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Contender #1
The Chosen
Introducing an epic new trilogy from Taran Matharu, author of the New York Times–bestselling Summoner series.
Throughout history, people have vanished with no explanation. A group of teenagers are about to discover why.
Cade is settling into a new boarding school, contemplating his future, when he finds himself transported to another realm. He soon discovers their new world is populated with lost remnants from the past: prehistoric creatures, ancient relics, and stranger still — people. Overwhelmed by his new surroundings, Cade has little time to adjust, for soon he and his fellow classmates are forced to become contenders in a brutal game, controlled by mysterious overlords.
But who are these beings and why did they choose these teens? Cade must prepare for battle . . . because hiding is not an option.
Throughout history, people have vanished with no explanation. A group of teenagers are about to discover why.
Cade is settling into a new boarding school, contemplating his future, when he finds himself transported to another realm. He soon discovers their new world is populated with lost remnants from the past: prehistoric creatures, ancient relics, and stranger still — people. Overwhelmed by his new surroundings, Cade has little time to adjust, for soon he and his fellow classmates are forced to become contenders in a brutal game, controlled by mysterious overlords.
But who are these beings and why did they choose these teens? Cade must prepare for battle . . . because hiding is not an option.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2019
496 people are currently reading
13931 people want to read
About the author
Taran Matharu
29 books4,593 followersTaran Matharu is the New York Times bestselling author of the Summoner series, which has been translated into 15 languages and has sold over a million copies in English. He was born in London in 1990.
Taran began to write the SUMMONER series in November 2013 at the age of 22, taking part in ‘Nanowrimo 2013’ and sharing his work on Wattpad.com. The shared sample of the story went viral, reaching over 3 million reads in less than six months. THE CHOSEN is his first book in his new CONTENDER series, out now.
His books are published by Hodder Children’s (Hachette) in the UK, Australia and Commonwealth, Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan) in the US and Canada, Hachette Jeunesse in France, Heyne in Germany, Planeta in Spain, Crown in Taiwan, Record in Brazil, EKSMO in Russia, Jaguar in Poland, Ecliptic in Bulgaria, Alpress in the Czech Republic, Ithaki in Turkey, Forlaget Forar in Denmark and Unieboek in the Netherlands.
Taran began to write the SUMMONER series in November 2013 at the age of 22, taking part in ‘Nanowrimo 2013’ and sharing his work on Wattpad.com. The shared sample of the story went viral, reaching over 3 million reads in less than six months. THE CHOSEN is his first book in his new CONTENDER series, out now.
His books are published by Hodder Children’s (Hachette) in the UK, Australia and Commonwealth, Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan) in the US and Canada, Hachette Jeunesse in France, Heyne in Germany, Planeta in Spain, Crown in Taiwan, Record in Brazil, EKSMO in Russia, Jaguar in Poland, Ecliptic in Bulgaria, Alpress in the Czech Republic, Ithaki in Turkey, Forlaget Forar in Denmark and Unieboek in the Netherlands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 566 reviews
June 4, 2019
Y’all! I NEED TO GUSH ABOUT THIS BOOK. It was my favorite read of this year so far.
I was lucky enough to read it before release and I have been clamoring for the next book since (I don’t want to wait a year!)
Cade is sent on an epic journey through an unfamiliar landscape with friends and foes alike where they have to discover the mystery as to where they went and how to get back home. We get epic historical details about artifacts and people lost in time, DINOSAURS(!!!), kick ass girls, an ancient evil and so much more!
I loved Cade so much and related to his character way more than I ever thought possible. He thinks first, then punches which helps get him out of many sticky situations! His life before being whisked away into this gamescape was riddled with hardships. It was super awesome to see him overcome some of those hardships throughout the book.
The #OwnVoice representation that Taran Matharu has within THE CHOSEN was also so great to see. We need more books like this please!
I adored the side characters as well. Each of them were so well developed which led to some heartbreak in the end....no spoilers...don’t worry ;)
I left this book with cool knowledge of history, medical techniques (if you know, you know) and also, how can I forgot the epic weapons I learned about?! Taran Matharu weaves interesting realistic facts into fiction seamlessly, leaving you shocked and eager for more.
This story is just beginning and I’m already itching to see what comes next! Definitely my favorite read of the year so far!!!! 5/5 stars!!!
I was lucky enough to read it before release and I have been clamoring for the next book since (I don’t want to wait a year!)
Cade is sent on an epic journey through an unfamiliar landscape with friends and foes alike where they have to discover the mystery as to where they went and how to get back home. We get epic historical details about artifacts and people lost in time, DINOSAURS(!!!), kick ass girls, an ancient evil and so much more!
I loved Cade so much and related to his character way more than I ever thought possible. He thinks first, then punches which helps get him out of many sticky situations! His life before being whisked away into this gamescape was riddled with hardships. It was super awesome to see him overcome some of those hardships throughout the book.
The #OwnVoice representation that Taran Matharu has within THE CHOSEN was also so great to see. We need more books like this please!
I adored the side characters as well. Each of them were so well developed which led to some heartbreak in the end....no spoilers...don’t worry ;)
I left this book with cool knowledge of history, medical techniques (if you know, you know) and also, how can I forgot the epic weapons I learned about?! Taran Matharu weaves interesting realistic facts into fiction seamlessly, leaving you shocked and eager for more.
This story is just beginning and I’m already itching to see what comes next! Definitely my favorite read of the year so far!!!! 5/5 stars!!!
April 30, 2019
The Chosen turned out to be a bit crazier than I thought, a good kind of crazy though!
To be honest, I'm not sure if I dreamed I read this book because it was different to me than what the summary of the book says it's about. Don't get me wrong, there is some crazy universe these kids get taken to but what I read wasn't about a boarding school, it was about prison...... Am I the one that went to an alternate universe?
Anyway.. when Cade and some of the boys were getting transferred from the prison/boarding school??... they actually woke up somewhere else. When all of the boys finally come together I was thinking this was something like Mazerunner in a way but it went totally beyond that. I don't want to give out any spoilers but they are in some other universe? Planet? I'm not sure but it's crazy and I would have freaked clean out and died the first 5 minutes!
There is this Codex thing that follows them around and can only give them so much information. They find all kinds of stuff from different times in history, etc.
It's a fast-paced little game of what? I'm not telling you and I don't know all of the answers. But I am looking forward to what the end game is going to be with this trilogy because the thing/person/whatnot that have these boys, is freaky!
*I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book.*
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
MY BLOG
To be honest, I'm not sure if I dreamed I read this book because it was different to me than what the summary of the book says it's about. Don't get me wrong, there is some crazy universe these kids get taken to but what I read wasn't about a boarding school, it was about prison...... Am I the one that went to an alternate universe?
Anyway.. when Cade and some of the boys were getting transferred from the prison/boarding school??... they actually woke up somewhere else. When all of the boys finally come together I was thinking this was something like Mazerunner in a way but it went totally beyond that. I don't want to give out any spoilers but they are in some other universe? Planet? I'm not sure but it's crazy and I would have freaked clean out and died the first 5 minutes!
There is this Codex thing that follows them around and can only give them so much information. They find all kinds of stuff from different times in history, etc.
It's a fast-paced little game of what? I'm not telling you and I don't know all of the answers. But I am looking forward to what the end game is going to be with this trilogy because the thing/person/whatnot that have these boys, is freaky!
*I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book.*
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
MY BLOG
June 11, 2019
Check out more reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
The Buzz
I know Taran Matharu because my brother LOVES his Summoner series and consumed the entire series as fast as he could. I wasn't really interested in that series TBH but when I saw a totally Asian cover I knew this was the time to dive right in! And despite that cover being TOTALLY MISLEADING, I ended up loving... The Chosen!
My Experience
This was a really quick and easy read for me. I started the book and the next thing I know I'm at 24%! i really liked Cade right off. I enjoyed experiencing this craziness from his POV. And it was neat that we started right in the action from page 1. Because while we needed to know what happened that lead up to him being transported to another realm fighting a monster... it was all your typical bully stuff. I raced through these pages and did appreciate meeting the boys before, but it was his current situation that intrigued me.
I will admit that I found their initial choices rather different from what I would have done. This actually didn't bother me at all... I really enjoy it when a story feels like exploration. It's not traveling exactly but we are moving around and learning new things about the situation. I admit that the story really got good when Cade met his first dinosaur! I won't say more than that because spoilers but you'll know the moment in The Chosen when it comes. From there it was one fun - air quotes - experience after another... at least for me! *grin*
Honestly Cade was a really smart kid. Normally when young protagonists are able to put together every thing Cade did it starts to feel like an adult being represented as a child. I was really amazed that this didn't happen with Cade!! I felt like Taran Matharu supported where Cade came up with his ideas and thoughts quite well. Even the foreshadowing was spot on and while it gives you really huge clues the story was still fun and unexpected. TBH this felt like The Maze Runner at first with all the boys and the huge mystery of why they were there, but The Chosen really is its own story.
The Premise
"Throughout history, people have vanished with no explanation. A group of teenagers are about to discover why."
Pretty intriguing, right? TBH I was worried paired with that title and cover. But it turns out that this is a great description of The Chosen! You really don't even need to read the rest of the premise. Of course, there is a "higher power" yanking these kids' chain. There wouldn't be a story otherwise.
Cade figures out pretty early that things are too staged. They find bodies... It's all pretty mysterious. I don't want to give away too many clues because spoilers. But it's a neat mix of exploration, battles mental and physical, plus a puzzle piece type challenge. The reader, along with Cade, gets to put together all the details he picks up about what is going on. And Cade does a great job making the experience fun and intense for the reader.
The end catapults The Chosen from fun and mysterious to epic. I really, really enjoyed the end. The stakes were high. Friends were lost. But we got answers. Some may not enjoy those answers. They definitely aren't meant for God believing readers. But I for one am looking forward to where our contenders go from here! The sequel to The Chosen will certainly ratchet up the epicness of this situation. And once you know what's going on the possibilities are endless...
Why is The Chosen the start of a series you should read!?
-The History.
This was super fun to me... I love that The Chosen was written in a way to make any reader super interested in learning more about the past and the interesting facts about bygone people. Really excellent use of a subject to interest all kinds of readers young and old.
-The Group of Boys.
There is a mix of personalities and judgements that make for great conflict and friendship. I loved how Cade interacted with the different boys and it wasn't always a win for him. That's so true to life but he persisted!
-The Deaf Character.
One of my favorite characters besides Cade and another secret character. I won't reveal more but watch out for them... They are two of the mega-highlights for me in The Chosen.
-The Codex... Oh and the dinosaurs!!
This is a bit of technology (and I just loved it!) Both are some of the best parts with Cade. You'll have to read The Chosen to learn more...
-#ownvoice POC author.
Basically Taran Matharu looks exactly as Cade is described! I loved that. I thought it was really neat and I appreciated how he talked about the boy's heritage in the story. Sometimes characters talk to the reader too directly, I loved the subtleness.
Cover & Title grade -> C+
The cover of The Chosen really kind of pisses me off. No, you know what, it PISSES ME OFF! It gives you this feel of a ninja like story or at least an Asian one of some type. Well I guess they don't think it's too deceptive because Cade is from Asian descent (his mom's ancestors are from India) and he does wear a sort of hood made out of animal skins though obviously not black fur... And there is a sword!! Yeah so that was honest. But his hand is an odd color too... I don't know as a cover it really is not just poor but bad. I want to hope that this is just a place holder cover...
I want to like the title but its so ho-hum. I think it's to make it sound like his previous series The Summoner? But summoners are kickass... chosen people sound dorky?! Like a religious people or a special snowflake! Something hocky like The Game or The Codex would be more intriguing at least. Relying on the author is good but only to a point... isn't his and the publisher's goal to sell to people who haven't read his books before too?!
Honestly... overlook the cover and title. The Chosen while not an expressly Asian story is a great mystery action and adventure with a male POC protagonist that makes it a fun and exciting journey. Cade uses his whits and his knowledge of history to totally WOW us and bring his little group together as contenders. This is a series you won't want to miss, so pick up The Chosen when it comes out!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Writing Style
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot & Pacing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ World Building
Thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel and Friends for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. Read my special perspective under the typewriter on my reviews...
Please like this review if you enjoyed it! *bow* *bow* It helps me out a ton!!
May 7, 2019
I received this e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Having read the Summoner series, I was excited to see that Taran Matharu is working on a new series, Contender. This story is told through the eyes of Cade, a very bright teenage boy who was expelled from his boarding school for a crime he did not commit. He is now serving his sentence in juvenile detention with other teenage boys in for various crimes. Things change when a group of these boys are supposed to be transported to a new facility upstate but their plane never makes it there. Cade finds himself on a cliff battling a monster. He and the other surviving teens realize they are on an alien world and must prepare to do battle. Cade finds objects and people out of their time on this world, like Ancient Rome’s Ninth Legion that disappeared in Scotland sometime during the second century. Time is ticking down for the chosen contenders. Will they survive?
This upper middle grade book is a thrill ride from beginning to end! Cade must use his brains and skills he didn’t know he had. He must convince the others with him that this is a fight they must win and find out who brought them to this planet and why. Definitely looking forward to the next installment!
#TheChosen #NetGalley
Having read the Summoner series, I was excited to see that Taran Matharu is working on a new series, Contender. This story is told through the eyes of Cade, a very bright teenage boy who was expelled from his boarding school for a crime he did not commit. He is now serving his sentence in juvenile detention with other teenage boys in for various crimes. Things change when a group of these boys are supposed to be transported to a new facility upstate but their plane never makes it there. Cade finds himself on a cliff battling a monster. He and the other surviving teens realize they are on an alien world and must prepare to do battle. Cade finds objects and people out of their time on this world, like Ancient Rome’s Ninth Legion that disappeared in Scotland sometime during the second century. Time is ticking down for the chosen contenders. Will they survive?
This upper middle grade book is a thrill ride from beginning to end! Cade must use his brains and skills he didn’t know he had. He must convince the others with him that this is a fight they must win and find out who brought them to this planet and why. Definitely looking forward to the next installment!
#TheChosen #NetGalley
June 9, 2019
The Chosen was pretty awesome. I am definitely going to read Book 2 when it comes out.
May 14, 2019
MAZE RUNNER meets LAND OF THE LOST in this engaging page-turner full of twists and turns in an epic tale of survival and history. Cade was accused of stealing laptops found under his bed at his wealthy private school (which he attended on scholarship). He was innocent and his roommate the likely culprit, but his public defender convinced him to take the plea deal. Thus, Cade is now in a military reform school, which is maybe a step above juvie, and his life is not easy there.
However, one day, he wakes up somewhere different- a world beyond what he could have imagined, with danger around every turn. Why he was brought there and what he must do to get out are anything but clear. As he pieces together the clues and fights to stay alive, the countdown clock adds pressure to the whole situation. Adding onto that the interpersonal relationships with the boys who were also brought from the school and the new people they find in this strange place, this book is action-packed and full of mystery/suspense.
What I loved: The book has a steady pace that allows the reader to absorb all the new information about this world and still feel the suspense. There’s a lot of interesting facts about history and great knowledge/strategy required in the journey that added to the book’s appeal. Cade is really the character we get to know best, and he’s a great leader, intelligent, brave, and considerate. The other characters are some people I would like to know better in future books, but there are a few that I found particularly engaging/intriguing (particularly the girls and Quintus). The world-building was really the focus here, and this is incredibly strong in this book- this unique setting really comes to life through the text.
Cade is also an appearing Indian American of mixed ethnicities/race, which adds some extra elements, particularly to the first part of the book (in terms of some heavy racism). This kind of representation is really important in middle grade/YA, and this is a great book that includes these elements plus a main character of color.
Final verdict: With dinosaurs, Romans, and a battle for survival, THE CHOSEN is absolutely fascinating and quite the page turner. I would highly recommend for fans of fantasy/sci-fi looking for something unique and full of suspense/mystery.
Please note that I received an ARC through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
However, one day, he wakes up somewhere different- a world beyond what he could have imagined, with danger around every turn. Why he was brought there and what he must do to get out are anything but clear. As he pieces together the clues and fights to stay alive, the countdown clock adds pressure to the whole situation. Adding onto that the interpersonal relationships with the boys who were also brought from the school and the new people they find in this strange place, this book is action-packed and full of mystery/suspense.
What I loved: The book has a steady pace that allows the reader to absorb all the new information about this world and still feel the suspense. There’s a lot of interesting facts about history and great knowledge/strategy required in the journey that added to the book’s appeal. Cade is really the character we get to know best, and he’s a great leader, intelligent, brave, and considerate. The other characters are some people I would like to know better in future books, but there are a few that I found particularly engaging/intriguing (particularly the girls and Quintus). The world-building was really the focus here, and this is incredibly strong in this book- this unique setting really comes to life through the text.
Cade is also an appearing Indian American of mixed ethnicities/race, which adds some extra elements, particularly to the first part of the book (in terms of some heavy racism). This kind of representation is really important in middle grade/YA, and this is a great book that includes these elements plus a main character of color.
Final verdict: With dinosaurs, Romans, and a battle for survival, THE CHOSEN is absolutely fascinating and quite the page turner. I would highly recommend for fans of fantasy/sci-fi looking for something unique and full of suspense/mystery.
Please note that I received an ARC through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
April 7, 2021
Nothing happens. There is so much fighting and running and dinosaurs. Dinosaurs!! And nothing happens. I was so excited about the characters being so different. The bad ass street hockey playing British girls from the 80’s. The Japanese, Latino, mixed, and deaf boys. So much diversity. And nothing happens. In fact all the characters blend in together. I seriously cannot for the life of me describe any of the characters. Except once a name is attached. Cade is the half black half white kid. ***Edit: half Indian and half black. He only ever mentions he is biracial. A lot. I honestly don’t ever remember him mentioning he was Indian that’s how bad his POC representation is.*** I know this because he said it NOT showed it. Said it. A lot of this book was told to me.
I didn’t care for any of it. There was so much running. Too much running. I was bored. It was a quick read though. That was good.
I didn’t care for any of it. There was so much running. Too much running. I was bored. It was a quick read though. That was good.
July 9, 2024
Pocas veces en su vida Cade se ha sentido tan desorientado y sin saber que hacer como cuando encontraron las portátiles debajo de su cama y lo expulsaron del colegio. Pero ahora se siente así, porque despertó en un lugar totalmente diferente a donde estaba y con una criatura salida de sus pesadillas, intentando comérselo. En este lugar se encuentra con un grupo de personas que son de su colegio y que de una forma u otra, tuvieron la misma experiencia.
Entre ellos, poco a poco van aprendiendo que están en una especie de "juego" y que deben enfrentar a un enemigo desconocido para poder "clasificar". Pero en un mundo tan extraño, con tantas cosas que pueden matarlos, comerlos o destruirlos, podrá Cade convencer a los demás que deben luchar?
Mi anterior experiencia con este autor fue muy buena. Así que cuando fue elegido este libro para leer, me emocione esperando algo parecido a su serie anterior. Sin embargo, esta serie promete ser totalmente diferente en muchos aspectos y muy parecido en otros.
Me gusto muchísimo el ritmo de la narración y como manejaron el misterio del lugar y la razón por la que se encontraban ahí los chicos. También me gusto la forma como el prota sigue sintiéndose culpable por todo, y como el autor no teme en matar a cualquier personaje, aunque se haya ganado nuestro cariño.
Sin embargo, siento que le falta algo a la historia, algo que nos haga sentarnos a pensar el porque de la discriminación, no solo entre hombres y mujeres, sino también entre personas de colores diferente, han existido desde tiempo atrás y como todavía existen.
En fin, la serie promete un viaje rápido y salvaje por un mundo imaginario, donde nadie puede ayudar y todos están por su cuenta. Donde solo la inventiva, la determinación y el conocimiento pueden lograr salvarles la vida.
Entre ellos, poco a poco van aprendiendo que están en una especie de "juego" y que deben enfrentar a un enemigo desconocido para poder "clasificar". Pero en un mundo tan extraño, con tantas cosas que pueden matarlos, comerlos o destruirlos, podrá Cade convencer a los demás que deben luchar?
Mi anterior experiencia con este autor fue muy buena. Así que cuando fue elegido este libro para leer, me emocione esperando algo parecido a su serie anterior. Sin embargo, esta serie promete ser totalmente diferente en muchos aspectos y muy parecido en otros.
Me gusto muchísimo el ritmo de la narración y como manejaron el misterio del lugar y la razón por la que se encontraban ahí los chicos. También me gusto la forma como el prota sigue sintiéndose culpable por todo, y como el autor no teme en matar a cualquier personaje, aunque se haya ganado nuestro cariño.
Sin embargo, siento que le falta algo a la historia, algo que nos haga sentarnos a pensar el porque de la discriminación, no solo entre hombres y mujeres, sino también entre personas de colores diferente, han existido desde tiempo atrás y como todavía existen.
En fin, la serie promete un viaje rápido y salvaje por un mundo imaginario, donde nadie puede ayudar y todos están por su cuenta. Donde solo la inventiva, la determinación y el conocimiento pueden lograr salvarles la vida.
May 23, 2019
As if getting settled into a new boarding school and all that led to this move wasn’t enough, Cade somehow finds himself transported into another realm filled with remnants from his world’s past. Throughout history his people have mysteriously vanished and now Cade and a group of teens are about to discover what happened and why.
THE CHOSEN by Taran Matharu is a fantasy adventure that will have readers both young and not-so-young caught up in the action, the conflict and this author’s creative and lively style of writing! Imagine being sent to another place, left to find the answers to so many questions like “why” “how” and “how do we get home, again?”
Prepare for conflict among the teens, the mystery of a codex that only Cade possesses, see ancient artifacts and even dinosaurs, all while an ancient evil stalks their every move, just waiting to thwart their progress.
Fast-paced, scenes that are vivid and teens being teens, even in the face of the unknown. Can they work together long enough to find their way home again? Is their adventure a chance encounter or is it something more?
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
Series: Contender - Book 1
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (June 4, 2019)
Publication Date: June 4, 2019
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Print Length: 361 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
THE CHOSEN by Taran Matharu is a fantasy adventure that will have readers both young and not-so-young caught up in the action, the conflict and this author’s creative and lively style of writing! Imagine being sent to another place, left to find the answers to so many questions like “why” “how” and “how do we get home, again?”
Prepare for conflict among the teens, the mystery of a codex that only Cade possesses, see ancient artifacts and even dinosaurs, all while an ancient evil stalks their every move, just waiting to thwart their progress.
Fast-paced, scenes that are vivid and teens being teens, even in the face of the unknown. Can they work together long enough to find their way home again? Is their adventure a chance encounter or is it something more?
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
Series: Contender - Book 1
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (June 4, 2019)
Publication Date: June 4, 2019
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Print Length: 361 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Read
July 19, 2019Finished this gorgeous little thing tonight 🌙 Now to mull over my thoughts 💭 and feels 🤔😭 Rtc
April 5, 2019
The Chosen is the first in a new trilogy by Taran Matharu, if you haven't read this author before then start with his other series first. The Chosen is an action packed ride from beginning to end. I really enjoy the quick and well plotted storylines of Matharu. I was pleasantly surprised by how much this book keeps you engaged and found myself reading it in two day.
Thank you to NetGalley for the E-Arc copy and the publisher for allowing me to read this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for the E-Arc copy and the publisher for allowing me to read this novel.
May 1, 2019
Got To buy this book now. I Finished it In a couple of days. When is the next one out? Can’t wait For the next one!
June 18, 2019
The Chosen is such a fun, action-packed and cool book. I mean, common, teenagers being magically transported to a strange land and forced to fight Dinosaurs, what can be cooler than that? right?
The story follows Cade, who at beginning of the book is admitted into a school for troubled youth because he was accused of or rather wrongly accused of theft. Life at this new school is worse than a nightmare for Cade as he is regularly bullied and subjected to harsh punishments. And then one day, Cade, finds himself uprooted from his nightmarish school and thrown into a world which is filled with monsters and humans, who have been lost throughout the history. Also, to his surprise, he isn't alone because in this place he finds several of his other classmates including the class bully, Flinch. The strangest part of everything is that these boys are being followed by a high-tech machine called the codex, which is being rather unhelpful and performing a strange count down for a qualifying round. And that's the biggest question, what are they all qualifying for after all? and who is making them play this dangerous game? The story moves from there on and Cade must figure out a way to survive in this bizarre land and try his best to find his way back home.
This is the first book that I have read by Taran Matharu and I really liked the overall concept of the story. It's a survival story first and foremost and we get plenty of those maneuverings, which made this book quite engaging and compelling even though, the plot progresses very little for the major part of the book, only picking up at some 70% point, when things finally start falling into perspective. However, I think, Taran, did a fantastic job in blending the adventurous nature of the story along with the underlying mystery of what's actually going on, keeping me on my toes throughout the book.
I also really liked Cade's character. He is biracial, same as the Author and therefore, this book is kind of an #ownvoices novel as well. At the beginning of the book he is scared, depressed and even angry for everything that went wrong with his life but we really get to see him grow into this guy, who is so brave, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to make sure he and his friends survive this absurb game of which, they are an unwilling part. I also liked the friendship between Cade and Quintus and thought that the deaf representation in this book is really good. Plus, Cade's one on one with the Raptors was very interesting to read.
However, I must add here, that even though I enjoyed this book for the major part, I still feel it could have been a better read if a little more time was spent in the development of other characters as well as in the development of the relationship between characters. Cade is obviously the hero of the story but we didn't really get to know much about the other characters and therefore their fate towards the end of the book, failed to leave a strong impact on me.
That said, The Chosen still makes for a good set up for the rest of the series and that cliffhanger at the end totally raised the stakes so much higher. I will definitely read the next book to find out the fate of these contenders, I am sure it will be a hell lot of more fun and filled with danger.
Many thanks to Net Galley and the Publishers for providing me with the ARC of this book!
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The story follows Cade, who at beginning of the book is admitted into a school for troubled youth because he was accused of or rather wrongly accused of theft. Life at this new school is worse than a nightmare for Cade as he is regularly bullied and subjected to harsh punishments. And then one day, Cade, finds himself uprooted from his nightmarish school and thrown into a world which is filled with monsters and humans, who have been lost throughout the history. Also, to his surprise, he isn't alone because in this place he finds several of his other classmates including the class bully, Flinch. The strangest part of everything is that these boys are being followed by a high-tech machine called the codex, which is being rather unhelpful and performing a strange count down for a qualifying round. And that's the biggest question, what are they all qualifying for after all? and who is making them play this dangerous game? The story moves from there on and Cade must figure out a way to survive in this bizarre land and try his best to find his way back home.
This is the first book that I have read by Taran Matharu and I really liked the overall concept of the story. It's a survival story first and foremost and we get plenty of those maneuverings, which made this book quite engaging and compelling even though, the plot progresses very little for the major part of the book, only picking up at some 70% point, when things finally start falling into perspective. However, I think, Taran, did a fantastic job in blending the adventurous nature of the story along with the underlying mystery of what's actually going on, keeping me on my toes throughout the book.
I also really liked Cade's character. He is biracial, same as the Author and therefore, this book is kind of an #ownvoices novel as well. At the beginning of the book he is scared, depressed and even angry for everything that went wrong with his life but we really get to see him grow into this guy, who is so brave, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to make sure he and his friends survive this absurb game of which, they are an unwilling part. I also liked the friendship between Cade and Quintus and thought that the deaf representation in this book is really good. Plus, Cade's one on one with the Raptors was very interesting to read.
However, I must add here, that even though I enjoyed this book for the major part, I still feel it could have been a better read if a little more time was spent in the development of other characters as well as in the development of the relationship between characters. Cade is obviously the hero of the story but we didn't really get to know much about the other characters and therefore their fate towards the end of the book, failed to leave a strong impact on me.
That said, The Chosen still makes for a good set up for the rest of the series and that cliffhanger at the end totally raised the stakes so much higher. I will definitely read the next book to find out the fate of these contenders, I am sure it will be a hell lot of more fun and filled with danger.
Many thanks to Net Galley and the Publishers for providing me with the ARC of this book!
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May 23, 2019
The Chosen was a fantastic book, it was well written, had good character development, and Mathrau drew you into the events of the story quickly by providing just enough information to pique your interests while still leaving you with questions that you just have to know the answers to. I love the way in which Mathrau incorporates different eras of history and a variety of cultures and civilizations. At first it was a little difficult to follow what was happening in the story and it seemed like you have more questions than answers. However, Mathrau does a good job of feeding you little bits of information at a time over the course of events to keep stringing you along wanting more and this is true even at the very end. I can't wait to see what happens over the course of this new series.
May 21, 2019
Romans, Dinosaurs, and Force-fields, oh my!
I was able to read this book early thanks to #Netgalley
I devoured this book! I sat down to read it, and didn't go to bed until I finished it! I was a huge fan of the Summoner Series, and honestly when I read this synopsis I was a bit hesitant. Boy was my hesitance wrong! This book is .PACKED with action, and the characters are fun to learn about. It wasn't predictable in any sense, and I wasn't sure who was running the show until the last chapter! I can't wait for the next book! The cover might be a tad misleading, as it appears the protagonist is a swordsman, but that is really my only criticism.
I was able to read this book early thanks to #Netgalley
I devoured this book! I sat down to read it, and didn't go to bed until I finished it! I was a huge fan of the Summoner Series, and honestly when I read this synopsis I was a bit hesitant. Boy was my hesitance wrong! This book is .PACKED with action, and the characters are fun to learn about. It wasn't predictable in any sense, and I wasn't sure who was running the show until the last chapter! I can't wait for the next book! The cover might be a tad misleading, as it appears the protagonist is a swordsman, but that is really my only criticism.
April 5, 2019
As soon as I saw this book I was immediately intrigued!
This book, The Chosen, is the first in a new trilogy and I think it was a fantastic start! I love Cade's character! He is well written and very likable. I really enjoyed the world building in this! I could just imagine what everything must look like. Some of the secondary characters I enjoyed were Quintus and Amber! I loved all the action is this book and I can't wait to read the next one! I recommend this one to all fantasy lovers.
This book, The Chosen, is the first in a new trilogy and I think it was a fantastic start! I love Cade's character! He is well written and very likable. I really enjoyed the world building in this! I could just imagine what everything must look like. Some of the secondary characters I enjoyed were Quintus and Amber! I loved all the action is this book and I can't wait to read the next one! I recommend this one to all fantasy lovers.
June 13, 2019
An amazing story tale with mystery and intrigue. I mean, come on dinosaurs and romans together?! Sign me up!
April 2, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am a fan of Taran Matharu's Summoner Series and was very much looking forward to this book, the first in a new series. From his previous work I expected excellent world building and a nuanced and likable protagonist. I was not disappointed. The Chosen is a fantastic start to a new series. Cade is a fantastic character, he has depth and emotion, I was absolutely rooting for him the whole book. There are a lot of secondary characters as well, some of which are given more attention than others, but all decently brought to life. My favorites were Quintus and Amber and I look forward to hopefully learning more about them in subsequent sequels. Like Cade, I am a total history fan so there were various points of the story that a found particularly interesting. Unlike Cade though, I am not a huge fan of paleontology or dinosaurs in general so I got kind of bored with the repeated discussion, description and scientific names of them. I also thought it was kind of hilarious that all size measurements seemed to be given in terms of football fields. Overall this book is an action packed ride. It got a little darker than I expected for a YA novel, but I guess that is more of the norm these days. There is a lot of action and problem solving and it's interesting and fun. Loved the surprise reveal at the end and really just cannot wait to read more. After the last page I just kept on hoping that it wasn't really the end!
I am a fan of Taran Matharu's Summoner Series and was very much looking forward to this book, the first in a new series. From his previous work I expected excellent world building and a nuanced and likable protagonist. I was not disappointed. The Chosen is a fantastic start to a new series. Cade is a fantastic character, he has depth and emotion, I was absolutely rooting for him the whole book. There are a lot of secondary characters as well, some of which are given more attention than others, but all decently brought to life. My favorites were Quintus and Amber and I look forward to hopefully learning more about them in subsequent sequels. Like Cade, I am a total history fan so there were various points of the story that a found particularly interesting. Unlike Cade though, I am not a huge fan of paleontology or dinosaurs in general so I got kind of bored with the repeated discussion, description and scientific names of them. I also thought it was kind of hilarious that all size measurements seemed to be given in terms of football fields. Overall this book is an action packed ride. It got a little darker than I expected for a YA novel, but I guess that is more of the norm these days. There is a lot of action and problem solving and it's interesting and fun. Loved the surprise reveal at the end and really just cannot wait to read more. After the last page I just kept on hoping that it wasn't really the end!
June 4, 2019
Cade is just trying to get through an unfair sentence in a reform school without finding too much trouble. He doesn't want anything to do with Finch, the school's bully, or any of the other boys. The choice is taken from him, though, when he finds himself on a strange, alien world, surrounded by peril at every turn. Forced to find allies anywhere he can, Cade finds himself a player in a game he doesn't understand, for stakes that are unimaginably high.
This reads just a little younger than Taran's first series, but it's every bit as exciting and nail biting. The characters are a little less well developed, but there's time in the rest of the books and I like what we've seen so far. This book covers the first 'round' of the game nicely, while still leaving plenty of hooks for the next title. I love the setting; Taran describes it really well and I'm eager to see more of it.
A fantastic start to what promises to be a great new series.
This reads just a little younger than Taran's first series, but it's every bit as exciting and nail biting. The characters are a little less well developed, but there's time in the rest of the books and I like what we've seen so far. This book covers the first 'round' of the game nicely, while still leaving plenty of hooks for the next title. I love the setting; Taran describes it really well and I'm eager to see more of it.
A fantastic start to what promises to be a great new series.
Read
July 15, 2019Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: Mayan Samurai
Drinking Buddy: Underdog
Testosterone Level: Elevated
Talky Talk: It's All Down To You
Bonus Factors: Land of the Lost, Reform School
Bromance Status: We Who are About to Die...
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Mayan Samurai
Drinking Buddy: Underdog
Testosterone Level: Elevated
Talky Talk: It's All Down To You
Bonus Factors: Land of the Lost, Reform School
Bromance Status: We Who are About to Die...
Read the full book report here.
May 29, 2019
Thank you Feiwel & Friends for the free arc via Edelweiss. This is the first book I have read of the author's. It was a cross of the Maze Runner and Jurassic Park. A really fun and interesting story. I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
May 13, 2019
Full review to come
May 19, 2019
Thank you to Hodder Children’s Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Having loved the Summoner books by Taran Matharu I was so excited when he announced his new series The Contender especially as it was set in a world with dinosaurs! And this book did not disappoint!
The Chosen opens with Cade already in this alternate world faced with a creature he’s never seen before so right from the beginning we’re thrown into the action. I really liked that as it made me even more intrigued about the story and how Cade ended up there.
We get the backstory of Cade and his classmates throughout the book through Cade so we slowly get an idea of why the characters behave the way they do with each other. It was interesting to see the dynamics between them all and how they had to try and get a long because of the situation they were in. They have conflicts and don’t always agree on things but I wish we had gotten to see more of that in the story.
The story is fast paced and lots happen throughout the book. They have to face dinosaurs and lots of other creatures. I really loved how immersive it was and how he weaved real history and fiction together, the history nerd in me totally loved all mentions of historical facts! The history is actually an important aspect of the story too and one of the reasons that Cade is chosen to be taken to this world.
I really liked Cade and how he thinks before taking action, it’s unusual for a teenage boy to think before he barrels into things so that was nice to see. I really liked seeing the own voices rep as Cade is half Indian and how his culture and family dynamics are. We also see the racism and discrimination he receives from some of the other boys because of it. He is looked down upon because of his lower social class and everyone assumes he is guilt because of how he looks and that he isn’t rich. I liked that he does battle with these emotions and how it makes him feel despite being a top student his opportunities are taken from him. I really hope we get to see more own voices rep in books.
Another character I really liked was Quintus, who Cade meets in this world, he helps Cade and the others and even teaches them how to use some weapons. He has hearing difficulties and we see how he is unable to communicate with others and how that makes him feel isolated and lonely. Cade also meets a group of teenage girls while on this world and they also help him and I loved seeing them flip stereotypes that girls aren’t as capable as boys.
Throughout the whole story we are left to wonder why Cade and the others have been sent to this world. There is a lot of intrigue and mystery and it made me want to read just one more chapter. The ending of the book was so intense and kept me on the edge of my feet. They have to face these terrifying creatures and there are some things that happen that I was not expecting at all which left me reeling. We only get an idea of why Cade has been sent to this world right at the end which of course is then left on a cliffhanger and I just want to know what will happen next!
This book is full of action and intrigue and unlike any other book I’ve read. If you love dinosaurs and history then I highly recommend you pick up The Chosen! I am already dying to know what will happen in the next book!
Having loved the Summoner books by Taran Matharu I was so excited when he announced his new series The Contender especially as it was set in a world with dinosaurs! And this book did not disappoint!
The Chosen opens with Cade already in this alternate world faced with a creature he’s never seen before so right from the beginning we’re thrown into the action. I really liked that as it made me even more intrigued about the story and how Cade ended up there.
We get the backstory of Cade and his classmates throughout the book through Cade so we slowly get an idea of why the characters behave the way they do with each other. It was interesting to see the dynamics between them all and how they had to try and get a long because of the situation they were in. They have conflicts and don’t always agree on things but I wish we had gotten to see more of that in the story.
The story is fast paced and lots happen throughout the book. They have to face dinosaurs and lots of other creatures. I really loved how immersive it was and how he weaved real history and fiction together, the history nerd in me totally loved all mentions of historical facts! The history is actually an important aspect of the story too and one of the reasons that Cade is chosen to be taken to this world.
I really liked Cade and how he thinks before taking action, it’s unusual for a teenage boy to think before he barrels into things so that was nice to see. I really liked seeing the own voices rep as Cade is half Indian and how his culture and family dynamics are. We also see the racism and discrimination he receives from some of the other boys because of it. He is looked down upon because of his lower social class and everyone assumes he is guilt because of how he looks and that he isn’t rich. I liked that he does battle with these emotions and how it makes him feel despite being a top student his opportunities are taken from him. I really hope we get to see more own voices rep in books.
Another character I really liked was Quintus, who Cade meets in this world, he helps Cade and the others and even teaches them how to use some weapons. He has hearing difficulties and we see how he is unable to communicate with others and how that makes him feel isolated and lonely. Cade also meets a group of teenage girls while on this world and they also help him and I loved seeing them flip stereotypes that girls aren’t as capable as boys.
Throughout the whole story we are left to wonder why Cade and the others have been sent to this world. There is a lot of intrigue and mystery and it made me want to read just one more chapter. The ending of the book was so intense and kept me on the edge of my feet. They have to face these terrifying creatures and there are some things that happen that I was not expecting at all which left me reeling. We only get an idea of why Cade has been sent to this world right at the end which of course is then left on a cliffhanger and I just want to know what will happen next!
This book is full of action and intrigue and unlike any other book I’ve read. If you love dinosaurs and history then I highly recommend you pick up The Chosen! I am already dying to know what will happen in the next book!
June 4, 2019
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult, Science Fiction
*Rating* 4
*Thoughts*
The Chosen is the first installment in author Taran Matharu's Contender Trilogy. When Cade Carter, a biracial student in a prestigious boarding school, is framed for stealing a set of laptops by his well-off roommate, he is sent to a juvenile detention center for troubled youths. The story, however, begins with Cade already in this alternate world faced with a creature he’s never seen before not having any clue what is in store for him, or where he is. Through a series of flashbacks, readers will follow Cade and fellow detainees between their current unknown time/date/place of survival and the prior six months that led them to them there.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult, Science Fiction
*Rating* 4
*Thoughts*
The Chosen is the first installment in author Taran Matharu's Contender Trilogy. When Cade Carter, a biracial student in a prestigious boarding school, is framed for stealing a set of laptops by his well-off roommate, he is sent to a juvenile detention center for troubled youths. The story, however, begins with Cade already in this alternate world faced with a creature he’s never seen before not having any clue what is in store for him, or where he is. Through a series of flashbacks, readers will follow Cade and fellow detainees between their current unknown time/date/place of survival and the prior six months that led them to them there.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
March 17, 2020
Disclaimer: This review MAY contain spoilers. I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions expressed in my review are my own.
This book takes the reader on such an explosive journey! It is one of those stories that will intrigue you from the get-go with the synopsis and doesn't let up for an instant once you are immersed in the story. And you will be-- you won't be able to put this book down!
I love the way that the book starts out with alternating chapters in the past and present. There is a massive amount of action and mystery in the chapters set in the present. Those chapters really hook the reader and make them want to keep turning the pages. The chapters set in the past were extremely helpful in getting to know the characters. Getting that little bit of background information really helped set the stage for when the characters find themselves instantly in an impossible situation in the present. Their dynamics were easy to follow with the chapters set in the past. I liked getting pieces of the past a little bit at a time.
The world-building in this book is really fantastic! Completely atmospheric in its telling. The descriptions are vivid and powerful. I could absolutely feel myself in the story as I read. I loved the historical pieces worked into the story. I felt their portrayal to be accurate (or believable at least, I am no history major) and they really added to the mystery and ambiance of this world. I also love that when I was reading I couldn't tell if I was reading a fantasy or a science fiction book. It was exhilarating to see elements of both.
I found myself liking the main character, Cade, straight away. He is intelligent and resourceful. I loved that we see totally normal sides of him as well. He gets bullied and is faced with racism at school and we see him dealing with his emotions over it. We also get to see him do things that make him feel guilty. I felt that his personality and his character as a whole were balanced out very well. His character was realistic. This book has a relatively large cast of side characters and I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters.
I felt that I really enjoyed the author's writing voice. I have not read Taran Matharu previously, but this book was so easy to latch onto. The words flow fluidly and the author introduces concepts gradually as not to overwhelm the reader with the complexity of the world. I am definitely going to read his previous series.
Overall, this book is full of adventure and intrigue and it keeps you wanting more! If you love fast-paced stories that are full of action and shocking revelations then you need to pick this one up. This book will thrill you and amaze you. I enjoyed this so much and I am excited for book two!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
This book takes the reader on such an explosive journey! It is one of those stories that will intrigue you from the get-go with the synopsis and doesn't let up for an instant once you are immersed in the story. And you will be-- you won't be able to put this book down!
I love the way that the book starts out with alternating chapters in the past and present. There is a massive amount of action and mystery in the chapters set in the present. Those chapters really hook the reader and make them want to keep turning the pages. The chapters set in the past were extremely helpful in getting to know the characters. Getting that little bit of background information really helped set the stage for when the characters find themselves instantly in an impossible situation in the present. Their dynamics were easy to follow with the chapters set in the past. I liked getting pieces of the past a little bit at a time.
The world-building in this book is really fantastic! Completely atmospheric in its telling. The descriptions are vivid and powerful. I could absolutely feel myself in the story as I read. I loved the historical pieces worked into the story. I felt their portrayal to be accurate (or believable at least, I am no history major) and they really added to the mystery and ambiance of this world. I also love that when I was reading I couldn't tell if I was reading a fantasy or a science fiction book. It was exhilarating to see elements of both.
I found myself liking the main character, Cade, straight away. He is intelligent and resourceful. I loved that we see totally normal sides of him as well. He gets bullied and is faced with racism at school and we see him dealing with his emotions over it. We also get to see him do things that make him feel guilty. I felt that his personality and his character as a whole were balanced out very well. His character was realistic. This book has a relatively large cast of side characters and I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters.
I felt that I really enjoyed the author's writing voice. I have not read Taran Matharu previously, but this book was so easy to latch onto. The words flow fluidly and the author introduces concepts gradually as not to overwhelm the reader with the complexity of the world. I am definitely going to read his previous series.
Overall, this book is full of adventure and intrigue and it keeps you wanting more! If you love fast-paced stories that are full of action and shocking revelations then you need to pick this one up. This book will thrill you and amaze you. I enjoyed this so much and I am excited for book two!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
March 8, 2020
Not gonna lie, it was good.
The Chosen was a pretty awesome audio to listen to. Now I went into this with zero expectations. Mostly because I didn't want to have high hopes and then get utterly disappointed. In it, you will meet Cade. Now he goes on an awesome adventure throughout this book. At first, I didn't know if I was going to enjoy it but definitely ended up doing so.
One thing I wasn't expecting: dinosaurs. Yet, it was oddly satisfying to read about. Back to Cade, eh he was predictable. He would constantly get into sticky situations that would sometimes annoy the crap out of me. The only saving grace about it was that he though things through before acting. I just wished he wouldn't get himself into said sticky situations so freaking much.
Overall, it was entertaining and I'm actually excited to dive into the next book. I hope it doesn't suffer the second book syndrome.
The Chosen was a pretty awesome audio to listen to. Now I went into this with zero expectations. Mostly because I didn't want to have high hopes and then get utterly disappointed. In it, you will meet Cade. Now he goes on an awesome adventure throughout this book. At first, I didn't know if I was going to enjoy it but definitely ended up doing so.
One thing I wasn't expecting: dinosaurs. Yet, it was oddly satisfying to read about. Back to Cade, eh he was predictable. He would constantly get into sticky situations that would sometimes annoy the crap out of me. The only saving grace about it was that he though things through before acting. I just wished he wouldn't get himself into said sticky situations so freaking much.
Overall, it was entertaining and I'm actually excited to dive into the next book. I hope it doesn't suffer the second book syndrome.
August 31, 2021
Received via NetGalley for review.
An exciting middle-grade novel for those who like that particular genre of kids-fighting-kids/monsters (which I do, and which lots of people do!)
I wish there had been a little more room for character development - there are a lot of characters, and a lot of action to get through (I definitely thought Eric, Marcus and Spex were going to have a larger role, and three of the four girls are basically interchangeable).
But the action is fun and dangerous, and exactly what I was looking for. I'm always a sucker for the trope where people are chosen for a specific reason, and I was glad Finch called Cade out on that but just as glad he got to use his knowledge to succeed.
It's a little hard to believe that a small group (8?) of teenagers, many of them with vastly different perspectives, would manage to defeat hundreds of monsters where entire legions of Roman soldiers before them could not (though maybe the Roman soldiers were further along in the competition before they all failed? But then why would Cade and his group start off in the beginning?), which I hope will be addressed in the inevitable sequel but probably won't be.
An exciting middle-grade novel for those who like that particular genre of kids-fighting-kids/monsters (which I do, and which lots of people do!)
I wish there had been a little more room for character development - there are a lot of characters, and a lot of action to get through (I definitely thought Eric, Marcus and Spex were going to have a larger role, and three of the four girls are basically interchangeable).
But the action is fun and dangerous, and exactly what I was looking for. I'm always a sucker for the trope where people are chosen for a specific reason, and I was glad Finch called Cade out on that but just as glad he got to use his knowledge to succeed.
It's a little hard to believe that a small group (8?) of teenagers, many of them with vastly different perspectives, would manage to defeat hundreds of monsters where entire legions of Roman soldiers before them could not (though maybe the Roman soldiers were further along in the competition before they all failed? But then why would Cade and his group start off in the beginning?), which I hope will be addressed in the inevitable sequel but probably won't be.
June 26, 2019
Twisted adventure!
Thanks to NetGalley, Feiwel and Friends and Goodreads (giveaway winner) for the opportunity to read and review The Chosen by Taran Matharu!
Cade has ended up in a reform center for juvenile delinquents because of his roommate’s theft. Cade attends the center trying to figure out how to stay under the radar. Six months into his yearlong stay, he finds himself on a cliff ledge facing a creature that wants him for a snack. The chapters alternate between Cade in the center and then somewhere else fighting for his life for a few chapters. Then the story continues with Cade trying to survive and understand his new surroundings full of creatures, people from the past and other creatures and technology that have no explanations. The codex is a tech device that Cade has never seen before and it answers several questions and explains that Cade is a contender in the qualifying round which is being counted down on the Codex’s display. The ending lays out the truth of Cade’s circumstances and all its complications. An unusual tale of a twisted adventure, 4 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley, Feiwel and Friends and Goodreads (giveaway winner) for the opportunity to read and review The Chosen by Taran Matharu!
Cade has ended up in a reform center for juvenile delinquents because of his roommate’s theft. Cade attends the center trying to figure out how to stay under the radar. Six months into his yearlong stay, he finds himself on a cliff ledge facing a creature that wants him for a snack. The chapters alternate between Cade in the center and then somewhere else fighting for his life for a few chapters. Then the story continues with Cade trying to survive and understand his new surroundings full of creatures, people from the past and other creatures and technology that have no explanations. The codex is a tech device that Cade has never seen before and it answers several questions and explains that Cade is a contender in the qualifying round which is being counted down on the Codex’s display. The ending lays out the truth of Cade’s circumstances and all its complications. An unusual tale of a twisted adventure, 4 stars!
July 18, 2020
Cade, en nog meer jongens, worden in een andere wereld neergezet. Daar komen ze wezens en voorwerpen tegen uit verschillende tijdperken op aarde. Dit idee sprak mij heel erg aan. Naar mijn idee zouden ze dan ook gaan vechten met deze mensen en wezens. Cade moet zich voorbereiden op een toernooi, dat wordt al snel duidelijk.
Het boek leest heel makkelijk en de omgeving wordt zeer goed beschreven. De world building is echt een pluspunt van dit boek. Je leert Cade ook goed kennen, in het begin wordt dit ondersteund door flashbacks naar het verleden. In de nieuwe omgeving maakt hij nieuwe vrienden en samen bereiden ze zich voor op de strijd.
Dit is het eerst deel van een nieuwe serie en dat was te merken. Het boek is heel erg opbouwend, het is bedoeld om de personages en de wereld te leren kennen. Na het lezen van de flaptekst had ik veel strijd verwacht, dat viel op zich nog wel tegen in het boek. Ik denk dat de echte strijd in het volgende deel zal zijn. Toch heb ik dit deel al 4 sterren gegeven, want ik vond het een heel fijn boek om te lezen en ben heel nieuwsgierig naar het tweede deel!
Ik hoop dat we in het tweede deel meer te weten komen over de tegenstanders en over de plek waar de strijd gaat plaatsvinden. Ik ben zeer benieuwd.
Het boek leest heel makkelijk en de omgeving wordt zeer goed beschreven. De world building is echt een pluspunt van dit boek. Je leert Cade ook goed kennen, in het begin wordt dit ondersteund door flashbacks naar het verleden. In de nieuwe omgeving maakt hij nieuwe vrienden en samen bereiden ze zich voor op de strijd.
Dit is het eerst deel van een nieuwe serie en dat was te merken. Het boek is heel erg opbouwend, het is bedoeld om de personages en de wereld te leren kennen. Na het lezen van de flaptekst had ik veel strijd verwacht, dat viel op zich nog wel tegen in het boek. Ik denk dat de echte strijd in het volgende deel zal zijn. Toch heb ik dit deel al 4 sterren gegeven, want ik vond het een heel fijn boek om te lezen en ben heel nieuwsgierig naar het tweede deel!
Ik hoop dat we in het tweede deel meer te weten komen over de tegenstanders en over de plek waar de strijd gaat plaatsvinden. Ik ben zeer benieuwd.
July 17, 2019
Dafuck, het stuk over dit boek op Goodreads noemt Harriett en een of andere strijd wat totaal niet wordt benoemd in dit eerste deel :') Ik vond het boek erg spannend, maar hij was wel wat chaotisch en het einde had wel echt een flinke domper, hopen dat het vervolg veel goed kan maken, want als het verhaal echt niet sterker is dan dit, is deze serie wel een behoorlijke afknapper. 7/10
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