Lost One Standing

by Hector Hill

A Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Books of 2020 Selection and 5-Star IndieReader Approved pick.When a ruthless criminal mastermind with dark intentions takes a prestigious New England prep school hostage, Cade Dixon faces a As a working class townie worth nothing in their perverse bidding war, he can save himself or try to stop them. It would have been an easy choice too - save his own skin - except for one thing.It would mean leaving behind Kira.Soon, with the fate of the student body left to them, Kira and Cade must sacrifice their own safety and attempt to outwit a daunting and deadly group of criminals. Cade was never dying to be a hero. But he just might. "A captivating story of a reluctant hero that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment" -Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"Five Stars. A cinematic thrill ride...’Die Hard’ meets Jason Bourne for the young adult crowd" - An IndieReader Approved pick

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2020

About the author

Hector's YA thriller, Lost One Standing, was a Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Books of 2020 selection and an IndieReader 5-star pick.

Check out Kirkus Reviews starred review here:

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...

And IndieReader Approved review here:

https://indiereader.com/book_review/l...

Reviews

[C. Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am torn on how to rate this book. While the overall story was good and for the most part kept me interested, there were some issues that prevented me from giving more than three stars. For one, the switching between points of view, sometimes so often it was every couple of paragraphs, made it hard to get attached to a character. I felt like I had reading whiplash. I do not think Mr. Weaver's POV was necessary at all, and neither were most of the bad guys. Reilly, sure, Pruitt, and Cade. But the rest just weren't integral to the telling of the story. I like books with multiple character POV but only if those character's narratives are really necessary. Some of the ones in this book seemed to be there just to better explain the plot, but that could have been done with some more careful writing using just the three characters I mentioned. Also, Cade is obviously super intelligent, but he narrates as if every one knows the theories, chemistry, etc. he is talking about and the average reader will not know those things. I think it's important to challenge your readers, but also not make it so they have to go research something every few pages, or risk not really know what's going on or being talked about. That kind of reading is for college classes, not for enjoyment. Overall the book was good, reminded me of the movie "Toy Soldiers," but I think it could have been better with some changes. I would give it 3 1/2 stars if that were an option.

[Stacy Strehlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re an avid reader. Surely you’ve picked up a book in a genre outside of your usual, because you have a personal connection with the author, and then you anxiously turn the cover. You’ve been burned before, of course.

Y’all, this was really good. It’s a YA thriller that manages to explore family relationships, class disparity, of course some awkward young love, and a generous sprinkling of nerdiness. A fun and often funny page-turner with an endearing 17yo hero, Cade Dixon, who’s always been an outsider in his elite prep school - now that may be the only thing that keeps him, his family, and his classmates alive (sorry, give a girl a thriller and she starts trying to write like one).

Highly recommended for a summer read.

[Maria Krieg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Could not put it down once I started reading it. Perfect addition to summer reading books because its super fun to read. 10/10 would definitely recommend it for teens and adults.

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it :D