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Maddy Young #1
Arrival
The only thing Maddy knows for certain...is that he died.
I died. And I came here. To a place they call Two. They say one out of three people who die come here. Berlin is here. She's seven. She forgot to take her insulin. Darrel is here. He drowned. Dr. Raleigh is here. He's the head counselor at the TAF (Two Adjustment Facility) I'm at. He died in an avalanche. Perry Whitcomb is here. I connected with him on Deadbook (Two's version of Facebook). He was on my soccer team in middle school. He collapsed during one of our games. And get this, Heath Ledger is here. (Yeah, the Joker, himself.) He just had a new movie come out.
Anyhow, it's been a lot to handle, this new world, this second life, but I think I'm starting to come around. I was about to take the bar exam (for the third time) the day after I died. They say I can take it here. They say I can become a public defender just like I'd planned on. We'll see. Sure, I'm starting to adjust, but I still have lots of questions: Why can't women get pregnant here? Who are this group called "Borns" that no one will talk about? Why do They always seem to know exactly where you are every second of every day. I'm not certain of a lot these days, but I do know one thing for sure: there is a lot more to Two than people are telling...
I died. And I came here. To a place they call Two. They say one out of three people who die come here. Berlin is here. She's seven. She forgot to take her insulin. Darrel is here. He drowned. Dr. Raleigh is here. He's the head counselor at the TAF (Two Adjustment Facility) I'm at. He died in an avalanche. Perry Whitcomb is here. I connected with him on Deadbook (Two's version of Facebook). He was on my soccer team in middle school. He collapsed during one of our games. And get this, Heath Ledger is here. (Yeah, the Joker, himself.) He just had a new movie come out.
Anyhow, it's been a lot to handle, this new world, this second life, but I think I'm starting to come around. I was about to take the bar exam (for the third time) the day after I died. They say I can take it here. They say I can become a public defender just like I'd planned on. We'll see. Sure, I'm starting to adjust, but I still have lots of questions: Why can't women get pregnant here? Who are this group called "Borns" that no one will talk about? Why do They always seem to know exactly where you are every second of every day. I'm not certain of a lot these days, but I do know one thing for sure: there is a lot more to Two than people are telling...
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2011
122 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Nick Pirog
38 books1,258 followersNick Pirog is the bestselling author of the Thomas Prescott series, the 3:00 a.m. series, and The Speed of Souls. He lives in South Lake Tahoe with his other half, Stephy, and their pup, Potter.
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March 19, 2017
জমলোনা ঠিক। অনেককিছুই ঘটলো বইয়ে, তবু গল্পের অভাব পূরণ হলনা। যদি জানতে চান এ বইয়ের গল্প কি, আমার উত্তর হবে-
" ম্যাডি মরে যাবার পর পৃথিবী ২ এ এল।
কয়েক জনের সাথে পরিচিত হল।
আইনজীবী হবার চেষ্টা করল।
একটা মেয়েকে এডপ্ট করল।
... তারপর...তারপর............
...................আমতা আমতা।"
পৃথিবী ২ এর বর্ণনা, ডেডবুক, ম্যাডির মৃত্যু প্রক্রিয়ার খোলামেলা বয়ান ছাড়া আর কি আছে এই বইয়ে; চোখে আঙুল দিয়ে দেখিয়ে দিতে পারেন কেউ চাইলে।
PLEASE, WELCOME.
সত্যিই আমি জানতে আগ্রহী, এই বই নিয়ে এত তোলপাড় কেন। বইটাকে মিসজাজ করে থাকলে, আমার ভুল ভাঙাতে কেউ এগিয়ে আসুন প্লিজ।
অনুবাদ আরও সাবলীল হবার দাবী রাখে, সহজিয়া হবার জায়গা আছে। শুভকামনা রইলো অনুবাদকের জন্যে। তার ২য় কাজ নিশ্চয়ই ১ম কাজের চেয়ে ভাল হবে আশা করি।
" ম্যাডি মরে যাবার পর পৃথিবী ২ এ এল।
কয়েক জনের সাথে পরিচিত হল।
আইনজীবী হবার চেষ্টা করল।
একটা মেয়েকে এডপ্ট করল।
... তারপর...তারপর............
...................আমতা আমতা।"
পৃথিবী ২ এর বর্ণনা, ডেডবুক, ম্যাডির মৃত্যু প্রক্রিয়ার খোলামেলা বয়ান ছাড়া আর কি আছে এই বইয়ে; চোখে আঙুল দিয়ে দেখিয়ে দিতে পারেন কেউ চাইলে।
PLEASE, WELCOME.
সত্যিই আমি জানতে আগ্রহী, এই বই নিয়ে এত তোলপাড় কেন। বইটাকে মিসজাজ করে থাকলে, আমার ভুল ভাঙাতে কেউ এগিয়ে আসুন প্লিজ।
অনুবাদ আরও সাবলীল হবার দাবী রাখে, সহজিয়া হবার জায়গা আছে। শুভকামনা রইলো অনুবাদকের জন্যে। তার ২য় কাজ নিশ্চয়ই ১ম কাজের চেয়ে ভাল হবে আশা করি।
February 10, 2017
মৃত্যুর পর কি হয়?
প্রশ্নটি শোনা-মাত্র 'অচিনপুর' উপন্যাসের কথা মনে পড়ে সবসময়। তবে প্রশ্ন এক হলেও, উত্তর কিন্তু ক্ষেত্রবিশেষে একেবারেই ভিন্ন। এবং ক্ষেত্র হিসেবে এখানে আছে এরাইভাল, অর্থাৎ আগমন। মৃত্যু-পরবর্তী প্রশ্নের উত্তরের সাথে আগমন-এর কি সম্পর্ক, এই রহস্যের সমাধান বইয়ের একদম শুরুতেই পাওয়া যাবে।
পাওয়া যাবে নতুন এক পৃথিবীর খবর, 'পৃথিবী দুই!' বাছাইকৃত মৃতদের নিয়ে গড়া সেই পৃথিবী আবার অনেকটাই আমাদের চেনা পৃথিবীর মত। সেখানে খোঁজ পাওয়া যাবে আরও রহস্যের... কোথায় এই পৃথিবী? এখানের বাসিন্দারা নির্বাচিত হয় কিভাবে? 'বর্ন' কারা, কেনই বা তারা নিজেদের 'রক্ষক' হিসেবে দাবি করছে?... ইত্যাদি ইত্যাদি জিজ্ঞাসা উদয় হলেও যেটি পাওয়া যাবেনা, সেটি হল এগুলোর উত্তর!
ম্যাডি, পুরো নাম ম্যাডিসান ইয়াং। হস্ত-মৈথুনের সময়ে দুর্ঘটনা'র মত অভিনব(!) পন্থায় মারা যাওয়ার পর সে হাজির হয় পৃথিবী দুই-তে। পরিচিত হয় ছোট্ট মেয়ে বার্লিন, ডাঃ রালেই, ড্যারেল ইত্যাদি আরও 'মৃত' মানুষদের সাথে। খোঁজ মেলে ঈষৎ পাল্টে যাওয়া গুগল-এর জায়গায় "Googled", ফেসবুকের জায়গায় "Deadbook" এর! সম্পূর্ণ নতুন এবং বিদঘুটে এই পরিস্থিতি-তে ধীরে ধীরে খাপ খাইয়ে নেয় ম্যাডি, সাথে থাকে আজন্ম একলা ম্যাডি'র মধ্যে অদ্ভুত ভালবাসার জন্ম দেয়া বার্লিন। ফেলে আসা পৃথিবীর অসম্পূর্ণ পড়াশোনার পুনর্বহাল, চাকরিতে যোগ দেয়া নিয়ে ভালোই এগোচ্ছিলো সব... যতক্ষণ না পর্যন্ত অনেককাল আগেই শেষকৃত্য করে আসা ছেলেবেলার বন্ধুর খোঁজ এবং নিখোঁজপর্ব ঘটে পরপর। নিজের মৃত্যুরহস্য নিয়ে নতুন করে ভাবতে হয় ম্যাডি-কে।
'হেনরি বিনস' খ্যাত নিক পিরোগ-এর আরেকটি সিরিজ, #ম্যাডি_ইয়াং_সিরিজ-এর প্রথম বই এরাইভাল। তার সহজাত তীক্ষ্ণ হাস্যরসে পূর্ণ বইটি, রূপান্তরের ক্ষেত্রে যার প্রায় পুরোটাই তুলে আনতে পেরেছেন অনুবাদক। প্রথম অনুবাদ হিসেবে অনুমিত হালকা আড়ষ্টতা হেসেখেলেই কেটে গেছে তাতে। ছাপায় কিছু ভুল ছিল, পরবর্তীতে সেদিকে আরও নজর দেয়া হবে জানি। আপাতত বইয়ের শেষে একগাদা প্রশ্ন রেখে দেয়া নিক পিরোগ এর 'হো হো' হাসির সাথে করা মন্তব্যের উত্তরে কিঞ্চিৎ রাগান্বিত এবং অনেকখানি আশাবাদী প্রত্যাশা অনুবাদক-এর প্রতি, সিরিজের দ্বিতীয় বই 'বর্ন' এর দ্রুত অনুবাদ চাই। শুভকামনা রইলো।
প্রশ্নটি শোনা-মাত্র 'অচিনপুর' উপন্যাসের কথা মনে পড়ে সবসময়। তবে প্রশ্ন এক হলেও, উত্তর কিন্তু ক্ষেত্রবিশেষে একেবারেই ভিন্ন। এবং ক্ষেত্র হিসেবে এখানে আছে এরাইভাল, অর্থাৎ আগমন। মৃত্যু-পরবর্তী প্রশ্নের উত্তরের সাথে আগমন-এর কি সম্পর্ক, এই রহস্যের সমাধান বইয়ের একদম শুরুতেই পাওয়া যাবে।
পাওয়া যাবে নতুন এক পৃথিবীর খবর, 'পৃথিবী দুই!' বাছাইকৃত মৃতদের নিয়ে গড়া সেই পৃথিবী আবার অনেকটাই আমাদের চেনা পৃথিবীর মত। সেখানে খোঁজ পাওয়া যাবে আরও রহস্যের... কোথায় এই পৃথিবী? এখানের বাসিন্দারা নির্বাচিত হয় কিভাবে? 'বর্ন' কারা, কেনই বা তারা নিজেদের 'রক্ষক' হিসেবে দাবি করছে?... ইত্যাদি ইত্যাদি জিজ্ঞাসা উদয় হলেও যেটি পাওয়া যাবেনা, সেটি হল এগুলোর উত্তর!
ম্যাডি, পুরো নাম ম্যাডিসান ইয়াং। হস্ত-মৈথুনের সময়ে দুর্ঘটনা'র মত অভিনব(!) পন্থায় মারা যাওয়ার পর সে হাজির হয় পৃথিবী দুই-তে। পরিচিত হয় ছোট্ট মেয়ে বার্লিন, ডাঃ রালেই, ড্যারেল ইত্যাদি আরও 'মৃত' মানুষদের সাথে। খোঁজ মেলে ঈষৎ পাল্টে যাওয়া গুগল-এর জায়গায় "Googled", ফেসবুকের জায়গায় "Deadbook" এর! সম্পূর্ণ নতুন এবং বিদঘুটে এই পরিস্থিতি-তে ধীরে ধীরে খাপ খাইয়ে নেয় ম্যাডি, সাথে থাকে আজন্ম একলা ম্যাডি'র মধ্যে অদ্ভুত ভালবাসার জন্ম দেয়া বার্লিন। ফেলে আসা পৃথিবীর অসম্পূর্ণ পড়াশোনার পুনর্বহাল, চাকরিতে যোগ দেয়া নিয়ে ভালোই এগোচ্ছিলো সব... যতক্ষণ না পর্যন্ত অনেককাল আগেই শেষকৃত্য করে আসা ছেলেবেলার বন্ধুর খোঁজ এবং নিখোঁজপর্ব ঘটে পরপর। নিজের মৃত্যুরহস্য নিয়ে নতুন করে ভাবতে হয় ম্যাডি-কে।
'হেনরি বিনস' খ্যাত নিক পিরোগ-এর আরেকটি সিরিজ, #ম্যাডি_ইয়াং_সিরিজ-এর প্রথম বই এরাইভাল। তার সহজাত তীক্ষ্ণ হাস্যরসে পূর্ণ বইটি, রূপান্তরের ক্ষেত্রে যার প্রায় পুরোটাই তুলে আনতে পেরেছেন অনুবাদক। প্রথম অনুবাদ হিসেবে অনুমিত হালকা আড়ষ্টতা হেসেখেলেই কেটে গেছে তাতে। ছাপায় কিছু ভুল ছিল, পরবর্তীতে সেদিকে আরও নজর দেয়া হবে জানি। আপাতত বইয়ের শেষে একগাদা প্রশ্ন রেখে দেয়া নিক পিরোগ এর 'হো হো' হাসির সাথে করা মন্তব্যের উত্তরে কিঞ্চিৎ রাগান্বিত এবং অনেকখানি আশাবাদী প্রত্যাশা অনুবাদক-এর প্রতি, সিরিজের দ্বিতীয় বই 'বর্ন' এর দ্রুত অনুবাদ চাই। শুভকামনা রইলো।
February 9, 2014
I could only give this book three stars because of the cliffhanger ending and not really having a climax. I think a lot of indie authors thing it's okay to have zero climax and a huge cliffhanger at the end so readers will buy more books from them, but I don't think that's okay. If you look at the best series published, each book can stand on its own. There's a problem that's resolved by the end of the novel. What gets people to pick up the other books in the series is because they've fallen in love with the characters and they want to read about their next adventures. There's also some underlying issue that isn't resolved until the end of the series. Think about Harry Potter. Each book has its obvious problem that's solved by the end of the book (Sorcerer's Stone had the stone that was recovered and destroyed). But then there's the underlying issue of Voldemort that people want to see resolved, so they pick up the next book, and the next. They're fun to read and they're fulfilling.
Books like Arrival are not fun to read, no matter how well written or compelling the story might be. The author builds it up and builds it up, and at the last page, the reader is still holding their breath, but there's NOTHING THERE. They have to buy the next book. WTF? No! I don't like that, and I won't buy anymore books in a series when the first book ends like that.
Three stars because the story was great until the last page.
Books like Arrival are not fun to read, no matter how well written or compelling the story might be. The author builds it up and builds it up, and at the last page, the reader is still holding their breath, but there's NOTHING THERE. They have to buy the next book. WTF? No! I don't like that, and I won't buy anymore books in a series when the first book ends like that.
Three stars because the story was great until the last page.
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April 17, 2017শেষ করতে পারলাম না। দোষ কার, লেখকের না আমার আল্লাহ মালুম। শেষ করলাম না কারণ পরীক্ষার আগেরদিন রেস্ট নেওয়ার সময়টা কপাল কুঁচকে বিরক্তি নিয়ে কাটাতে ইচ্ছা করছে না। ৬৩ পেজ এনাফ
October 22, 2014
This is book one in a series about a man, Maddy Young, who suddenly discovers that he died in the shower but has arrived in a new world called Two where everyone lives life pretty similar to how we live it now. 1/3 of people who died on regular earth appear here, are assigned ID cards, have some rules, get a new job, can marry, etc. There are slight differences, such as Sonyy or Goggle, weird misspelled alternate dimension type things, and it's pretty Big Brother-ish, but everyone seems to be living. Right near the beginning, they watch a welcome video and it describes the original earth as having six continents and something else that was off, so I guess that none of these worlds are our world. Maddy starts settling into this new world, which is working out way better than the old one. There are a startling amount of people here that he has known indirectly or heard about their deaths, which is a bit fishy...and then there is the mystery, which I won't spoil for you. I knew there was this twist mystery and from the very first couple chapters I felt this might be it, so it's not something that will startle you but the real question is, 'why?'. Super short book that ends in a cliffhanger. There's an author's note saying that there will be six books in all, which should all be out by the end of 2014. It's October, and only book two is out so I'm not sure that will happen. I went onto Amazon, nonetheless, and bought my 99 cent copy of book two. I like the concept of this book, and the people are very likeable too - especially Berlin, the little girl (although the story of her death was pretty sad).
October 22, 2018
PLEASE write the next book! Maddy and Berlin's story needs to be told!!!
I've never read a more original, provoking and well thought out storyline in the 45+years of my ability to read! I have read almost every book Nick had written and I'm never disappointed. I'm kept up past my bedtime, I'm carrying my tablet to continue reading in every spare minute, and sad when I find myself nearing the end! I
I thought Henry Bins was a unique character and thoroughly enjoyed every book, buying the next one as soon as I finish one. But THIS story, these characters, and the historical slant it took about halfway through was absolutely unpredictable.
Nick has asked for reviews to see if we want more, to continue this series, to keep Maddy and Berlin alive and searching for their truth.
So. Here's your review, Nick. I know it's not as long as some, but that's because I'm afraid of giving something good away! I've had to stop reading reviews that prattle on and on, telling me WAY more than I want to know....stealing the fun of discovering the same things on my own.
PLEASE FINISH THIS SERIES!!!!!
I've never read a more original, provoking and well thought out storyline in the 45+years of my ability to read! I have read almost every book Nick had written and I'm never disappointed. I'm kept up past my bedtime, I'm carrying my tablet to continue reading in every spare minute, and sad when I find myself nearing the end! I
I thought Henry Bins was a unique character and thoroughly enjoyed every book, buying the next one as soon as I finish one. But THIS story, these characters, and the historical slant it took about halfway through was absolutely unpredictable.
Nick has asked for reviews to see if we want more, to continue this series, to keep Maddy and Berlin alive and searching for their truth.
So. Here's your review, Nick. I know it's not as long as some, but that's because I'm afraid of giving something good away! I've had to stop reading reviews that prattle on and on, telling me WAY more than I want to know....stealing the fun of discovering the same things on my own.
PLEASE FINISH THIS SERIES!!!!!
May 3, 2012
Authors sometimes get a character so right, so dead on perfect that the ability to work another character as well often disappoints. This is not the case with Pirog, as he has hit another home run with Maddy Young. If anything proves that Pirog is a writer to be reckoned with, this is it!
Maddy is dead. Or at least that is what they tell him. Imagine that when you die, your have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up with having another life; same body, same age, same place as when you died. But for Maddy, everything is not making sense. Maddy was just a week away from his Bar exam, and starting his life as a Public Defender when he made a grand entrance into this second life of his. Before long he thinks he is adjusting fine to Goggle instead of Google and his new Blackberri (no y) Maddy finds out fast that as much as things can be different in this place some things, like murder never change. It's Maddy's job to find out just what that really means, and what this second life is all about.
Maddy is dead. Or at least that is what they tell him. Imagine that when you die, your have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up with having another life; same body, same age, same place as when you died. But for Maddy, everything is not making sense. Maddy was just a week away from his Bar exam, and starting his life as a Public Defender when he made a grand entrance into this second life of his. Before long he thinks he is adjusting fine to Goggle instead of Google and his new Blackberri (no y) Maddy finds out fast that as much as things can be different in this place some things, like murder never change. It's Maddy's job to find out just what that really means, and what this second life is all about.
November 1, 2016
I feel almost a little guilty giving it three stars, because it really was fun. This is a palate cleanser book for me, the kind of thing you read for a break when your bedside table includes Ayn Rand and a veritable tome on Mary Magdalene. I will gladly continue to read, but the folks who commented on the abruptness of the ending and the ton of bricks foreshadowing had a point. Anyway, it was good entertainment, a little bit like a three way between Tucker Max, Douglas Adams, and Janet Evanovich. There, think on that a while.
April 21, 2012
I was so enthralled with this book and couldn’t put it down. I think I know where it is leading HOWEVER; it is the first of a series and no second installment!!! Where is book 2???
June 11, 2016
Highly recommend for anyone who likes mystery and suspense without a lot of gore. Mr. Pirog is an excellent story weaver.
February 6, 2023
This is a great story idea. Unfortunately, it is presented like a twelve year old boy wrote it. The treatment of women is horrible. I wish you could go back and rewrite this.
February 4, 2020
This is some obscure ebook I downloaded years ago. I liked the concept of the book but.... but.... but.... Oh my, I don't even know where to start with this book.
First it's not a full compete story in and of it's self and it's just a ploy to get you to purchase the next book. Which doesn't even exist this story was suppose to span 6 books per a authors note. This is the only one I could find. Also per the note the rest of the books were suppose to be done by 2014....nope.
Lots of pop culture references I didn't understand.
No research done by the author about well, anything the main character dealt with. The main character gets to be a public defender without passing the bar exam which I don't think is even possible. I mean I'm not a lawyer so I could be wrong about that, but seems fishy. He adopts a seven year old without much of a connection with her and having never been a parent before. Also he adopts her by just signing some paper work presented to him by his lawyer boss guy, pretty sure there are social workers and judges involved in that kind of stuff. He gets to drive a jaguar that is a company car. Did I mention his job was being a public defender? The government is not issuing jaguars as company cars to public defenders.
The plot holes in the story started becoming craters by the end.
The main character can also magically read this unknown language that others can't read. And magically look at a person and know he was born in the world of two. Cool trick bro, but maybe a little too convenient. Everything just comes too easy no character development what so ever.
Tons of weird side tangents that didn't help the progress of the story at all. Such as needing to tell me that a cop friend ran track and was fast so he could catch the bad guy. Nope that didn't help your story.
Also the author has not spent time with real children. The little girl is suppose to be seven I have a six year old and ya I couldn't find her believable.
I'm also pretty certain that the author has never interacted with a African American because he threw every stereotype know of that community into one character. Stereotypes are not character traits, which just made all the characters fall flat.
Good for the author writing the book but please get some advance readers to help point out things such as above.
This is also why I've stopped downloading obscure free ebooks. (There are rare gems.)
First it's not a full compete story in and of it's self and it's just a ploy to get you to purchase the next book. Which doesn't even exist this story was suppose to span 6 books per a authors note. This is the only one I could find. Also per the note the rest of the books were suppose to be done by 2014....nope.
Lots of pop culture references I didn't understand.
No research done by the author about well, anything the main character dealt with. The main character gets to be a public defender without passing the bar exam which I don't think is even possible. I mean I'm not a lawyer so I could be wrong about that, but seems fishy. He adopts a seven year old without much of a connection with her and having never been a parent before. Also he adopts her by just signing some paper work presented to him by his lawyer boss guy, pretty sure there are social workers and judges involved in that kind of stuff. He gets to drive a jaguar that is a company car. Did I mention his job was being a public defender? The government is not issuing jaguars as company cars to public defenders.
The plot holes in the story started becoming craters by the end.
The main character can also magically read this unknown language that others can't read. And magically look at a person and know he was born in the world of two. Cool trick bro, but maybe a little too convenient. Everything just comes too easy no character development what so ever.
Tons of weird side tangents that didn't help the progress of the story at all. Such as needing to tell me that a cop friend ran track and was fast so he could catch the bad guy. Nope that didn't help your story.
Also the author has not spent time with real children. The little girl is suppose to be seven I have a six year old and ya I couldn't find her believable.
I'm also pretty certain that the author has never interacted with a African American because he threw every stereotype know of that community into one character. Stereotypes are not character traits, which just made all the characters fall flat.
Good for the author writing the book but please get some advance readers to help point out things such as above.
This is also why I've stopped downloading obscure free ebooks. (There are rare gems.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2018
Upon rereading, I was disappointed at the level of bodyshaming and homophobia. No more Pirong for me.
I liked the Thomas Prescott books and read them as they came out.
I still think the Henry Bins series is brilliant.
But I went through a re-read of Prescott, Henry Bins and felt a bit uncomfortable. Back to back reading brings out some very jarring descriptions and I even discussed this with friends.
When is an author being "descriptive" and when are they being racist, homophobic and shaming people based on sexual choice, body image, and life choices.
The below passage nailed it. This is not "descriptive". It is fat shaming (this is really an issue in the Prescott books), and blatantly homophobic.
And such a shame.
"...installed everything and it was ready to go. All I had to do was turn it on. Which was exactly what I wanted to do. But a promise is a promise. Even if it is to a carpet muncher in a red Snuggie."
Really? I mean really?
How did I miss this the first time I read the book?
I liked the Thomas Prescott books and read them as they came out.
I still think the Henry Bins series is brilliant.
But I went through a re-read of Prescott, Henry Bins and felt a bit uncomfortable. Back to back reading brings out some very jarring descriptions and I even discussed this with friends.
When is an author being "descriptive" and when are they being racist, homophobic and shaming people based on sexual choice, body image, and life choices.
The below passage nailed it. This is not "descriptive". It is fat shaming (this is really an issue in the Prescott books), and blatantly homophobic.
And such a shame.
"...installed everything and it was ready to go. All I had to do was turn it on. Which was exactly what I wanted to do. But a promise is a promise. Even if it is to a carpet muncher in a red Snuggie."
Really? I mean really?
How did I miss this the first time I read the book?
April 4, 2019
Well, I feel bad for not being able to finish Nick Pirog's "Arrival (The Maddy Young Saga Book 1)." In general, the writing is good and the story is certainly different. But, unfortunately, Pirog just drops words and behaviors into the story that are really off-putting. If you read the "Look Inside" blurb on the Amazon store page, you can see some of what I mean with the particulars of the protagonist's death. But, as the story progresses, the protagonist starts behaving in ways that just don't make sense and are pretty jarring. At the 31% point, Pirog has him doing something that's just beyond the pale. So, I had to stop. I'm rating the book at a Disappointing 2 stars out of 5.
BTW: I'm not sure when this book was first published. The first version listed on Goodreads says 2011. The most recent version there says 2013. Yet, the copyright information on this book's Amazon store page (as well as in the book, itself) says 2017. I'm not sure if there are different versions or what.
BTW: I'm not sure when this book was first published. The first version listed on Goodreads says 2011. The most recent version there says 2013. Yet, the copyright information on this book's Amazon store page (as well as in the book, itself) says 2017. I'm not sure if there are different versions or what.
January 29, 2019
Let me first say that I love Nick Pirog's humor and writing style and have read all of his books. But this... this is testing the limits of what I can endure! Crazy insane cliffhanger. An author's note that books 3-6 will be available by the end of 2014. And then... THEN... the link to book 2 on Amazon is broken and book 2 is apparently no longer available?! No. Just, no. This is NOT ok.
PS. Books 3-6 were never released. I am so mad right now.
PS. Books 3-6 were never released. I am so mad right now.
December 29, 2019
Where’s the sequels??
I’m going to amazon to boy Two, not found. Go to Nicks Amazon page, no more Mandy Young books!!! What gives?
Arrival started slow and I almost put it down. But kept at it and it got better. Now I need to know hat is Two, what happened to Berlin, how did he get custody, so many unanswered questions promised in next book, Two, that was in 2017!
I’m going to amazon to boy Two, not found. Go to Nicks Amazon page, no more Mandy Young books!!! What gives?
Arrival started slow and I almost put it down. But kept at it and it got better. Now I need to know hat is Two, what happened to Berlin, how did he get custody, so many unanswered questions promised in next book, Two, that was in 2017!
May 1, 2019
I really, really wanted to love this book having thoroughly enjoyed some of this author's previous work. I think it was just slightly out of my sphere of interest, I never quite feel in love with the characters.
December 26, 2023
wow
This is such a captivating story - lots of twists and turns throughout.
Nick Priog is a very talented writer and I would strongly advise anyone who hasn’t read this book, to start now x
This is such a captivating story - lots of twists and turns throughout.
Nick Priog is a very talented writer and I would strongly advise anyone who hasn’t read this book, to start now x
January 22, 2024
A refreshing new sf mystery
I started this book this morning and couldn't put it down. The ideas and main plot lines become more intriguing as they are discovered, yet the primary mystery remains. I need to find out more!
I started this book this morning and couldn't put it down. The ideas and main plot lines become more intriguing as they are discovered, yet the primary mystery remains. I need to find out more!
July 7, 2017
Fast-moving book by an author I very much enjoy. Plan to read the next in the series soon. I rated this one 4.5 stars.
August 22, 2017
When I find an author I love I read everything he or she has written. I love this guy's characters, would love to meet some of them.
January 22, 2020
Wow good start to series bad part is can't find book two to read. Huge cliff hanger at end which makes me want to read the next book.
May 19, 2023
3.5 actual
November 8, 2024
Loved this!!
Please, please continue with this series! Love the characters, the twists and turns. This story needs to be told! Brilliant.
Please, please continue with this series! Love the characters, the twists and turns. This story needs to be told! Brilliant.
March 3, 2017
"So how did you die?"
Mr. Nick Pirog is the new magician of mystery thriller books. He has proven it once again. Unique storyline with well driven character build-up. "Maddy Young" will be another popular character like Henry Bins i suppose. I'll definitely follow this franchise for sure.
Mr. Nick Pirog is the new magician of mystery thriller books. He has proven it once again. Unique storyline with well driven character build-up. "Maddy Young" will be another popular character like Henry Bins i suppose. I'll definitely follow this franchise for sure.
February 19, 2014
I didn't *hate* this book, and I hovered over the "it's ok" 2-star rating, but I'm really not okay with the abrupt ending and blatant immediate blackmail to get the second book to find out what happens.
WHAT I LIKED
------------------
* The basic idea of the plot is interesting.
* Maddy is an interesting character
* Berlin is also an interesting character, and the relationship growing between her and Maddy is well done.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-------------------
* The foreshadowing is too heavy-handed for me. It found the story more predictable than intriguing.
* The basic plot, although interesting (as mentioned above), is also one that's been done many times. In this first book, I didn't see Pirog doing anything to make the plot his own. This may change in later books, but I (sadly) won't be reading later books.
* The pacing was too slow for my taste. I like a little more action and a little less explanation in my books. The world development is pretty much all spotty (intentionally) explanation. It's kind of like reading the internet along with Maddy, instead of like reading a book. I do believe this slow pace might have been intentional, but it's just not my style.
* The ending isn't an ending - it's a mid-story break. Right after the unfinished STOP, there is a paragraph saying (paraphrase) "Sorry to stop so abruptly, but you'll have to get the next book for more plot." For me, this is reader blackmail. The book is barely long enough to be a novella, and it's so slow-paced, barely anything of substance happens in it. I don't hate all abrupt series endings (in fact I've LOVED some others I've encountered), but I need more in a first book than what Pirog provides in arrival.
If you like slow-developing science fiction plots and don't mind abrupt endings in series installments, you may well enjoy Arrival. If you prefer more action in your scifi, this book is probably not for you.
WHAT I LIKED
------------------
* The basic idea of the plot is interesting.
* Maddy is an interesting character
* Berlin is also an interesting character, and the relationship growing between her and Maddy is well done.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-------------------
* The foreshadowing is too heavy-handed for me. It found the story more predictable than intriguing.
* The basic plot, although interesting (as mentioned above), is also one that's been done many times. In this first book, I didn't see Pirog doing anything to make the plot his own. This may change in later books, but I (sadly) won't be reading later books.
* The pacing was too slow for my taste. I like a little more action and a little less explanation in my books. The world development is pretty much all spotty (intentionally) explanation. It's kind of like reading the internet along with Maddy, instead of like reading a book. I do believe this slow pace might have been intentional, but it's just not my style.
* The ending isn't an ending - it's a mid-story break. Right after the unfinished STOP, there is a paragraph saying (paraphrase) "Sorry to stop so abruptly, but you'll have to get the next book for more plot." For me, this is reader blackmail. The book is barely long enough to be a novella, and it's so slow-paced, barely anything of substance happens in it. I don't hate all abrupt series endings (in fact I've LOVED some others I've encountered), but I need more in a first book than what Pirog provides in arrival.
If you like slow-developing science fiction plots and don't mind abrupt endings in series installments, you may well enjoy Arrival. If you prefer more action in your scifi, this book is probably not for you.
April 14, 2015
First of all, I love this author. I love how his creative mind works. Every time I read his work, I am just in awe of his way with words and storytelling. I find his books to be well thought out, pushing the envelope in terms of what is believable and just plain fun to read.
This book started out that way for me. By the end, I was a little frustrated because Mr. Pirog used the book as an introduction to a series. He needed to get himself to a cliffhanger, which he did, but I feel he sacrificed some of his craft to do this. The last 20% of the book goes by a little too quickly and is not as well explained as the first 80%. As much as that bugs me, I am indeed hooked and I do want to know what happens next.
So what was great about this book: seriously funny! What a funny way die (is there such a thing?) and then have to explain it to people! The names of things in Two really tickled me. Especially the line about shopping at Allmart, it's a lot like a Target. I do like how Mr. Pirog's main characters tend not to take themselves too seriously and live life in the moment. That adds a lot of fun to the story. I do like the set up and the unanswered questions. It's a good start to a series.
Overall, quick fun read. Stays true to Mr. Pirog's style. And interesting!
This book started out that way for me. By the end, I was a little frustrated because Mr. Pirog used the book as an introduction to a series. He needed to get himself to a cliffhanger, which he did, but I feel he sacrificed some of his craft to do this. The last 20% of the book goes by a little too quickly and is not as well explained as the first 80%. As much as that bugs me, I am indeed hooked and I do want to know what happens next.
So what was great about this book: seriously funny! What a funny way die (is there such a thing?) and then have to explain it to people! The names of things in Two really tickled me. Especially the line about shopping at Allmart, it's a lot like a Target. I do like how Mr. Pirog's main characters tend not to take themselves too seriously and live life in the moment. That adds a lot of fun to the story. I do like the set up and the unanswered questions. It's a good start to a series.
Overall, quick fun read. Stays true to Mr. Pirog's style. And interesting!
June 4, 2015
My second read of this was just as good as the first. What I like best is the mystery aspect. Maddy doesn't feel like he belongs and he questions the answers he's given to his questions. Through random chance he gets clues that lead him to question exactly where he is and why. I also love the twists, they take the story in completely different directions.
That was awesome! I really love the writing style, especially all of the thoughts that Maddy has going on in his head. It kind of reminds me of what goes on in my head. I also love the premise of this book. A different world kind of like ours that some people go to when they die, and they just continue to live their new life based on the skills and education they picked up in the last life. Everyone remembers their old life, it's not like being born again, you just continue where you left off. I loved Maddy's relationships with Berlin and JP. And the whole idea that there is more to this other life then what they are telling you. Can't wait to see where this series is going!
That was awesome! I really love the writing style, especially all of the thoughts that Maddy has going on in his head. It kind of reminds me of what goes on in my head. I also love the premise of this book. A different world kind of like ours that some people go to when they die, and they just continue to live their new life based on the skills and education they picked up in the last life. Everyone remembers their old life, it's not like being born again, you just continue where you left off. I loved Maddy's relationships with Berlin and JP. And the whole idea that there is more to this other life then what they are telling you. Can't wait to see where this series is going!
January 29, 2015
A very entertaining book in the sub-genre of rebirth (like Riverworld). Full of genuinely original twists and surprises. One thing that makes it original is the first person viewpoint, using the voice of the hero rather than the voice of the narrator. Not sure that was the best choice, but it is really interesting.
I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
Why only three stars? This is NOT a novel. It is more like one fourth of a novel at best. Just stops dead in the middle. The author has finished the story (in succeeding releases), and breaking it up like this was just sloppy and, I hate to say it, dishonest. Sorry dude. You really are a gifted artist and storyteller, but you need to work at the mechanics a bit harder. Edit more carefully, finish the story, give the reader what you promise. There are plenty of us out here who would be happy to proof read.
I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
Why only three stars? This is NOT a novel. It is more like one fourth of a novel at best. Just stops dead in the middle. The author has finished the story (in succeeding releases), and breaking it up like this was just sloppy and, I hate to say it, dishonest. Sorry dude. You really are a gifted artist and storyteller, but you need to work at the mechanics a bit harder. Edit more carefully, finish the story, give the reader what you promise. There are plenty of us out here who would be happy to proof read.
July 14, 2018
Amazing, mind boggling and fun!
Wow for me that sums up Nick Pirog and this book.
I stumbled on 3am, read it if you haven't and since then have been ravaging every book of Nick's I can get my hands on. He takes you on a journey that even with the most vivid of imaginations you wouldn't of imagined or predicted.
Arrival is clever, twisty and thoroughly enjoyable. As with all his books it's easy to relate and bond with the main characters.
I loved it , amazing clever book I can't wait to read more of his work. Thank you Nick for your hard work and sharing your amazing imagination and mind.
Wow for me that sums up Nick Pirog and this book.
I stumbled on 3am, read it if you haven't and since then have been ravaging every book of Nick's I can get my hands on. He takes you on a journey that even with the most vivid of imaginations you wouldn't of imagined or predicted.
Arrival is clever, twisty and thoroughly enjoyable. As with all his books it's easy to relate and bond with the main characters.
I loved it , amazing clever book I can't wait to read more of his work. Thank you Nick for your hard work and sharing your amazing imagination and mind.
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