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Swipe (Swipe #1)

3.78 of 5 stars 3.78 · rating details · 531 ratings · 180 reviews

"Apocalyptic dystopian fiction at its best. Angler's sharp wit and dexterity with political themes are matched only by the thrilling suspense on every page." --Lis Wiehl, "New York Times" bestselling author and FOX News correspondent

Everyone gets the Mark. It gives all the benefits of citizenship. Yet if getting the Mark is such a good thing, then why does it feel so wrong...more

Paperback, 275 pages

Published May 8th 2012 by Thomas Nelson (first published May 1st 2012)

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38th out of 85 books — 231 voters

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Jan 27, 2013 Jalyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 3-star, dystopian, winter-white-challenge, ya, reviewed

Brief summary
Logan lives in a world where everyone gets the Mark on their 13th birthday. It isn't exactly required, but if you don't get the Mark then you have no way of buying food or working a job. Basically getting the Mark gives a person the means to access all the things one might need. So why is Logan so hesitant about getting his Mark? It might have something to do with the fact that his sister left to get her Mark 5 years ago and she never returned. Logan has the right to be kind of para...more Brief summary
Logan lives in a world where everyone gets the Mark on their 13th birthday. It isn't exactly required, but if you don't get the Mark then you have no way of buying food or working a job. Basically getting the Mark gives a person the means to access all the things one might need. So why is Logan so hesitant about getting his Mark? It might have something to do with the fact that his sister left to get her Mark 5 years ago and she never returned. Logan has the right to be kind of paranoid and it doesn't help that he thinks he's being watched. The thing is...he's right.

What I liked
This book is slowly paced (I'll also say why I didn't like that in a minute) and there were points throughout the book where I appreciated that. I felt like I had more time to get to know the characters and the world that they lived in. I thought the plot was interesting and the world completely believable. Technology has come so far in just the last hundred years that I can believe something like the Mark would be possible in the future. As for the MC, I understood Logan's paranoia and I think that if I went through the same thing he did then I'd be worried too and though I usually like my male lead characters to be a little stronger, I thought that his feelings and reactions were realistic, especially for someone his age. Logan grew a lot as a character throughout the book. He's a weak, frightened preteen at the beginning of the book and a fearless, determinded young man by the end. I think he finds out a lot about himself throughout the story and though there were times when I kind of wanted to hit him, I did like seeing the changes in him.

What I didn't like
Like I said above, most of this book is paced kind of slowly. There are a few scenes here or there that I think are supposed to make us feel excited or nervous, but I kind of felt like some of it was repetitive and a little dull. I'd say that almost all of the good action happened in the last 30 pages or so and if the whole book had been that exciting then I definitely would have given this a higher rating.

Brief thoughts
This story reminds me a little bit of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, but I liked Uglies better. Swipe is not a bad book, but it didn't keep me glued to it's pages either. I'm hoping that with Logan's change of attitude and where he's heading that Sneak will be more entertaining to me. I think that I would have liked this story a whole lot more if it would have been written from Blake's point of view. Maybe the problem is me and that I just prefer stories told from a slightly order POV. (less)

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May 20, 2013 Seth Braybrook rated it 4 of 5 stars

The book Swipe by Evan Angler takes place in a post- apocalyptic dystopia called the American Union in the near future. This book is a great start to a great series. This book centers around a twelve year old boy named Logan Langly. The book is difficult to put down and is a page turner.

In a world where everyone must get the Mark on there 13th birthday Logan Langly refuses to get the Mark. The Mark is what any self-respecting A.U. citizen would want: without it it is impossible to buy anything.

...more

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May 21, 2013 Katelynn Heirn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Swipe by Evan Angler is a fictional, Action/adventure book based a few years into the future of America but it is then called the American Union. The main character is a boy named, Logan Langly, who is in search of his sister ,Lily Langly, who had gone to get her mark and never returned home after. Logan teams up with the new girl at Spokie Middle School, Erin Arbitor, to help look for his sister. Not only is Logan in search of his sister he feels as if he is being watched and listened to by a g...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Logan Langly is being watched. Everyone just thinks he is being paranoid, that is until he meets Erin. Erin and her father just moved to town because he is on some big top secret case and she figures the sooner she solves it the soon they can move back home. Soon these two team up and launch an investigation that could put both of their lives in danger.

I'm not sure if it was because Swipe was a middle grade novel, but I found some of the characters to be a bit immature. For example, Logan's bes...more Logan Langly is being watched. Everyone just thinks he is being paranoid, that is until he meets Erin. Erin and her father just moved to town because he is on some big top secret case and she figures the sooner she solves it the soon they can move back home. Soon these two team up and launch an investigation that could put both of their lives in danger.

I'm not sure if it was because Swipe was a middle grade novel, but I found some of the characters to be a bit immature. For example, Logan's best friend Dane got super jealous over nothing and totally cut Logan out of his life. He was rude to him and overall just a jerk. He didn't want to know the truth or want to talk about it. It was hard for me to come to the mindset of the characters being younger and therefore being extremely impulsive. Erin didn't really care about anyone but herself and seemed like she just wanted an adventure. I didn't actually like her very much, because it never seemed like she wanted to help Logan, instead she just wanted the thrill of finding out what was happening to the missing kids. Logan on the other hand was the only character I did like. He was a genuinely good kid and nice person. As much as everyone thought he was crazy, he new what he believed was true and he stood his ground. He really grew as a character throughout the novel and by the end he was quite brave and daring.

Even though these characters were not my favorite, they were memorable and seemed to work well with the plot. I liked that the story wasn't completely predictable, instead having some unexpected twists at the end which will lead nicely into the next novel in the series. The narrator, Barrie Buckner, did a good job, but I wasn't fond of his voice for Erin. It felt forced and a little manly. Otherwise though, he kept me engaged and interested throughout the entire story.

I like the concept behind Swipe, but I wish that Evan Angler would have gone into more world building in this dystopian-like novel. I want to know why society is the way it is now and why the need to be marked. Hopefully this will be covered in the rest of the series.
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Feb 14, 2013 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Enter the world of Logan Langley- a time in the future, the specifics of which are not revealed, but much has changed. He is 13 years old and about to receive the "Mark" (Read- mark of the beast of Revelation) There is, however a conflict. His sister, many years ago went to receive the mark and never returned. Additionally, Logan has the strange feeling that he's being watched and followed. Along with his new, more sophisticated friend from the capitol of the new nation, Evan will seek to figure...more Enter the world of Logan Langley- a time in the future, the specifics of which are not revealed, but much has changed. He is 13 years old and about to receive the "Mark" (Read- mark of the beast of Revelation) There is, however a conflict. His sister, many years ago went to receive the mark and never returned. Additionally, Logan has the strange feeling that he's being watched and followed. Along with his new, more sophisticated friend from the capitol of the new nation, Evan will seek to figure out what in the world is going on- before its too late.

Ok, so I'm not a fiction reader much at all. Honestly, i read for information. I watch television for pleasure! That's not even entirely true, because I DO enjoy reading for information. Anyway, I got this book from Book Sneeze on a whim, having been a fan of the "Left Behind" series years ago. And what i found when i added this ebook to my ipod was quite a page turner. In the genre of apocalyptic dystopia, this book is unique and inspired. I have to say, i was quite surprised as it wasn't what I was expecting. It seems secular in its approach- Christ was not mentioned at all, you'd never know it was based on a Biblical future event at all. The futuristic elements were cool and mostly pretty believable, though a bit Cliche. (nano ink, nano-this, nano-that) I really enjoyed reading this as an ebook in particular, as the couple times when i forgot who a character was, i was able to search the name and immediately come up with the backstory, where as with a regular in-hand book, i would have looked, and looked and eventually just given up.

Now, if you are like me, you will tend to get all cerebral and point out all the inconsistancies and microscopic flaws in the story, the semi-believable characters, the odd scenarios, but I found if i just kicked back and allowed myself to believe the story as it rolled out before me, I really really enjoyed it. It took me a while to get to reading it, but only about 2 days in between family obligations and late nights up reading to finish it. I read it and EAGERLY awaited the sequel to come out. I am giving this book a full 5 stars, not because it is perfect, but because it was entertaining and succeeded in holding my very fleeting attention, AND because I was so eager to get ahold of the sequel. This book is marketed toward middle school age kids, but I really enjoyed it. I think its range is quite wide, in appeal. I have no hesitation recommending "Swipe" to readers ages 11 or so on up.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com[...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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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Jan 24, 2013 Emily Rachelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is awesome. It's set in future North America (dystopian? yes, please!), where all citizens of the American Union can receive the Mark on their thirteenth birthday. Pledging to receive the Mark isn't required, but it's the only way to go to the movies, buy groceries, or do any other adult activity - so everybody does. Everybody except the Markless, who are dreaded and dangerous criminals.

But to Logan, the Mark creates a mixed reaction. On the one hand, he knows it's supposed to be the r...more This book is awesome. It's set in future North America (dystopian? yes, please!), where all citizens of the American Union can receive the Mark on their thirteenth birthday. Pledging to receive the Mark isn't required, but it's the only way to go to the movies, buy groceries, or do any other adult activity - so everybody does. Everybody except the Markless, who are dreaded and dangerous criminals.

But to Logan, the Mark creates a mixed reaction. On the one hand, he knows it's supposed to be the right thing to do. On the other hand, he is one of the few children who know that Flunkees - those who die during their Pledge - are real. His sister Flunked her Pledge five years ago. Then there's the matter of his paranoia; nobody believes him, but he knows he's been watched since her death. Things only get worse when a new girl comes to town and Logan becomes involved in a conflict of international proportions.

I love futuristic novels, and this one didn't disappoint. It's a fast read that holds your attention and keeps you turning pages. The plot was great, and the characters were realistic. I especially liked the parts where Logan and the new girl brushed with the Markless - although I won't say anything else. No spoilers here. :)

My only complaint would be the intended audience. The book is marketed to kids age 7-10; but, with the setting, characters, and events combined, I would be more inclined to recommend Swipe for kids ages 9-13. There's some romantic elements and complicated world building, although not enough to make this YA fiction. If you're a teenager who's not opposed to reading younger characters (like I am), then you're sure to enjoy it, too. I already can't wait for the sequel, Sneak, releasing this September.

While I originally chose this book just for reviewing purposes, my brothers and I recently started a family book club and chose Swipe for our first book. Since it was released just this month, there are no discussion guides available at the moment. So I wrote my own! The author himself has read and loves my questions; if you'd like to use the discussion guide yourself, just email me at newyorksnowflake@gmail.com. I'd post it here, but it contains some spoilers.

All in all, I give this book 4.5 stars and look forward to more from Evan Angler.

I received this book for free through BookSneeze in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.(less)

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Jan 04, 2013 Amiel Jansen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, books-i-should-really-read-again, with-reviews

For a dystopian novel, this ones quite compelling. It has that uncanny resemblance to Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games and another novel I forgot what is. Certainly not Stephenie Meyer's The Host.

The tale:
My sister-in-law, gave me an errand of buying groceries from the mall, that was December 29, if I'm not mistaken. And I've got that habit of visiting this cheap bookshop every time I went to the mall. Fortunately, "judge a book by its title (and cover)" paid off when I saw the book. It was ch...more

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Dec 19, 2012 Mara Kim rated it 3 of 5 stars

For some reason, I thought this book was about the Mark of the Beast. And I was intrigued because Logan is coming up on his 13th birthday and it was going to be his turn. They do need the Mark for employment, shopping, and even transportation. But, the book seemed to go in a different direction than I anticipated.

There were people that were considered `unmarked' and lived in a different place than the ones who were marked or had not yet reached 13. Logan's sister was snatched on the day she was...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Nolatari rated it 3 of 5 stars

SWIPE has its focus on young man living in a futuristic society in which all humanity is required to receive a Mark in order to function as a productive member of society. Without this mark a person cannot own property, purchase goods, or retain any civil rights whatsoever. In effect, this mark enables people to go about their business as usual, but without the mark they are labeled worthless beings and swept to the rundown areas on the fringes of society. To a Christian, this story is all-too-f...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Swipe is the first book in the Swipe Series by author Evan Angler. Swipe tells about Logan, a 12 year old boy who is paranoid that someone is watching him . . . unfortunately he's right - he IS being watched.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It reminded me a little of the "Left Behind" series, but was different enough to capture and keep my interest on it's own. A well-written, intriguing adventure set in a time after civilization has been at war again, and everyone has been offered a "Mark" which...more

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Aug 19, 2012 Anafielle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-fantasy

Great first novel from a new YA author. I really enjoyed it.

The writing style is really, really polished. I think Angler is just technically a better writer than most people working in this genre right now. Every sentence was perfectly crafted. The action keeps you on the edge of your seat, but nothing here is extraneous-- the whole thing was a pleasure to read. His world was imagined very well, and was very fun and futuristic while being just familiar enough. The mystery with the Marks is a lo...more Great first novel from a new YA author. I really enjoyed it.

The writing style is really, really polished. I think Angler is just technically a better writer than most people working in this genre right now. Every sentence was perfectly crafted. The action keeps you on the edge of your seat, but nothing here is extraneous-- the whole thing was a pleasure to read. His world was imagined very well, and was very fun and futuristic while being just familiar enough. The mystery with the Marks is a lot more complicated than the simplistic summary above makes it sound. He sprinkles clues in and makes them just obvious enough without making them too obvious. Fun read from start to finish.

I have some really minor complaints: first, I "read" these characters as being much more teenage than preteen. Could just be me though, and maybe I don't remember what I was like when I was 12! Also, speaking of the kids, I agree with some of the other reviews here that complain that not every character was really easy to get to know-- Logan and Erin were great, but I honestly didn't really get a good feel for any of their school age friends, or the Unmarked ones like Blake.

On the other hand, this was a rare surprise: the adults and parents are very memorable. Mostly in this genre, characters over the age of 18 are cookie cutters that exist basically to further the plot. Not true in this book- even though most of them are pretty minor supporting characters, just about all of the adults were sympathetic and well realized people. Really nice there.

I gave this five stars because it deserves all five.

This book is GREAT. A lot of YA novels are just fun, simple plots - adult fare lite, basically. Swipe is not lite fare. This book is a fun read, but it's full of powerful questions too. Exactly what YA novels should be like, from start to finish.

I cannot wait to read more from him ... mostly I'm pretty glad the second one is due so soon because I need to know what happens next!!

Highly recommended. (less)

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Jun 23, 2012 Meagan Myhren-bennett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure

SWIPE
by Evan Angler

Life as you know it is about to change. Maybe not tomorrow or even next year, but change is coming and you won't like it....

The Total War almost ended everything until the Unity. Shortly after Logan Langley's birth the Mark Program was instituted in the American Union and now just a couple months shy of his thirteenth birthday world unity is looking very likely.

Logan is nervous about getting his Mark and taking the Pledge because of his sister Lily who never returned when she...more SWIPE
by Evan Angler

Life as you know it is about to change. Maybe not tomorrow or even next year, but change is coming and you won't like it....

The Total War almost ended everything until the Unity. Shortly after Logan Langley's birth the Mark Program was instituted in the American Union and now just a couple months shy of his thirteenth birthday world unity is looking very likely.

Logan is nervous about getting his Mark and taking the Pledge because of his sister Lily who never returned when she went to get hers. But if Logan doesn't take the Mark he won't be able to get a job, vote, or even buy anything.

But Logan is being watched by someone. It started shortly after Lily's death and the closer it gets to Logan's birthday the worse it is becoming! Everyone thinks he is acting out, delusional or paranoid. No one believes him until he meets Erin Arbitor the new girl in school and in Spokie.

When Logan tells Erin about the noises and strange happenings that have been occurring, she knows that this is her chance to get back home to Beacon City. Logan's experiences sound similar to something she read in her father's classified DOME files - files that just looking at could land her and Logan in big trouble.

But Logan isn't being watched by just anyone, it is a group calling themselves Dust, a term used to insult and deride the Markless. And Logan isn't the only thirteen year old in Spokie that is in danger. There have been kidnappings and more are expected so Dome is watching and looking for clues.

But the more Logan learns the more confused he becomes. Who has his best interests at heart and why won't his parents believe him? Will Logan join the Marked or will he become another rare complication just like Lily?

Who will you trust? Your answer will determine your future.

Swipe is an exciting can't-put-it-down book. In an unexpected twist Swipe sets you up for Sneak book 2.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher Thomas Nelson for the purpose of this review, a favorable review was not a requirement.(less)

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Jun 12, 2012 Jill Williamson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Logan Langly is starting school and is only a few months away from his thirteenth birthday. That’s the day when he can get the Mark, which will give him the full benefits of citizenship. He’ll be able to get a job, to buy things, to take the trains. But Logan isn’t sure he wants the Mark. Because when his sister went in to get it, she never came back.

What if Logan goes in and never comes back?

Plus, people are following him and he doesn’t know why. When a new girl starts school and Logan befrien...more

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May 26, 2012 The Haunted Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Ya & middlegrade readers

Recommended to The Haunted Rose by: YA Bound Book Tours

Shelves: swipe

Cover Thoughts-One of the best covers I have ever seen. It's original and goes with the book. It even shows what the mark would look like. I absolutely love it.

First Thought-I love me some dystopian! I like that summary too!

What I liked-The whole idea was awesome. It was original and like some crazy mash-up of Unwind by Neal Shusterman and Bar Code by Suzanne Weyn. The whole time I was picturing Peck and The Dust as these horrible disgusting unmarked people until the end. I seriously fell in lov...more

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May 26, 2012 Iola rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, christian-fiction, middle-grade, kindle, netgalley

Swipe is set in a technologically advanced near-future dystopia, in which all those over the age of thirteen Pledge their allegiance to the unified world government and receive the Mark, which enables them to vote, purchase goods, hold a job and a range of other ‘privileges’. The Markless, those who have chosen not to Pledge, are forced to survive on the edges of society.

Logan Langley will soon turn thirteen and take his Pledge. Most kids his age are excited, but he is nervous – his older sister...more Swipe is set in a technologically advanced near-future dystopia, in which all those over the age of thirteen Pledge their allegiance to the unified world government and receive the Mark, which enables them to vote, purchase goods, hold a job and a range of other ‘privileges’. The Markless, those who have chosen not to Pledge, are forced to survive on the edges of society.

Logan Langley will soon turn thirteen and take his Pledge. Most kids his age are excited, but he is nervous – his older sister, Lily, never returned from her Pledge, and he has had the feeling he is being watched ever since. As a result, he feels increasingly isolated at school, although the new girl, Erin, catches his interest. Although she is already Marked, she resents her new home, a result of her father’s promotion. He does Government work – for the Department of Marked Emergencies (DOME), who control the Mark programme and associated problems. Little do Logan and Erin know that their combined problems are about to bring them together…

As dystopian fiction, Swipe plays homage to authors such as John Wyndham. John Christopher and Lois Lowry, as well as the more obvious similarities to the Left Behind series based on their common base in the Mark of the Beast prophesied in St. John’s Revelation. Swipe’s futuristic world is well-imagined, with a combination of the new, the familiar and the adapted (e.g. the children playing rock-tablet-laser instead of rock-scissor-paper). I found that the early development of the world of the Marked detracts from the development of the characters and the plot, but the book improved and picked up pace as the story progressed.

Swipe has been described as “the Christian alternative to The Hunger Games.”

It isn’t.

Although I have purchased The Hunger Games trilogy, I have yet to read it (long story). But I know it is clearly aimed at a teenage (Young Adult) audience, both in terms of the themes and the age of the main characters. Logan, the central character in Swipe, is just twelve, which suggests its target audience is younger (Middle Grade). My view is that the level of peril is just too low to attract the typical teenager, although future books may well ‘grow’ with the reader, as the Harry Potter books did.

Overall, Swipe is a good read, set in a world where there is no war, no conflict and no religion. It’s a sound debut novel in a popular genre. Readable, interesting even, but not original or memorable like the dystopian fiction I read as a teen.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
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May 21, 2012 Bri rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-dac, arc, dystopia, sci-fi-futuristic, middle-grade

Logan Langley cannot help but be afraid of the dark. While other kids his age might poke fun at him if they knew of his fear, Logan knows that there is something lurking in the shadows, constantly watching him. He does not know who, and he does not know why, but he knows that someone is there. As his 13th birthday draws closer, he prepares to receive his Mark and make his Pledge, officially becoming an adult. However, his paranoia over the Pledge increases as recalls his sister’s disappearance a...more Logan Langley cannot help but be afraid of the dark. While other kids his age might poke fun at him if they knew of his fear, Logan knows that there is something lurking in the shadows, constantly watching him. He does not know who, and he does not know why, but he knows that someone is there. As his 13th birthday draws closer, he prepares to receive his Mark and make his Pledge, officially becoming an adult. However, his paranoia over the Pledge increases as recalls his sister’s disappearance after leaving to get Marked, and when he finds a wire in his room proving he is being watched, he begins to discover that not all is how it seems and getting Marked might be more dangerous than he initially thought.

Swipe is what I consider a ‘true’ dystopian novel. There has been an inundation of YA dystopian literature recently, but many of the books seem to have hardly any dystopian elements or the future world/people created are rather unrealistic. However, Swipe has abundant dystopian components, and the future reality of the world that Angler provides is so plausible it is scary. In fact, certain characteristics of Swipe remind me of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World (which shall forever be one of my favorite books). The world building is fantastic and it is easy to envision how the new world looks and functions. Angler does a brilliant job explaining how everything comes to be and I loved discovering more about this futuristic reality.

The intensity of the book picks up slowly until it is literally non-stop action and plot twists. The beginning was a bit creepy for me (especially since I am a big wimp who is still afraid of the dark at my age. I wish I was kidding *sigh*). When Logan felt like he was being watched and when he found that wire, I was literally shaking in my boots myself. Then the story begins to unfold, discoveries are made, there is plot twist after plot twist, and I found myself completely enraptured.

I liked the two main characters, Logan and Erin. I connected with Logan quickly (and for more reasons other than the fact that we have a mutual fear of the dark). He is a very likeable character who is mature and smart for his age. Even when adults tell him he is wrong or mentally unstable, he is steadfast in his beliefs, and I appreciated that about him. The same can be said for Erin. I loved the interaction between the two of them, and I thought their budding relationship was adorable. I am hoping to see more of them together in the next book!

Overall, this was a great read and one of the better dystopian books out there for teens. Swipe is listed as middle grade, but it actually reads more along the lines of a normal YA book, and I think anyone of any age will enjoy it. If you are looking for an engaging, fast-paced read in a well-crafted dystopian world, look no further!
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May 15, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour, kindle, review-on-blog

The world in Swipe is terrifying, innovative (even if the innovation did lead to a scary result) and fascinating! It's scary to think that this could be our future if things took a turn for the worse. Swipe is a MG/YA suspense/thriller that is really cool!

I loved Evan's descriptive writing. The attention to detail really made the story rich. I loved how he described houses as going up rather than across. Most of the houses have one room on each floor but can be over 20 stories high. (Because la...more

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May 13, 2012 Shae Carcar rated it 3 of 5 stars

Overall Thoughts:
I became kind of paranoid while reading this book... in a good way!

Swipe is about 12 year old Logan Langley who lives in a dystopian world of the Marked and the Markless. The people who are Markless are kind of looked down upon. When the time comes for Logan to get marked, it's kind of like turning 18 in the United States. You become open to a whole new world of opportunities, like voting! So getting marked is usually an experience that people look forward to, but not for Logan....more

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May 06, 2012 Debbie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: middle-grade

"Swipe" is an Middle Grade adventure novel. It'll appeal to both boys and girls, but it was written in such a way that I think Middle Graders will be the ones that love it the most. It's very exciting, with non-stop action as two kids get in over their heads trying to solve the mystery of who is watching Logan and why. The adults don't believe Logan really is being watched, but the kids have a good reason to believe some of the Markless have targeted Logan to kill him. In the process of investig...more

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May 05, 2012 Sandra Stiles rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopian, middle-grades

I loved this book. I am purchasing it for my school bookshelves. I think this will appeal to people of all ages. As an adult I can see our society headed this way. I can only imagine the fear Logan felt when his sister didn’t return from her trip to get the Mark. I was concerned in the beginning of the book that he was just being paranoid that he was being watched and followed.
Erin’s move to Spokie made me wonder why her mother did not come with them. Her father can stop a question from anyone;...more

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May 03, 2012 Coyle rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a post-post-apocalyptic novel (really the beginning of a series; [sigh] doesn't anyone write stand-alone sci-fi anymore?) set in a world that has been torn apart by war and now is being rebuilt by the "American Union" and its European Counterpart under the leadership of two charismatic generals. The foundation of this rebuilt world is the "mark", which everyone receives on the arm at their coming of age, and which enables one to enter into civic life (getting a job, voting, owning proper...more This is a post-post-apocalyptic novel (really the beginning of a series; [sigh] doesn't anyone write stand-alone sci-fi anymore?) set in a world that has been torn apart by war and now is being rebuilt by the "American Union" and its European Counterpart under the leadership of two charismatic generals. The foundation of this rebuilt world is the "mark", which everyone receives on the arm at their coming of age, and which enables one to enter into civic life (getting a job, voting, owning property, etc). Logan Langly is nearly ready to be marked himself, when he receives a message from a mysterious subversive group known as "the Dust", who want Logan to join their markless ranks. With the help of the new girl at school, the book is about Logan's attempt to figure out just what the heck is going on, anyway.

This book is... not nearly as terrible as I'd thought it would be. In fact, it was fun in its own way. Having grown up during the pinnacle of the bad eschatology craze within American Christianity (and I don't mean just Left Behind, though I do mean at least that), I was fully expecting this to be yet another poor interpretation of the book of Revelation exploded out into a poorly written political thriller. And to be fair, given that there are to be at least two books in this series, it may very well end up being that.

Yet, this book really didn't meet my expectations, and I mean that in a very good way. It follows through with its claim to be sci-fi, focusing on the technological marvels and new living conditions of the near-ish future. Everyone has a "tablet", through which information and communication are facilitated; almost all of life is automated (facilitating the saturation of the "mark" into all of society- you have to have a mark to activate everything from bank accounts to doors); and the whole world seems to be digitized. Books are a thing of the past (shudder), except where they molder forgotten in warehouses. While some of the ideas are simple, fulls marks to the author for keeping the focus on the sci-fi and mystery aspects of the work and leaving the theological stuff in the background. (In fact, there are only a few specifically religious references throughout, and the closest thing to a Biblical statement is the nature of the mark, which according to the picture on the cover is composed of sets of three numbers which all add up to six...)

I note this not because I don't like theology- I happen to like it quite a lot. I don't, however, like it when people write books with the intention of forcing their theology down my throat. Evan Angler does an excellent job of telling a story, and letting his theology express itself through characters and actions, not through thinly veiled credos and screeds.

So, long review short: this book is interesting and accessible. I'd highly recommend it to lower-level readers looking for an interesting (if simple) read. It's not great literature by any stretch, but it's certainly not trash either.

This book was provided free by Thomas Nelson publishers on the condition that I write a review. I was neither requested nor required to write a positive one.
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May 02, 2012 Jordan Mierek rated it 3 of 5 stars

I received a copy of SWIPE by Evan Angler from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. It is juvenile fiction – a mixture of middle grade and young adult. As I read, I couldn’t decide which age group it leaned toward, but I think thirteen and up would be best. Some of the topics, such as the oppressive government, might be too mature for children, even though nothing in it was really inappropriate.

In SWIPE, whenever someone turns thirteen, the government gives him or her a Mark. This Mark, imprinted on th...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2012

The Mark, The Pledge, The Dust - three parts of this new post-apocalyptic novel by Evan Angler. Thirteen is the new age of "adulthood" in the world destroyed by war, famine, and fear. This is the age when children are marked as citizens of the global union and pledge their allegiance. Now they will be able to get a job and buy things without needing a parent around. So, with the benefits, why is Logan nervous? His nervousness comes from the fact that his sister, Lily, "disappeared" after going t...more

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Apr 18, 2012 Jaime rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-the-kids

I enjoyed Swipe. The futuristic gadgets and the use of complete computer tablets and such was pretty cool and realistic. It reminded me of a younger, Christian version of Matched by Ally Condie with the whole technology thing and how the government controls those aspects.

The characters were good too, very resilient and curious. They try hard to figure out what is going on with this mysterious group of Markedless called the Dust. While some parts were a bit predictable, I still felt intrigued and...more

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Apr 17, 2012 Karie Hall rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a very good story, I liked all the technology and the back story, and the characters were good too. However, I picked this book to read because I am a huge fan of the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. I mean I knew about the "mark" and all that before I read the Left Behind series, but since that book it has really kind of been something in the back of my mind. And I guess that series kind of has shaped my beliefs and thoughts on those stories from Revelations, so m...more

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Apr 15, 2012 Charity rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Try for a moment to imagine living in a world that has been war-ravaged. One brilliant, or possibly evil, man has come up with a way to unify everyone on the planet – by having them take a Mark that is placed on their hand. This Mark allows them to be a citizen of the Union, allows them to get jobs, have access to medical care, basically gives them the right to live a life – and you get this Mark at 13 years of age.

This is the world in which Logan Langly lives. While not as violent as The Hunger...more

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Sep 14, 2012 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it 4 of 5 stars

After reading the synopsis of this book, I was so excited to get into. Finally a book that I know will give me goosebumps as well as the truth of the Lord.

First off, the plot is really good. I really loved the setting of the world that Logan is in. he is faced with lots of questions that he gets no answers too. He is searching for answer but his time is running out. The plot build up is sort of slow but quickly picks up the pace with much action by the markless. The world building of the fallen...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Julie Graves rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

The Mark allows you to buy food, go to concerts, get a job and be a productive member in a unified country. Everyone gets The Mark on their 13th birthday. There is nothing to fear in getting The Mark. At least that is what everyone tells Logan. But Logan’s sister Lily never returned from getting her Mark. Logan’s family was told that sometimes the process doesn’t agree with a person. Since that time Logan has felt like he is being watched.

Erin and her father move to Spokie from Beacon City. Er...more

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May 17, 2012 Marshiee Kai rated it 4 of 5 stars

More reviews at Books With Marshmallows

Well this book is quite amazing. It is a very thrilling read from the very first page to the end. There's never a moment where you can ease your butt from the edge of the chair because it was just that awesome! You will be wanting for more and before you know it, it's already 3 am in the morning! True story.

Swipe takes place in the future world where North America was torn apart by war. Really, why does the future have to always be war-torn? But anyway, he...more More reviews at Books With Marshmallows

Well this book is quite amazing. It is a very thrilling read from the very first page to the end. There's never a moment where you can ease your butt from the edge of the chair because it was just that awesome! You will be wanting for more and before you know it, it's already 3 am in the morning! True story.

Swipe takes place in the future world where North America was torn apart by war. Really, why does the future have to always be war-torn? But anyway, here comes the saviour, the 'American Union' who helps the people to get on their feet and rebuilt the nation. From now on, 13 is the new 'adult age' and everyone by the age of 13 has to be Marked. When you are Marked you are counted as an adult and you can do many things when you are Marked. Go shopping, buy ice-cream, using public transports, all in a Swipe of the hand.

Logan Langley was paranoid ever since his sister went to get Marked but never did return. He always felt like he was being watched. When the new girl, Erin moved to Spokie, Logan was fascinated by her. Logan went to talk to her not realising that he's going to talk, just too much. Everything just seem to be awesome since that. Erin with her specialty and nonchalant way are eager to help Logan. Soon they are speeding down with the rollerstick into a big, big exciting adventure and not so exciting trouble.

Yay, show time! I just love, love this book. I like Logan's rebelling side and I really want to know more about it in the next book. I also love/hate Erin for her intelligence. She can be a big help to Logan but she is not loyal enough. Sometimes she can be quite maddening when she is being in her 'I-Know-I'm-Right' attitude. But we have to give her some credits for giving Logan much needed help all the time. I am dissapointed in Hailey though. Why does it have to turn that way? I can feel Logan's anger and I am so mad at him for not letting it out. But I am always the drama queen anyway so I guess it's not the same.

Overall, this book is quite a blast and it manage to pull me through all the excitements and it ended up in one heck of a cliffhanger. Can't wait to read the next book ,Sneak! Recommended to everyone, especially those who loves dystopian.(less)

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Sep 21, 2012 W rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read

"I know you didn't ask to be on the front lines of this thing, Logan, but you are... Whatever Peck is doing, it's serious. Killing the Marked -- and attacking a DOME agent -- is serious!"

Logan has been nervous about getting the Mark -- a sign of citizenship and adulthood -- ever since his sister went to get hers and disappeared. When he tells his new friend, Erin, about what happened, she connects it with her father's top secret work at DOME -- the Department of Marked Emergencies -- and soon t...more

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About Evan Angler

Evan lives without the Mark, evading DOME and writing in the shadows of Beacon.

Swipe is his first book. But if anyone asks, you know nothing about it, and you didn't hear anything from him. Don't make eye contact if you see him. Don't call his name out loud. He's in enough trouble already.

And so are you , if you've read his book.

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“In an age of infinite digital documentation, paper was the last safe place for secrets.” — 10 people liked it

“The flame went out and fizzled in the puddle beneath it, and nothing remained of the note but a couple of charred, disintegrated tatters.” — 2 people liked it

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