Shamira is considered an outcast by most, but little do they know that she is on a mission. Kids on Mars are disappearing, but Shamira decides to use the criminals’ most unlikely weapons against them—the very kids of which they have captured. In order to succeed, she is forced to trust another, something she is afraid to do. However, Valens, her connection to the underworld of her enemy, proves to be a useful ally. Time is slipping, and so is her control on the power that resides within her. But in order to save her brother's life, she is willing to risk it all. Book One in The Pack Series. Read the final confrontation in Book Two, The Pack - Retribution is available now.
LM. Preston was born and raised in Washington, DC. An avid reader, she loved to create poetry and short-stories as a young girl. With a thirst for knowledge she attended college at Bowie State University, and worked in the IT field as a Techie and Educator for over sixteen years. She started writing science fiction under the encouragement of her husband who was a Sci-Fi buff and her four kids. Her first published novel, Explorer X - Alpha was the beginning of her obsessive desire to write and create stories of young people who overcome unbelievable odds. She loves to write while on the porch watching her kids play or when she is traveling, which is another passion that encouraged her writing.
I have to admit, I'm a sucker for a strong female protagonist. I tend to grow very weary of the "oh man, please save me!" protags I see sometimes in YA fiction, so when The Pack came to my attention, it caught it, mainly because of Shamira. She is a strong-willed, butt kicking female that I would be very proud to have my (as yet imaginary) daughter look up to.
Shamira is blind, and that is what appealed to me about her character even more. That said, I was pretty disappointed when Shamira regained her sight pretty early on in the book. During the operation her eyesight was enhanced to make her stronger, so that made it less upsetting, I guess. Shamira is strong, so strong that she can be a bit off-putting at times. She is very distrustful of others, but when she lets her guard down, we see just how likable she is.
There are a lot of great familial element in The Pack, Shamira's best friend is her brother, and when he is kidnapped, she will do anything to get her brother back, even if that means risking her life. There is also a bit of romance between Shamira and Valens, who like Shamira is fighting to take down Monev, the dastardly organization who is responsible for all the missing children on Mars. The love element is nice, but it's not so ooey-gooey that it would put off young male readers.
Even though this book is marketed towards the YA market and Shamira is a teenager, I think this book would appeal to younger readers (10+-depending on their maturity/reading level) most of all. There is a very high "kid power!" factor in this book that I think younger readers will really enjoy. There is also lot of action and neat sci-fi elements to the book.
This book would be a great summer read if you're a teen or tween, or for the younger people in your in your life!
As a fan of YA and sci-fi, I was pretty eager to read this book, but although it wasn't half bad, I can't say it met my expectations, since I am already a bit familiar with this author's writing. It took of well, serving the reader the issues at the beginning - drugs, missing children, crime organizations, elimination of the Special Force Elite members, futuristic setup on Mars. We got introduced to Shamira, a badass blind girl taking justice into her own hands, very fond of her family, especially her young brother. But as the plot started to develop, I felt my enthusiasm slowly fading away. I was very excited with Shamira the way she was in the beginning - blind, but capable, strong, and using her senses with such precision it felt a bit creepy, but hell, I admired her. It was a tad disappointing to see her regain her sight way to soon, spoiling who she was - but this was compensated by what she got during the operation, and I rendered it pretty useful, so I accepted her the new way as well. However, with her decision-making, she went sometimes over the top, and I stopped to think whether she is really the brave hero we suppose to see, or just defiant, stubborn, selfish girl thinking herself invincible.. those moments definitely spoiled the picture of courageous and strong heroine full of love for her brother and fierce determination to fix the injustice. her rage, though, I loved. The romantic interest in this book did not impress me as well - he came out flat, and also a bit creepy with his attitude towards Shamira - as if he wanted to prove himself stronger than she is, be the knight in the shining armor, and was a bit pushy with his touchy-feely behavior, even though he knew she hated it. Most of the dialogues felt forced and unnatural, and with many elements in the book I had the issue that they were great separately, but poorly glued together to create a whole. If it wasn't for the good writing, interesting topics, attention catching side characters (David, or the family members in general, some of the kids out there, or even Jake on Earth), I would think twice whether to continue. The futuristic setup and technical, clean sci-fi elements with lots of fascinating gadgets and imaginative setting, action packed fighting scenes, and overall good, understandable writing compensated for the feel of watching a B-rated comic for kids (meaning I found it more suitable for middle grade than YA readers, if not for the occasional level of violence included). I think this world building has great potential, the characters may grow to feel more natural, and the danger is not over yet, so I won't give up hope that this series will get better :)
The Pack by L.M. Preston is one of those books that I'm not thrilled with. It had a good concept and the author does write well. However, I felt the story was lacking and the main character wasn't relatable. And, here we go.
Okay, right off the bat, we learn that our MC has something more about her. I'm not going to go into details, but she feels kickass and knowledgeable about martial arts. Which is great because she's blind. Alright, I'm liking that.
HOWEVER, she makes decisions that are against her parents' orders that could potentially cause a backfire. The thing is, it doesn't really. I honestly would have loved it if her actions from the beginning is what starts the snowball effect of the storyline. It would have given Shamira a more human feel. This is important because as the story unfolds, she just becomes more.
I don't want to go into detail because that would be spoiling for the people who want to read the book. Suffice to say, the more and her personality was a big turn off for me. It felt like a spoiled brat more so than a misunderstood hero (which I assume was the intent).
There were also some scenes I didn't care for, but I honestly feel that if the character was a little more likable or had a little less, I would have been okay with those scenes.
That said, the story concept was interesting. I'm not a big sci-fi person, but the idea of kids being kidnapped and a drug ring was interesting. Honestly, the sci-fi part wasn't distracting to the core of the story.
The writing itself is also good. There weren't many errors and I could understand everything that was going on. If nothing else, the book is action packed and L.M. Preston does a good job with that.
All in all, it really wasn't my cup of tea. I could probably say more of what I disliked about it versus liked. I just won't because they are more spoilers than anything else. So, my rating is a little torn at the moment.
On one hand, it could be enjoyable. On the other, I had to struggle to keep myself from wanting to say "no more". So, for the people out there who want to try it, I say go ahead. For the people who don't want to bother, it won't hurt you.
While this is not the typical type of book I generally read, I did enjoy it. I enjoy stories that occur on Earth; however, I found the story entertaining. The author was able to elicit several different emotions. I have several questions about the story that I know I will only answer through continuing to read the series. I am glad that I stepped outside my comfort zone and tried something different. I recommend this series if you enjoy YA Paranormal (Sci-FI) genre.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Shamira is self-sufficient and bad-arse, especially considering she is blind. She is living on Mars, and when she discovers that kids are being taken, decides to get together with other concerned individuals and set up a rescue mission. This book is packed with adventure and overcoming the odds, and if you are a fan of ya sci-fi and ya fantasy, you will feel right at home when reading this novel.
A fantastic and well written story about living in Mars. Drugs are still rampant and children and adults of a elite task force are disappearing. Two exceptional kids with parents on the task force join with others to get their family members back, known as the Pack. A outstanding YA story that I would highly recommend this book.
She is on a mission to save the missing children of mars. No-one knows what she is doing. She decides that to save them she must use the children to do it. She also has to trust another to help. Can they be trusted? Can she save them? See if she can I received an advanced copy and I enjoyed it so much that I want to review
Wow I was blown over on the story and how things went. Great Sci-fi story. So much action and adventure. I loved how Shamara grew within the story. She cam a long way. I loved reading about her and her adventure. I would recommend this to anyone that loves a good action and adventure story.
Really enjoyed the story. Was different then most stories I like to read. But this story kept interested thru out. Love the heroes. They were great. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.
This book kept me entertained the whole time. I got sucked in right from the beginning. I loved the MC's personality, and all the characters seemed to mesh well with each other. Can't wait for book two.
Shamira is a interesting character to read about. She starts of blind, which was caused by a childhood incident, and at first you think this will hold her back. She is walking home from school, but she is baiting the bad guys, she wants them to make a grab for her so she can kick their butts. When her wish comes true and one of them makes an attempt, it's interrupted by Valens who assumes that since she is blind, she can't take care of herself. Little does he know that Shamira is more than capable of kicking a little butt.
Her vigilantism is quickly discovered by her parents, who are members of the elite defense force that rules and patrols the Martian populace. When things start to get a little too dangerous her father brings her back to Earth to get her eyes fixed, along with a few other enhancements. After the surgery, they find out that her little brother, who is her only friend, has been kidnapped by the drug dealers who are trying to take over the planet.
Once they get back home, and while her parents are busy trying to keep the planet from plunging into chaos, Shamira takes it upon herself to find her brother. With the help of Valens and other kids who have freed themselves from the bad guys, Shamira sets off to do just that. At first, she doesn't trust these kids, but as time goes on she not only starts to trust them but to like them as well. For the first time Shamira is allowing herself to be liked by others and to form relationships with others outside her family. The growth she experiences in both her physical capabilities and her emotional state of being are truly something worth reading and what I think makes her a dynamic character that kids can look up to.
Now back when I reviewed the author's previous book, Explorer X-Alpha, I stated that if the setting was high fantasy I would have enjoyed it more than I did reading something set in outer space. I still feel that way after reading this one, but I'm starting to understand the appeal of science taken to the next level and of stories that take place on other planets. This was a fast paced book where the characters were constantly having to react to the events around them, I'm not sure that would have worked within a fantasy setting.
Aidan and I read this one together and I think that's the other reason I enjoyed this one a bit more. While reading Explorer X-Alpha I kept getting annoyed by the writing and would have to remind myself this was aimed at readers quite a bit younger than I am, well a lot younger than I am. This time around by watching and hearing Aidan react to the story, I found myself getting into quite a bit more and the writing style seemed to be at just the right level. Obviously, while I was reading this to Aidan, I did leave out some parts that I don't think a 7 year old should hear, but don't let that stop you from giving this to your older children, which this book is aimed at. I'm really looking forward to sharing more of LM Preston's work with my son.
In The Pack, Earthling expat Shamira faces down her worst nightmares without the support of her family. She meets Valens, a teenage warrior like herself, who convinces her to let down her guard and help him lead a motley crew to find the missing children of Mars.
Honestly, The Pack by L. M. Preston wasn't exactly what I expected...but it was pretty awesome. It's geared toward an older MG or younger YA crowd with a simplistic and realistically repetitive writing style. (Repetitive usually means boring, but this type of repetition is more representative of how people really think--they don't usually pull 3 different words out of the air that mean "creep." They just say "creep" 3 times.)
Shamira was a great main character--strong, admirable and hardcore. I was disappointed that she regained her sight so early in the novel, but I loved that she wouldn't let the doctors change her eye color. She was 100% comfortable with herself. On a day to day basis, she struggled to maintain that attitude, but she never gave in to whining or complaining. She used her "disability" as an asset, even after she regained her sight.
The Pack had a great cast of characters. Valens, Mitch and Manny all caught my attention time and again. Usually, in a serious, action-flick type novel, there's no room for fun and games, but Ms. Preston caught the essence of youth with certain scenes where the talented teens let loose and have a little fun. Oftentimes in books, teens step up to the plate and act like completely mature adults, but I don't think that's how teenagers would really act in such a situation. The game time was a refreshing addition and showed how the characters became friends so quickly without the situation feeling forced.
It took me a while to get used to the repetitive writing style. At first, I thought it was an error, but it actually set the futuristic life on Mars apart from "real life," both with the descriptions and the dialogue. I also wasn't expecting this to be aimed for a slightly younger audience, but once I realized that, it wasn't an issue. There is some swearing (not too frequent, mostly at the end of the book and comprised of less offensive words) so I would recommend this to its target audience with a light warning. The Pack would be great for male or female readers, especially those that are a little old for MG but maybe aren't ready for YA just yet. It's a great sci-fi adventure with a great lesson, exhibited in a fun and understandable way.
[Disclaimer: This book was received for review from the publisher.]
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this one. I don’t usually read science fiction so it was with some trepidation that I agreed to review this – I wasn’t sure if I would like the genre. I shouldn’t have worried – it was good fun!
Preston has an undemanding style of writing that is easy to get into. Although written in third person we still get the story from Shamira’s point of view and that works well. I found her to be a complicated character and one which I didn’t warm to straight away. She is so strong she sometimes comes across as rather cold and it’s not until about two thirds of the way through the story that we get to see a softer side to her character. Once she began to trust the others and relaxed a bit I found myself really liking her. She is certainly a force to be reckoned with! She really reminded me of Max from the TV series Dark Angel.
The other character to stand out was Valens. His friendship with Shamira was one of the best parts of the story - it was fun watching her slowly trust in him and her feelings and there are some really sweet scenes between the two. The other part of the story I loved were the actions scenes. Preston excels when writing these scenes – there are many in the course of the story and they all had me completely gripped. I could really see them all unfold in my mind’s eye.
The story is rather dark in places, both in terms of the corruption on Mars and in some of Shamira’s actions. Due to this I think the book is more suited to older readers even if the writing style makes it accessible to a younger audience.
If you haven’t read any Science fiction but fancy trying out the genre I think this could be a good place to start. I enjoyed it and am really looking forward to trying more.
L.M. Preston has created an entertaining and action-packed world filled with sci-fi fantasy for the young adult reader. Set on a colonized Mars, children are disappearing and the ones being targeted are not at random. Children of the Security Force Elite are being taken and Shamira feels she’s the only one that can save the missing children. When her beloved younger brother becomes a victim of the kidnappings Shamira sets out to find whoever is responsible and make them pay.
Shamira is blind when she is first introduced in the story. However, she is still a forced to be reckoned with despite her disability. Her being blind isn’t the only thing that sets Shamira apart from the other children on Mars. After a horrible accident when she was a baby Shamira became blind and developed a “power” within her that makes gives her super-human strength and agility. Although Shamira has felt like an outcast her entire life, she has such a fierce and loyal personality. She also hates pity and feels the need to hide her enhanced abilities from the rest of the world, including her parents. Shamira has her downfalls; she’s a proud and independent heroine. But she can be vulnerable and L.M. Preston does a really great job with Shamira’s development and personality.
Having not read L.M. Preston’s writing before, THE PACK was a fast paced read that I really enjoyed. It was pretty cool that Shamira and the other children she joins forces with are in charge of the story. I think a lot of younger readers will absolutely love that aspect of the story. These children are out to save Mars and bring down Monev. I’m looking forward to continuing on with Shamira and the children of Mars with the second book in the series set to be released in 2012.
I believe everyone who's ever read any of my reviews already knows that I'm a sucker for strong female protagonists, especially in YA literature. Think Katsa from Graceling, Sylvie from The Splendor Falls, Janie from Wake... well, Shamira Nobel is one of those girls. The Pack is about a group of kids on Mars who, once a major drug dealer starts to kidnap and kill off their family members, need to find a way to stay alive and help those they can. I've read it during one lazy afternoon, as I found myself hooked to the adrenaline pouring out of its pages. I've read something slow, atmospheric just before The Pack, and the change in pace was refreshing.
The greatest part of the novel is Shamira, a girl who went blind at an early age and had to learn to depend on other senses than her eyesight. Shamira accepts her blindness as a part of who she is and doesn't consider herself handicapped. She is a caring girl, protective of her little brother, yet fierce and dangerous in the battle. The romance between her and Valens develops slowly, largely due to the fact that Shamira believes that the last thing in the world she needs is a broken heart. It's cute to watch how bad Valens is trying to prove his loyalty and his love, and, of course, eventually wins her heart.
There were parts that really made me laugh hard, others were just engrossing. Part of why I lowered my rating is the large amount of violence. I'm not being squeamish here, I just think that the same effect could have been achieved with much less broken noses. The very fact that there are children being abused is depressing enough.
The Pack is a fast- paced, action-packed novel that I'm sure Sci-Fi YA buffs will dote on. It's an easy, fast read, a perfect summer pastime.
Kids are disappearing on Mars and the future looks bleak if nothing is done to stop it. Shamira’s parents are part of the elite security personnel of Mars. When the kids start disappearing, 16-year-old Shamira stars an investigation of her own and despite her parents protests goes out into the night to hunt them down and find out whats going on. So whats the surprise here? Shamira is blind AND the story is set on Mars.
It’s the year 2161 and Mars is colonized. Initially all the criminals and unwanted people from Earth were send to Mars and Mars security tried hard to keep crime rate under control. But suddenly some of the kids start disappearing and everyone is working hard to find the culprits.
What I loved about the story is the setting, it’s very refreshing to read something set on Mars and imagine that something like this could be a possibility in the future. Shamira is a kick-ass, no-nonsense heroine. I wished she would have stayed blind but she does get her sight back (don’t worry, not a spoiler since it happens pretty early in the book). I understand it would be difficult to develop an action-adventure plot with a blind heroine but that would have made it even more unique.
I also loved the chemistry between the pack members (the ones that help Shamira to find the culprits) and the action sequences were fabulous. I kept marveling over the environment the author created on Mars. The only drawback I see here is that this book seems to be written for the middle graders. There were a few loopholes in the story but I was so caught up in the story that I didn’t care. And although, many books are cross overs, this isn’t. You will like it if you love YA or adventure books.
I received The Pack from the author for an honest review.
When I first picked up The Pack by LM Preston I was a little nervous to pick it up because I’ve never read any book that was about living life on mars to be honest I never thought I would be interested in something like that but I really enjoyed this book, I probably would have liked it a lot better if I was able to read this straight through without having to stop and read something else but I still enjoyed this very much.
The Pack is about a girl named Shamira who lives on Mars with her parents and younger brother and is also blind. But being blind does not stop her she knows how to hold her own thanks to her parents who have been teaching her to fight ever since she was little, and now she can basically beat the crap out of anybody no matter what size, which comes in handy because her little brother gets taken by basically this horrible gang and Shamira has to save him.
I love love loved Shamira’s character usually the books I read the girls are emotionally strong not physically strong but Shamira was the complete opposite because she could take down any person who fought her but when it came down to opening her heart to a guy she was deathly afraid and that’s something that made this book different which is something every book should have.
Another unique thing about the book was that it was on Mars! I mean have you ever read a YA book that’s plot is on Mars? Because I haven’t I mean if it didn’t say Mars a lot you probably wouldn’t have known but I still think that it was pretty cool.
I gave this book a 4 out 5 stars because while it was good I did feel like some of the information was run on and that some scenes in the book weren’t actually needed but still enjoyable!
Shamira is blind, but that doesn't stop her from hunting down the bad guys that are kidnapping kids all over Mars. The bad guys have even started kidnapping members of The Security Force, which is near impossible. Shamira may have to start to trust people if she is going to bring Monev down. She doesn't know if she's ready for it, but she knows she doesn't have a choice.
I really enjoyed this novel for the first few chapters. After that, whoever was editing this book seemed to take a mini-vacation, since the writing just went downhill. The idea of the story was really good (kids being kidnapped on Mars leads to other kids forming an underground uprising) but that is where it stops. There are a lot of editing mistakes, but nowhere on my copy does it say that this is an uncorrected proof, so I'm assuming this is what people who buy it will see. There was a lot of dialogue and it seemed forced most of the time. The kids didn't speak like kids and some of the lines seemed to come from adult romance novels. Some of the action scenes tell us they were action-y instead of actually being action-y. The love interest in this book bordered on obsessive, he was pretty odd. Really though I had high hopes for this novel when I began, but was quickly and thoroughly disappointed again and again. Maybe someone else will enjoy this novel, the bottom line is I didn't and I can't recommend it.
First Line: "She often walked this way home listening for all the familiar sounds."
Favorite Line: "It was night out, but it made no difference to Shamira, for she lived in the dark most of her life."
I received this book in exchange for a honest review ~WaAr~
The Pack by Lm Preston is an exceptional and exciting read. I love the story and the imagination to come up with it. The author was very through in her descriptions of the scenes and events. I just love it! The characters are so real when you start reading that you believe that you are right there with them and fighting along side them. I love the dialog and the interaction between the characters because it just flows so smoothly. I love Shamira and the struggles she deals with. I also love Valens, Hedi, Mitch and Anthony! They work together so well. This is an unique series that is different to any of the dystopian ones that I have read! LOVE IT!!
This story is about a girl named Shamira, who is blind after an event in her past. Her parents are part of the Security Elite Force on Mars and are grooming her and her brother to take over when they get older. Unbeknownst, to her family she has more power and strength than she lets on. When her world gets turned upside down and her brother kidnapped by an evil organization that is targeting the Elite and their families, she has to rely on her skills and power and some uncanny friends that she meets along the way to help her track down this evil. Will she survive? Will she unleash the monster within her? Will she find David alive? Can she beat this unseen evil? I can't wait to read the next installment of this series! This is a must read if you like action packed dystopian butt kicking adventure with a pinch of romance in it! I give this book a 5 star review!
The story being told here is one of Shamira, a blind teenage girl living in a colony on Mars. Her parents are part of the Elite Security Force and, as a result, she is also in training for the same job. She has super-human strength and agility.
The positives for me in this book were that was was full of action and the story really did have twists and turns in it that kept me guessing. It's written for a very young teen (I'd even argue 8-10 if it weren't for a little bit of harsher language and some violent scenes). The story is told in such a way that I could easily imagine it being read out loud.. or told as a story being made up as you go along.
There were some inconsistencies that really started to bug me, however. Shamira's blindness is used only for the first portion of the book, but things are left unexplained - such as how she could use her computer to get information and how, after her sight being restored, she was able to read and recognize objects from a distance. I think I would have liked the story more had Shamira's eyesight not been restored and her kick-butt actions taken place in spite of that handicap.
The character development of Shamira was otherwise solid. She knew who she was and remained consistent throughout the story. There's a good message in the book about family relationships and overall, the story was a wholesome one.
What I loved about this book was first the main character was a female of color who also had a disability. She was blinded but did not let that stop her for doing anything that she needs to be done. In fact she does have enhanced abilities that allow her to do things that most "average" people could not do physically. She hates pity and even hides her other abilities so she doesn't hurt those around her. Shamira also feels that with her abilities she can help figure out what has happened to the missing on Mars. While doing this, she gets involved with some of the kids that have been under the thumb of "Monev" who are now willing to do anything for their freedom and the freedom of the other captives. The impetuous and hope of youth come through and Shamira has to figure out if she can trust those that are putting complete trust in her.
This is a fast paced and interesting sci-fi story. I'd say my only criticism is that sometimes I felt that Shamira was too immature. I understand how that someone who has not had a lot of positive social experiences, and being needful of her mother's acceptance could seem very immature. However, she was also independent, and this seemed to be at odds with her immaturity. I did feel that once she met more of the pack of kids, she matured.
I give this book 3 1/2 stars and I really recommend this to those that are looking for a sci-fi YA story. I would like to thank the author, LM Preston for this book.
Shamira is a wild child. She is always out tracking bad guys, even though her mother has threatened that the next time she comes home late she will be tagged. Shamira’s parents are members of the Security Force Elite on planet Mars. Shamira’s parents have been busy with trying to stop drug trafficking between Mars and Earth and the multiple disappears of children on Mars.
Shamira and her father travel to Earth for some business. While there, Shamira’s father learns that Shamira’s mother and brother were kidnapped. Shamira jumps into action to rescues her brother. She is joined by a boy named Valens as well as some other children. They hope to stop the evil organization, Monev.
The Pack is a fun, filled sci-fi, fantasy ride that will have you cheering for more. I like that the children were in charge in this book. Shamira made a good leader. She is strong, tough and someone that young adult readers can really cheer for. I read this book in one day. I am not typically a sci-fi fantasy fan but I did enjoy The Pack. I thought that author; LM Preston really brought the life to the characters and had a good story line. I wouldn’t mind visiting with Shamira and the rest of the children of Mars again in the future.
THE PACK is packed full of all the elements needed to make a proper young adult read. I was highly impressed with the unique condition of the main character,Shamira. One of those solid, well created main characters, the author bled her soul into the creation of this character. Bravo.
The choices faced by the MC were typical of an exciting YA plot, but well executed in a most unique manner. There were parts I wish had been longer lasting and/or better detailed. The lacking of those points leaves me with a feeling that had this not been such an "edgy" read in spots, it may have been better suited for younger readers, such as middle grade readers crossing into YA. By that, I am not suggesting this for the MG reader, I would simply love to read this author explain a bit more without being one of those that over explains and dumbs it down for a reader.
Overall, I would surely suggest this book to YA lovers. I think the cast of characters will pull you in within the first few pages. I fully intend to read other books by this author and highly anticipate watching her craft evolve into what could be nothing less than top shelf as she grows.
This is one you should certainly place on your MUST READ list.
I loved reading this novel. Shamira is amazing and someone who can be hard to relate to while still being someone anyone can relate to. All of us have been outcasts at one point or another, all of us have felt how hard it is to be in a situation where something terrible is happening but there is just no way you feel you can help. She shows that even if you are blind and all of the odds seem to be against you, if you step up to the plate you just might hit a home run.
L.M. Preston hit a home run with this novel. You have suspense, humor and heartbreaking moments with deep emotion all wrapped up in one amazing book. I will admit, at first I wasn’t sure I would like it, I can be a bit of a pessimist but I LOVED it! This novel also deals with something very read but giving it a fiction surrounding, it deals with kidnapping, something that happens on this earth every single day and what it can do to the people who are left behind or taken. She weaves an amazing story which swept me off my feet and I am just not sure I will ever be the same again.
Take a hefty dose of action and adventure with a feisty heroine who is blind, but also has unusual powers. Add a touch of romance. Stir in missing kids. Season with the exotic planet of Mars. And what do you have? A must read novel, of course.
Author L. M. Preston’s novel for young adults, The Pack, contains all of these ingredients and more. Because she’s blind, most people believe sixteen-year-old Shamira is helpless. Little do they know the powers burning inside her that she barely can control. When her younger brother, David, is kidnapped, like other children of the Security Force Elite parents on Mars have been, Shamira will need all her strength and cunning to rescue them.
The Pack is a story about family, bravery, and overcoming evil. The characters are well developed, each with his or her distinct personality. Shamira is a realistic heroine with faults as well as good points. Her love for her brother is a tender part of the story amid the fighting and grittier part of the story. This novel will appeal to both boys and girls who enjoy a good read with a protagonist they’ll be cheering for to succeed.
Reviewed by YA Librarian Elizabeth for TeensReadToo.com
Shamira is an unusual teen, in that she lives on Mars and does not remember anything about Earth. She is also unusual because she is blind, but does not want to undergo a surgery that will give her back her eyesight.
Her parents urge her to get the procedure, but she likes to rely on her instincts and her other senses, which she uses to fight criminals. When kids start disappearing on Mars and Shamira's brother's life is in danger, she is forced to take matters into her own hands
THE PACK is a great sci-fi novel with a strong and fearless female main character. Shamira is a unique character, which makes her story intriguing from the beginning. And it's more than a traditional science fiction tale, because it incorporates elements of drugs, violence, and adventure.
Those who love dystopian fiction will also be drawn to the conspiratorial nature of a society spinning out of control and a corrupt authority.