Recruits

Recruits #1

by Thomas Locke

For a decade now, seventeen-year-old twins Sean and Dillon Kirrell have been drawn to a mysterious alternate world they've translated into hand-drawn images covering their bedroom walls. It's a world they've only seen in their dreams until now--when a stranger recruits them to train for a mind-bending mission of survival.

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Adventure

378 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2017

About the author

Thomas Locke is an award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies.

His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and his 2014 induction into the Christy Hall of Fame.

Thomas divides his time between Florida and England, where he serves as Writer In Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University. He holds a lifelong passion for epic fantasy, science fiction and techno-thriller stories.

Thomas's screenplay adaption of EMISSARY is under development as a feature film with a British production company.

Contact Thomas at info@tlocke.com

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 2 out of 5]

About this book:

“For more than a decade, twins Sean and Dillon Kirrel have felt pulled toward another world--a place they have sketched out in detail and posted on the walls of their bedroom. They are certain it is out there. Soon after their seventeenth birthday, they are approached by a clandestine scout. To him, Earth is just a distant and unmonitored outpost of human civilization. But he explains that Sean and Dillon share a unique gift--the ability to transfer instantly from place to place. Transitors who are also twins are especially rare, and so they are offered an opportunity to prove themselves as recruits to the human assembly. If they don't succeed within thirty days, their minds will be wiped. Either they make the grade as inter-planetary travelers--or this never happened.”


Series: Book #1 in the “Recruits” series.


Spiritual Content- N/A;
*Note: Mentions of aliens; A couple mentions of ice ages; A couple mentions of auras.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘shut up’, a ‘stupid’, a ‘sucker’, a form of ‘wimp’, and four ‘idiot’s; Combat, Fighting, & Attacks (semi-detailed); An explosion, earthquake, & fires (semi-detailed); Pain, Blood/Bleeding, & Injuries (up to semi-detailed); Seeing aliens take over people’s bodies & people exploding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, & passing out (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of an accident & death; Mentions of the possibility of being murdered & a car crash; Mentions of wars & killing; Mentions of people’s bodies being taken over by aliens; Mentions of attacks, fighting, & combat; Mentions of racing cars dangerously & accidents; Mentions of violence; Mentions of threats; Mentions of bombs; Mentions of nightmares (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of jails, prisons, & arrests; Mentions of parties, alcohol, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of a separation & divorce; Mentions of lies & lying; A couple mentions of a certain type of people being hunted & killed; A couple mentions of suicides; A couple mentions of hangings; A couple mentions of kidnappings; A couple mentions of rumors; A mention of terrorists; A mention of hangover; A mention of bullies; A mention of gambling; A mention of smoking; A mention of throwing up; A mention of bug droppings; A mention of flesh-eating bugs;
*Note: Mentions of car brands; Mentions of designers.


Sexual Content- a neck kiss, two not-detailed kisses, seven barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and a border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss; Remembering a kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Hand Holding, & Warmth (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to touch, smell, & be near to someone; Blushes; Noticing, Staring, & Smelling; Flirting; three forms of ‘hot’; Mentions of a jerk cornering a girl & later grabbing her hair (assault); Mentions of touches & embraces; Mentions of noticing & staring; Mentions of ladies & the twins make comments about having ladies; Mentions of dating, dates, liking someone, girlfriends, boyfriends, & breakups; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of blushes; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of a man wanting a woman; A couple mentions of a married couple embracing & kissing; Some Love & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of girls wearing small, tight outfits & the twins taking notice; A few mentions of a girl’s short dress & a twin noticing; A few mentions of undergarments.

-Sean Kirrel, age 17-18
P.O.V. switches between them
368 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
{Add ½ for those who like Sci-Fi/Fantasy books. Add ½ for those who are okay with no Christian content.}
First off, I’d like to go on the record for saying that I’m so not an expert in Science Fiction-y type stuff. Or the Fantasy genre, which I honestly don’t even read much of because my head hurts after around fifty pages and I get so lost in what’s happening.
I have to say, though, my head didn’t hurt at all while reading this one. So that’s a good thing. Mostly.
I was pretty befuddled by the end of this book that there was no Christian content at all in this 375+ paged book. About mid-way I sent out on Goodreads to see if anyone knew if there was any, but was told that this author seems to stick with focusing more on clean content rather than spiritual content. After reading my first book by this author, I can see that.
Overall, the fighting and combat was not gory. I’ve read other Christian YA books that had more details in the blood and fighting, so I appreciated that this one was cleaner in that regard.
Some thoughts I had while reading this book include: “Praise the Lord for fictional twins who don’t have similar names.”, “Is this what a guy’s brain is like?” {side-note: it’s weird.}, “Getting somewhat tired of the “they’re talking but it’s like singing” element in fantasy books~”, and “That was a quick first kiss, girlie.”
They did kind of lose me when they starting mentioning aliens and whatnot, but I honestly just chalked that up to being Sci-Fi.
I wasn’t a super big fan of Sean (or Special Snowflake #1 has I referred to quite a few times while reading); Insgar was my favorite, but she didn’t appear until 50 pages till the end.
Although I wasn’t a total fan of reading a young teen guy’s POV—it wasn’t so bad—but there was some clothing mentions I didn’t like, plus it got kisser than I feel most male readers would like, but was still cleaner than others with a female main character, so I can give props for that.
So complete overall, it was okay. For me, at least. I’m still debating if I’ll pick up the second book, but this first one was interesting. Just not my cup of tea and missed the Spiritual Content I was expecting.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.

[Jesse · Rating 1 out of 5]

I mean, was this a Young adult sci fi...or a tween romance? Because I honestly could't tell the difference. Such a bad book. The author tried WAY too hard to try sound cool, using words like "bro" in sentences where that word didn't feel natural. And not to mention very cliche and cheesy to the point where I was laughing in my bed whilst reading. And, I kid you not, nothing in the story changed the WHOLE BOOK! Sure, maybe some new characters came into the story but that's about it. I thought this was a young adult novel, but the whole book was like I was reading middle-grade. not to mention the writing was AWFUL.
There was also really cheesy romance all through out, which was really weird.
There wasn't really much things I enjoyed in this book. Absolutely horrible. Certainly won't be reading the sequel.

[Celestria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it! I finished the book 😭

This is my second Thomas Locke book and I've come to the conclusion, he is not for me. Something about his writing style is very hard to get into. Things weren't explained very well, things happened that didn't make a whole lotta sense, characters' reactions to things were unrealistic, and it was boring. It sounds so harsh, but it's the truth. I'm giving it 2 stars because while I didn't like it, it's still not the WORST book I've ever read. I won't be reading book 2.

[Faith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read the Fault Lines series by this author and thought it was ok, but this new series is too juvenile for me. I just couldn't continue with this book, and I have the sequel too which I am not even going to attempt to read. This is not just YA, this is children's fiction. There are crushes and teenaged angst. The premise of the book seems very tired. Seventeen year old (they seem younger) twins have some special gift and are singled out for training by a mysterious alien. There is a big, super important mission that only they can perform. They are taught a new language (in their sleep) and are given combat training, which they use to save a damsel in distress in their high school. The writing is very simplistic. "He was leaving school behind the wheel of a new SXT, after rescuing the girl he had no business even talking to, and hearing the principal say his school hours had just been cut by 60 percent." I gave up without ever getting to their mission. I am not the target audience for this book. Thirteen year olds might love it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An out of this world Fantasy adventure that will leave the reader aching for more!

Sean and Dillon Kirrel are twin brothers who have always enjoyed looking into the possibilities of other worlds. So much in fact, that they have sketched out what one might look like. Shortly after they turn seventeen, they are approached by a man telling them he is interested in them for a potential job. It turns out that he is looking to them for a unique gift they have, the ability to transition between worlds, including the one they have sketched and imagined. He shows them how to transition between the different worlds and it is quickly clear that the twins are destined for great things in this world and beyond.

I haven’t read much science fiction, just not my go-to books, but the way Thomas Locke writes I think I might just have to add more to my pile. Recruits was a very interesting story. For the most part, the story is set on Earth, and the times it is on another planet. In this book, we don’t see enough of the planet to need a large amount of setup for the location. And even though it talks about many different planets, it is mostly dealing with humans so you are not having to picture all kinds of different beings, except towards the end. The writing was quick and clean without a lot of unnecessary information to slow down the story which I appreciated.

There were a few aspects that did leave me scratching my head. The twins are basically on their own at seventeen. Their parent’s lack of involvement is explained but I didn’t totally buy it. Additionally, the ending tied up all the loose ends and all but I didn’t feel it left it open well enough with suspense for the next in the series. It also felt like there wasn’t enough closure and explanation; it was almost like, BAM finished. The attack at the end could have been played out with a little more explanation. Overall it was a very enjoyable read and fans of Science fiction and Fantasy are sure to love it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read to page 135 and stopped. Now, the book is great. Very creative. Fun characters. Awesome story idea. I really enjoyed it but it just started lagging for me. That might have been caused by the fact the writing style in this book is not my favorite. It was like it was a step back from the events and emotions in the story and just telling them to you. I also found side characters outside the main three just there. They didn't seem developed, like the parents who are more generaly mentioned like after thoughts and barley seen. And when seen, talked about only minimally or not do much of anything. It frustrated me and made me pull back from the story. I also found it odd that a Christian book had the word "sucker" in it and the twins' mentor gives them money and tells them to just enjoy themselves, not really caring what trouble they might get into, which they did. I feel there is more to that for the story but, I am too distant now from the story I don't feel the need to keep reading to find out. I also now feel it is really slow. It started out with jumping right in to the main story but now feels to have slowed down and focuses on the training instead of the aliens or whatever is really going on. Is this a bad book? No and I think the story has some promise for originality and mysteries that would be great to uncover. But, I am having trouble reading this book anymore so I'm putting it aside. I might keep it around for a while and pick it up again if I feel like it, but, it is a book I would recommend if the reader likes the writing style and I think there is more to the story than I've gotten to.

Disclaimer - I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Pocket Full of Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, we would just like to say a huge thank you to Baker Publishing Group for sending us this really interesting novel to review!

So today we wanted to share with you our thoughts about ‘Recruits’ by Thomas Locke. This was the first time that we have ever read a book by the author Thomas Locke. This novel just sounded so interesting so we knew we had to give it a go!

This novel focuses on the two leading characters Sean and Dillion Kirrel who are actually twins. They have both dreamed about a world that wasn’t their own since they were children, their dream always came back to a glass train station. Their far-off world comes within their reach when a mysterious man moves in next door. What Sean and Dillon don’t know is that they share unique gifts one of which includes the ability to transfer between worlds. They are offered the opportunity to become new recruits to prove themselves and possible save the human race.

We found this novel to be just so interesting! It was full of adventure which was mixed with a futuristic/fantasy feel.

This novel definitely had bits of everything including the ability to travel between planets, conflict filled battles and a huge mystery of a quest. We really did love the whole premise to this novel. Unfortunately, we felt a little left down as the writing style just wasn’t for us.30259147

We just found that the characters weren’t really developed and we found the novel itself really lagging for us. The novel was a little confusing at times although towards the end of the novel, the author really explained things and concluded the story line really well.

Despite having thought this the novel was really interesting, creative and the characters were quite funny with their twin habits. Both twins could just read each other well not to mention the powers that they developed we just really cool and interesting! They even had the ability to leave their bodies for short periods of time and walk around with their subconscious of sorts before they were reeled back by an anchor!

We aren’t sure whether or not we will pick up the second novel to this story in November when it is released as ‘Recruits’ really just had a perfect ending!

Overall, we did really enjoy this novel despite the writing style and development of characters. We would definitely recommend this novel as we would just love to know your opinions on this novel as well!

Book Rating: 3.5/5 stars.

~ Georgia and Morgan. 😊.

[Natalie Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sci-Fi adventure of an inter-galactic proportion. Thomas Locke thrusts readers into a quick-paced story about twins, Sean and Dillon Kirrel, who discover they've been dreaming of a world beyond the realm of imagination only to discover it's much closer than could every dream possible. But with that discovery comes a responsibility like none they've known forcing them into the daunting task of fighting an enemy threatening to destroy it all.

Whew. Okay, so I believe this is Thomas Locke's first Sci-Fi endeavor and it's geared for YA with the introduction of two young male heroes. I don't think there are enough quality novels out there for middle-grade male readers so I'm super excited Thomas Locke has begun this endeavor.

This novel starts out super fast. Not just in action but in overall story-telling. For young readers this is probably a good thing but for me I didn't feel like I had a lot of time to really get into the story-world and for a Sci-Fi I think that is super important. This is NOT to say that Mr. Locke didn't do a fantastic job developing a unique story-world both on Earth and within the galaxy but all of the action (and there is a lot of it) sort of stole away from my desire to live in the moment a few minutes longer. Again, this could totally be me (older generation-but not old 😏 ) trying to fit the story into the mold I'm used to but younger readers might have no problem with this at all.

The boys do enter into romantic relationships (one Earthly, the other not) and I found it to be really fast as well (though there is nothing beyond kissing, hugging, and hand-holding in this story) mostly in regards to these seventeen-year-olds promising commitment to each other after having mostly just met their partners.

The plot is filled with action that will make boys cheer and dream of themselves in the roles of these young recruits as they mess around with their new skills in authentically natural behaviors. I found them fun to read. Mr. Locke does a great job aligning these heroes with a cast of characters that bring out the best and worst in each other bringing depth to the story as a whole.

Overall, this is a fun story that I think is perfect for the library at any middle or high school and would recommend this to any of my friends with sons who love to read.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sci-fi adventure for all ages...

I don't read a lot of science fiction, never have, in fact, it is probably one the two genres that I've read the least. So why did I pick up Recruits, which is so obviously sci-fi from the cover on down? It's simple, because of the author. I've been hooked on Thomas Locke's science fiction and fantasy books since I first read The Spectrum Chronicles over ten years ago. Now, all I need to do is see the name on the cover and I know it's a book I have to read.

Recruits has everything a YA sci-fi book could need, from travel between planets, heart pumping battles, some romance, and an epic quest that only these two brothers with their very different talents can fulfill by working as a true team. Adults, also, are sure to enjoy this thrilling galactic adventure from Thomas Locke, a man truly solid in his craft whether writing under this name or Davis Bunn.

As I said, sci-fi isn't my genre of choice but as anticipated I had a hard time putting down Recruits, just too much excitement and adventure awaiting me on the next page. Now I have to waaaiiit until the next book comes out.....

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can hardly contain my enthusiasm for the new series Thomas Locke has birthed with the highly entertaining "Recruits". I opened the pages of this novel only meaning to read a chapter or two, and before I knew it several hours had passed and I was way past my bedtime! I was instantly immersed in the story of Sean and Dillon as they discover their mind-blowing gift, an ability to transfer between worlds previously unknown to them. The scenes are vivid and the setting so real that, if you are anything like me, you will feel like you are right there with them.

"Recruits" begins an amazing war between good and evil, packaged in a unique plot that I guarantee you are going to love. The characters are intriguing and their abilities are the kind that you wish you could have - well, up until their gifts put their very lives are in danger of course! Most amazingly, in the midst of the action and the other-worldly scenes, love blossoms in unexpected ways (although the first chapter of the next book of the series introduces even more unexpected twists in that regard).

I turned the final pages of this book with only two questions on my mind. First of all, where on earth does Locke keep coming up with these engaging, unique stories? And secondly - how long do I have to wait for the next book in the series?

I strongly recommend this book and award it 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seventeen-year-old twins Dillon and Sean have never had a happy home life, but for the past ten years they’ve been imagining this amazing, gravity-defying train station that couldn’t exist on Earth.

Now they discover it’s real – and on another planet. One they can create a portal and step onto.

They may be the first gifted humans found on Earth, and an ex-military human from still another planet is assigned to train them. He, at least, sees their potential. Unlike the Examiner, who’s waiting for a chance to fail them and wipe their memories.

The twins face unexpected danger, and the authorities don’t believe their version of events. Suddenly it’s Dillon and Sean against the adults (with a few exceptions), racing against time to save an innocent man and possibly stop an invasion.

Recruits is a fast-paced, entertaining read that should appeal not only to young adult males but to anyone who enjoys a good, clean adventure. Written by a Christian author, the book doesn’t have a spiritual thread that I saw, and I consider it a mainstream novel.

Favourite lines:

…they probably saw the scar at the same moment, because Dillon dragged in the breath Sean had trouble finding. [page 13]

Baran’s voice was delicate, like he wanted to speak without actually disturbing the air. [page 305]

Thomas Locke is the pseudonym of well-known writer Davis Bunn. The Thomas Locke books are fantasy, science fiction and techno-thrillers, and for more about them and the author, visit tlocke.com.

[Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.]

[Jess Crafts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I could tell from the first couple of pages that I was going to enjoy this book. Something about the way the author writes is just so enjoyable to read. I’d mark this down as science fantasy, it’s set on multiple different worlds so has a very sciencey futuristic feel at times but is also set a lot on regular, modern day earth too.
The two main characters, Dillon and Sean, turn out to be gifted individuals called transitors, and they develop… Magic powers basically. So that’s the fantasy part. The twins both have very different personalities and they love each other dearly, but they are brothers and they fight and argue just as much as they should. The only thing I would say is that I found them being seventeen slightly unbelievable. I read books where kids do ridiculously awesome things all the time so it wasn’t necessarily that, I think more the way they interacted with the “adults” was what jarred me a bit. The end section of this book definitely ramped up the tension and stakes and I raced through it. Overall this is a fast paced, exciting and easy to read science fantasy with brilliant world building.

[Ralene Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not normally a fan of sci-fi, but this story was easy to follow. Sean and his brother Dillon were interesting characters to follow. The plot was interesting and unique. I enjoyed the variety of characters they met. Thomas Locke does a good job with characters that are different from each other and have interesting backstories that make them who they are. I'm excited for the second book!

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

My daughter joined a book club and this was the first book. After several days she has still only read 2 chapters, so I knew something was up. We read it aloud together, tag-team fashion to get it done. I could immediately see why she was having a hard time.

I feel generous giving a 2 star rating. The intro is pretty weak, with no explanation for the motives of the main characters. Why would they “have” to enter the new neighbor’s house at all, but especially after they feel the need to call a friend to let them know to call 911 if they don’t hear back in 20 minutes. My daughter didn’t get it and neither did I. This continued throughout the book...vague implications of motives, at best. In addition, the characters are flat. None of them are developed well enough to like or dislike them. The plot is also pretty weak...things are nicely explained by saying the main characters have “extra” special powers. Anyone asks a question regarding a course of action that has been decided on, it is because of the extra special powers. The ending was the weakest of all. I am not even sure what happened during the battle with the aliens. Extremely anti-climactic.

I love this genre, along with any fiction. It is my candy and I devour it when I read it. This was like getting a pretty piece of candy that also had an interesting “flavor” description, but it had an “off” taste in my mouth, and left me rethinking my purchase and the time expenditure in consumption.

[Storm]

Oh my word this sounds absolutely amazing and intriguing! Can't wait till 2017!

[Alyssa]

Oohh...this sounds so cool!! Hurry up 2017!!

[Nannette Demmler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard about this while wandering around the blogs I follow. I’m sorry I don’t remember whose blog I saw it on, but if you have reviewed or mentioned this book recently I want to thank you. It was a fascinating and riveting science fiction and exactly what I needed right now.

The story is only told through Sean’s point of view, but I ended up loving both boys. Like most identical twins I know, even though they look exactly alike and it is hard to tell them apart, their personalities are totally different. Sean is the intellectual and Dillon is more the warrior. But you can see and feel the love they have for each other and the fact that they always have each others backs even as their lives are rapidly and drastically changing. You can also see the change happening to both boys as the story unfolds.

There are lots of other good strong characters that help Sean and Dillon through out the story. Carter, their mentor and instructor, is a great father figure, even when he has to be tough with them. At times he doesn’t always believe what they tell him they can do, but once they prove themselves he becomes one of their strongest supporters.

There are two love interests for the boys, but only Sean’s girlfriend I felt was well developed. Perhaps because he is telling the story, Dillon’s girlfriend is not shown as much. I like both girls though. They are both strong in their own ways and willing to sacrifice much to be with the boys. Carey, Dillon’s girlfriend, is willing to accept Dillon and his abilities perhaps a little to easily, but when your boyfriend transports you to another planet, I guess you have to believe. Elenya, is part of the boys new world and she seeks Sean out. She is the stronger of the two girls, but that may just be because we see more of her than Carey.

The overall plot of the story is fascinating. I don’t want to give to much away but the boys ability to transfer from one planet to another is amazing, and perhaps pushed the boundary of fantasy. Some of their other abilities are more along the lines of supernatural and are a little more plausible. There are some slower parts to the story, but for the most part it is fast paced and riveting. The last hundred pages were especially hard to stop reading when I needed to.

I have never read anything by Thomas Locke or Davis Bunn (his real name) before, but this is definitely an author I will be adding to my list of authors I like. The next book in the series came out earlier this month and I will be keeping an eye out for it as I need to find out how it all ends up.

Check out more of my reviews at https://elnadesbookchat.com/

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twin brothers Sean and Dillon have shared a common dream of a gallactic train station full of gravity-defying glass trains. No one could be more shocked to find out that their dreams feature a real place and they have the special ability to travel there. Soon, Sean and Dillon have signed up to train as recruits for an intergalactic entity. But someone doesn't want them to pass or even survive their training, and the powers that be refuse to fully believe the kinds of things Sean and Dillon claim to have done in self-defense. Can they find out whose targeting them, pass their training, and prove their skills before an innocent man gets wrongly convicted?

A very imaginative world. The mystery and the strange new powers that Sean and Dillon keep discovering kept me reading. I felt like their interpersonal issues and romantic lives were under-developed or rushed. I also hate it when characters proclaim they must do something but then refuse to explain for quite a while and really telling earlier would've helped others understand better and saved everyone headaches...except then the reader wouldn't have been kept reading to find out. Grrr. Despite minor grievances, I did enjoy the story and will probably eventually read the 2nd book though I'm not putting it on the top of my to-read pile mountain.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond some kissing. One big battle in which many are injured, one person even blown to bits. Most injuries only vaguely described.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, not bad. The book mostly held my interest, the dialog was decent, the action occasionally thrilled, but overall I can't say anything stood out here as being "awesome." A lot of the story required suspending more belief than I was ready to suspend, and that ending...was it two pages? five? It should have been at least 100 IMO, but instead it just kind of happened and then it was over. I can understand the desire to finish a book that's taken a long time to write, but it seemed like another 100 or so pages would have really done this book favors. Basically turn it upside down: instead of tons of build up and a quickie ending, maybe less build up and lots of epic battling would be better. Had George R. R. Martin wrote this, the book would have been 500 pages long, at least 200 of which would have been the "ending." I think that would have helped here.

Anyway, again, not bad. I just wish the ending wasn't such a hard, fast slap.

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I honestly did like this book in spite of how I may sound in my review, and I honestly do appreciate that this is the last of my Goodreads giveaway books...which have all been a treat, each in their own unique way, seriously. Except for that one that I did not finish. I still dislike that one.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My latest read, Recruits by Thomas Locke, was one I could not put down. A unique world discovered by twin boys, the twin connection they share assisting them in their travels, and varied characters and cities all come together to create a grand adventure story.

You are continuously pulled along in the trip, by the urgency of the situations, the timbre of conversations, and character interactions. I thoroughly enjoyed Locke’s descriptive details, but found the start of a romance for one of the young characters to lack backbone. Overall, it’s a solid book.

My only other quibble would be the character’s astonishing abilities. It seems to be a bit of a recurring theme in Locke’s books to have characters far exceed their peers without much of an explanation. It niggles at the mind a little, but does expand possibilities for the characters.

This book earned a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. I’ll admit, I love Locke’s (Bunn’s) books. This one was no exception. He has a distinctive writing style, and a way of creating possibilities that tickle the imagination.

I was sent a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Laurin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read Thomas Locke books. His "Legends of the Realm" series is one of my favorites. It's cool to see an author like Thomas Locke not pigeonhole himself into one specific genre, and Recruits is definitely different from the "Legends of the Realm." I'd say it's more similar to his "Fault Lines" series, but for young adults, and with aliens.
But I have to be honest, I wasn't able to get as into this book as I wanted to. I am more than certain, however, that it was not the writing or character development or anything Thomas Locke did that caused me to be a bit apathetic--I've just been too distracted lately. The book was well-written, fast-paced, and kept me wanting to know how it would all turn out. And Locke posited some really interesting ideas about space travel and other planetary populations, that made me go hmmm.
If you like your sci-fi, check this book out. I'd definitely recommend it :)
I won this book from Revell in a Goodreads giveaway! So, if you're on Goodreads, make sure you enter any contest that you actually want to win--they really do work! :)

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading this book out of order because I had read the second book in the series, Renegades, free. This one I had to buy . . . well, I didn't HAVE to buy, I wanted to own it because I enjoyed Renegades and wanted to share these books with my Munchkins.

Sean and Dillon are twin brothers who have been dreaming of a place for about 10 years - at least they think it's a dream until one day a man moves next door who literally shows them a whole new world. This is an action filled story that has two charming, teen/adult characters. There were some unbelievable moments, but then this is a YA book so there should be some unbelievability. Thankfully there's not a lot of teen angst which I'm on hiatus from - at least for the summer.

I am giving this 3 1/2 stars (but Goodreads doesn't let us give half stars) because while it was good it didn't quite measure up to the second book - but part of that I always think is because the first books tend to be world builders and character introductions. I am interested in reading the third book in the series when it comes out.

[Studentofparables · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. I greatly enjoy the fact that while Mr. Locke’s plots move at a brisk pace, his ability to world-build, and make scenes come alive, never wavers or suffers. The reader is pulled deep within the story, and resurfaces at the end of the book asking for more.

I have read different takes on “twins” in stories. Often, those stories suffer for emphasizing either their sameness, or stark individuality, respectively. This was one of the first books where I’ve seen twins on the page that reflected my experience of twins in life. I became invested in Sean and Dillon’s relationship with each other and with those around them. It all felt real, and progression we see between them, natural. It was a highlight of the book for me.

I am so eager to dive back into this world and see what new adventures and mysteries await. I highly recommend you do as well!

I received a review copy of this work from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Thomas Locke's new young adult science fiction novel, “Recruits.” It is amazing! The story starts out firmly anchored in this world, but doesn't take long to jump all over the galaxy. Locke writes on his blog that he “woke up one early morning asking myself, “What would happen if humanity had been established on a number of planets, and only now had reached the point to reconnect?” The plot moves swiftly, with just the right amount of tension and release, seriousness and humor. Unfamiliar concepts are explained or illustrated in ways that don't bog down the story. Characters are believable and quickly worm their way into the reader's heart and mind. It's a coming of age novel mixed in with interplanetary travel like you've never imagined. There's even romance! A very enjoyable read, and I'm eager for the next book in the series.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Locke has done it again! RECRUITS is the first novel in the Recruits series and tells the story of Earth-born twins Sean and Dillon Kirrell who, at age 17, discover they are transiters, humans who can transfer instantly between worlds.

Sean and Dillon find themselves drawn into intrigue after attempts on their lives have them asking questions that others would rather leave unanswered.

The Recruits series is the third fantasy/speculative fiction series written by Locke, a pseudonym for award-winning novelist Davis Bunn. Each series offers something different for readers, but will especially appeal to teens looking for a lot of action.

Highly recommended!

Rating: 5 Stars

I received a copy from the author through Revell in exchange for my honest review.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recruits is the newest release by one of my favorite authors, Thomas Locke. The sci-fi work has everything that makes people love this genre. The creative thoughts are intelligent and believable. For me that is what makes really good fiction. Can I believe the story? The answer in this case is a resounding yes! As the plot unfolds in Recruits, the reader becomes more engaged in the details of the story and less concerned with the science-fiction aspect of the book as it should be.
The characters are well developed as all of Locke’s characters are. The details of the environment are magnificently told so that we are totally able to visualize both the places we know and the places that exist only in the story. The transitions between the two worlds are seamless and brilliant. You’ll find yourself totally immersed in the plot and forget that you are reading about a world that exists only in the mind of a great author.
Recruits has something for everyone. Romance, Intrigue, Fantasy, Battle, Interpersonal Drama, and even a Morality Issue are all found in the pages of this great work by Locke. If you are a fan of fiction, you will love this book. It’s a great spring break or summer time read. It’s engaging but also wildly entertaining. I highly recommend this book on many levels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my review.

[CR · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one. The premise was very interesting but the writing just didn't work for me. The teens are 18 years old. So for me, I think this should have been written as a high young adult to even new adult, but the way the story is being told it sounds more like a very low middle-grade novel. Parts of it were very confusing and I had to go back and reread chapters to figure out what was going on. I really liked the idea of the story and the action starts right off with the book drawing you in. But with the way it was written it just didn't work for me.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Identical twins Dillon and Sean have had the same dream almost all of their growing up years—of a glass train station that defines logic and gravity—literally. They discover their dream is reality when they are designated as “recruits” to another world. As a mother of grown identical twin boys—who still wish they could “transit” and who would love to be able to learn in their sleep—I would say the character development of Sean and Dillon is very well done. Each twin has strengths and weaknesses; they have different personalities yet together they form two parts of a whole. These characteristics make them that much more valuable to the Assembly. Tightly woven with the remarkable characters in Recruits is Thomas Locke’s trademark no-words-minced action. This fast-paced read has plenty of suspense, danger, and adventure, but it’s the characters I look forward to reading more about.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Locke does it again with Recruits, supposedly a sci-fi book for teens and young adults but this old adult thoroughly enjoyed it. Great suspense, edge-of-the-seat action, humans on other planets, aliens, transiters, Praetorian guards, and strong, likable characters all add up to a fantastic story. Twin brothers, one more warrior, the other more the sage but they have always wondered if there was more. Little did they know what was ahead when the new neighbor moves in. So looking forward to the next in the series.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me awhile to get into the book as I'm not used to reading science fiction, and it's a lot for your brain to take in. But it turned out being a great book about two twins who learn that they have been chosen as recruits to start training in a new world. Then the plot thickens as they think aliens are invading, and they must prove it to the superiors. Then they end up saving the planet. Looking forward to the next book!