The Blue Witch: The Witches of Orkney

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The Blue Witch: The Witches of Orkney #1 by Alane Adams

Published by SparkPress on October 23rd 2018

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 346

Rating: 5/5

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Synopsis:    

Before Sam Baron broke Odin’s curse on the witches to become the first son born to a witch and the hero of the Legends of Orkney series, his mother was a young witchling growing up in the Tarkana Witch Academy. In this first book of the prequel series, the Witches of Orkney, nine-year-old Abigail Tarkana is determined to grow up to be the greatest witch of all, even greater than her evil ancestor Catriona. Unfortunately, she is about to fail Spectacular Spells class because her witch magic hasn’t come in yet. Even worse, her nemesis, Endera, is making life miserable by trying to get her kicked out.

When her new friend Hugo’s life is put in danger by a stampeding sneevil, a desperate Abigail manages to call up her magic—only to find out it’s unlike any other witchling’s at the Tarkana Witch Academy! Witchfire is meant to be green, but Abigail’s burns bright blue, something that’s bound to get her into trouble. After a competition is announced to see who can bespell the most powerful creature, Abigail enters the swamps, only to be snatched up by an Omera, a powerful winged beast capable of tearing Abigail to pieces. This one is a mother with a stubborn hatchling that won’t hatch—and if Abigail can’t find a way to help, Big Mama may just decide to eat her! Fortunately, Hugo arrives in time to help Abigail discover the truth about her magic: it was given by her father, Rigel, the morning star. Rigel was once a mighty warrior named Aurvendil and companion to the mighty Thor.

Rich in Norse mythology, The Blue Witch is the first of a fast-paced middle-grade series in which Abigail and Hugo must also travel to the Netherworld, along with a glitch-witch named Calla, to rescue her nemesis and save herself from being kicked out of the coven.

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I received this book as an advanced reader’s copy and I thanked Mrs. Alane Adams for giving me one! I really enjoyed her works  and instantly fell in love with Norse Mythology ever since the Legends of Orkney series, when I was working for my thesis. You can check my work featuring my thesis “An Animated Series Adaptation of Legends of Orkney: The Red Sun” HERE.

I love this book showing a new side from the Legends of Orkney universe. I’m really curious about the life of the witches back when I was reading The Red Sun, especially the characters’ Abigail and Endera Tarkana.

The Blue Witch is another tale of adventure and magic based on Norse Mythology. A prequel to Adam’s series,”The Legends of Orkney”, that focuses on the story of a 9-year-old young witch, Abigail, in the Tarkana Academy. It got a wonderful mix of adventure, friendship, and witchcraft!

Abigail Tarkana was a really cool Heroine archetype—she’s clever, unique and brave. I loved getting to know her life inside the academy, from the various classes and students to the magical creatures (its like Harry Potter), and as well as how she learned about the truth behind her origin and magic.

The other characters are full of personalities! The bully Endera (the most horrible witching in the Tarkana coven) along with her two cronies’ Glorian and Nelly. The curious and supportive Hugo (a balfin boy who becomes her first true friend), and Calla (a glitch-witch whose power never manifested). The teachers and creatures also gave a wonderful color, which gives humor and tense to the story.

The plot is a rollercoaster ride—full of ups and downs, it’s full of interesting events that leaves the reader tense but super excited to keep turning the pages, from Abigail’s classes to the adventures of Abigail, Hugo and Calla into the netherworlds. I loved how the book incorporated the myth tale of Rigel, a bright blue star that comes to earth in the shape of man—a interesting connection to the Norse Mythology.

The Blue Witch, rich in Norse Mythology, is full of magical tale and adventure filled with interesting characters, magical spells and mysterious creatures. It follows Abigail in growing up and becoming a blue witch. I cannot wait for the next series of this book!

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The Red Sun

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The Red Sun (Legends of Orkney #1) by Alane Adams

Published by SparkPress on August 4th 2015

Genres: Fantasy

Pages: 346

Rating: 4.5/5

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Synopsis:    

After meeting a strange dwarf in his garage and finding out his substitute English teacher is a witch, twelve-year-old Sam Baron travels through a stonefire to the magical realm of Orkney where he finally learns the truth about his past: his mother is a witch and his father is a descendant of the Norse god, Odin.

“The Red Sun” is the first book in The Legends of Orkney, the spellbinding series of adventure fantasy novels by Alane Adams. It follows Sam to the realm of Orkney where witches, wraiths, and other menacing creatures cause serious peril to the unsuspecting Sam. Now, it’s up to him to save his friends and all of Orkney from a cursed red sun. Can a young witch girl named Mavery help him?

Drawing on Norse mythology, this fantastical story will enthrall middle grade and tween readers with a taste for adventure. As Sam grapples with dark and dangerous elements from his past and confronts his own simmering anger over long ago events, “The Red Sun” sears with wild imagination and breathtaking moments. Follow “The Red Sun” for the high-flying magical ride of your life.

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I happen to stumble across this book when researching a topic for my thesis. At first, I was mesmerize by the cover (kudos to the cover artist) and the fact that it was a fantasy adventure based from Norse mythology which is quite rare compared to Roman or Greek mythology—It was a love a first sight.

This book is a tale of magic, adventure and friendship based on Norse mythology and Umatilla tradition. If you like the works of Rick Riordan and J. K. Rowling then you will definitely love this fast-paced coming-of-age book. The Red Sun is a bit dark where the struggle between good and evil and finding one’s true self. I was so immersed with the novel that it keeps me reading and reading until I reached the end because the book is very intriguing in every chapter.

The character Sam Baron is quite interesting. A son of a witch and a son of Odin. He had to faced serious decisions and learn from his mistake and grow throughout the series. My favorite character would probably Mavery! A carefree and fearless young witch who accompanies Sam through his adventure.

The plot is interesting—the turning point and cliff hanging chapters keeps me from reading until the end. Every part makes sense. I hope the second book will have parts with sorrow scenarios that will melt my heart and love the characters more!

The author gave a cast of interesting characters. I would love to see them developed as individual characters in a bit more details as they help or the protagonist throughout their journey in the realms of Orkney. The Red Sun is packed with full of humor to Norse mythology along with its action packed and captivating adventure. A must read book!

Also Don’t miss the 2nd novel of the series, “The Kalifus Rising (The Legends of Orkney #2)“.

 

 

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The Hidden Oracle

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The Hidden Oracle (Trials of Apollo #1) by Rick Riordan

Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 3rd 2016

Genres: Fantasy

Pages: 376

Rating: 4/5

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Synopsis:    

How do you punish an immortal? By making him human. After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disoriented, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus’s favor. But Apollo has many enemies—gods, monsters, and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go . . . an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.

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While I was having my On-the-job-training, I read another Percy Jackson Series. I really enjoyed books by Rick Riordan about mythology infuse with modern times.

This book is another tale of adventure, friendship and love based on Greek mythology, that focuses on one of the Gods of Olympus. The character Apollo seemed cool, funny and vain (you know the God of sun). I was also impressed on how Rick Riordan features diverse sexuality, how Apollo remembers that he loved Daphne and Hyacinthus, Nico and Will etc.

I like how the character development of Apollo over the course of the story from meeting Meg, a demigod who will help apollo (self-centered God turned mortal) to seeing his children (a very sympathetic friend and father).

The author gave life to characters with unique personalities while adjusting to the modern era is really fascinating. Trials of Apollo is a fast-paced, action-packed and full of humor that will surely interest any young readers! I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book!

Also Don’t miss the 2nd novel of the series, “The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo #2)“.

 

 

 

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The College that Never Sleeps

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Location: Manila, Philippines

Beside the bars of España Gate lies the olden “Beato Angelico Building”, known for its famous name, College of Fine Arts and Design or CFAD. It currently sits near the España Boulevard and along the delicious and affordable food that lines the perimeter outside the campus. The college does not only occupy the whole establishment, yet rather, another art (and science) course, College of Architecture, partakes half of the structure. And because of this, both of the art courses has certainly formed a friendly bond among its students for untold ages.

The College was once from the College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) founded in 1946, which in turn descended from the College of Architecture in 1930 and the College of Fine Arts and Design in 2000.

In 1785, the Dominicans made the first attempt to invest in art and painting with academic value and formal presence. They re-established their fine arts school with the primary goal of meeting the ever-present and increasing demand for good Catholic artists in 1935. Thus became one of the Estudios de Adorno that existed in the University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran. From 1935 to 1939, students may choose from the first two areas specialization, Interior Design and Public School Arts. 

Timeline of UST College of Fine Arts and Design:

1935.  Opening of the Fine Arts Department.

1936. Produced the first three (3) graduates in Fine Arts (BFA).

1946. Opening of the School of Architecture and Fine Arts (two departments combined into a school, separate from the Faculty of Engineering).

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1952. Opening of the Department of Painting and Sculpture (under Prof. Francisco Monti).

1954. Interior Design offered for the first time.

1958. Produced first graduates in BFA major in Interior Design and Advertising Arts.

1974. A two-year certificate course in Commercial Arts and in Furniture Design and Construction Supervision were also offered.

1973. College of Architecture and Fine Arts Batch 1973.

1978. Industrial Design was added to these programs. 

2000. Separation of the College into two-the College of Architecture (CA) and the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD). 

2003.  Transfer of the two Colleges to the Beato Angelico Building.

Sources:

http://www.worldlibrary.org/articles/university_of_santo_tomas_college_of_fine_arts_and_design#Administrators

HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE

Photos by ustarchitecture and Arthur Castro

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A Work in Progress

A Work in Progress by Connor Franta

Published by Keywords Press/ATRIA on February 21^st 2015

Genres: Memoir, Non Fiction, Inspirational

Pages: 212

Rating: 4/5

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Synopsis:            

In this intimate memoir of life beyond the camera, Connor Franta shares the lessons he has learned on his journey from small-town boy to Internet sensation so far.

Here, Connor offers a look at his Midwestern upbringing as one of four children in the home and one of five in the classroom; his struggles with identity, body image, and sexuality in his teen years; and his decision to finally pursue his creative and artistic passions in his early twenties, setting up his thrilling career as a YouTube personality, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and tastemaker.

Exploring his past with insight and humor, his present with humility, and his future with hope, Connor reveals his private struggles while providing heartfelt words of wisdom for young adults. His words will resonate with anyone coming of age in the digital era, but at the core is a timeless message for people of all ages: don’t be afraid to be yourself and to go after what you truly want.

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This book is filled with helpful advice about everything. Connor talks about all sorts of things, such us pursuing your dreams and knowing what makes you happy. This things is really important for people, especially teenagers, because it doesn’t matter what others think you should do. Making your own decisions and doing what you like is all that matters.

His life is truly inspirational and I was encouraged as he said a lot of things about motivation. At a young age, he accomplished a lot of things.

I really enjoyed looking at the photographs that he included in the book. The clippings and pictures in the book always relate to what is going on, which helps the reader grasp a deeper understanding of what was going on in that moment in Connor’s life.

A Work in Progress is filled with the author’s personal experiences that looks back and reflects on that relate to the readers. This proves that memories and stories will stick with you for the rest of your life and reflect on the experience you have gone though. Nevertheless, don’t forget to have fun!

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The Colossus Rises

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The Colossus Rises (Seven Wonders #1) by Peter Lerangis

Published by HarperCollins on February 3^rd 2013

Genres: Action Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mythology

Pages: 348

Rating: 3.5/5

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Synopsis:            

One Boy

Jack McKinley is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary problem. In a few months, he’s going to die.

One Mission

Jack needs to find seven magic loculi that, when combined, have the power to cure him.

 

One Problem

The loculi are the relics of a lost civilization and haven’t been seen in thousands of years.

 

Seven Wonders

Because they’re hidden in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

 

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Another book, another adventure awaits me! For this month, I happened to read The Colossus Rises (Seven Wonders #1). I haven’t been able to find a good alternative after I finished the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

Until now.

The book was full of adventures and knowledge about ancient histories and all that made it very interesting. I like how the author tells the story of Jack Mckinley and his adventures with his co-Select whom he found in Karai Institution.

On the other hand, the minor characters in the story were cliche ( classic brawn/muscle head, computer chick, and brainy nerd as the support to the main character) but their is one character that made the book a lot more fascinating! i really love the character of Torquin though he was just a minor character.

 

The plot incorporated with ancient wonders made it very interesting. This book drew in historical elements and made me really interested in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. it also had puzzles and riddles that needed to be solved that will challenged your brain. The cliffhangers reminded me of Rick Riordan books.

Also Don’t miss the 2nd novel of the series, “Lost in Babylon (Seven Wonders #2)“.

 

 

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Struck by Lighting

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Struck by Lighting by Christopher Colfer

Published by Little, Brown and Company on November 20^th 2012

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fiction, Young Adult

Pages: 258

Rating: 3.5/5

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Synopsis:

“Carson Phillips is at the bottom of the food chain in a high school filled with people he hates, stuck living with his depressed single mother in a small-minded town at the corner of nothing and nowhere. He has just one goal: escape to Northwestern University and a career as a hard-hitting journalist. His guidance counselor tells him that he needs to bolster his application by creating a literary magazine. Which means he needs submissions. From other students. Carson resorts to the only thing he can think of: blackmail.”–Jacket flyleaf.

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While searching for a magazine for my Visual Design plate, I stumble upon across the book section and found this! Strike by Lighting is written as a diary of the main character Carson Philips. An outcast high school senior, both smart and a smart-arse. He’s from a broken family, where his father left years ago and that’s where his love for writing begun. Carson’s biggest dream is to get out of the small-minded town and become a hard-hitting journalist. He then decides to blackmail the most popular classmates in writing for him in a literary magazine that he needs to show the University of Northwestern that he can inspire and create people with words. In order to fulfill his dream and that is to become the editor of The New Yorker.

The book has some interesting story line (written as a diary format) and that made me want to read it in the first place. Ever since the beginning, Carson’s story is pretty tragic and sad that is why his personality is a bit arrogant and sarcastic but that didn’t stop him to pursue his dream.  Despite the fact that he thinks he is better than everyone, I think that is his way of getting away with his problems like a defense mechanism. A character who feels very real and a lot of people will be able to connect whit him in some way. This made the book more interesting, a complex character to deal with and discovering more about himself and the others.

The other characters in the story were complete cliches, and can be seen in reality. The book gives you different emotions. At times, it is very hilarious and some point it is sad and angry. Though this book is generally quite humorous and easy to read, it does touch some major and serious issues that people nowadays suffer such as alcohol abuse and dementia.

The plot is something readers must expect! Dark humor and the sadness is really good but the execution is a bit rushed especially when Carson and Malerie starts the operation “Clovergate” towards the end. The ending feels a bit unsatisfied and it became some sort of Deus ex machina. Overall, It’s a very entertaining and easy to read book for anyone.

Also this book is a major motion pictures and I highly recommend to watch it!

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Jinx: The Wizard’s Apprentice

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Jinx: The Wizard’s Apprentice: Book 1 by Sage Blackwood

Published by Quercus Children’s Books on June 6^th 2013

Genres: Fantasy & Magic

Pages: 368

Rating: 3.5/5

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Synopsis:  

In the Urwald, you don’t step off the path. Trolls, werewolves, and butter-churn riding witches lurk amid the clawing branches, eager to swoop up the unwary. Jinx has always feared leaving the path—then he meets the wizard Simon Magus.

Jinx knows that wizards are evil. But Simon’s kitchen is cozy, and he seems cranky rather than wicked. Staying with him appears to be Jinx’s safest, and perhaps only, option. As Jinx’s curiosity about magic grows, he learns to listen to the trees as closely as he does to Simon’s unusual visitors. The more Jinx discovers, the more determined he becomes to explore beyond the security of well-trod paths. But in the Urwald, a little healthy fear is never out of place, for magic—and magicians—can be as dangerous as the forest, and soon Jinx must decide which is the greater threat.

Sage Blackwood introduces a daring new hero for an innovative new world as Jinx is joined by friends, battles enemies, and discovers life beyond—and even within—the forest is more complex than he can imagine, and that the Urwald itself needs him more than he could ever guess.

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Another book that I discovered a year ago is a middle-grade fiction book called “JINX” by Sage Blackwood. It is the first book in the Jinx series that tells the story of Jinx a young boy. I was mesmerized by the cover, designed like leather book bound with spells, caught my eye, as did the way the story is summed up. Jinx has great character together with Elfwyn and Reven combining with great adventure that provides humour, excitement, and imaginative world-building.

Due to his stepfather abandoning him away from the village and into the Urwald, the dangerous forest. Simon Magus took him as an apprentice.

For some time Jinx, doesn’t have anyone his own age to spend time with other than a red cape who he sees through the Farseeing window.

The book has an interesting range of characters. A young heroine Elfwyn, Suffering from the curse of truthfulness, She is trying to find her grandmother, Dame Glammer, so the curse can be removed. He also meets Reven, a wannabe-robber unaware of the Truce of the Path. Reven has his own secret curse too, one that brings fear to the forest. The Terror.

There are magical adult characters in the book. A grumpy and bad-tempered, Simon Magus. Sophie, Simon’s wife (I suppose ? but they said that Wizards cannot have a wife?) and a professor from a land where magic is forbidden called “Samara”. A witch who cannot be trusted, Dame Glammer. And, of course, the most powerful wizard of all – the Evil Bonemaster – the enemy that Simon Magus warns Jinx about, even though Jinx gradually discovers the two have a far more complex relationship.

This Book offers a brave and compelling young heroes. I enjoyed the writing, the characters and the fantasy and twist sensibility . Even though it is similar to a classic hero’s mythical journey, the characters did a wonderful job that it makes believable after that turn in the plot. I was so pleased to see the what will happen next?

What will happen to the 3 young heroes? and there curses? Where is Sophie? Why is Samara a land of forbidden magic? What is the real relationship of Simon Magus and the Evil Bonemaster?

So many questions that needed to be answered in the next series. Also Don’t miss the 2nd novel of the series, “JINX’s Magic“. Jinx knows he can do magic, but doesn’t know why he’s being stalked by a Werewolf?

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The Last Olympian

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The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5) by Rick Riordan

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 25^th 2011

Genres: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Greek & Roman

Pages: 432

Rating: 5/5

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Synopsis:  

All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos’s army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan’s power only grows. While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it’s up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time.

In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.

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This fantasy adventure is the fifth book in Percy Jackson and the Olympians “The Last Olympian” by Rick Riordan.

After they have gone to the Labyrinth of Daedalus and knew that Kronos have been resurrected. Kronos’ army is stronger than ever with every minor gods and demigods turning against the Olympians.

While the Olympian Gods battling Typhon, is the last known and most powerful child of the earth goddess Gaea, and is also known as the “Storm Giant” or “Father of all Monsters.”  Percy Jackson and 40 half bloods together with the Hunters of Artemis who leaded by Thalia Grace, Centaurs of Chiron and Wood spirits that Grover brought to help them defend Manhattan against the whole army of Kronos. In this Book, expect a lot of loss of campers, hunters, and monster (well yeah we all know that) and new revelations that will make you surprise!  If you love Fantasy adventure that involves Greek and Roman mythology then you better read this!

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Gone

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Published by Katherine Tegen Books on April 8^th 2014

Genres: Action & Adventure, Horror, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Pages: 576

Rating: 5/5

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Synopsis:  

In the blink of an eye, everyone disappears. Gone. Except for the young.

There are teens, but not one single adult. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what’s happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day. It’s a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your 15th birthday, you disappear just like everyone else…

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I noticed this book by its book cover which is very minimalist. I like how the cover attracts readers to take time to read the book summary and somehow buy it.

In the Blink of an eye.  Everyone Disappears. GONE.

The book, “Gone” by Michael Grant is a young-adult science fiction book series invokes the classic Lord of the Flies along with the horrors of Stephen King.

Imagine a world without a single adult. Just Teens. Middle schoolers. Toodlers. No parents, no teachers, no cops, no doctors. Even phones, internet, and television. GONE. 

Sam Temple, a  fourteen-year-old kid with the ability to shoot green light beams from his hands, together with Astrid Ellison “Astrid the Genius” and Quinn Gaither, Sam’s best friend, set out to explore the area and discovers that a barrier cutting the area off from the outside world. This little world has been nicknamed FAYZ or Fall Alley Youth Zone.

With this new terrifying world, hunger threatens, bullies everywhere, animals mutating, and teens developing supernatural talents/powers like unimaginable speed, invisibility, teleportation etc.

This book will take you to a new world where teens will have to survival in there own world, where they will face bullies who wants power and authority and darkness lurking and waiting for the right time to devastate. Gone is a page-turning thriller that will make you look at the world in a whole new way.

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