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Night Runner #1
Night Runner
For Zack Thomson, living in the Nicholls Ward isn't so bad. After his parents died, he developed strange and severe allergies, and the mental institution was the only place where he could be properly looked after. As strange as it was, it was home.
He could watch as much television as he wanted; his best friend Charlie visited him often enough; and Nurse Ophelia--the prettiest no-nonsense nurse ever--sometimes took him bowling. Of course, that didn't mean he had it easy. His allergies restricted his diet to strawberry smoothies, and being the only kid at the hospital could get lonely. But it never once crossed Zack's mind to leave...until the night someone crashed through the front doors and told him to run. Now he's on a race for answers--about his past, his parents, and his strange sickness--even as every step takes him closer to the darkest of truths.
He could watch as much television as he wanted; his best friend Charlie visited him often enough; and Nurse Ophelia--the prettiest no-nonsense nurse ever--sometimes took him bowling. Of course, that didn't mean he had it easy. His allergies restricted his diet to strawberry smoothies, and being the only kid at the hospital could get lonely. But it never once crossed Zack's mind to leave...until the night someone crashed through the front doors and told him to run. Now he's on a race for answers--about his past, his parents, and his strange sickness--even as every step takes him closer to the darkest of truths.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2008
49 people are currently reading
2510 people want to read
About the author
Max Turner
4 books73 followersThere is more than one author with this name
MAX TURNER has been a high school science teacher for seven years. Night Runner is his debut novel. He lives in Ottawa with his wife and two children.
MAX TURNER has been a high school science teacher for seven years. Night Runner is his debut novel. He lives in Ottawa with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
August 23, 2009
*Advanced Reader Copy*
Ok, so this book wasn't awful but it wasn't really great either. I'm not a "Young Adult" but I don't discriminate against books that are written for that market. Many are still solid stories. Some YA books are YA because they write from a teenager character perspective. Some are YA because they tone down the sex/violence to suit a younger audience. And this book definitely does both. But what it unfortunately also does is try to write prose and dialogue in a "hip" manner - but badly. It reads like an adult who's trying a little hard to write young.
The other issue with this book is that from the start, it's clearly set-up with a series mentality in mind. This first novel reads more like a prologue rather than a fully-fleshed out complete story. You're halfway through the book before ANYTHING happens. It's all just background and place setting.
When the action does occur, it does so in weird fits and spurts. Some parts feel like filler while other parts fly past at warp speed.
The very formulaic ending comes along exactly as you'd expect and features a "saw that coming 'surprise' bad guy reveal/betrayal," a character who's "more than meets the eye" and two other characters who are thrown completely into a ridiculous "buddy" role to the main character. It also ends just as one would when planning further novels - an ambiguous "end" to the Big Bad Character of the book.
I think there's potential for author Max Turner should he get some further experience in writing novels. Tighter editing, more polish and better character development would all go a long way to improving the reading experience of his book. He's a first time author with this novel and it sadly shows in many ways.
Still, it's not all bad. It may read better for those of a younger demographic that aren't so versed in typical novel-writing formula. I do fear that if the series does continue but the writing does not improve, it may turn off it's target audience eventually as said audience grows, matures and is left feeling a little "talked down to" by the current "voice" used in the first book.
Ok, so this book wasn't awful but it wasn't really great either. I'm not a "Young Adult" but I don't discriminate against books that are written for that market. Many are still solid stories. Some YA books are YA because they write from a teenager character perspective. Some are YA because they tone down the sex/violence to suit a younger audience. And this book definitely does both. But what it unfortunately also does is try to write prose and dialogue in a "hip" manner - but badly. It reads like an adult who's trying a little hard to write young.
The other issue with this book is that from the start, it's clearly set-up with a series mentality in mind. This first novel reads more like a prologue rather than a fully-fleshed out complete story. You're halfway through the book before ANYTHING happens. It's all just background and place setting.
When the action does occur, it does so in weird fits and spurts. Some parts feel like filler while other parts fly past at warp speed.
The very formulaic ending comes along exactly as you'd expect and features a "saw that coming 'surprise' bad guy reveal/betrayal," a character who's "more than meets the eye" and two other characters who are thrown completely into a ridiculous "buddy" role to the main character. It also ends just as one would when planning further novels - an ambiguous "end" to the Big Bad Character of the book.
I think there's potential for author Max Turner should he get some further experience in writing novels. Tighter editing, more polish and better character development would all go a long way to improving the reading experience of his book. He's a first time author with this novel and it sadly shows in many ways.
Still, it's not all bad. It may read better for those of a younger demographic that aren't so versed in typical novel-writing formula. I do fear that if the series does continue but the writing does not improve, it may turn off it's target audience eventually as said audience grows, matures and is left feeling a little "talked down to" by the current "voice" used in the first book.
February 12, 2016
It was okay, but not what I expect. And the ending makes me scream! LOL! Cliffhanger baby! :)
October 29, 2010
Night Runner by Max Turner held a lot of punch. The entire story is one crazy ride in the newly exciting life of Zack Thomson. For the past eight years he had been living basically in isolation inside a mental ward. He has a plethora of allergies - including an extreme reaction to the sun. Therefore, he sleeps all day and lives at night. He also cannot stomach food, he has to drink special concoctions, which he dubs "brain cocktails". The only two friends he has are Charlie and Nurse Ophelia.
Charlie has been around his whole life, the boys were friends before Zack was orphaned and his condition started. Charlie is his only regular visitor and his best friend. He is a mischievous, daring character who often pushes the limits. However, he is liked by most people and he is Zack's right had man, and is there when he needs him the most.
Nurse Ophelia, Zack's only other "friend" is the night nurse at the ward. She seems to really take to Zack and often defends him when he gets one of his mood swings from not eating. She occasionally takes him out to movies and things; basically she is the closes thing to a mother he has.
This book is incredibly plot driven. Right in the first few pages Zack's safe world is shattered (literally) when a crazed old man, who turns out to be a vampire, crashes through the mental ward and tells Zack he is in danger. This starts a long chain of events that keeps Zack on his toes and on the run.
While the plot was definitely exciting, I just wish there was a little more character development. I think that Turner did a magnificent job with Zack - he is one of the funniest narrators I have seen in a long time. He makes tons of pop culture references that I always found hilarious. For example, he drops this little jem on page seven,
"He's coming," he continued. "He could be here any second". The man put a hand on my shoulder and pushed me gently toward the motorcycle again. He looked back over his shoulder at the parking lot. I got the feeling Darth Vader was about to waltz in and lightsabre us both in half".
He is also a big fan of the Tolkien masterpiece, The Hobbit and often makes snide comments referencing it. Zack is also struggling with the new revelation that he is a vampire. He is delighted to finally have some answers, but he isn't crazy about the diet or the whole "evil" thing. He makes a promise to himself that he will remain "good" and not go on a crazy killing spree. I love this quote from him about his decision (pg. 49)
"Well, I had no doubt in my mind what I would choose. I would be good. I certainly wasn't a threat to anybody. I didn't even believe in mousetraps."
But, the fact that Zack is such a great character only made me want to get to know the other characters better. The rest of the cast is highly underdeveloped. Like I said before, the book is highly plot-driven and unfortunately the rest of the characters suffer. I loved what I saw from them, but I was left wanting more - especially with Luna. Luna is Zack's love interest in the book; although she doesn't appear until almost halfway through it. He meets her through Charlie - Luna is Charlie's girlfriend's (Suki) sister. We get a few details about Luna, but not a great sense of the character. I hope that in the upcoming books we will see more from her.
However, I loved both the plot and the idea behind the story. This isn't just another run of the mill vampire story. What makes this so incredibly unique, is that, one: Zack has been living the past eight years as a vampire, and had no idea. The second aspect of this story that makes it a standout is that this is more of an action story. There are no melodramatic vampires moping around looking for human companionship. This is a on the edge of your seat action ride that never really lets up. It's a refreshing change of pace.
While I enjoyed the majority of the plot, I did have a problem with the ending, at least the last 20 pages or so. I don't want to give it away for those of you who haven't read it, but the events that occur seem to have been taken rather lightly. I know that for the story to progress, the plot had to go into that direction, but everyone seemed to go with the flow a little to easily for me. For those of you who have read it, I'll give you a clue as to what I am talking about - Charlie and Luna.
But, honestly, besides that last 20 pages, the plot was amazing; it was action packed, exhilarating and hilarious. Night Runner was definitely a page turner. I just hope that in the next book, End of Days, the secondary characters, like Luna and Charlie are developed a bit more.
Charlie has been around his whole life, the boys were friends before Zack was orphaned and his condition started. Charlie is his only regular visitor and his best friend. He is a mischievous, daring character who often pushes the limits. However, he is liked by most people and he is Zack's right had man, and is there when he needs him the most.
Nurse Ophelia, Zack's only other "friend" is the night nurse at the ward. She seems to really take to Zack and often defends him when he gets one of his mood swings from not eating. She occasionally takes him out to movies and things; basically she is the closes thing to a mother he has.
This book is incredibly plot driven. Right in the first few pages Zack's safe world is shattered (literally) when a crazed old man, who turns out to be a vampire, crashes through the mental ward and tells Zack he is in danger. This starts a long chain of events that keeps Zack on his toes and on the run.
While the plot was definitely exciting, I just wish there was a little more character development. I think that Turner did a magnificent job with Zack - he is one of the funniest narrators I have seen in a long time. He makes tons of pop culture references that I always found hilarious. For example, he drops this little jem on page seven,
"He's coming," he continued. "He could be here any second". The man put a hand on my shoulder and pushed me gently toward the motorcycle again. He looked back over his shoulder at the parking lot. I got the feeling Darth Vader was about to waltz in and lightsabre us both in half".
He is also a big fan of the Tolkien masterpiece, The Hobbit and often makes snide comments referencing it. Zack is also struggling with the new revelation that he is a vampire. He is delighted to finally have some answers, but he isn't crazy about the diet or the whole "evil" thing. He makes a promise to himself that he will remain "good" and not go on a crazy killing spree. I love this quote from him about his decision (pg. 49)
"Well, I had no doubt in my mind what I would choose. I would be good. I certainly wasn't a threat to anybody. I didn't even believe in mousetraps."
But, the fact that Zack is such a great character only made me want to get to know the other characters better. The rest of the cast is highly underdeveloped. Like I said before, the book is highly plot-driven and unfortunately the rest of the characters suffer. I loved what I saw from them, but I was left wanting more - especially with Luna. Luna is Zack's love interest in the book; although she doesn't appear until almost halfway through it. He meets her through Charlie - Luna is Charlie's girlfriend's (Suki) sister. We get a few details about Luna, but not a great sense of the character. I hope that in the upcoming books we will see more from her.
However, I loved both the plot and the idea behind the story. This isn't just another run of the mill vampire story. What makes this so incredibly unique, is that, one: Zack has been living the past eight years as a vampire, and had no idea. The second aspect of this story that makes it a standout is that this is more of an action story. There are no melodramatic vampires moping around looking for human companionship. This is a on the edge of your seat action ride that never really lets up. It's a refreshing change of pace.
While I enjoyed the majority of the plot, I did have a problem with the ending, at least the last 20 pages or so. I don't want to give it away for those of you who haven't read it, but the events that occur seem to have been taken rather lightly. I know that for the story to progress, the plot had to go into that direction, but everyone seemed to go with the flow a little to easily for me. For those of you who have read it, I'll give you a clue as to what I am talking about - Charlie and Luna.
But, honestly, besides that last 20 pages, the plot was amazing; it was action packed, exhilarating and hilarious. Night Runner was definitely a page turner. I just hope that in the next book, End of Days, the secondary characters, like Luna and Charlie are developed a bit more.
December 13, 2009
For the most part this book was just a bit disappointing. It is about a boy names Max who has been raised in a mental ward since the death of his parents living a nocturnal life on 'strawberry milkshakes'. Then one day a crazy man on a motorcycle crashes into his ward. Suddenly he finds out he is a vampire, is being hunted, and then is on the run.
From the beginning this book failed to grab me. Written in first person I kept wondering why Max didn't take more of an interest in his own life/well being. He had no idea that he had been taken off of all of his medications (just never thought to ask his nurses), never expressed any desire for an education besides reading fiction novels, etc. All I can assume is that this is a reaction from having had multiple doctors/tests and never any answers to explain his several allergies, so he doesn't care/act on it any more.
Furthermore, Max's overall naivete drives me crazy. I get he has had little to no social interaction since being in the ward, but growing up with his dad until he was 8 should have given him some clues, not to mention the insane amount of television and movies he watches. It just came across like he was playing dumb half the time, and was somewhat irritating.
His relationship with Luna is also pretty odd. Human nature in general would have warned her against befriending him or becoming attracted to him. And both of those would have been needed to meet him in the middle of the night after knowing the police were looking for him for assault. Then just the fact that he chooses her life over Charlies is pretty insane - some girl he has known for 2 days over his best friend he has known since childhood.
The action in the novel is sporadic at best with several chapters between that are mostly filler and set-up. When the action is being played out it is well written, but could benefit from further elaboration as these are generally the best parts of the book.
You can easily tell throughout the course of the novel that this must be the beginning of a series. There are more questions that answers, and random characters who are mentioned/introduced then never seen again. Now this would have been fine if the first book was enough to grab me and keep me interested for the second book, but sadly it didn't. As it was I had to force myself to finish it anyways.
The ending was your typical open ended series ending, with the unbelievable coincidental everyone survives and is happy ending. BLAH.
All in all this book felt more like the first few chapters of a book. It seemed as if this was all just set up, with no real conflict/resolution of it's own. It had a lot of potential, but I think Turner relied to much upon it being the first in a series that he forgot it was also its own stand alone novel. Unfortunately though I have no desire to read the remainder of the series.
This is definitely going to the used book store. Maybe someone else will enjoy it more than I did.
From the beginning this book failed to grab me. Written in first person I kept wondering why Max didn't take more of an interest in his own life/well being. He had no idea that he had been taken off of all of his medications (just never thought to ask his nurses), never expressed any desire for an education besides reading fiction novels, etc. All I can assume is that this is a reaction from having had multiple doctors/tests and never any answers to explain his several allergies, so he doesn't care/act on it any more.
Furthermore, Max's overall naivete drives me crazy. I get he has had little to no social interaction since being in the ward, but growing up with his dad until he was 8 should have given him some clues, not to mention the insane amount of television and movies he watches. It just came across like he was playing dumb half the time, and was somewhat irritating.
His relationship with Luna is also pretty odd. Human nature in general would have warned her against befriending him or becoming attracted to him. And both of those would have been needed to meet him in the middle of the night after knowing the police were looking for him for assault. Then just the fact that he chooses her life over Charlies is pretty insane - some girl he has known for 2 days over his best friend he has known since childhood.
The action in the novel is sporadic at best with several chapters between that are mostly filler and set-up. When the action is being played out it is well written, but could benefit from further elaboration as these are generally the best parts of the book.
You can easily tell throughout the course of the novel that this must be the beginning of a series. There are more questions that answers, and random characters who are mentioned/introduced then never seen again. Now this would have been fine if the first book was enough to grab me and keep me interested for the second book, but sadly it didn't. As it was I had to force myself to finish it anyways.
The ending was your typical open ended series ending, with the unbelievable coincidental everyone survives and is happy ending. BLAH.
All in all this book felt more like the first few chapters of a book. It seemed as if this was all just set up, with no real conflict/resolution of it's own. It had a lot of potential, but I think Turner relied to much upon it being the first in a series that he forgot it was also its own stand alone novel. Unfortunately though I have no desire to read the remainder of the series.
This is definitely going to the used book store. Maybe someone else will enjoy it more than I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2009
Three words; adventure, betrayal & surprising
Night Runner is a full on high speed action, adventure, thriller! Excellent story and an even more so enjoyable male MC. The whole initial set-up is very unique. Living in a mental institution because of his special "needs." Very different!
The plot is really action packed and fast paced. There are a few slower moments too, but that's expected when an author is setting up a story. From what I can understand this is the first of a series, and it reads that way. Not that, that is necessarily a bad thing, but there is a lot of back-story that you need to know about. And I' m sure it is needed for future installments.
The characters seemed a little two dimensional to me, but I think that may have had to again, with having this novel be so plot driven instead of character driven.
Overall, this was a really fun read. Definitely recommended it to all those male readers out there.
Night Runner is a full on high speed action, adventure, thriller! Excellent story and an even more so enjoyable male MC. The whole initial set-up is very unique. Living in a mental institution because of his special "needs." Very different!
The plot is really action packed and fast paced. There are a few slower moments too, but that's expected when an author is setting up a story. From what I can understand this is the first of a series, and it reads that way. Not that, that is necessarily a bad thing, but there is a lot of back-story that you need to know about. And I' m sure it is needed for future installments.
The characters seemed a little two dimensional to me, but I think that may have had to again, with having this novel be so plot driven instead of character driven.
Overall, this was a really fun read. Definitely recommended it to all those male readers out there.
June 21, 2011
The book begins with the MC, Zack Thomson, living in a mental hospital. Sounds intriguing. . .
Unfortunately, it devolved from there. It ended up being another vampire book that brings in Vlad Dracula as a character - under a psuedonym of course, until near the end. I think that the back cover "praise" was written by people who hadn't read the book. Both mention "twists" that kept them guessing.
I found it predictable, and overwritten. Honestly, I put my new speed-reading skills to use in order to get through this as quickly as possible. I have to make my 50 book goal in 6 weeks, so I can't afford to give up on any books right now.
Unfortunately, it devolved from there. It ended up being another vampire book that brings in Vlad Dracula as a character - under a psuedonym of course, until near the end. I think that the back cover "praise" was written by people who hadn't read the book. Both mention "twists" that kept them guessing.
I found it predictable, and overwritten. Honestly, I put my new speed-reading skills to use in order to get through this as quickly as possible. I have to make my 50 book goal in 6 weeks, so I can't afford to give up on any books right now.
June 16, 2017
Well Max Turner you have done well thus far. And the front of the book quote by Alyson Noel is not wrong “Full of surprising twists and clever turns that’ll have you on the edge of your seat”. I agree that it has many surprising twists and turns but the edge of my seat, not so much. I did have a few times where I stopped, looked at my boyfriend (who was reading some boring political conspiracy lawbook) and said OH MY GOD this isn’t going to be good and dived back into the book! But I have been MUCH more moved by other books. Where I was literally wide eyed hand on my mouth going OH NO OH NO what’s gonna happen WHAT’S GONNA HAPPEN!!!?!?.
I did finish it in 24 hours per usual which usually means it’s a good fast paced book, it would have been done sooner if I hadn’t started so late last night.
I would recommend it for anyone who like a corky main character.
What I liked:
>)The book begins well. A good opening line. My name is Daniel Zachariah Thomson. Everyone calls me Zack. I live in the Nicholls Ward of the Peterborough Civic Hospital, and this is the story of how I died, twice.
>)The fact the main character is in a Psychiatric ward. (I’ve always found books surrounding teens in the ‘loony bin’ as interesting).
>)Hello the main characters name is Daniel woot, woot! Woot, woot!
>) The strawberry shake & allergy to everything
>) How clueless the main character was of his condition
>) The hobo, I loved the hobo
>) The end where Daniel��s best friend
What I didn’t like
>) Yes it was fast paced, but I felt like it took away from the overall story. Everything was here and then there and I was on a crazy roller coaster with no left over feeling of “wow”. Just the feeling of getting of the ride and going “hm well that ended okay”.
>) That everybody just accepted the fact
>) The fact his best friend,
>) The little love thing he had going… it was so just pointless and thrown in
>) The hobo .
So I suppose overall it was a cute read and I’m glad that I read it but I could have been reading something better. Yet I have read much, much worse. So if you want something a bit fun, face passed and a break from the normal vampire story drivel sink your teeth into this one ;). Or if you find it cheap like I did! Can’t say no to books for $1-$2 :).
I did finish it in 24 hours per usual which usually means it’s a good fast paced book, it would have been done sooner if I hadn’t started so late last night.
I would recommend it for anyone who like a corky main character.
What I liked:
>)The book begins well. A good opening line. My name is Daniel Zachariah Thomson. Everyone calls me Zack. I live in the Nicholls Ward of the Peterborough Civic Hospital, and this is the story of how I died, twice.
>)The fact the main character is in a Psychiatric ward. (I’ve always found books surrounding teens in the ‘loony bin’ as interesting).
>)Hello the main characters name is Daniel woot, woot! Woot, woot!
>) The strawberry shake & allergy to everything
>) How clueless the main character was of his condition
>) The hobo, I loved the hobo
>) The end where Daniel��s best friend
What I didn’t like
>) Yes it was fast paced, but I felt like it took away from the overall story. Everything was here and then there and I was on a crazy roller coaster with no left over feeling of “wow”. Just the feeling of getting of the ride and going “hm well that ended okay”.
>) That everybody just accepted the fact
>) The fact his best friend,
>) The little love thing he had going… it was so just pointless and thrown in
>) The hobo .
So I suppose overall it was a cute read and I’m glad that I read it but I could have been reading something better. Yet I have read much, much worse. So if you want something a bit fun, face passed and a break from the normal vampire story drivel sink your teeth into this one ;). Or if you find it cheap like I did! Can’t say no to books for $1-$2 :).
October 20, 2017
3.5 stars
Read this book years ago...so I would not feel at ease with myself offering a full review.
Read this book years ago...so I would not feel at ease with myself offering a full review.
April 20, 2022
A little predictable, couple of gaping plot holes, but still fun.
January 13, 2010
After months, I finally finished this book. (Yeah, months! I feel so guilty about that.) I started this book a long time back, but sorry to say, each time, I gave it up as a bad job. I finally put this book on my TBR challenge for 2010 and finished it last night. I'm sure this book was not meant for me. I did get into the story after about a 100 pages. But it still failed me, especially the ending, which I just found too ridiculous and awful.
My thoughts
Firstly, I didn't find this book gripping or suspenseful. I read about a hundred pages, before I felt drawn into the story. It was hardly gripping though, more like slippery ice. You managed to stay on, but you could just as easily fall down.
Occasionally, there were some interesting twists. Some of these had the potential to be turned into great angles. That was when I kept turning the pages. But some of the twists just didn't make sense to me. All through the book, the existence of vampires was played off as a disease. That concept raised more questions than it offered answers.
I definitely found the ending awful. I hate to say this. But it just didn't make any sense to me. There were two plot twists in the end that were just too err... lame. The book might have fared better without the epilogue. Somehow the epilogue just set back the rating I would have given to this book.
One thing I enjoyed about Night Runner is its humor. There were quite a few light moments, and they were funny. Not rolling-on-the-bed funny, but funny, nevertheless.
There was not much character description, except for some focus on the main character, Zack. Most characters just came and went through the story. They hardly had much presence in the book.
Overall, I didn't enjoy the book at all. I wish I could say better, but it just didn't sit well with me. There was a lot of promise, from the blurb on the back cover of the book. That interest just didn't translate into the story.
My thoughts
Firstly, I didn't find this book gripping or suspenseful. I read about a hundred pages, before I felt drawn into the story. It was hardly gripping though, more like slippery ice. You managed to stay on, but you could just as easily fall down.
Occasionally, there were some interesting twists. Some of these had the potential to be turned into great angles. That was when I kept turning the pages. But some of the twists just didn't make sense to me. All through the book, the existence of vampires was played off as a disease. That concept raised more questions than it offered answers.
I definitely found the ending awful. I hate to say this. But it just didn't make any sense to me. There were two plot twists in the end that were just too err... lame. The book might have fared better without the epilogue. Somehow the epilogue just set back the rating I would have given to this book.
One thing I enjoyed about Night Runner is its humor. There were quite a few light moments, and they were funny. Not rolling-on-the-bed funny, but funny, nevertheless.
There was not much character description, except for some focus on the main character, Zack. Most characters just came and went through the story. They hardly had much presence in the book.
Overall, I didn't enjoy the book at all. I wish I could say better, but it just didn't sit well with me. There was a lot of promise, from the blurb on the back cover of the book. That interest just didn't translate into the story.
November 6, 2010
I picked up this book at the library knowing nothing about it. I am glad I did.
I know, I know, you all have had enough of vampire books lately. When I began to read it, I didn't even realize that's what it was.
I really enjoyed this book. Teenaged Zach is a patient at a mental ward for the last eight years; both his parents are dead. He enjoys his life there, sleeps during the day being alergic to the sun, alergic to food, and his favorite nurse, Nurse Ophelia, in the ward fixes him special smoothies. He runs for hours at a time on the treadmill and reads. Until an invincible appearing man crashes into the front of the ward on a motorcycle and tells Zach to run.
Zach was an extremely interesting character. He had a different voice than anything I've read in a while. He is a funny character without meaning to be. He's a contented mental patient, but turns out to be completely normal...just not in the way you'd expect. I like the way he thinks, and the pages kept turning easily for me.
Another plus for me was not knowing who to trust. There was nothing predictable about any of the characters. Once you thought you had someone figured out, you are thrown for a loop. A part or two at the ending became a bit gruesome for me, but I am a wimp, and others might not even blink at it.
This is supposed to be the first in an upcoming series, but I noticed this book was written a while back, so I'll have to check if there are others printed in this series. The ending was satisfying if no other books come out, but enough story left to continue on with Zach's life.
I know, I know, you all have had enough of vampire books lately. When I began to read it, I didn't even realize that's what it was.
I really enjoyed this book. Teenaged Zach is a patient at a mental ward for the last eight years; both his parents are dead. He enjoys his life there, sleeps during the day being alergic to the sun, alergic to food, and his favorite nurse, Nurse Ophelia, in the ward fixes him special smoothies. He runs for hours at a time on the treadmill and reads. Until an invincible appearing man crashes into the front of the ward on a motorcycle and tells Zach to run.
Zach was an extremely interesting character. He had a different voice than anything I've read in a while. He is a funny character without meaning to be. He's a contented mental patient, but turns out to be completely normal...just not in the way you'd expect. I like the way he thinks, and the pages kept turning easily for me.
Another plus for me was not knowing who to trust. There was nothing predictable about any of the characters. Once you thought you had someone figured out, you are thrown for a loop. A part or two at the ending became a bit gruesome for me, but I am a wimp, and others might not even blink at it.
This is supposed to be the first in an upcoming series, but I noticed this book was written a while back, so I'll have to check if there are others printed in this series. The ending was satisfying if no other books come out, but enough story left to continue on with Zach's life.
November 2, 2009
This is yet another 'V' book. Yup. Max Turner does make it a bit different from the other YA 'V' books in the market. For one, Zack doesn't know what he really is; he believes that he is just sick. Two, Zack's condition is a virus, a sickness. There's nothing magical about it; it's just scientific.Those two things made the book stand out a bit.
Zack was a very good character but he was a bit too naive. He had a hard time putting things together.He was two-dimensional at times which was not good because the book was in first-person point-of-view. Zack could have been a bit more fleshed out because he didn't feel like a character telling the story, but as the author attempting to create a character. The story from his POV made the fight scenes and his search for the truth much more interesting.
The book was plot driven. There were a lot of action-packed scenes that will hook male readers. Night Runner was also predictable and some scenes were jerky that they interrupted the flow of the story. With an ending that reveals that a sequel will be coming out, it makes Night Runner more like a prequel than the start of a series. It seemed as if Night Runner was just setting the stage for the real series to begin.
Overall, Night Runner could have used more work, but it was an okay start to a series. I recommend it to male teens who are looking for a quick, thrilling read.
Zack was a very good character but he was a bit too naive. He had a hard time putting things together.He was two-dimensional at times which was not good because the book was in first-person point-of-view. Zack could have been a bit more fleshed out because he didn't feel like a character telling the story, but as the author attempting to create a character. The story from his POV made the fight scenes and his search for the truth much more interesting.
The book was plot driven. There were a lot of action-packed scenes that will hook male readers. Night Runner was also predictable and some scenes were jerky that they interrupted the flow of the story. With an ending that reveals that a sequel will be coming out, it makes Night Runner more like a prequel than the start of a series. It seemed as if Night Runner was just setting the stage for the real series to begin.
Overall, Night Runner could have used more work, but it was an okay start to a series. I recommend it to male teens who are looking for a quick, thrilling read.
January 11, 2011
Max Turner has created a wonderful and exciting novel. Involving Vampires and other Creators, but created differently. Not like Twilight or any other Vampire book, Turner has made it a twist in the story, which makes so much more than just a story. Five stars and two thumbs up!!
Zack isn’t an ordinary teenage boy. He has a weird allergy against the sun and had to be medicated since he was seven years old. His father died that day, and his mom died when he was two years old. Living at a mental ward, Charlie, his best friend, is the only one there for him. He has a plain life and can’t go out and live it his way, instead he sleeps at daytime. Everything he thought was true changes the day an old man crashes into the front entrance of the ward with motorcycle. Who is this man, and why is he looking for him? Why does his uncle, that has been disappeared his whole life, appear again after this incident? Why is he not an ordinary boy and worse, what does it mean to be a vampire? His whole life changes and with him is his best friend Charlie, and Luna, the one girl he has been seeking for….
Zack isn’t an ordinary teenage boy. He has a weird allergy against the sun and had to be medicated since he was seven years old. His father died that day, and his mom died when he was two years old. Living at a mental ward, Charlie, his best friend, is the only one there for him. He has a plain life and can’t go out and live it his way, instead he sleeps at daytime. Everything he thought was true changes the day an old man crashes into the front entrance of the ward with motorcycle. Who is this man, and why is he looking for him? Why does his uncle, that has been disappeared his whole life, appear again after this incident? Why is he not an ordinary boy and worse, what does it mean to be a vampire? His whole life changes and with him is his best friend Charlie, and Luna, the one girl he has been seeking for….
September 11, 2009
Reviewed by Steph for TeensReadToo.com
Zack Thompson is different. Instead of living in an orphanage, he lives in a mental ward and that's because he's basically allergic to everything - from specific foods to even the sun. Zack lives a nocturnal life - running, reading, and eating at night and sleeping during the day.
Zack thinks nothing of his lifestyle until an old man crashed a motorcycle into the mental ward. Suddenly, Zack is thrown into an extraordinary adventure.
Along for the ride is Zack's best childhood friend, Charlie, and a new, intriguing, beautiful girl named Luna. Not only will Zack figure out about his odd living arrangements and his family, but Zack will find out what he is. And it isn't human.
Max Turner writes a thrilling novel that draws the reader in right from the beginning. Broken up into relatively short chapters, this novel is full of twists and turns that will never leave the reader bored.
Zack Thompson is different. Instead of living in an orphanage, he lives in a mental ward and that's because he's basically allergic to everything - from specific foods to even the sun. Zack lives a nocturnal life - running, reading, and eating at night and sleeping during the day.
Zack thinks nothing of his lifestyle until an old man crashed a motorcycle into the mental ward. Suddenly, Zack is thrown into an extraordinary adventure.
Along for the ride is Zack's best childhood friend, Charlie, and a new, intriguing, beautiful girl named Luna. Not only will Zack figure out about his odd living arrangements and his family, but Zack will find out what he is. And it isn't human.
Max Turner writes a thrilling novel that draws the reader in right from the beginning. Broken up into relatively short chapters, this novel is full of twists and turns that will never leave the reader bored.
June 27, 2010
I personally love Max Turner's writing style and thought the book was overall very good. The plot was interesting(but could get a little dry at times) and i loved how he started Zach out in a mental institute! At first i had my doubts about this, hoping it wouldnt turn into ANOTHER shutter island(because lets face it, one unknowingly insane person can last a life time), but i am very glad to say that i was wrong. I loved how the author let family and loved ones betray each other unlike most authors could bare to do. my only complaint was that it seemed like the author finished this book in a hurry. i mean in one second hes saving the girl he just found he was in love with and the next he wakes up to his best friend telling him that he(the best friend) and the girl were both vampires! the ending seemed like a quick fix it. i just hope the greatness of the author's writing continues in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2011
Voice is the strong point of this twist on the teen vampire thriller. The main character has lived in near-isolation in a medical facility since age eight, and Turner does an excellent job portraying a fairly normal but highly sheltered boy. Zack has standard teen interests -- books, movies, sports, the opposite sex -- but because of his lack of contact with his peers or the world in general his reactions and speech are often off kilter, sometimes without him noticing, since he has little experience in assessing the emotional reactions of strangers. Watching him try to process new experiences and talk to new people was the most interesting aspect of the book. The plot had potential but ultimately failed to pan out, in my opinion. The ending seemed contrived and didn't fit with the slower pace of the rest of the book.
June 28, 2010
Going into this book. I really didn't know what to expect. I believe this book is going to be one of those that you either really like or really hate. I thought I wouldn't like it but boy I was wrong. The story picks up right away and doesn't stop until you're finished with the novel and even then you're on the edge of your seat begging for more.
Many people I've looked through didn't like it but I really want to ask those of you to give it a try, especially you male readers out there. The suspense is awesome and you never know who exactly to trust and it keeps you guessing until the very end. One thing I really appreciated about this one was the ending; I rarely get surprised at endings but what a twist it was. I enjoyed this one and hope you put it on your to read list.
Many people I've looked through didn't like it but I really want to ask those of you to give it a try, especially you male readers out there. The suspense is awesome and you never know who exactly to trust and it keeps you guessing until the very end. One thing I really appreciated about this one was the ending; I rarely get surprised at endings but what a twist it was. I enjoyed this one and hope you put it on your to read list.
March 31, 2012
3.7 Stars
I really enjoyed this vampire story. The plot twist near the end was surprising and fun. I felt the foreshadowing was a little heavy handed, but overall this was an amusing read. I think I will pick up the sequel, too.
I really enjoyed this vampire story. The plot twist near the end was surprising and fun. I felt the foreshadowing was a little heavy handed, but overall this was an amusing read. I think I will pick up the sequel, too.
March 24, 2015
Interesting twist on the vampire theme. Curiously satisfying though.
August 1, 2018
Ok, so writing a review without giving away the main crux of the story is going to be tricky, but let’s see how this goes...
For a teenager horror story, this one is easy to get into. A simple plot, even the most reluctant or struggling reader would catch on to the protagonist’s dilemma. Zack, living in a Mental Institution (seriously, I’m not joking) has the weirdest of lives but tragically accepts it all as normality. It didn’t take long for me to realise what was going on, before the ‘Big Reveal’ from Turner. By that point, I was cringing inside at how predictable the plot was becoming and how little was actually happening.
‘Night Runner’ seems to hang on to thwarted stereotypes and I think this made the plot come across as so basic and lacking depth. Adding to this, the chapters are incredibly short. I don’t usually have a problem with this, but as soon as it starts to get going, you find the chapter is rapidly concluding. This doesn’t help with developing the plot and also makes it read rushed and a little disjointed. Furthermore, I found Zack quite irritating - both with his personality and his decisions in the plot. This didn't help with my enjoyment.
‘Night Runner’ is the start of a series. The Epilogue made it clear where the next novel would take the story and how key characters would feature. In those final pages I couldn’t help by scoff at how ridiculous some of the story had become, particularly with Zack’s amazing, life-saving revelations. Indeed, I was hoping that Turner may kill off all of the characters so that the next in the series would be a fresh bunch of stereotypes. Alas, I seem to be wrong.
I wouldn’t go out of my way to read this usually and I don’t think I will seek out the next novel from Max Turner. There are better teenage reads out there and even if you have a reluctant reader, feel that they deserve something better than this. Afterall, Zack is a....
For a teenager horror story, this one is easy to get into. A simple plot, even the most reluctant or struggling reader would catch on to the protagonist’s dilemma. Zack, living in a Mental Institution (seriously, I’m not joking) has the weirdest of lives but tragically accepts it all as normality. It didn’t take long for me to realise what was going on, before the ‘Big Reveal’ from Turner. By that point, I was cringing inside at how predictable the plot was becoming and how little was actually happening.
‘Night Runner’ seems to hang on to thwarted stereotypes and I think this made the plot come across as so basic and lacking depth. Adding to this, the chapters are incredibly short. I don’t usually have a problem with this, but as soon as it starts to get going, you find the chapter is rapidly concluding. This doesn’t help with developing the plot and also makes it read rushed and a little disjointed. Furthermore, I found Zack quite irritating - both with his personality and his decisions in the plot. This didn't help with my enjoyment.
‘Night Runner’ is the start of a series. The Epilogue made it clear where the next novel would take the story and how key characters would feature. In those final pages I couldn’t help by scoff at how ridiculous some of the story had become, particularly with Zack’s amazing, life-saving revelations. Indeed, I was hoping that Turner may kill off all of the characters so that the next in the series would be a fresh bunch of stereotypes. Alas, I seem to be wrong.
I wouldn’t go out of my way to read this usually and I don’t think I will seek out the next novel from Max Turner. There are better teenage reads out there and even if you have a reluctant reader, feel that they deserve something better than this. Afterall, Zack is a....
January 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It does suffer from some first-time author problems, but it was still a good novel that kept my attention. The slow pacing was not a problem for me because I don't need or require novels to have constant action. Some of my favorite parts were the scenes most people consider "slow". The main character Zack was a pretty cool protagonist. There is a sad lack of male protagonists in vampire stories so I am always happy when I find one in a decent book.
Some things I did not like as much in this book. For starters, Zack's "relationship" with Luna which felt forced and not very believable. Luna herself was not very fleshed out as a character and thus she was pretty boring, and it kinda felt like Zack was only interested in her because she's like the only girl his age that he's talked to in a long time. Maybe Luna gets some better development in the sequels, but I have not read them yet. My other major complaint was the tacky and a bit cliched ending. The bad guy's whole unnecessary speech, the "twist" that was very predictable, and Charlie's Those things did take away from my enjoyment of this book a bit, hence the 3 star rating.
Overall, though, I do not regret giving this book a read and will likely check out the next novel in the series to see if the writer has improved at all. I did find myself wanting to see what was next for Zack when I finished reading this book, so I suppose the story was interesting enough to make me want more.
Some things I did not like as much in this book. For starters, Zack's "relationship" with Luna which felt forced and not very believable. Luna herself was not very fleshed out as a character and thus she was pretty boring, and it kinda felt like Zack was only interested in her because she's like the only girl his age that he's talked to in a long time. Maybe Luna gets some better development in the sequels, but I have not read them yet. My other major complaint was the tacky and a bit cliched ending. The bad guy's whole unnecessary speech, the "twist" that was very predictable, and Charlie's Those things did take away from my enjoyment of this book a bit, hence the 3 star rating.
Overall, though, I do not regret giving this book a read and will likely check out the next novel in the series to see if the writer has improved at all. I did find myself wanting to see what was next for Zack when I finished reading this book, so I suppose the story was interesting enough to make me want more.
December 20, 2019
Night Runner is a book about many things of adventure, mystery and action it has many themes throughout the book. This book’s audience is guided towards younger people more or so teenagers as many of the book’s characters are teens to give examples would be the main character Zachery and his friend.
The book’s about Zachery Thomson, he’s a very interesting character with many interesting traits like his unique allergies which restrict his diet to only strawberry smoothies which he oddly calls “brain cocktails and also has to strangely stay out of the sun. Zachery has to stay in hospital due to this and doesn’t have many friends and nor has a family due to an incident that happened many years ago, the only people he has are his friends which are Nurse Ophelia the person in charge of him and Charlie his best friend.
The start of Night Runner is action-packed with a very crazy beginning with someone crashing in into the hospital setting a fury and a chain of events! I feel like this was a great way to get the attention of the audience and to also tell the reader to tighten their seat belt to tell it’s going to be a wild ride. Not only that this has many twists and turns to its story this I think it’s great as it gives more flavour to the story and also makes us ask more questions and predictions to what’s going to happen next.
To give my rating I believe Night Runner to be 4 stars as all of the action is great but it still has it’s flaws.One of them would have to be I felt like this could have added had more to be specific it would be about the book’s problem it definitely could have been better I think and to not go too in-depth they could have been more complex with it as had potential and it was slightly simplex. To give a conclusion, Night Runner is a good book overall and would suggest reading if you like books with action and adventure as it almost nails these themes perfectly.
The book’s about Zachery Thomson, he’s a very interesting character with many interesting traits like his unique allergies which restrict his diet to only strawberry smoothies which he oddly calls “brain cocktails and also has to strangely stay out of the sun. Zachery has to stay in hospital due to this and doesn’t have many friends and nor has a family due to an incident that happened many years ago, the only people he has are his friends which are Nurse Ophelia the person in charge of him and Charlie his best friend.
The start of Night Runner is action-packed with a very crazy beginning with someone crashing in into the hospital setting a fury and a chain of events! I feel like this was a great way to get the attention of the audience and to also tell the reader to tighten their seat belt to tell it’s going to be a wild ride. Not only that this has many twists and turns to its story this I think it’s great as it gives more flavour to the story and also makes us ask more questions and predictions to what’s going to happen next.
To give my rating I believe Night Runner to be 4 stars as all of the action is great but it still has it’s flaws.One of them would have to be I felt like this could have added had more to be specific it would be about the book’s problem it definitely could have been better I think and to not go too in-depth they could have been more complex with it as had potential and it was slightly simplex. To give a conclusion, Night Runner is a good book overall and would suggest reading if you like books with action and adventure as it almost nails these themes perfectly.
December 5, 2025
Night Runner by Max Turner
Orphaned boy named Zach is left in psych was since 8 years old. His mother died when he was young, and his father died in an archaeological dig. Zach got sick and was in a coma for a while and transported to the Ward once he awoke. He is allergic to almost all foods and the sun. He spends his night running in the treadmill watching movies or hanging out with his friend Charlie when he visits. Everything changes when a crazy man crashes through the wall of the ward and tells Zach to run. His whole life seems like a lie, the police are after him, and he’s learning what normal life is but also a new life is. Pasts align and mysteries are solved. Zach has to choose which side he is on.
Orphaned boy named Zach is left in psych was since 8 years old. His mother died when he was young, and his father died in an archaeological dig. Zach got sick and was in a coma for a while and transported to the Ward once he awoke. He is allergic to almost all foods and the sun. He spends his night running in the treadmill watching movies or hanging out with his friend Charlie when he visits. Everything changes when a crazy man crashes through the wall of the ward and tells Zach to run. His whole life seems like a lie, the police are after him, and he’s learning what normal life is but also a new life is. Pasts align and mysteries are solved. Zach has to choose which side he is on.
December 9, 2024
Let's just say... this book isn't for me. It felt very YA, and that's just not a style/genre that really speaks to me anymore, so the book wasn't a fit. I probably would've enjoyed it much more if I read it when I was younger. I basically saw all of the twists coming, which was a bit of a bummer but, again, YA. However, I did really like the book's take on vampirism. I thought that was fresh and interesting and I would've loved to delve deeper into it. That was the highlight of Night Runner for me.
July 20, 2018
Zack is slowly growing accustomed to his life in the Nicholls Ward, where his strange allergies can be monitored - but when a stranger attempts to force him out and warns him to run away, he finds his peaceful life thrown out the window as he and his new friends race for answers. Turner will have fans of mystery and action pleasantly pleased with this entertaining adventure. What more could there be about his life that Zach doesn't know!?
January 19, 2017
This book was just bad. Poor dialogue. Mixed metaphors. A dumbass for a main character. Here's just one example of how poorly written it is: "I'd never been in an airplane cockpit before, but I'd seen them in movies, and I'll bet you this car had more dials, buttons and screens than a space shuttle."
And on top of that, I knew almost ever "twist" before it even happened.
And on top of that, I knew almost ever "twist" before it even happened.
July 8, 2018
Without a doubt the worst book I’ve ever read. The actions of the characters in this book were so infuriating I felt physically angry.
February 9, 2020
Great besides the insta love -.-
September 24, 2021
It was just meh. Maybe it was because it was YA. It held my interest enough to finish it but not enough to dedicate more of my time to finishing the series.
October 19, 2021
This book started out alright. It had a weak story line and the characters weren't brought to life as well as they should be. The ending felt really rushed.
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