some reason that didn’t bother me. I would have liked to have seen a more descriptive setting and there were times when things were a little too convenient. But honestly for me, this was a great read. Yes it had its faults, but I just couldn’t bring myself to care about them. I don’t know if it was the mood I was in or what, but this book really captured my attention and stuck with me. I have read a lot of mixed reviews about Countdown so I know there are people who don’t feel the same, but for me this was fantastic book and I would highly recommend it. If you like YA Dystopian novels or you are into gaming, I suggest you give this book a try. I think you will really enjoy it.

Notable Scene:

I didn’t know what I was looking for. Even when I found it, I still wasn’t sure.

“24…23…22…”

It was a bell attached to a sign that read: Please ring bell and the receptionist will be right with you.

Okay, it was something.

I held my breath and rang the bell.

Nothing happened for a moment, and what little hope I had started to fade, but then I heard something. A heavy, metallic sound.

“Kira. Look.” Rogan pointed at the ground.

I looked over the edge of the Dumpster to see that a door in the ground had slid open. I hadn’t even noticed the edges of it before.

“10…9…8…”

I launched myself out of the garbage like somebody possessed and grabbed Rogan’s arm. There was a flight of stairs leading down. I pulled him with me, and we quickly descended into the semidarkness below.

“3…2…1…”

FTC Advisory: Harlequin Teen provided me with a copy of Countdown. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixteen-year-old Kira Jordan has been living on the desolate streets for two years after her family is brutally murdered one night and she rejected the foster care system. She's become an adept shop-lifter and pick-pocket, a petty thief who survives by her wits and has, like almost everyone else, the unlikely dream of one day making it to the Colony, a domed city where people are safe and comfortable and she could go to school again. Those fanciful dreams are even more unlikely when she wakes up one day in pitch blackness, chained to a metal wall by the wrist, and then realises she's sharing the metal box with Rogan Ellis, a teenaged mass murderer.

Unlike Kira, Rogan knows exactly what's going on, because unlike Kira, he signed up for it. Countdown, an underground television reality game show privately subscribed to by viewers who have it beamed right into their heads via the computer chip in the back of their heads. Two contestants are given a set of six tasks, or levels, each progressively worse, and a tight time limit to complete them. There can only be one winner. Rogan was in St Augustine's, a juvenile detention centre, just days away from turning eighteen and being sent to Saradone, a brutal adult prison, when he was offered the alternative choice of being in Countdown. He has little to lose, as either way means likely death, but at least the game show gives him a chance at wiping clean his criminal record as a reward if he wins.

Kira is the first female ever to be on the show, and the first contestant to be press-ganged into it. As such, she's less than willing, but she has to stay within 90 feet of Rogan if she doesn't want her head to blow up. She doesn't know who she can trust but as she learns more about Rogan - and he, her - they come to trust each other as a matter of survival.

But Rogan knows a lot more about this sadistic, murderous game than Kira had reckoned on. In fact, the game - and its creator - are a lot closer to home than she could have guessed. And as the game tries to force them into betraying each other, they instead turn their gazes on the man behind the game itself, and what's really going on.

Countdown was originally published by Shomi in 2008 as an adult novel under the pseudonym of Michelle Maddox. The idea to tweak it a bit for a Young Adult audience worked very well, and the result is a high-adrenaline, fast-paced adventure story with a bit of romance, more than a bit of sexual tension, and a satisfying climax (ha ha). Needless to say, they complete the levels with barely seconds to spare, which makes for some terrific tension.

Even before I started reading Countdown, when I just read the blurb, I was immediately reminded of The Running Man - the old Arnold Schwarzenegger film, not the book which I haven't read yet. And interestingly enough, the story reads very much like you're watching a movie. It has a rather formulaic structure to it, the kind of structure that works very well on screen, and the fast pace, powerful bad guy, slightly conventional plot twists and cinematic-like visuals make for the strong feeling of having just watched an exciting movie.

There is some tidy backstory given on the state of Kira's world, a post-apocalyptic world decimated by the ravages of a plague that wiped out large portions of the population. Her city is mostly derelict, and empty, and it seems like the middle class has mostly been wiped out. The world-building is nicely sketched but doesn't figure prominently, merely supplying the setting for the reality game show: a world where this could be possible.

The characters are few but were nicely developed with plenty of mystery left over to make it hard to know whether to trust any of them. Kira narrates, and while she has her moments, in the beginning, of denial, she soon rises to the challenge and whining is minimal. She becomes a strong-willed heroine, resourceful and intelligent, and between them Kira and Rogan have solid chemistry and plenty of tension. There wasn't anything especially unique or particularly memorable about them, but they were well-written and they hold your attention - and your sympathies.

This is all fun: solid, exciting, dependable fun. If there are "popcorn movies", then this is a "popcorn novel". It is a bit conventional and formulaic, but it's done well and it works, and it's never boring. It achieves its aims admirably and Rowen has delivered a thrilling, compelling story.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Il Cibo della Mente - Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Countdown è uno di quei libri che ti fa dimenticare di avere un letto. Ma non nel senso che pensate voi... cioè "wow! un libro fantastico che ti tiene sveglia fino a tarda notte!"

No no... io mi sono dimenticata del mio letto perché sono tre sere che mi addormento sul divano mentre leggo sta schifezza di libro.

Si ok, non ho mezze misure lo so, ma se una cosa mi fa pena lo dico chiaro e tondo. Volevo dargli tre stelline ma poi mi sono resa conto che le ho date a libri che, rispetto a questo, sono dei veri e propri capolavori. Quindi non mi sembrava proprio il caso.

Dunque, diciamo che i primi capitoli mi hanno fatto abbastanza alterare. Cioè, sembra una parodia di Hunger Games mescolato a Saw l'enigmista e The Cube. Tralasciando le assurdità del tipo: ragazza si sveglia in una stanza senza sapere come ci è arrivata, non sa dove si trova, non ricorda assolutamente niente. È immersa nel buio, cosa che la terrorizza, ed è incatenata ad un muro.

Ma appena qualcuno accende le luci lei si trova sto bel manzo davanti e via che passa la paura. Quindi, situazione: non hai idea di cosa ti stia succedendo, sei incatenata ad un muro ma... wow quanto è figo sto tipo che ho davanti... sbav... adesso ci provo pure eh... faccio la secccsiiiiiii così riesco a farmi togliere le manette... ah ma no cosa dico, magari le manette possono tornarci utili più avanti....

Ok, Pamela fermati che sennò qui va a finire molto male e rischi di sfornare una recensione "Onyx style"...

Dunque dicevo, tralasciando queste cavolate colossali, è incredibile quanto questo romanzo sia superficiale. Si passa da una scena all'altra con uno schiocco di dita, da momenti che sembrano estremamente significativi al vuoto totale, alla stupidità, alla banalità. Verso la metà sembrava quasi che stesse prendendo una piega più o meno decente, ma mi sono dovuta ricredere, purtroppo. Speravo in qualche colpo di scena e invece abbiamo il virus con manie di grandezza che vuole conquistare il pianeta (qui non so perché ma c'è stato un punto che mi ha fatto pensare tantissimo a Matrix...) che viene sconfitto da Norton Antivirus!!! Wow, sono tutta un brivido. Non provavo delle emozioni così intense dall'ultima volta che ho visto mia suocera...

Prima di concludere dicendo che sconsiglio la lettura di questo libro anche al mio peggior nemico, vorrei aggiungere una nota personale e i miei complimenti vivissimi al genio che si è inventato quanto segue:
Gli Abbonati - Parodia degli abitanti di Capitol City
I Camici Bianchi - Parodia dei Pacificatori
...e addirittura, colpo di scena, abbiamo la finestra che ci mostra la spiaggia/il bosco/i neuroni che nessuno di questi personaggi ha nel cervello.

Uff, che tristezza. Se solo ci fosse stata una versione decente di Peeta magari avrei messo una stellina in più. Ma qui abbiamo solo Rogan, il manzo di turno. Per carità carino eh, dolcissimo.... Ma tesoro mio non puoi dire a una che sta per morire in una stanza piena di gas "Non arrenderti proprio ora!!!". Sta inalando del gas, razza di idiota. =_=

Ok basta, concludo perché sennò potrei iniziare a dare sfogo alla mia vena polemica, cosa che, badate bene, non è emersa del tutto in questa recensione (se così possiamo chiamarla)

Davvero un peccato.
Sconsigliatissimo.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raise your hand if you are a fan of well-written YA dystopian fantasy! I am, and although the basic premise isn’t new, trust me, Countdown by Michelle Rowen is one adventure that will have you hanging from your fingernails as a twisted society pits two teen “throwaways” against the evil machinations of artificial intelligence and a society that craves the thrill of an extreme reality show, from the safety of their viewing implants. Sick? YES Twisted? YES Unimaginable? Sadly, not so much, just take a look at what contemporary TV has to offer today.

A plague has shattered society, life is chaotic and the powers that rise are lax, survivors are often left to fend for themselves, no matter how old they are. Kira was a young teen when her family was brutally murdered before her eyes. Now she runs the streets, alone. Rogan is a street-smart convicted mass murderer with enough hidden baggage to sink the Titanic. Together, they make one strong team, guaranteed to make the sponsors some big money! Will they learn to trust in each other, as well as their own instincts to survive? Will outside forces come between them in a brutal mind game? To what lengths will they go to survive?

Michelle Rowen has created two very likable and strong characters who try to overcome insurmountable odds to survive in a game they didn’t ask to play. Loaded with great dialogue, a deviously twisted plot, and intense friction, action and tension, Countdown and Michelle Rowen prove that a complete escape into another world and reality is just the turn of the page away!

This ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Teen in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
ISBN: 9780373210909
Number of pages: 336
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 5 Stars
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.

[Mara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admit I had quite a few expectation going into this book. It might have been my downfall.

Some of my friends loved it, the reviews from bloggers I follow were stellar. I guess I expected to be wowed.

Unfortunately this book fell completely flat for me. The plot is so predictable that I was able to say what was going to happen precisely. All of the game was so clearly clued, but even the second part wasn't any better. There wasn't a hint of novelty or surprise.

The "romance" was a joke. They fell in love in three days. I would have understood and appreciated the sex scene if it had been treated as such. Sex as a way to reassert life after risking death. But it was treated as a big romantic moment with shining eyes and thoughts of love. Sorry, guys, neither of you has a backstory that can vouch for such a moment.

Characters were barely sketched to me. Moreover I could not really stand the heroine. She's a "survivor", but you really wonder why. She is simply, purely stupid. The story we are told about her doesn't compute with the woman we see. She should be (street) smart, savy, psi. But she is fooled constantly and can't take the right decision if her life depends on it. Oh, wait, her life depends on it and she still can't reason. She's the epitome of the TSTL heroine.
If you have ever watched a manga or a Japanese cartoon, you might have seen this scene: barely dressed girl who's jumping from foot to foot, crying, squirming, undecided what to do. Yep, that's the idea she gave me.
Lovely. Not.
The hero was a ghost. Well, not literally, but if you get a grip on him, let me know. I couldn't.

My main problem, except the heroine, was the world that I found "wobbly".
There was no sound explanation of how, in a world ravaged (by what exactly?) in which only the poor lives (or middle class?), there could be millions of people who could paid hundred thousands to watch a secret gladiator show.
But there were plenty of holes in this world-building. The corruption to create such a game would be staggering or necessitate a lack of government. But it doesn't seem neither is true.
Again except the bad guys and the couple there's basically no one else. You only see background figures.

And the ending was such a letdown. We have again a manga moment (remember the undressed and undecided girl?), followed by an unexplained good-bye. (Well, then there's the hea, but bleah).

So, I'm sorry but at the end Countdown was really a meh book for me. I can't really say I didn't like it at all. But barely.

[Alexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nel recensire questo libro non dirò semplicisticamente che assomiglia a Hunger Games o a Maze Runner.
Countdown è un distopico e la mia esperienza di letteratura distopica mi dice che ci sono libri basilari da cui volenti o nolenti tutti i distopici dipendono: 1984 di Orwell, Battle Royale di Koushun Takami e The Giver di Lois Lowry.
Anche Countdown non fa eccezione a questa regola.
Quello che dirò, invece, è che sarebbe potuto essere un bel libro se non ci fossero state così tante cose che mi hanno fatto storcere il naso.
Kira si sveglia al buio, incatenata al muro, in un posto sconosciuto con un ragazzo ferito ma bellissimo, incatenato come lei.
Le prime battute tra Kira e Rogan, questo il nome del ragazzo, mi hanno fatto ben sperare sul resto della storia. Rogan è piuttosto pungente e anche Kira non risparmia le sue battute al vetriolo.
Scopriamo che Rogan è un pluriassassino e Kira una ladra e che sono stati reclutati per il Countdown, un gioco clandestino all'ultimo sangue, destinato a far divertire un gruppo di ricconi che possono guardarlo tramite dei microchip impiantati nelle loro teste. Analogie con Hunger Games sono ovviamente tutte le telecamere che seguono il gioco secondo per secondo. Analogia con Maze Runner e Legend è il morbo che ha colpito il mondo facendo quasi scomparire il genere umano. Non sono quasi più abituata ai libri autoconclusivi, e forse questo è il motivo per cui ho trovato questo libro un flusso inarrestabile di fatti, buttati lì per spiegare la trama senza dare il tempo ai personaggi di interagire al meglio e al lettore di immedesimarsi nei loro sentimenti.
Un riassunto della trama, ecco cosa mi è parso.
Se la storia poteva essere interessante, il modo in cui è stata raccontata l'ha resa scialba e prevedibile tanto da annoiare.
Il finale poi...
Che i due protagonisti restassero insieme non lo aveva capito nessuno, ma i dialoghi finali sono davvero da favoletta dell'asilo.
Peccato. Una buona trama sprecata.

[Elvina Barclay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kira Jordan is the only survivor after her family is murdered and one of the few people who survive a plague that has devastated the human race. Left at 14 to live on the streets she is forced to survive on her street smarts and her wits.
Suddenly she is taken from the empty city streets and wakes up locked and handcuffed in an empty cell with a handsome stranger. Only this stranger while incredibly handsome is also a mass murderer. They are forced to join together to beat a survivor type game where the loser also loses their life.
This sounded interesting and it turns out it’s because it’s like a lot of the dystopian destroyed world pretty teens on the run to beat the bad guys novels. Which is ok is that’s your thing. For me this book was just that, ok. The premise and story line was good but I did get rather tired of hearing how hot Rogan was constantly but if you’re a cute 16 year old girl on the run with the ultimate bad boy I guess that’s a good thing to focus on. It was nice to read a book that appears to be a stand alone and isn’t part of a series.
(an ARC reading copy of this novel was received in exchange for an honest review)

[Stuti Rai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hey GUYS, hey HERE! this IS The WritTEn EQUivalenT Of ME juMPING UP anD down TO geT YouR ATtentiON! tHE rEaL ReVIEw Can be fOUNd On mY bloG AND bOOkLikES. Well, I say it's a review but more like, my ramblings on the intake preparation of tea and coffee; very little reviewing here.



Okay- I was gonna review this book on account of my reviewlessness these past weeks but OHMIGOD-NEW SCOOBYDOO MOVIE- AT LEAST NEW TO ME! ON THE NEW TV- AT LEAST NEW TO ME! REVIEW LATER!


What a truly lame-tastic book, guys. Review to come when I don't have anything better to do. Or you know, before my exams start and I'm stuck in the loop of studying and studying more.




KIIIRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stupid but BWHAHAHHAHHAHHAHHAH!!!!!

[Franci Karou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione completa qui: http://coffeeandbooksgirl.blogspot.it...


Non volevo crederci ma... aveva senso. Aveva terribilmente senso. Nulla era lasciato al caso in Countdown. Ecco perché ci avevano messi in squadra assieme. Certo. Avevano sempre saputo chi ero. Chi era lui.


Countdown è un romanzo che riserva più di una sorpresa. Sicuramente la trama richiama il distopico Hunger Games che tutti conosciamo, con le sue sfide in una grande arena, alle quali i concorrenti devono cercare di sopravvivere, uccidendosi uno con l'altro. E tutto sotto l'occhio attento delle telecamere. Perché gli Hunger Games sono dei giochi sadici, frutto della mente altrettanto sadica del suo creatore, dei giochi che vengono trasmessi in tutti i Distretti e ai quali ogni abitante è costretto ad assistere. Anche Countdown è un sadico gioco di sopravvivenza, ma al contrario di Hunger Games, è un gioco clandestino, che gente malata e senza scrupoli paga per vedere, grazie ad un microchip impiantato nella testa. Solo gli Abbonati possono assistere a questo gioco e i partecipanti sono criminali, assassini, gente prelevata dalle peggiori prigioni e sottoposta a prove ad alto rischio.
Kira, la protagonista del romanzo, è una ragazza che vive di espedienti. Ha perso la sua famiglia anni prima, sterminata da un assassino che si è intrufolato in casa loro di notte. Lei, nascosta sotto il letto, è riuscita a salvarsi, ma la sua vita, da allora, non è più la stessa. Ruba per sopravvivere, usa il suo corpo per raggiungere i suoi scopi, vive per strada, come una vagabonda. Poi, un giorno, si risveglia in un luogo buio, ammanettata, in compagnia di Rogan Ellis. Scopre di essere diventata la concorrente di un sadico reality show e che deve superare 6 livelli per poter vincere il gioco e ottenere la libertà. Rogan sarà il suo partner, ma quel bellissimo ragazzo dagli occhi verdeazzurri che sembrano nascondere mille segreti, non è esattamente una persona su cui fare affidamento. Lui viene dal carcere si S. Augustine, ha commesso diversi crimini efferati ed è stato messo nel gioco per potersi guadagnare la cancellazione dei suoi reati e sfuggire al carcere di massima sicurezza di Saradone. Quando il conto alla rovescia ha inizio, Kira e Rogan non hanno tempo di domandarsi se fidarsi l'uno dell'altra, devono correre il rischio. O morire. Ogni livello è scandito da un tempo molto breve. I due ragazzi, abituati alle difficoltà della vita, si aiuteranno a vicenda, mettendo in pratica le loro abilità, fino a quando il gioco non prevederà che ne sopravviva solo uno, ma per allora la posta in gioco sarà già molto alta e Rogan e Kira dovranno far bene i loro conti.
Il romanzo è breve e si legge tutto d'un fiato. Già il titolo preannuncia molta suspense e devo dire che questa componente non manca affatto. Dall'inizio alla fine il lettore è immerso nella tensione, e quel conto alla rovescia scandisce anche i battiti del suo cuore, che corre impazzito nell'attesa di sapere cosa accadrà da un momento all'altro. L'autrice, Michelle Rowen, è stata abile nel creare colpi di scena e sospetti. Nel libro nessuno è ciò che sembra e bisogna arrivare alla fine per rivelare i segreti di ognuno. C'è Rogan che è accusato di omicidi terribili e che non vuole rivelare nulla di sè, ma preferisce far credere di essere un assassino. In realtà, riuscirà a fidarsi solo di Kira, ad un certo punto, e le confesserà la verità. Ma sarà tutto vero o è solo un modo per salvarsi la pelle? E Kira, sarà disposta a credere a Rogan e aiutarlo a uscire dal gioco, o preferirà sottostare alle regole di Countdown e cercare di salvare solo se stessa? Lei è dotata di abilità Psi, un potere che le permette di entrare in empatia con le persone e percepirne l'anima, l'essenza, capire chi sia buono e chi cattivo. Il suo istinto e il suo dono le dicono che Rogan è sincero, ma c'è senso di colpa e dolore in lui e dovrà scoprire il perché. Il peso che Rogan si porta dentro è qualcosa che non riesce a perdonarsi e solo partecipando a Countdown potrà riuscire a porvi rimedio. Solo dall'interno potrà fermare quel sadico gioco, che il suo creatore è intenzionato ad ampliare. Ma chi è quest'uomo? Chi muove le fila di tutto e perché lo fa?
Tantissime le domande che vi porrete leggendo Countdown e tantissime le cose che accadranno! Non avrete un attimo di respiro, ogni capitolo scorre ad una velocità assurda, inebriandovi di adrenalina e facendovi perdere il sonno. Eh sì, perché non potrete proprio dormire una volta che avrete conosciuto Countdown, ve lo assicuro.
La seconda parte del romanzo prende una piega inaspettata e diversa. Alcune rivelazioni cambieranno le carte in tavola, entreranno in gioco nuovi personaggi, capaci di portar fortuna o sfortuna ai due protagonisti, a seconda dei punti di vista. Perché se da un lato tenteranno di aiutarli, dall'altro non c'è modo di scampare a Countdown e al suo perfido creatore, un uomo di nome Gareth, che sta col fiato sul collo a Kira e Rogan. Gareth vuole far divertire gli Abbonati, ma allo stesso tempo, vuole vendicarsi dei due ragazzi, vuole vendicarsi di Rogan. Il perché lo lascio scoprire a voi...
Questa lettura è stata entusiasmante e, sebbene in un primo momento possa ricordare Hunger Games, presto si rivela fatta di tutt'altra pasta, con i suoi risvolti altamente sci-fi, capaci di incollarmi alle pagine, nell'attesa di saperne di più. Kira e Rogan possono ricordare un po' gli innamorati sventurati Katniss-Peeta, ma non siamo a quei livelli, e poi loro due non si conoscono affatto, ma impareranno a conoscersi durante il gioco, privati della possibilità di allontanarsi l'uno dall'altra. Fino all'ultimo vi sembrerà che non ci sia scampo, fino all'ultimo i protagonisti rischieranno la vita. Braccati, feriti, e con i minuti contati, Kira e Rogan metteranno in gioco tutto ciò che hanno, rischieranno ogni cosa, persino una remota possibilità di libertà, pur di mettere fine a tutto. Ma quando in gioco c'è la vita di molte altre persone, allora non ha senso tirarsi indietro, abbandonare il gioco, sventolare bandiera bianca. Bisogna lottare, fino in fondo. Fino all'ultimo, dannatissimo secondo.
Ho apprezzato il ritmo di questa storia, sebbene abbia un po' penalizzato le descrizioni, che fondamentalmente adoro in un romanzo. Anche se l'autrice non ce le fa mancare e in breve ci racconta cosa ne è stato del mondo in cui vivono i protagonisti, ci narra della Grande Epidemia e delle sue conseguenze, di come è nato Countdown e di ciò che comporterà il gioco in futuro, insomma tutto ciò che è fondamentale sapere lo fa sapere.
I protagonisti sono ben definiti, ma tra tutti Kira è decisamente la più incredibile. Piena di paure, apparentemente indifesa, questo personaggio è stato capace di dimostrare una grande forza e un grande coraggio anche nelle situazioni più estreme. Intelligente e dotata di un dono straordinario, Kira è una protagonista davvero badass! E Rogan... Beh, Rogan è terribilmente sexy, con quell'aria da duro, quella cicatrice sul viso, quegli occhi! E il suo humor... oh, adoro i ragazzi così! *_* un tipo cupo, che non mancherà di farvi insospettire in tutti i modi possibili, ma fondamentalmente è un ragazzo che ha fatto tanti sbagli, che ha pagato e che intende rimediare ai suoi errori. Un ragazzo ricco e sfortunato, sulla via della redenzione, con buoni intenti, e che riesce a tirar fuori la grinta ogni qualvolta è necessario, sebbene, alla fine, tocchi sempre a Kira tirarlo fuori dai guai.
Countdown è una lettura veloce, che probabilmente non entrerà nel cuore come altri romanzi, molto più epici e molto più intriganti, ma è stata una lettura piacevole, come non ne leggevo da un po'. I tanti colpi di scena mi hanno tenuto in ansia, ho sospirato per i due protagonisti e mi sono anche divertita (alcuni scambi di battute tra loro sono davvero esilaranti :P). Insomma, Countdown è promosso e poi è un romanzo autococlusivo! Leggetelo. Ora. Il conto alla rovescia è iniziato per voi.

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay, I don’t think it was too original. It kind of felt a bit like The Maze Runner. But it was an easy read and I did enjoy it.

[Anne Sawyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ach Gottchen - nee, muss man definitiv nicht gelesen haben 🫣

[Caitlyn Peffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I have whiplash from this book. I had no idea who to trust and was so stressed the whole time. Honestly this book had no right to be so entertaining. Amazing.