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Project Dandelion #1
project dandelion
Katrina and her small group of rebel teens are captured and returned, imprisoned in their original Dandelion pod cluster. Conditions are more severe than ever. Whatever can they do?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 19, 2022
4 Stars ✨
YA Post Apocalyptic Dystopian
Hook line and sinker! Carson has a way of reeling you in, and I really like that. I know when I read one of her books, she’s going to entertain me, and so far this did not disappoint.
Katrina and a bunch of other teenagers wake up to find themselves in an underground bunker after a nuclear fallout has occurred. They were chosen to be in this particular bunker based on genetics, given they all have one thing in common- The dandelion gene. Because of their genetics, they were picked to be humanity’s best hope at rebuilding and procreating after the fallout.
What could possibly go wrong when you put a bunch of teenagers together in a bunker with nothing but a robotic automated nanny? This was a simple and exciting modern day Lord of the Flies meets Monument 14 type scenario and I enjoyed it. The author did a great job showing a group think vs individual think type situation. So far I really dig the main character Katrina, she has a level head and thinks things through with patience and doesn’t let her emotions get the best of her. It was short and sweet - but of course, makes you want to jump immediately into the next one. I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes.
** Very briefly includes a “hint” of sexual violence
YA Post Apocalyptic Dystopian
Hook line and sinker! Carson has a way of reeling you in, and I really like that. I know when I read one of her books, she’s going to entertain me, and so far this did not disappoint.
Katrina and a bunch of other teenagers wake up to find themselves in an underground bunker after a nuclear fallout has occurred. They were chosen to be in this particular bunker based on genetics, given they all have one thing in common- The dandelion gene. Because of their genetics, they were picked to be humanity’s best hope at rebuilding and procreating after the fallout.
What could possibly go wrong when you put a bunch of teenagers together in a bunker with nothing but a robotic automated nanny? This was a simple and exciting modern day Lord of the Flies meets Monument 14 type scenario and I enjoyed it. The author did a great job showing a group think vs individual think type situation. So far I really dig the main character Katrina, she has a level head and thinks things through with patience and doesn’t let her emotions get the best of her. It was short and sweet - but of course, makes you want to jump immediately into the next one. I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes.
** Very briefly includes a “hint” of sexual violence
November 28, 2019
The Dandelion Project is what you get if you take Lord Of The Flies, mix it with The Maze, and set is all in a confined space.
An engaging post-apocalyptic read with hints of Mean Girls, where the weak are forced to submit to the will of the strong. Some great characters evolved through the pages, and I read it in one sitting. There is a hint of sexual violence, but only the briefest of hints.
I will be reading the next book in the series.
An engaging post-apocalyptic read with hints of Mean Girls, where the weak are forced to submit to the will of the strong. Some great characters evolved through the pages, and I read it in one sitting. There is a hint of sexual violence, but only the briefest of hints.
I will be reading the next book in the series.
December 25, 2020
⭐️
Read via Audible- narrator was Stacey Glemboski.
I really wanted to enjoy this one. The actual plot has SO much potential but unfortunately the execution fell short.
I found the writing to be poor. More editing was definitely needed. It was one of those instances where third person wasn’t right for this project. Half the time I forgot who the MC was as her character was flat.
I’m upset that I didn’t enjoy it as the author is so lovely. Unfortunately though I won’t be continuing this series.
Read via Audible- narrator was Stacey Glemboski.
I really wanted to enjoy this one. The actual plot has SO much potential but unfortunately the execution fell short.
I found the writing to be poor. More editing was definitely needed. It was one of those instances where third person wasn’t right for this project. Half the time I forgot who the MC was as her character was flat.
I’m upset that I didn’t enjoy it as the author is so lovely. Unfortunately though I won’t be continuing this series.
June 16, 2020
Great story but needs to continue
This is a great story, but it was too quick. The ending is very abrupt Once they get to the bus station. I like the character’s and has real conflict but again ends to soon what now? Is what I find myself asking.
This is a great story, but it was too quick. The ending is very abrupt Once they get to the bus station. I like the character’s and has real conflict but again ends to soon what now? Is what I find myself asking.
August 16, 2019
First of all, a HUGE thanks to the lovely author, Heather Carson, for sending me a copy of this book! I probably would’ve picked this out based on the cover alone if I’d seen it at a bookstore, I’m honestly in love with it. But, onwards with the review!
Trigger warning for this book: rape. (This scene is addressed in the review, so please be aware!)
Okay, so the storyline behind this book was beyond intriguing. I’m all for post-apocalyptic stories and stories that lean on that Lord of the Flies behavior when it comes to groups of kids trying to hack it on their own. BUT, I feel like there was so much to the world that we didn’t get to learn about. I know that it’s only book one, but I feel like if this had been expanded and was a 300+ page novel, it would probably be one of my favorites. It just felt like it needed that bit of fleshing out to really drive some things home.
There was a lot to this book that I did enjoy very much. I loved the setting, the simple design for their underground bunker and how it functioned for the kids, but again, I feel like there could’ve been some expanding on that as well. This had to have been some long-planned contingency plan, so why were all the kids so out of the loop with any kind of information? I liked that there was legitimate conflict and that things played out in a way that was actually feasible, that’s always one of my biggest pet-peeves when it comes to apocalypse stories, things just play out way too conveniently and that wasn’t the case here.
I honestly liked Katrina as a many character a lot. She stood up for herself and her beliefs and didn’t back down in the face of a bully. The whole group mentality leaning towards those who could make them feel the most secure in the moment really did play out as I would imagine it would, so I definitely appreciated that as well. The side characters were great, but once again, I wanted more from them. Mia and James were probably my favorites after Katrina, but there were several characters I despised and a lot that we really didn’t learn anything about.
The couple things that bugged me: some typos/ misplaced words, which I could get past and I understand, especially with indie books. There was a scene where someone is allegedly accused of attempting to rape a girl. She insists they don’t do anything to the guy, and the guy complains that she was lying, that he went to comfort her, she came onto him, then proceeded to freak out. Either way, it wasn’t really addressed, nothing seemed to come from it, and aside from it causing a fight between two characters, I feel like that could have occurred under different circumstances and that particular part wasn’t needed.
The entirety of this story takes place in only two weeks, and I do feel like some of it was moved a little too quickly, but that just goes back to the fact that I wanted it to be longer. I wanted so much from this book and I feel like I barely got to scrape the surface. I’m fascinated though, and will most definitely be picking up the sequel when it’s released!
Trigger warning for this book: rape. (This scene is addressed in the review, so please be aware!)
Okay, so the storyline behind this book was beyond intriguing. I’m all for post-apocalyptic stories and stories that lean on that Lord of the Flies behavior when it comes to groups of kids trying to hack it on their own. BUT, I feel like there was so much to the world that we didn’t get to learn about. I know that it’s only book one, but I feel like if this had been expanded and was a 300+ page novel, it would probably be one of my favorites. It just felt like it needed that bit of fleshing out to really drive some things home.
There was a lot to this book that I did enjoy very much. I loved the setting, the simple design for their underground bunker and how it functioned for the kids, but again, I feel like there could’ve been some expanding on that as well. This had to have been some long-planned contingency plan, so why were all the kids so out of the loop with any kind of information? I liked that there was legitimate conflict and that things played out in a way that was actually feasible, that’s always one of my biggest pet-peeves when it comes to apocalypse stories, things just play out way too conveniently and that wasn’t the case here.
I honestly liked Katrina as a many character a lot. She stood up for herself and her beliefs and didn’t back down in the face of a bully. The whole group mentality leaning towards those who could make them feel the most secure in the moment really did play out as I would imagine it would, so I definitely appreciated that as well. The side characters were great, but once again, I wanted more from them. Mia and James were probably my favorites after Katrina, but there were several characters I despised and a lot that we really didn’t learn anything about.
The couple things that bugged me: some typos/ misplaced words, which I could get past and I understand, especially with indie books. There was a scene where someone is allegedly accused of attempting to rape a girl. She insists they don’t do anything to the guy, and the guy complains that she was lying, that he went to comfort her, she came onto him, then proceeded to freak out. Either way, it wasn’t really addressed, nothing seemed to come from it, and aside from it causing a fight between two characters, I feel like that could have occurred under different circumstances and that particular part wasn’t needed.
The entirety of this story takes place in only two weeks, and I do feel like some of it was moved a little too quickly, but that just goes back to the fact that I wanted it to be longer. I wanted so much from this book and I feel like I barely got to scrape the surface. I’m fascinated though, and will most definitely be picking up the sequel when it’s released!
August 4, 2019
3.5-4 stars. Full review will be up on my blog soon
January 15, 2023
Reviewing whole series almost same review in wrote for book 4, couldn't stop reading to write review
Ok, so ill.try to write a new review. I read this series, all of it in about 20 hrs plus slept a but. The bok II was trying bro read wasn't entertaining me though it was a fine book,I needed something else and this was it. normally i ike creatures but not aliens. guess the apocalypse thing was what I needed. I've be this in my the !let on KU for over a year,even forgot why I chose it..authors I've never heard of usually end up being my favorites as they have new stories and I like that,back to my orig review now. Around 4am I was once again trying to get through a game of thrones. This was my 4th try reading it, one of which was the Audible version. Think Monty python and the holy trail except with 30+ characters you've never heard of in the first few pages. Couldn't do it. Now I've seen the show and the book was a much easier read but after hrs of trying to needed something liter to help my insomnia. Don't get me wrong, I was a bit late to it but I do love a game of thrones and house of dragon,or whatever they called it. Great shows. Will read books soon and plan to enjoy.
Last night I needed something that was a little more relatable, something fun,I am actually reviewing the series as I don't have the patience to wait before starting book 2 if I like the series. So here we are.I honestly couldn't remember why I had some war book on my kindle unlimited list but decided worst case was id fall asleep. Nope. I read them all. I like books that are different, not the same or copies like they came from a mold. This book reminded me of a few books I've liked but was different. I liked the characters. I loved how the authors spent the time having us get to knoW how Katrina and her dad plus several others think. I like how we got to watch as the kids formed opinions about other people they met too. I would have given this another star except for two reasons and ill get there in a second. The world building was done well, thorough and characters reappear. I felt I knew these kids and to a lesser degree the adults they come across. This series was very well written and I truly enjoyed it. Never heard of this author and that is how I find my favorites. Some of those indie authors no-one had ever heard of in 2014-2017 now have multiple best sellers. Seriously. I did arc and beta reading for them a long time ago and now they are famous. I get Xmas cards to. At least two became best friend years after j was reading both authors books and doing arc reading for each and later they met somewhere and became friends. Happened to a few but those are close. So I apologize for waiting to review as I know it helps. I don't want to give away too much but these books are definitely worth the read. They are YA books and I am 42. Still loved them. But that does get to the few things I didn't give perfect stars for. The first is honestly prob because of them being YA. They were too short. Each book alone too simple. The world,characters,plot all of it was great but as it is a YA book, that's prob why they seemed to be missing something at the end of the book and that was more book. There were a couple of things I didn't understand, esp in the last book.don't want to ask these questions as ill give away stuff but its stuff my curious, cynical mind couldn't figure out. An example is like the group think mentality in book 1, real life studies done on that in Stanford and it got so bad they stopped it early. I have a psych degree so I got that easily but to kids and others without the knowledge I have, it is explained several times well what is happening. I like that, that part was in the description so not spoiling it.. But book 4 left a !it of questions about things from that book I didn't feel were explained and that is in its review. Probably the ha thing I'd think. In this book my only issue was it felt like the book should be longer out have just a little more to me but again its YA. But I am naturally not trusting of characters or people and watching for betrayal in books beforehand. I question weird things others don't notice and can usually call the ending of a movie in 15 mins or less and in Books, a few chapters. I really liked this series, recommend it and plan to read the other one next on the list now.I erased my questions till the last review not to confuse and they are just me mentioning I didn't notice or was confused by the things j mentioned in case it helps.if I'm just way over thinking,ignore it. I loved the books and am.just trying to help! My Kindle is hard to type on so I apologize for any typos but I will definitely mention this to !h adult adult who likes TBE same type of books in do and am.so glad I found you! Thank yoh for the hard work you put in writing for us all! Also sorry if j repeated anything as j was erasing some of my end of series review! Loved all the books the same.
Ok, so ill.try to write a new review. I read this series, all of it in about 20 hrs plus slept a but. The bok II was trying bro read wasn't entertaining me though it was a fine book,I needed something else and this was it. normally i ike creatures but not aliens. guess the apocalypse thing was what I needed. I've be this in my the !let on KU for over a year,even forgot why I chose it..authors I've never heard of usually end up being my favorites as they have new stories and I like that,back to my orig review now. Around 4am I was once again trying to get through a game of thrones. This was my 4th try reading it, one of which was the Audible version. Think Monty python and the holy trail except with 30+ characters you've never heard of in the first few pages. Couldn't do it. Now I've seen the show and the book was a much easier read but after hrs of trying to needed something liter to help my insomnia. Don't get me wrong, I was a bit late to it but I do love a game of thrones and house of dragon,or whatever they called it. Great shows. Will read books soon and plan to enjoy.
Last night I needed something that was a little more relatable, something fun,I am actually reviewing the series as I don't have the patience to wait before starting book 2 if I like the series. So here we are.I honestly couldn't remember why I had some war book on my kindle unlimited list but decided worst case was id fall asleep. Nope. I read them all. I like books that are different, not the same or copies like they came from a mold. This book reminded me of a few books I've liked but was different. I liked the characters. I loved how the authors spent the time having us get to knoW how Katrina and her dad plus several others think. I like how we got to watch as the kids formed opinions about other people they met too. I would have given this another star except for two reasons and ill get there in a second. The world building was done well, thorough and characters reappear. I felt I knew these kids and to a lesser degree the adults they come across. This series was very well written and I truly enjoyed it. Never heard of this author and that is how I find my favorites. Some of those indie authors no-one had ever heard of in 2014-2017 now have multiple best sellers. Seriously. I did arc and beta reading for them a long time ago and now they are famous. I get Xmas cards to. At least two became best friend years after j was reading both authors books and doing arc reading for each and later they met somewhere and became friends. Happened to a few but those are close. So I apologize for waiting to review as I know it helps. I don't want to give away too much but these books are definitely worth the read. They are YA books and I am 42. Still loved them. But that does get to the few things I didn't give perfect stars for. The first is honestly prob because of them being YA. They were too short. Each book alone too simple. The world,characters,plot all of it was great but as it is a YA book, that's prob why they seemed to be missing something at the end of the book and that was more book. There were a couple of things I didn't understand, esp in the last book.don't want to ask these questions as ill give away stuff but its stuff my curious, cynical mind couldn't figure out. An example is like the group think mentality in book 1, real life studies done on that in Stanford and it got so bad they stopped it early. I have a psych degree so I got that easily but to kids and others without the knowledge I have, it is explained several times well what is happening. I like that, that part was in the description so not spoiling it.. But book 4 left a !it of questions about things from that book I didn't feel were explained and that is in its review. Probably the ha thing I'd think. In this book my only issue was it felt like the book should be longer out have just a little more to me but again its YA. But I am naturally not trusting of characters or people and watching for betrayal in books beforehand. I question weird things others don't notice and can usually call the ending of a movie in 15 mins or less and in Books, a few chapters. I really liked this series, recommend it and plan to read the other one next on the list now.I erased my questions till the last review not to confuse and they are just me mentioning I didn't notice or was confused by the things j mentioned in case it helps.if I'm just way over thinking,ignore it. I loved the books and am.just trying to help! My Kindle is hard to type on so I apologize for any typos but I will definitely mention this to !h adult adult who likes TBE same type of books in do and am.so glad I found you! Thank yoh for the hard work you put in writing for us all! Also sorry if j repeated anything as j was erasing some of my end of series review! Loved all the books the same.
November 5, 2020
*Review for Audible version*
Let me start by first saying that I usually don't get into post-apocalyptic dystopian disasters, let alone one filled with teenage angst. Carson is a local author and I wanted to give it a whirl.
The story has a great foundation. There is heart, fear, anxiety, and dread all rolled into these words. I went for a heck of a roller coaster ride from the start. In the beginning, we are immediately thrust into a scenario full of panic and confusion. Following our hero as she tries to sort out this new world she's found herself in, we are taken on a journey that feels all to familiar to anyone who's partaken in reading a dystopian book or watching a film: Nuclear Destruction.
The rest of the book is wrought with twists and turns equal to those found within the underground bunker. While battling with traditional teenage angst, relationships, crushes and bullying, we are also thrust into the "grown up" problems faced with any survival shelter. Struggles for power, alliances and distrust are seeded throughout.
NARRATION: The narrator did a phenomenal job! Stacey Glemboski really captured the mood of the entire gang. Her pacing and understanding of various dialogues helped push the story along.
Story: I think the story is a great start. It appears to be the first of many, which usually is the least developed. This happens with all stories as the full idea isn't realized at this point. That's not to say I'm not completely hooked and ready to download book 2 as soon as I can!
I highly recommend this book to anyone with teenage readers, or if you like YA books in general. Forewarning that there is hinting of a negative sexual encounter, which is cleverly prefaced by the author/narrator prior to the chapter beginning. A+ for that.
Let me start by first saying that I usually don't get into post-apocalyptic dystopian disasters, let alone one filled with teenage angst. Carson is a local author and I wanted to give it a whirl.
The story has a great foundation. There is heart, fear, anxiety, and dread all rolled into these words. I went for a heck of a roller coaster ride from the start. In the beginning, we are immediately thrust into a scenario full of panic and confusion. Following our hero as she tries to sort out this new world she's found herself in, we are taken on a journey that feels all to familiar to anyone who's partaken in reading a dystopian book or watching a film: Nuclear Destruction.
The rest of the book is wrought with twists and turns equal to those found within the underground bunker. While battling with traditional teenage angst, relationships, crushes and bullying, we are also thrust into the "grown up" problems faced with any survival shelter. Struggles for power, alliances and distrust are seeded throughout.
NARRATION: The narrator did a phenomenal job! Stacey Glemboski really captured the mood of the entire gang. Her pacing and understanding of various dialogues helped push the story along.
Story: I think the story is a great start. It appears to be the first of many, which usually is the least developed. This happens with all stories as the full idea isn't realized at this point. That's not to say I'm not completely hooked and ready to download book 2 as soon as I can!
I highly recommend this book to anyone with teenage readers, or if you like YA books in general. Forewarning that there is hinting of a negative sexual encounter, which is cleverly prefaced by the author/narrator prior to the chapter beginning. A+ for that.
March 6, 2020
Well written YA novel that adults probably won't mind reading. I plan to continue the series, and generally am not a fan of the YA sub genre. They typically don't get very deep, as if teens don't have the ability to feel, think, and plan. I was delighted to find this was an exception. There are a few typos and misused words, but the errors weren't frequent so they didn't bother me too much.
There is A LOT we don't find out in this one. It begins with the teens waking in an underground bunker, and pretty much informed they're humanity's hope for the future.
I'd really like to know WHY the pods/rooms were created and filled with the teens who were chosen to be placed there. For example, who thought that hormone filled mixed gender teens should cohabitate and SLEEP in the same room? Yes, let's definitely put boys and girls together in the same bedroom. Granted there were a mix of 6 teens per room, 3 girls and 3 boys, so they weren't alone, but I felt the author used this as a vehicle, or convenience, to set up the near rape scene. Yes, I know they're "humanity's hope" but are they supposed to procreate right away, or what? This aspect alone brought my review from 4 to 3. It was just unnecessary.
This entire story spans a period of 2 weeks, during which the teens wait for the radioactivity to die down, learn survival skills from an automated program, get some level of fitness built up, are fed MRE's, and are basically thrown into a Lord of the Flies situation.
There is A LOT we don't find out in this one. It begins with the teens waking in an underground bunker, and pretty much informed they're humanity's hope for the future.
I'd really like to know WHY the pods/rooms were created and filled with the teens who were chosen to be placed there. For example, who thought that hormone filled mixed gender teens should cohabitate and SLEEP in the same room? Yes, let's definitely put boys and girls together in the same bedroom. Granted there were a mix of 6 teens per room, 3 girls and 3 boys, so they weren't alone, but I felt the author used this as a vehicle, or convenience, to set up the near rape scene. Yes, I know they're "humanity's hope" but are they supposed to procreate right away, or what? This aspect alone brought my review from 4 to 3. It was just unnecessary.
This entire story spans a period of 2 weeks, during which the teens wait for the radioactivity to die down, learn survival skills from an automated program, get some level of fitness built up, are fed MRE's, and are basically thrown into a Lord of the Flies situation.
May 29, 2020
Project Dandelion is about a group of teens who get placed in a nuclear fallout shelter and have to work out how to cooperate to survive. The second I saw the concept, I went, “Muahahahaha, I hope these kids go full Lord of the Flies on me!” I’m pleased to say that they went at least halfway Lord of the Flies on me. Okay, they didn’t murder anyone, but the book only takes place over the span of two weeks so I reckon it was only a matter of time.
I really loved the main character, Katrina — she had a very specific goal that involved getting out of the shelter ASAP, which gave her a delightfully morally gray edge in a group where everyone is expected to cooperate. The contrast between those who wanted to stay and those who wanted to leave got starker and starker throughout the story, but it was never entirely clear who was right. Yes! Give me that sweet moral ambiguity!
There’s one main thing that I unfortunately wasn’t so keen on, and that was the origins of the relationship between Katrina and the love interest, James. My pet peeve in fiction is instalove, and their relationship developed a little too fast for my taste. I mean, I get it — the story only lasts for two weeks — but I like what I like, and what I like is SLOW BURN.
Overall, this was a short, fast read that brought up some really interesting philosophical dilemmas — and got me out of my reading slump!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
I really loved the main character, Katrina — she had a very specific goal that involved getting out of the shelter ASAP, which gave her a delightfully morally gray edge in a group where everyone is expected to cooperate. The contrast between those who wanted to stay and those who wanted to leave got starker and starker throughout the story, but it was never entirely clear who was right. Yes! Give me that sweet moral ambiguity!
There’s one main thing that I unfortunately wasn’t so keen on, and that was the origins of the relationship between Katrina and the love interest, James. My pet peeve in fiction is instalove, and their relationship developed a little too fast for my taste. I mean, I get it — the story only lasts for two weeks — but I like what I like, and what I like is SLOW BURN.
Overall, this was a short, fast read that brought up some really interesting philosophical dilemmas — and got me out of my reading slump!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
April 27, 2020
Bought the sequel as soon as I finished.
First chapter a bunch of teenagers are locked in a tight space with a robot voice giving them orders while they’re fed MREs the evening before the powers that be nuke the planet into dust.
This starts of, at least, as a horror story.
In comparison I’d rather be outside the fallout shelter in the hot winds blowing from the bowels of well where satan spits into the wind... but luckily I’m only reading this.
Anyway the kids in the bunker were chosen to survive because they have the dandelion gene which makes them better suited to survive in the nuclear apocalypse.
But they have to survive each other first.
They have assigned bunks and have only MREs to eat and are given instructions by ken doll mannequins and the overlord voice of “NANNY” and it doesn’t take long for things to get highschoolish again. Sure they’re trapped underground and the distorted figures of the skeletons of society are roaming the crisp burnt world above, but teenagers will be teenagers.
A lot of this is high school drama, but given its target audience, I think it would fit for that.
Eventually, Everyone in the fallout shelter is worried about what’s going on outside and they quickly start planning what to do when they get out.
Then it gets REAL animal farm while they wait to see if the doors are going to open when they’re supposed to.
Get it!
February 8, 2022
Although this is not the best writing, and the story is rather simplistic, it was still a good read. Its short enough to enjoy in one sitting. It leaves with a cliffhanger that makes you want to continue the next book right away.
The writing style is rather immature, as in its not that deep and descriptive. But its no unbearable. Many characters are rather dull. Other characters get more attention. But the lack of descriptive writing leaves us without knowing what any of them look like.
The plot itself is nothing new. Its a typical "end of the world" scenario where people moved underground to avoid radiation. This idea is old and overdone. However, the fact that these kids were drugged and put underground by their own parents, without having any idea as to why, is pretty interesting. What I also find interesting is that the book mentions these particular kids have specific genetics about them (which is why they were chosen to be the ones to be saved) but the first book doesn't explore this fact any further. I am hoping the rest of the series does. This alone is making me want to keep reading.
Overall, not bad. I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 because of the high school level writing style and lack of character details.
The writing style is rather immature, as in its not that deep and descriptive. But its no unbearable. Many characters are rather dull. Other characters get more attention. But the lack of descriptive writing leaves us without knowing what any of them look like.
The plot itself is nothing new. Its a typical "end of the world" scenario where people moved underground to avoid radiation. This idea is old and overdone. However, the fact that these kids were drugged and put underground by their own parents, without having any idea as to why, is pretty interesting. What I also find interesting is that the book mentions these particular kids have specific genetics about them (which is why they were chosen to be the ones to be saved) but the first book doesn't explore this fact any further. I am hoping the rest of the series does. This alone is making me want to keep reading.
Overall, not bad. I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 because of the high school level writing style and lack of character details.
November 30, 2020
I received a free audio copy of this book directly from the author for an honest review.
This book is what I would have loved as a teenager and still love now. This lord of the flies almost twist on a dystopian world with hints of big brother is so well done! I loved how different clicks formed within the underground bunker and the relationships formed for the main character Katrina. Katrina is a very complex character a highly intelligent for her age teenager who stands her ground and for the most part keeps her cool. The story itself is very intriguing and each day is nanny greets them in the big brother house ahem bunker 😂 followed by the daily tasks and issues across two weeks. The book ends rather abruptly and just makes you really want the next in the series!
This book is what I would have loved as a teenager and still love now. This lord of the flies almost twist on a dystopian world with hints of big brother is so well done! I loved how different clicks formed within the underground bunker and the relationships formed for the main character Katrina. Katrina is a very complex character a highly intelligent for her age teenager who stands her ground and for the most part keeps her cool. The story itself is very intriguing and each day is nanny greets them in the big brother house ahem bunker 😂 followed by the daily tasks and issues across two weeks. The book ends rather abruptly and just makes you really want the next in the series!
July 31, 2021
3.5/ 5 stars.
Project Dandelion is a nuclear apocalyptic lord of the flies. The idea was intriguing but the story telling fell flat.
I didn’t vibe with the third person POV, I would have preferred first person to understand the main character a bit more. I also wish it was longer and more fleshed out so we could connect with and understand the characters better.
I did like the friendships between Dreya, Jayden, James and Katrina. Especially Katrina and James. This alone makes me want to keep reading the series!
Overall it was a decent story, not perfect or long enough but I am keen to keep reading on!
Project Dandelion is a nuclear apocalyptic lord of the flies. The idea was intriguing but the story telling fell flat.
I didn’t vibe with the third person POV, I would have preferred first person to understand the main character a bit more. I also wish it was longer and more fleshed out so we could connect with and understand the characters better.
I did like the friendships between Dreya, Jayden, James and Katrina. Especially Katrina and James. This alone makes me want to keep reading the series!
Overall it was a decent story, not perfect or long enough but I am keen to keep reading on!
December 29, 2021
New world apocalypse
Heather Carson is a new read for me. I've had her books sitting on my TBR for months unsure whether I wanted to actually read them, and boy am I glad I finally picked up Project Dandelion. Katrina is an independent, teenager who's dad plans for all things. In this case, a nuclear bomb to hit their country.
The book follows her relationships and turmoil with the other kids for the 14days until the fallout shelters doors unlock. If I say anymore I'm going to spoil it, but this is a must read. Heather given me the push to start writing and reading again.
Heather Carson is a new read for me. I've had her books sitting on my TBR for months unsure whether I wanted to actually read them, and boy am I glad I finally picked up Project Dandelion. Katrina is an independent, teenager who's dad plans for all things. In this case, a nuclear bomb to hit their country.
The book follows her relationships and turmoil with the other kids for the 14days until the fallout shelters doors unlock. If I say anymore I'm going to spoil it, but this is a must read. Heather given me the push to start writing and reading again.
December 9, 2022
One of the better dystopians that ive read in a while. It's less than 200 pages and it definitely could have been longer. The reason I took a star off even though I read this in 1 sitting is that several of the scenes could have been longer. Im hoping as the story progresses so does the writing in that sense. Other than that the writing was actually pretty good. There were a couple of errors that I noticed but nothing that really pulled me out of the story. I've already downloaded the next book in the series to continue.
April 8, 2020
I liked it. However it suffers from what a lot of books do these days, and is more like half of a story. I know it's a series, but it feels there is no story arc. I don't finish the story feeling satisfied and curious to find out what happens next, I finish feeling frustrated that I bought half of a story. It just feels like the author wrote a book, cut it in half in a random place in the middle and made two books.
November 15, 2020
I absolutely loved listening to this book. The narrator Stacey G. Does a fabulous job portraying Katrina and several of the other characters in the book. The story is well written and engaging post apocalyptic world. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns and the mob mentality that was well written in this book. If you’re a fan of the Maze Runner, then I suggest you pic this book up. It may just be right up your alley.
April 3, 2021
Need MORE!!!
Okay, so the setting for this world hit super close to home! I mean, there are so many similarities that it makes me want to create my own nuclear fall out shelter!
I love the way the author portrays the different characteristics of group think vs individual mentality. It’s crazy how quickly we allow someone to take control out of fear.
This series is off to a great start and I can’t wait to read more about what happens to my new favorite group of people!!
Okay, so the setting for this world hit super close to home! I mean, there are so many similarities that it makes me want to create my own nuclear fall out shelter!
I love the way the author portrays the different characteristics of group think vs individual mentality. It’s crazy how quickly we allow someone to take control out of fear.
This series is off to a great start and I can’t wait to read more about what happens to my new favorite group of people!!
April 10, 2021
Another Five Star epic from Heather Carson. I absolutely devoured this book. The author does and impeccable job of showing the survivors as children but also building a society and delving into the easiness of falling for a manipulator.
I found no part of this book to be so slow that it lost my attention. And on the other hand it wasn't too fast. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Overall I enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it.
I found no part of this book to be so slow that it lost my attention. And on the other hand it wasn't too fast. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Overall I enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it.
March 6, 2020
Just 14 days after 9000 nukes explode all over the world, the teens of Project Dandelion are released from their special bunkers. What started out as a plan to re-seed the Post-Apocalyptic Earth has gone haywire due to the unanticipated power struggles of the personalities of each carefully selected teenager. Now, as the first installment closes, they are on the run for their lives.
May 13, 2020
My sister was gifted this novel for her 15th birthday and she is in love!! She loves the series and is now excited for anything else Heather has written! She says it is her new favourite series and Heather is her new favourite author! A must read for any teen wanting to dive into the dystopian world!
September 10, 2020
Very interesting "social" project -- throw a bunch of teens together in a doomsday atmosphere, and watch the whole thing dissolve into cliches and fear and control and alliances. I was totally engrossed and then confronted with the sudden end of the book, meaning I needed to go to book two. A little abrupt ending there. Good writing, not too many typos, story moves along pretty well.
October 24, 2020
Really enjoyed this YA post-apoc read!
My first time reading Heather Carson and she grabbed me with the start of a great series.
The story line is interesting and entertaining enough to make me want to continue to read.
Stacy Glemboski did a excellent job narrating.
I received a free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
My first time reading Heather Carson and she grabbed me with the start of a great series.
The story line is interesting and entertaining enough to make me want to continue to read.
Stacy Glemboski did a excellent job narrating.
I received a free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2021
Heather Carson never disappoints! Her worlds and characters are always so imaginative and engrossing. I read this story start to finish, I couldn’t put it down!
If you’re looking for a gripping dystopian read, I highly recommend “Project Dandelion”. Immediately after finishing this novel I signed onto Amazon to get book two, “Project Dandelion: Reentry”!
January 14, 2021
Can’t Stop Now!
This is a superbly written YA dystopian novel. The author’s grasp of human behavior in the midst of unprecedented circumstances has you sucked in right from the first word. I couldn’t put it down and now I’m skipping over all the other books on my TBR to start on book 2. There’s no choice in the matter. I just NEED to know what happens next.
This is a superbly written YA dystopian novel. The author’s grasp of human behavior in the midst of unprecedented circumstances has you sucked in right from the first word. I couldn’t put it down and now I’m skipping over all the other books on my TBR to start on book 2. There’s no choice in the matter. I just NEED to know what happens next.
April 25, 2021
Picked this up on KU as really enjoyed the Nocere and its sequels. This is an interesting concept. Really felt the tension build in the confined space with the groups. I am very glad I have the next book right there to read as this book felt it was just introducing you to everyone and building your characters up to the main event. Looking forward to see how our little group fares going forward
December 28, 2021
New take
I enjoyed this book a lot. I like our main "good" characters. The story is different but I wasn't quite clear why the would house a bunch of teenagers without adult supervision. Seems like a recipe for disaster!
The story was well written and didn't repeat itself. I am interested in what happens next
I enjoyed this book a lot. I like our main "good" characters. The story is different but I wasn't quite clear why the would house a bunch of teenagers without adult supervision. Seems like a recipe for disaster!
The story was well written and didn't repeat itself. I am interested in what happens next
September 4, 2022
Book One: Project Dandelion
Thirty-six teens awaken after a nuclear holocaust to find themselves in a pod-like structure managed by a faceless voice called Nanny. Group-think overtakes the young people, with a few unsavory kids stepping up to take charge. Will Katrina be able to escape? Who will help her?
Thirty-six teens awaken after a nuclear holocaust to find themselves in a pod-like structure managed by a faceless voice called Nanny. Group-think overtakes the young people, with a few unsavory kids stepping up to take charge. Will Katrina be able to escape? Who will help her?
April 20, 2020
So Good!!
This book is so good! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. You are hooked from the beginning and won’t want to put it down. The characters keeps you on edge. I promise you will not regret reading this book!
This book is so good! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. You are hooked from the beginning and won’t want to put it down. The characters keeps you on edge. I promise you will not regret reading this book!
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