The Annihilation of Foreverland

Aug 09, 2012 Marian rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-it-and-reap-reviews

This review can also be viewed on my blog: WheneverLifeGetsTough

Here's my review of Tony Bertauski's The Annihilation of Foreverland

OhManOhManOhManOhManOhMan.

The truth is, when I read the first few pages, I wasn't interested and psyched about reading this. I don't know about you but I wasn't a big fan of all those techy stuff especially alternate realities because the theme is just so... unreal.

I started to get into the book when I got a grip on what was going on, and by then, I still wasn't tha...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Yzabel Ginsberg rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction, young-adult, dystopia, requested-reviews

(Review done for {Read It & Reap 57} in the Shut Up And Read group.)

The new cover is really much better! ~~Although I really wasn't thrilled by the cover~~, the book's summary got my attention, and I don't regret picking it. It turned to be a pretty good surprise.

I got pulled in the story fairly quickly and easily. No dilly-dallying, no slow build-up, but the mystery from the start: where are those boys, what's happened to them, and what lies behind this weird island they're living on. I like wh...more (Review done for {Read It & Reap 57} in the Shut Up And Read group.)

The new cover is really much better! ~~Although I really wasn't thrilled by the cover~~, the book's summary got my attention, and I don't regret picking it. It turned to be a pretty good surprise.

I got pulled in the story fairly quickly and easily. No dilly-dallying, no slow build-up, but the mystery from the start: where are those boys, what's happened to them, and what lies behind this weird island they're living on. I like when something's smelling fishy from the start, and here I wasn't disappointed. The world built up by the author was believable, felt real enough, and its secrets were revealed with just the right amount of pacing in my opinion. As for the main characters (three for me, Reed and Danny Boy, of course, but also Zin), I really liked following their progress. They proved likeable, and resourceful in the case of Danny and Zin. And while Reed wasn't given that much screen time comparatively, I could feel his presence pervading the narrative all the time, his fate an impending Damocles sword. In fact, I felt that this novel offered more than just your standard YA plot, raising questions and darker themes that may appeal to an older audience too. Finally, a word about the few news clippings inserted at the beginning of each part: I think they are a nice add-on, distillating some information that made me wonder what character they were about. It wasn't too hard to find out, of course, yet it was enjoyable nevertheless.

There are a few things I couldn't wrap my mind around, though, and it's too bad, because there weren't that many, but they made me wince regularly enough (hence the 4-stars rating, but really, I'd have probably made it a 4.5 if GR had allowed it). A few uses of capital letters that I found jarring—I get it that they were here to illustrate a point, but no need to shout it in my face. Sometimes too the style was a little too abrupt, and the point of view tended to change abruptly too, which made things a little confusing in a few places. Mostly, though, what irked me was the use of the word 'son' by approximately everyone. I'd expect it from the Investors addressing the boys, but not from one boy to the other; it felt really weird every time it happened, and it happened often.

Other than that, it was a compelling story, and I heartily recommend it.(less)

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Jul 05, 2012 Jade Eby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Originally published at my blog Chasing Empty Pavements

EDITED ** I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new cover!!! WTG Mr. BERTAUSKI!

I'm going to be completely honest here and tell you I was not expecting much from this book. In fact, lately I dread starting self-published or author requested books because well... they just haven't been that great lately. But oh was I wrong about this one! Holy moly, I literally read this book in two sittings. It was unlike anything I've ever read and I'd say the best way to de...more Originally published at my blog Chasing Empty Pavements

EDITED ** I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new cover!!! WTG Mr. BERTAUSKI!

I'm going to be completely honest here and tell you I was not expecting much from this book. In fact, lately I dread starting self-published or author requested books because well... they just haven't been that great lately. But oh was I wrong about this one! Holy moly, I literally read this book in two sittings. It was unlike anything I've ever read and I'd say the best way to describe it was a mash up between Inception and Shutter Island.

The Good: This book had me hooked by the third page. It starts with a bang and doesn't waste any time getting exciting! The plot is completely fascinating, these boys wake up with a hole in the middle of their forehead and then they're told to go and play video games and do whatever they want to do but then they are forced in this room naked to endure torture before putting on a creepy device. The world building was incredible and the whole alternate reality thing was mind boggling. I loved the 3 main characters, Danny Boy, Zin and Reed. I felt like they were all heroes for different reasons and they really upheld the story. One thing I really liked was the interjection of newspaper clippings in the story. They were short but wonderful insights into the characters. The writing was well done, the pacing was fantastic and I kept on the edge of my seat the entire time! The twist at the end was awesome as well. Totally wasn't expecting it.

The Bad: Okay two major things bugged me about this novel and they were the reason I went back and forth on giving it 3 or 4 stars on Goodreads. First off, the characters all use the word "son." Like, "Don't do that, son." "Respect your elders, son." But ALL of the characters use it, not just the adults, the kids do too. And it's SOO ANNOYING!!!!!! It wouldn't have bugged me if it was in there a few times, but I'm tempted to go back through and count how many times the characters use it. I bet at LEAST a 100. It really really bugged me. Secondly, there's a part in the novel where we get a little bit of backstory on Danny Boy but it was SO unrealistic that it made the rest of the made up world seem realistic if that makes sense. Like the backstory the author put in place for this character seems totally fake, not plausible at all and thrown together.

Other than the two things mentioned, I really enjoyed this book and was so very impressed that it was a self-published book! I give it a B-!!!

**I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions are my own and I was not obligated to write a favorable review.(less)

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Apr 24, 2013 Tony Bertauski added it · (Review from the author)

In preparation for the release of Foreverland is Dead (Book 2), The Annihilation of Foreverland will be on sale for the next week.

0.99.

That's 77,000 words for less than an iced double tall nonfat sugarfree 180 vanilla latte at Starbucks.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-a...
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-An...

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Jul 19, 2012 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was given an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was actually given this months ago and I fell massively behind and have only just gotten round to reading it. I am making a huge effort to catch up at the moment, I feel bad I'm keeping everyone waiting.
Anyway, to the book. I don't mind accepting books from self-published authors, I've had quite a few and had some really good books that way, I am quite selective with what I will accept though. I didn't know much about this boo...more I was given an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was actually given this months ago and I fell massively behind and have only just gotten round to reading it. I am making a huge effort to catch up at the moment, I feel bad I'm keeping everyone waiting.
Anyway, to the book. I don't mind accepting books from self-published authors, I've had quite a few and had some really good books that way, I am quite selective with what I will accept though. I didn't know much about this book when I accepted it but something obviously called to me, and I sat down yesterday to read it.
Have you ever started a book and been thinking 'What the heck is going on?' whilst reading? I was like that for quite a bit of this book, and just when I thought I was starting to understand something would happen and i'd be all 'What?' again, but this was actually done in a really good way, at no point did I want to put the book down, it just made me even more intrigued and interested and I had to know what was happening, it only pulled me in further.
Danny-boy wakes up in a strange room with an old man leaning over him, he's told that he was ill and is in recovery, having had something done to his head. He is in a place to relax and get better again, always better! But Danny starts to notice things aren't quite right. The island only has boys on it and they are allowed to play computer games, go outside, play, etc no questions asked. Then the 'cycle' ends and the boys are sent to the Haystack where they are put through discomfort - almost torture before being given the chance to enter 'Foreverland', a place where dreams come true and you can truly do anything you want - fly, teleport, meet girls, anything. The boys love it and crave the escape. But Danny wonders if it is worth the pain, and what happens to the boys when they 'graduate'?

This book was nothing like my usual read but had elements that reminded me a bit of Alexander Gordon Smith (whose books I LOVE), and there was something about this book that I couldn't help but be drawn in by.
The 3 main characters (in my opinion anyway) are Danny, Zin and Reed. They each bring somehting to the story and really build up the world. Danny-boy is the spanner in the works, the one you know will end up being the hero but you enjoy seeing his journey there. Zin is like the side-kick who you just know will end up being kick-ass, but my favourite and probably most mysterious character was Reed. He has been on the Island the longest but has never once taken the escape in Foreverland, he is an anomoly and the men running the island want to know why he resists and try everything to make him accept. He isn't the full focus for a lot of the book, but his strong presence sets a feel for the book and you are always aware of him on the edges. He called to me and I would search the page waiting for his name to come up again. He is the one you really connect to- I want to save him, make him safe.
There are so many twists in this book that you are constantly on the edge of your seat. I love the added layer of 'Lucinda' - a strange girl who seems to stalk Foreverland, looking for a way out and a way to save Reed, and ultimately all the boys. It added a whole other layer of intrigue and she was a great character to read.
Reading this I was alternately Freaked out! (needles going into the boys brains, leaving them with holes in their frontal lobes eugh!) and hooked on the mystery and unable to look away.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this and although I expected to hate it, and when I think of what it's actually about it sends shivers up and down my spine, but you know what? I actually really enjoyed it, and the story still keeps nudging my mind, almost like the characters are friends that have gone away but are waving at me from a distance or sending me a quick 'hello'.
Definitely aimed more at boys, probably at least teenagers. Really good read.(less)

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Jun 02, 2012 Alyssia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopia, existential, read-and-review, kindle

I really enjoyed this book!

I mean, it was different. It was different than the dozens of books that one might read, one after another, storylines and characters blending together. I will remember it distinctly long after more popular novels have drifted away.

I read a review that implied that the book was meant for young people, and boys in particular - but I don't think that's necessarily true. I can imagine my 15 year old brother reading this book and enjoying it, but I can't say that he wou...more

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Apr 10, 2012 Katrina (Kindred Dreamheart) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-review, e-reader, epic

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Excuse me people. I’m having an old folk moment. I need to tell a quick story to express how I feel:

When I was little, I used to watch wrestling with my Great Grandmother (We called her “Big Ma”.) She is by far the oldest person I’ve ever known and feared by all. She was an axe wielding very tough cookie of a lady. (Seriously, no joke) Any who, she never cried! (Even when she chopped her big toe off one day chopping wood.) She w...more I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Excuse me people. I’m having an old folk moment. I need to tell a quick story to express how I feel:

When I was little, I used to watch wrestling with my Great Grandmother (We called her “Big Ma”.) She is by far the oldest person I’ve ever known and feared by all. She was an axe wielding very tough cookie of a lady. (Seriously, no joke) Any who, she never cried! (Even when she chopped her big toe off one day chopping wood.) She was always eerily clam. In fact the only thing that would get her hyped was when we watched wrestling. She would yell at the screen telling them to stop hurting our beloved Ric Flair. When I would change the station, she’d make me change it back. A few times she may even have been on the edge of tears, but just couldn’t look away.

This book was like the Flame....Mother-flipping GEORGEOUS, WOOOOOO! From the moment I picked it up, things looked bad.....I mean real bad. This book seriously freaked me out. I never expected a YA book to be so terrifying. I’m a self-proclaimed “know-it-all” and the fact that I couldn’t guess the events of this book scared me shitless. Yet, I could not look away. Like Peter Pan meets Tim Burton!

Imagine being this little boy waking up in a strange bed with a strange elderly old man staring down at you. Yeah he grinning and being all extra nice; but you don’t know who you are. You’re at this camp of all boys. Each has an elderly old man assigned to them. Nobody knows who they are and is just doing what they’re told without question.....getting needles stuck in their head. AGAIN....FREAKED ME OUT!

The words in this book were tangible! The characters were hopeless. I was hopeless. They were confused. I was confused. They didn’t know what was going on. Heck, I was reading it, and I didn’t even know. The author did an excellent job of keeping the reader in suspense. When things started to unravel and reveal themselves...Whoa-mama! Thanks to this book, I now fear old people! Here’s another book, I have no problem rating as “EPIC”!
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Apr 09, 2012 Rae M. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, young-adult, cyberpunk, read-in-2012, favorites-2012, 04-stars, thriller, indie, review-or-comment

Thanks to Tony Bertauski for sending me a copy!

Um, wow. Is my first thought. A good wow. A very good wow. This tells the story--well it's really hard to say exactly what it's about without revealing the big twist at the end! But it's quite a bit darker and more horrible than I originally anticipated going into it which is always a pleasant surprise for me, but it may put off others, just so you know. It's quite horrible, everything. Might even go as far as to call it a bit of horror. It's not "s...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Baisakhi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

In an island set apart from the world, a young boy awakens to an unfamiliar hospital room with no memory of how he got there. To make matters worse, he can't seem to remember any thing, not even his own name. It was only because he was called by the name Danny boy did he realize it was his name.

Things go from bad to worse for Danny. Everyone in the island seems part of this mysterious circumstance, yet no one questions it. And when they do, they are branded 'crazy'. Add to that the mysterious Ha...more In an island set apart from the world, a young boy awakens to an unfamiliar hospital room with no memory of how he got there. To make matters worse, he can't seem to remember any thing, not even his own name. It was only because he was called by the name Danny boy did he realize it was his name.

Things go from bad to worse for Danny. Everyone in the island seems part of this mysterious circumstance, yet no one questions it. And when they do, they are branded 'crazy'. Add to that the mysterious Haystack and you can tell Danny's 'spidey senses' are tingling. With Danny, the readers' tension also rises several notches.

After reading through numerous okay and passably good stories, The Annihilation of Foreverland was a book that kept me glued to edge of my seat. Fast paced and gripping, this intense thriller had everything required to make it a great book.

The writing was superb. Shifting from various points of views, the writer gives us a detailed narrative and information that sets us on edge, while consciously holding back others that, when later discovered, can horrify us. One particular style of his I loved was the way he used a single sentence at the end of a scene to give the whole scene a more sinister outlook.

Detailed outline made the world of Tony Bertauski feel alive. The first suffering in the Haystack, with the complete descriptions of the cold and the public humiliations intrigued and creeped me out at the same time. You cannot help but fall in love with the writing.

The characters were flawless. Whether it was the genius protagonist who masters the code, the guy who toughs it out against all odds and refuses to surrender or the sinister master villain whose plan, as it unfolds bit-by-bit, shock and horrify us to our very core - they were executed flawlessly...both through actions and dialogues. There was not a single character whose actions felt forced. That is, indeed, commendable. The secondary characters too helped create a new dimension for the story.

Then comes the author's story, his imagination. I just have one word - superb! The whole story had a distinct technological theme to it that only made me like it more. It showed us a new dimension to computers, and just how much the greed of men can manipulate it. You don't have to be a tech-genius to understand it, but I can assure you, after this book, you'll have a new respect for it.

If I had to nitpick, I would say I found quite a few faults with the grammar. It was very annoying to pause in the middle of the an intense scene to make sense of the sentence. But, in truth, they felt more like careless mistakes than an actual lack of knowledge. I recommend proof-reading the document.

But other than that, I loved the story. It had action, fun, and a whole new level of imagination brought to life with flawless writing.

I'm really glad I could read this book.(less)

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Sep 25, 2012 MrsJoseph rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, format-ebook, free-read, 2012-read, 2012-reviewed, did-not-finish-abandoned, sci-fi-fantasy, self-pub-challenge, thrillers, i-am-a-cover-whore

Well, I've heard a lot of good things about this book.

And I have to admit I adore this cover.

But I found the book to be rather boring and I couldn't summon the desire to finish. It didn't bother me so I gave it 3 stars.

I quit at 20%. Later I'll link to a review from my friend Caleb who enjoyed this book much more than I ....if he ever finishes his review (*pokes Caleb*). Link! http://papyrus.calebblake.net/2012/09...

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Jun 01, 2012 Amy :o) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopian, read-to-review-r2r, e-books

I was really excited that I got read Annihilation of Foreverland by Tony Bertauski. It was a read to review book. When I first saw the title, I thought it might be some kind of twisted version of Peter Pan. I read the synopsis and I was even more intrigued.

The book follows the story of Reed and Danny Boy and their adventure in finding out about Foreverland what Foreverland really is. It sort of reminded me of a cross between the movie Inception and a mix of other dystopian books I've come acros...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Annabel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cover-to-cover-challenge, weird-society, advanced-tech, creepy-people

This book was absolutely amazing! What I really loved about it was the concepts that were being explored (at least they were from my POV – which is quite possibly completely wrong haha). I was hooked from the first page and literally could not put it down till I’d finished the book. The story is set in what is essentially an island prison for lost boys. Each boy has an elderly Investor who is supposed to be some kind of caretaker – but with an extra side of creepy. When the kids wake up on the i

...more

This book was absolutely amazing! What I really loved about it was the concepts that were being explored (at least they were from my POV – which is quite possibly completely wrong haha). I was hooked from the first page and literally could not put it down till I’d finished the book. The story is set in what is essentially an island prison for lost boys. Each boy has an elderly Investor who is supposed to be some kind of caretaker – but with an extra side of creepy. When the kids wake up on the island they’ve been robbed of their memories and told that they’re there to have their minds healed and every single last one of them has a hole in the middle of their foreheads. And somehow – they’re all ok with it.

They spend the majority of their time mucking about, going to their version of school (without the pressure), working out and generally just being kids. Except that unlike pretty much any kid I’ve ever met – they’re all obedient to their Investors (who have the ability to electrocute at will – so I guess their obedience is understandable!), who ritualistically force them to participate in the ‘Haystack’.

Inside the Haystack (view spoiler)

And it’s this virtual reality that makes the book so compelling to me. Most people at some point in their lives will wish for a way out of whatever rut they’re in, just an escape from the day to day muck of life. And that is exactly what is being achieved through Foreverland. (view spoiler) – I really don’t wanna give too much away so suffice to say that by creating this virtual reality Tony is able to explore ideas like the fear of death, people’s need to escape, the idea of the ‘soul’ or (or at the very least the essence of a person that makes up their consciousness) and the corruption and greed that is present in society that makes a place like the island an all too real possibility.

The Annihilation of Foreverland is a fantastic book, something that can easily be read by adults and teens alike. It explores some pretty awesome concepts and keeps up the suspense so that even up until the final pages you’re not quite sure how things are going to play out. Read up and enjoy!!

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Mar 11, 2012 Delphina rated it 4 of 5 stars

WOW! What an interesting story! It was so different from everything I have read lately (and I read a ton). At first I was wondering if this would be a "boy" book. I know, there is no such thing as a "girl" book and a "boy" book, but I was still thinking it at the time. Basically, I was wondering if I could connect to a book with almost exclusively male characters. I was pleased to find myself connecting to quite a few of the characters, even those who were "bad".

I am actually having a difficult...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Diana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

It's for younger readers, how young I can't say. But young enough that I couldn't really get past all the boys. A lot of the YA I read, when I actually was one, was chick-lit because I was always looking for someone to relate to. Over the years I have grown out of that, but with this a little part of my 14 year-old self came back.
The characters caught my attention and I was very caught up in the story.
But they still acted like teenage boys.

Although I was able to figure out what was going on pret...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Stacey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this! It's completely not the type of book I'd normally read but gave it a try anyway and so glad I did. I finished it today and feel a little bit lost.

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Mar 28, 2012 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-to-review, sci-fi, ya

I really enjoyed this book - it was fast-paced, and just confusing enough to make it interesting!

The story made me think a bit of Cory Doctorow novels - where technology is so embedded in people's lives that it is frequently actually embedded in people.

The news bits at the beginning of the main chapters were a really interesting addition to the story (so often things like that simply don't work). The added to the story, giving more background about what is going on, and allowing the reader to pu...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Lilly Jean Bastian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow! Just, wow! (This will be a better review once I get past the "wow".).

Ok, now that I've had some time to let this book settle into my brain: This was one of the best books I've read in quite awhile! There were plot twists and turns that I never expected and blew me away. The Annihilation of Foreverland is one of the only books I remember thinking about a lot even when I wasn't reading it. I recommend this book to all of my friends that like sci-fi type books.

I am definitely a fan of Tony Be...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-on-kindle, men-i-love

“Peter Pan went to Neverland, but this is Foreverland, Danny Boy! We can do anything here. ANYTHING! There are no rules, no laws. Where gravity doesn’t exist if we don’t want it to. Where magic is limited only by our imagination.” -pg. 55

Danny Boy wakes up in a hospital room with a hole in his forehead. He can't remember anything. He is told by an old man named Mr. Jones that he is in a special rehabilitation center.

Mr. Jones tells him that they are on an island and that there's nothing but wate...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Let’s be honest, fellow Brave Indie Reader, when you download a free indie book without knowing anything about the author, your plans to kick back and relax with a good book for a couple of hours can quickly go swirlin’ down the ol’ crapper. You’re cautious as you tap-tap-tap your way through the first few pages. Don’t diss me for being weak, but despite being duped before, I downloaded The Annihilation of Foreverland solely on the title and cover art. No pouring over reviews or even the descrip...more Let’s be honest, fellow Brave Indie Reader, when you download a free indie book without knowing anything about the author, your plans to kick back and relax with a good book for a couple of hours can quickly go swirlin’ down the ol’ crapper. You’re cautious as you tap-tap-tap your way through the first few pages. Don’t diss me for being weak, but despite being duped before, I downloaded The Annihilation of Foreverland solely on the title and cover art. No pouring over reviews or even the description. I literally went in completely blind. What a pleasant surprise to find such a talented storyteller with nothing but my Kindle Fire and a wifi connection.

I absolutely loved the premise of this book. A group of teenaged boys on a beautiful island with everything they could ask for; unlimited food and video games, a comfortable room, no real school or homework. They get to do pretty much whatever they want. The catch? Every two weeks their handlers, or “Investors”, take them to the Haystack where they are stripped and made physically miserable until they take the needle — where they get to escape their discomfort in an alternate reality. Eventually, when they’re “healed” by their sessions in the Haystack they get to graduate, although none of them know quite what that means.

I won’t give away too much of the plot, but let’s just say it’s a well-woven tale with twists and turns that you don’t expect. You start thinking, “Oh, so THAT’S what’s going on,” only to find you are wrong a few pages later.

As I’ve mentioned before I’m a character-driven reader, and Mr. Bertauski does an excellent job of drawing me in with well-rounded characters that I cared about. Danny Boy and Reed’s plight kept me turning the page, and even the minor characters had my sympathy and/or disdain. Computer hacking genius Danny Boy goes into the needle to find answers and escape — real escape, from the island; Loner Reed refuses the needle with a Zen-like determination, visions of a lovely redheaded girl encouraging him to keep his resolve.

Having three boys myself, a 12-year-old, a teenager, and a college student, the notion that despite the discomfort of the Haystack many of the boys didn’t seem to mind it, even looked forward to it, intrigued me. The prospect of going “in the needle” and into foreverland, where literally anything is possible — like a virtual reality video game where you have every superpower you can imagine and as real as you sitting here right now reading this review – is just too much of a draw for most of the boys to resist. Would you? Tempting. Kind of like the lure of drugs, they know better but just can’t resist.

On the other side of the coin (or the island) the Investors’ motivations are a study in greed, narcisissm and the skewing of modern society’s moral compass. Again, you have to look at yourself and ask, “If given the chance, would I succumb?” Hummmm. . . .

While I think this book is geared toward the YA crowd, it is also a good, fun, easy sci-fi read for adults. I enjoyed the ride, and will encourage my sons to read it also.

Tony Bertauski is definitely an indie author to watch. He’s a wonderful storyteller with a unique imagination, and I won’t be surprised when a major publisher picks him up. Actually, in my humble opinion, I think The Annihilation of Foreverland would make a great movie.
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Jul 17, 2012 Persephone rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-science-fiction, computer-dystopia

This was a pretty awesome novel to read. There is a sense of confusion at the start of the book but there are clues as to which direction the book might head into. It reminded me of The Island with Ewan McGregor. (And in a strange way, Digimon, the second season)

There is an uncertainty as to why the boys are in the island. Danny Boy and his friends appear to be healthy and happy while there are old men who are just creepy (the word “pedophile” ran across my thoughts every now and then). For awhi...more This was a pretty awesome novel to read. There is a sense of confusion at the start of the book but there are clues as to which direction the book might head into. It reminded me of The Island with Ewan McGregor. (And in a strange way, Digimon, the second season)

There is an uncertainty as to why the boys are in the island. Danny Boy and his friends appear to be healthy and happy while there are old men who are just creepy (the word “pedophile” ran across my thoughts every now and then). For awhile, I thought the boys were dead or in a coma because they were isolated in the island. What I liked though about the uncertainty is that it slowly begins to clear up the more Danny Boy goes into Foreverland and explores the alternate reality/computer program. We learn at the same time Danny Boy is learning. The inclusion of newspaper articles was really well done because they clarified the background of certain characters and added new questions about the purpose of the island. The articles also served as a connection to the outside world and proved that at least the boys were real people who had lives before the island.

The purpose of the island is chilling because the boys are being tortured physically before entering Foreverland where there is no pain. I’m not going to give it away but halfway through the book, Bertauski will lead the reader in the right direction. (I was half-right in my guess about the purpose of the island, yay). There is this weird game that is played inside Foreverland that reminds me of a capture-the-flag game. The purpose is to win three times in a row so that the boys can enter Foreverland quicker for the next round. It serves the purpose of making the boys more addicted to Foreverland since they don’t have to go through the torture session.

Character-wise, I did like most of the characters. Danny Boy along with Reed are interesting characters. Danny Boy takes Foreverland and makes it his own while Reed refuses to enter the computer program. Reed has a strong backbone because he is tortured every single time that he refuses to enter Foreverland and it’s all thanks to a dream that warned him against the program. It is sad what happening to him but he gets his happy ending. The old men (all of them) kept their creepy factor all the way through the novel. The man in charge known as the Director was a megalomaniac who played God on the island. He wasn’t as creepy as he was disturbing because of his thought patterns. His reasoning for the island make sense on some level but he loses it in the end.

Overall, it was an entertaining novel to read. The concept of what is going to happen to the boys and their mind is in intriguing and disturbing at the same time. It raises an interesting concept of the separation between the mind and the body and which one can last longer when they are in conflict with each other.

*I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. (less)

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Jul 06, 2012 Danica Page (One Page at a Time) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, out-in-2011, asked-to-review, dystopia, science-fiction

My review appeared on my blog Taking it One Page at a Time.

Disclaimers: I received a electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: Intense. Brilliantly written. Dramatic. Suspenseful. Those are all words that come to mind when thinking about this novel.

I started into this novel not really knowing what to expect. It had been a long time since I read the synopsis, because it unfortunately took a long time to get to this one. But the second I star...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Lexie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to say I didn’t have a real idea of what Annihilation of Foreverland was truly going to be about when I read it, and wow it blew me away. It was so interesting, the plot twists were excellent, and the characters felt very well developed even.

The main character is a 13 yr old boy named Danny, better known as Danny boy. He’s an excellent hacker (makes me wish I had even a tiny bit of those skills) and is busted by the FBI. The next time he opens his eyes he’s on an island with all boys for...more I have to say I didn’t have a real idea of what Annihilation of Foreverland was truly going to be about when I read it, and wow it blew me away. It was so interesting, the plot twists were excellent, and the characters felt very well developed even.

The main character is a 13 yr old boy named Danny, better known as Danny boy. He’s an excellent hacker (makes me wish I had even a tiny bit of those skills) and is busted by the FBI. The next time he opens his eyes he’s on an island with all boys for “rehabilitation”. He has several memories, but can’t sort out what memories are real and what are fake. He also has a strange hole in his head, and a tracker sticking out of his neck. Sounds strange I know, but if you read the book it will all make sense…….
The boys have access to all of the latest gaming equipment, tablets, and classes aren’t real classes. Danny proves his mettle to all the other boys when he begins to play one of the latest combat games. His team all dies, and goes out and annihilates the other team. He has no idea how he does it, just that if came as naturally as breathing. Each boy has a “mentor” and Mr. Jones is Danny boy’s mentor. He looks after him, tries to encourage him, and makes sure he’s following the rules of the island.

While this sounds like paradise, there is a darker side to the island and the mentors. Every couple of weeks the boys have to endure what is known as the “haystack”. The boys are lined up, told to take off all of their clothing and locked into a small cage for 8 hours (they aren’t told the length of time) it’s sensory deprivation combined with pure torture. The temperature is cold, it’s humid and mist sprays down on them. All they have to do is insert the needle into the hole in the forehead and they are free of the physical torture and can do anything they can dream of in “Foreverland”. Who wouldn’t want to escape that pain into a world that they control?

One boy, that’s who. His name is Reed and he’s never once taken the needle as it’s called; instead he’s endured countless forms of torture. The Director of the Facility and the Mentors don’t like backbone. They want the boys nice and compliant. Danny is just that as he takes the needle. In fact, the book reminded me at this point of the movie The Matrix. As Danny navigates Foreverland he meets Lucinda a girl who exists in Neverland. She helps him navigate his first 3 times, but after that he really doesn’t need help. After his 3rd trip he starts to enter into the data stream, and he actually becomes the data in the system. He knows how to manipulate it, bypass it, and merge with it. And he never loses his self-awareness throughout the process. It’s something unheard of in The Facility. A boy that can become one with the data?! He can bring the whole operation crashing down.

But what exactly is the operation that’s going on here? Well, when a boy “graduates” smoke billows out of the chimney, the mentors aren’t who they claim to be, and no one is allowed to leave the island, except when they graduate. But why would smoke be coming out of a chimney when a boy “graduates”? And some boys just don’t work out, and disappear suddenly… It’s a race to find out exactly what’s going on, and only Danny can navigate the data stream. It’s a good thing he has some friends to help him.

This was an excellent read. I read it all in one day, because I was determined to answer all of my questions. Let me tell you, while I was right on some major points I was waaaaay off on others. SPOILER ALERT*I literally yelled “Noooo” when I realized that Danny hadn’t made it out of the program and help wasn’t coming*END SPOILER ALERT I definitely got some weird looks from the people around me, and I’m pretty sure they all tried to scoot away from me!

I would have never guessed the ending in a million years, especially with Reed. It was an excellent read. Even when I felt like it was part Matrix I still liked it, because it explained in detail what Danny was doing. That was fascinating to someone like me. It had some good fight scenes, but where the book really shines is in its strategic plotline and unexpected twists. There is some major suspense all throughout the book, so you don’t want to put it down because there is always something good happening or coming up.
Tony Bertauski gets my vote hands done for his excellent writing style. I easily read 10-15 books a week, and some are amazing and some just so-so, but Bertauski takes such great fundamentals of writing to the next level. I’m usually very good at anticipating what the back story in a book is, and what’s coming next, but this kept me on my toes. I loved it!! I’m going out to buy some of his other books, because this one was seriously that good. Trust me, if you like mystery, suspense, and action you will like this book. It’s worth the money and the time invested.
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Jun 20, 2012 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Danny Boy awakens in a hospital room with no idea how he got there or who he is. The old man sitting next to him is thrilled that he is awake and soon introduces him to his "camp", which is a group of 5 other teenage boys.

Danny Boy becomes quick friends with Zin who shows him around the island paradise. The boys are given freedom to roam the Yard, play video games, and eat whatever they want. The only catch is that every week they have to go to the Haystack. Inside the Haystack the boys are t...more Danny Boy awakens in a hospital room with no idea how he got there or who he is. The old man sitting next to him is thrilled that he is awake and soon introduces him to his "camp", which is a group of 5 other teenage boys.

Danny Boy becomes quick friends with Zin who shows him around the island paradise. The boys are given freedom to roam the Yard, play video games, and eat whatever they want. The only catch is that every week they have to go to the Haystack. Inside the Haystack the boys are tortured before they are offered the needle. The needle fits snugly around their heads and goes into a hole in the forehead. The needle transports the boys from the freezing room of the Haystack to Foreverland.

Foreverland is an alternate reality world where the boys can do anything they want. The old men on the island tell the boys that it's part of their rehab therapy to go to Foreverland. But while inside the alternate reality Danny Boy meets a red haired girl who gives him a message to take back to the mysterious Reed. Reed is the only teenage boy who won't take the needle and go inside Foreverland.

The more Danny Boy sees of the Haystack, Foreverland, and the old men called The Investors, the more he thinks there's something else going on besides rehab therapy. With the help of Zin, Reed, and the red haired girl, the team tries to find out why The Director and The Investors have brought the boys to the island.

This book was intriguing from the very beginning. There were glimpses from The Investors as to what is really going on in The Haystack throughout the story. Danny Boy and his friends act like typical teenage boys playing their video games and not worrying about the consequences of what is happening on the island. While the changing point of view is hard to get uses to, it helps us understand more about both the boys and The Investors.

The Annihilation of Foreverland is a fast paced book that will really appeal to teenage boys. The mystery of where the boys come from and where they go after they graduate will keep young adults interested until the very end.

I give this book 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.(less)

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May 22, 2012 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars

Review copy provided by author.

The island where thirteen-year-old Danny Boy wakes up should be every boy's dream--a tropical paradise, no parents, lots of other boys around his age, and plenty of time to play video games between visits to the ultimate alternate reality world, Foreverland. They're told that the island is a rehab center, and Foreverland is key to healing their minds before they graduate.They all have sockets embedded in their foreheads for the probe needle that transports them fro...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Sheila rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: coming-of-age, current_issues, scifi-fantasy, young-adult

Part Ender’s Game, part Inception, part Lord of the Flies, Tony Bertauski’s The Annihilation of Foreverland places young teenaged boys on an island, surrounds them with video games, fun food, and the world’s best teachers, requires they exercise body and brain, and even gives each boy an individual, elderly guardian to prove they’re wanted and valuable. But why are they there?

Some may have been in accidents. Some may have committed crimes. All they know is they’re here to “get better,” to become...more

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Apr 04, 2012 Valentina rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those stories that grabs on and doesn’t let go. From the very first page, it engages the reader with its quick pacing and unique storyline.
What I enjoyed the most was the way the characters related to each other. Their relationships, some which stayed the same, some which changed as the novel progressed, were nicely written, in a way that made them feel authentic. Something else that caught my eye was the way the “villains” were handled. In so many stories the antagonists are por...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Nikki (The Bibliomaniac) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everybody

Recommended to Nikki (The Bibliomaniac) by: ARR via Making Connections Group.

Danny Boy wakes up and finds himself in a doctors office with a band aid on his forehead. An elderly man is sitting beside him named Mr. Jones, proceeds to tell him that he, Danny Boy has had an accident, but that he is undergoing treatment and will be fine. That he is at a rehabilitation center located on an isolated island. Mr. Jones is Danny's "investor".The boys are pretty much left on their own in their own little groups. Beside some "classes" to keep their brains active and strong they are...more

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Mar 31, 2012 Claudia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. I wanted answers. I wanted to know what was going on with Reed and Danny Boy. It was an amalgamation of various things (at least in my brain)- Tron being the primary one with a dash of Ender's Game for good measure. But it really makes you think how far we would go for...well...you'll just have to read it.

Bertauski did a good job of reavealing the secret...slowly but surely we begin to uncover the secret of the island (no, not that island...more

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Mar 15, 2012 Nikki (Fiction Freak) added it

Four pages in, I was hooked. Why was Reed in the prison? Who was Reed? Who were all the other boys? Why six boys? These were the questions that started shooting around my head. My eyes were wide when I read the description of the cell. I could see all the scenes playing in my head, from the walls closing in to Mr. Smith’s leer (well, it didn’t say leer, but I could definitely see it). Everything was blurring, one memory overlapped the other. Some of those had to be fake, but which ones were real...more Four pages in, I was hooked. Why was Reed in the prison? Who was Reed? Who were all the other boys? Why six boys? These were the questions that started shooting around my head. My eyes were wide when I read the description of the cell. I could see all the scenes playing in my head, from the walls closing in to Mr. Smith’s leer (well, it didn’t say leer, but I could definitely see it). Everything was blurring, one memory overlapped the other. Some of those had to be fake, but which ones were real? Basically, Danny awakens only to be greeted by Mr. Jones who says that Danny had undergone treatment and that Danny was being sent to an all-boys’ camp. Danny, strangely, just goes along with it, not questioning anything. And when he tries to sort his memory? Disaster. He can’t get anything straight only getting hints from his mind which isn’t cooperating. Already, I could tell that this story was different than the others I’ve read.
I loved this story not only because of its unique plot, but also because of the dreams. Reed is resisting, but only because he has a dream (or memory?) of a girl telling him to “resist the needle”...so that they could be together. I’ve always loved stories where dreams have a significant part in the book. And obviously, there’s a bit of romance, so yay to Annihilation of Foreverland! The thing is, though, is that even though what the antagonists are doing is pretty psycho, they actually believe what they’re doing is right! So really, you can’t exactly blame them for their misconception. Well, until later on, that is.
Some strange things definitely happen…and some awkward things. But there aren’t many of those, so it’s all good. Of course, some things definitely creeped me out a bit, made me wince, but if an author can do that, you know it’s good. The process of going to Foreverland, and being explained what Foreverland was…well, just go back to the first page of the story, and you can guess who the Director is. And speaking of that…you also get some hint of who the red-haired girl is, and where Reed came from. I’ve always loved figuring out a book’s plot, but in the annihilation of Foreverland, it could go either way really.
I loved loved loved this book! I am so happy that I entered this Read to Review and got a chance tor ead this amazing book. There was the anticipation, the determination, the curiosity, the romance, the great protagonists…all those add up to one of the greatest books. I can almost safely say, that this book will leave you speechless! It definitely did for me.
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Mar 08, 2012 Tera rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-z-reading-challenge-2012, r2r

Ok this is a really great book. I was sucked up into the book and my feelings and thoughts went all over the place with each character and new scene. This book was so vibrant with description that it played out like a movie in my mind. Ok so we open up with a punch to our guts...no fading in gradually to the story. One step and you are sucked in.

The opening with Reed and the torment he receives in the Haystack and the continuous punishment he surfers. He is so much stronger than I think I could...more

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