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Deviant
Danny Lopez is new in town. He made a mistake back home in Las Vegas, and now he has landed at an experimental school in Colorado for “tough cases.” At the Cobalt Charter School, everything is scripted—what the teachers say, what the students reply—and no other speaking is allowed. This supercontrolled environment gives kids a second chance to make something of themselves. But with few freedoms, the students become sitting ducks for a killer determined to “clean up” Colorado Springs.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2011
44 people are currently reading
899 people want to read
About the author
Adrian McKinty
35 books4,366 followersAdrian McKinty is an Irish novelist. He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and grew up in Victoria Council Estate, Carrickfergus, County Antrim. He read law at the University of Warwick and politics and philosophy at the University of Oxford. He moved to the United States in the early 1990s, living first in Harlem, New York and from 2001 on, in Denver, Colorado, where he taught high school English and began writing fiction. He lives in Melbourne, Australia with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 10, 2020
Danny Lopez is new in the town of Colorado Springs he has been relocated from Las Vegas when his mom got a job setting up a brand new casino. Danny reads to me as a pretty unexceptional teenager, he has never known his father, can't stand his step father and is a generally mopey emo-ish teenager. He is a skateboarder, which gives him some distinction, and he has painted a Van Gogh sunflower on his board, so I liked him a lot more than the character may have merited and I did find him very convincingly written, he felt real.
Danny's mother (and I really liked his mom, working her arse off to try and make a better life for them all, deserves more credit) has managed to enroll Danny in a very well regarded local experimental school, Danny has had trouble in some schools and his reading isn't that great. The school is batshite crazy and a lot of the plot revolves around it, the students are not allowed to talk to each other, ever. The teaches are not allowed to talk to each other, ever. The teaching technique is to read scripted lines. The students must wear gloves as well as the rest of their uniform.
Danny has a cat, and cats are being stolen and killed. From the start the reader realises there is some sort of crazy, possibly witchy stuff happening in this town and the narrative slowly takes on a journey of who is doing what to whom, with Dannys adorkable teenage neighbour being some sort of focus for the crazy.
I sound lukewarm don't I? There was a lot that was good about this YA book. Like I said the characterization of Danny, our main character is really good, the plot is complex and is really quite unusual in a lot of places and overall I did enjoy this book. There were some things that didn't really gel for me however.
It is not the fault of the author or the book that I am incredibly sick of the stereotypical adorable yet quirky female lead, but it remains that the cute adorkables make me grit my teeth and hope someone reaches for a machine gun. Antonia 'Tony' is about 13, lives across the road from Danny's new home, in a suburb where apparently no one locks their doors. Tony wanders in and out of Danny's house as though it is her own, also into his bedroom while he is in bed randomly. At first, I thought there must be a supernatural explanation for this kooky (I hate that word), chick. That seemed the only possible reasoning that could be offered for this girl never having been arrested for housebreaking, hit over the head with a bat or at the very least walked in on a teenage boy jerking off. Nope, it just is what it is.
Next, the school. It is described as 'experimental' but I am pretty sure that human rights, teenage protection acts and general laws do still apply to experimental schools. This school is eerily incredible and I spent a lot of the early chapters wondering if this was meant to be for real or if there was some magical-realism explanation forthcoming. No, there was not.
Now, for me, the school was the most fascinating part of the book because while there is this serial killer of cats plot it was actually the problem of whether this school was actually possible that absorbed me throughout the book. Now, in Australia I am pretty sure that it would be illegal, but America? That is the country where some schools are forced to teach christianity and science as mutually exclusive and equally correct... The country that will ban a school library from having a true life story about penguins in a zoo, because it does not conform to the way they want the world to be... For all I know such a school may be possible. I was kind of fascinated.
For other people without my school fixation the plot is that Danny is introduced by the annoying Tony to a secret group in school who communicate using pages because you are not allowed to talk. Their rival group uses hand signalling. Danny's step father works as a chain gang leader in a local prison and one of the prisoners tells Danny and his gang all about how serial killers start on animals before escalation to human killings, he knows this because he got a criminology degree while in prison.
The unraveling of who is doing bad things to cats is the main theme, there are a lot of clues along the way and I was not really surprised by the ending. Danny gets to save his own cat, Tony's cat and Tony herself (boo) and there is a bit of a teaser-ish final chapter.
It's a good Young Adult story, it is well written, the characters are mostly believable and the scene setting is very good. Maybe it was just a bit too 'Young' for my reading taste and the coy attempt to blur what was and was not real left me a little impatient, but I hope lot's of other people will like it.
Danny's mother (and I really liked his mom, working her arse off to try and make a better life for them all, deserves more credit) has managed to enroll Danny in a very well regarded local experimental school, Danny has had trouble in some schools and his reading isn't that great. The school is batshite crazy and a lot of the plot revolves around it, the students are not allowed to talk to each other, ever. The teaches are not allowed to talk to each other, ever. The teaching technique is to read scripted lines. The students must wear gloves as well as the rest of their uniform.
Danny has a cat, and cats are being stolen and killed. From the start the reader realises there is some sort of crazy, possibly witchy stuff happening in this town and the narrative slowly takes on a journey of who is doing what to whom, with Dannys adorkable teenage neighbour being some sort of focus for the crazy.
I sound lukewarm don't I? There was a lot that was good about this YA book. Like I said the characterization of Danny, our main character is really good, the plot is complex and is really quite unusual in a lot of places and overall I did enjoy this book. There were some things that didn't really gel for me however.
It is not the fault of the author or the book that I am incredibly sick of the stereotypical adorable yet quirky female lead, but it remains that the cute adorkables make me grit my teeth and hope someone reaches for a machine gun. Antonia 'Tony' is about 13, lives across the road from Danny's new home, in a suburb where apparently no one locks their doors. Tony wanders in and out of Danny's house as though it is her own, also into his bedroom while he is in bed randomly. At first, I thought there must be a supernatural explanation for this kooky (I hate that word), chick. That seemed the only possible reasoning that could be offered for this girl never having been arrested for housebreaking, hit over the head with a bat or at the very least walked in on a teenage boy jerking off. Nope, it just is what it is.
Next, the school. It is described as 'experimental' but I am pretty sure that human rights, teenage protection acts and general laws do still apply to experimental schools. This school is eerily incredible and I spent a lot of the early chapters wondering if this was meant to be for real or if there was some magical-realism explanation forthcoming. No, there was not.
Now, for me, the school was the most fascinating part of the book because while there is this serial killer of cats plot it was actually the problem of whether this school was actually possible that absorbed me throughout the book. Now, in Australia I am pretty sure that it would be illegal, but America? That is the country where some schools are forced to teach christianity and science as mutually exclusive and equally correct... The country that will ban a school library from having a true life story about penguins in a zoo, because it does not conform to the way they want the world to be... For all I know such a school may be possible. I was kind of fascinated.
For other people without my school fixation the plot is that Danny is introduced by the annoying Tony to a secret group in school who communicate using pages because you are not allowed to talk. Their rival group uses hand signalling. Danny's step father works as a chain gang leader in a local prison and one of the prisoners tells Danny and his gang all about how serial killers start on animals before escalation to human killings, he knows this because he got a criminology degree while in prison.
The unraveling of who is doing bad things to cats is the main theme, there are a lot of clues along the way and I was not really surprised by the ending. Danny gets to save his own cat, Tony's cat and Tony herself (boo) and there is a bit of a teaser-ish final chapter.
It's a good Young Adult story, it is well written, the characters are mostly believable and the scene setting is very good. Maybe it was just a bit too 'Young' for my reading taste and the coy attempt to blur what was and was not real left me a little impatient, but I hope lot's of other people will like it.
June 22, 2011
I really debated about whether or not to review this book because I didn't really know what to say about it. It isn't a terrible read but I just didn't get into this as much as I would have liked to. The following parts of the review will be semi-spoilerish (I'll leave the big stuff out) to some people, so if you're wondering whether or not to read the book then here's my opinion: It's worth checking out as a library book & reading. I also recommend that you read the book synopsis below because well, the official book description isn't all that accurate. Those details are in the book, but not to the degree that the official synopsis makes it appear.
Danny's not happy. First his mother got married to a guy that Danny just can't stand and now he has to leave his home because his mother got a new job in Colorado. To make matters worse, Danny's new school is "special" in that everything is controlled. The kids don't just wear uniforms- they're also not allowed to speak unless it's from a script. Supposedly the incredibly controlling environment is going to help kids excel, but it doesn't stop schoolyard bullies from finding ways to pick on Danny & his new friends. If these stressors aren't enough, there's the neighborhood's tendency for dead cats. The adults swear that it's due to coyotes, but the kids know better. They know that there's someone dangerous out there & that it's only a matter of time before he makes the leap from animals to humans!
First the good. I really appreciated that the author took such great pains to research the stages that a potential serial killer would go through as well as what might go through their minds. The rather gruesome beginning to the book sets a dark tone for much of the book's opening. When it comes to details about serial killing, the author is top notch.
However, when it comes to details about everything else the author seems to come up a little short. Scenes that revolve around non-serial killer emotions tend to fall a little flat & I really couldn't help but feel that a few lines here or there would have helped out immensely. One such scene occurs later in the book with Danny & there just wasn't enough buildup to really justify such a scene, especially since it's such a complete opposite of things he was feeling & thinking earlier. It also doesn't help that the book's official description doesn't really fit the actions of the book's bad guy. If you're expecting this to be about a serial killer then you'll be semi-disappointed. The book is mostly about Danny adapting to his new environment, his stepdad, & his new friends.
I'm willing to give the book the benefit of the doubt though & I'll still recommend it, albeit as a library read. I can see this having a pretty large appeal to the male reading audience, especially since it's so hard for young men to find a book that isn't aimed towards teen girls or written for a far younger mindset. It's just that this didn't draw me in like I really wanted & needed it to. It'll never capture the public mindset like Pretty Little Liars did, but I have a feeling that it'll still find a good following.
2.5/5
(Arc provided by Netgalley)
Danny's not happy. First his mother got married to a guy that Danny just can't stand and now he has to leave his home because his mother got a new job in Colorado. To make matters worse, Danny's new school is "special" in that everything is controlled. The kids don't just wear uniforms- they're also not allowed to speak unless it's from a script. Supposedly the incredibly controlling environment is going to help kids excel, but it doesn't stop schoolyard bullies from finding ways to pick on Danny & his new friends. If these stressors aren't enough, there's the neighborhood's tendency for dead cats. The adults swear that it's due to coyotes, but the kids know better. They know that there's someone dangerous out there & that it's only a matter of time before he makes the leap from animals to humans!
First the good. I really appreciated that the author took such great pains to research the stages that a potential serial killer would go through as well as what might go through their minds. The rather gruesome beginning to the book sets a dark tone for much of the book's opening. When it comes to details about serial killing, the author is top notch.
However, when it comes to details about everything else the author seems to come up a little short. Scenes that revolve around non-serial killer emotions tend to fall a little flat & I really couldn't help but feel that a few lines here or there would have helped out immensely. One such scene occurs later in the book with Danny & there just wasn't enough buildup to really justify such a scene, especially since it's such a complete opposite of things he was feeling & thinking earlier. It also doesn't help that the book's official description doesn't really fit the actions of the book's bad guy. If you're expecting this to be about a serial killer then you'll be semi-disappointed. The book is mostly about Danny adapting to his new environment, his stepdad, & his new friends.
I'm willing to give the book the benefit of the doubt though & I'll still recommend it, albeit as a library read. I can see this having a pretty large appeal to the male reading audience, especially since it's so hard for young men to find a book that isn't aimed towards teen girls or written for a far younger mindset. It's just that this didn't draw me in like I really wanted & needed it to. It'll never capture the public mindset like Pretty Little Liars did, but I have a feeling that it'll still find a good following.
2.5/5
(Arc provided by Netgalley)
Read
January 14, 2012DNF.
I tried. I didn't succeed. I found the opening chapter exceptionally disturbing and thankfully the rest of the story didn't carry on from that POV because I don't know if I would have been able to get through it. It's about an unknown boy (not Danny) about to kill and mutilate a cat. Pretty gross. But it's written succinctly. It roiled up a pretty strong reaction in me. So the writing did it's job. But that's where it left me.
After that, it snaps into Danny's head but it doesn't stay there. The whole story reads kind of schizophrenic in that it's kind of limited third but it's talking in an almost stilted, highly educated voice that is not befitting Danny at all. And then it head-hops something awful. It's jarring to switch POVs from one sentence to the next. Very few authors can do it and have it flow. McKinty isn't one of them. It just felt all over the place, I couldn't get a grip on any of the characters and from what I was seeing, I didn't like most of them.
Danny's a bit of a jerk, not bailing out his step-dad simply because he didn't want to (the thing with the cops was all a misunderstanding, easily solved should Danny have opened his mouth). His step-dad is the token hippy guy with some of the most cliched dialogue I've ever come across. Danny's mom is just as cliched and is barely a presence in the story up to the point where I stopped reading (about 100 pages in). The interaction between these three is something out of a paint-by-numbers lesson on parental dialogue. It was painful at times to read.
Info-dumps are set up through awkward dialogue (everyone's guilty of this) and there's far too much name-dropping going on. And then the interjections with the mystery boy and his cat obsession were really weird and didn't seem to be going where. I get it. It's funky and mysterious. Get on with it.
Just the whole thing felt forced and it eventually became a burden to read. It got to a point where I was begrudging having to read it. That's usually a good time to stop. The plot had great potential and the set-up for the school was well-played. It's definitely a bit of a creepy place. But the overall execution fell short for me. I just felt the writing wasn't up to snuff and the emphasis was usually in places it didn't really need to be, and was grossly lacking where it should have been. Maybe the story got more intriguing but I couldn't tough it out.
I tried. I didn't succeed. I found the opening chapter exceptionally disturbing and thankfully the rest of the story didn't carry on from that POV because I don't know if I would have been able to get through it. It's about an unknown boy (not Danny) about to kill and mutilate a cat. Pretty gross. But it's written succinctly. It roiled up a pretty strong reaction in me. So the writing did it's job. But that's where it left me.
After that, it snaps into Danny's head but it doesn't stay there. The whole story reads kind of schizophrenic in that it's kind of limited third but it's talking in an almost stilted, highly educated voice that is not befitting Danny at all. And then it head-hops something awful. It's jarring to switch POVs from one sentence to the next. Very few authors can do it and have it flow. McKinty isn't one of them. It just felt all over the place, I couldn't get a grip on any of the characters and from what I was seeing, I didn't like most of them.
Danny's a bit of a jerk, not bailing out his step-dad simply because he didn't want to (the thing with the cops was all a misunderstanding, easily solved should Danny have opened his mouth). His step-dad is the token hippy guy with some of the most cliched dialogue I've ever come across. Danny's mom is just as cliched and is barely a presence in the story up to the point where I stopped reading (about 100 pages in). The interaction between these three is something out of a paint-by-numbers lesson on parental dialogue. It was painful at times to read.
Info-dumps are set up through awkward dialogue (everyone's guilty of this) and there's far too much name-dropping going on. And then the interjections with the mystery boy and his cat obsession were really weird and didn't seem to be going where. I get it. It's funky and mysterious. Get on with it.
Just the whole thing felt forced and it eventually became a burden to read. It got to a point where I was begrudging having to read it. That's usually a good time to stop. The plot had great potential and the set-up for the school was well-played. It's definitely a bit of a creepy place. But the overall execution fell short for me. I just felt the writing wasn't up to snuff and the emphasis was usually in places it didn't really need to be, and was grossly lacking where it should have been. Maybe the story got more intriguing but I couldn't tough it out.
November 28, 2011
There isn’t that much YA mystery novels these days where a good who did it or solve the case type of plot are the driving force behind the story. I think I’ve only read one other book in the genre, Clarity, which I didn’t really care for. I guess I can say that I’m not really a fan of the genre in the first place but I’m always optimistic if the writing’s good and the story has something I can attach to.
Let’s see, the writing. It’s nothing spectacular, I can tell you that much but at least it’s very easy to read, simple, and a breeze to just whip through the pages. The plot is rather fast-paced so you can get through this book in no time.
The plot was very predictable. I figured out who the “murderer” was a long time ago due to the very transparent foreshadowing and overly obvious clues that were dropped throughout the story. So, while it was a fun ride, it was kind of boring because you knew how everything was going to end. The way the main guy tried to solve things didn’t actually take much thought or preparation so I wasn’t too impressed.
I never really connected or understood any of the characters because they seemed to be so two dimensional or they would do things totally outside of their original set up. Plus there wasn’t much growth so for the whole thing we sort of had this plain, dry, and distant outlook of them which didn’t do much for my enjoyment of the book.
I thought the epilogue was I guess funny in a morbid, dry, ha ha sort of sense that I wasn’t totally expecting but then it felt forced. Like the author didn’t want to end things on such a neat and clean note and wanted to throw a random curveball out there to give it a more “darker” tone. Well, it didn’t work and I mostly scoffed at the heavy-handed tactic more than anything.
Eh, not that much to write home about.
Let’s see, the writing. It’s nothing spectacular, I can tell you that much but at least it’s very easy to read, simple, and a breeze to just whip through the pages. The plot is rather fast-paced so you can get through this book in no time.
The plot was very predictable. I figured out who the “murderer” was a long time ago due to the very transparent foreshadowing and overly obvious clues that were dropped throughout the story. So, while it was a fun ride, it was kind of boring because you knew how everything was going to end. The way the main guy tried to solve things didn’t actually take much thought or preparation so I wasn’t too impressed.
I never really connected or understood any of the characters because they seemed to be so two dimensional or they would do things totally outside of their original set up. Plus there wasn’t much growth so for the whole thing we sort of had this plain, dry, and distant outlook of them which didn’t do much for my enjoyment of the book.
I thought the epilogue was I guess funny in a morbid, dry, ha ha sort of sense that I wasn’t totally expecting but then it felt forced. Like the author didn’t want to end things on such a neat and clean note and wanted to throw a random curveball out there to give it a more “darker” tone. Well, it didn’t work and I mostly scoffed at the heavy-handed tactic more than anything.
Eh, not that much to write home about.
November 1, 2011
Ok,here we go.
First of all I need to say that it took all the strength I had to make myself finish this book because it just wasn't my cup of tea and after all I did got it before it was released.
I couldn't connect with the characters because the book was skipping from killer's point of view to the cat's in the very beginning which freaked me out because I don't have the stomach for any type of dead animals. I didn't get the feeling Danny was a teenager because he was acting like a grown up.
I thought the low rating here on Goodreads was wack but it turns out it wasn't. The cover is the only thing that is remotely interesting.
I do not recommend this book to anyone.
First of all I need to say that it took all the strength I had to make myself finish this book because it just wasn't my cup of tea and after all I did got it before it was released.
I couldn't connect with the characters because the book was skipping from killer's point of view to the cat's in the very beginning which freaked me out because I don't have the stomach for any type of dead animals. I didn't get the feeling Danny was a teenager because he was acting like a grown up.
I thought the low rating here on Goodreads was wack but it turns out it wasn't. The cover is the only thing that is remotely interesting.
I do not recommend this book to anyone.
March 18, 2017
Found this on the "worst books ever list"
I guess I'm nuts. I loved this. Weird and dark and VERY strange. Not for everyone but perfect for me. Guess I'm not normal :(
I guess I'm nuts. I loved this. Weird and dark and VERY strange. Not for everyone but perfect for me. Guess I'm not normal :(
February 24, 2022
Description: Danny Lopez is new in town. He made a mistake back home in Las Vegas, and now he has landed at an experimental school in Colorado for "tough cases." At the Cobalt Charter School, everything is scripted-what the teachers say, what the students reply-and no other speaking is allowed. This supercontrolled environment gives kids a second chance to make something of themselves. But with few freedoms, the students become sitting ducks for a killer determined to "clean up" Colorado Springs.
My impression: Okay, I will admit I went into this book with some trepidation because I had heard about the first chapter and how skeevy it was to basically be given a window into the warped mind of a serial cat killer. However, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (confession: probably because I decided that speed reading through it was probably a good idea), and after I got reading the rest of the story, I got into it pretty quickly. Danny and his friends decide to solve the cat serial killer case because the adults in town, including the police, won't take it seriously, writing all of the deaths off as accidents. What follows is a game of cat-and-mouse (yeah, I went there!), ending with the identification of the serial killer in the making - or does it? Nice twist at the end, I thought.
I enjoyed the writing and enjoyed the story. The characters were well written, and the pacing and setting were on point.
In summary, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anybody who likes a good mystery story with a healthy dose of suspense.
4/5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
My impression: Okay, I will admit I went into this book with some trepidation because I had heard about the first chapter and how skeevy it was to basically be given a window into the warped mind of a serial cat killer. However, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (confession: probably because I decided that speed reading through it was probably a good idea), and after I got reading the rest of the story, I got into it pretty quickly. Danny and his friends decide to solve the cat serial killer case because the adults in town, including the police, won't take it seriously, writing all of the deaths off as accidents. What follows is a game of cat-and-mouse (yeah, I went there!), ending with the identification of the serial killer in the making - or does it? Nice twist at the end, I thought.
I enjoyed the writing and enjoyed the story. The characters were well written, and the pacing and setting were on point.
In summary, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anybody who likes a good mystery story with a healthy dose of suspense.
4/5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 8, 2022
Well, that was quite a read. I’m not sure what I expected when I picked this book up, but it certainly wasn’t this! When I first started reading this book I wasn’t sure how I was going to continue beyond the first few pages, thankfully the point of view changed because it was rather disturbing. The book soon after changed gears completely and I was kind of left bored and confused. Overall, this book was all over the place and I really don’t know how I feel about it.
June 4, 2011
First Thoughts:
Okay, I went into reading this book knowing nothing about the author or much of the story itself. The first chapter really freaked me out, I mean describing in detail of the mind of a serial killer?! I mean come on, that's bound to freak anyone out. This was definately a strange book, the characters were too easily placed and seemed to get over these terrible incidents quite quickly and they forgave way too easily. But despite that it was interesting read and only took me about a day to read.
Summary:
Danny has just moved to Colorado where he is sent to this experimental school where no one is allowed to speak, and you had a strict schedule. A very controlled environment. Where secret socities blossomed and kids were vicious in their own ways. A very out of the ordinary school, controlled by one person.
Danny thinks its bad enough he's had to move here from Las Vegas but soon he becomes wrapped up in a mystery where cats are being killed and he fears for his own cat Jeffery. But soon enough he slowly gets close to the one who is responisble and puts his own life at risk. He'll have to step up his game if he expects to make it out of this alive.
Last thoughts:
Though I didn't particulary enjoy this book, it doesn't mean you won't. I say give it a chance and see what you think of it. Everyone's different. But I was totally creeped out and the secret ingrediant to the hot chocolate in this book, well let's just say I won't be having any hot chocolate anytime soon.
Okay, I went into reading this book knowing nothing about the author or much of the story itself. The first chapter really freaked me out, I mean describing in detail of the mind of a serial killer?! I mean come on, that's bound to freak anyone out. This was definately a strange book, the characters were too easily placed and seemed to get over these terrible incidents quite quickly and they forgave way too easily. But despite that it was interesting read and only took me about a day to read.
Summary:
Danny has just moved to Colorado where he is sent to this experimental school where no one is allowed to speak, and you had a strict schedule. A very controlled environment. Where secret socities blossomed and kids were vicious in their own ways. A very out of the ordinary school, controlled by one person.
Danny thinks its bad enough he's had to move here from Las Vegas but soon he becomes wrapped up in a mystery where cats are being killed and he fears for his own cat Jeffery. But soon enough he slowly gets close to the one who is responisble and puts his own life at risk. He'll have to step up his game if he expects to make it out of this alive.
Last thoughts:
Though I didn't particulary enjoy this book, it doesn't mean you won't. I say give it a chance and see what you think of it. Everyone's different. But I was totally creeped out and the secret ingrediant to the hot chocolate in this book, well let's just say I won't be having any hot chocolate anytime soon.
July 2, 2011
I'm not going to lie. I could have gone without reading this book and it wouldn't have made a difference. Right from the start, I did not think that the book flowed very well. Being an animal lover, I would have rather not read the first few pages. The book mentions a killer, but I was thinking a normal serial killer type. But the book isn't really about the killer, just about Danny trying to fit in at his new school. Besides that, there isn't really much else that I can say about it. Overall, I was a bit bored and disturbed.... I love YA fiction, but this really wasn't an interesting read to me. But, maybe if I was a teen boy, my reaction would be a bit different.
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November 3, 2011From the opening scene of Deviant, I knew this book wasn't for me. I didn't realize this book was about a serial killer, with vivid details from his POV. I was attracted to this book from the blurb about kids at an experimental school, and I must have missed the part about the serial killer. I admit--I was too big of a wimp to finish and had to stop about 50 pages in because being in the mind of a serial killer was too creepy for me. However, I think fans of this kind of book will find it satisfyingly bizarre and horrific. It was too intense for me, but then again, I like my happily ever afters and paranormal romances. For fans of YA thrillers.
October 14, 2022
Could not finish. 65% into this book and I still have no idea what the hell is going on. I love this author, but he shit the bed in this one.
June 29, 2021
I don't get the one star/panicked reviews to be honest. Granted - I love Adrian McKinty's writing style - appreciate that it's not for everyone - and it probably would have scared the crap out of me as a kid - Middle grade. But it is not gory or graphic - not disturbing or terribly suspenseful - just creepy and dark in an innocent way. McKinty is an excellent storyteller, in my opinion. Mostly to me this is just a really bizarre story about a kid growing in self-awareness and bravery -in a very Harry-Potter-ish way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2023
This book is different from much of McKinty’s other work, but it bears many of his hallmarks. The writing is excellent, though I did not need to use the dictionary or google Irish slang. This is targeted to a YA audience but it has the pace of a good thriller. Despite being targeted for youth, it does not shy away from serious content that delves into serial killers and animal abusers. Good character development, tight plotting and a fast paced thriller.
June 27, 2024
My reviews are what I think of the book and not the story of the book. So with that in mind, I bought this book not knowing it was a Y book, but it was very good. I really enjoy the authors, adult detective books. This of course was aimed at the younger crowd, very suitable for the 13 minus crowd. I think I think any youth would enjoy this book.
March 5, 2022
Not realizing at first that this is a YA book, I started thinking that it seemed like a Hardy Boys tale, but edgier and contemporary. And a bit flimsy in the writing for this author. After a “duh” moment, I suppose I must have mentally relaxed, in a sense, and found it quite engaging.
April 9, 2018
Ok ish. Deviant in many ways a deviation for McKinty. Not like his other books. Somewhat interesting. But not really my cup of tea.
December 25, 2019
I can't handle animal abuse.
June 21, 2012
Originally posted on my blog: http://libraryladyhylary.blogspot.com ! Check it out for more reviews!
Fifteen-year-old Danny Lopez has never been a model student at his Las Vegas school. Caring more about skateboarding than studying, his mom, Juanita, and his stepdad, Walt, hope that the move to Colorado will be good for him academically. Juanita has been offered the job of managing a new casino on the Ute Indian Reservation, so Danny finds himself in the small town of Cobalt, near Colorado Springs. Shortly after moving into their new house, Danny meets Antonia “Tony” Meadows, a pretty but quirky girl his age who lives across the street and warns him that the school he is going to attend, Cobalt Junior High Charter School, is different than what he’s used to. On his first day, Danny learns just how different CJHCS is. The principal, Mr. Lebkuchen, has instituted the Direct Instruction method, which requires that teachers and students follow a script throughout the school day, and forbids any communication between students of any kind on school grounds. Everyone at CJHCS must also wear stifling uniforms complete with white gloves. Tony introduces Danny to her friends, and he soon learns that the students at CJHCS have other methods of communication besides talking. Just as Danny thinks things couldn’t get any stranger, however, he learns that several housecats in Cobalt have gone missing, only to turn up days later ritualistically mutilated. Danny also starts receiving unsettling and cryptic letters from someone named “Indrid Cold,” and they seem to be tied to the cat killings. Convinced that there is a serial killer in Cobalt, Danny and his friends decide to find out who the killer is, before they begin murdering people instead of cats.
Quirky and unique, this tale from veteran crime novelist, Adrian McKinty, is certainly not for everyone, but will definitely prove interesting to many. Set in the fictional town of Cobalt, Colorado, the author’s crime novel background shines through in establishing the setting, the cast of characters, and the mystery surrounding the cat killer that is terrorizing Danny Lopez and his new friends. Squeamish readers beware, the story contains quite a bit of graphic detail concerning the cat killings, and cat lovers might immediately put the book down as the first chapter describes a (fortunately) nearly successful cat murder. The author takes the reader straight into the mind of the murderer (though the identity is left unknown until the end), creating an effective sense of foreboding as the killer begins to resent Danny and his friends meddling in the crime spree. The situation at Danny’s new school, where students have to be quiet and wear strange white gloves, takes a backseat to the murder mystery aspect of the novel, which is unfortunate since it was one of the most interesting parts of the story. Despite this slight shortcoming, however, Deviant has a lot to offer the reader, especially teen boys who will like Danny’s style of narration and the brisk pace of the story. The novel is definitely a departure from typical young adult fare, and bold readers should give it a try.
I have to say that, although I enjoyed this novel, I am not surprised to read that it received quite a few negative reviews. It definitely is not for everyone, but I think that many teen readers, especially boys, will “get it” like I did. The subject matter is, admittedly, unusual: serial cat killer stalks small town. I am personally a moderate cat lover, but I could see how someone who treasures all things feline might throw the book down after the first chapter in revulsion. I have to admit that if the animal was changed from cats to dogs I probably would do the same thing. Once the initial “creep-out” factor is overcome, however, there is a lot to be enjoyed in the story. I���m looking forward to seeing what Adrian McKinty comes up with next for the young adult audience.
Fifteen-year-old Danny Lopez has never been a model student at his Las Vegas school. Caring more about skateboarding than studying, his mom, Juanita, and his stepdad, Walt, hope that the move to Colorado will be good for him academically. Juanita has been offered the job of managing a new casino on the Ute Indian Reservation, so Danny finds himself in the small town of Cobalt, near Colorado Springs. Shortly after moving into their new house, Danny meets Antonia “Tony” Meadows, a pretty but quirky girl his age who lives across the street and warns him that the school he is going to attend, Cobalt Junior High Charter School, is different than what he’s used to. On his first day, Danny learns just how different CJHCS is. The principal, Mr. Lebkuchen, has instituted the Direct Instruction method, which requires that teachers and students follow a script throughout the school day, and forbids any communication between students of any kind on school grounds. Everyone at CJHCS must also wear stifling uniforms complete with white gloves. Tony introduces Danny to her friends, and he soon learns that the students at CJHCS have other methods of communication besides talking. Just as Danny thinks things couldn’t get any stranger, however, he learns that several housecats in Cobalt have gone missing, only to turn up days later ritualistically mutilated. Danny also starts receiving unsettling and cryptic letters from someone named “Indrid Cold,” and they seem to be tied to the cat killings. Convinced that there is a serial killer in Cobalt, Danny and his friends decide to find out who the killer is, before they begin murdering people instead of cats.
Quirky and unique, this tale from veteran crime novelist, Adrian McKinty, is certainly not for everyone, but will definitely prove interesting to many. Set in the fictional town of Cobalt, Colorado, the author’s crime novel background shines through in establishing the setting, the cast of characters, and the mystery surrounding the cat killer that is terrorizing Danny Lopez and his new friends. Squeamish readers beware, the story contains quite a bit of graphic detail concerning the cat killings, and cat lovers might immediately put the book down as the first chapter describes a (fortunately) nearly successful cat murder. The author takes the reader straight into the mind of the murderer (though the identity is left unknown until the end), creating an effective sense of foreboding as the killer begins to resent Danny and his friends meddling in the crime spree. The situation at Danny’s new school, where students have to be quiet and wear strange white gloves, takes a backseat to the murder mystery aspect of the novel, which is unfortunate since it was one of the most interesting parts of the story. Despite this slight shortcoming, however, Deviant has a lot to offer the reader, especially teen boys who will like Danny’s style of narration and the brisk pace of the story. The novel is definitely a departure from typical young adult fare, and bold readers should give it a try.
I have to say that, although I enjoyed this novel, I am not surprised to read that it received quite a few negative reviews. It definitely is not for everyone, but I think that many teen readers, especially boys, will “get it” like I did. The subject matter is, admittedly, unusual: serial cat killer stalks small town. I am personally a moderate cat lover, but I could see how someone who treasures all things feline might throw the book down after the first chapter in revulsion. I have to admit that if the animal was changed from cats to dogs I probably would do the same thing. Once the initial “creep-out” factor is overcome, however, there is a lot to be enjoyed in the story. I���m looking forward to seeing what Adrian McKinty comes up with next for the young adult audience.
October 5, 2011
I chose to review Deviant by Adrian McKinty because I thought the premise sounded interesting. With my background in psychology, I always love to read stories about troubled teens or "tough cases." Unfortunately, this description of the book seems to be misleading. The school isn't for troubled teens. It is an experimental school with strange programming, but it is a regular charter school.
I think it's pretty clear that I love books. Love them. I even love to love them. I hate it when I don't like a book, not just because it isn't a good reading experience, but because I feel bad for all the people who put so much work into the story. That's why this review is so hard to write.
I didn't like it.
And not one of those, "Oh, the story was good, but it wasn't right for me" kind of not liking either. It's one of those, "I really wish I was critiquing this as a writing partner so I could make comments about all the things not working for me," kind of not liking. :P
Okay, so let's start with the good. Despite the premise not sounding exactly like the above blurb, it is still an interesting one. There's a cat killer who we get to see into the mind of every few chapters. This creates a good sense of mystery and intrigue to balance some more mundane chapters. There's also a very strange school and the weird principal who runs it. The policies of the school and getting behind what's really going on there would be enough for a good story.
Now, the stuff I didn't quite like. Most of my dislikes can fall under the heading of: Does Not Sound Like Realistic YA. By that, I mean that the voice and the language didn't strike me as well done YA. I was painfully aware that an adult wrote this book. I mean, when was the last time a teenager described someone as a "valley girl?" The author tried to use updated dialogue on occasion, but didn't seem to use it right. For example, the phrase "made of awesome" is in there a few times. While this is a more current phrase, it wasn't always used correctly.
Also, everything is very clearly spelled out in a way that I found condescending to read. I'm sure this wasn't the author's intention and maybe I picked up on it more because I like to write, but I just wanted to scream, "Show, don't tell!" There was actually a part of the story where Danny does a mini psychological evaluation on each of the main characters (including himself). I realize, I am an adult reading a young adult book, but I think we need to give teenagers more credit for what they can pick up on in a story than this novel does.
Other than that, I think this story just wasn't for me. While the narration was mostly in Danny's head, it would randomly flip perspectives or go omniscent. Personally, I don't like that style, though others might. Also, I didn't feel as closely connected to Danny as I prefer to. Again, personal preference. Another nitpick that might not bother other people but definitely bothers me: there was product placement all over the place. Whether or not this was done intentionally, it bugged the heck out of me. These things alone wouldn't make me hate a story, but lumped together with my previous complaints made this story difficult for me to finish.
While I did not enjoy Deviant, I wouldn't write it off as a no-go for everyone. If it sounds like the type of story you like, I'd say read the first few chapters. They'll give you a good sense of what the rest of the story is like.
Overall rating: If interested, borrow it.
I think it's pretty clear that I love books. Love them. I even love to love them. I hate it when I don't like a book, not just because it isn't a good reading experience, but because I feel bad for all the people who put so much work into the story. That's why this review is so hard to write.
I didn't like it.
And not one of those, "Oh, the story was good, but it wasn't right for me" kind of not liking either. It's one of those, "I really wish I was critiquing this as a writing partner so I could make comments about all the things not working for me," kind of not liking. :P
Okay, so let's start with the good. Despite the premise not sounding exactly like the above blurb, it is still an interesting one. There's a cat killer who we get to see into the mind of every few chapters. This creates a good sense of mystery and intrigue to balance some more mundane chapters. There's also a very strange school and the weird principal who runs it. The policies of the school and getting behind what's really going on there would be enough for a good story.
Now, the stuff I didn't quite like. Most of my dislikes can fall under the heading of: Does Not Sound Like Realistic YA. By that, I mean that the voice and the language didn't strike me as well done YA. I was painfully aware that an adult wrote this book. I mean, when was the last time a teenager described someone as a "valley girl?" The author tried to use updated dialogue on occasion, but didn't seem to use it right. For example, the phrase "made of awesome" is in there a few times. While this is a more current phrase, it wasn't always used correctly.
Also, everything is very clearly spelled out in a way that I found condescending to read. I'm sure this wasn't the author's intention and maybe I picked up on it more because I like to write, but I just wanted to scream, "Show, don't tell!" There was actually a part of the story where Danny does a mini psychological evaluation on each of the main characters (including himself). I realize, I am an adult reading a young adult book, but I think we need to give teenagers more credit for what they can pick up on in a story than this novel does.
Other than that, I think this story just wasn't for me. While the narration was mostly in Danny's head, it would randomly flip perspectives or go omniscent. Personally, I don't like that style, though others might. Also, I didn't feel as closely connected to Danny as I prefer to. Again, personal preference. Another nitpick that might not bother other people but definitely bothers me: there was product placement all over the place. Whether or not this was done intentionally, it bugged the heck out of me. These things alone wouldn't make me hate a story, but lumped together with my previous complaints made this story difficult for me to finish.
While I did not enjoy Deviant, I wouldn't write it off as a no-go for everyone. If it sounds like the type of story you like, I'd say read the first few chapters. They'll give you a good sense of what the rest of the story is like.
Overall rating: If interested, borrow it.
August 6, 2011
Summary:
The remote Colorado town of Cobalt is known for only two things: its prisons and more recently, its school. Three years ago, a progressive school unlike any other opened its doors. In the controlled atmosphere of Cobalt Charter School, everything is scripted: the dress codes, the class schedules, what the teachers say, how the students respond, and when they can speak, which is almost never. Any parent unsure of how this environment would affect his child need only look at the school's academic record--among the highest in the country--to decide that this is the place for little Johnny or Sue.
Having just moved to Colorado from the bright lights of Las Vegas, Danny Lopez brings Cobalt's student population up to lucky number 100. Lucky for a killer lurking in the small town. Not so lucky for students allowed so few freedoms that they are now sitting ducks.
My Thoughts:
We all know that I love male protagonists in YA. They are so few and far between, and even less are done well. This is one of those rare gems where the MC not only entertained me, but he made me care what happened to him. Danny is a perfectly flawed character. In the opening chapters, I wanted to smack him. I kept thinking, "Dude, you're such a little punk." even though I sat snickering while he stood blithely by and watched his well-meaning step-dad get himself taken into custody by airport security and almost thrown in jail. All because the poor guy wanted to keep some dude from stealing an unclaimed bag. But, not to worry, folks. Danny learns and grows as the book propels forward, not in one giant leap at the end, but in inches and feet. It's gradual and oh so believable. So, when the action escalates at the end, you're pinned to the edge of your seat, praying that Danny makes it through alright.
And the parents! OMG, the parents! Kudos to Adrian McKinty for not hiding behind the over-used, sofa king irritating 'absentee/irresponsible parent' thing so often seen in YA novels. Yes, Danny's mom works so much, she practically lives at her office. But, she makes him breakfast every morning, relaxes with the family at night, and (gasp!) actually shows concern about her son's well-being. I know. I was shocked about that, too. And then, there's Danny's step-dad. Goofy, well-meaning guy. He just wants to get better acquainted with his wife's son. I almost feel bad for him when Danny brushes him off...well, when I'm not laughing at him for being sofa king gullible.
But, still. PARENTS!!!! I love it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Adrian McKinty.
In regards to the mystery, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I must admit that very rarely do I not guess the killer's identity right from the beginning. This was no different. HOWEVER. Once the killer is revealed, McKinty throws in a little twisty-twist that had me gasping in both amazement and horror.
So peeps, if you're looking for nail-biter of a mystery involving a few spunky kids, involved parents, and one crazy dude with a fetish for killing cats, you will definitely need to check out DEVIANT.
The remote Colorado town of Cobalt is known for only two things: its prisons and more recently, its school. Three years ago, a progressive school unlike any other opened its doors. In the controlled atmosphere of Cobalt Charter School, everything is scripted: the dress codes, the class schedules, what the teachers say, how the students respond, and when they can speak, which is almost never. Any parent unsure of how this environment would affect his child need only look at the school's academic record--among the highest in the country--to decide that this is the place for little Johnny or Sue.
Having just moved to Colorado from the bright lights of Las Vegas, Danny Lopez brings Cobalt's student population up to lucky number 100. Lucky for a killer lurking in the small town. Not so lucky for students allowed so few freedoms that they are now sitting ducks.
My Thoughts:
We all know that I love male protagonists in YA. They are so few and far between, and even less are done well. This is one of those rare gems where the MC not only entertained me, but he made me care what happened to him. Danny is a perfectly flawed character. In the opening chapters, I wanted to smack him. I kept thinking, "Dude, you're such a little punk." even though I sat snickering while he stood blithely by and watched his well-meaning step-dad get himself taken into custody by airport security and almost thrown in jail. All because the poor guy wanted to keep some dude from stealing an unclaimed bag. But, not to worry, folks. Danny learns and grows as the book propels forward, not in one giant leap at the end, but in inches and feet. It's gradual and oh so believable. So, when the action escalates at the end, you're pinned to the edge of your seat, praying that Danny makes it through alright.
And the parents! OMG, the parents! Kudos to Adrian McKinty for not hiding behind the over-used, sofa king irritating 'absentee/irresponsible parent' thing so often seen in YA novels. Yes, Danny's mom works so much, she practically lives at her office. But, she makes him breakfast every morning, relaxes with the family at night, and (gasp!) actually shows concern about her son's well-being. I know. I was shocked about that, too. And then, there's Danny's step-dad. Goofy, well-meaning guy. He just wants to get better acquainted with his wife's son. I almost feel bad for him when Danny brushes him off...well, when I'm not laughing at him for being sofa king gullible.
But, still. PARENTS!!!! I love it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Adrian McKinty.
In regards to the mystery, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I must admit that very rarely do I not guess the killer's identity right from the beginning. This was no different. HOWEVER. Once the killer is revealed, McKinty throws in a little twisty-twist that had me gasping in both amazement and horror.
So peeps, if you're looking for nail-biter of a mystery involving a few spunky kids, involved parents, and one crazy dude with a fetish for killing cats, you will definitely need to check out DEVIANT.
December 9, 2011
First I have to tell you how big of a sucker I am for books like this one. I love everything about these types of books. I love the mystery to them, the hardship between the characters, and the suspense in the story! Your classic page turner.
Danny Lopez is the kid in town. But he is not moving to New York City, Seattle, or L.A. He is moving to a very little town just outside Denver, Colorado. And what is in this small town....nothing. Well not nothing, because he is moving there with his mom and step-dad because they are building a new casino and his mom is going to be the manager there. Some think that this is wrong but really don't do anything about it. Well while Danny is here he should make the best of it. He becomes friends with the girl next door and a couple guys down the road. They all go to the same school. This school is not like other schools though. This school has a very strict policy. There rules are: they can not talk while school is in session, they have to where white gloves so they know if you have been doing something that you are not supposed to do, and they learn from scripts providing from the state. But during this time a series of events start to happen. Cats start coming up missing and then come up murdered. What is happening in this small town?
At first when if first started to read this book I thought to myself what is going on? The book started off with a really neat story. The main character goes to a school that is very strict and meets a group of friends that become some of his best friends. Hey it could happen. It does in most books. While at the school Danny befriends the principle by accident. I think he just felt somewhat comfortable with the principle. But things change and this is going to be one of them. Later on in the book the real twist happens....the start killing off cats. Now come on, what did the cats ever do to you. They are cute and cuddly and are great snuggle partners. It was really disturbing to read about a serial cat killer. Yes there were more then one. In the book they talk about the cats being a offering to the demon so that evil can enter the world. This book was going every which way. But the sad part is that the book was very well written and really good.
I know what you are saying....that I just went on and on about things I complained about in the book and you are still saying that they book was good?!?!?!?!? Yes. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a read the keeps you on your toes. I think that this this book was a really awesome read. It was intriguing and kept you going inside the story. In my opinion that is what every book should have.
Danny Lopez is the kid in town. But he is not moving to New York City, Seattle, or L.A. He is moving to a very little town just outside Denver, Colorado. And what is in this small town....nothing. Well not nothing, because he is moving there with his mom and step-dad because they are building a new casino and his mom is going to be the manager there. Some think that this is wrong but really don't do anything about it. Well while Danny is here he should make the best of it. He becomes friends with the girl next door and a couple guys down the road. They all go to the same school. This school is not like other schools though. This school has a very strict policy. There rules are: they can not talk while school is in session, they have to where white gloves so they know if you have been doing something that you are not supposed to do, and they learn from scripts providing from the state. But during this time a series of events start to happen. Cats start coming up missing and then come up murdered. What is happening in this small town?
At first when if first started to read this book I thought to myself what is going on? The book started off with a really neat story. The main character goes to a school that is very strict and meets a group of friends that become some of his best friends. Hey it could happen. It does in most books. While at the school Danny befriends the principle by accident. I think he just felt somewhat comfortable with the principle. But things change and this is going to be one of them. Later on in the book the real twist happens....the start killing off cats. Now come on, what did the cats ever do to you. They are cute and cuddly and are great snuggle partners. It was really disturbing to read about a serial cat killer. Yes there were more then one. In the book they talk about the cats being a offering to the demon so that evil can enter the world. This book was going every which way. But the sad part is that the book was very well written and really good.
I know what you are saying....that I just went on and on about things I complained about in the book and you are still saying that they book was good?!?!?!?!? Yes. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a read the keeps you on your toes. I think that this this book was a really awesome read. It was intriguing and kept you going inside the story. In my opinion that is what every book should have.
July 28, 2011
I got my hands on an advanced copy of McKinty's Deviant and when I went to add it to my GoodReads' page I started to wonder if I had made a mistake in requesting it. I noticed that some people had claimed to be so upset by the first chapter that they put the book down and didn't pick it back up, but I had committed to reading it so I thought I'd go ahead and see it through. Despite the odd reviews I waded on in to the story, and I'm glad I did.
I'm not sure that the blurb on the back of the book or the fearful reviews really properly set the stage for Deviant, Danny Lopez is new in town and a teenage boy struggling with a difficult family dynamics but otherwise he seems to be a likeable character. His new school is a strange Charter school where the students seem as mysterious and difficult to navigate as the faculty and the strange teaching style, but Danny cautiously wades into his new surroundings and tries to acclimate to his new friends and surroundings.
Interspersed through Danny's rather straightforward narrative, McKinty gives us glimpses into a dark and twisted mind. Against the back drop of the more mundane, the dark glimpses seem even more menacing in tone, even when the contents of those glimpses aren't terribly menacing. In other words, it's the contrast between Danny and our killer that really seems to highlight just how far "out there" that our killer is.
There is mention of acts of violence committed against animals. Honestly, from what I've read of truly violent people, this book was scarily accurate. It always starts with something small, pulling the legs off of grasshoppers, burning ants with a magnifying glass and escalates to animals and usually keeps escalating until it reaches a horrifying crescendo. Given the difficulty of that particular subject matter, I think that the author handled it tastefully. It's essential to the plot but clearly not something the author wrote into the story just for the shock value.
Though there were many points in the story that I enjoyed - likable characters, a plot with interesting twists but there were two things that I found rather grating. The first was that several times it was mentioned that Danny's family had no cable yet. The first time I hardly noticed it but later when it kept coming up, I couldn't help but wonder why. The other was references to current political figures, but that's because I find that it kind of jars me out of the story and puts me back into the present.
Overall it was an intriguing book and while there were a few bumps and dips in the twisty road, it was one I was glad I had wandered down for a while.
I'm not sure that the blurb on the back of the book or the fearful reviews really properly set the stage for Deviant, Danny Lopez is new in town and a teenage boy struggling with a difficult family dynamics but otherwise he seems to be a likeable character. His new school is a strange Charter school where the students seem as mysterious and difficult to navigate as the faculty and the strange teaching style, but Danny cautiously wades into his new surroundings and tries to acclimate to his new friends and surroundings.
Interspersed through Danny's rather straightforward narrative, McKinty gives us glimpses into a dark and twisted mind. Against the back drop of the more mundane, the dark glimpses seem even more menacing in tone, even when the contents of those glimpses aren't terribly menacing. In other words, it's the contrast between Danny and our killer that really seems to highlight just how far "out there" that our killer is.
There is mention of acts of violence committed against animals. Honestly, from what I've read of truly violent people, this book was scarily accurate. It always starts with something small, pulling the legs off of grasshoppers, burning ants with a magnifying glass and escalates to animals and usually keeps escalating until it reaches a horrifying crescendo. Given the difficulty of that particular subject matter, I think that the author handled it tastefully. It's essential to the plot but clearly not something the author wrote into the story just for the shock value.
Though there were many points in the story that I enjoyed - likable characters, a plot with interesting twists but there were two things that I found rather grating. The first was that several times it was mentioned that Danny's family had no cable yet. The first time I hardly noticed it but later when it kept coming up, I couldn't help but wonder why. The other was references to current political figures, but that's because I find that it kind of jars me out of the story and puts me back into the present.
Overall it was an intriguing book and while there were a few bumps and dips in the twisty road, it was one I was glad I had wandered down for a while.
July 22, 2011
Initially, Deviant starts off seeming like a story about an angry kid, forced to move from a neighbourhood he was only just settling into. Danny is angry about a lot of things – his hippy/posh step-dad Walt, who insists he call him Dad, his Mom who got a new job, the move to a part of the country that can only be described as the polar opposite of what he is used to. Danny grew up in East L.A. before he was moved to Vegas. Now he is in Colorado, replacing desert sand for snow. Lots and lots of snow.
Danny reads like an average fourteen year old boy – angry at the world, becoming interested in the girl across the street, hating his new school. Only when you scratch the surface of this book and delve a little into its pages does its true nature appear. At the heart of it, Deviant is a mystery and a horror story about evil in the world and serial killers. And with correctional institutions after correctional institutions very close by, there isn’t exactly a shortage of them in Danny’s new hometown.
Little does Danny know, there is more to worry about than the weird new school rules he has to abide by, or how he is going to adjust to the bitter cold of Colorado. Something weird is going on in his new town. Someone is taking cats. And sacrificing them.
At his new school, Danny is quickly targeted. He is protected by an elite group who manage to find ways around the strictly enforced school rules. And his new friends are very interested in what is going on with all the neighbourhood cats.
Deviant is primarily a mystery story but it has so many other elements thrown in. Great suspense, the blossoms of first love, the acceptance of the hand that fate has dealt us. What struck me as the greatest surprise was how much Danny himself grew on me. In the beginning he seemed like any other petulant teen boy – rude to everyone and never apologising for his passive aggressive attitude. But as the story and the mystery unfolds, so does Danny. He becomes a sympathetic character who only wants to have his old home life back, and when it is clear that isn’t going to happen, he fiercely protects the new one he has. Danny is a selfless character, with a brave heart and a very likeable nature.
Deviant is left wide open for a sequel – and I sincerely hope there will be one! This is a great book for anyone who wants a good mystery or who enjoys YA.
Danny reads like an average fourteen year old boy – angry at the world, becoming interested in the girl across the street, hating his new school. Only when you scratch the surface of this book and delve a little into its pages does its true nature appear. At the heart of it, Deviant is a mystery and a horror story about evil in the world and serial killers. And with correctional institutions after correctional institutions very close by, there isn’t exactly a shortage of them in Danny’s new hometown.
Little does Danny know, there is more to worry about than the weird new school rules he has to abide by, or how he is going to adjust to the bitter cold of Colorado. Something weird is going on in his new town. Someone is taking cats. And sacrificing them.
At his new school, Danny is quickly targeted. He is protected by an elite group who manage to find ways around the strictly enforced school rules. And his new friends are very interested in what is going on with all the neighbourhood cats.
Deviant is primarily a mystery story but it has so many other elements thrown in. Great suspense, the blossoms of first love, the acceptance of the hand that fate has dealt us. What struck me as the greatest surprise was how much Danny himself grew on me. In the beginning he seemed like any other petulant teen boy – rude to everyone and never apologising for his passive aggressive attitude. But as the story and the mystery unfolds, so does Danny. He becomes a sympathetic character who only wants to have his old home life back, and when it is clear that isn’t going to happen, he fiercely protects the new one he has. Danny is a selfless character, with a brave heart and a very likeable nature.
Deviant is left wide open for a sequel – and I sincerely hope there will be one! This is a great book for anyone who wants a good mystery or who enjoys YA.
November 18, 2011
Review also found here: http://lili-lost-in-a-book.blogspot.c...
Thanks to the publisher for the reviewing copy :)
Danny Lopez just moved from Las Vegas to a small town in Colorado, and his new school is just…crazy (in my opinion)! First of all, there is this silence policy that does not allow the students or the teachers talk…at all! Not even during lunch…or recess O.O The only time you can actually talk during school is when the teacher or the students are reading from the script (no this isn’t some theater/drama school). They have this daily script where the lectures are pre-planned. So everything you need to say has to come from that script. It I were in that school, I would go crazy! lol. Then I would demand to be put in a normal public school :) Oh, and did I mention the gloves? Yeah, they have to wear white gloves along with their school uniform. Apparently it promotes hygiene?? Weird, I know. Anyway, Danny makes friends pretty quickly and is involved in some sort of secret club or society thing at school.
Lately in town, a whole bunch of cats have been killed. I bet you’re probably thinking, “So what? No big deal,” right? Wrong! There is a psychological aspect behind this. You see, murderers usually start out small: from insects to rats to cats/dogs to humans. Freaky, right? So Danny and his friends try to figure out and stop whoever is doing this.
I thought this book was pretty good, with the mystery and all. Though, I have to admit, the beginning was kind of slow. About halfway into the book it actually started to get interesting. I liked Danny: he’s determined and doesn’t let anyone walk all over him. The rest of the characters were pretty okay, too…though I felt like Tony came off as bipolar sometimes, lol. The plot was interesting enough…the ending, however, I loved! It was all actiony and twisty, which is always a plus :) The ending was such a surprise and the suspense literally had me holding my breath! I did not see that coming! And the last chapter left me wanting for more!
Overall, it was a pretty good read. I recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery.
Thanks to the publisher for the reviewing copy :)
Danny Lopez just moved from Las Vegas to a small town in Colorado, and his new school is just…crazy (in my opinion)! First of all, there is this silence policy that does not allow the students or the teachers talk…at all! Not even during lunch…or recess O.O The only time you can actually talk during school is when the teacher or the students are reading from the script (no this isn’t some theater/drama school). They have this daily script where the lectures are pre-planned. So everything you need to say has to come from that script. It I were in that school, I would go crazy! lol. Then I would demand to be put in a normal public school :) Oh, and did I mention the gloves? Yeah, they have to wear white gloves along with their school uniform. Apparently it promotes hygiene?? Weird, I know. Anyway, Danny makes friends pretty quickly and is involved in some sort of secret club or society thing at school.
Lately in town, a whole bunch of cats have been killed. I bet you’re probably thinking, “So what? No big deal,” right? Wrong! There is a psychological aspect behind this. You see, murderers usually start out small: from insects to rats to cats/dogs to humans. Freaky, right? So Danny and his friends try to figure out and stop whoever is doing this.
I thought this book was pretty good, with the mystery and all. Though, I have to admit, the beginning was kind of slow. About halfway into the book it actually started to get interesting. I liked Danny: he’s determined and doesn’t let anyone walk all over him. The rest of the characters were pretty okay, too…though I felt like Tony came off as bipolar sometimes, lol. The plot was interesting enough…the ending, however, I loved! It was all actiony and twisty, which is always a plus :) The ending was such a surprise and the suspense literally had me holding my breath! I did not see that coming! And the last chapter left me wanting for more!
Overall, it was a pretty good read. I recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery.
July 6, 2011
“Deviant” by Adrian McKinty
Danny Lopez and his family moved to Cobalt, Colorado where he knew no one and nothing, for his mother’s job at a new casino that belongs to the Ute and Cherokee Nations.
His step-father Walt works at LRFCF a minimum security prison. Danny’s only friend is Jeff, his cat, until he meets Tony, his neighbor, and a few kids at school who make up a group called “The Watchers”. The group is very small consisting of: Olivia, Cooper, Tony, Tom and now Danny. Carol did belong, but she and Tom had a falling out causing her to leave.
The Watchers do just that, they watch. Particularly another group of kids: Charlie, Hector, Todd and Rebecca who call themselves the “Secret Scripture Union”, (SSU). They are a secret Bible study group believed to have a religious agenda because there is no religion allowed in school. Curiously enough, neither is talking or communication of any kind between anyone in the school, not even at recess.
Each child in both groups has something a little off kilter psychologically, and someone has been “sacrificing” cats all around the town. The citizens believe it’s the work of coyotes, well, almost all of them do. There is definitely a deviant roaming around Cobalt, Colorado, but who is it?
Maybe someone form the SSU? What about Tony’s father who held a gun to Danny when he stepped inside their home to visit her? What about Danny’s own step-father Walt? He’s strange in his own way? Or what about the hundreds of convicts he works with that are allowed out on job furloughs and are not shackled because it makes it harder for them to work? What about Carol, the girl who left “The Watchers”? The choices are endless.
If you like YA mysteries and enjoy having lots of choices when it comes to finding the bad guy, this book is for you. There is a deviant in Cobalt. Can you figure out who it is?
Reviewed by Terri Ann Armstrong, author of “Morning Menace” and “Medieval Menace”
Danny Lopez and his family moved to Cobalt, Colorado where he knew no one and nothing, for his mother’s job at a new casino that belongs to the Ute and Cherokee Nations.
His step-father Walt works at LRFCF a minimum security prison. Danny’s only friend is Jeff, his cat, until he meets Tony, his neighbor, and a few kids at school who make up a group called “The Watchers”. The group is very small consisting of: Olivia, Cooper, Tony, Tom and now Danny. Carol did belong, but she and Tom had a falling out causing her to leave.
The Watchers do just that, they watch. Particularly another group of kids: Charlie, Hector, Todd and Rebecca who call themselves the “Secret Scripture Union”, (SSU). They are a secret Bible study group believed to have a religious agenda because there is no religion allowed in school. Curiously enough, neither is talking or communication of any kind between anyone in the school, not even at recess.
Each child in both groups has something a little off kilter psychologically, and someone has been “sacrificing” cats all around the town. The citizens believe it’s the work of coyotes, well, almost all of them do. There is definitely a deviant roaming around Cobalt, Colorado, but who is it?
Maybe someone form the SSU? What about Tony’s father who held a gun to Danny when he stepped inside their home to visit her? What about Danny’s own step-father Walt? He’s strange in his own way? Or what about the hundreds of convicts he works with that are allowed out on job furloughs and are not shackled because it makes it harder for them to work? What about Carol, the girl who left “The Watchers”? The choices are endless.
If you like YA mysteries and enjoy having lots of choices when it comes to finding the bad guy, this book is for you. There is a deviant in Cobalt. Can you figure out who it is?
Reviewed by Terri Ann Armstrong, author of “Morning Menace” and “Medieval Menace”
October 2, 2011
I don't know about you, but I was a little creeped out by this cover. Even now, I'm not sure if it was a good kind of creepy -but it was definitely creepy, not to mention that the centerpiece of the cover is the world "deviant," which only adds to the feeling of uneasiness. From the beginning, I knew that something was going to be wrong with the characters in this book, but, somewhat crazy person that I am, I was completely drawn in the creepy cover and I wanted to learn more about what this book was about and who these seemingly unstable characters are.
Danny Lopez is the new kid. After making countless "mistakes" in his hometown and branded a "difficult case," he is sent to an experimental school in Colorado Springs to help "reform" him, something of a young serial killer in the making. The school, of course, is nothing like it sounds on paper. The environment is highly controlled, superficial and unsettling, even for young delinquents in who are attempting to make something of themselves. But that becomes more difficult than it seems with a serial killer on the lose, who thinks that he can "clean up" the bad things in the world by offing cats.
Deviant had a really interesting and unique concept, not to mention I liked the idea of a somewhat self-righteous serial killer attempting to rid the world of bad things. However, the concept felt like it had been seriously watered down for a young adult audience -for example, the "serial killer" here kills cats, not people as the blurb would imply. So not only was I left wondering what the entire point of the book was, but I felt like I had been completely misled by the blurb. Where was the intrigue or the thrill here? It's just not on the same level.
If this book was actually closer to what the blurb promised, it would have been much, much better. But sadly, all I got from this book was a sense of being cheated, and like all the time I invested in reading it wasn't worth my time. Give this one a pass...
Danny Lopez is the new kid. After making countless "mistakes" in his hometown and branded a "difficult case," he is sent to an experimental school in Colorado Springs to help "reform" him, something of a young serial killer in the making. The school, of course, is nothing like it sounds on paper. The environment is highly controlled, superficial and unsettling, even for young delinquents in who are attempting to make something of themselves. But that becomes more difficult than it seems with a serial killer on the lose, who thinks that he can "clean up" the bad things in the world by offing cats.
Deviant had a really interesting and unique concept, not to mention I liked the idea of a somewhat self-righteous serial killer attempting to rid the world of bad things. However, the concept felt like it had been seriously watered down for a young adult audience -for example, the "serial killer" here kills cats, not people as the blurb would imply. So not only was I left wondering what the entire point of the book was, but I felt like I had been completely misled by the blurb. Where was the intrigue or the thrill here? It's just not on the same level.
If this book was actually closer to what the blurb promised, it would have been much, much better. But sadly, all I got from this book was a sense of being cheated, and like all the time I invested in reading it wasn't worth my time. Give this one a pass...
July 15, 2011
After reading the reviews already posted before I'd really gotten into this book, I was a bit nervous about reading it. But then I got into it and really enjoyed it. The serial killer aspect to the book was very interesting. I liked how really it kept me guessing, it's that guy, no it's this kid, no wait, it's that kid. I love when it takes me a bit to figure out who the bad guy is. As a science teacher I also like how it talked about Tesla and other science topics. As a teacher, can I say that while I don't think that is the proper method for helping children learn, I would be in heaven if I had a classroom of students who sat without talking when they weren't supposed to? HEAVEN!
The main character is Danny Lopez, but he is actually part Native American. He doesn't really know his real dad, but doesn't really like his stepdad either. He's grown up in Las Vegas now moving to Colorado because of a mistake he made. Also his mother will be in charge of the new casino opening up on the reservation here. His stepdad is working at the prison, with the convicts that are really close to being let go for the end of their sentences. Danny meets some interesting prisoners, on in particular who will be a help, but could be the problem later on. The girl who lives right by him, Tony, tends to just walk into his house without knocking, even going into his bedroom when he's still sleeping! But he kind of has a crush on her. He is immediately asked to join one of the secret societies in this school with its unorthodox method of teaching students. There are cats being killed, and this seems to be the work of a serial killer in the way it is being done. Danny has issues with other students at the school of course being the new kid. All in all this was a good book, I can see many boys I've taught that would enjoy it.
The main character is Danny Lopez, but he is actually part Native American. He doesn't really know his real dad, but doesn't really like his stepdad either. He's grown up in Las Vegas now moving to Colorado because of a mistake he made. Also his mother will be in charge of the new casino opening up on the reservation here. His stepdad is working at the prison, with the convicts that are really close to being let go for the end of their sentences. Danny meets some interesting prisoners, on in particular who will be a help, but could be the problem later on. The girl who lives right by him, Tony, tends to just walk into his house without knocking, even going into his bedroom when he's still sleeping! But he kind of has a crush on her. He is immediately asked to join one of the secret societies in this school with its unorthodox method of teaching students. There are cats being killed, and this seems to be the work of a serial killer in the way it is being done. Danny has issues with other students at the school of course being the new kid. All in all this was a good book, I can see many boys I've taught that would enjoy it.
November 26, 2011
Deviant was an extremely dull novel. I could not understand anything in the plot line. Most likely, the reason is I simply tried to scroll through the pages as fast as possible. How anyone could enjoy Deviant is beyond me. The characters were two-dimensional, nothing happened in the first 150 pages and it was just an unendurable read for me.
In the beginning, Danny is moving. He and his family, consisting of Walt, his step-father, and his mom, are moving to Cobalt, the place where the new casino Danny's mom is going to be in charge of is located. That's pretty much all I figured out.
The whole novel was like porridge to me. Bland, nasty and messy. I could not understand the characters, the whole plot and the "scary" school. Yes, the school was a really strict and scary, but do you think anyone cares if it doesn't really amount to much in the end? No. The characters and the relationships between them were so confusing or not explicit enough. I could not understand Danny's relationship with Walt. It seemed like a mutual hate relationship, but Walt was not exactly cruel to Danny. But Danny seemed to be at odds with him. The reason is not explained nor fully developed. It was borderline pathetic.
The whole plot was a mess up. It was so slow and confusing. Even by reading the blurb, I still could not fully absorb the whole creepy town and school thing. It was hopeless. In the end, when I finished, I was mentally exhausted. The whole "Watchers" thing was disturbingly messed up. It will creep you out for the rest of your life.
I really disliked Deviant and sincerely hope no one will attempt to read it.
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Thank you NetGalley and Amulet books for allowing me to read and review Deviant by Adrian McKinty.
In the beginning, Danny is moving. He and his family, consisting of Walt, his step-father, and his mom, are moving to Cobalt, the place where the new casino Danny's mom is going to be in charge of is located. That's pretty much all I figured out.
The whole novel was like porridge to me. Bland, nasty and messy. I could not understand the characters, the whole plot and the "scary" school. Yes, the school was a really strict and scary, but do you think anyone cares if it doesn't really amount to much in the end? No. The characters and the relationships between them were so confusing or not explicit enough. I could not understand Danny's relationship with Walt. It seemed like a mutual hate relationship, but Walt was not exactly cruel to Danny. But Danny seemed to be at odds with him. The reason is not explained nor fully developed. It was borderline pathetic.
The whole plot was a mess up. It was so slow and confusing. Even by reading the blurb, I still could not fully absorb the whole creepy town and school thing. It was hopeless. In the end, when I finished, I was mentally exhausted. The whole "Watchers" thing was disturbingly messed up. It will creep you out for the rest of your life.
I really disliked Deviant and sincerely hope no one will attempt to read it.
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Thank you NetGalley and Amulet books for allowing me to read and review Deviant by Adrian McKinty.
July 28, 2011
This book was a pleasant surprise, but also had a few let downs. I found that it had a good plot that kept you interested as you tried to figure out who terrorized the town. (Okay, terrorized isn't exactly the right word, but I don't want to give anything away.) There was a good mix of characters, although it seemed like all the guys liked Danny's friend Tony (Antonia), which got a bit repetitive. I did like the two warring friend groups in the school, as they provided a lot of action and helped the reader make real life connections. As far as subplots, there was a lot going on. First there was Danny and Tony's group being detectives about the town criminal, then the dynamics between the two groups at school, Danny and the Principal's relationship, Tony and Danny's relationship, and the short chapters from the criminal's POV. However, I felt like there was so much going on that Adrian McKinty didn't have enough time to develop a main plot. I think maybe the author was trying to add depth to their story, but it just came off as trying too hard. McKinty tried adding little idiosyncrasies to the characters and giving them more purpose, but it just didn't work. I thought it was strange that Danny called his mom Juanita even though she was his biological Mom and he lived with her his whole life. Danny's issues with his MIA biological father were also just sort of thrown in there and felt out of place. As for the criminal(s), because the author focused on so much else throughout the book we only got a vague idea of their purpose for what they did. So overall, McKinty was good at throwing in bits of mystery and suspense, but tried too hard when attempting to give the book some depth. It was still a good book, but just a bit lacking for me.
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