Children of Paranoia (Children of Paranoia, #1) by Trevor Shane

Sep 30, 2011 Lou rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: september-list, arc, thriller, dystopia

"Rule Number one: No killing innocent bystanders. The large majority of this world does not know that this war is raging on beneath their noses. Those people are to be protected at all costs. No collateral damage. The penalty for killing an innocent bystander is death."

"Rule number two: No killing anyone under the age of eighteen no matter what side they're on. Until you turn eighteen you're considered an innocent bystander."

The contenders are grouped in three groups. The first are the soldiers...more "Rule Number one: No killing innocent bystanders. The large majority of this world does not know that this war is raging on beneath their noses. Those people are to be protected at all costs. No collateral damage. The penalty for killing an innocent bystander is death."

"Rule number two: No killing anyone under the age of eighteen no matter what side they're on. Until you turn eighteen you're considered an innocent bystander."

The contenders are grouped in three groups. The first are the soldiers they are at the front line in the war, they go out and kill the enemy. The second group are the Intelligence people the Intel group they are mixed of many specialists computer experts to military planners to name a few. They provide information on the kill and get all the intel needed prepared. The third group called the deep cover guys, their job is to assimilate into society lay low and have family lives as normal as possible. They are the breeders providing the new participants in this war.
The business of this war is real and the protagonist is faced with death as an everyday part of his life if you fail to kill you're target you have been assigned you would face being killed, if you make a mistake and kill innocents you will be killed. He finds himself looking for answers to questions as time progresses, how can we stop this war? We kill due to our family being killed by the enemy, they are evil and we are good an ever increasing cycle of murder just when will it stop? and who killed first and started this war?
After reading the story there are few things still not answered but when the protagonist finds himself a love interest he starts to see things with a whole different perspective and finds himself protecting and looking to the future of his own newly acquired loved ones. A family with kids would something he could want all this killing could prove to be a dangerous future them. Will he have a family and get out of the secret war?
Most mobsters and hit men will tell you that when you have strings attached, loved ones, partners and kids it becomes a problem you have a weak spot, you don't need something that you're enemy could get at and hurt.
Children of paranoia is a catchy title, the plot is interesting and different written mostly from a first person narrative. An assassin's story of sorts, staking out the Mark to kill and the process of the kill can all makes gripping reading.
I found at times I needed a little plot twist here and there or just a bit more thrill, that could be just me due to reading one too many thrillers. Don't expect masterful writing on a literary scale as this story is not written in that style. All in all it was an entertaining read that had a good concept going.
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Oct 24, 2011 Nicole About Town rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, penguin, from-the-publisher

I am not even going to lie. The title of the book hooked me before I even read the synopsis. Then I read the synopsis and knew I had to get a copy for myself. I am so glad I did.

For me, while the book started off a bit slow, it still allowed me to dive into both the characters and the story. Once the story gets going, it really gets going and before you know it you are kneed deep in suspense, drama, action and intrigue. I think it's a real testament to Trevor Shane's ability as a writer to be ab...more

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Sep 01, 2011 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had a hard time getting into this book from the first brutal murder in the opening pages. At first I thought maybe it was because it was from an assassin's point of view, but I've read other books with that point of view. Then it hit me. It's urban dystopian - this isn't life in the aftermath of a disaster, it's a disaster in the middle of everyday life. If you follow our blog, you are probably aware that I am not a fan of dystopian novels. The world can be an ugly enough place, I don't need t...more I had a hard time getting into this book from the first brutal murder in the opening pages. At first I thought maybe it was because it was from an assassin's point of view, but I've read other books with that point of view. Then it hit me. It's urban dystopian - this isn't life in the aftermath of a disaster, it's a disaster in the middle of everyday life. If you follow our blog, you are probably aware that I am not a fan of dystopian novels. The world can be an ugly enough place, I don't need to imagine it as more ugly.

Maria was the only character I liked. Although even Maria was difficult to comprehend. As much as I tried, I never could warm up to Joseph. When he almost kills an innocent bystander, he nearly goes to pieces -he kills on a regular basis, but only because they're targets -he's that programmed. I know I should have felt empathy, but I just couldn't. Maybe it's because the first time we meet him he's killing a mother a wall's-space away from her children, but I was turned off towards him early on. I realize this is done for effect, that the shock factor is part of the dystopian theme, but that is what keeps me at bay with dystopian novels. Did Joseph reedeem himself by the end? Perhaps, or perhaps it was too little too late.

My co-blogger Julie and I discussed a bit about how the book relates to the psychological trauma of war, and I think it's a valid point. But I think there is a more primitive connection than that -it's gang violence and organized crime on a whole new level. The fact that it's that close to reality on that level is rather frightening. However, the involvement of law, or lack there of, is astounding. The fact that this has been going on for generations and has been covered up or inconclusively investigated was incredulous; it went beyond my ability to suspend my belief. I love a good conspiracy, but this was over the top for me.

I kept thinking, it had to be a sick twisted joke on the part of the masterminds of this war game. If that had been the case, perhaps I could have withstood it all, but as soon as it became apparent that there were two sides playing war games, I was completely turned off. Though several theories are put in play by the characters, the true source of the dispute is never revealed. Maybe Trevor Shane will venture into the actual origins of "The War" in the sequel.

Obviously, I couldn't get past the dystopian under currents to appreciate this novel as a thriller. However, if that mix of genres is appealing to you, you will love this book. Julie did.

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Oct 20, 2011 Between the Covers rated it 4 of 5 stars

REVIEWED by Louise for Between the Covers blog:

I won't lie... the blurb drew me in. But I had a few reservations after reading some early reviews. I'm so glad I didn't let them deter me. Children of Paranoia was non-stop action, intrigue and emotion from the first page. This book was such a surprising read for me... in the space of 180 pages, Shane had me caring about a murderer and the girl he loves, hoping things work out for them, and tensing in anticipation of the next plot twist.

Joseph is...more REVIEWED by Louise for Between the Covers blog:

I won't lie... the blurb drew me in. But I had a few reservations after reading some early reviews. I'm so glad I didn't let them deter me. Children of Paranoia was non-stop action, intrigue and emotion from the first page. This book was such a surprising read for me... in the space of 180 pages, Shane had me caring about a murderer and the girl he loves, hoping things work out for them, and tensing in anticipation of the next plot twist.

Joseph is a soldier in a war that's gone on for so many generations no one even knows what they're fighting over anymore. All they know is that the other side is evil. And that's enough to keep them going, to keep Joe going. Until he meets Maria and she turns his head, and then turns his life upside down. The back story we're given on Joe, on all of the soldiers, left me feeling almost protective of him. I worried during the fight scenes, felt exhilarated by his relationship with Maria... and lost my breath at the revelation of Maria's secret.

Listen carefully BtCers, because I'm saying it again... I am a character driven reader!! As I watched Joe's metamorphosis over the course of the novel, I was amazed. Shane wrote Children of Paranoia from the first person point of view, which should have limited the emotion of the book. It did not. The characters are well developed and thought out, their emotions ringing true and pulling you in. Watching Joe and Maria grow, seeing the changes in Joe's friendships and his relationship with his mother... these characters evolved so much in the space of this one novel, my mind is still reeling from the trip!

Shane's writing paints vivid pictures, allowing the reader to envision the scenes clearly, the minute details he puts in cementing them in your mind. His writing is fast paced and clear, the flow of the story never breaking.

I'm so glad to have signed on to participate in this tour, and am glad I didn't let my reservations hold me back from reading this book. From start to finish Children of Paranoia was a thrill ride, alternating between pulling on my emotions and making my pulse pound. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book of this trilogy, and what this talented author has to offer his newest fan.

Rating: 4.5 stars
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Sep 19, 2011 Cheryl rated it 5 of 5 stars

Joseph fights for the other side. There is a war going on and you are either on one side or the other. Neither side is really the good guys as they all kill. It is kill or be killed. There are some rules that both sides do have to obey. Yes, even wars have rules. If there were no rules there would be chaos and no one would win. There are three important rules:

Rule 1 – No killing innocent bystanders. If you do, the punishment is death.

Rule 2 – No killing anyone under the age of eighteen. This is...more Joseph fights for the other side. There is a war going on and you are either on one side or the other. Neither side is really the good guys as they all kill. It is kill or be killed. There are some rules that both sides do have to obey. Yes, even wars have rules. If there were no rules there would be chaos and no one would win. There are three important rules:

Rule 1 – No killing innocent bystanders. If you do, the punishment is death.

Rule 2 – No killing anyone under the age of eighteen. This is because you are an adult at eighteen. In the meantime that does not mean you can not train to fight the other side.

Rule 3- You can’t have kids until you turn eighteen. This rule is important because if you do have a child when you are not eighteen than you will have to forfeit your child to the other side. You may someday be fighting against your own child.

Joseph is one of the best. That is why when his boss has a very important mission, he asks Joseph to go. There is just one glitch that even Joseph did not see coming. Her name is Maria. Soon Joseph and Maria are a couple. As we all know there is no happy ending. Joseph and Maria find themselves on the run.

Children of Paranoia is one of the best books of 2011! I was so enthralled by this book that you would have literally had to pry it from my hands to get my attention. This book would make a great movie. I could picture it now on the big screen.

I became emotionally invested in Joseph and Maria. They were just wanting a normal life and to be happy in a chaotic world. I was walking around my house reading this book. The ending did not let me down. In fact it promises another book. The next book can not come fast enough. Even though Joseph was a hard nosed killer, I liked him. He felt more and more human as the story line moved along. Maria was so innocent. I could see why Joseph felt the need to protect her. She was like a delicate flower. By the end of the book, it looks like Maria will become a rose with thorns in the next book. Again, another reason why I can not wait for book two to come out.
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Jun 11, 2011 Mel rated it 4 of 5 stars

“Rule No. 1: No killing innocent bystanders.”

And so begins the set of rules that governs the War waged in the pages of “Children of Paranoia” by Trevor Shane. (Hardcover, 384 pages, Dutton Adult) The book, a diary written by assassin and front-line soldier Joseph, is the first in a trilogy slated for publication Sept. 8.

The book took a few chapters to get me really interested in it, but once I was, I finished it in two sittings. It’s fast-paced and interesting, and the particulars of the War are...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Al rated it 4 of 5 stars

ALL WARS HAVE RULES Rule Number One: No killing innocent bystanders. Rule Number Two: No killing anyone under the age of eighteen. BREAK THE RULES, BECOME THE TARGET

Since the age of eighteen, Joseph has been assassinating people on behalf of a cause that he believes in but doesn't fully understand. The War is ageless, hidden in the shadows, governed by a rigid set of rules, and fought by two distinct sides-one good, one evil. The only unknown is which side is which. Soldiers in the War hide in

...more

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Dec 25, 2011 drey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads, dystopia

drey’s thoughts:
Trevor Shane’s Children of Paranoia could be set in this very world we live in. But I hope it’s not, because all those people killing or being killed, would be just depressing. In the first part of the book, we meet Joseph and find out about this world, the war, and the recruiting. We learn the rules of engagement, and the penalties for breaking those rules. A lot of setting-the-background stuff.

Then we follow Joseph as he goes on his assignments, and watch as he gets his cover...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Feder rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Joe ist gut in seinem Job. Warum das so ist kann er auch nicht so genau sagen. Vielleicht weil er das richtige Maß an Hass in sich trägt. Möglicherweise, weil er das ganze „Töten oder getötet werden“ schon mit der Muttermilch aufgesogen hat. Vielleicht hatte er auch einfach nur ein Talent dafür Killer zu sein. Vielleicht liegt es aber auch ganz einfach an seiner ausgeprägten Paranoia. Obwohl er seit seinem achtzehnten Lebensjahr nichts anderes tut als durch Amerika zu reisen um die Anderen zu tö...more Joe ist gut in seinem Job. Warum das so ist kann er auch nicht so genau sagen. Vielleicht weil er das richtige Maß an Hass in sich trägt. Möglicherweise, weil er das ganze „Töten oder getötet werden“ schon mit der Muttermilch aufgesogen hat. Vielleicht hatte er auch einfach nur ein Talent dafür Killer zu sein. Vielleicht liegt es aber auch ganz einfach an seiner ausgeprägten Paranoia. Obwohl er seit seinem achtzehnten Lebensjahr nichts anderes tut als durch Amerika zu reisen um die Anderen zu töten, beginnt er langsam an dem Sinn des ganzen zu Zweifeln und mit den sich langsam einschleichenden Zweifeln beginnt auch Joes Erfolgssträhne zu reißen. Erst wird er bei einem kleinen privaten Ausflug in einen Hinterhalt gelockt und beinahe getötet, dann vermasselt er auch noch einen extrem wichtigen Job. Und zu allem Überfluss tritt auch noch die junge Studentin Maria in sein Leben, die ihn mit ihrem Lächeln verzaubert. Von dem Moment ihrer ersten Begegnung an, geht sie ihm nicht mehr aus dem Kopf. Doch würde sie ihn verstehen? Würde sie damit zurechtkommen, womit er seinen Lebensunterhalt verdient? Und was noch viel wichtiger ist, wenn Maria trotz allem zu ihm stehen würde, würden sie ihn mit ihr gehen lassen…

Joe, ein Killer, der in einem Krieg kämpft dessen Ursachen er nicht kennt ist meines Erachtens grundsätzlich eine ziemlich interessante Figur und ich habe mich wirklich darauf gefreut mehr über ihn, sein Leben und vor allem über den geheimen Krieg zu erfahren. Der Auftakt war auch ziemlich vielversprechend, ist es dem Autor gut gelungen Joes düstere Soldatenseite, seine Akribie und seine Fähigkeiten gut in Szene zu setzen. Die perfekten Voraussetzungen, um anschließend tiefer in Joes Seelenleben einzutauchen und seine Beweggründe zu erforschen.

Leider konnte ich das gesamte Buch hindurch keine wirkliche Beziehung zu Joe aufbauen und das, obwohl das ganze Geschehen aus seiner Sicht erzählt wird. Er schreibt ein Tagebuch für seine Liebste, aber die Gefühle, all seine Liebe die er beteuert, den Hass und die Paranoia die ihn antreiben und die er zu erklären versucht, wirken eher platt. Worte ohne tieferen Sinn, die mich als Leser leider kaum berührt haben. Obwohl ich erwartet hatte dass gerade bei dieser Erzählform die Gefühle des Protagonisten von entscheidender Wichtigkeit sind, blieben sie irgendwie auf der Strecke. Ich als Leser hatte gar keine Möglichkeit mich in den Protagonisten zu versetzen, das Geschehen mit ihm zu erleben, sondern mehr als unbeteiligter Beobachter zu lauschen. Etwas mehr Tiefgang was sein Seelenleben betrieft hatte sicher auch der Spannung gut getan. Denn dadurch, dass man als Leser keinen wirklichen Draht zur Hauptfigur bekommt kann sich auch keine wirkliche Spannung aufbauen.

Auch die etwas platte Idee eines Kampfes Gut gegen Böse hat nicht wirklich Innovatives zu bieten gehabt. Was aber auch der mangelnden Emotionstiefe und vor allem der fehlenden Hintergrundinformationen geschuldet ist. Zwei Gruppen die sich auf den tot bekriegen, ohne das die restliche Menschheit davon erfährt. Ein Ansatz der nicht neu ist, aber durchaus potenzial hat. Da aber weder der Protagonist noch sonst jemand zu sagen vermag, warum dieser Krieg eigentlich angefangen hat beziehungsweise immer noch andauert. Natürlich gäbe es noch die Möglichkeit, dass die geniale Hintergrundstory in ihrer ganzen Vielfalt in den folgenden Bänden offenbart wird und dann für ein großes Aha-Erlebnis sorgen wird. Auch dann wären aber wenigstens ein paar Informationen mehr schon im ersten Band angebracht gewesen, was sicherlich geholfen hätte der Geschichte etwas mehr Tiefgang zu geben.
Es ist wirklich etwas schade, dass sich so viele Mängel in die Geschichte eingeschlichen haben, weil die Ideen im Ansatz wirklich sehr gut sind und ich auch während dem Lesen immer wieder Potenzial gesehen habe, dass auch hin und wieder zu einer spannenderen Stelle aufgeblüht ist. Vor allem die immer wieder aufkeimenden Konfrontationen mit seinen Feinden dürfen hier nicht unerwähnt bleiben. Diese waren bisweilen doch ziemlich gelungen. Was auch dazu geführt hat, dass ich trotz der Mängel auch nie wirklich von der Lektüre gelangweilt, oder gar versucht war, das Buch einfach auf die Seite zu legen. Es war zwar keine Lektüre, der ich mit den mannigfaltigsten Emotionen gebannt gefolgt bin, aber dennoch fand ich die Lektüre interessant.

Der kleine Ausblick auf den zweiten teil der Trilogie hat allerdings dann doch eine erkennbare Steigerung vor allem im Bereich der Gefühlstiefe der Hauptfigur gezeigt. Sie wirkt nicht mehr so unnahbar und teilnahmslos wie im ersten Band, was mir wirklich Hoffnung macht, dass der Autor im zweiten Band das Potenzial seiner Idee besser ausschöpfen konnte. Daher kann ich sagen, dass ich – trotz all meiner Zweifel – den zweiten Band kaufen würde, in der Hoffnung positiv überrascht zu werden.

„Paranoia – der Hinterhalt“ ist zwar sicherlich kein leuchtender Stern unter den Neuerscheinungen im Bereich Thriller, aber dennoch kann ich ihn auch nicht guten Gewissens als schlecht bezeichnen. Dafür finden sich einfach zu viele gelungene Ansätze in der Geschichte wieder, die die Lektüre des Buches meiner Meinung nach durchaus lohnenswert machen.(less)

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Oct 11, 2011 Suspense Magazine rated it 4 of 5 stars

You read about death every day, see the reports on television. Some are called ‘accidents.’ The murders seem senseless and go unsolved. Did you know, however, there is a secret war going on all around you, every day? It is being waged by two sides intent on killing the other. “Children of Paranoia” introduces you to this war. It will show you some of the participants, but the reason behind the killings are, well, as one character says, “One side is good, one side is evil.”
Twenty-five year old Jo...more You read about death every day, see the reports on television. Some are called ‘accidents.’ The murders seem senseless and go unsolved. Did you know, however, there is a secret war going on all around you, every day? It is being waged by two sides intent on killing the other. “Children of Paranoia” introduces you to this war. It will show you some of the participants, but the reason behind the killings are, well, as one character says, “One side is good, one side is evil.”
Twenty-five year old Joe grew up with family deaths before learning about the war. When he turned eighteen, he became an assassin for his side. He followed the rules and made his kills. After nearly getting two of his friends and himself killed in New Jersey, his contact sends Joe to Montreal for a job. While tracking his quarry, Joe meets Maria and love blooms. Unfortunately, the job doesn’t go well and an innocent is almost killed. After a period of recuperation followed by a few more assignments, Joe returns to Montreal to finish what he started and to see Maria. By this time, he's sick of the war and wants out. Maria reveals two devastating pieces of news: she’s pregnant and she’s only seventeen, which by the rules of the war means her baby gets handed over to the other side. Joe finishes his last job and he and Maria run, knowing they will be pursued by not only his side, but the enemy too.
This story is an interesting but poignant metaphor for the senselessness of killing, be it by rival street gangs, feuding families, or entire countries.
It’s written in a clinical manner, portraying the war as always existing, and never ending, with nobody really understanding why certain people need to be killed. It shows that while the majority of mankind lives normal lives, certain individuals are recruited to kill or to orchestrate and assist the killers. This is a powerful story, one where you ask for an explanation, but after the last chapter, you wind up looking at certain aspects of life and wondering about the point of them.

Reviewed by Stephen L. Brayton, author of “Beta” for Suspense Magazine
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Oct 07, 2011 Chris rated it 2 of 5 stars

Review by Nerfreader for the audio version.

Children of Paranoia a chilling tale that could be taking place right here and now. The book is non-stop action in a world a little too similar to our own that explores themes of duty, love, fanaticism, and revenge.

The story follows Joseph as he goes about his job as an assassin and keeps a record in his journal. He's good at his work but gets no enjoyment from killing. I enjoyed the meticulous planing and carrying out of his assignments, but the journa...more

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Sep 08, 2011 Blood Rose Books rated it 5 of 5 stars

In Trevor Shane's debut novel, he takes the reader into a secret War that is occurring throughout the world one side good the other evil. You are either born into the War or not, but if you are born into it you must follow the rules, if you break the rules, you become a target for both sides.

Every War has it rules , break the rules and it doesn't matter which side you are on, you becomes a target for everyone. At the age of 16 Joseph was told about the secret war that his family has been fightin...more In Trevor Shane's debut novel, he takes the reader into a secret War that is occurring throughout the world one side good the other evil. You are either born into the War or not, but if you are born into it you must follow the rules, if you break the rules, you become a target for both sides.

Every War has it rules , break the rules and it doesn't matter which side you are on, you becomes a target for everyone. At the age of 16 Joseph was told about the secret war that his family has been fighting for year and the truth about how his parents died. At 18 Joseph became a solider with a mission to kill as many of the other side as he can. Killing people is the only life he has ever known. He is meticulous as he plans each assassination, but when one goes wrong he is punished and forced to go a killing spree that challenges him both physically and mentally, but all he can think of is completing the one job that he failed, and getting back to Maria, a woman who will change his life and what he believes in.

I can use one word to describe this book, GRIPPING. I cannot say how much I loved this book. It is a fantastic debut, one of the best that I have read this year. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time, as I was drawn further and further into Joseph's story. The book had me hooked from the very beginning as it starts with Joseph committing an assassination. This book is nonstop suspense and action, with the thrilling tale of a secret war, I cannot think of a better storyline.

Joseph is a great character, he a solider (more like assassin) for one side of the war (you really don't know which side is good and which is evil). He is given a name and information about a person, he then plans and kills the people so that there are no clues and the death will go unsolved. Due to the fact that Joseph has been a part of the war for so long, that he does not question what he is doing. He has a heightened sense of paranoia that has been ingrained (basically brainwashed) into him sense he was 16. He is living in a life or death war, where he could be the other side target at any moment, and his side can push him as much as they want to kill people. However, Joseph has been part of the War for about 10 years and he begins to question everything that he has been taught and his world slowly starts to unravel and become concrete at the same time. It is very interesting to watch the change that Joseph goes through in the book and I think that Shane does a pretty accurate portrayal of how Joseph would change but also stay the same. I really enjoyed Joseph as a character.

This book is written in a journal type format, but for the most part it does not read like a journal, more just the point of view of the main character as he recounts his past, why he entered the "War" and some of the kills that he has done. The story flows extremely well, that you do not even realize that you are reading a journal. So if you are not a fan of the journal format this book will still work for you. It only become more of a regular journal format closer to the end of the book and by then you will find yourself so invested in the book that you will want to continue to read it.

This book is full of action, suspense and an entertaining story. If Jason Bourne was recruited as a teen and then wrote a journal of the missions he was sent on and how his life started to unfold and unravel, I think it would be similar to what Shane has written here. I cannot wait for the next book, I need to know what happens next and how the story develops. If you like action, suspense and a great assassin type story, mark September 8, 2011 on your calender and pick this book up.

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Sep 30, 2011 Ivan Wohner rated it 2 of 5 stars

An interesting premise, but poorly executed, Children of Paranoia reveals a shadow war, centuries old where the combatants blindly devote their lives to killing unidentified foes for unknown reasons. A page turner in the sense that things kept happening, but there was an emptiness in the writing. Written to keep an air of mystery, the lack of concrete information about the over-arching situation left me feeling like the 16 year-olds that were first introduced to the war. Unfortunately for me, I...more

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Sep 29, 2011 Allison Kraft rated it 2 of 5 stars

I don't like to write bad reviews, so this is all I'm going to say about why I didn't like this book as much as I expected.

It's the first in a trilogy, so I get that the author can't wrap up every loose end in the first book. But this one frustrated me because I got to the end and nothing at all had been explained. I had no more information about "The War" than I did on page 1, other than the rumors the soldiers heard, which didn't explain anything very well even if they were true. I kept thinki...more

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Sep 27, 2011 LORI CASWELL rated it 5 of 5 stars

All wars have rules!
1. No killing innocent bystanders.
2. No killing anyone under the age of eighteen.
3. Have a child before you are eighteen, the child must be turned over to the other side.
BREAK THE RULES YOU BECOME THE TARGET!

Children are indoctrinated at the age of 16 and begin their war training. On their eighteenth birthday they become the hunters and the hunted in the war of "us" vs. "them".

The war has gone on for generations, fought all over the world, with two distinct sides "good" and...more All wars have rules!
1. No killing innocent bystanders.
2. No killing anyone under the age of eighteen.
3. Have a child before you are eighteen, the child must be turned over to the other side.
BREAK THE RULES YOU BECOME THE TARGET!

Children are indoctrinated at the age of 16 and begin their war training. On their eighteenth birthday they become the hunters and the hunted in the war of "us" vs. "them".

The war has gone on for generations, fought all over the world, with two distinct sides "good" and "evil". The terms vary based on which side you are on. Reasons for the war change depending on who you ask. Every killing is done in way to look random or like an accident right out in the field of innocents. Plus the "us" and the "them" are not even clearly identified by those fighting the war. There is one rule everyone knows, Paranoia will keep you alive.

When I finished this book, I said "Wow" and then sat back to contemplate the story I had just read. The news is filled daily with crime, scandal, and war. Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, gang wars, drug wars, political wars, but to think a war like the one described in this book never entered my mind. Many wars are entered into without exit strategies or based on unclear information but the fact that this war has divided two factions without even a clear inkling WHY? scares me more than any of the other wars.

This book takes us with Joe on his journey in this war. It is definitely an intense suspense thriller that at times will have you on the edge of your seat, but it is so much more than that. Children of Paranoia is a book that will make you stop and think.

What really knocked me for a loop is that this is Trevor Shane's first novel. He has created the character of Joe with so many layers, it is almost like peeling an onion and there is still more. He also surrounds Joe with other wonderful characters that the reader becomes invested in with a few short sentences. Joe's mother is just one of those characters, her actions were both shocking and understandable.

This story is heart stopping one moment and tear jerking in another. Shane has created a masterpiece you will pick up and not put down until the final word and then you will say "Wow" and sit back contemplate this story and then want to tell your friends all about it. Just like I did!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Dutton, a division of The Penguin Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” (less)

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Oct 19, 2011 Louise / BetweenTheCovers MonsterMaX3 / Lou is Cullenized rated it 4 of 5 stars

REVIEWED by Louise for Between the Covers blog:

I won't lie... the blurb drew me in. But I had a few reservations after reading some early reviews. I'm so glad I didn't let them deter me. Children of Paranoia was non-stop action, intrigue and emotion from the first page. This book was such a surprising read for me... in the space of 180 pages, Shane had me caring about a murderer and the girl he loves, hoping things work out for them, and tensing in anticipation of the next plot twist.

Joseph is...more REVIEWED by Louise for Between the Covers blog:

I won't lie... the blurb drew me in. But I had a few reservations after reading some early reviews. I'm so glad I didn't let them deter me. Children of Paranoia was non-stop action, intrigue and emotion from the first page. This book was such a surprising read for me... in the space of 180 pages, Shane had me caring about a murderer and the girl he loves, hoping things work out for them, and tensing in anticipation of the next plot twist.

Joseph is a soldier in a war that's gone on for so many generations no one even knows what they're fighting over anymore. All they know is that the other side is evil. And that's enough to keep them going, to keep Joe going. Until he meets Maria and she turns his head, and then turns his life upside down. The back story we're given on Joe, on all of the soldiers, left me feeling almost protective of him. I worried during the fight scenes, felt exhilarated by his relationship with Maria... and lost my breath at the revelation of Maria's secret.

Listen carefully BtCers, because I'm saying it again... I am a character driven reader!! As I watched Joe's metamorphosis over the course of the novel, I was amazed. Shane wrote Children of Paranoia from the first person point of view, which should have limited the emotion of the book. It did not. The characters are well developed and thought out, their emotions ringing true and pulling you in. Watching Joe and Maria grow, seeing the changes in Joe's friendships and his relationship with his mother... these characters evolved so much in the space of this one novel, my mind is still reeling from the trip!

Shane's writing paints vivid pictures, allowing the reader to envision the scenes clearly, the minute details he puts in cementing them in your mind. His writing is fast paced and clear, the flow of the story never breaking.

I'm so glad to have signed on to participate in this tour, and am glad I didn't let my reservations hold me back from reading this book. From start to finish Children of Paranoia was a thrill ride, alternating between pulling on my emotions and making my pulse pound. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book of this trilogy, and what this talented author has to offer his newest fan.

Rating: 4.5 stars(less)

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Oct 30, 2011 Jay rated it 4 of 5 stars

I came across Children Of Paranoia while looking through the new release section of the local book store. It may have been the bright yellow cover or maybe have been the title written in large letters next to a blood drop that drew me to picking up this novel by the unheard of by me Trevor Shane. After reading the first paragraph of the insert, I knew that this book seemed right up my alley.

The premise behind the book was incredibly captivating, a secret war wages between two sides and the mem...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Theresa rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Children of Paranoia" is one of those books that I normally wouldn't have picked up, simply because it is a bit outside of my normal reading genres. After reading this book, I am so glad I did! Trevor Shane weaves a tale that is both extraordinary and believable, keeping the reader turning pages in an effort to find out what happens next.

First, I have to say that I have my fingers and toes crossed that Trevor is currently (or has already completed) writing a sequel to this debut novel. Seeing...more

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May 28, 2012 Lois rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Children of Paranoia" ("Hijos del miedo" en español) marca un prometedor inicio para una nueva trilogía distópica. Sumérgete en un diario repleto de amor, acción, asesinos y verdugos.
Bienvenido a una guerra oculta...
#1 Prohibido matar a transeúntes inocentes.
#2 Prohibido matar a nadie menor de dieciocho años.
#3 Prohibido tener hijos hasta cumplir dieciocho años.
¿¿¿QUE PASARÍA SI ROMPIERAS LAS REGLAS???

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May 04, 2011 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Imagine a world where it's kill or be killed. As a child, violence may touch your life, but you don't really know the reason why until you're sixteen. Then, you discover that everything you've ever known is false. Society is comprised of two factions - and your entire goal in life is to kill the other faction.

And that violence that hit your life as a child - yes, it was them - the enemy. So, you join the ranks. You assassinate your targets as directed, or you gather intelligence to locate the ta...more

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Sep 14, 2011 Stacy/GirlsInTheStacks.com rated it 4 of 5 stars

The rules, the cover and all the postcards I got in the mail (marketing from publisher) made me think this was a YA book.

I. WAS. WRONG.

This book is a heart-pounding adult thriller, a la James Bourne. And it was good, real good.

The first chapter is a bit macabre; the main character is killing someone. I know what you’re thinking, how can you relate to a killer? Well, you can. Joe is a solider not a murderer, following orders that he thinks will help bring peace between the two warring factions....more

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Nov 25, 2011 Michelle added it

Children of Paranoia is like the love child of Franz Kafka and Jeff Lindsay, of Dexter fame. A reader is taken on a whirlwind of a ride, where answers are few and far between, and all anyone really knows is just what few answers exist. Not for the faint of heart, even through the graphic nature of the killings a reader maintains a level of sympathy and respect for Joseph because he really does believe he is on the right side. After Joseph meets Maria and his world turns upside-down, sympathy tur...more Children of Paranoia is like the love child of Franz Kafka and Jeff Lindsay, of Dexter fame. A reader is taken on a whirlwind of a ride, where answers are few and far between, and all anyone really knows is just what few answers exist. Not for the faint of heart, even through the graphic nature of the killings a reader maintains a level of sympathy and respect for Joseph because he really does believe he is on the right side. After Joseph meets Maria and his world turns upside-down, sympathy turns into empathy, and the heart of the novel grows in strength.

War is a powerful motivator. More importantly, can anyone say that they ever truly understand the causes of or motivation behind wars while they are being fought? While some may be skeptical of Joseph’s blind following of his leaders and enthusiasm for his job, there is one particular scene that is extremely telling in its use of propaganda and emotion used to instill conviction in new recruits. One could even take this scene and its lessons one step further and identify it as the clever warning it is. Mr. Shane does not hit the reader over the head with his politics, but a reader is left with no doubts as to the concerns Mr. Shane does have about the manipulation of people by its governments.

The format of the novel is both unique and a great communication tool that only serves to intrigue the reader. It is not apparent, at least on audio, that Joseph is telling his story via journal entries, and this confusion adds to the reader’s sense of unease, which in turn builds even more tension. Through the use of the journal entries, Joseph is able to maintain his emotional distance while obtaining a level of intimacy with the audience that is more believable than an omniscient third-person narrator or even if Joseph had been “talking” to his audience directly.

The two narrators, Steven Boyer and Emma Galvin, are perfect in their roles. Mr. Boyer plays an excellent Joseph, as he is able to convey the dispassionate, almost ruthless demeanor appropriate for an assassin but lets the emotional turmoil with which Joseph struggles creep into various words and phrases. Ms. Galvin’s performance is simply heartbreaking. The switch in the narrative is a brilliant stroke on the part of Mr. Shane, and having two narrators capitalizes on this change to eke out as much emotion and pathos as possible. Combined, their performances make Children of Paranoia one of the better audiobooks of the year.

Children of Paranoia is an adrenaline rush of the best kind. The final chapters leave the reader simultaneously sobbing and pumped up, ready for action. The ending is at once a suitable conclusion to this thrilling read while also leaving the reader breathless in anticipation for the next novel is this amazing trilogy. It is going to be a long wait to find out what happens next.(less)

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Mar 21, 2012 Bissfan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Bissfan by: Feder

Joe, ein Killer, der in einem Krieg kämpft dessen Ursachen er nicht kennt ist meines Erachtens grundsätzlich eine ziemlich interessante Figur und ich habe mich wirklich darauf gefreut mehr über ihn, sein Leben und vor allem über den geheimen Krieg zu erfahren. Der Auftakt war auch ziemlich vielversprechend, ist es dem Autor gut gelungen Joes düstere Soldatenseite, seine Akribie und seine Fähigkeiten gut in Szene zu setzen. Die perfekten Voraussetzungen, um anschließend tiefer in Joes Seelenleben...more Joe, ein Killer, der in einem Krieg kämpft dessen Ursachen er nicht kennt ist meines Erachtens grundsätzlich eine ziemlich interessante Figur und ich habe mich wirklich darauf gefreut mehr über ihn, sein Leben und vor allem über den geheimen Krieg zu erfahren. Der Auftakt war auch ziemlich vielversprechend, ist es dem Autor gut gelungen Joes düstere Soldatenseite, seine Akribie und seine Fähigkeiten gut in Szene zu setzen. Die perfekten Voraussetzungen, um anschließend tiefer in Joes Seelenleben einzutauchen und seine Beweggründe zu erforschen.

Leider konnte ich das gesamte Buch hindurch keine wirkliche Beziehung zu Joe aufbauen und das, obwohl das ganze Geschehen aus seiner Sicht erzählt wird. Er schreibt ein Tagebuch für seine Liebste, aber die Gefühle, all seine Liebe die er beteuert, den Hass und die Paranoia die ihn antreiben und die er zu erklären versucht, wirken eher platt. Worte ohne tieferen Sinn, die mich als Leser leider kaum berührt haben. Obwohl ich erwartet hatte dass gerade bei dieser Erzählform die Gefühle des Protagonisten von entscheidender Wichtigkeit sind, blieben sie irgendwie auf der Strecke. Ich als Leser hatte gar keine Möglichkeit mich in den Protagonisten zu versetzen, das Geschehen mit ihm zu erleben, sondern mehr als unbeteiligter Beobachter zu lauschen. Etwas mehr Tiefgang was sein Seelenleben betrieft hatte sicher auch der Spannung gut getan. Denn dadurch, dass man als Leser keinen wirklichen Draht zur Hauptfigur bekommt kann sich auch keine wirkliche Spannung aufbauen.

Auch die etwas platte Idee eines Kampfes Gut gegen Böse hat nicht wirklich Innovatives zu bieten gehabt. Was aber auch der mangelnden Emotionstiefe und vor allem der fehlenden Hintergrundinformationen geschuldet ist. Zwei Gruppen die sich auf den tot bekriegen, ohne das die restliche Menschheit davon erfährt. Ein Ansatz der nicht neu ist, aber durchaus potenzial hat. Da aber weder der Protagonist noch sonst jemand zu sagen vermag, warum dieser Krieg eigentlich angefangen hat beziehungsweise immer noch andauert. Natürlich gäbe es noch die Möglichkeit, dass die geniale Hintergrundstory in ihrer ganzen Vielfalt in den folgenden Bänden offenbart wird und dann für ein großes Aha-Erlebnis sorgen wird. Auch dann wären aber wenigstens ein paar Informationen mehr schon im ersten Band angebracht gewesen, was sicherlich geholfen hätte der Geschichte etwas mehr Tiefgang zu geben.
Es ist wirklich etwas schade, dass sich so viele Mängel in die Geschichte eingeschlichen haben, weil die Ideen im Ansatz wirklich sehr gut sind und ich auch während dem Lesen immer wieder Potenzial gesehen habe, dass auch hin und wieder zu einer spannenderen Stelle aufgeblüht ist. Vor allem die immer wieder aufkeimenden Konfrontationen mit seinen Feinden dürfen hier nicht unerwähnt bleiben. Diese waren bisweilen doch ziemlich gelungen. Was auch dazu geführt hat, dass ich trotz der Mängel auch nie wirklich von der Lektüre gelangweilt, oder gar versucht war, das Buch einfach auf die Seite zu legen. Es war zwar keine Lektüre, der ich mit den mannigfaltigsten Emotionen gebannt gefolgt bin, aber dennoch fand ich die Lektüre interessant.

Der kleine Ausblick auf den zweiten teil der Trilogie hat allerdings dann doch eine erkennbare Steigerung vor allem im Bereich der Gefühlstiefe der Hauptfigur gezeigt. Sie wirkt nicht mehr so unnahbar und teilnahmslos wie im ersten Band, was mir wirklich Hoffnung macht, dass der Autor im zweiten Band das Potenzial seiner Idee besser ausschöpfen konnte. Daher kann ich sagen, dass ich – trotz all meiner Zweifel – den zweiten Band kaufen würde, in der Hoffnung positiv überrascht zu werden.

Fazit

„Paranoia – der Hinterhalt“ ist zwar sicherlich kein leuchtender Stern unter den Neuerscheinungen im Bereich Thriller, aber dennoch kann ich ihn auch nicht guten Gewissens als schlecht bezeichnen. Dafür finden sich einfach zu viele gelungene Ansätze in der Geschichte wieder, die die Lektüre des Buches meiner Meinung nach durchaus lohnenswert machen.(less)

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Jul 15, 2011 BlueTacoMan rated it 5 of 5 stars

All wars have rules! What a start! I almost put this book in my read later pile, I am sure glad I didn't.

This is not your typical war story, in fact we still don't even know what the war is about. It is a captivating page turning journal by Joe an assassin by trade. But it's not just a kill list. He is writing it so the love of his life and his newborn son would understand who he is and how they came to the place they are.

To be honest, I didn't really want to like Joe. He's a killer and killin...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Andreea Daia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, thriller, read-2011, tenebrific

******Full Disclosure**** This was an ARC copy, that was received through the GoodReads Advance program. I am grateful for the chance to have read this novel, which I might not have purchased otherwise.
------

7/24/11
I'm on page 243 as I write this first part of my review, but I thought I would write a few comments down before I forget them.

So far the reading had been mostly fast-paced and interesting. There is a war that had been stealthily going on for the last few hundreds of years. No one...more

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Mar 20, 2013 Shannon (Giraffe Days) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: speculative-fiction, 2013, thriller, psychological-thriller, favourite

Imagine a typical day in your life. You get up, get dressed, go to work or school. You take your kids to the park, make dinner, visit friends, learn salsa dancing. Now imagine that all around you, hidden beneath the ordinariness of life, is a War, an invisible War but a War nonetheless. You have no idea, but all those unexplained deaths? Assumed suicides? Shootings, stabbings, car accidents - they're not accidental, nor are they mindless. They're certainly not unexplained, just not to you.

There...more

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Oct 11, 2011 Amodini rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This is a dystopian novel, and an unusual one for me, since I hadn’t read a novel where the hero was an assassin. In the first chapter itself Joe kills a woman and the murder is described in quite a bit of detail. And while I’ve watched “assassin” films (a la Jason Bourne) and seen people kill each other on screen, reading about it is a whole new level of unsettling.

Joe then, starts off as a very unlikely hero. Still, the author manages to build Joe up as a sympathetic character, because he is b...more

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Aug 10, 2011 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

First off, thank you Dutton, Mr. Shane and Good Reads for the Advanced Reader Copy of "Children of Paranoia"! This was my first ARC and it did not disappoint!
I have to admit that this is not my typical choice of genre. So, I was slow to get into this book at first. That soon changed with the way Mr. Shane kept me asking why? how? was all this happening to the main character, Joe. Also, I kept identifying with many of the characters, seeing people I know throughout the book. My emotions ran the...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Shehreyar Khan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, different, favorites, mystery-detective

A great thriller--succinctly written and littered with brutal action sequences. Although the book raised more questions than it answered, I loved how it came back full circle. The narrator tells his story not to the you (the reader) but rather to a person named Maria who appears somewhere in the middle. His tone is ominous, even sad, almost as if he wrote down what he had to say, knowing he wouldn't be around to tell his own story.

The narrator, however, had almost no discernible character, and t...more

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May 22, 2011 Wayne McCoy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Joe is a soldier in a war and has been since he turned 18. The enemies are unknown to Joe until he receives orders to go out and kill one of them. Deaths are meant to look like accidents or random acts of violence. It's a war that has apparently been going on for quite a while, but there are rules.

Joe begins to doubt the reasons for the war and his role in it. Is he truly good, and is the other side truly evil? When Joe falls in love with a woman named Maria, his inner doubts and events in Joe's...more

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