Variant
by Robinson Wells
Published October 4th 2011 by HarperTeen
copy received via publisher and author (thanks!)
genre: YA mystery-thriller
amazon (Kindle, Hardcover, audiobook)
synopsis from goodreads
Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.He was wrong.Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.Where breaking the rules equals death.But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.
Let me start by saying: wow! what a ride!! Back when I first saw the cover and read the synopsis I was seriously intrigued by the story line. It sounded fresh new and unique and I was eager to find out the mystery behind this school! I was lucky enough to win a singed copy which after reading I’m even more treasure!
When Benson (an orphan with no family background) first sets a foot in his new school he gets that there is something wrong – seriously wrong. No teachers and no adults – at all! What kind of school is this? Also, there is no way whatsoever to just leave this school. There are group of kids and all want him to join theirs – but Benson is warily and first would like to figure out what’s going one here… Specially considering that none of the kids would like to talk about this?!
From the first pages Bensons voice grabbed me as the story is told from his POV this is always important and here I found myself immediately drawn to him! At first, he tries to figure out what the hell is going on there and he doesn’t take a “shut up” for an answer which I loved immensely. He was always like” you have to be kidding me” or “I can’t believe you don’t see there is something seriously wrong her”. When he realizes that punishment in this school equals death he becomes even more determined to figure out what’s up here and he tries to leave!
He never gives up digging and he never wanted to simply accept his fate at this school. He most definitely is a strong kid you have to admire!
As the story develops Benson learns a thing or too and starts digging at the right places and as Benson learns – we learn and.. oh my! This is a messed up school ! Of course, there is now way I could tell you more about this – but I was shocked , seriously shocked!! The author did an phenomenal job keeping us on edge all the day to wave his dark tale surrounding this horrible school! His writing is flawless and there was no dull moment during the book – the plot just keep moving and moving and the same time it got darker and more frightening!
The ending however, will leave you gasping! Just when you thought now it’s over he teases you with an ending that is both frightening and confusing! There is no way I would or can miss the next book in this series!
This was a compelling, dark and captivating mystery for Young Adults and adults alike, and it will appeal both girls and boys! The idea behing the story is frightening, scary but so very fresh and unique – it’s unlike something I read before! Absolutely 5 stars for scary entertainment here!
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I really enjoyed Variant, when I read it. The way it handled the situation was very different than the way I've seen a lot of YA fiction handle similar situations, so it was a very refreshing change of pace. I wasn't too keen on the cliffhanger ending, but even I can't deny that I do want to know what happens next.
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Wow this sounds line a powerful book to read. He gets accepted into a school where he can't get out that's creepy. But in a good way. I would love to read this book so I can find out what's up with this place. Thanks for the giveaway this is definitely a book for me.
Sthrnsweetie115@AOL.com
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I have been so eager to read Varient, it sounds exactly like the kind of book I love to lose myself in 😀
Mary D
zenrei57 (at) hotmail dot com
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I have been so eager to read Varient, it sounds exactly like the kind of book I love to lose myself
rogcaprino at hotmail dot com
My recent post Sweet light by Jen Wylie, emotional and action -y
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Great review! Really makes me want to read this one!!
Heather
My recent post Egypt The Uprising Battle for Ma'at by Amira Aly
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I absolutely agree! It was so very different -it was awesome!! And yeah the cliffhanger is bad and leaves you really confused! ;((
My recent post Book Review and Giveaway: Blood Rights by Kristen Painter
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It is such an incredible strong story! So creepy but oh sooo awesome!!!
My recent post Book Review and Giveaway: Blood Rights by Kristen Painter
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Hope you'll enjoy it!
My recent post Book Review and Giveaway: Blood Rights by Kristen Painter
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Hope you'll love it as much as I did°
My recent post Book Review and Giveaway: Blood Rights by Kristen Painter
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Thanks hon and it IS an awesome book and I'm sure you are going to love it!
My recent post Book Review and Giveaway: Blood Rights by Kristen Painter
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