Five hundred years in the future, the Earth is dying, overrun with pollution that the Great Council refuses to stop. 16-year-old Tess is a proud Earther who wants to save the planet, but the government says that shipping all humans to Mars must happen for humankind to survive. Tess fears the day she gets drafted because no one ever hears back from the Red Planet.
When Tess's turn comes to board a one-way ship, she discovers a horrible truth: an alien race has taken over the government and wants Earth for themselves. But Tess's horror has only begun. The settlements on Mars are harsh, where colonists struggle to survive. All Tess wants is to get back to her rightful home, but by running into Matthew, a fellow colonist with some secrets of his own, she gets wrapped up in a dangerous plan to do so: Mars must invade Earth. Tess has no choice but to face war, and perhaps even to question the identity she holds dear.
Drafted is the first book of the Homeworld Trilogy. It is a young adult/teen War of the Worlds retelling in three parts. The second book of this science fiction series will be released on November 15th, 2017.
Holly Hook is the author of the Destroyers Series, which consists of five young adult books about teens who are walking disasters...literally. She is also the author of the Rita Morse series, a young adult fantasy series still in progress, and After These Messages, a short ya comedy. Currently she is writing Twisted, a spin-off of the Destroyers Series due out in December. When not writing, she enjoys reading books for teens, especially ya fantasy and paranormal series with a unique twist.
In a very polluted world where many people have been shipped off to live in colonies on Mars, Tess and her classmates get drafted to join such a colony while visiting a museum. Because they don’t here back from other people that have joined such a colony, people don’t get exited to leave Earth for Mars. Therefor Tess and a few friends try to escape their freshly outlined fate. But escaping seems futile, as the museum appears to be a front for a detaining facility with a direct line to the (space-)ships. Just before she can be taken away by the task force to be forced onto the ship, she is rescued by a strange looking stranger. He reveales some troublesome facts about Earth, Mars and the people in charge of everything. Even her Earther-status stands for something different than she’s always known. It appears this sort of movement on Earth is not simply determined to preserve what little nature there is left in the world as her parents have led her to believe all those years. Without revealing spoilers, all I can say is that Holly’s take on the original ‘War of the worlds’ story is fun and refreshing with a nice protagonist that develops from just a teen without any major problems to a bad-ass rebel with a cause. The introduction of the original story (as a written story) and it’s movie adaptation into the museum is a fun addition to the story. A bit sad for me (who didn’t read the original story) that some references to that story weren’t completely explained because to me it would have really added to the story but the references are still nice and at least now there’s never an issue about oversharing. But for me that left me at times with this feeling of finding this book a bit incomplete. I enjoyed it very much but sometimes I felt that the story could have gone with a little less speed and a bit more explanation, particullarly about the science stuff. But again, that is purely a personal opinion because objectively, those pieces about the science were given by a 16y old boy so it’s completely realistic how it is written down. You do have to keep in mind that that boy has read the original story and that he gets certain inspiration through that (the part where he first concocts a way to get back, can’t say more, spoilers!). Keeping that in mind this story is -although it’s science fiction- very realistic and captivating with some fun twists and a fast pace. Worth the read. And now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to read the sequel ;-)
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I am a huge fan of this author's work plus I have always loved the story of War of the Worlds so was really excited to read this retelling and I was most definitely not disappointed!!! Even more excited to read the next book in this series.
This was a storyline that kept me hooked from the first page, with so many unknowns weaved into this universe and the people involved in it, it keeps you guessing the whole time and you could never predict what would happen next and I loved that aspect of this book along with how vivid and detailed all the descriptions are, this author has the talent to do this in spades!!!!
As soon as Matt was introduced into this book he definitely piqued my interest and its obvious that there is so much more to him than you see in this book, he has a lot of secrets that he keeps close to himself, you get the impression that he has been through so much that trust is hard for him so he keeps walls up to protect himself. He is full of courage and determination, the things he believes him are ingrained into him and he us the sort of person who will try to right any wrongs, will always do what he feels is right and is extremely passionate about what he believes in. Tess is a character that is so much stronger than she believes and I can see the strong woman she will become. She goes through so much in this story and instead of falling apart she is able to be strong and think if the best thing to do. She feels very strongly whether or not its love or betrayal and she has a fiery side to her with a quick temper that I found I really liked!!!
I highly recommend reading this book and reading the author's other work and I am sure these readers will fall in love with her imaginative world's just as I have.
Tess’ class stepped into the Great Frontiers Solar System Museum, while Lin, complaining about Mars, skipped and ducked around the planets suspended over her head. Winnie and Tess agreed she should cut back on those energy tablets! But Winnie wasn’t happy with the field trip either – the Council was sending more and more people to Mars -- because of pollution they claimed -- and this felt more like preparation to be next to go! Anyone sent there was never heard from again.
A voice announced that the class should go immediately to the Mars entrance to begin a tour. This was not how they usually did this. Tess urged her friends to skip this tour and check out another exhibit in the museum instead. The guide, Henry, didn’t look quite right. He spoke in a monotone, but kept a watchful eye on everyone. Tess became more and more uneasy and felt something was wrong. Finally Henry turned his back to them to examine the fossil display and Tess, Lin, and Blake broke off from the group. They visited another exhibit, but suddenly a red flashing message popped up in front of Tess saying she had been drafted and would be taken to Mars at the end of the tour! Her worst fears were realized! Was escape possible now? Or was it indeed too late for Tess?
First, I really enjoyed how the author thoroughly describes everything to make it more real to the reader. The entire atmosphere of the class trip kept tension running through the reader as the author never let on as to what might happen. The suspense kept growing and moving the reader eager onward to see whether the classmates would escape some dreadful fate or be caught and returned. The cold and dark of the museum even gave me a real shiver! I definitely recommend this trilogy. There is so much more waiting to be told in this adventure!
What an exciting and intriguing futuristic world! The atmosphere of the earth is toxic, and more and more citizens are being drafted to relocate to Mars. Of course, the conditions on Mars are even worse - overpopulation, lack of food, and no air outside of the enclosed colonies. Only a few know the truth - Earth has been taken over by a parasitic alien race that is controlling those in power and creating the pollution that is harmful to humans but necessary to them. Can two teenagers find a way to save the world?
I know this will horrify people, but I haven't actually read the original HG Wells novel this book references. I don't know if it's a retelling, or a continuation, or a story set in that world. Even without this knowledge, it was still a really interesting story. The plot is quick moving, and just when you think the characters are about to get a break, they are thrown back into battle. The entire story is told by Tess, an "Earther" who has led a sheltered childhood. Her parents never told her the truth about the Grounders. Now she's thrown into the battle, drafted to relocate to Mars, and forced to team up with a strange boy from Mars who she's not sure she can trust. Nonetheless, she is fierce and brave, and easy to root for. A very exciting start to what promises to be a fantastic trilogy.
I’ve really enjoyed other Holly Hook books, so I was excited to hear that she’d put out a new series, the Homeworld Trilogy. Based on its first book, Drafted, that excitement was well deserved. This is a great story full of intrigue, adventure, twists and turns. The heroine here, Tess, is a true kick-a** heroine in the making - precisely my “sweet spot” for characters and I can tell that this already wonderfully crafted character is going to get even better over the books to come. The world building and it’s underlying concepts are superb and Matthew (mmmm) and the others in the supporting cast layered and interesting to follow. Pretty much checks all my boxes for a great sci fi novel.
I received this book for an honest and open review.
This book is in my genre. I loved War of the World. There is a twist to this book though. It is definitely different but I love it about it!!
Tess is on a field trip with her friends when a group of them ditch the exhibit and everyone is Drafted to go to Mars. Tess runs back after her friend Winnie and goes to get her out when they are overcome by gas that makes them all fall asleep. Then all of the sudden Tess is awake and there is a green kid standing there in front of her telling her to run with him and leave her friends behind. Matt is the name of the green kid. He wants Tess to help get him back to Woking Park, where Tess lives.
It turns out that the Grounders are the aliens that have taken over the humans body and there is a council that is being run by the Grounders as well that is pushing the humans to Mars.
Matt and Tess get drafted to head to Mars again and things get crazy once they get there. They end up being put right on the front lines of the war against the Grounders.
I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to the second book in the series.
so this is not my usual genre to read I am not a real sci-fi reader just because it's usually not believable however most of this stuff could kinda happen...maybe not so much of Mars but you never know....it takes place on Earth during a field trip and then the main chapter is sent to Mars and meets a boy who tries to help her overtake an invasion that is happening back on Earth. Holly Hook has an amazing imagation and she is truly able to make the sci-fi seem real and believable the imagery and character development truly make this a great read you won't be able to put it down...hope u enjoy
I have been provided with a copy of Drafted by the author for an impartial review. This is the first book in the Homeworld Trilogy and I wasn’t sure what to make of this book. It was so different from what other books that I have read by this author. It took me a little while to get into this story but once I did I really enjoyed myself and it was easy to finish. I can’t wait to see were this series leads.
I just finished this one today and was a little skeptic when I started it as I was not really knowing if I would like a War of the World retelling. However, I have loved everything Holly Hook has written so read away I go. I loved it! You can't help but love Tess, she is so spunky and stronger than she realizes. I am now anxious for the next book to see where this story goes!!!
This was an interesting start to the series. There were a few things I didn't like, but overall I enjoyed the book. It was fast paced story that kept me wondering what would happen and I went through the book pretty quickly. I'm looking forward to the next book. I was gifted a copy.
I haven't read any alien sci-fi books even though I love sci-fi but this was a great first experience! I've always wanted to read about alien invasions and Holly Hook is just the person I would want to write this kind of story. Her quirky, fun writing style makes for amazing reads, don't miss her!
Amazing futuristic read. Loved how all the characters made for an intriguing story. Impossible to put down until I got to the end. Appreciated receiving an ARC