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Fast-Track Trilogy #1
Fast-Tracked
Study hard, do well on your assessment, and you'll be rewarded.
The phrase had been repeated throughout Alexandria's life. A person's rank on their assessment test determined everything. Their job, where they lived, and even who they could marry. At least that's what Alexandria thought before she received the results.
Alexandria's assessment elevates her to fast-tracker status, but Byron, her best friend turned true love, isn’t as lucky. His results sink him to the lowest possible rank and a guaranteed life of hardship and misery.
Everything Alexandria believed is a lie. Fast-trackers run the country. Anger one of them and your whole world could fall apart. Anger one of them and the people you love suffer.
Disillusioned, Alexandria plunges herself into the fast-tracker's world in hopes of helping Byron. But can she help Byron before she completely loses herself to the allure of their lifestyle?
The phrase had been repeated throughout Alexandria's life. A person's rank on their assessment test determined everything. Their job, where they lived, and even who they could marry. At least that's what Alexandria thought before she received the results.
Alexandria's assessment elevates her to fast-tracker status, but Byron, her best friend turned true love, isn’t as lucky. His results sink him to the lowest possible rank and a guaranteed life of hardship and misery.
Everything Alexandria believed is a lie. Fast-trackers run the country. Anger one of them and your whole world could fall apart. Anger one of them and the people you love suffer.
Disillusioned, Alexandria plunges herself into the fast-tracker's world in hopes of helping Byron. But can she help Byron before she completely loses herself to the allure of their lifestyle?
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2011
8 people are currently reading
2005 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Rozzlynn
4 books188 followersTracy Rozzlynn writes Science Fiction and Fantasy for Young Adults. She lives in New England with her young daughter and a variety of pets. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Rhode Island.
Verita is her debut novel.
Verita is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 22, 2011
***OBTAINED FROM A LIBRARYTHING.COM GIVEAWAY***
If you are a fan of other dystopian novels such as 'MATCHED' or 'DIVERGENT', 'FAST-TRACKED' needs to be added to your 'to-read' list. Here's why:
Growing up in a color-coded social class system, seventeen year old Alexandria Scannell (Lexi) has no reason to doubt her country's government. She is perfectly content and has her life planned out for her and her BFF/Boyfriend Byron. They just have to get past the assessment testing, which determines what social class and work force you will be placed in for the rest of your life. Lexi and Bryon grew up in the Purple class, which is middle-class, blue-collar workers, and both are content to stay there. After Lexi finds out she received an incredible score and placement on her assessment, her world comes crashing down when she finds out Byron, the love of her life was placed in the other end of the spectrum.
In this, the first book in a trilogy, Lexi discovers the government is not at all what they portray themselves to be, and those that seem to have all the money in the world are the ones with the most problems. Lexi makes it her mission to blend in with these people and rise to power not only for Byron's sake, but for all those that have suffered in similar positions.
I'd never even heard of this book before reading it's description on LibraryThing, and that's a shame because I would've missed out on a great story. Except for typo's, the book is well put together and author Tracy Rozzlynn could have a successful series on her hands, if there was more marketing involved. I'm looking forward to the next book in the trilogy, said to be due out late December of this year.
PLUS: Amazon only lists the Kindle edition at $0.99, so there's no reason for you not to download it!
4 out of 5 stars
If you are a fan of other dystopian novels such as 'MATCHED' or 'DIVERGENT', 'FAST-TRACKED' needs to be added to your 'to-read' list. Here's why:
Growing up in a color-coded social class system, seventeen year old Alexandria Scannell (Lexi) has no reason to doubt her country's government. She is perfectly content and has her life planned out for her and her BFF/Boyfriend Byron. They just have to get past the assessment testing, which determines what social class and work force you will be placed in for the rest of your life. Lexi and Bryon grew up in the Purple class, which is middle-class, blue-collar workers, and both are content to stay there. After Lexi finds out she received an incredible score and placement on her assessment, her world comes crashing down when she finds out Byron, the love of her life was placed in the other end of the spectrum.
In this, the first book in a trilogy, Lexi discovers the government is not at all what they portray themselves to be, and those that seem to have all the money in the world are the ones with the most problems. Lexi makes it her mission to blend in with these people and rise to power not only for Byron's sake, but for all those that have suffered in similar positions.
I'd never even heard of this book before reading it's description on LibraryThing, and that's a shame because I would've missed out on a great story. Except for typo's, the book is well put together and author Tracy Rozzlynn could have a successful series on her hands, if there was more marketing involved. I'm looking forward to the next book in the trilogy, said to be due out late December of this year.
PLUS: Amazon only lists the Kindle edition at $0.99, so there's no reason for you not to download it!
4 out of 5 stars
August 28, 2011
FANTASTIC if i could sum this book up in one word that is the word i would use!!! Once again Ms Rozzlyn has done it with this first book in her trilogy Fast-Tracked. I loved the characters the story line and the cliffhanger.Once again i am left hanging out for the second book as i was with Verita!! Ms Rozzlynn has made her way fantastically into my favourite authors list. If you haven't done so already get this book and read it....and do it now! I could not put this book down, what a scary world to be in :)
*Obtained for review with Librarty Thing giveaway*
*Obtained for review with Librarty Thing giveaway*
June 27, 2016
Title: Fast-Tracked
Author: Tracy Rozzlyn
Genre: YA dystopian
Where I got it: E-book giveaway from LibraryThing
One sentence: Their lives are dictated by how they score on the assessment test; when Alexandria is elevated to the fast-track class and her best friend/boyfriend is assigned the lowest rank, Alexandria does whatever she can to save Byron from a life of hardship and misery.
Themes: Romance, dystopian society, class conflict,
Main character: The first couple chapters didn’t give me much to go on with Alexandria, and I wasn’t sure that I would like her at first, but I ended up enjoying how she decided to make the best of the situation she was in, and yet still retain her own morals and beliefs in such an extravagant society. She had just the right amount of virtues and flaws so that she was down-to-earth and likeable; went through emotions and feelings and confusion, without being helpless.
Secondary characters: I thought the character of Avery was actually very well developed, Autumn was useful in her part of the “queen-bee” without being completely unlikeable, and Wendy was sweet, kind, and ready to push Alexandria back into place when needed. However, I didn’t have enough time to feel that Byron developed as a character, as I didn’t see very much of him through the novel. When I did see him, I didn’t understand his actions, like pushing Alexandria away.
Writing style: I have to admit, I opened up this book and didn’t think I was going to be able to get through it. As cool as the concept was, the opening scenes didn’t grab me, and there were definitely some writing characteristics that I didn’t like. For example, I didn’t understand why Rozzlyn used Byron’s mother’s compliments to form Alexandria’s physical description: “Why, that lilac dress is the perfect color for your alabaster complexion and your lovely ebony hair. I swear it just makes those sapphire eyes of yours just pop right out.” However, once the novel really started moving, it smoothed out some of the stylistic problems I had- whether I just didn’t notice them or they lessened in frequency is still undecided.
Plot: The concept of the book was really cool, although the idea of being assigned to a class based on a test or assessment is really nothing new. What I found interesting was how Rozzlyn combined this dystopian/science-fiction concept with the upper-class lives of the fast-trackers, which reads like it could be an account of the lives of the Upper Manhattan prep-school kids.
Best scene: The scene where Alexandria is taken shopping is every girl’s dream! I was literally drooling.
Positives: New spin on an old plot, romances, strong female protagonist, entertaining and believable backstory.
Negatives: Avery’s motivation?, some of the writing style, the beginning (started out a little slow on the uptake), Byron, the cliffhanger ending.
Ending: Ahhhh! Such a cliffhanger! I’m so mad, now I’m hooked and have to read the sequel!
Verdict: Entertaining, fun, blew my expectations out of the water.
Rating: 7.2 / 10
Author: Tracy Rozzlyn
Genre: YA dystopian
Where I got it: E-book giveaway from LibraryThing
One sentence: Their lives are dictated by how they score on the assessment test; when Alexandria is elevated to the fast-track class and her best friend/boyfriend is assigned the lowest rank, Alexandria does whatever she can to save Byron from a life of hardship and misery.
Themes: Romance, dystopian society, class conflict,
Main character: The first couple chapters didn’t give me much to go on with Alexandria, and I wasn’t sure that I would like her at first, but I ended up enjoying how she decided to make the best of the situation she was in, and yet still retain her own morals and beliefs in such an extravagant society. She had just the right amount of virtues and flaws so that she was down-to-earth and likeable; went through emotions and feelings and confusion, without being helpless.
Secondary characters: I thought the character of Avery was actually very well developed, Autumn was useful in her part of the “queen-bee” without being completely unlikeable, and Wendy was sweet, kind, and ready to push Alexandria back into place when needed. However, I didn’t have enough time to feel that Byron developed as a character, as I didn’t see very much of him through the novel. When I did see him, I didn’t understand his actions, like pushing Alexandria away.
Writing style: I have to admit, I opened up this book and didn’t think I was going to be able to get through it. As cool as the concept was, the opening scenes didn’t grab me, and there were definitely some writing characteristics that I didn’t like. For example, I didn’t understand why Rozzlyn used Byron’s mother’s compliments to form Alexandria’s physical description: “Why, that lilac dress is the perfect color for your alabaster complexion and your lovely ebony hair. I swear it just makes those sapphire eyes of yours just pop right out.” However, once the novel really started moving, it smoothed out some of the stylistic problems I had- whether I just didn’t notice them or they lessened in frequency is still undecided.
Plot: The concept of the book was really cool, although the idea of being assigned to a class based on a test or assessment is really nothing new. What I found interesting was how Rozzlyn combined this dystopian/science-fiction concept with the upper-class lives of the fast-trackers, which reads like it could be an account of the lives of the Upper Manhattan prep-school kids.
Best scene: The scene where Alexandria is taken shopping is every girl’s dream! I was literally drooling.
Positives: New spin on an old plot, romances, strong female protagonist, entertaining and believable backstory.
Negatives: Avery’s motivation?, some of the writing style, the beginning (started out a little slow on the uptake), Byron, the cliffhanger ending.
Ending: Ahhhh! Such a cliffhanger! I’m so mad, now I’m hooked and have to read the sequel!
Verdict: Entertaining, fun, blew my expectations out of the water.
Rating: 7.2 / 10
September 27, 2011
This book was a total surprise. I downloaded it off of Amazon for only 99 cents and so I was very happy that it captured my attention right from the first page. If you are a fan of dystopian novels like I am, then you will really like this book.
A note about the cover: I'm hoping this is just a working cover and not the final product because there is nothing attractive or attracting about this cover. I know that Lexi loves roses because they remind her of Byron but I just think a more interesting cover would be better.
Seventeen year old Alexandria (Lexi) and her best friend/boyfriend Byron have just finished writing the assessment test - "a test that determines everything - their job, where they live, and even who they can marry." In a colour-coded social ranking system, both Lexi and Byron have grown up in Blue class, which sits at the bottom of the upper class. They both hoped to achieve a score that would keep them in that upper class. That way they could plan a life together. But Lexi's happiness at achieving a great score comes crashing down around her when she finds out Byron has been placed in the bottom ranking Orange working class. Lexi must find some way to use her new ranking of Gold to help Byron.
I was intrigued by the concept of mixing a dystopian futuristic storyline with the upper-class lives of the rich and famous fast-trackers. It's like a very scary glimpse at a futuristic Hollywood gone bad.
I really liked Lexi's determined attitude to help Byron. However, I found the relationship between Lexi and Byron was not enough. I wanted to care about Byron more instead I actually found that I liked Avery more and even though his character is questionable at times. Who doesn't love a bad boy turned good?
My only other complaint was that I found the book ended a little too abruptly. Though I have to say that I read the book nonstop late into the night and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy?
A note about the cover: I'm hoping this is just a working cover and not the final product because there is nothing attractive or attracting about this cover. I know that Lexi loves roses because they remind her of Byron but I just think a more interesting cover would be better.
Seventeen year old Alexandria (Lexi) and her best friend/boyfriend Byron have just finished writing the assessment test - "a test that determines everything - their job, where they live, and even who they can marry." In a colour-coded social ranking system, both Lexi and Byron have grown up in Blue class, which sits at the bottom of the upper class. They both hoped to achieve a score that would keep them in that upper class. That way they could plan a life together. But Lexi's happiness at achieving a great score comes crashing down around her when she finds out Byron has been placed in the bottom ranking Orange working class. Lexi must find some way to use her new ranking of Gold to help Byron.
I was intrigued by the concept of mixing a dystopian futuristic storyline with the upper-class lives of the rich and famous fast-trackers. It's like a very scary glimpse at a futuristic Hollywood gone bad.
I really liked Lexi's determined attitude to help Byron. However, I found the relationship between Lexi and Byron was not enough. I wanted to care about Byron more instead I actually found that I liked Avery more and even though his character is questionable at times. Who doesn't love a bad boy turned good?
My only other complaint was that I found the book ended a little too abruptly. Though I have to say that I read the book nonstop late into the night and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy?
February 9, 2015
In this book, how hard you study determines your rank in later life. Gold status means you can do anything you want, while red status and lower means you're a lowly worker ant, and pretty much part of the untouchable caste.
The heroine tests as gold, while her boyfriend tests as orange -- the lowest of the low. As she think her boyfriend is as smart if not smarter than her, she thinks something's wrong. Something is. As classes commence to teach her about her new status, she finds that she's considered a newbie among the golds. A blue (her family's color) in new clothes. There to take advantage of, sleep with and even kill. Because golds are ruthless fuckers. She just wants to succeed so she can make things better for her boyfriend (who no longer wants anything to do with her). It even looks like it might be possible, except for the plot twist that would spoil everything. Brave but ultimately stupid, the heroine risks it all and gets her boyfriend his correct status and ends up facing a nightmare life to come. The end.
I thought there was a rule that, even with a series, you have to time it to end on an upnote. Not at the moment of highest tragedy. Doing so is novel, but not in a good way.
Neither is the complete lack of respect for humanity that the golds have. I don't see how a system with that much corruption can stand. It seems unrealistic. Everyone in their place and everyone has a place -- except that there's people who can do anything and everything they want to. The only explanation I can see for it is the conclusion introduced in a book of true history that the heroine reads. Their current nation was founded on killing everyone who wasn't white Anglo-Saxon -- and everyone who complained. Those left are those who are complacent.
It's an interesting book, but ultimately, I find its themes and characters to be distasteful.
4 out of 5 stars for a convincing universe. 1 of 5 stars for taste.
The heroine tests as gold, while her boyfriend tests as orange -- the lowest of the low. As she think her boyfriend is as smart if not smarter than her, she thinks something's wrong. Something is. As classes commence to teach her about her new status, she finds that she's considered a newbie among the golds. A blue (her family's color) in new clothes. There to take advantage of, sleep with and even kill. Because golds are ruthless fuckers. She just wants to succeed so she can make things better for her boyfriend (who no longer wants anything to do with her). It even looks like it might be possible, except for the plot twist that would spoil everything. Brave but ultimately stupid, the heroine risks it all and gets her boyfriend his correct status and ends up facing a nightmare life to come. The end.
I thought there was a rule that, even with a series, you have to time it to end on an upnote. Not at the moment of highest tragedy. Doing so is novel, but not in a good way.
Neither is the complete lack of respect for humanity that the golds have. I don't see how a system with that much corruption can stand. It seems unrealistic. Everyone in their place and everyone has a place -- except that there's people who can do anything and everything they want to. The only explanation I can see for it is the conclusion introduced in a book of true history that the heroine reads. Their current nation was founded on killing everyone who wasn't white Anglo-Saxon -- and everyone who complained. Those left are those who are complacent.
It's an interesting book, but ultimately, I find its themes and characters to be distasteful.
4 out of 5 stars for a convincing universe. 1 of 5 stars for taste.
February 10, 2012
originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway*
Ms. Rozzlyn is now one of my fav authors.. really she's good in bringing her readers to her story... luring us to her own thoughts and characters..
I have read Verita and it's good too and it's more fiction..
while on Fast-tracked it depicts well..races.. how people are misguided by beliefs about who's superior and who are slaves... like in true life..we always face racial discrimination everyday..maybe not obviously..but still there it is.. the author here clearly relate to us in a novel way.. of what really it's like..
a great book.. can't wait for the sequel if there is one..
A short synopsis from Amazon:
Study hard, do well on your assessment, and you’ll be rewarded.
The phrase had been repeated throughout Alexandria's life. A person’s ranking on the assessment test determined everything. Their job, where they live, and even who they can marry. At least that’s what Alexandria though before she received the results.
Everything Alexandria believed was a lie. fast-trackers run the country. Anger one of them and your whole world could fall apart. Anger one of them and the person you love would suffer.
Alexandria was elevated to fast-tracker class while her best-friend turned true love was plummeted to the lowest possible rank– a guaranteed life of hardship and misery. She plunges herself into the fast-tracker world in hopes of helping Byron. But can she help Byron before she completely loses herself to the allure of their lifestyle?
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway*
Ms. Rozzlyn is now one of my fav authors.. really she's good in bringing her readers to her story... luring us to her own thoughts and characters..
I have read Verita and it's good too and it's more fiction..
while on Fast-tracked it depicts well..races.. how people are misguided by beliefs about who's superior and who are slaves... like in true life..we always face racial discrimination everyday..maybe not obviously..but still there it is.. the author here clearly relate to us in a novel way.. of what really it's like..
a great book.. can't wait for the sequel if there is one..
A short synopsis from Amazon:
Study hard, do well on your assessment, and you’ll be rewarded.
The phrase had been repeated throughout Alexandria's life. A person’s ranking on the assessment test determined everything. Their job, where they live, and even who they can marry. At least that’s what Alexandria though before she received the results.
Everything Alexandria believed was a lie. fast-trackers run the country. Anger one of them and your whole world could fall apart. Anger one of them and the person you love would suffer.
Alexandria was elevated to fast-tracker class while her best-friend turned true love was plummeted to the lowest possible rank– a guaranteed life of hardship and misery. She plunges herself into the fast-tracker world in hopes of helping Byron. But can she help Byron before she completely loses herself to the allure of their lifestyle?
December 17, 2011
I discovered this book as I was browsing through the 99 cent books. I actually did not download it first because I had read a few pages and decided to buy Verita (Tracy Rozzlynn's other novel) first. Because I was so impressed with that novel and because I love the YA dystopian genre overall, I decided to give this book another shot.
I am very glad I did.
What I tell everyone is stick with it. It does start slow, and it really doesn't pick up pace until after Lexi moves away (will try not to give any more spoilers to that point). This and because of grammar/spelling errors, which as someone else already pointed out is really the editor's mistake more than Rozzlynn's, is the reason I am not giving it 5 stars.
However, the story more than makes up for it as Lexi/Zandria moves to a Gossip Girl/Revenge sort of scenario, with twists and turns that even I, a well versed dystopian snob, couldn't predict. I loved Wendy, the girl that Zandria saves. She keeps Zandria remembering why she is doing what she is doing.
It's very difficult at this point to keep books fresh in this genre, because it's been so well done by other authors like Lois Lowry, Suzanne Collins and Stephenie Meyer. But Rozzlynn has accomplished that, and I think she is one of the most promising fresh voices/talents out there now. I am looking forward to the sequels of Fast-tracked and Verita, and also to the start of her new trilogy as well.
I am very glad I did.
What I tell everyone is stick with it. It does start slow, and it really doesn't pick up pace until after Lexi moves away (will try not to give any more spoilers to that point). This and because of grammar/spelling errors, which as someone else already pointed out is really the editor's mistake more than Rozzlynn's, is the reason I am not giving it 5 stars.
However, the story more than makes up for it as Lexi/Zandria moves to a Gossip Girl/Revenge sort of scenario, with twists and turns that even I, a well versed dystopian snob, couldn't predict. I loved Wendy, the girl that Zandria saves. She keeps Zandria remembering why she is doing what she is doing.
It's very difficult at this point to keep books fresh in this genre, because it's been so well done by other authors like Lois Lowry, Suzanne Collins and Stephenie Meyer. But Rozzlynn has accomplished that, and I think she is one of the most promising fresh voices/talents out there now. I am looking forward to the sequels of Fast-tracked and Verita, and also to the start of her new trilogy as well.
August 22, 2011
Lately I have become addicted to dystopian novels, so that is the main reason that I choose to read this book. Another reason is because of the beautiful cover it has. The fact that I have never heard of the author was another good reason for me to read this book. I find that the less heard of author can have better stories. This is sometimes not true though.
The dystopian society in this story was pretty basic. The government and the rich have control of the USA after the financial crash. Everyone sees the man who fixed it all has god, while the real truth of the matter was forgotten. In this society in your last year of high school you take a test that determines where you are placed in society. So when she is fast-tracked and her best friend/boy friend is moved to the lowest level she will do anything she can to save him. Along the way she learns some of the hidden facts about the fast-trackers and the formation of the society they live in.
I felt that this story was written pretty well and the characters were all interesting, even though they were a little predictable. There were events that happened that surprised me, which is good because I don't like guesses the book in the first 5 pages. Over all I don't regret reading this book and I recommend it to any dystopian lover out there.
The dystopian society in this story was pretty basic. The government and the rich have control of the USA after the financial crash. Everyone sees the man who fixed it all has god, while the real truth of the matter was forgotten. In this society in your last year of high school you take a test that determines where you are placed in society. So when she is fast-tracked and her best friend/boy friend is moved to the lowest level she will do anything she can to save him. Along the way she learns some of the hidden facts about the fast-trackers and the formation of the society they live in.
I felt that this story was written pretty well and the characters were all interesting, even though they were a little predictable. There were events that happened that surprised me, which is good because I don't like guesses the book in the first 5 pages. Over all I don't regret reading this book and I recommend it to any dystopian lover out there.
August 18, 2011
Review: 5x5
I really wasn't sure I was going to like this...No really I don't like everything I pick up some I just put back down and don't review! This however turned out to be an engrossing story.
Alexandria is a great character! She really reminds me of...well lots of girls. We tend to go back and forth with ourselves ALOT, here she keeps it all together when loads would just fall apart. She keeps her standards and morals in check when it would be super easy to just go with everyone else so Kudos! Now Byron well just let me be honest I didn't and I'm still not sure I'm on board with him :( I do heart some Avery though.... there is all thrills and excitement that go along with being in with the Rich in-crowd. Backstabbing, beat-downs, and Love...and well the ending will leave you with your mouth hanging open and eyes wide 0.o
I cannot wait for the next book in this trilogy! If you have yet to read it... well click on the link up there to Amazon... srsly it's only .99!!! GET IT!!
I really wasn't sure I was going to like this...No really I don't like everything I pick up some I just put back down and don't review! This however turned out to be an engrossing story.
Alexandria is a great character! She really reminds me of...well lots of girls. We tend to go back and forth with ourselves ALOT, here she keeps it all together when loads would just fall apart. She keeps her standards and morals in check when it would be super easy to just go with everyone else so Kudos! Now Byron well just let me be honest I didn't and I'm still not sure I'm on board with him :( I do heart some Avery though.... there is all thrills and excitement that go along with being in with the Rich in-crowd. Backstabbing, beat-downs, and Love...and well the ending will leave you with your mouth hanging open and eyes wide 0.o
I cannot wait for the next book in this trilogy! If you have yet to read it... well click on the link up there to Amazon... srsly it's only .99!!! GET IT!!
February 16, 2012
This is an awesome book about love, loyalty, stalking and the perils of catching the eye of somebody in a far higher social station than yourself. Set in a dystopian society, where your high school results determine your social standing for the rest of your life, this book tells the story of a girl whi is fast-tracked - elevated by her results to the highest social status there is. However, it doesn't taker her long to discover that fast-trackers are rarely welcomed and high school results can be manipulated by those in power. Piss off the wrong person, and your child's life could be ruined. Catch the eye of the wrong person and you could find yourself fast-tracked - and trapped. Like many young adult novels, the quality of writing in this book is superb, the plot complex, and the story enthralling from the start. I am hooked and I absolutely cannot wait until the second novel is released.
October 21, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! It was fantastic. I won't lie in the beginning I was a little worried that this was a story we had all read before. It starts a bit slow, but at about 20% I was completely sucked in and actually stayed up the entire night reading the rest of the book in one setting. It was seriously that great! I love that even though this is YA the author doesn't dumb down anything. I feel like a lot of others have a tendency to do that and it is kind of a pet peeve of mine. It can ruin an otherwise great book. However, Rozzlyn isn't not guilty of dumbing anything down. I felt that her subject matter and even her characters thought processes really challenged you to think yourself. I have to say that is quite refreshing. The synopsis above does a great job of describing the book accurately so I won't really do that. What I will do is say... Go pick up this book! You won't regret it.
September 2, 2011
Great Book!! Tracy makes it so easy to want to be completely involved in the characters lives.. like Lexi/Zandria, Byron, Avery, Wendy and so many others! Once I started I had a very difficult time putting it down, as I needed to find out what happened next so I can’t wait until the second book comes out!! I love the way the different places, people and attitudes and the feelings behind them were described! It’s a scary thought that the world could become that way… or scarier that in some ways it’s not too far off. Makes you think but it’s written so well that it’s not at all preachy or dry. You are able to just fall into this future world and Lexi’s life and all the ‘what if’s’ she stuck with… some seemingly impossible decisions and you want to be there as she fights her way out! Great read!! Done it again Tracy!! Thanks!!
April 17, 2012
I read this book as a break from a really dark series I have been reading and I must say I really enjoyed it...finished it in a day. It reminded me of the book Legend, but with a different twist...where Legend has a dystopian military feel to it, this is kind of your social take on it...where the future dictates where you can work, live and who you can date or marry and it is all the result of your assessment results, and that determines your future life...all thanks to Toufee who took over after the US economy collaspes....but is there something even more sinister going on or covered up?...we will find out as the story unfolds. Although there were some silly relationship issues, and a Paris Hilton type of character, I loved the underlying themes. Can't wait for the next one!!!
August 15, 2012
It was an okay book and would be loved by its target audience, young adults. It has an okay story definitely a big room for improvement. I have a problem with Ms. Rozzlynn's heroines. Lexi and the one from "Verita" are excatly alike, the difference is their location. Their attitude, the way they talk, the way they think its like I'mr eading the same book, the only difference is the guys and the setting. All of her books also tends to have love triangles. I've read these story lines a million times already. The book didn't offer anything new. Sorry.
August 17, 2011
Fast-Tracked was a refreshingly different book. It tells the story of girl in a time where an assessment test decides what kind of life you live. You have the lower classes, the fast-trackers (the elite) and all the classes between. She grew up only knowing this system and seeing nothing wrong with it until something happens to make her question the system. She meets new people who become friends but could soon become her enemy. The people she thinks she can trust just may be causing some of her problems. I would definitely recommend reading this book. I can't wait until the second comes out.
April 21, 2012
I LOVED THIS! I can't wait for the sequel and see whether or not the marriage happens. But to be honest, I don't think I am rooting for Byron! Probably just because there was not much character development with him and he was a bit of a turd to her for a good bit. Maybe something remarkable will happen and the love "triangle" will be thrown out the window and someone completely new will enter Lexi's life? That would be a refreshing change to the oft over-relied upon love triangle that seems so prevalent in dystopias and other YA books.
May 22, 2012
Hard to put down young adult science fiction/ fantasy. Alexandria got her golden ticket to the Fast-Tracked life. Elite business people now are the ruling class in future Americal, but when her first love Byron is demoted because of her,now as Zandria must become the kind of person she hates most to save him and his family. Realyl liked this book and can not wait to read the second in the trilogy. A Nice way to spend an afternooon in the sun.
September 22, 2011
OMG. I LOVED this book. I almost threw my Kindle against the wall when I realized book 2 will not be released until December. If you love YA dystopian, this book is a must read. One of the reasons I loved this book so much was because of its original take on the whole dystopian society. Tracy Rozzlynn did a great job of setting the stage for what's yet to come.
August 28, 2011
Another excellent start to a new series. I loved it and can't wait for the next! Adding Tracy to the favorite authors list :)
October 31, 2011
I really liked this book I thought the idea was interesting, I thought it was well written. I want to read the sequel ASAP :)
December 7, 2011
Great story. I highly recommend it if you liked Hunger Games.
May 17, 2018
dnf - I really wanted to like this - I liked the blurb, but I just could not find myself loving the MC.
January 28, 2012
Two pages in and I am already groaning at the clumsily written introduction to the romance between two characters. It goes something like this "we were friends but then we kissed and now I think he is so handsome. Our other friend, conveniently his sister so there is no fear of a love triangle, knew and had been setting us up on accidental dates all year. The places were getting more and more romantic....". Barf.
Wait it got worse... He just purred at her.
A third of the way through the book now and I am getting the jist of it. She did well, he did not. I am betting the reason we have been subjected to pages of badly written romantic drivel is in hope that the reader gets how in love they are... So we understand why she will make sacrifices for him (I am guessing). Gah.
.. And yet whether by skill or accident (on the author's part) I did cry a little at the end of chapter 4.
I have figured what is bothering me. Lack of character development. I know two things about the heroine. I know that she is pretty, and I know that she is rude.
I kept reading because I was enjoying the concept of the book. The idea that a single test at the end of highschool could direct your entire future, including who you are allowed to socialise with and what size house you are allowed to live in. Despite an interesting concept the writing was incredibly poor.
Wait it got worse... He just purred at her.
A third of the way through the book now and I am getting the jist of it. She did well, he did not. I am betting the reason we have been subjected to pages of badly written romantic drivel is in hope that the reader gets how in love they are... So we understand why she will make sacrifices for him (I am guessing). Gah.
.. And yet whether by skill or accident (on the author's part) I did cry a little at the end of chapter 4.
I have figured what is bothering me. Lack of character development. I know two things about the heroine. I know that she is pretty, and I know that she is rude.
I kept reading because I was enjoying the concept of the book. The idea that a single test at the end of highschool could direct your entire future, including who you are allowed to socialise with and what size house you are allowed to live in. Despite an interesting concept the writing was incredibly poor.
July 22, 2016
If I had read this a few years ago it would have been fantastic. However with the over-saturation of dystopian fiction and having read some really fantastic ones this gets a 3.5.
As a story I stayed intrigued the entire time and it was a quick read that often pulled me back.
The world building was also done very well. With trump on the horizon I even see this as more plausible! And the best dystopian fiction is one you can see happening and questions your ideas of society. Thus for that reason it did a decent job of world building.
I do however feel the writing lacked the spark and smarts of the great books of this genre. Everything was spoon-fed and you knew scenes were being written specifically for you to gain knowledge about the world. For example. We find out very late into the book that the cast we have been reading about are all white and live in a country where different ethnicities and races do not exist. The way she finds is very.... Scripted. And it could have been written more seamlessly.
Honestly that's all that really let's this book down. I really enjoyed the world, the plot, the twist, the main character and her wits. But the writing seemed just a little bit childish/stunted.
I also have been reading much more mature themed books recently thus maybe that's effected my outlook, but yes, great story, lacks beauty in writing and execution.
As a story I stayed intrigued the entire time and it was a quick read that often pulled me back.
The world building was also done very well. With trump on the horizon I even see this as more plausible! And the best dystopian fiction is one you can see happening and questions your ideas of society. Thus for that reason it did a decent job of world building.
I do however feel the writing lacked the spark and smarts of the great books of this genre. Everything was spoon-fed and you knew scenes were being written specifically for you to gain knowledge about the world. For example. We find out very late into the book that the cast we have been reading about are all white and live in a country where different ethnicities and races do not exist. The way she finds is very.... Scripted. And it could have been written more seamlessly.
Honestly that's all that really let's this book down. I really enjoyed the world, the plot, the twist, the main character and her wits. But the writing seemed just a little bit childish/stunted.
I also have been reading much more mature themed books recently thus maybe that's effected my outlook, but yes, great story, lacks beauty in writing and execution.
December 25, 2011
It was hard for me to decide what to rate this book. At times I REALLY liked it and then at other times I really disliked it. What did me in was by the end, I was just ready for it to be over. I hated the ending. Really hated it. It left it open for a sequel that I read somewhere was supposed to come out in December or January but I haven't seen anything about it when I went searching. I might pick up the sequel if it is a .99 or below title but honestly, I didn't even like the book enough to be overly interested in what happens next, which is really unusual for me. The way it ended didn't leave me wanting to know what happened, it just made me feel unfulfilled and kind of mad. I think what turned me off the most was the female lead. I just did not find her like-able. She seemed to be very wishy-washy and unable to make a decision and stick to it. I did like the writing style of the author though and am thinking about going and giving her other series a try just to see if it was merely the characters in Fast-tracked that didn't 'wow' me.
December 31, 2012
Poor, struggling, young adult dystopia this isn't. Instead the main character has made it to the upper-class. Survival takes on another dress. Society and politics are the main course rather than grizzle from the garbage. Though I find the strong fem lead one of my criteria for a good book, this one is strong in a way I don't like from about halfway through the book. She easily gets caught up in the intrigue and loses her way often, becoming one of those she hates for the one she loves. Oh, yeah, there's romance and the angst involved.
This is probably the worst book to read when you are financially the poorest you have ever been, when the country faces the fiscal cliff at midnight tonight, but in spite of all the above, the book has an interesting point of view and you find yourself rooting for humanity. And I am leaning to actually wanting to read book 2. Go figure. Tracy Rozzlynn is a great story teller.
This is probably the worst book to read when you are financially the poorest you have ever been, when the country faces the fiscal cliff at midnight tonight, but in spite of all the above, the book has an interesting point of view and you find yourself rooting for humanity. And I am leaning to actually wanting to read book 2. Go figure. Tracy Rozzlynn is a great story teller.
April 25, 2016
Would make for a good movie. While some parts may have been the tell tale ingredients of most YA stories, I didn't care to dwell on it. Criticism was not my goal, I just sat back and enjoyed the ride. I liked the characters and how the story developed. I noticed spots that hinted at what was to come but now want to see my hints fleshed out. I just wish I knew when the next book is coming out... because there being no clue of when the next part of the story continues makes me sad lol... *sigh* No pressure but HURRY Ms. Rozzlynn!!! :)
February 24, 2013
I stumbled on this book and after a few pages I was caught up in Ms. Rozzlynn's fictional world. The book takes a unique look at the country after an economic collapse. In some ways it reminded me of the Hunger Games books. Certainly not quite the adventure of that series, but there are some small similarities, one which sticks out in particular is the class system which is developed when the country reconstructs. I thought Ms. Rozzlynn's characters were well built and capturing, enough so that I had to download the second book in the series.
September 6, 2013
I don't know how Rosslynn does it, but I get so stressed out when I read her books. It is the same thing with her Verita series. The suspense builds because I know something bad is going to happen, I just don't know what. The cause is how much I love the characters. There is so much turmoil between all of them, but you can't help love them until you find out they are evil. I am really hoping Rozzlynn publishes the third book soon. I am about to start the second book and I know I will have it finished tomorrow, possibly today!
Want to read
January 10, 2012I chose this book because as I read the summary, it was a typical story of success and the price that comes with it, just with a twist. In this book, the job you acquire determines your rank in society,which seems to us, ordinary,right? Well in this case, it is taken to an extreme. Their life all revolves around their occupation. Just like in the Hunger Games, they are all controlled by the government, but in this story, they are controlled more discreetly.
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