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The Sponsored #1
The Sponsored
To protect her family's future, a teen girl joins the Sponsored Program and undergoes genetic altering, chemical enhancement and training for a future war she's keen to fight, until she discovers she's on the wrong side. But taking her life back won't be easy, even with super powers, as the corruption runs deep into the upper levels of government in the year 2045.
300 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
214 people want to read
About the author
Caroline T. Patti
9 books50 followersCaroline T. Patti is the author of the Into the Dark, Into the Light, and the Nettie series, which includes: The World Spins Madly On, Too Late to Apologize, A Little Faith and Life After You and The Broken Road (Sept 2016). Caroline is a former teacher, librarian and coach. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two daughters. When she's not writing, she's probably on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 7, 2018
Grey is anything but ordinary. She has lived under the radar so far but everything is about to change. A robbery is about to go down and Grey can't help but save her friend. She takes a bullet and saves the shopkeeper. She isn't the only person in the shop and things are about to get a little tricky.
The sponsored is essentially two stories in one. Who is Grey and why is she special? Even she doesn't have all the answers. Her eighteenth birthday is approaching and her Nana has promised to give her the answers. Her parents are gone, she doesn't have many friends and she keeps her head down. After the robbery, she is on the radar of The boy everyone wants. He's rich, his parents are powerful and he could have any girl he wants. Grey isn't interested. She knows a guy like him would draw attention but maybe he has a secret too? Maybe he can help her? Maybe Grey's future is spiralling out of control and the path forward is out of her hands.
The sponsored are an elite group of individuals genetically enhanced for greatness. They are created from rich families and have their life's planned out. Max works for the program. He isn't anyone special. He isn't an engineer or a rich socialite. He's just a janitor. He knows Ace is a girl with a promising future but that doesn't mean he can't admire her.
This book is full of twists. It's fast paced and keeps you guessing. It's long enough to be a satisfying read, however, it will leave you with questions and wanting more. 4.5 stars out of 5. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. I can't wait for the next instalment.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review as part of the Chapter by Chapter blog tour. My date 10th September 2018.
http://chaptersthroughlife.blogspot.c...
The sponsored is essentially two stories in one. Who is Grey and why is she special? Even she doesn't have all the answers. Her eighteenth birthday is approaching and her Nana has promised to give her the answers. Her parents are gone, she doesn't have many friends and she keeps her head down. After the robbery, she is on the radar of The boy everyone wants. He's rich, his parents are powerful and he could have any girl he wants. Grey isn't interested. She knows a guy like him would draw attention but maybe he has a secret too? Maybe he can help her? Maybe Grey's future is spiralling out of control and the path forward is out of her hands.
The sponsored are an elite group of individuals genetically enhanced for greatness. They are created from rich families and have their life's planned out. Max works for the program. He isn't anyone special. He isn't an engineer or a rich socialite. He's just a janitor. He knows Ace is a girl with a promising future but that doesn't mean he can't admire her.
This book is full of twists. It's fast paced and keeps you guessing. It's long enough to be a satisfying read, however, it will leave you with questions and wanting more. 4.5 stars out of 5. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. I can't wait for the next instalment.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review as part of the Chapter by Chapter blog tour. My date 10th September 2018.
http://chaptersthroughlife.blogspot.c...
December 24, 2018
This is a great scifi/dystopian told from two points of view, a generation apart. First person present is Grey Winter, a teen girl with the ability to self heal. Through a series of flashbacks, we get the third-person point of view of Max Winter, Grey’s father. The two stories run in parallel through most of the book, but it’s clear they will end up converging. This is a unique twist on young adult romance. Both characters are teens at the time their stories are told and both include romances, making this a two for one if teen romance is your thing. But it’s so much more than that. There’s plenty of action, a huge mystery, and enough secrets and revelations to keep me turning the pages. The story starts off with a bang as Grey intervenes in a robbery, putting herself between a bullet and the owner of the bodega. Unfortunately, this also exposes her ability to the boy at her school she likes the least. But there is so much more to Grey and Julian than one unfortunate incident.
Max Winter is the janitor at a prestigious school for The Sponsored, a group of kids who get the best education available in exchange for giving up their life choices to the government. Lowly janitors and Sponsored are not allowed to mingle, but with any good dystopian romance, rules are made to be broken. As both stories unfold, we learn everything is both more and less than it seems and secrets and lies run deep.
Plot
A two-forked tale, the plotting of both are expertly intertwined. As Grey attempts to keep her abilities a secret, live her life, and fight a budding, but dangerous, attraction to Julian, we see Max and Grey’s mom meet and fall in love. It’s more than just a romantic backstory, though. We learn all the secrets of The Sponsored through his eyes. A captivating storytelling approach that I absolutely loved!
The Characters
While it took me a bit to warm up to Grey, I loved her. Her penchant for keeping everyone at arms’ length initially seemed to include the reader as well, but over the course of the book, she lets us in. She’s wounded, damaged, and so incredibly easy to root for. The rest of the characters, Nana, Max, Ace, and Julian are well-developed.
Top Five Things I Loved About THE SPONSORED
1. The plot. Well told and kept me engaged from the opening scene.
2. Grey. She is a complex heroine with so much heart, I just adored her.
3. Dystopia. One of my favorite genres and the author’s take on a near-future society was utterly plausible, making it all the more terrifying.
4. Action. From the opening pages, there is just the right amount of action to keep the story moving.
5. Romance. Two separate romances means twice the angsty love!
Bottom Line
Wonderful dystopian romance with a storytelling twist.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Max Winter is the janitor at a prestigious school for The Sponsored, a group of kids who get the best education available in exchange for giving up their life choices to the government. Lowly janitors and Sponsored are not allowed to mingle, but with any good dystopian romance, rules are made to be broken. As both stories unfold, we learn everything is both more and less than it seems and secrets and lies run deep.
Plot
A two-forked tale, the plotting of both are expertly intertwined. As Grey attempts to keep her abilities a secret, live her life, and fight a budding, but dangerous, attraction to Julian, we see Max and Grey’s mom meet and fall in love. It’s more than just a romantic backstory, though. We learn all the secrets of The Sponsored through his eyes. A captivating storytelling approach that I absolutely loved!
The Characters
While it took me a bit to warm up to Grey, I loved her. Her penchant for keeping everyone at arms’ length initially seemed to include the reader as well, but over the course of the book, she lets us in. She’s wounded, damaged, and so incredibly easy to root for. The rest of the characters, Nana, Max, Ace, and Julian are well-developed.
Top Five Things I Loved About THE SPONSORED
1. The plot. Well told and kept me engaged from the opening scene.
2. Grey. She is a complex heroine with so much heart, I just adored her.
3. Dystopia. One of my favorite genres and the author’s take on a near-future society was utterly plausible, making it all the more terrifying.
4. Action. From the opening pages, there is just the right amount of action to keep the story moving.
5. Romance. Two separate romances means twice the angsty love!
Bottom Line
Wonderful dystopian romance with a storytelling twist.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2018
'The Sponsored' is an intriguing and action-packed novel that will have readers on the edge of their seats until the end. The book is separated into two distinct time frames - the Before and the After - both set in the future. In each of these, there are different narrators. In the After (the present day) we have Grey who can self-heal and isn't supposed to be alive considering the fire that killed both her parents and should've killed her too. In the Before, we have Max and Ace, star-crossed lovers from different sides of town who shouldn't fall for each other but do anyways. It's your basic doomed romance.
The book is full of action and romance - running from one thing or another and trying not to get caught in the process. I personally didn't exactly like that the author kept bouncing the narrative back and forth between the past and present, but I loved that she chose to write the novel in the first person point of view. Even though that means multiple main characters, we're able to form deeper connections with them because this style of writing allows us to glimpse into their hearts and minds. I really liked all three main characters - Grey, Max, and Ace. They each had their strengths and flaws, but were realistic and accessible as well. The plot was okay for me, it didn't hold my attention the way I would've liked, but that's probably my fault for getting distracted. Please remember that these are my personal opinions and have nothing to do with the novel itself. I'm sure tons of other readers are going to feel very differently than I did. I'm just pointing out that the plot didn't hold my full attention the entire time and I felt my mind wandering. I'm not going to say much else about the plot because I don't want to slip up and include any spoilers. This was a solid and enjoyable read and I recommend it for fans of science fiction, dystopia, contemporary, and even romance.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is full of action and romance - running from one thing or another and trying not to get caught in the process. I personally didn't exactly like that the author kept bouncing the narrative back and forth between the past and present, but I loved that she chose to write the novel in the first person point of view. Even though that means multiple main characters, we're able to form deeper connections with them because this style of writing allows us to glimpse into their hearts and minds. I really liked all three main characters - Grey, Max, and Ace. They each had their strengths and flaws, but were realistic and accessible as well. The plot was okay for me, it didn't hold my attention the way I would've liked, but that's probably my fault for getting distracted. Please remember that these are my personal opinions and have nothing to do with the novel itself. I'm sure tons of other readers are going to feel very differently than I did. I'm just pointing out that the plot didn't hold my full attention the entire time and I felt my mind wandering. I'm not going to say much else about the plot because I don't want to slip up and include any spoilers. This was a solid and enjoyable read and I recommend it for fans of science fiction, dystopia, contemporary, and even romance.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2018
Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The blurb looked interesting so I thought I’d give this book a try. I typically like the mildly dystopian not-so-distance future type stories. Boy, was I in for a wild ride!
The characters are spot on. Not cookie cutter but definitely have some depth. I absolutely love Grey and her “I’ll do what I want” attitude. The story has twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat but didn’t drift from the initial premise as books are oft to do.
I’d love to tell you more, but at the same time, I don’t want to spoil it. Read this book. It’s worth it.
The wait for the next book is going to be painfully long.
The blurb looked interesting so I thought I’d give this book a try. I typically like the mildly dystopian not-so-distance future type stories. Boy, was I in for a wild ride!
The characters are spot on. Not cookie cutter but definitely have some depth. I absolutely love Grey and her “I’ll do what I want” attitude. The story has twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat but didn’t drift from the initial premise as books are oft to do.
I’d love to tell you more, but at the same time, I don’t want to spoil it. Read this book. It’s worth it.
The wait for the next book is going to be painfully long.
September 3, 2018
This book was thrilling. I cannot wait to find out what Grey does. It really leaves you on a cliffhanger, so I hope Caroline T. Patti is happily writing away on the second book because I'm dying.
This novel has very interesting premise based in a future where the Department of Education collapses and leaves education to the wealthy kids in the nation. Eventually the Sponsored program is abolished, but it has lasting effects for the progeny of the children who were sponsored, namely Grey and Julian. My explanation does little justice to the world Patti creates. I was enveloped in the story and I loved that it aligned the past with the present.
I am anxiously awaiting the second novel.
This novel has very interesting premise based in a future where the Department of Education collapses and leaves education to the wealthy kids in the nation. Eventually the Sponsored program is abolished, but it has lasting effects for the progeny of the children who were sponsored, namely Grey and Julian. My explanation does little justice to the world Patti creates. I was enveloped in the story and I loved that it aligned the past with the present.
I am anxiously awaiting the second novel.
September 5, 2018
I was provided a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I had this book on my TBR already, so I jumped at the chance to read and review. And I'm so happy I did! This book did not disappoint and kept me reading and on the edge of my seat with its mystery, suspense, romance, and plot twists. The characters are well-drawn and pop to life.
If you enjoy spunky, smart, and strong female point of view characters, mystery, action, suspense, clean romance (but still swoon-worthy, I promise), and futuristic settings that are built in detail, then this is a book for you. I need book 2 soon, please!!
If you enjoy spunky, smart, and strong female point of view characters, mystery, action, suspense, clean romance (but still swoon-worthy, I promise), and futuristic settings that are built in detail, then this is a book for you. I need book 2 soon, please!!
August 28, 2018
I was given an ebook in exchange for my honest review.
DO YOU LIKE NONSTOP ACTION AND GRIPPING DRAMA FROM START TO FINISH? Of course you do. This book is for you, then! The characters are excellent, and Grey is not your typical heroine which I LOVE. She’s smart, fierce, determined, but approaches things differently than normal people do. Julian is dreaaaaammmyyyy and the two together make my heart flutter. But the story that weaves around them and what they stumble into is so much bigger than them and it’s so daring. Excellent story! Can’t wait to see if there will be more!
DO YOU LIKE NONSTOP ACTION AND GRIPPING DRAMA FROM START TO FINISH? Of course you do. This book is for you, then! The characters are excellent, and Grey is not your typical heroine which I LOVE. She’s smart, fierce, determined, but approaches things differently than normal people do. Julian is dreaaaaammmyyyy and the two together make my heart flutter. But the story that weaves around them and what they stumble into is so much bigger than them and it’s so daring. Excellent story! Can’t wait to see if there will be more!
September 13, 2018
I love a great mystery and when I cannot predict where the author is taking me! This book was fantastic! It drew me in with its mystery, its secrets, its intrigue and unexpected situations! The reader discovers step by step the truth as the plot progresses. The reader examines ethics such as education for only the rich and who gets to make the decisions fore themselves and others! This is a fun, fast-paced novel that is interesting, entertaining as well at thought-provoking.
I can't wait for the next novel to come out so I can find out what happens to Grey next!
I can't wait for the next novel to come out so I can find out what happens to Grey next!
September 28, 2018
It took me four days to read this book and if I hadn’t been trying to savor it and make it last I probably would have binge read it in a night.
The author, Caroline Patti, creates a frighteningly possible future world with characters that are believable, relatable, and engaging.
There were plot twists and character revelations that were entirely unexpected and helped create a rich and intricate plot that should appeal to readers of all ages.
I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the sequel!!!
The author, Caroline Patti, creates a frighteningly possible future world with characters that are believable, relatable, and engaging.
There were plot twists and character revelations that were entirely unexpected and helped create a rich and intricate plot that should appeal to readers of all ages.
I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the sequel!!!
September 17, 2018
This book was an amazing read! it definitely left me wanting more! I spent many nights chanting, "Just one more chapter!" The characters are so lovable and you get very attached to them. It was a thrill to read with lots of unexpected twists and turns! I enjoyed how well connected the book was! So happy to have read it!
September 12, 2018
The Sponsored was a magnificent book full of mystery and action. Twists and turns were happening every chapter, not to mention the book starts off with a bang, quite literally. The journey of self discovery and discoveries of hidden family secrets made this book so enjoyable!
September 14, 2018
I loved this book. Anyone who is interested in reading a fast-paced, action-filled story, well, read this one. You won't be disappointed.
September 20, 2018
When Grey is in her favorite little neighborhood store and a robber comes in, she can't help herself from jumping in front of clerk and taking a bullet meant for him. When she realizes that her popular classmate Julian witnessed her act, she regrets her impulsiveness, but when he comes to her aid she is the one surprised. Grey has a secret, one she is not suppose to tell anyone, and now somebody knows.
I found the cover of The Sponsored to be eye catching and slightly mysterious, and the plot sounded different so I was 100% interested in picking up this book to read. I will admit that when I finally stared reading the book, I could not remember what the synopsis said so I had pretty much zero expectations. And maybe that is the best way to start a story, because I very much so enjoyed The Sponsored. I found this to be a fast paced action story that I easily got lost in. There was the perfect mix of distopian, supernatural, action, mystery and a little touch of romance that was completely relevant to the plot.
I really enjoyed the narration style use in the story. We have two different time periods with two different voices to try and put together a cohesive story. In the past, we have Max who is a really great (seriously, he was so freaking sweet!), hard working guy who just wants the chance to speak to his crush- which is basically impossible since she is a Sponsored student at the elite academy and he is just the janitor. Can I just mention that everything Ace asked of Max was so awful to expect him to be fine with the situation? I was not fine with the situation and it was not even MY situation. And then we have Grey in the present day, a total no-nonsense loner who keeps her nose down to stay off the radar since she has some...enhanced...gifts that would make her very noticeable. I spent most of the story trying to piece together how the two timelines fit together but when I finally realized that there was a common factor in both everything fit so nicely.
I did find the slightly dystopian feel to the book perfect, with the present day timeline being in 2043 and the past timeline in 2024, so just a few years ahead and with subtle changes that made the book so much more realistic. There was no over the top advancements or a strange world I could not connect to, and the reasons for the changes made sense. For the plot, public education in 2024 was a thing of the past, collapsed due to funding, so only those with money could be "sponsored" for an education in one of the few schools across the country. But now in 2043, the error of the system was rectified and education for the masses has returned, but there were so many secrets that needed to be investigated.
Based on the ending, this kinda feels like a superhero origin story and the next book (which there has to be with this ending!) will hopefully be Grey kicking ass and taking names because there is some bad out there that needs to be stopped- even if she may be a pawn, she can be an awesome one and make Nana proud. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more Grey (and hopefully Julian) to come.
I reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. Come visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
I found the cover of The Sponsored to be eye catching and slightly mysterious, and the plot sounded different so I was 100% interested in picking up this book to read. I will admit that when I finally stared reading the book, I could not remember what the synopsis said so I had pretty much zero expectations. And maybe that is the best way to start a story, because I very much so enjoyed The Sponsored. I found this to be a fast paced action story that I easily got lost in. There was the perfect mix of distopian, supernatural, action, mystery and a little touch of romance that was completely relevant to the plot.
I really enjoyed the narration style use in the story. We have two different time periods with two different voices to try and put together a cohesive story. In the past, we have Max who is a really great (seriously, he was so freaking sweet!), hard working guy who just wants the chance to speak to his crush- which is basically impossible since she is a Sponsored student at the elite academy and he is just the janitor. Can I just mention that everything Ace asked of Max was so awful to expect him to be fine with the situation? I was not fine with the situation and it was not even MY situation. And then we have Grey in the present day, a total no-nonsense loner who keeps her nose down to stay off the radar since she has some...enhanced...gifts that would make her very noticeable. I spent most of the story trying to piece together how the two timelines fit together but when I finally realized that there was a common factor in both everything fit so nicely.
I did find the slightly dystopian feel to the book perfect, with the present day timeline being in 2043 and the past timeline in 2024, so just a few years ahead and with subtle changes that made the book so much more realistic. There was no over the top advancements or a strange world I could not connect to, and the reasons for the changes made sense. For the plot, public education in 2024 was a thing of the past, collapsed due to funding, so only those with money could be "sponsored" for an education in one of the few schools across the country. But now in 2043, the error of the system was rectified and education for the masses has returned, but there were so many secrets that needed to be investigated.
Based on the ending, this kinda feels like a superhero origin story and the next book (which there has to be with this ending!) will hopefully be Grey kicking ass and taking names because there is some bad out there that needs to be stopped- even if she may be a pawn, she can be an awesome one and make Nana proud. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more Grey (and hopefully Julian) to come.
I reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. Come visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews