Seventeen

Seventeen #1

by Suzanne Lowe

Can you imagine a world where everything you grew up with is gone? No adults, no internet, no rules. Could you survive?

When the KV17 virus kills everyone above the age of seventeen, life becomes a battle of survival for the children left behind. Seeking to escape the escalating violence in the city two sisters, Lexi and Hadley flee to the Australian outback. Finding sanctuary in the small town of Jasper’s Bay, they soon realise it is far from safe, as a gang of lawless teenagers terrorise the town.
Caught in a bitter feud leading to betrayal, deceit and murder, the girls must quickly uncover who their enemies are, and who they can trust.
In a world drastically changed from everything they once knew; can the sisters learn to adapt before it is too late?

2018 Winner of the New Apple YA horror/Sci-Fi award.
2020 Bronze medal in Science Fiction Readers' Favorite.

A young adult adventure story set in the Australian outback. Australian spelling and slang used. Contains mild violence.​

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

372 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2016

About the author

Suzanne was born in Perth Western Australia and as a young adult grew up in the small country town of Tom Price situated in the outback of Western Australia.
Suzanne has a Bachelor of Science Degree, and her interests include hiking, snorkeling, and photography. She also enjoys going to science fiction conventions!
Suzanne has an adventurous spirit and has had the opportunity to experience many exciting adventures including swimming with Whale Sharks on Ningaloo reef, climbing to Mt Everest base camp in Nepal, descending into one of the pyramids at Giza in Egypt, flying in a hot air balloon over the Valley of the Kings, parachuting from a plane at 12000 feet in York, Western Australia, sitting on the edge of an active volcano on Tanna island in Vanuatu, and photographing Emperor penguins in Antarctica!

In 2019 Suzanne has won the award for best Sci fi/Horror in an e-book in the New Apple literary awards for her YA novel Seventeen and received a bronze medal from Readers' Favorite International Writers' Literary competition for her children's novel The Pirate Princess and the Golden Locket.

In 2020, she was awarded a Book Excellence Award in Pre-Teen Literature for The Pirate Princess and the Golden Locket and nominated for best children's book in both the Top Shelf Awards and International Independent Book Awards.

In 2024 Suzanne produced the Australian feature film The Canary.

Suzanne is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the Travel Writers Association, the Australian Society of Authors, and the Australian Science Fiction Society.

Her published works include;
Fiction
Seventeen, book one in the Seventeen Series. A YA dystopian adventure story set in Australia.
Rage, book two in the Seventeen Series.
Divided, book three in the Seventeen Series.
The Pirate Princess and the Golden Locket, a pirate adventure story for middle-grade children.
The Pirate Princess and the Sirens', Song book two in the Pirate Princess adventures.

Non fiction
Travel to Tokyo, a guide to traveling in Japan.
Travel to Tokyo with kids! A parents guide for holidaying in Japan

Suzanne's author website is www.Suzanneloweauthor.com
Twitter is www.twitter.com/@Suzanne_Lowe_
Instagram is www.instagram.com/suzannelowe.author/
Facebook is www.facebook.com/suzanneloweauthor/

Reviews

[Nathalie Alie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The book is filled with suspence and makes you want to read the whole book at once. I hope there will be more books because I want to know what happens next. Everyone should read this book.

[Leigh (ofsparksandmagick) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhhh... This book!.. It's good in a terrifying way.. Me being way beyond 17 means I wont survive it and thinking I might live little ones (which I dont have yet except for a nephew) behind and unprepared is truly terriying.. makes you think it's best to teach them survival, social skills and leadership at early age.. It's eye opening really because there is that possibility, maybe not that same chemical reaction but a chemical reaction nonetheless.. so yes the plot the story is good.. I just think she talks a lot! good thing it's not the younger sister who's narrating because she clearly said that her younger sister loves to talked more than she does.. It's a good ya read but its a good adult read aswell, like I said it will make you think of bringing up your child prepared for the possibilities..

[Adrian Guretti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good for a YA book though it felt a watered down version of what life would be like after society breaks down. I imagine it would be more brutal by far but the young don't need those kind of horror stories, do they? I would have also liked some more references to Perthling experiences or places. If I don't mention the editing and grammar I can say, on the whole I found it enjoyable.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seventeen is as entertaining as it is terrifying. Just the thought of teenagers fending for themselves, after watching their parents die of a devastating virus, is enough to scare parents into preparing their children for an apocalypse.
Lexi thought that with no school or work to go to time would just slow down. She even thought it would completely stop when her parents died, but it didn’t, life continued even if she did not want it to continue. She had to make decisions for both her and her sister. Though they wanted to stay in their family home, it was no longer safe. The only option now was to leave town, going against principles they never thought they would have to face, stealing from dead neighbors.
They join with similar minded teenagers for protection and companionship; they combined forces to ward off the older mutated teenagers who roamed the countryside taking what they wanted with an unexplainable rage.
I find this novel similar to the BBC production of Sparticle Project, though the adults in this story never come back and the virus is still alive seeking more victims. I love how the sisters stayed together even when it was very rough and worked through their differences.

[Aisha-Kimberly Hashmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read, loved and reviewed this book, YOUR TURN

Being 17 in a world that one day turns upside down, no adults. Now join 2 girls who have to become adults and be ruthless to survive. A page turner till the end. Characters and world descriptions and interactions are deep, descriptions put you right in the action and you will enjoy the perfect balance of tension and suspense. A great book all ages can enjoy.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventeen

I really enjoyed this book. Wished for a better ending but really enjoyed it all the same. It made me thing about what I would do if some virus came through our point country I everyone. Good read.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, the dystopian novel, quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Here Suzanne Lowe gives us what most teenagers probably think they want - no adults - and quickly teaches them to be careful what they wish for. Sisters Lexi and Hadley are Australian teens orphaned by the adult killing virus known as KV17. Safe for only a short time in their family home, eventually they set off to find security with others like them. Lexi and Hadley are welcomed into the community of Jasper's Bay by the surviving young inhabitants and set about making a new life. As it turns out, it isn't as easy as adults made it look and they struggle. Pepper in a sadistic antagonist named Broc and his band of cruel misfits, KV17 mutating into God only knows what, and Lexi quickly reaching the age of uncertainty and you have Seventeen; 337 pages of dark foreboding mixed with just the right amount of lighthearted humor, the quintessential good people versus evil people conflict, and a story that will resonate with any teen or young adult. Fully fleshed out characters, realistic scenarios, and exemplary writing garners this novel a five star review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of Seventeen is terrifying. Teenagers fending for themselves after everyone older than 17 dies from a virus that has swept through the world. This is reminiscent of a few different novels and TV shows I’ve read and seen, and I really enjoyed Suzanne Lowe’s take on this concept.

Lexi and her sister are left to face this new world, alone, doing things to survive that go against everything they’ve been taught, like stealing from their dead neighbors. They band together with a group of like minded teenagers and are forced to deal with all sorts of danger.

I think I wanted the characters to be more fleshed out. Sometimes they felt a little flat and other times they felt super realistic. On the plus side, this is the first in the series, so, there’s plenty of room for more character development!

Overall, I really enjoyed Seventeen. It was filled with heart pounding action, a terrifying premise and I’m excited to see how the next book plays out. I definitely recommend checking this one out if you love dystopians!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is pretty frightening, even within the first few pages. The premise that is painted is something that seems like it is ripped from the headlines, so it doesn’t take too much imagination to be able to see it happening for real, especially if you keep up with current events. It is in the vein of some really great books before it, but told in a younger and unique way. The whole narrative involves a raw and heartbreaking story, with small happy moments found wherever they will fit. I love it when we see the dialogue that Lexi has with herself because it says so much about her. The revelation at the end was unexpected and was subtle, so it ended the story on a note that really made sense. In essence, this title is a great mix of coming of age and dystopian, with a great amount of survivalism built in.

[Magaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is the kind of book, that you need to read in a beanbag with a cup of tea and popcorn and no interruptions. The story line which follows the lives of 2 young women, who are sent into complete disarray when a virus infects and ultimately kills adults, and slowly society begins to disintegrate and with it all the things that we take for granted. The strength of the two main characters develop as the book continues and this new found maturity helps them face a very different life in a new world. I'm a true lover of young adult fiction and this hits all the 'marks'. A definite must read. The book concludes with the reader eagerly waiting for the next book in the series. A first class debut novel

[Goodreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for young adults
I think a lot of people are reviewing this book who are above the intended age group, so they may find it not to their liking.
But as someone who is of the age group I think this book has a lot of great moments and builds epic tension.
It's a great idea of, not what happens in the virus stage, but the aftermath. We don't generally think about the people left behind after an apocalyptic event and especially not the children. The characters behave very realistically for what they are aged and this book takes you on a ride of events.
I would definitely recommend this book for any young adult who like apocalyptic adventures as it kept me wanting to read on and left me wondering - would I survive?

[meg buch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is the kind of book, that i like reading with no interruptions. The story line which follows the life's of 2 young women, who are sent into complete disarray when a virus infects and ultimately kills adults, and slowy society begins to disintegrate and with it all the things that we take for granted. I really enjoyed reading about the characters in the story, especially Lexi the main character and wanted to keep reading to find out what happens to her and her sister. i hope the writer writes a follow up book.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book for anyone who loves the both the dystopian and post-apocalyptic genres, the setting of Australia and characters who you will both fall in love with and other who you will detest!
Seventeen has a great concept of a world without adults and offers a thrilling glimpse into the chaos it would cause.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy reading steadily paced novels about trying to overcome evil in a destroyed world.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Seventeen for so many reasons. I loved reading a story set in Australia as I found that interesting, and I fell in love with many of the characters, especially Lexi. The story had me engaged from start to finish and I really enjoyed witnessing the slow and steady crumble of 'normal', mundane society into a world where new rules and power groups have to be formed by kids and teens! Very different from today’s world

[Suzanne Lowe]

I hope you enjoy reading my first novel Seventeen. The setting is in the outback of Australia, a place that I grew up in. It can be a very harsh place to live, and without adults, the difficulties that face my two main characters, Lexi and Hadley are daunting. I enjoyed writing about Lexi and watching her mature, as she slowly realises that she has an inner strength that makes her a leader.

[Kat Varnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love dystopian novels because each one brings a new concept of how the world fell to chaos and how the world is then forced to reorder itself in order to return some semblance of normalcy, and Seventeen is no different. Suzanne Lowe brings forth a new dystopian world where a disease has wiped out all adults, leaving the children to fend for themselves. Not only are we given the process of slowly descending into a dystopian society, but it’s done in a country that is practically closed off from the rest of society and shows just how long it takes to affect Australians compared to the rest of the world. Practically every dystopian novel I have read takes place in what used to be the United States, so it was refreshing to see one that began in such an isolated place.

The story centers around Lexi and her younger sister Hadley as they struggle to adapt to this new world in Perth, Australia. Eventually deciding that it’s safer to move away from the city, the sisters find themselves in the small farming town of Jasper’s Bay. The kids of the town are facing off with a gang of bullies that keeps tormenting the town, and we see the teamwork of desperate kids formed as they work together to rid their town of the bullies. We get to see the tough choices that the children must make without any adults there to guide them, in true dystopian fashion.

*Minor Spoilers Ahead*

As the story progresses, we get an inside look of each of the kids and how they’ve come to adapt to this new society as well as how they form together in order to chase off the gang. Although third-person omniscient POV can be extremely hard to work with, Lowe does a phenomenal job in getting the reader into each individual’s head for a brief period of time. However, this was also one of the issues I had with this story. As soon as Lexi and Hadley step foot into the town, we lose most of their story to the rest of the town’s kids. It goes through about half the chapters before we ever jump back into their POV again. I understand the idea of showing us glimpses of the kids in the town, but I wish the story had maintained it’s focus more on Lexi and Hadley like it had in the beginning.

Another problem I had was the existence of Elisha and abruptness of Braydon and Lilly’s departure. It seemed as if Elisha’s only purpose in the story was to provide an explanation for the mutation of the virus. We see Elisha for only a moment before the mutation takes over and she is forced out of town. I feel as if the mutation could have still have been explained without the superfluous existence of a character who shows up for a chapter and a half before disappearing. After her disappearance, we don’t hear anything else about the mutation until the second-to-last chapter when Braydon exiles himself. At least we were given a build-up for his eventual leaving, what with killing his cousin and all, but Lilly’s appeared to be almost completely random. One moment she was fine and the next she was exiling herself too. The only reasoning for the mystery could be that it will be explained in the eventual continuation of the story, but as for now it left it quite unsatisfied.

*End of Spoilers*

Overall, the story was very well done and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I can’t wait see where this series takes us next.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review. No exchanges of bribes or material goods occurred for my review.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A jet from Japan crashes and releases the KV17 virus into the world which kills all adults. In Perth Australia we meet sisters Lexi and Hadley. KV17 has killed their parents but they are still living at home until it becomes unsafe. They travel in their neighbor’s car until they find a community of other kids trying to survive. Things go well for a while until a local bully, Broc starts attacking the community. But that is just the start of the troubles. It seems KV17 has mutated and is starting to affect those that are 17. Lexi is starting to get the rashes and Hadley don’t know what she is going to do if she loses her sister.

I love a good dystopian story and what better one than a super virus that kills adults. Teens rejoice, no parental rule. Well that is until you have to start taking care of yourself and trying to survive in this new world. Lexi and Hadley are trying to stay safe at home but when it is robbed they have to venture for better grounds, which in not easy to come by.

Thankfully they find a community that is trying to work together to survive. Of course you have vultures like Broc that want easy gains and the joy of bullying and hurting people. When that seem to be tough enough, then you have the mutated virus that is still killing people.

I loved the bond that Lexi and Hadley have. They clearly are there to look out for each other. It was heart breaking when Lexi and others started getting affected by the mutated virus. They just can’t seem to find a break.

I really enjoyed this story. It’s a great dystopian with a good look at what can happen in a disaster and how working together can help survive it. Even if those we love don’t make it, we still have to keep fighting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[Réal Laplaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seventeen, by Suzanne Lowe, is a post-apocalyptic story about a virus which spreads into Australia, rapidly killing off the adult population, and leaving the youths and children to fend for themselves in a deteriorating world. The story revolves around two sisters who are forced to rely on their wits and mutual support, to endure the rapid decline of the world they once knew, as deaths pile up, as the societal infrastructure starts to crumble, and as fear sets in. At times, it feels like one is reading a carefree story about two sisters who are making the best of their circumstances, and then suddenly, the brutality shatters their illusion, as they begin to realize they are not safe – but then again, where is safe when the virus itself starts to prey on even those in the upper teens, transforming them from normal to unpredictably aggressive, even brutally violent. This a story that shows us where principles play their role, even when no one is around to enforce them, where human decency becomes paramount when chaos abounds. If you like a dark post-apocalyptic tale, with a touch of Lord of the Flies theme, this one will entertain you.

[Sally906 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit creepy reading this post apocalyptic story about the world after a virus when a virus is spreading its way through our world right now.

[Lynda Engler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novel story from an inexperienced author, but not bad.
I liked the concept, but did not think that it was executed as well as it could have been. The writing is good (a few typos) but some of the concepts were not fleshed out. After the adults died (slowly) from a bio-weapon virus, the children are left; without looking up the numbers, I will hazard a percentage of 25% of Australia's population is under 17. That's still about half a million people in Perth alone, many of whom are 15 or older and can drive (although maybe not well) yet very few cars are on the road, and very few people. Yet these kids are alone, as if they are almost the sole survivors.
Beyond the numbers issue, the children try to go on with life as best they can without parents, caring for those younger, etc and do a great job compared to Lord of the Flies. The story portrays the age of the protagonists well. At 16 they don't plan well (they eat the junk food first instead of the perishables), they don't have a lot of the practical knowledge of how the world works beyond their own communities, and there are "bad guys" out there they need to protect themselves from. That part is very well done. But when the 17 year old's start to go mad instead of die, they don't seem nearly as concerned as they should be. And when the gang starts hurting one of the main characters, her reaction isn't "OMG I'm gonna die" but rather that her character has been assassinated. I do realize teenagers are self-centered (both mine just got through those years!) but I found that unrealistic.
That being said, this is a good concept story, and an author that as she gains experience may be worth watching for future gems. I will read more of her work.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also enjoyed the storys setting in Australia. I liked the different characters and enjoyed seeing them face difficult situations. It made me wonder how I would react in the same situation. I liked the fact that there were no adults left in the world and the teenagers had to work out how to survive on their own. I think this would be very difficult for most people today. It was an interesting story and kept me entertained until the end.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the fact that it was set in Australia. It kept me entertained and made me wonder what I would do in the same situation. I liked the authors descriptions and the way the characters had to make difficult decisions. A good book for young adults and teens.

[Ale · Rating 2 out of 5]

A note that, after the first rant, I think it is needed:
I'm almost 28 years old and I was in for some survival novel. I hoped (at best) for a little brother of "The day of the Triffids" (book only) or "The death of grass". I didn't find it. If you are a teen, it is possible that you'll like this book. You'll probably need to stop right there and read a review written by any of your peers! ;)
If you are not a teenager any more and if you liked the two books previously written, well, my rant is following here! :D

So many good ideas.. into nothing :(

I'm really upset about this book: I liked the set up very much: all the adults die because of a virus and only kids remain. A modern Lord of the flies, it had a good start.

But then, there was no thinking about future, no organization to survive, no planning.. nothing, just a bunch of kids, a mean bully and no thinking about the future at all..

I mean: all the adults are dead: Ok, done. What are you worring about? Save the little doggy on the neighbouroud. Ok.. we need to pack? Pack videogames and biscuits. And well drive around with no planning in mind.. Reach a new city.. and well.. they are just all living in their homes and doing chores... And playing videogames to pass the time.. what?
how about twelve years from now? twenty? nothing in mind? Doesn't ring any bell? I dthought so... but you are 16-17 years old, not 6!!!!
I waited, for someone to realize that they needed to do something, anything really, that was about surviving in the long run, but nothing.

Then older teens begin to go crazy, but the kids don't panic. They do nothing.. research? Did they tried to find something about the virus? Obviously not!!!

My, I would have been ok with some depression!!!!
:(

[Madalena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5*

Full review soon/Opinião completa em breve (http://presa-nas-palavras.blogspot.com/)

ENG
I really enjoyed Seventeen. The characters themselves were very well built and the story is extremely interesting. The action itself doesn't have a fast pace, on the contrary, it drags a bit as a consequence of the situation that the characters live in, however, I preferred the action this way - gave it a more realistic touch to the story and allowed the reader to understand how people would act in an almost apocalyptic situation like this.
However, I wish it had a different ending, I do not know if there will be a second book (if there is one, better yet), but I wish I had more answers.
Other than that, it's a book I recommend. It is not quite full of action, but it is a good and interesting read.

---

PT
Eu gostei bastante de Seventeen. As personagens em si foram muito bem construídas e a história é extremamente interessante. A ação em si não é rápida, pelo contrário, acaba por se arrastar um bocado como consequência da situação que as personagens vivem e não compreendem, no entanto, eu preferi a ação em si, deu um toque mais realista à história e permitiu ao leitor compreender como é que as pessoas iriam agir numa situação quase apocalíptica como esta.
Gostava era de ter tido um final diferente, não sei se vai haver um segundo livro (se houver, melhor ainda), mas gostava de ter tido mais respostas.
Tirando isso, é um livro que recomendo. Não é algo completamente cheio de emoção, mas é uma boa e interessante leitura.

[Blanca Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dystopian story for teens and young adults
Young Lexi, aged sixteen, and her sister, Hadley, aged twelve are left to look after themselves after their parents die of a mystery virus. It appears that all the adults in the world have died. These sisters struggle to survive in their home without their parents, but realise they are not safe and decide to move to a smaller town, where they hope to find children in a similar position. They do find a community of sorts but it is beset by incursions from a marauding gang, led by troubled teen, Broc. Unfortunately Broc’s idea of fun involves cruelty and torture. I can believe that there would be kids who love to cause trouble and that this sort of thing would probably occur if adults and law and order were removed from the equation.

[Bri Morrow · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's unfortunate. This book had a lot of potential with a pretty cool concept however it was really let down by the poor editing and average writing. It makes for a hard read when every few pages there are errors and plot holes as a result of poor follow through. Two examples are a kid is on his right side after being thrown across a room but then the next sentence talks about the scrapes and bruises on his left side as a result of the throw, and a character who's hair was completely cut off having to brush stray hair from her face that had fallen out of her ponytail.

I know I may seem like I'm being pedantic but for me these are key things to writing a good book; flow, a good concept, resolution, good writing, good English. A lot of these were lacking in this book.

[Tahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Seventeen for so many reasons. I fell in love with many of the characters, especially Lexi, and loved to hate others. The story had me engaged from start to finish and I really enjoyed witnessing the slow and steady crumble of 'normal', mundane society into a world where new rules and power groups have to be formed (and formed by kids and teens!).
I also loved the Australian setting. It's not often that you find a book that is set in Australia and is not focused specifically on life in Australia or Australian culture. Reading a story which was set where I grew up was a nice change.

I recommend this for anyone looking for post a 'society break-down' novel.

[LyndaVee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is based on the same premise as the well-known young adult series ‘Gone’. In this book all the adults die, leaving a society of children and teens to fend for themselves. We know that biological weapons have been engineered with the express purpose of killing humans and it is no great stretch to imagine weapons developed solely to kill adults. So the scenario is credible. Also credible is the unfortunate fact that children left to their own devices are not very civilised and there will always be an element which enjoys bullying. Parts of the book are therefore violent and distressing.

[Jimmy Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun entertaining thriller.

Lexi and Hadley are teen age sisters who have survived a devastating virus that has killed all of the adults on the planet. They will find themselves in a struggle for survival as they join others to rebuild and survive this crazy event. The characters are well developed with a good story and a great journey through a new world testing the metal of all of the young survivors. The author has done a good job with the presentation and entertainment value of this story. I really enjoyed this read. Check it out and let me know what you thought.

[Jayde Windus - Crazy☆Jayde☆Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Bit About Seventeen...

A YA Dystopian thriller set in Perth Australia where a vicious virus quickly spreads, infecting and killing every adult in its path, leaving children and teenagers alone to fend for themselves. As the world starts becoming unlike anything they've ever known, Lexi and her little sister Hadley seek refuge in the small town of Jasper's Bay, where they soon realize that things aren't all that they seem. With trouble just around the corner posing a threat to everyone in town, Lexi, Hadley and their new friends must come together to not only protect the town and its people but to secure a future for everyone.

~Overall Review~

This fast-paced, suspenseful novel had a somewhat rocky start in which Lowe seemed unsure of herself with regards to a character's interests and day-to-day life. At the beginning, the reader was uncertain as to whether Lowe would redeem herself and if the novel was worth continuing...BUT, she certainly did not disappoint!
As the story progressed, a sequence of TERRIFYING events unfolded and the intensity greatly increased with each chapter. Lowe's voice in the novel became clearer, more concise and solid. One of her greatest strengths as a writer is her undeniable ability to describe the actions and feelings of her characters, most particularly in hostile or life-threatening situations.
Even her use of similes, although commonly used in the novel, helped to convey to the reader what was happening in a different perspective, which only gave a clearer picture of how to imagine particular scenes.
The PLOT itself, although simple and somewhat predictable to a point, was realistic and well thought out. It clearly showed not only how chaos would arise from lack of guidance and authority, but also what kids would have to do in order to protect themselves and to survive AT ALL COSTS. The plot and story in general didn't hold back the OBVIOUS truth that without adults, kids would be lost without them.
Although some would band together and look out for one another, others would see this as an opportunity and take advantage of this fragile situation for their OWN selfish purpose. With no adults there to keep them in check, they could do whatever they wanted, apparently.
However, the story and its characters are confined to the troubles and struggles of Jasper's Bay, leaving the reader NEEDING to know what's happening around the world and if all humankind were suffering the same fate as Australia. Despite this, it is reasonable to think that due to lack of internet connection and general cable service, the characters could NEVER know what was happening beyond the town's borders.

Being the first book, in what will no doubt be a series, and as part of the dystopian genre, it is to be expected that although the events may seem a little horrifying, it will obviously only get worse from here.

~The Nasty Negatives~

The only major concern was the amount of grammatical and spelling errors scattered throughout the book. Not to mentions sometimes rusty or unnecessary dialogue, which ALL could've been avoided had the editing team done their job properly.

Let's Wrap It Up!

Seventeen is about what it means to be young and in world where NO ONE will come to help you, how things can quickly take a turn for the worst in the most unpredictable circumstances and how strangers can come together in unity to ensure that a future can be attained.
It's DARK, it's DISHEARTENING, it's INTENSE, (sometimes even aggravating), but THE KEY to loving this story is to realize that kids DO have it in them to EMPOWER and stand with each other to make the world as great a place as it can be.