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Of Courage And Sacrifice
The world is a deeply troubled place—years of crippling unemployment, a collapsed economy, and rampant crime have left people feeling desperate, but Adam Wesley and his friends don't care about that. They've finished classes for the final time and are looking forward to a carefree summer of parties, camping, and enjoying their first authentic tastes of freedom after high school!
Fate has another plan for them.
On their inaugural outing of summer, the friends encounter a reconnaissance robot, or 'bot' as they are called—with disastrous results.
When the friends finally make it back to the city, they find streets are overrun with bots; martial law is in effect. People are being loaded onto buses and taken to transition camps. Anyone caught in the open is pacified and detained; not all of them survive. Adam and his friends go underground, taking up with Skip, a brilliant but eccentric hacker. Skip has built a tech hideout called The Nest—a faraday cage suspended in the maintenance tunnels beneath the city. Using antiquated technology—dial-up modems and BBSs, the friends begin to organize. Together, they will fight desperately to survive, unintentionally planting the seeds of a resistance that will become more important than any of them can imagine.
Fans of the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins and Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson will love Of Courage and Sacrifice!
Fate has another plan for them.
On their inaugural outing of summer, the friends encounter a reconnaissance robot, or 'bot' as they are called—with disastrous results.
When the friends finally make it back to the city, they find streets are overrun with bots; martial law is in effect. People are being loaded onto buses and taken to transition camps. Anyone caught in the open is pacified and detained; not all of them survive. Adam and his friends go underground, taking up with Skip, a brilliant but eccentric hacker. Skip has built a tech hideout called The Nest—a faraday cage suspended in the maintenance tunnels beneath the city. Using antiquated technology—dial-up modems and BBSs, the friends begin to organize. Together, they will fight desperately to survive, unintentionally planting the seeds of a resistance that will become more important than any of them can imagine.
Fans of the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins and Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson will love Of Courage and Sacrifice!
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2021
75 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 25, 2023
The night sky shrouded the city in darkness. He kept his steps quiet as he wandered the streets, hoping that nothing would detect him. As he rounds the next corner, a red dot appears and stops right on his torso. He’s been spotted. His heart rate increases and he hopes this isn’t the last breath he’ll ever take.
Of Courage and Sacrifice is a young adult science fiction story following, Adam and his friends. They encounter a dangerous bot and must hide underground as chaos ensues above them. This is the first book in a new trilogy.
This is an apocalyptic tale, and has a similar feel to a hunger games style read, and while aspects of it were entertaining, it just needs some tightening up. Overall though the plot idea is good and would be a good read for teens who enjoy science fiction stories!
CW: Death, Violence, War.
Of Courage and Sacrifice is a young adult science fiction story following, Adam and his friends. They encounter a dangerous bot and must hide underground as chaos ensues above them. This is the first book in a new trilogy.
This is an apocalyptic tale, and has a similar feel to a hunger games style read, and while aspects of it were entertaining, it just needs some tightening up. Overall though the plot idea is good and would be a good read for teens who enjoy science fiction stories!
CW: Death, Violence, War.
October 6, 2022
Of Courage and Sacrifice is the first instalment in the Bot Trilogy Series by Matt Hartle.
Protagonist Adam Wesley and his friends are excited to enjoy their summer camping trip, but things take a twist. While at a store buying ’supplies,’ Adam gets into a physical brawl with the attendant at the store. As they get settled into their camping excursion, there is no cellphone coverage in the mountains, which prohibits them from knowing what’s happening in the city.
Hartle intensifies the action, and Adam encounters a reconnaissance robot at the river. The bot’s strange actions alerted Adam that something was awry. “The way the bot seemed to navigate the rough terrain with such ease worried Adam, its nimble movements were almost human. The bot announced that a curfew was in effect, and they needed to return to their homes. One of Adam’s friends, Brad, responded aggressively, resulting in him being pacified. The action accelerates rapidly, and Mark is seriously injured during the altercation with the bot. As the group hurries to renter the city, they discover that martial law has been enforced and bots have taken over the streets. Buses are filling up with people as they are moved to transition camps. Anyone caught out in the open is subdued and imprisoned; not everyone will make it.
The story was well-written science fiction with well-developed characters. The plot is fast-paced, and the action in this book is top-notch. The quickly-paced scenes set the stage for what’s to come later in the book. However, despite the well-paced action, there are times when there is too much background information. It’s almost as if Hartle wants to arm readers so they can understand this world’s government, military, and culture. Such information could have been spaced out, highlighting the action. Of Courage and Sacrifice takes the science fiction novel and updates it for the twenty-first century. The problem it deals with—human violence and artificial intelligence—is an unfortunate constant. This is a book that asks the reader to consider the ramifications of humanity’s decisions and to think about their possible consequences. This novel is entertaining and enthralling, with fine writing and a likeable protagonist.
Protagonist Adam Wesley and his friends are excited to enjoy their summer camping trip, but things take a twist. While at a store buying ’supplies,’ Adam gets into a physical brawl with the attendant at the store. As they get settled into their camping excursion, there is no cellphone coverage in the mountains, which prohibits them from knowing what’s happening in the city.
Hartle intensifies the action, and Adam encounters a reconnaissance robot at the river. The bot’s strange actions alerted Adam that something was awry. “The way the bot seemed to navigate the rough terrain with such ease worried Adam, its nimble movements were almost human. The bot announced that a curfew was in effect, and they needed to return to their homes. One of Adam’s friends, Brad, responded aggressively, resulting in him being pacified. The action accelerates rapidly, and Mark is seriously injured during the altercation with the bot. As the group hurries to renter the city, they discover that martial law has been enforced and bots have taken over the streets. Buses are filling up with people as they are moved to transition camps. Anyone caught out in the open is subdued and imprisoned; not everyone will make it.
The story was well-written science fiction with well-developed characters. The plot is fast-paced, and the action in this book is top-notch. The quickly-paced scenes set the stage for what’s to come later in the book. However, despite the well-paced action, there are times when there is too much background information. It’s almost as if Hartle wants to arm readers so they can understand this world’s government, military, and culture. Such information could have been spaced out, highlighting the action. Of Courage and Sacrifice takes the science fiction novel and updates it for the twenty-first century. The problem it deals with—human violence and artificial intelligence—is an unfortunate constant. This is a book that asks the reader to consider the ramifications of humanity’s decisions and to think about their possible consequences. This novel is entertaining and enthralling, with fine writing and a likeable protagonist.
July 24, 2023
I enjoyed this sci-fi Y.A! (Admittedly, more than I thought I may.) This book was essentially a teen action film full of several things I like. I will say it didn’t do much that hasn’t already been done in other movies/books, but it included/blended in several things I enjoy and it kept me easily invested the whole time. It was basically any robot vs. human action movie plus teenagers, some hacking aspects, found family, and apocalyptic survival goodness. I love a good “rag tag group that comes together to survive” plot, and it was fast paced and high action so…I was in! There were a couple places that it drug on a *tad*, and the use of exclamation points in the writing drove me nuts (because they…were awkwardly placed after humorous lines? Felt forced? Were just…off? I don’t know! I definitely felt myself *noticing* them which was weird) but no huge complaints. I would happily watch this movie and will be keeping an eye out for the second book in the trilogy because I’d like to know what happens next!
September 30, 2022
“Of Courage And Sacrifice” is the first book in the science fiction “Bot” trilogy by author Matt Hartle.
I think this dystopian novel can be an engaging hook to encourage the reading habit in young readers. The story is perfectly plotted, well-paced, and full of surprises. As the plot progresses it becomes quite attractive with well-developed characters and a good interaction between them. Teenagers and young adults will be delighted with it.
Beyond the reading itself, this book will also promote self-confidence and remind that within each person, there are virtues that will serve them well, to remain strong through frustrations and disappointments. And this is a valuable learning for the nowadays changing world.
I think this dystopian novel can be an engaging hook to encourage the reading habit in young readers. The story is perfectly plotted, well-paced, and full of surprises. As the plot progresses it becomes quite attractive with well-developed characters and a good interaction between them. Teenagers and young adults will be delighted with it.
Beyond the reading itself, this book will also promote self-confidence and remind that within each person, there are virtues that will serve them well, to remain strong through frustrations and disappointments. And this is a valuable learning for the nowadays changing world.
July 9, 2022
Of Courage and Sacrifice first caught my attention for the cover; the author made a great choice there! Science fiction stories are the ones I enjoy the most. I am glad to know that this is going to become a trilogy because I liked this book.
Although it is recommended for teens, I think that any reader who enjoys sci-fi, such as myself, would like this book. I read it in a week, because it is not too short, and recommended it to my nephew. I believe it is for teens 17 / 18 year-olds and for young adults because younger readers would feel it as too long.
This fast paced story is certainly entertaining from the very beginning. It is a good read!
Although it is recommended for teens, I think that any reader who enjoys sci-fi, such as myself, would like this book. I read it in a week, because it is not too short, and recommended it to my nephew. I believe it is for teens 17 / 18 year-olds and for young adults because younger readers would feel it as too long.
This fast paced story is certainly entertaining from the very beginning. It is a good read!
September 29, 2022
Of Courage and Sacrifice, the first book of the Bot trilogy by Matt Hartle is a young adult turned into a science fiction story plot where the human race is on the verge of a economic and social breakdown and the bots are rebelling against humans.
Although the book seemed like a clear sci-fi novel, the writing was more inclined to a young adult style: having a mixture of the naiveness of the characters facing the raw reality of a robot death threat to the human race.
I enjoyed reading this book, it had the same mystery, adrenaline, and suspense as the Hunger Games series. I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy robot rebellion and human apocalypse combined!
Although the book seemed like a clear sci-fi novel, the writing was more inclined to a young adult style: having a mixture of the naiveness of the characters facing the raw reality of a robot death threat to the human race.
I enjoyed reading this book, it had the same mystery, adrenaline, and suspense as the Hunger Games series. I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy robot rebellion and human apocalypse combined!
January 21, 2025
Enjoyable, Had Some Critics
This was an enjoyable read. The fast-paced action scenes add some thrill to the book, while the exploration of AI's potential misuse by politicians adds a chilling layer of realism that might (fingers crossed) resonate with the technological landscape we face today. Despite occasional pacing issues due to infodumping, the story manages to maintain intrigue by partially resolving conflicts while setting up new ones for future books. Some character dynamics felt underdeveloped and left me wanting more from them, but I would still say this was a good blend of futuristic concepts and human elements.
This was an enjoyable read. The fast-paced action scenes add some thrill to the book, while the exploration of AI's potential misuse by politicians adds a chilling layer of realism that might (fingers crossed) resonate with the technological landscape we face today. Despite occasional pacing issues due to infodumping, the story manages to maintain intrigue by partially resolving conflicts while setting up new ones for future books. Some character dynamics felt underdeveloped and left me wanting more from them, but I would still say this was a good blend of futuristic concepts and human elements.
July 4, 2022
Robot takeover
Adam and his friends are glad school is out and summer is here. On their trip they encounter a Bot and one is wounded. When they all discover the Bots declared martial law and were rounding up humans, adam and his friends sign up to lead the resistance.
This book was unique in its execution. I felt like the author took elements from various dystopian novels and movies and stitched them together. This book reads smoothly and the pacing is great. The world building is done well and all characters are developed. A great new adventure to get pulled in to.
Adam and his friends are glad school is out and summer is here. On their trip they encounter a Bot and one is wounded. When they all discover the Bots declared martial law and were rounding up humans, adam and his friends sign up to lead the resistance.
This book was unique in its execution. I felt like the author took elements from various dystopian novels and movies and stitched them together. This book reads smoothly and the pacing is great. The world building is done well and all characters are developed. A great new adventure to get pulled in to.
March 21, 2024
This sounded interesting and I wanted to like it. I even got over the stupid names. Seriously though, Brad and Skip? Ew. But over half way through I realized that I was starting to root for the evil bots to just hurry up and kill everyone so I could be done. I didn't finish this book. The characters had zero depth. The plot was alright but the pacing was weird. I hate giving up on a book but setting this one down was a relief.
October 5, 2022
The first book in Matt Hartle's trilogy is "Of Courage and Sacrifice." It's an excellent sci-fi story of bots for teenagers and young adults alike. The plot has an agile, continuous rhythm and action-packed moments. This book had me hooked from the start; I knew what was going to be found within its pages, and yet I loved it.
In this novel, the author does not reveal to us from the beginning what happens, but uses it as a tool to keep suspense and the reader's attention. I'm not going to say much about the characters because the best part is that you discover them. They have been captivating to me, and they all have their own unique features. It was an exciting and enjoyable read. I can't wait for the next book to be released!
In this novel, the author does not reveal to us from the beginning what happens, but uses it as a tool to keep suspense and the reader's attention. I'm not going to say much about the characters because the best part is that you discover them. They have been captivating to me, and they all have their own unique features. It was an exciting and enjoyable read. I can't wait for the next book to be released!
June 26, 2022
This is a really good read for teens or young adults. Although it is a sci-fi book, I enjoyed that the main troubles of the narration are things totally relatable to nowadays. The economy, crimes and a society trying to make it through are examples of what life these days have been. So, I enjoyed how author Matt Hartle mixed those things with the science and the fictional events.
I think it has solid characters and is well developed. The reader gets to know more about them as the story progresses.
Overall, a great first book in the "Bot Trilogy''. I'm going to be on the lookout for the next ones to come.
I think it has solid characters and is well developed. The reader gets to know more about them as the story progresses.
Overall, a great first book in the "Bot Trilogy''. I'm going to be on the lookout for the next ones to come.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews