review: The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse
The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse
(The Forsaken #1)
publisher: Simon & Shuster Book for Young Readers
release date: July 10, 2012
book links: goodreads / amazon
author links: twitter / blog
source: received from publisher for review
Ever since Alenna was orphaned she’s felt like an outsider, never quite belonging or fitting in. When she comes of age to take the Government Personality Profile Test – GPPT for short – she assumes she’ll pass. She’s passive, and no threat to the government. Though, without even being administered the test, she is drugged and shipped to Alpha Island. Better known as the Wheel.
Survival rate on the Wheel is low, so for Alenna to survive she has to rely on her wits, knowing who to trust, and must learn how to protect herself. She is constantly met with trials and each time she proves she has what it takes to stay alive.
The Wheel has several sectors, the blue sector belongs to the “good” guys, the others are under the control of the Monk, save one, the gray zone. The gray zone is uncharted territory and maybe the islands only salvation.
The book is chock full of action, namely battles between the Monk’s drones and the blue sector, and feeler attacks. There is also a bit of intrigue, and a budding romance.
Things really pick up in the last ¼ of the book, and some surprising plot twists make for an ending that is both concluded yet open for several more books.
While there are some things about the book I found disappointing, such as I never connected with Alenna (she lacked emotion and passion), and I felt the story told us more than showed us; however, I was really drawn to David. He is a mystery from the beginning and his character seemed to encompass the depth that the other characters lacked.
This is a good fit for those looking for a read similar to The Maze Runner, The Lord of the Flies (though with lots more sci-fi elements) and The Hunger Games.
XOXO
Stacy
I think the trailer is great, but I’m not sure about a main character that lacks emotion and passion. I’ll keep this on the maybe pile.
I had a few minor issues with The Forsaken as well, but overall, I thought it was a pretty decent debut. You’re totally right about the action! I was speeding through some of those scenes like nobody’s business! Lol.