The YA Dystopian Book Club discussion

You know what to do: Discuss the series!

Did anyone else think the series was aimed at 8 - 12 y/o when you read the first book? When I finished the first one I felt like I'd just read a super hero comic in book form and I wasn't impressed. Luckily the rest of the series was tons better and now I can see how it is definately a YA book. (view spoiler)[ Especially now Diana is pregnant and Sam and Astrid have done it. And all the violence and mind games. (hide spoiler)]

I've never read that series but seeing your spoiler comment sounds like its worth a read. What exactly is it about?

Well basically one day everyone over the age of 15 disapears just like that. So the kids all try to cope with having no parents or outside help. Oh yeah and some of the kids sort of have super powers from the nuclear waste burried under the town. But like I said the first one is like a kids book but they do get better after that. There's the cover if you're interested.

Wow sounds quite interesting think I'm goi have to add that to my ever growing to read shelf!

I haven't read this one yet either. I'll have to check it out :)

I personally love Gone. Even though the characters are young, the themes are pretty universal, which is great. They're also very funny--like the author doesn't take himself too seriously, which I love.

Yeah, I agree and I can't wait for Light to be released next year! The funny thing is that the author said in an interview that this is the most serious series he's been writing so I can only imagine what his other books are like

I loved this series but I think it was a bit gruesome and cruel. Still, it's so intriguing.

I agree with Lilac on the first book, definitely seemed written for 9-12yr olds - my 12yr old nephew lapped them all up. It was also similar to, but not as good as, Lord of the Flies, which I'd already read. So it didn't give me the urge to read more. But maybe I should try book 2. I recently read BZRK, by the same author. Much better, great plot. Although i was disappointed by the ending.

I agree that the ending of BZRK wasn't great but it was still a really good book. I think you should go for it and read Hunger because it really is better than Gone, and from there the series just keeps getting better.

okay, you've persuaded me, have added Hunger to my wish list...it's getting a bit long, so many good books :)

This is my hands-down all-time favorite series EVER. I hope no one EVER tries to make a movie of this series because it would be awful and completely untrue to these books. I reccomend this series to everyone that asks me for a good book to read.

I really am enjoying this series, it has taken me awhile but I love it. Reading plague now

Ashley wrote: "This is my hands-down all-time favorite series EVER. I hope no one EVER tries to make a movie of this series because it would be awful and completely untrue to these books. I reccomend this series ..."


Based on what the author said, it doesn't look like there is going to be a movie adaption of the book. But you never know, maybe some time in the future he might change his mind. I totally agree that if it were made into movies, it would be untrue to the books.

Below is what i found on the FAQ page of Michael Grant's website.

"will there be a gone movie?

Probably not.

Here's the way that works: I own what are called "Rights." That means if a Hollywood producer wants to make a movie of GONE he comes to me and says, "Dude, we love your work. Can we buy the rights and make a movie?"

And I say, "Sure."

Then they say, "Okay, what are the major adult roles? Because we need some big-name adult actors to be in the movie. Maybe Tom Cruise."

And I say, "Are you sure you read the book? Because there are no adults. That's kind of the whole idea."

So: probably not."

Haha, that's a pretty funny interview thing :)

I´ve been wanting to read this series for ages but my TBR list is so unorganised. You guys have definitely made me want to read it more though, will hopefully read it soon!

In Light..... The acknowledgements....
Hope someone knows what I'm talking about cause I really need a shoulder to cry on :'(

Wow I love your username...

Is that me? Lol awkward if it's not but thanks if it is...

It is! Are you Chinese too? Ai Xin...

I am absolutely in love with this series. I was a little weary about it at first, I thought it sounded dumb to be honest. Lol, but now I have read them all and I just, ahhhh, they're so great! I love them and if you want to read a great series you will read the Gone series. Do it! c:

Yea, I am on the last book and I love it!

J just finished this series today and I am sad. I wasn't sure at first if I was gonna really get into it, but man did I. I think I ended up connecting with all the characters and am so sad that their story is over, but I totally enjoyed the long ride. light had me constantly crying and just totally loving the whole series!!! I am so sad that its over :( really am.

Once again it's like loosing a good friend

Alison wrote: "J just finished this series today and I am sad. I wasn't sure at first if I was gonna really get into it, but man did I. I think I ended up connecting with all the characters and am so sad that the..."

I know how you feel!! A good series that is definitely going to be re-read by me time and time again :)

I just read the first book of the series? Are the other books worth delving into?

I hate when the first book of a series is excellent and pulls you in only to find that the rest of the series is severely lacking.

i liked how the beginnign of the book got straight to it but i also have to agreen with the comments above it seemed to be aimed at ages 9-12 but as the book and series congressed i found that it was a bit mature especially with the killing and darkness stuff

This thread hasn't been commented on for ages, but no worries.

I don't quite understand why many people seem to think it was suited for 9-12 year olds. The writing was simple, but it didn't detract from the story in any way.

The protagonist was one of the best I have encountered in a YA book. A true leader, strong, humble, and very selfless. I found myself rooting for him because these are all the traits I don't have, and therefore I admire him. The plot was complex, and dealt with mature and dark issues. Grant is an epic writer in that he is able to take all the stories of the characters and weave them all together seamlessly- and create unique personalities for each one. I loved to root for the protags, and loved to hate monsters like Drake and Gaia. The characterization was fantastic. The complicated relationships that grew between the characters as the series progressed also added to the complexity of the characters.

There were many themes that were dealt with very well, like the idea of good vs evil, and redemption.

The world building was great, I truly felt like I was there with the characters, witnessing everything.

I loved as well the sense of urgency portrayed in the books. The circumstances were always dire, and characters were always fighting for survival.

The series did get better as it went on, and the final book, Light, was the best series finale I have ever read. I went there.

I definitely agree. I read this series as a teenager, and I still love it!!! I recently bought the first one since I decided I just had to own a copy all for myself, and I plan on slowly buying the rest of the series :) The entire thing was so complex, and I loved that there were so many characters that the reader got invested in. It definitely was above a juvenile level.