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Pandora Jones #1
Heute beginnt das Ende der Welt
Stell dir vor, alle, die du kanntest, sind tot. Und du bist einer von nur 10.000 Überlebenden weltweit.
Als Pandora Stone im Krankenhaus erwacht, fühlt sie sich schwach und die Erinnerung an das Ende der Menschheit ist allgegenwärtig. Gemeinsam mit anderen jungen Überlebenden findet sie sich in einem ehemaligen Militärlager, der Akademie, wieder. Hier werden sie auf das harte Überleben in einer Welt vorbereitet, in der alles Leben von einem Virus ausgelöscht wurde.
Doch bald häufen sich merkwürdige Vorfälle und Pandora muss entscheiden, wem sie vertraut. Kann sie sich auf ihre Intuition verlassen?
Als Pandora Stone im Krankenhaus erwacht, fühlt sie sich schwach und die Erinnerung an das Ende der Menschheit ist allgegenwärtig. Gemeinsam mit anderen jungen Überlebenden findet sie sich in einem ehemaligen Militärlager, der Akademie, wieder. Hier werden sie auf das harte Überleben in einer Welt vorbereitet, in der alles Leben von einem Virus ausgelöscht wurde.
Doch bald häufen sich merkwürdige Vorfälle und Pandora muss entscheiden, wem sie vertraut. Kann sie sich auf ihre Intuition verlassen?
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
15 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Barry Jonsberg
48 books105 followersBarry Jonsberg is an Australian author and teacher originally from Liverpool, England. He holds degrees in English and Psychology from Liverpool University and moved to Australia in 1999. His debut novel, The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull, earned acclaim in 2005, and his follow-up, It’s Not All About YOU, Calma, won the 2006 South Australian Festival Award for Children’s Literature. Jonsberg has continued to receive numerous honors, including awards and shortlistings for Dreamrider, My Life as an Alphabet, A Little Spark, and Smoke & Mirrors, affirming his place in contemporary young adult literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 8, 2014
This review appears on Happy Indulgence. Check it out for more reviews!
Where a deadly virus sweeps out the human race and teenagers who are immune are saved and trained for survival, Pandora Jones Admission sounds like your typical post-apocalyptic scenario. It’s actually much more than that, as a blend of post-apocalyptic, thriller and mystery.
Pandora was a bit hard to warm to at times as a fairly average teenager, with the power of intuition which helps her find lost objects and predict what people are doing. She has disjointed dreams and memories which she has to piece together herself, which does well to add to the mysterious aura of the book. Without this quirk though, she is a rather flat and weak character, who gets bullied easily. I expected more development of her character but it wasn’t present in Admission.
I did enjoy the cast of characters and the very brief hint of romance, but what really intrigued me about Pandora Jones Admission is the mystery surrounding The School and how they all came to be there. As Pandora and her friends piece together different memories, sudden deaths and weird behaviours, you’ll be able to come to a slow realisation about what is really happening. I did find it a bit predictable, and wasn’t too pleased with the bunch of plot holes and cliffhanger. I don’t know why Pandora has powers, how she can see and do things, and I hope the sequel will answer that.
Pandora Jones Admission is an interesting blend of several subgenres, but unfortunately I felt like it tried to be too many things at once. I was invested in the mystery and Pandora’s powers of intuition, but was disappointed at the glaring plotholes. Although I had trouble connecting with the character, I’ll check out the sequel to hopefully find more answers.
I received a review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Where a deadly virus sweeps out the human race and teenagers who are immune are saved and trained for survival, Pandora Jones Admission sounds like your typical post-apocalyptic scenario. It’s actually much more than that, as a blend of post-apocalyptic, thriller and mystery.
Pandora was a bit hard to warm to at times as a fairly average teenager, with the power of intuition which helps her find lost objects and predict what people are doing. She has disjointed dreams and memories which she has to piece together herself, which does well to add to the mysterious aura of the book. Without this quirk though, she is a rather flat and weak character, who gets bullied easily. I expected more development of her character but it wasn’t present in Admission.
I did enjoy the cast of characters and the very brief hint of romance, but what really intrigued me about Pandora Jones Admission is the mystery surrounding The School and how they all came to be there. As Pandora and her friends piece together different memories, sudden deaths and weird behaviours, you’ll be able to come to a slow realisation about what is really happening. I did find it a bit predictable, and wasn’t too pleased with the bunch of plot holes and cliffhanger. I don’t know why Pandora has powers, how she can see and do things, and I hope the sequel will answer that.
Pandora Jones Admission is an interesting blend of several subgenres, but unfortunately I felt like it tried to be too many things at once. I was invested in the mystery and Pandora’s powers of intuition, but was disappointed at the glaring plotholes. Although I had trouble connecting with the character, I’ll check out the sequel to hopefully find more answers.
I received a review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2021
Pandora Stone - Admission is a ya novel with an exciting mix of an apocalyptic scenario and a classical dystopia!
I read the German translation and you can find my German review on my blog!
In this first book in the trilogy, a virus kills the majority of humanity. It's sometimes quite gruesome but made for an exciting opening! The main character Pandora is one of the very few survivors. She wakes in the hospital of The School, where the teenagers are being trained in survival techniques. Not everything here is as it seems. The middle part of the book was mostly about the training, but it was informative and brings up many new questions about what's really going on.
The characters were quite different and it was nice to see how they work as a team (or don't, because maybe they're too different?). Pandora also has some sort of "gift": her intuition allows her to find lost things, but what is it really about? Except their individual talents, the characters stay quite bland though; the book focuses more on the plot than on character development and emotions.
I regularly asked myself what's really going on at The School. The characters are just as clueless and I thought this created suspense and made me want to read on and find out more.
The final chapters are again full of action and survival! Again, it wasn't always pretty but very exciting! The only thing that bothered me was the rather abrupt ending. Pandora answers some of her questions herself, but only on the final page and then the book ends with a terrible cliffhanger. I would've preferred it if the author had started dropping hints and answering the questions a bit earlier.
Nevertheless I really enjoyed Admission and I'll definitely read the sequel! Recommended!
I read the German translation and you can find my German review on my blog!
In this first book in the trilogy, a virus kills the majority of humanity. It's sometimes quite gruesome but made for an exciting opening! The main character Pandora is one of the very few survivors. She wakes in the hospital of The School, where the teenagers are being trained in survival techniques. Not everything here is as it seems. The middle part of the book was mostly about the training, but it was informative and brings up many new questions about what's really going on.
The characters were quite different and it was nice to see how they work as a team (or don't, because maybe they're too different?). Pandora also has some sort of "gift": her intuition allows her to find lost things, but what is it really about? Except their individual talents, the characters stay quite bland though; the book focuses more on the plot than on character development and emotions.
I regularly asked myself what's really going on at The School. The characters are just as clueless and I thought this created suspense and made me want to read on and find out more.
The final chapters are again full of action and survival! Again, it wasn't always pretty but very exciting! The only thing that bothered me was the rather abrupt ending. Pandora answers some of her questions herself, but only on the final page and then the book ends with a terrible cliffhanger. I would've preferred it if the author had started dropping hints and answering the questions a bit earlier.
Nevertheless I really enjoyed Admission and I'll definitely read the sequel! Recommended!
July 22, 2015
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I really enjoyed Admission, it blended an apocalyptic storyline, with survival, romance and a psychological teen thriller that is a brilliant start to what is set to be an incredible series. Imagine everyone around you, from teachers, parents, siblings, neighbours and friends that are lying dead in the streets. A virus sweeping the globe and wiping everyone out but a few questionable strangers and yourself. With no one to turn to, and that's where your memories seem to fade. But luckily you were rescued by a small walled community known as The School, which seems more like being imprisoned than taught to survive.
Barry Jonsberg created a world in which the reader won't know whether to flee from or escape to, and nothing is what it seems. I liked Pandora, she's a modest protagonist that wants nothing more than to blend into the background and not draw attention to her gift of insight. Nate soon becomes her partner in crime, both teens sharing a curiosity of what lies beyond the wall. Admission simply has one of the best Prologues I've ever read, 'It took slightly under eight hours for Melbourne to die.' I was completely hooked from page one, and it didn't disappoint. The storyline flows beautifully and to put it bluntly, screwed with my head. You know something is coming, you prepare for it, and then Barry Jonsberg completely surprises you and leaves you wanting more. The cliffhanger is simply evil. Kudos mister Jonsberg. This is one series that I can't wait to continue.
I really enjoyed Admission, it blended an apocalyptic storyline, with survival, romance and a psychological teen thriller that is a brilliant start to what is set to be an incredible series. Imagine everyone around you, from teachers, parents, siblings, neighbours and friends that are lying dead in the streets. A virus sweeping the globe and wiping everyone out but a few questionable strangers and yourself. With no one to turn to, and that's where your memories seem to fade. But luckily you were rescued by a small walled community known as The School, which seems more like being imprisoned than taught to survive.
Barry Jonsberg created a world in which the reader won't know whether to flee from or escape to, and nothing is what it seems. I liked Pandora, she's a modest protagonist that wants nothing more than to blend into the background and not draw attention to her gift of insight. Nate soon becomes her partner in crime, both teens sharing a curiosity of what lies beyond the wall. Admission simply has one of the best Prologues I've ever read, 'It took slightly under eight hours for Melbourne to die.' I was completely hooked from page one, and it didn't disappoint. The storyline flows beautifully and to put it bluntly, screwed with my head. You know something is coming, you prepare for it, and then Barry Jonsberg completely surprises you and leaves you wanting more. The cliffhanger is simply evil. Kudos mister Jonsberg. This is one series that I can't wait to continue.
January 26, 2016
'Admission' was a novel that pleasantly surprised me. I expected something very grim and doom and gloom but I must admit that it was not the OVERLY depressing read I thought it would be. Instead the novel seemed to concentrate more on the pressure and survival that comes post-apocalyptic and the very many mysteries and secrets that seemed to lurk behind the façade of The School. Pandora was also not a character I assumed she would be; that is, perfectly enchanting, kick-ass and perfect. No, Pan had many flaws and characteristics that made reading about her a breath of fresh air. The plot itself weaved in and out and the end only made me want to read more. Thank GOODNESS that I have the complete trilogy beside me.
Congratulations to Barry Jonsberg on publishing the beginning of what I feel has the potential to be a great series!
Congratulations to Barry Jonsberg on publishing the beginning of what I feel has the potential to be a great series!
December 2, 2020
Das Thema mag für manche vielleicht im Moment nicht ganz passen. Ich musste auch erstmal schlucken, habe ich das Buch doch am ersten Tag meiner Quarantäne begonnen. Denn in Pandora Stone geht es um ein Virus, welches fast die ganze Menschheit auslöscht. Nur etwa 10.000 Menschen haben überlebt, darunter Pan.
Sie findet sich auf einem abgelegen Militärstützpunkt wieder, welcher nun als Camp für die Überlebenden dient. Dort sollen die Jugendlichen lernen, sich dem neuen Leben anzupassen. Aber ist es wirklich so wichtig, sofort das Kämpfen zu lernen und warum dürfen sie nicht hinter die Mauer? Dies sind nur einige Fragen, die sich Pan stell.
Pan hat eine besondere Fähigkeit. Intuition, sie spürt Dinge fühlt sie einfach und nun steht sie vor der schwierigen Aufgabe, soll sie diesen Gefühlen vertrauen oder sich einfach den Autoritäten fügen?
Ich mag Barry Jonsberg unheimlich gerne und so war ich gespannt auf dieses Buch. Leider war ich etwas enttäuscht von dem Schreibstil und auch von den Charakteren. Ich finde Barry hat ein Händchen für sehr besondere Charaktere und klar, Pan ist mit ihrer Gabe besonders, aber trotzdem reiht sie sich nicht in die Reiher meiner anderen Lieblinge ein, die der Autor geschaffen hat. Dafür fand ich ihre Darstellung zu platt. Ich habe keinen richtigen Bezug zu ihr gefunden, vielleicht habe ich auch die Ich-Perspektive vermisst, die mir dies sicherlich erleichtert hätte.
Band 1 der dystopischen Trilogie ist ohne Zweifel spannend und fesselnd erzählt. Man möchte als Leser:in unbedingt wissen was als nächstes passiert und was für Geheimnisse gelüftet werden. Und so weiß auch das Ende zu überraschen und man kommt fast nicht umhin auch Band 2 lesen zu wollen. Zum Glück erscheint dieser schon bald.
Sie findet sich auf einem abgelegen Militärstützpunkt wieder, welcher nun als Camp für die Überlebenden dient. Dort sollen die Jugendlichen lernen, sich dem neuen Leben anzupassen. Aber ist es wirklich so wichtig, sofort das Kämpfen zu lernen und warum dürfen sie nicht hinter die Mauer? Dies sind nur einige Fragen, die sich Pan stell.
Pan hat eine besondere Fähigkeit. Intuition, sie spürt Dinge fühlt sie einfach und nun steht sie vor der schwierigen Aufgabe, soll sie diesen Gefühlen vertrauen oder sich einfach den Autoritäten fügen?
Ich mag Barry Jonsberg unheimlich gerne und so war ich gespannt auf dieses Buch. Leider war ich etwas enttäuscht von dem Schreibstil und auch von den Charakteren. Ich finde Barry hat ein Händchen für sehr besondere Charaktere und klar, Pan ist mit ihrer Gabe besonders, aber trotzdem reiht sie sich nicht in die Reiher meiner anderen Lieblinge ein, die der Autor geschaffen hat. Dafür fand ich ihre Darstellung zu platt. Ich habe keinen richtigen Bezug zu ihr gefunden, vielleicht habe ich auch die Ich-Perspektive vermisst, die mir dies sicherlich erleichtert hätte.
Band 1 der dystopischen Trilogie ist ohne Zweifel spannend und fesselnd erzählt. Man möchte als Leser:in unbedingt wissen was als nächstes passiert und was für Geheimnisse gelüftet werden. Und so weiß auch das Ende zu überraschen und man kommt fast nicht umhin auch Band 2 lesen zu wollen. Zum Glück erscheint dieser schon bald.
July 25, 2016
2.5
Absolutely killer (pardon the pun) prologue, a diverse cast and an intriguing twist at the end, but the middle really suffers from a plodding pace. By the time the climax arrived it felt like too little too late and I had a hard time summoning any interest in the fate of the characters and the "reveal".
What really didn't work for me, however, was the dialogue, which was stilted at best and dare I say "middle-aged" at worst. I didn't for a second believe that the teen characters, or even the older supporting cast, would speak like that.
The premise is a good one, but the characters were thinly developed and I never really felt engaged with Pan as a narrator.
Disappointing, because that chilling prologue really got my hopes up.
May 22, 2014
I think the concept for this book was solid. I even enjoyed the mystery. However some of the dialogue was pretty contrived, and the main (false?) romance didn't have anything going for it.
A lot of this book is a waste of time, the plot didn't seem to be driving anywhere. I also felt like the twist at the end was fairly obvious and should have been revealed a bit earlier - then leave the mystery to be WHY they did it.
I also feel like a lot of characters were really inconsistent. Jen in particular flopped from being set up as the antagonist to working the hardest to protect everyone at the end, without really going through any character arc. Everyone also felt pretty cliche and one dimensional, there were no stakes, no tension when Nate "dies" or when Sanjit breaks his ankle. The last romp around in the forest seemed to really build to nothing.
The other thing that bothered me is even if you buy the twist at the end that everyone's been brainwashed I find it hard to believe that no-one else except the main characters are questioning how they got the school set up and so clearly organised in mere months. It also bothered me how passively Nate and Pan's attempt over the wall was handled. It's like Drama Drama Assault and a trial where everyone makes mysterious statements, and then the verdict is "hur hur time to clean the septic tanks" and Nate and Pan are like "Ok lol." it was as if it was an attempt to create tension which just fell flat.
Like I said the concept was good, but it was executed poorly. It's also a pretty short read. I don't think you would regret reading this book, but you won't miss out on much if you don't
A lot of this book is a waste of time, the plot didn't seem to be driving anywhere. I also felt like the twist at the end was fairly obvious and should have been revealed a bit earlier - then leave the mystery to be WHY they did it.
I also feel like a lot of characters were really inconsistent. Jen in particular flopped from being set up as the antagonist to working the hardest to protect everyone at the end, without really going through any character arc. Everyone also felt pretty cliche and one dimensional, there were no stakes, no tension when Nate "dies" or when Sanjit breaks his ankle. The last romp around in the forest seemed to really build to nothing.
The other thing that bothered me is even if you buy the twist at the end that everyone's been brainwashed I find it hard to believe that no-one else except the main characters are questioning how they got the school set up and so clearly organised in mere months. It also bothered me how passively Nate and Pan's attempt over the wall was handled. It's like Drama Drama Assault and a trial where everyone makes mysterious statements, and then the verdict is "hur hur time to clean the septic tanks" and Nate and Pan are like "Ok lol." it was as if it was an attempt to create tension which just fell flat.
Like I said the concept was good, but it was executed poorly. It's also a pretty short read. I don't think you would regret reading this book, but you won't miss out on much if you don't
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2017
I hadn't heard of this book before I won it in a giveaway from Allen & Unwin, but when it arrived it sounded so good I started reading right away. I loved it! It's near future (I think) dystopian YA, with kind of a creepy Stephen King vibe at the start. This would be a perfect read for fans of the Divergent or Darkest Minds series, and also has a bit of a Hunger Games feel. I have it 4.5 stars and can't wait to get the sequel.
December 23, 2020
Rezension „Pandora Stone - Heute beginnt das Ende der Welt (Die Pandora Stone-Reihe 1)“ von Barry Jonsberg
Meinung
Gerade in der aktuellen Zeit, mit einem Virus im Nacken, deren volles Ausmaß für uns noch nicht zu erfassen ist, mag es durchaus schwer sich mit einer solchen Thematik in einem Buch auseinanderzusetzen. Doch genau dieser Aspekt, das dystopische, hat mich dazu veranlasst, Feuer und Flamme auf Barry Jonsbergs Buch zu sein. Doch ich hatte keine Ahnung, wurde von schier unbändiger Beklemmung beinahe erdrückt und musste mehr als einmal schlucken. Der Auftakt überrollt mit einer spektakulären Welle aus Spannung, Fesselung und überraschenden Geheimnissen.
Barry Jonsberg schaffte es mit seinem Schreibstil ab der ersten Sekunde mich zu packen und mitzureißen, so dass das Buch schnell zu einem Page Turner wurde. Barry schreibt lebhaft, anschaulich, aber auch jugendlich frisch und ich verlor mich schnell in seiner Welt, den Charakteren und musste immerzu wissen wie es weiter geht. Vor allem schaffte es Barry mit seinen bildhaften Beschreibungen mir unter die Haut zu gehen, was bereits im Prolog für heftige Emotionen, die in mir wüteten sorgte. Leider gab es sehr viele Druckfehler die den Lesefluss ins Stolpern brachten, was der Geschichte dennoch keinen Abbruch tat, aber nicht gerade top ist.
Die Charaktere wurden mit Liebe, Detailreichtum und Tiefe gestaltet wodurch es mir schnell gelang eine Verbindung zu ihnen aufzubauen, die sich bis zum Ende kontinuierlich steigerte. Ein jeder von ihnen hatte seinen Platz im Geschehen und ich verfolgte mit Spannung ihr Miteinander, insbesondere da es eine Vielzahl von ihnen gab, jeder einzigartig und ausgestattet mit Ecken, Schwächen, Stärken und interessanten Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen. Diese große authentische Vielschichtigkeit erlebe ich doch eher selten in Büchern und es hat mich mehr als begeistert.
Barry kreiert eine Handlung, in der man unbedingt hinter den Schleier blicken muss und höllisch aufpassen sollte, denn nichts ist wie es scheint. Und das schließt auch die Charaktere mit ein. Manche Dinge waren so heftig, dass ich sprachlos auf die Seiten blickte und um Atem rang. Wie ich es schon oben sagte hat der Prolog allein es in sich, sowas sieht man zweifelsohne nicht alle Tage. Meine Finger ließen das Buch einfach nicht los und jeder Satz verwandelte sich in ein spektakuläres Szenario. Barry gelang es so schier mühelos mich hinters Licht zu führen und ich prallte auf eine Wand aus unvorhersehbaren Ereignissen. Nichts, gar nichts, ließ sich für mich durchschauen oder erahnen.
Meine Gedanken und eventuellen Ideen wurden so rasch im Winde zerstreut, dass ich es nicht mal schaffte ihnen nachzublicken. Pandora Stone schraubte sich so rasend schnell zu einem fulminanten Geniestreich hoch, der vollgepackt mit facettenreichen Charakteren, Geheimnissen und Fragen ist, bei dem mir am Ende einfach nur die Spucke wegblieb. Eine meisterhafte Dystopie die eine unstillbare Sucht entfesselt und mich voller Faszination auf die Fortsetzung warten lässt. Barry Jonsberg beschert euch Rätsel und eine Welt, die ihr so schnell nicht vergessen werdet.
Fazit
Pandora Stone - Ein brisanter, aktueller, packend mitreißender, hoch spannender Auftakt, der vollgepackt mit Rätseln, Fragen und einzigartigen Persönlichkeiten ist. Nichts ist wie es scheint. Eine Welt, die ein heftiges, bildhaftes Szenario entfesselt, dass in unseren Köpfen zu lebendiger Realität wird. Absolut undurchschaubar glänzt der Autor mit einer Überraschung nach dem anderen. Blockbuster Kino in Ultra HD das unter die Haut geht. Manches war so schrecklich, dass ich keine Worte dafür finde. Grandioser Hochkaräter
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 Sterne
Meinung
Gerade in der aktuellen Zeit, mit einem Virus im Nacken, deren volles Ausmaß für uns noch nicht zu erfassen ist, mag es durchaus schwer sich mit einer solchen Thematik in einem Buch auseinanderzusetzen. Doch genau dieser Aspekt, das dystopische, hat mich dazu veranlasst, Feuer und Flamme auf Barry Jonsbergs Buch zu sein. Doch ich hatte keine Ahnung, wurde von schier unbändiger Beklemmung beinahe erdrückt und musste mehr als einmal schlucken. Der Auftakt überrollt mit einer spektakulären Welle aus Spannung, Fesselung und überraschenden Geheimnissen.
Barry Jonsberg schaffte es mit seinem Schreibstil ab der ersten Sekunde mich zu packen und mitzureißen, so dass das Buch schnell zu einem Page Turner wurde. Barry schreibt lebhaft, anschaulich, aber auch jugendlich frisch und ich verlor mich schnell in seiner Welt, den Charakteren und musste immerzu wissen wie es weiter geht. Vor allem schaffte es Barry mit seinen bildhaften Beschreibungen mir unter die Haut zu gehen, was bereits im Prolog für heftige Emotionen, die in mir wüteten sorgte. Leider gab es sehr viele Druckfehler die den Lesefluss ins Stolpern brachten, was der Geschichte dennoch keinen Abbruch tat, aber nicht gerade top ist.
Die Charaktere wurden mit Liebe, Detailreichtum und Tiefe gestaltet wodurch es mir schnell gelang eine Verbindung zu ihnen aufzubauen, die sich bis zum Ende kontinuierlich steigerte. Ein jeder von ihnen hatte seinen Platz im Geschehen und ich verfolgte mit Spannung ihr Miteinander, insbesondere da es eine Vielzahl von ihnen gab, jeder einzigartig und ausgestattet mit Ecken, Schwächen, Stärken und interessanten Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen. Diese große authentische Vielschichtigkeit erlebe ich doch eher selten in Büchern und es hat mich mehr als begeistert.
Barry kreiert eine Handlung, in der man unbedingt hinter den Schleier blicken muss und höllisch aufpassen sollte, denn nichts ist wie es scheint. Und das schließt auch die Charaktere mit ein. Manche Dinge waren so heftig, dass ich sprachlos auf die Seiten blickte und um Atem rang. Wie ich es schon oben sagte hat der Prolog allein es in sich, sowas sieht man zweifelsohne nicht alle Tage. Meine Finger ließen das Buch einfach nicht los und jeder Satz verwandelte sich in ein spektakuläres Szenario. Barry gelang es so schier mühelos mich hinters Licht zu führen und ich prallte auf eine Wand aus unvorhersehbaren Ereignissen. Nichts, gar nichts, ließ sich für mich durchschauen oder erahnen.
Meine Gedanken und eventuellen Ideen wurden so rasch im Winde zerstreut, dass ich es nicht mal schaffte ihnen nachzublicken. Pandora Stone schraubte sich so rasend schnell zu einem fulminanten Geniestreich hoch, der vollgepackt mit facettenreichen Charakteren, Geheimnissen und Fragen ist, bei dem mir am Ende einfach nur die Spucke wegblieb. Eine meisterhafte Dystopie die eine unstillbare Sucht entfesselt und mich voller Faszination auf die Fortsetzung warten lässt. Barry Jonsberg beschert euch Rätsel und eine Welt, die ihr so schnell nicht vergessen werdet.
Fazit
Pandora Stone - Ein brisanter, aktueller, packend mitreißender, hoch spannender Auftakt, der vollgepackt mit Rätseln, Fragen und einzigartigen Persönlichkeiten ist. Nichts ist wie es scheint. Eine Welt, die ein heftiges, bildhaftes Szenario entfesselt, dass in unseren Köpfen zu lebendiger Realität wird. Absolut undurchschaubar glänzt der Autor mit einer Überraschung nach dem anderen. Blockbuster Kino in Ultra HD das unter die Haut geht. Manches war so schrecklich, dass ich keine Worte dafür finde. Grandioser Hochkaräter
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 Sterne
January 19, 2021
Mit diesem Buch habe ich mir sehr schwer getan und musste mich leider fast ein bisschen hindurch quälen. Dabei war die Ausgangssituation echt stark. Die Schülerin Pandora findet sich plötzlich in der Apokalypse wieder – ausgelöst durch eine rasend schnell um sich greifende Lungenseuche.
Kurz darauf erwacht Pandora, die eine leicht übernatürlich anmutende Begabung hat, in der Akademie. Nur wenige Leute sind dort, allesamt Überlebende des Virus. Doch an diesem Ort scheint etwas nicht zu stimmen – und Pandora will herausfinden, was es ist.
Nach und nach lernt man einige der Überlebenden kennen und lernt Pandoras Fähigkeit besser kennen.
Wie das allerdings gemacht wurde, fand ich doch recht spannungsarm. Auch waren die Hinweise, die gestreut wurden, um zu vermitteln, dass in der Akademie etwas nicht stimmt, nicht besonders einfallsreich.
Auch, wenn es sich um ein Jugendbuch handelt, fehlten einfach die Spannungsspitzen und die Raffinesse.
Ab dem letzten Drittel nahm das Buch dann etwas an Fahrt auf und es wurde doch recht brutal. Eine Actionszene reihte sich an die nächste. Aber was mir hier besonders aufgefallen ist, ist wie emotionslos das Buch geschrieben wurde. Weder Pandoras Gefühle, noch die ihrer Mitstreiter werden gut in Szene gesetzt. So war mein Problem, dass die Figuren doch extrem blass blieben und sie mir schlichtweg egal waren. Dafür wurde viel Wert auf die Kampfszenen gelegt.
Es ist wohl also Geschmackssache, ob einen dieses Buch packen kann. Wer seinen eigenen Fokus auf Action und Kampf setzt, wird hier seinen Spaß haben. Ich persönlich hätte mir mehr Blick auf das Innenleben der Protagonistin erhofft.
Natürlich endet das Buch mit Spannung. Für mich reicht es aber nicht, um weiter lesen zu wollen.
Kurz darauf erwacht Pandora, die eine leicht übernatürlich anmutende Begabung hat, in der Akademie. Nur wenige Leute sind dort, allesamt Überlebende des Virus. Doch an diesem Ort scheint etwas nicht zu stimmen – und Pandora will herausfinden, was es ist.
Nach und nach lernt man einige der Überlebenden kennen und lernt Pandoras Fähigkeit besser kennen.
Wie das allerdings gemacht wurde, fand ich doch recht spannungsarm. Auch waren die Hinweise, die gestreut wurden, um zu vermitteln, dass in der Akademie etwas nicht stimmt, nicht besonders einfallsreich.
Auch, wenn es sich um ein Jugendbuch handelt, fehlten einfach die Spannungsspitzen und die Raffinesse.
Ab dem letzten Drittel nahm das Buch dann etwas an Fahrt auf und es wurde doch recht brutal. Eine Actionszene reihte sich an die nächste. Aber was mir hier besonders aufgefallen ist, ist wie emotionslos das Buch geschrieben wurde. Weder Pandoras Gefühle, noch die ihrer Mitstreiter werden gut in Szene gesetzt. So war mein Problem, dass die Figuren doch extrem blass blieben und sie mir schlichtweg egal waren. Dafür wurde viel Wert auf die Kampfszenen gelegt.
Es ist wohl also Geschmackssache, ob einen dieses Buch packen kann. Wer seinen eigenen Fokus auf Action und Kampf setzt, wird hier seinen Spaß haben. Ich persönlich hätte mir mehr Blick auf das Innenleben der Protagonistin erhofft.
Natürlich endet das Buch mit Spannung. Für mich reicht es aber nicht, um weiter lesen zu wollen.
May 20, 2014
The worst thing about PANDORA JONES: ADMISSION is that it is utterly, utterly believable! It also leaves you looking over your shoulder when you hear someone sneezing nearby. Because that is how Pandora’s world has ended – a virulent mutant flu spreads the globe in days and just about everyone is gone.
Pandora tells the story, and the first little bit of the book is about her experience of what happened that day – the day the world ended. She starts with breakfast the last morning that her family is together, the start of the eight hours it took Melbourne to die when flu hits downunder; she describes her day at school, coming home and then violence on the street until everything goes black as a machine comes towards her along with people in uniforms. The recollections are disjointed and confusing – short, blunt, simple sentences – clipped and unfinished. Just a quick summary of events, or half remembered events, dream sequences even, but no one memory complete or clear enough for Pandora to grasp and say this is what actually happened. When she wakes up after her black out she finds that she is locked away in a secure training school with other teens who have all survived, and all have similar disjointed recollections. But what have they have actually survived, and why have they survived is not clear. Just what is the school hiding from them? Pandora is assigned to a group of other newly arrived teens to commence training to equip them all for a new world on the outside. As the opening sentence indicates, Pandora comes from Melbourne, but other students come from Singapore and New Zealand, and it is never really explained where the school is located – and how the international teens got there. Mention is made of a chopper, but is there one that can do those distances in a newly dead world? Pandora herself is a very believable character – she thinks like a teen and acts like a teen – she lusts after the good-looking boy and dislikes those who are mean to her. She is not a super fit heroine, but pants when she has to do a lot of running, however she is smart and she is brave.
PANDORA JONES: ADMISSION is not just another YA Dystopian story – there is mystery, suspense, action and a touch of paranormal because Pandora has a heightened sense of intuition, and is able to locate missing things. Sounds out of place but is actually totally believable. While most of the other members of her group seem to accept their fate, Pandora starts to ask questions, and through her others start to question as well. Things just don’t add up, such as why they are told it is too risky to go out scavenging when the staff appear to be making contact and trading with people living on the outside? Why does everyone in the dormitory have nightmares that keeps them moaning and screaming in their sleep – and it appears to be the same nightmare? And they all seem to have the same elusive last hours memories that reoccur as these nightmares! As the story continues and the reader along with Pandora tries to puzzle out what on earth is going on because as the story twists and turns there seems to be more questions raised than answered. At times the school is a little creepy and the teachers – well plain weird – but this all adds to the mood of the book and it is just great! There is a lot packed into this book, and not a heap of world building because for Pandora and the other teens inside the school there is no world other than the school. Until one day her group is told they have a task on the outside. What a task it is too – and what about the ending – wow – what a cliff hanger, did what I thought happened actually happen!! Thank goodness the next book is due out soon because I really, really need to know what is going on! The second book ‘Pandora Jones: Deception’ is set to be released in October 2014 and the final book ‘Pandora Jones: Reckoning’ in May 2015.
I would certainly recommend PANDORA JONES: ADMISSION as it keeps you guessing, keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps you wanting more
Pandora tells the story, and the first little bit of the book is about her experience of what happened that day – the day the world ended. She starts with breakfast the last morning that her family is together, the start of the eight hours it took Melbourne to die when flu hits downunder; she describes her day at school, coming home and then violence on the street until everything goes black as a machine comes towards her along with people in uniforms. The recollections are disjointed and confusing – short, blunt, simple sentences – clipped and unfinished. Just a quick summary of events, or half remembered events, dream sequences even, but no one memory complete or clear enough for Pandora to grasp and say this is what actually happened. When she wakes up after her black out she finds that she is locked away in a secure training school with other teens who have all survived, and all have similar disjointed recollections. But what have they have actually survived, and why have they survived is not clear. Just what is the school hiding from them? Pandora is assigned to a group of other newly arrived teens to commence training to equip them all for a new world on the outside. As the opening sentence indicates, Pandora comes from Melbourne, but other students come from Singapore and New Zealand, and it is never really explained where the school is located – and how the international teens got there. Mention is made of a chopper, but is there one that can do those distances in a newly dead world? Pandora herself is a very believable character – she thinks like a teen and acts like a teen – she lusts after the good-looking boy and dislikes those who are mean to her. She is not a super fit heroine, but pants when she has to do a lot of running, however she is smart and she is brave.
PANDORA JONES: ADMISSION is not just another YA Dystopian story – there is mystery, suspense, action and a touch of paranormal because Pandora has a heightened sense of intuition, and is able to locate missing things. Sounds out of place but is actually totally believable. While most of the other members of her group seem to accept their fate, Pandora starts to ask questions, and through her others start to question as well. Things just don’t add up, such as why they are told it is too risky to go out scavenging when the staff appear to be making contact and trading with people living on the outside? Why does everyone in the dormitory have nightmares that keeps them moaning and screaming in their sleep – and it appears to be the same nightmare? And they all seem to have the same elusive last hours memories that reoccur as these nightmares! As the story continues and the reader along with Pandora tries to puzzle out what on earth is going on because as the story twists and turns there seems to be more questions raised than answered. At times the school is a little creepy and the teachers – well plain weird – but this all adds to the mood of the book and it is just great! There is a lot packed into this book, and not a heap of world building because for Pandora and the other teens inside the school there is no world other than the school. Until one day her group is told they have a task on the outside. What a task it is too – and what about the ending – wow – what a cliff hanger, did what I thought happened actually happen!! Thank goodness the next book is due out soon because I really, really need to know what is going on! The second book ‘Pandora Jones: Deception’ is set to be released in October 2014 and the final book ‘Pandora Jones: Reckoning’ in May 2015.
I would certainly recommend PANDORA JONES: ADMISSION as it keeps you guessing, keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps you wanting more
May 12, 2014
See the original review on my blog, Behind the Pages
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for providing a copy for review
This entire novel was completely unexpected. It hooked you in, and it played with you mind, leaving you shocked and wondering what is true.
Holy. Shit.
Finishing this book, and thinking about all that happened makes me dizzy. So many things have happened, and none of it was expected in any way, shape or form. It was so random that it was perfect.
When I first saw the cover and title, and even looking at it now, it looks like some super cool spy book. Here's me thinking this chick is some to notch spy and she goes and changes the world etc. That's the vibe this cover and title gives me, and even though I read the blurb, I couldn't see how it all fit together. Ok, let me just be clear, that Pandora Jones isn't some super secret spy. And this book is so far beyond that, it's not funny. This book is on a completely different level.
I can't get over how unexpected this novel was, and how shocked I was after finding out the "truth" at the very end, I even had to re-read the last paragraph twice to be able to get everything to sink in properly. Just wow. That's all that I can say. This book was so unpredictable that I got shocked by how many genres you can switch to in one novel, and still not be able to pinpoint exactly what one it begins to. So many things happen that I can't even begin to explain.
What I didn't like about the novel was the language used, and the writing style. The short, blunt sentences were ok at times, it picked up the speed in the novel at more exhilarating times, and during times she out could have been boring. But it's the fact that it carries onto the characters as well. I know that they are all facing the same kind of trauma, but for them to sound like people triple their age was a little strange.
I think this sentence, perfectly sums up the writing style of this book:
“Wei-Lin laughed. ‘Oh, yes. Sometimes I think he looks on words as bullets. Quick sprays are best. Don’t waste your ammunition.’
I know she is practically making fun of the teacher, but it’s kind of hypocritical when they all do it, even her.
It didn't help me connect with the characters as much as I wanted to, especially with Pandora. The only thing that was good about it, was that we got to see what she was thinking every now and again, and it was her thoughts that made me connect with her. She was speaking like someone get age should, well, at least how the protagonist in a YA novel should. It was only because of the memories from before, shows that this is a YA novel.
I can't wait for the second book. I desperately want to find out what is true and what isn't. I want to know so many things that it's killing me right now, because I don't have the second book. I want to know, why did only a few survive the pandemic? I want to know about Nate, about everything!
This book, definitely leaves you with your jaw halfway down your face. It was explosive, brutal, a little eye opening (about the whole, trust your instincts vibe), and more than it's fair share of shocks. This one is definitely a read.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for providing a copy for review
This entire novel was completely unexpected. It hooked you in, and it played with you mind, leaving you shocked and wondering what is true.
Holy. Shit.
Finishing this book, and thinking about all that happened makes me dizzy. So many things have happened, and none of it was expected in any way, shape or form. It was so random that it was perfect.
When I first saw the cover and title, and even looking at it now, it looks like some super cool spy book. Here's me thinking this chick is some to notch spy and she goes and changes the world etc. That's the vibe this cover and title gives me, and even though I read the blurb, I couldn't see how it all fit together. Ok, let me just be clear, that Pandora Jones isn't some super secret spy. And this book is so far beyond that, it's not funny. This book is on a completely different level.
I can't get over how unexpected this novel was, and how shocked I was after finding out the "truth" at the very end, I even had to re-read the last paragraph twice to be able to get everything to sink in properly. Just wow. That's all that I can say. This book was so unpredictable that I got shocked by how many genres you can switch to in one novel, and still not be able to pinpoint exactly what one it begins to. So many things happen that I can't even begin to explain.
What I didn't like about the novel was the language used, and the writing style. The short, blunt sentences were ok at times, it picked up the speed in the novel at more exhilarating times, and during times she out could have been boring. But it's the fact that it carries onto the characters as well. I know that they are all facing the same kind of trauma, but for them to sound like people triple their age was a little strange.
I think this sentence, perfectly sums up the writing style of this book:
“Wei-Lin laughed. ‘Oh, yes. Sometimes I think he looks on words as bullets. Quick sprays are best. Don’t waste your ammunition.’
I know she is practically making fun of the teacher, but it’s kind of hypocritical when they all do it, even her.
It didn't help me connect with the characters as much as I wanted to, especially with Pandora. The only thing that was good about it, was that we got to see what she was thinking every now and again, and it was her thoughts that made me connect with her. She was speaking like someone get age should, well, at least how the protagonist in a YA novel should. It was only because of the memories from before, shows that this is a YA novel.
I can't wait for the second book. I desperately want to find out what is true and what isn't. I want to know so many things that it's killing me right now, because I don't have the second book. I want to know, why did only a few survive the pandemic? I want to know about Nate, about everything!
This book, definitely leaves you with your jaw halfway down your face. It was explosive, brutal, a little eye opening (about the whole, trust your instincts vibe), and more than it's fair share of shocks. This one is definitely a read.
April 14, 2014
Not just another dystopian thriller, there are some unexpected twists in this story, and Pandora is a fabulous heroine.
May 21, 2014
WHAT. What. I need the next book. Stat.
January 23, 2020
Pandora is a smart, caring and brave character who I loved. The story was well paced and the twists and turns kept me totally engaged. Great story that I will recommend to all my students who love 'The hunger games' and 'The maze runner'.
January 25, 2021
Ein super Auftakt der definitiv Lust auf mehr macht!
July 21, 2016
Admission will have you on the edge of your seat. An interesting blend of post-apocalyptic and fantasy elements, this book kicks off what is undoubtedly going to be an exciting series about a young girl who wakes up after the end of the world puts in her in a coma.
The book begins with Pandora’s disjointed and confusing memories of the last day of her life, when a worldwide tragedy struck unexpectedly, and is thus confusing and disjointed to the reader. I didn’t like this writing style very much and was afraid that the whole book would be written like that – with short sentences and with nothing really making sense – but once Pandora wakes up from her coma the writing style changes.
Pandora is in many ways an average girl. She’s not exceptionally smart or athletic or even very brave, which should have made her easy to like. But I found myself struggling to like her in most cases. It’s small things – Pandora is introduced to six other kids who survived the disaster, and of the three boys, she describes one as acne ridden, another as quiet and the third as good-looking. Guess who her love interest was? Similarly, she dismisses all the girls she meets in her group, and doesn’t make overture of friendship towards any of them until quite late in the book, and her only friend is soon taken from the story. So we’ve got this girl, one of only ten thousand survivors of humanity’s worst disaster, and she’s too busy being judgmental about everyone else who has survived to actually make friends.
There is one thing about Pandora that sets her apart: she describes herself as very intuitive. It turns out she’s a little psychic, which is the paranormal fantasy aspect of the novel. This talent helps Pandora nut out the mysteries surrounding the end of the world and her survival.
Because this are quite a few mysteries here. Why would the children who survived be cut off from the adults, put through military exercises all day long, and forced to be physically fit? Why they be expected to leave the sanctuary of their walled compound – called the School – to engage with hostiles as a training exercises? Then there are details about the day the world ended itself, including the ridiculous (highly unrealistic) speed with which the pandemic spread. But there is an explanation for all of this, and it’s one I absolutely did not anticipate (always exciting when that happens.) The problem is that the big reveal happens on the very last page of the book, which means that for literally 99% of the book I was scoffing at how implausible everything it contains is.
The big reveal means that I, along with ever reader who picks up this book, am desperate to read the next instalment!
Pandora is put with a group with seven other teen survivors when she wakes up at the School, and although I can tell they are all fully developed characters in their own rights, seeing everything from Pandora’s point of view limits what we know about them. Pandora’s prone to judging people without any information about them and is constantly trying to pigeon-hole people into nice little categories, and it annoyed me because it them coloured my views of them. I think the problem was that all the kids that I didn’t trust were the ones Pandora gravitated towards, while the ones that I thought were interesting were the ones she shunned because they made her uncomfortable.
I really like Jen. Oh yes she’s a bitch to Pandora, but I understood Jen and her actions more than I ever did Pandora’s.
I think Pandora Jones: Admission will be liked by a varied audience, and is a great first novel that sets up an exciting series. Some readers, like me, might struggle to like the protagonist, but overall, I liked the book and can’t wait to read the next one!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
The book begins with Pandora’s disjointed and confusing memories of the last day of her life, when a worldwide tragedy struck unexpectedly, and is thus confusing and disjointed to the reader. I didn’t like this writing style very much and was afraid that the whole book would be written like that – with short sentences and with nothing really making sense – but once Pandora wakes up from her coma the writing style changes.
Pandora is in many ways an average girl. She’s not exceptionally smart or athletic or even very brave, which should have made her easy to like. But I found myself struggling to like her in most cases. It’s small things – Pandora is introduced to six other kids who survived the disaster, and of the three boys, she describes one as acne ridden, another as quiet and the third as good-looking. Guess who her love interest was? Similarly, she dismisses all the girls she meets in her group, and doesn’t make overture of friendship towards any of them until quite late in the book, and her only friend is soon taken from the story. So we’ve got this girl, one of only ten thousand survivors of humanity’s worst disaster, and she’s too busy being judgmental about everyone else who has survived to actually make friends.
There is one thing about Pandora that sets her apart: she describes herself as very intuitive. It turns out she’s a little psychic, which is the paranormal fantasy aspect of the novel. This talent helps Pandora nut out the mysteries surrounding the end of the world and her survival.
Because this are quite a few mysteries here. Why would the children who survived be cut off from the adults, put through military exercises all day long, and forced to be physically fit? Why they be expected to leave the sanctuary of their walled compound – called the School – to engage with hostiles as a training exercises? Then there are details about the day the world ended itself, including the ridiculous (highly unrealistic) speed with which the pandemic spread. But there is an explanation for all of this, and it’s one I absolutely did not anticipate (always exciting when that happens.) The problem is that the big reveal happens on the very last page of the book, which means that for literally 99% of the book I was scoffing at how implausible everything it contains is.
The big reveal means that I, along with ever reader who picks up this book, am desperate to read the next instalment!
Pandora is put with a group with seven other teen survivors when she wakes up at the School, and although I can tell they are all fully developed characters in their own rights, seeing everything from Pandora’s point of view limits what we know about them. Pandora’s prone to judging people without any information about them and is constantly trying to pigeon-hole people into nice little categories, and it annoyed me because it them coloured my views of them. I think the problem was that all the kids that I didn’t trust were the ones Pandora gravitated towards, while the ones that I thought were interesting were the ones she shunned because they made her uncomfortable.
I really like Jen. Oh yes she’s a bitch to Pandora, but I understood Jen and her actions more than I ever did Pandora’s.
I think Pandora Jones: Admission will be liked by a varied audience, and is a great first novel that sets up an exciting series. Some readers, like me, might struggle to like the protagonist, but overall, I liked the book and can’t wait to read the next one!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
February 26, 2019
BOI.
There were a lot of reasons to get drawn into this book - possible apocalypse, a school for survivors that has sinister undertones, a traumatised and probable badass heroine.
Get into the book and you're confronted with an unlikeable main character. She's closed minded - dictating other characters to be clinically depressed and at high risk of committing suicide because they don't speak often. Flimsy, calling a boy an arse, and full on thinking he's a dick at the same time as 'falling in love' with him. And worst of all, pathetic. She's not fit, or smart or actually good at anything aside from a gift where she gives her 'body' full control and takes a backseat. She was literally carried through this book on the backs of the other characters convenient (and only) personality traits.
The platonic relationships are disturbing. Lots of female on female angst. Like, pretty sure girl fights can be seen as a kink now, right? In light of the homophobic undertones. Plus, the multiple shower scenes where girls talk to each other stark naked with the main 'uncomfortable' at her peers 'savagery'. And also, apparently boys and girls can't simply be friends, always have to be falling in love and shit because heteronormativity's a HOOT.
Look, I'm all for character conflict, helps keep the game interesting. I just think there were better ways to do it. All the characters are so blatantly 2D. And with the plot being so character driven it's an injustice to what could've been a great book really.
The romance, eh. I'm not a romance person, I like that it wasn't touched on a lot but severely annoyed whenever it was because she fell in love at first sight and attempted to make it out like it wasn't a 'because he's the hottest one here' thing. Honestly I was more interested in the only other pairing in the cast. They got along and were pretty cute, holding hands on the fringes of the narrative.
The plot itself, non existent. All set up. Nothing happened. The characters land somewhere 'remote' under the influences of amnesia. No one knows anything, every one's just following the motions. No body questions anything. Lots of dream sequences left unaddressed, ignored and forgotten like who tf cares about the only tying plot point of this whole book HERE'S MORE RUNNING BITCHES.
The writing itself, easy enough to get through. Dialogue was stiff and unrealistic.
Setting, beautifully described. Atmospheric. The only refuge from poorly thought out characters stumbling through a even more poorly made plot.
The last two pages were like a kick to the balls. All of a sudden there's plot, there's meaning, questions and answers. All of a sudden there's a reason to pick up the second book.
Heaven help me if it's anything like this one.
SECOND REVIEW:
Not as bad as I remembered. Beginning was rough, Pan isn’t a likeable character - she’s very judgmental, and her usefulness doesn’t play a part until later in the book so she feels like the worst character to follow. Nate’s not even trying to be nice, more of a shit-stirrer if anything. Jen’s anger in the beginning is unreasonable but I’m glad it evolves into her need to better herself, the girl on girl hate was unbearable knowing what the next book brings. The end chapter brings a lot of revelations which I felt could’ve been had earlier. A lot of the writing style told rather than showed, lots of inserts of Pan’s thoughts telling the reader what to think. Overall though I think I might’ve just been really mad when I finished the book or had just finished reading something greater. So two stars rather than one.
There were a lot of reasons to get drawn into this book - possible apocalypse, a school for survivors that has sinister undertones, a traumatised and probable badass heroine.
Get into the book and you're confronted with an unlikeable main character. She's closed minded - dictating other characters to be clinically depressed and at high risk of committing suicide because they don't speak often. Flimsy, calling a boy an arse, and full on thinking he's a dick at the same time as 'falling in love' with him. And worst of all, pathetic. She's not fit, or smart or actually good at anything aside from a gift where she gives her 'body' full control and takes a backseat. She was literally carried through this book on the backs of the other characters convenient (and only) personality traits.
The platonic relationships are disturbing. Lots of female on female angst. Like, pretty sure girl fights can be seen as a kink now, right? In light of the homophobic undertones. Plus, the multiple shower scenes where girls talk to each other stark naked with the main 'uncomfortable' at her peers 'savagery'. And also, apparently boys and girls can't simply be friends, always have to be falling in love and shit because heteronormativity's a HOOT.
Look, I'm all for character conflict, helps keep the game interesting. I just think there were better ways to do it. All the characters are so blatantly 2D. And with the plot being so character driven it's an injustice to what could've been a great book really.
The romance, eh. I'm not a romance person, I like that it wasn't touched on a lot but severely annoyed whenever it was because she fell in love at first sight and attempted to make it out like it wasn't a 'because he's the hottest one here' thing. Honestly I was more interested in the only other pairing in the cast. They got along and were pretty cute, holding hands on the fringes of the narrative.
The plot itself, non existent. All set up. Nothing happened. The characters land somewhere 'remote' under the influences of amnesia. No one knows anything, every one's just following the motions. No body questions anything. Lots of dream sequences left unaddressed, ignored and forgotten like who tf cares about the only tying plot point of this whole book HERE'S MORE RUNNING BITCHES.
The writing itself, easy enough to get through. Dialogue was stiff and unrealistic.
Setting, beautifully described. Atmospheric. The only refuge from poorly thought out characters stumbling through a even more poorly made plot.
The last two pages were like a kick to the balls. All of a sudden there's plot, there's meaning, questions and answers. All of a sudden there's a reason to pick up the second book.
Heaven help me if it's anything like this one.
SECOND REVIEW:
Not as bad as I remembered. Beginning was rough, Pan isn’t a likeable character - she’s very judgmental, and her usefulness doesn’t play a part until later in the book so she feels like the worst character to follow. Nate’s not even trying to be nice, more of a shit-stirrer if anything. Jen’s anger in the beginning is unreasonable but I’m glad it evolves into her need to better herself, the girl on girl hate was unbearable knowing what the next book brings. The end chapter brings a lot of revelations which I felt could’ve been had earlier. A lot of the writing style told rather than showed, lots of inserts of Pan’s thoughts telling the reader what to think. Overall though I think I might’ve just been really mad when I finished the book or had just finished reading something greater. So two stars rather than one.
May 4, 2014
*This review also appears on the blog Chasm of Books*
Thank you to Allen and Unwin Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
4.5 stars
First reaction after finishing: SAY WHAT??????? Now that is how you write an ending which leaves you dying to read the next novel in the series!
At first glance Pandora Jones: Admission may draw you in with its post-apocalyptic Australian setting and hard-hitting first pages. Set with a terrifying premise of a world where a virus has killed the vast majority of the human population and a few survivors left to find themselves in the mysterious place called The School, this book has suspense, mystery and action to be found on every page. With a twist that will leave your head spinning and more questions being raised after each shocking new discovery, trying to piece the puzzle together makes this book a truly addicting read. If you're looking for something a little bit creepy, gritty and captivating then this is for you.
One thing you should know when going into this book is that you, as well as the main character Pandora will always be chasing the answers. That is what made this so interesting and suspenseful - the fact that you really couldn't tell what was going to happen next. Among her fellow teen comrades in The School, Pandora often wonders how she got there and what secrets really lurk behind the wall which entraps them and what really lies on the other side. This novel is shrouded in mystery and intrigue from the very first page, making it almost impossible to put down as you just have to know what will unfold next. The opening pages themselves sent a shiver down my spins, and from there the plot thickened immeasurably until I reached the final page. I'm certainly not going to spoil anything here, but let me tell you - it's good (in the sense that the author did a fantastic job of making us readers want the next book even more!).
I suppose you may be wondering what makes this novel in particular 'stand out from the crowd' in terms of all the other post-apocalyptic stories out there. It is quite hard to put my finger on what exactly, but there are some slight supernatural elements and the sheer degree of secrecy surrounding almost every aspect of the story makes it all the more enjoyable. The characters all had their own distinct characteristics, with a constant battle of morality versus brutality threatening the existence of this new section of civilization. Everything was focused on survival, which left little room for romance: a positive in this case since it would have risked turning this story into another overdone cliche. I liked how it was different in plot and development, and Barry Jonsberg has succeeded in creating something both startlingly eerie and very well executed.
CONCLUSION
In all, I would definitely recommend Pandora Jones: Admission to anyone wanting to read a book that will keep you guessing right until the end, bursting with suspense. Beware - this is an addicting read, and even the answers you do find may leave you with more questions than you began with...
Thank you to Allen and Unwin Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
4.5 stars
First reaction after finishing: SAY WHAT??????? Now that is how you write an ending which leaves you dying to read the next novel in the series!
At first glance Pandora Jones: Admission may draw you in with its post-apocalyptic Australian setting and hard-hitting first pages. Set with a terrifying premise of a world where a virus has killed the vast majority of the human population and a few survivors left to find themselves in the mysterious place called The School, this book has suspense, mystery and action to be found on every page. With a twist that will leave your head spinning and more questions being raised after each shocking new discovery, trying to piece the puzzle together makes this book a truly addicting read. If you're looking for something a little bit creepy, gritty and captivating then this is for you.
One thing you should know when going into this book is that you, as well as the main character Pandora will always be chasing the answers. That is what made this so interesting and suspenseful - the fact that you really couldn't tell what was going to happen next. Among her fellow teen comrades in The School, Pandora often wonders how she got there and what secrets really lurk behind the wall which entraps them and what really lies on the other side. This novel is shrouded in mystery and intrigue from the very first page, making it almost impossible to put down as you just have to know what will unfold next. The opening pages themselves sent a shiver down my spins, and from there the plot thickened immeasurably until I reached the final page. I'm certainly not going to spoil anything here, but let me tell you - it's good (in the sense that the author did a fantastic job of making us readers want the next book even more!).
I suppose you may be wondering what makes this novel in particular 'stand out from the crowd' in terms of all the other post-apocalyptic stories out there. It is quite hard to put my finger on what exactly, but there are some slight supernatural elements and the sheer degree of secrecy surrounding almost every aspect of the story makes it all the more enjoyable. The characters all had their own distinct characteristics, with a constant battle of morality versus brutality threatening the existence of this new section of civilization. Everything was focused on survival, which left little room for romance: a positive in this case since it would have risked turning this story into another overdone cliche. I liked how it was different in plot and development, and Barry Jonsberg has succeeded in creating something both startlingly eerie and very well executed.
CONCLUSION
In all, I would definitely recommend Pandora Jones: Admission to anyone wanting to read a book that will keep you guessing right until the end, bursting with suspense. Beware - this is an addicting read, and even the answers you do find may leave you with more questions than you began with...
April 2, 2014
What a ride!
When I first read the book description I was like "this sounds a little like Resident Evil" and I LOVE Resident Evil. But the further I read the more I realised that it was far from Resident Evil but just as good.
The whole book is wrapped in an air of mystery, which is what keeps you reading to the very end. What happened to everyone else? Why is there mainly children that are survivors? Why do Pandora's memories clash so much with her dreams and sense of intuition? What REALLY is going on?
The book starts by jumping in straight away. No lead up. Just straight up memories of what Pandora Jones "remembers" happened. That's also what makes this story good and also a little bit lacking. I felt that we should have known how Pandora felt towards her family members: the relationship she had with them so we could share that connection and experience it along with her loss. It helps us understand a little of what she's going through. But at the same time it was the only way the story could have been delivered. I mean, she lost everything and her memories are all jumbled and her connection to that life is almost non-existent because of this "virus" having wiped out her entire world and life. But she has a "feeling" that something is very very wrong. And the more you read, the more you understand.
There wasn't much of a relationship between the characters but the ones that were there mattered to the storyline, like Pandora and Nate, Pandora and Jen. And why didn't anyone question their ability to be free? I found that a little frustrating. Yes, they were children and many children will believe the word of an adult. But still...do they not realise their rights? Why didn't someone say "well if we're not prisoners why aren't we allowed to leave" even if they weren't allowed to come back because of the potential disease they might catch. That right there - being stuck at the school - tipped me off that there was something very very fishy going on...but what? So I had to continue reading. I was ensnared with this lack of knowledge - like Pandora and the Wall!!!
The only thing I got a little annoyed with was the constant referral to how Pandora would run. It gets a bit much when you've read it at least 3 times before, how she needs to remember how to breath and eventually gets into a rhythm and all she does is run from place to place ALL day. Just a minor thing, but it irked me a bit.
Overall though, I couldn't read the book fast enough and the further in I got, the more addicted I became. It was fast-paced, the characters were all loveable v detestable (what is with Gwynne and his nose wiping? Is he a drug addict or something?) and the mystery enshrouding the story was as catching as the virus! I loved it. I can't wait for the next book "Deception" to come out and wait in anticipation for it to land in my hands so I can continue on with the story.
I'd like to say 'move over Hunger Games' but they are in two completely different leagues. But if you're a fan of that sort of story then I would suggest that you grab a copy of this book and get started on a new great and exciting series! You won't be disappointed!
When I first read the book description I was like "this sounds a little like Resident Evil" and I LOVE Resident Evil. But the further I read the more I realised that it was far from Resident Evil but just as good.
The whole book is wrapped in an air of mystery, which is what keeps you reading to the very end. What happened to everyone else? Why is there mainly children that are survivors? Why do Pandora's memories clash so much with her dreams and sense of intuition? What REALLY is going on?
The book starts by jumping in straight away. No lead up. Just straight up memories of what Pandora Jones "remembers" happened. That's also what makes this story good and also a little bit lacking. I felt that we should have known how Pandora felt towards her family members: the relationship she had with them so we could share that connection and experience it along with her loss. It helps us understand a little of what she's going through. But at the same time it was the only way the story could have been delivered. I mean, she lost everything and her memories are all jumbled and her connection to that life is almost non-existent because of this "virus" having wiped out her entire world and life. But she has a "feeling" that something is very very wrong. And the more you read, the more you understand.
There wasn't much of a relationship between the characters but the ones that were there mattered to the storyline, like Pandora and Nate, Pandora and Jen. And why didn't anyone question their ability to be free? I found that a little frustrating. Yes, they were children and many children will believe the word of an adult. But still...do they not realise their rights? Why didn't someone say "well if we're not prisoners why aren't we allowed to leave" even if they weren't allowed to come back because of the potential disease they might catch. That right there - being stuck at the school - tipped me off that there was something very very fishy going on...but what? So I had to continue reading. I was ensnared with this lack of knowledge - like Pandora and the Wall!!!
The only thing I got a little annoyed with was the constant referral to how Pandora would run. It gets a bit much when you've read it at least 3 times before, how she needs to remember how to breath and eventually gets into a rhythm and all she does is run from place to place ALL day. Just a minor thing, but it irked me a bit.
Overall though, I couldn't read the book fast enough and the further in I got, the more addicted I became. It was fast-paced, the characters were all loveable v detestable (what is with Gwynne and his nose wiping? Is he a drug addict or something?) and the mystery enshrouding the story was as catching as the virus! I loved it. I can't wait for the next book "Deception" to come out and wait in anticipation for it to land in my hands so I can continue on with the story.
I'd like to say 'move over Hunger Games' but they are in two completely different leagues. But if you're a fan of that sort of story then I would suggest that you grab a copy of this book and get started on a new great and exciting series! You won't be disappointed!
August 17, 2015
My thought when I finished the book: "It all makes sense now, but it doesn't make sense!"
This book is really something. It is so cryptic that I could not stop turning the pages. I was very curious because I literally had no idea what to expect and could not even predict what would happen next. Pandora Jones: Admission is a different kind of pageturner--I don't really know how to say this, but Admission has that continuity that made me not able to stop reading although it is full of random and incoherent bits and pieces. I had to keep a sense of alertness and suspicion constantly to detect any clues. It was until just the last few pages of the book did everything finally wrap up. But then again, the book ends with the biggest cliffhanger possible, screaming to me "you still don't know anything".
I've honestly never been curious about a book, mainly because other books I could break that continuity somehow. With Admission, I could not even get get a grasp of the baseline of the story that I had to keep going until the revelation.
Other good points about the book:
1. Pandora is such a likeable character
2. Elements of supernaturalism combined with dystopia
3. Not many books can make you suspicious of every character. With this book, I could not trust anyone other than main character Pandora.
4. If this were any other ordinary book, its whole length would be compressed into the first 1/3 of a book. So basically, this book is just the beginning of everything, which fits the title "Admission" perfectly.
One weakness of this book is that the writing can fall flat at times and it gets a bit boring. Maybe the author did it deliberately to set the mood, and I did feel the flat writing set the tone in line with the story's atmosphere, but sometimes there was redundancy of words I had to scan some parts very quickly to get to the point.
In conclusion, Pandora Jones: Admission has been a thrill to read. It is an apocalyptic rollercoaster that should be acclaimed by YA dystopian/fantasy/sci-fi fans.
This book is really something. It is so cryptic that I could not stop turning the pages. I was very curious because I literally had no idea what to expect and could not even predict what would happen next. Pandora Jones: Admission is a different kind of pageturner--I don't really know how to say this, but Admission has that continuity that made me not able to stop reading although it is full of random and incoherent bits and pieces. I had to keep a sense of alertness and suspicion constantly to detect any clues. It was until just the last few pages of the book did everything finally wrap up. But then again, the book ends with the biggest cliffhanger possible, screaming to me "you still don't know anything".
I've honestly never been curious about a book, mainly because other books I could break that continuity somehow. With Admission, I could not even get get a grasp of the baseline of the story that I had to keep going until the revelation.
Other good points about the book:
1. Pandora is such a likeable character
2. Elements of supernaturalism combined with dystopia
3. Not many books can make you suspicious of every character. With this book, I could not trust anyone other than main character Pandora.
4. If this were any other ordinary book, its whole length would be compressed into the first 1/3 of a book. So basically, this book is just the beginning of everything, which fits the title "Admission" perfectly.
One weakness of this book is that the writing can fall flat at times and it gets a bit boring. Maybe the author did it deliberately to set the mood, and I did feel the flat writing set the tone in line with the story's atmosphere, but sometimes there was redundancy of words I had to scan some parts very quickly to get to the point.
In conclusion, Pandora Jones: Admission has been a thrill to read. It is an apocalyptic rollercoaster that should be acclaimed by YA dystopian/fantasy/sci-fi fans.
April 2, 2014
Wow!! Can ‘Pandora Jones’ be the next female hero like Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games) or Beatrice Prior (Divergent) or maybe Clair (Twinmaker:Jump). And like these books, Admission is part of a trilogy.
As soon as I started this book I could not put it down. It captured me from the start.
The main character Pandora, wakes up in an infirmary. She finds out that her family and the rest of the world have succumbed to a plague pandemic which nearly wipes out the world. From the infirmary, Pandora enters a school with other survivors and here the adventure begins.
Pandora was definitely my favorite character. Reading how she saw the world and what was happening around her was very believable and this is what hooks me as a reader.
The other members in Pandora’s team at the school were interesting too. I would have loved to have learnt more about them and their past. Maybe this will happen in the next two books.
Admissions did remind me of a few other books that I have read previously. One in particular was The Maze Runner trilogy. This too had a plague pandemic. Nate reminded me so much of the runners running through the maze.
I can see this being made into a movie as well.
Looking forward to reading parts two and three in the future.
And as the doctor said to Pandora about her name
“Pandora…A classical name. The bringer of mischief into the world”
Pandora’s answer
“Pandora brought mischief, evil into the world, but she also brought hope”
As soon as I started this book I could not put it down. It captured me from the start.
The main character Pandora, wakes up in an infirmary. She finds out that her family and the rest of the world have succumbed to a plague pandemic which nearly wipes out the world. From the infirmary, Pandora enters a school with other survivors and here the adventure begins.
Pandora was definitely my favorite character. Reading how she saw the world and what was happening around her was very believable and this is what hooks me as a reader.
The other members in Pandora’s team at the school were interesting too. I would have loved to have learnt more about them and their past. Maybe this will happen in the next two books.
Admissions did remind me of a few other books that I have read previously. One in particular was The Maze Runner trilogy. This too had a plague pandemic. Nate reminded me so much of the runners running through the maze.
I can see this being made into a movie as well.
Looking forward to reading parts two and three in the future.
And as the doctor said to Pandora about her name
“Pandora…A classical name. The bringer of mischief into the world”
Pandora’s answer
“Pandora brought mischief, evil into the world, but she also brought hope”
August 2, 2014
I'm speechless. This book was amazing!
Originally, from the look of the cover I thought it was going to be an action and adventure book and people going on a quest. I picked it up from the library and the cover interested me, so I got it out. Then I read the blurb and I was like, "oh, totally different from what I thought"'
This book was really good and I just couldn't put it down. It was a bit boring in the middle but towards the end my heart was beating frantically. I can't believe it ended like that! It was an outrage, bringing the reader so close to hope then the major cliffhanger. Grr, I want the second book now! Immediately! I have no wishes to wait!
The degree of psychic ability and mystery mixed together was good and now I really want to know the answers to the mystery. When everyone started talking about the little girl in white with the doll, I thought that they must have all been in the same place but that didn't work because they came from a diverse range of places and that's when I realised something strange (even stranger than what was happening) was going on. What I really want to know is if the virus was real or was it all a cover up for something else.
I recommend this book to everyone who is a fan of apocalyptic books, dystopian texts and the Gone series (because it sorta reminded me of Plague, #4 in the series).
Originally, from the look of the cover I thought it was going to be an action and adventure book and people going on a quest. I picked it up from the library and the cover interested me, so I got it out. Then I read the blurb and I was like, "oh, totally different from what I thought"'
This book was really good and I just couldn't put it down. It was a bit boring in the middle but towards the end my heart was beating frantically. I can't believe it ended like that! It was an outrage, bringing the reader so close to hope then the major cliffhanger. Grr, I want the second book now! Immediately! I have no wishes to wait!
The degree of psychic ability and mystery mixed together was good and now I really want to know the answers to the mystery. When everyone started talking about the little girl in white with the doll, I thought that they must have all been in the same place but that didn't work because they came from a diverse range of places and that's when I realised something strange (even stranger than what was happening) was going on. What I really want to know is if the virus was real or was it all a cover up for something else.
I recommend this book to everyone who is a fan of apocalyptic books, dystopian texts and the Gone series (because it sorta reminded me of Plague, #4 in the series).
December 21, 2014
Mini-review!
Unfortunately, I wanted more with this one.
The concept was intriguing enough. I was interested about The School, and the disease that had wiped out most of the population. And some of the activities were fun to read about.
I liked Nate as well, but he was pretty much the only character I liked. Pandora Jones, our protagonist, felt a bit bland to me, and none of the other characters were very likeable.
It also fell into what I call the Dystopian Trap. As in, not enough answers, and vague explanations for the world that we’re reading about. The pacing was also quite slow, and I found myself skimming a lot of it. It didn’t seem to be GOING anywhere – the survival training of The School wasn’t particularly interesting to read about.
The dialogue was also a little bit unrealistic – nobody talks in the formal way these characters did.
A shame because I really liked Life as An Alphabet by the same author.
The good thing about this one was that I DID want to read on, if only to get some answers.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
Unfortunately, I wanted more with this one.
The concept was intriguing enough. I was interested about The School, and the disease that had wiped out most of the population. And some of the activities were fun to read about.
I liked Nate as well, but he was pretty much the only character I liked. Pandora Jones, our protagonist, felt a bit bland to me, and none of the other characters were very likeable.
It also fell into what I call the Dystopian Trap. As in, not enough answers, and vague explanations for the world that we’re reading about. The pacing was also quite slow, and I found myself skimming a lot of it. It didn’t seem to be GOING anywhere – the survival training of The School wasn’t particularly interesting to read about.
The dialogue was also a little bit unrealistic – nobody talks in the formal way these characters did.
A shame because I really liked Life as An Alphabet by the same author.
The good thing about this one was that I DID want to read on, if only to get some answers.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
September 20, 2016
Reviewing this book is difficult...
On the whole, I did rather enjoy it. It was a quick read and I liked the concept.
On the other hand, I found the plot quite predictable and the characters all fell quite flat.
You would think after 250 pages I would be picturing Sam as the girl that she is, but no. My brain didn't seem to get that memo. For some reason, every time she was mentioned, I thought she was a boy.
Also, when characters die, sadness is supposed to occur. But I just didn't care. I could see the deaths coming from ages off, I guessed the 'plot-twist' fairly early on, and I had no emotional attachment to anything.
But I still enjoyed it.
So I would recommend this for those who are looking for a quick read without a lot of depth to anything.
On the whole, I did rather enjoy it. It was a quick read and I liked the concept.
On the other hand, I found the plot quite predictable and the characters all fell quite flat.
You would think after 250 pages I would be picturing Sam as the girl that she is, but no. My brain didn't seem to get that memo. For some reason, every time she was mentioned, I thought she was a boy.
Also, when characters die, sadness is supposed to occur. But I just didn't care. I could see the deaths coming from ages off, I guessed the 'plot-twist' fairly early on, and I had no emotional attachment to anything.
But I still enjoyed it.
So I would recommend this for those who are looking for a quick read without a lot of depth to anything.
May 21, 2020
Read this the first week of lockdown. The first line; "It took slightly under eight hours for Melbourne to die," was a bit spooky, considering the fear at that time around the Covid-19 pandemic.
April 30, 2014
Once again Barry has written an amazing novel. He leaves the reader guessing what secrets are lurking at The School and what is behind the wall. Barry has captured the dystopian world amazingly by having dangers both in and out of The School; as all laws a demolished the ugly human nature emerges and a social order emerges as the weakest people are left behind. It is refreshing to read a novel where the protagonist doesn't have all the answers at their finger tips but instead has to dig for them and figure out what they mean. Cannot wait until the next book!!!!! The ending is a major cliff hanger!!!
June 10, 2014
I liked this book, it was very interesting and also very creepy, but the narration style bothered me. Pandora 'Pan' is meant to be averagely intelligent, but her inner monologue was overly-complicated and the dialogue seemed very forced. I don't think 'kiddo' is something people say multiple times a sentence, nor do they speak as formally as the characters in this book. However, I did really love the story, it was a really good mix of dystopia and paranormal. Sometimes I felt that the 'intuition' was a little bit weird and random but by the end of it it worked. A solid book and I'm excited to read more
August 5, 2014
Admission was amazing! It was extremely believable and utterly invigorating. The only thing I didn't like about it was the immediate love interest. I don't like how Pan immediately develops a crush on Nate, who is described as good-looking and out of Pan's league. It seems silly that in a world that is being killed the first thing to happen is the main character falling in love. To me it's stupid.
But overall it was an amazing book and I can't wait for the second. Especially because of how it left off. And to see whether or not Nate survived and if he's working with the "enemy"
Give me a second book!
But overall it was an amazing book and I can't wait for the second. Especially because of how it left off. And to see whether or not Nate survived and if he's working with the "enemy"
Give me a second book!
December 1, 2014
Three stars for the apocalyptic and gripping premise, which I did enjoy, though I kept tripping over details that took me out of the story. Like characters that didn't feel real; a heroine running and doing stairs straight out of a coma; manufactured action sequences that felt like filler and went nowhere; and a twist at the end that was too well telegraphed. Barry Jonsberg is a helluva good writer, so I expect he'll hits his stride in the next in the series (which is, I suspect, where the real story lies).
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