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Trazer: Kids of Stolen Tomorrow
An unforgiving darkness.
A brutal ruling class.
The god-child who must overcome them to save the world.
It's the year 93 O.O., and Dara Adeleye is a gifted artist living in the lower-class red vanes where igioyin--a devastating disease--can strike at any time, draining the life force of its victims.
All Dara wants is to get her friends and family out of the red vanes before igioyin claims them. But in a world shaped by the actions of Yoruba gods decades before she was born, destiny may have different plans for her . . .
Kristano Arvelo is a trazer--a graffiti writer of Dara's time, from her hometown of Todirb Wall. The aimless leader of a local group of trazers, he may hold a key to unlocking Dara's hidden gifts. But it will come at the cost of the future she believed was hers.
A brutal ruling class.
The god-child who must overcome them to save the world.
It's the year 93 O.O., and Dara Adeleye is a gifted artist living in the lower-class red vanes where igioyin--a devastating disease--can strike at any time, draining the life force of its victims.
All Dara wants is to get her friends and family out of the red vanes before igioyin claims them. But in a world shaped by the actions of Yoruba gods decades before she was born, destiny may have different plans for her . . .
Kristano Arvelo is a trazer--a graffiti writer of Dara's time, from her hometown of Todirb Wall. The aimless leader of a local group of trazers, he may hold a key to unlocking Dara's hidden gifts. But it will come at the cost of the future she believed was hers.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2018
14 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Olumide Adegboyega-Edun
2 books92 followersJOSEPH OLUMIDE ADEGBOYEGA-EDUN was born in Lagos, the then-capital city of Nigeria. A great-grandson of the First-Secretary of the Egba United Government, he was brought to the United States at age two when his parents came to study. Increasing corruption in the Nigerian government followed by the return of military rule thwarted their plans to move back and America became home. They set roots in Brooklyn, New York, a vibrant environment colored with graffiti and steeped in elements of hip-hop that left an indelible mark on the future author's consciousness.
The cultural influences and experiences of his homeland and the city of his early youth have been a strong source of creative inspiration for the author. Trazer: Kids of Stolen Tomorrow is his debut novel, and the first book in the Trazer Series. When not writing, Joe enjoys working on other projects with his creative partners LenStorm, 7Woundz and Soundz, and exploring the breathtaking wilderness of the Chesapeake.
The cultural influences and experiences of his homeland and the city of his early youth have been a strong source of creative inspiration for the author. Trazer: Kids of Stolen Tomorrow is his debut novel, and the first book in the Trazer Series. When not writing, Joe enjoys working on other projects with his creative partners LenStorm, 7Woundz and Soundz, and exploring the breathtaking wilderness of the Chesapeake.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 17, 2018
A well written, excellent book for dystopian thriller fans young and old!
Won in the Goodreads Giveaways.
Won in the Goodreads Giveaways.
May 13, 2018
I won this novel in a goodreads drawing.
A strange novel abut a world on the brink of extinction, and the kid who has to stop it. I don't think I really got it.
A strange novel abut a world on the brink of extinction, and the kid who has to stop it. I don't think I really got it.
January 4, 2018
Well what can I say? A very interesting plot-line; well filled characters; keeps attention going; a fulfilling ending that makes you want to read more, and will look for the next in the series. I have a love/hate response to this book. It fills all the requirements of a great read ... except when it comes to language and flow. I was confused by the language (which slowed me down through the first few chapters until I just used phonics). I was also confused by the time jumps in the beginning. As the reader, I was left to figure this out on my own, which I did once I knew more of the plot-line. All in all, I had to work for this one. That is not a bad thing, just by doing that, you could know that it was interesting enough to keep me there. (Trust me on this: I do not normally stay with a book that makes me work at it. So the magic is there.)
This why I only gave 4 stars. I loved it and I hated it. Sometimes that's an Author's greatest compliment. Keep it up!
This why I only gave 4 stars. I loved it and I hated it. Sometimes that's an Author's greatest compliment. Keep it up!
April 6, 2018
Sure I'm the author, but hey! I read it! I loved it! You will too :)
February 9, 2018
wOw, I would NEVER give this book three stars.
June 15, 2018
It has been 93 years since the world almost ended yet was saved by the gods. The world is divided into classes with the red vanes being the lower class and the blue and green vanes higher. Dara Adeleye is an artist that is trying to raise her status with her work. But there is a special ability that she doesn’t know about.
Enter Kristano Arvelo, a trazer and leader of a local gang. Trazer is slang for graffiti writers with special abilities. Kristano has the ability to awaken Dara’s gifts. These gifts are important to the continued survival of the human race. It seems we are on the verge of another collapse and Dara may just hold the key to survival.
I liked the story. The world and characters are well written and I was drawn into the story curious at where it was going to go. The yorubua people and mythos was a great addition and something for me to research and learn more about.
The only problem I had was that the story was a little disjointed with having to look up things all the time. But beyond that it was a good read. I am curious to see where it is going to go from here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Enter Kristano Arvelo, a trazer and leader of a local gang. Trazer is slang for graffiti writers with special abilities. Kristano has the ability to awaken Dara’s gifts. These gifts are important to the continued survival of the human race. It seems we are on the verge of another collapse and Dara may just hold the key to survival.
I liked the story. The world and characters are well written and I was drawn into the story curious at where it was going to go. The yorubua people and mythos was a great addition and something for me to research and learn more about.
The only problem I had was that the story was a little disjointed with having to look up things all the time. But beyond that it was a good read. I am curious to see where it is going to go from here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
July 16, 2018
I felt that the plot was a good one, but the flow of it seemed a bit rushed at times. I found myself trying to keep up. Luckily it wasn't too crazy and ultimately I understanding everything and actually ended up appreciating the pace.
These characters each have their own personalities and depth to them.
None of them felt one-dimensional or forced, they all shined through as individuals.
Once I was in this novel I was immersed for sure.
There is so much in it... Sci-Fi Adventure, Action, Strong Lead, Lots of Backstory to the new World.
These characters each have their own personalities and depth to them.
None of them felt one-dimensional or forced, they all shined through as individuals.
Once I was in this novel I was immersed for sure.
There is so much in it... Sci-Fi Adventure, Action, Strong Lead, Lots of Backstory to the new World.
July 31, 2018
As always when first diving into a new world created by an author, there are many questions and catching up to do. I think Joseph O. Adegboyega-Edun did a good job of explaining his world and characters.
The pacing and plot of the novel was very well done. There was plenty of action and it really kept my attention throughout!
I very much enjoyed the characters and their interactions with one another.
There is a lot that goes on in this first installment and the reader will be highly anticipating the next!
The pacing and plot of the novel was very well done. There was plenty of action and it really kept my attention throughout!
I very much enjoyed the characters and their interactions with one another.
There is a lot that goes on in this first installment and the reader will be highly anticipating the next!
August 2, 2018
A descriptive ride into an imaginative world. I love everything from the cover, to the introduction, to the very last word. This is a very unique novel in which the author lets the characters shine through the pages. It’s very character driven and I found myself invested in them throughout.
April 9, 2018
I enjoyed it. Looking forward to book 2!
April 13, 2018
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review*
I wanted so much to like this book: sci-fi setting and #ownvoice too? Sign me up!
Sadly it's a very confusing novel about a post-apocalyptic Earth, attempting to go in different directions all at once.
The overabundance of made-up words for tools, locations, habits makes you keepig going back and forth to the glossary at the end, contributing to the overall sense of confusion set by the jumping plot.
It's a real bummer because the idea at the base of the book is solid and compelling: I think it should have needed a more "hands on deck" editor.
I wanted so much to like this book: sci-fi setting and #ownvoice too? Sign me up!
Sadly it's a very confusing novel about a post-apocalyptic Earth, attempting to go in different directions all at once.
The overabundance of made-up words for tools, locations, habits makes you keepig going back and forth to the glossary at the end, contributing to the overall sense of confusion set by the jumping plot.
It's a real bummer because the idea at the base of the book is solid and compelling: I think it should have needed a more "hands on deck" editor.
July 29, 2018
Adegboyega-Edun has written an imaginative and descriptive novel that does a great job of pulling the reader into the world he has created.
The flow of the novel was well executed and everything as far as pacing went felt smooth.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters both primary and secondary. They all felt like they had their own purpose and had depth that made me care about them.
A wonderful Young Adult Sci-Fi novel!
The flow of the novel was well executed and everything as far as pacing went felt smooth.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters both primary and secondary. They all felt like they had their own purpose and had depth that made me care about them.
A wonderful Young Adult Sci-Fi novel!
April 11, 2018
Took a couple reads, but wow. Story puts (THROWS) you in unique, very different dystopia. Characters have alot of depth. Took a bit to get used to the differences between the slang some of the kids use and the terms unique to that world but I got the hang of it and from there just a non-stop enjoyable ride. The Yoruba themes throughout pull it together. Just a well-written, unexpected take on sci-fi and can't wait for the next.
February 25, 2018
This was a GoodReads win.
I did not like this one. It starts out odd. It's extremely confusing and many things make no sense to me. The setting is a dystopyian world.
The Gods,Olorun, Shango, Eshu, and Orunmila have come from where ever they come from to save humanity. How? They unlease something called "versus" (it kills men, women and children indiscriminately one of the things that makes no sense to me) then they go back to wherever they came from.
Humanity has set up some sort of system of living called vanes. The red vanes is like slums where even the air is thin and extremely dirty, blue vanes or middle class and red vanes or upper class. Dara is really the first person the story talks of, she is in school. She is very smart and strives to get some sort of grant that will get her to a university in the red vane. The teacher is a jerk and shows no support tell her to give up her dreams of bettering herself (another thing that baffles me). Dara is on her way home and has some trouble when she thinks local law, called the Nth, shows up. A little girl appearing to 6 or 7 helps her disappear into a land of green grass that doesn't exist.
Jump forward in the book a group of kids form and start jumping through "phrins" which is a portal? The leader of the group, Kris has this "versus" but his body seems to be trying to fight it off.
So maybe they are trying to find a cure?
I made it page 196 before I totally gave up because I was lost to the plot, the story and basically the whole point of the book. This one just wasn't for me. I gave a neutral 3 stars because I could NOT make myself finish the book.
I did not like this one. It starts out odd. It's extremely confusing and many things make no sense to me. The setting is a dystopyian world.
The Gods,Olorun, Shango, Eshu, and Orunmila have come from where ever they come from to save humanity. How? They unlease something called "versus" (it kills men, women and children indiscriminately one of the things that makes no sense to me) then they go back to wherever they came from.
Humanity has set up some sort of system of living called vanes. The red vanes is like slums where even the air is thin and extremely dirty, blue vanes or middle class and red vanes or upper class. Dara is really the first person the story talks of, she is in school. She is very smart and strives to get some sort of grant that will get her to a university in the red vane. The teacher is a jerk and shows no support tell her to give up her dreams of bettering herself (another thing that baffles me). Dara is on her way home and has some trouble when she thinks local law, called the Nth, shows up. A little girl appearing to 6 or 7 helps her disappear into a land of green grass that doesn't exist.
Jump forward in the book a group of kids form and start jumping through "phrins" which is a portal? The leader of the group, Kris has this "versus" but his body seems to be trying to fight it off.
So maybe they are trying to find a cure?
I made it page 196 before I totally gave up because I was lost to the plot, the story and basically the whole point of the book. This one just wasn't for me. I gave a neutral 3 stars because I could NOT make myself finish the book.
January 23, 2019
I quite enjoyed this book--particularly the inclusion of Yoruba words and elements of Yoruba cosmology. I found the world of this novel to be fascinating as well and felt the inclusion of slang and multiple languages contributed to the sense of depth. I also feel the topics addressed--wealth inequality, ecological devastation, segregation, and the desires of some to build walls to keep others out--to be extremely relevant in today's political climate.
Fair warning, you may have to work for it a bit to understand the story: The reader is put down in medias res both in terms of the plot and the world. The characters really inhabit this world, so they already know things like what a 'cles' is, so they don't talk about it too much. Thus, the reader must make inference or use the glossary.
My only quibbles were that there was some tendency for characters to monologue and the long chapters with time jumps sometimes disrupted the flow of the action. I only mention these characteristics, though, because I really really dig this book and am very excited to see where JOAE takes his writing in the future!!
Fair warning, you may have to work for it a bit to understand the story: The reader is put down in medias res both in terms of the plot and the world. The characters really inhabit this world, so they already know things like what a 'cles' is, so they don't talk about it too much. Thus, the reader must make inference or use the glossary.
My only quibbles were that there was some tendency for characters to monologue and the long chapters with time jumps sometimes disrupted the flow of the action. I only mention these characteristics, though, because I really really dig this book and am very excited to see where JOAE takes his writing in the future!!
May 25, 2018
I recieved this book free for my honest review.
It was ok. The jumping back and forth in the time line was chopping and difficult to wrap my head around. There is a whole glossery in the back for the slang and mew words just to understand the book. I probably would have done better if I made notes like what year what was happening and who real name when with what nickname. Overall is was meh. But then again dystopian isn't really. y normal genre.
It was ok. The jumping back and forth in the time line was chopping and difficult to wrap my head around. There is a whole glossery in the back for the slang and mew words just to understand the book. I probably would have done better if I made notes like what year what was happening and who real name when with what nickname. Overall is was meh. But then again dystopian isn't really. y normal genre.
May 5, 2021
I just could not get through this book. I couldn't explain the plot to anyone. I don't know character names. It took me so long to read. It was not for me. Too much back and forth between different times and characters. I couldn't follow. I wouldn't have finished this book if I hadn't paid for it because it was a reading challenge book.
October 11, 2018
Ended too soon!
Thank you for writing about people like me. People that are outside of the mainstream. I hate that this book ended so quickly. I would have liked to have seen the powerful suffer more, but such is life. I'm really looking forward to book two. Thank you Joseph.
Thank you for writing about people like me. People that are outside of the mainstream. I hate that this book ended so quickly. I would have liked to have seen the powerful suffer more, but such is life. I'm really looking forward to book two. Thank you Joseph.
March 25, 2018
This is a goodreads give away. A complicated story which confused me . Found it hard to follow and the language difficult
February 4, 2024
Love it. A truly gifted author.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews