Gone by Michael Grant

Synopsis:

In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE.
Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. 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 birthday, you disappear just like everyone else... 

My Take:

In a phrase, this book pretty much 'roxsox'.   The nonstop action, suspense, cliffhangers, and even a little romance helps this book appeal to every type of audience.  Even so, it is not for the faint-hearted.  However addictive the novel can be, I was on the verge of tears several times throughout.  I would never describe it as a cheerful book, although there are several happy parts that will keep the book from being too disturbing.    
Most people would describe the beginning of Gone as guilty of starting off a bit too slow.  This is probably because all of the characters are in shock from the disappearance of everyone over the age of fifteen.  The big disappearance actually happened before the book even began.  On the first page, it describes the main character, Sam Temple, in his classroom right after his teacher has vanished.  He glances around the room, looking at his classmates, and notices how a couple students are missing as well.  This is because they were already fifteen years old.  Sam, being fourteen himself, and now considered an elder in the town of Perdido Beach-- "Fallout Alley"--, the only place affected by the strange disappearance, naturally takes charge.  Being a hunky surfer dude and the guy who saved two dozen kids' lives in a horrific school bus accident, he is immediately looked to for guidance by toddlers and teens alike.  Along with his new girlfriend, nicknamed 'Astrid the Genius', and his surfing partner/best friend, he does everything possible to keep the delicate situation under control. 
This turns out to be harder than it sounds.  With the cell phones and internet down, and a strange reflective barrier surrounding the entire city and forests beyond that hurts to the touch, Sam has a big responsibility on his hands.  And things get especially difficult when the students from Coates Academy, the rich kids' private school outside of town, make an entrance and claim the FAYZ (Fallout Alley Youth Zone) as their own. 


I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action-filled series that you can't stop reading once you start.  Is it possible to compare this book to another?  No, not really!  It is so unlike any novel I've ever read, but in it's own exciting, unique way!

Rate: 9 out of 10

P!nky