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XGeneration #1
You Don't Know Me
Part X-Files, part Freaks and Geeks, and totally ’80s!
In the fall of 1984, Cold War tensions between Washington and Moscow are close to breaking.
But in sleepy Gainesville, Florida, fourteen-year-old Janis Graystone is mainly worried about starting high school, earning a spot on the varsity soccer team, and keeping her older sister from running her life. And then there are her paranormal experiences. Experiences where she awakens in her backyard — out of her body — with the disturbing sense that someone is watching her.
For Scott Spruel, the start of high school means the chance to start over. And he's willing to ditch everything — computer hacking, Dungeons & Dragons marathons, even his comic book collection (well, except for his X-Men) — if it means getting closer to Janis, the secret love of his life. But what about the eerie delay on his telephone, a delay he senses through powers he is only beginning to understand?
As clocks tick down, Janis and Scott will need the other's help. But first they'll have to find one another and that means traversing Thirteenth Street High's caste system, which can be as brutal as it is unforgiving...
XGeneration is a teen paranormal mystery series, inspired by classic superhero comics and the 1980s.
In the fall of 1984, Cold War tensions between Washington and Moscow are close to breaking.
But in sleepy Gainesville, Florida, fourteen-year-old Janis Graystone is mainly worried about starting high school, earning a spot on the varsity soccer team, and keeping her older sister from running her life. And then there are her paranormal experiences. Experiences where she awakens in her backyard — out of her body — with the disturbing sense that someone is watching her.
For Scott Spruel, the start of high school means the chance to start over. And he's willing to ditch everything — computer hacking, Dungeons & Dragons marathons, even his comic book collection (well, except for his X-Men) — if it means getting closer to Janis, the secret love of his life. But what about the eerie delay on his telephone, a delay he senses through powers he is only beginning to understand?
As clocks tick down, Janis and Scott will need the other's help. But first they'll have to find one another and that means traversing Thirteenth Street High's caste system, which can be as brutal as it is unforgiving...
XGeneration is a teen paranormal mystery series, inspired by classic superhero comics and the 1980s.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2013
106 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Brad Magnarella
49 books376 followersBrad Magnarella writes urban fantasy for the same reason most read it – to explore worlds where magic crackles from fingertips, vampires and shifters walk city streets, cats talk (some excessively), and good prevails against all odds. It’s shamelessly fun.
His three main series, Prof Croft, Blue Wolf, and Maddy Deeds, make up the growing Croftverse, with nearly a half-million books sold to date and an Independent Audiobook Award nomination.
Hopelessly nomadic, Brad can be found in a rented room overseas or hiking America's backcountry.
To learn more about the Croftverse, and download two free prequel novellas, visit his website at bradmagnarella.com
His three main series, Prof Croft, Blue Wolf, and Maddy Deeds, make up the growing Croftverse, with nearly a half-million books sold to date and an Independent Audiobook Award nomination.
Hopelessly nomadic, Brad can be found in a rented room overseas or hiking America's backcountry.
To learn more about the Croftverse, and download two free prequel novellas, visit his website at bradmagnarella.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 28, 2016
Goodreads Synopsis: Part X-Files, part Freaks and Geeks, and totally ’80s!
In the fall of 1984, Cold War tensions between Washington and Moscow are close to breaking.
But in sleepy Gainesville, Florida, fourteen-year-old Janis Graystone is mainly worried about starting high school, earning a spot on the varsity soccer team, and keeping her older sister from running her life. And then there are her paranormal experiences. Experiences where she awakens in her backyard — out of her body — with the disturbing sense that someone is watching her.
For Scott Spruel, the start of high school means the chance to start over. And he's willing to ditch everything — computer hacking, Dungeons & Dragons marathons, even his comic book collection (well, except for his X-Men) — if it means getting closer to Janis, the secret love of his life. But what about the eerie delay on his telephone, a delay he senses through powers he is only beginning to understand?
As clocks tick down, Janis and Scott will need the other's help. But first they'll have to find one another and that means traversing Thirteenth Street High's caste system, which can be as brutal as it is unforgiving...
XGeneration is a teen paranormal mystery series, inspired by classic superhero comics and the 1980s.
My Review: Honestly, I really tried to like this book, and although it had a good synopsis I just couldn't get into it and don't think this was a book for me. First of all, nothing really exciting happened until the last 5% of the book, life was just completely normal for Scott and Janis for most of the story and that just didn't hook me. Although X-Men was referred a lot, there wasn't anything in the story that reminded me of it aside from their powers and names. The characters seemed too young for their age, and the other characters that seemed important weren't. I didn't feel worried for either Janis or Scott until the end, and even then it wasn't for very long. It was an awkward read, the characters emotions and the way they reacted to situations seemed irrational, and the background characters didn't really have anything to do with the main story. I probably won't read the next book. That's really all I have to say about that. Check it out and see what you think. Thanks for reading.
(Radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com)
In the fall of 1984, Cold War tensions between Washington and Moscow are close to breaking.
But in sleepy Gainesville, Florida, fourteen-year-old Janis Graystone is mainly worried about starting high school, earning a spot on the varsity soccer team, and keeping her older sister from running her life. And then there are her paranormal experiences. Experiences where she awakens in her backyard — out of her body — with the disturbing sense that someone is watching her.
For Scott Spruel, the start of high school means the chance to start over. And he's willing to ditch everything — computer hacking, Dungeons & Dragons marathons, even his comic book collection (well, except for his X-Men) — if it means getting closer to Janis, the secret love of his life. But what about the eerie delay on his telephone, a delay he senses through powers he is only beginning to understand?
As clocks tick down, Janis and Scott will need the other's help. But first they'll have to find one another and that means traversing Thirteenth Street High's caste system, which can be as brutal as it is unforgiving...
XGeneration is a teen paranormal mystery series, inspired by classic superhero comics and the 1980s.
My Review: Honestly, I really tried to like this book, and although it had a good synopsis I just couldn't get into it and don't think this was a book for me. First of all, nothing really exciting happened until the last 5% of the book, life was just completely normal for Scott and Janis for most of the story and that just didn't hook me. Although X-Men was referred a lot, there wasn't anything in the story that reminded me of it aside from their powers and names. The characters seemed too young for their age, and the other characters that seemed important weren't. I didn't feel worried for either Janis or Scott until the end, and even then it wasn't for very long. It was an awkward read, the characters emotions and the way they reacted to situations seemed irrational, and the background characters didn't really have anything to do with the main story. I probably won't read the next book. That's really all I have to say about that. Check it out and see what you think. Thanks for reading.
(Radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com)
June 28, 2018
It's a well written book, but I think I'm just the wrong reader for this. If you are into superheros, I encourage you to pick this one up. It's free on Kindle. :)
partly-read
December 16, 2015I got this book as part of the Riot Girls box set.
I love superhero prose, but I didn't love this. Though it was well-edited and read smoothly, I found it very slow-moving, with a lot of detail about the characters' everyday lives, and just a gradually-building sense of Things Amiss that didn't build fast enough to keep my interest.
What really put me off it, though, and caused me to put it down after reading about a quarter of it, was the constant 80s references. I expect some cultural references in a book set in the 1980s, sure, but it isn't necessary to drop a brand name, celebrity name, or other pop culture item on every page. The brand names were the most frequent and pervasive. Nobody could just look at their shoes or smooth their shirt or put laundry in the washing machine, there had to be a brand mentioned. At first it was mildly annoying, but eventually (combined with a not-yet-exciting story) it drove me out of the book.
No star rating, because I didn't finish, but if it didn't drastically improve it would have been three stars.
I love superhero prose, but I didn't love this. Though it was well-edited and read smoothly, I found it very slow-moving, with a lot of detail about the characters' everyday lives, and just a gradually-building sense of Things Amiss that didn't build fast enough to keep my interest.
What really put me off it, though, and caused me to put it down after reading about a quarter of it, was the constant 80s references. I expect some cultural references in a book set in the 1980s, sure, but it isn't necessary to drop a brand name, celebrity name, or other pop culture item on every page. The brand names were the most frequent and pervasive. Nobody could just look at their shoes or smooth their shirt or put laundry in the washing machine, there had to be a brand mentioned. At first it was mildly annoying, but eventually (combined with a not-yet-exciting story) it drove me out of the book.
No star rating, because I didn't finish, but if it didn't drastically improve it would have been three stars.
April 27, 2021
I honestly didn’t think that I would enjoy this book as much as I did. Starting it, it felt a little slow and I didn’t like the stalker vibe I had from Scott. It felt like a slice-of-life with just the tiniest hint of powers.
Another thing that I wasn’t all that interested in was the brief history lessons. I didn’t do so well in my history classes in high school or college, so being sent back there wasn’t all that fun.
Somewhere along the line though, and I don’t know where, I was getting really engaged with the story.
If you'd like to read the rest of my review, please visit my blog!
Another thing that I wasn’t all that interested in was the brief history lessons. I didn’t do so well in my history classes in high school or college, so being sent back there wasn’t all that fun.
Somewhere along the line though, and I don’t know where, I was getting really engaged with the story.
If you'd like to read the rest of my review, please visit my blog!
December 7, 2022
Exceptional read!!
I didn't know what to really expect with this read. I had mixed feelings at first, but am so glad I kept reading. This story is extremely captivating. The characters are relatable and lovable. Even the 'bad' guy is relatable on some degree. The entire time reading I thought, I'd do the same thing, or I never thought about that. It also leaves you wondering about your own privacy and how much is really private. I can't wait to read the next book and find out what happens next for Scott and Janis.
I didn't know what to really expect with this read. I had mixed feelings at first, but am so glad I kept reading. This story is extremely captivating. The characters are relatable and lovable. Even the 'bad' guy is relatable on some degree. The entire time reading I thought, I'd do the same thing, or I never thought about that. It also leaves you wondering about your own privacy and how much is really private. I can't wait to read the next book and find out what happens next for Scott and Janis.
August 28, 2017
I really, really enjoyed this. It was well-written, the characters were engaging and the plot kept me hanging.
The bullying scenes were really difficult to read and only made me empathise with Scott more. I could do with warming up to Janis some more though. I wasn't expecting everything that came in the closing chapters but it was one hell of a climax.
Looking forward to reading the sequel.
The bullying scenes were really difficult to read and only made me empathise with Scott more. I could do with warming up to Janis some more though. I wasn't expecting everything that came in the closing chapters but it was one hell of a climax.
Looking forward to reading the sequel.
November 14, 2024
I received this book in return for an honest review.
This was a good book and it has potential but it takes too long to get to the point of their stories and what makes them tick. I thought I would enjoy it more as I was an 80’s kid but from that aspect it was disappointing. I suspect if I were to continue with the series it would really gather some traction.
This was a good book and it has potential but it takes too long to get to the point of their stories and what makes them tick. I thought I would enjoy it more as I was an 80’s kid but from that aspect it was disappointing. I suspect if I were to continue with the series it would really gather some traction.
February 24, 2021
Very interesting
I liked the characters and their attempts to figure out their powers and places in their lives. I thought it was a good start on a series that should have readers asking for more.
I liked the characters and their attempts to figure out their powers and places in their lives. I thought it was a good start on a series that should have readers asking for more.
July 12, 2019
It was an entertaining read - it definitely felt like a comic book, which worked!
Having completed the series, I liked the throwback to the 80s, it brought back memories of simpler times. :)
Having completed the series, I liked the throwback to the 80s, it brought back memories of simpler times. :)
February 5, 2014
As usual I received this book for free in exchange for a review. This time it was from a LibraryThing giveaway. Despite that kindness I give my candid thoughts below.
Firstly, I'm going to choose to assume this is aimed at a young-adult audience. The situations are simple enough and kid-focused enough that I think this is probably a good assumption. Because of that target audience, I assess the book rather differently.
As a parent of daughters the age to read this I first want to know if there's anything in it that I wouldn't want them to read. I'm definitively against sex and drugs in YA novels and this novel does great in that regard. There's some very vague hint of kissing but no drugs or alcohol. There is some pretty graphic violence near the end but what teenager hasn't had plenty of that by the time they're 14. The description indicates some adult language and it's in there but nothing to be concerned about. Again, kids have probably heard it and it's not really all that much compared with the average movie.
The second thing I look at is whether there's something in the book that I would definitely want my kids to read, some redeeming message or life lesson to be learned. To that I say, not really. This is really reading candy as we watch some teenagers explore the world around them and learn about their bizarre powers. Nothing earth-shaking in that but it's entertaining enough.
Lastly, I look at whether the kids would want to read it at all. This is purely a judgement of entertainment value and on that score this does pretty well. The first 20% of the book is solid as we figure out what's actually going on and the last 10% one hates to even blink for fear of missing something. It does get somewhat slow in the middle but it's reasonable setup to the bigger picture. One concern I would put forth is just how much interest teenagers of today will have in the world of the 80s from which their parents came. Depending on the level of disdain that your own kids have for your childhood you might think carefully before putting this one down in front of little Billy or Suzie.
So in summary, as a YA novel it's a pretty good pick. As the description says it's X-Men plus Harry Potter or something of that ilk and reasonably entertaining. It won't pluck out your eyeballs and throw them about the room but it's a good premise well executed.
Firstly, I'm going to choose to assume this is aimed at a young-adult audience. The situations are simple enough and kid-focused enough that I think this is probably a good assumption. Because of that target audience, I assess the book rather differently.
As a parent of daughters the age to read this I first want to know if there's anything in it that I wouldn't want them to read. I'm definitively against sex and drugs in YA novels and this novel does great in that regard. There's some very vague hint of kissing but no drugs or alcohol. There is some pretty graphic violence near the end but what teenager hasn't had plenty of that by the time they're 14. The description indicates some adult language and it's in there but nothing to be concerned about. Again, kids have probably heard it and it's not really all that much compared with the average movie.
The second thing I look at is whether there's something in the book that I would definitely want my kids to read, some redeeming message or life lesson to be learned. To that I say, not really. This is really reading candy as we watch some teenagers explore the world around them and learn about their bizarre powers. Nothing earth-shaking in that but it's entertaining enough.
Lastly, I look at whether the kids would want to read it at all. This is purely a judgement of entertainment value and on that score this does pretty well. The first 20% of the book is solid as we figure out what's actually going on and the last 10% one hates to even blink for fear of missing something. It does get somewhat slow in the middle but it's reasonable setup to the bigger picture. One concern I would put forth is just how much interest teenagers of today will have in the world of the 80s from which their parents came. Depending on the level of disdain that your own kids have for your childhood you might think carefully before putting this one down in front of little Billy or Suzie.
So in summary, as a YA novel it's a pretty good pick. As the description says it's X-Men plus Harry Potter or something of that ilk and reasonably entertaining. It won't pluck out your eyeballs and throw them about the room but it's a good premise well executed.
February 14, 2014
X GENERATION - YOU DON'T KNOW ME by Brad Magnare was given to me free in eBook format in exchange for an honest review.
Everything from the 1980s seems to fascinate today's youth so this book should be received well from its intended young adult audience. A few references might go over their heads such as when the author mentions Mary Lou Retton, but all in all it is well written and fast paced enough to keep the reader's interest.
A fun and interesting read. A trip to the 80s filled with pop culture references such as the music of Duran Duran and eating Pudding Pops.
Scott is a nerd. Janis is the beautiful athlete he is pining for. Once they had been close friends, but time and school schedules got in the way.
Now, separately, they both discover that they have powers. Special powers. But, who would believe them?
A creepy neighbor seems to be watching and following Janis's older sister, Margaret and Janis warns her to be careful. As is the way with most teenagers, Margaret brushes off the idea.
Janis is determined to find out what their neighbor is hiding.
Scott and Janis also both need to find a way to survive and hopefully to thrive during their first year of high school.
The action and the story line kept me intrigued throughout the story and the book ended with enough of a cliffhanger that I definitely want to read the next book in the series.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Everything from the 1980s seems to fascinate today's youth so this book should be received well from its intended young adult audience. A few references might go over their heads such as when the author mentions Mary Lou Retton, but all in all it is well written and fast paced enough to keep the reader's interest.
A fun and interesting read. A trip to the 80s filled with pop culture references such as the music of Duran Duran and eating Pudding Pops.
Scott is a nerd. Janis is the beautiful athlete he is pining for. Once they had been close friends, but time and school schedules got in the way.
Now, separately, they both discover that they have powers. Special powers. But, who would believe them?
A creepy neighbor seems to be watching and following Janis's older sister, Margaret and Janis warns her to be careful. As is the way with most teenagers, Margaret brushes off the idea.
Janis is determined to find out what their neighbor is hiding.
Scott and Janis also both need to find a way to survive and hopefully to thrive during their first year of high school.
The action and the story line kept me intrigued throughout the story and the book ended with enough of a cliffhanger that I definitely want to read the next book in the series.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
August 1, 2014
So, I came across this book when I was searching for XMen in iBooks... it was free, and the characters on the cover bear a passing resemblance to my two favorite X-Men, Jean Grey and Scott Summers. So, definitely worth checking out for me.
XGeneration possesses a similarity to X-Men in the fact that it focuses on a group of super-powered teenagers, and Janis Graystone and Scott Spruel are, indeed, very much like my favorite X-Men, except that Scott strives to be more like his hero, Cyclops.
The story is meandering at first... in fact, much of this, the first book in a series, is exposition. We get to know Scott and Janis and the natures of their abilities, then, in probably the last third of the book, things pick up. The exposition is necessary to the development of the story, even down to the bits about the Cold War.
The writing is very solid and keeps you interested throughout. I had intended to take a slower pace when reading this, but the story kept pulling me along, and before I realized it, I was finished. Of course, this is a book aimed at young adults, so it's not very heavy, and the pages practically turn themselves.
I was only a year old in 1984, but I remembered things like Aqua Net with fondness. The kids this book is aimed at probably won't get it, but their parents definitely will, and they'll enjoy the story on top of it. I did, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book: XGeneration: The Watchers.
XGeneration possesses a similarity to X-Men in the fact that it focuses on a group of super-powered teenagers, and Janis Graystone and Scott Spruel are, indeed, very much like my favorite X-Men, except that Scott strives to be more like his hero, Cyclops.
The story is meandering at first... in fact, much of this, the first book in a series, is exposition. We get to know Scott and Janis and the natures of their abilities, then, in probably the last third of the book, things pick up. The exposition is necessary to the development of the story, even down to the bits about the Cold War.
The writing is very solid and keeps you interested throughout. I had intended to take a slower pace when reading this, but the story kept pulling me along, and before I realized it, I was finished. Of course, this is a book aimed at young adults, so it's not very heavy, and the pages practically turn themselves.
I was only a year old in 1984, but I remembered things like Aqua Net with fondness. The kids this book is aimed at probably won't get it, but their parents definitely will, and they'll enjoy the story on top of it. I did, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book: XGeneration: The Watchers.
January 2, 2017
XGeneration 1: You Don’t Know Me by Brad Magnarella is a great piece of science fiction!
Scott and Janis are both freshmen in high school and they have both noticed the development of powers outside human norms. Scott can access electronics with his mind, while Janis not only can astral project when she sleeps, but she also has precognitive and telekinetic abilities. They used to be friends in elementary school, but in middle school, they drifted apart. Now as freshmen, their newfound abilities bring them together again. Not only does Scott have to deal with his new ability, he gives himself a makeover (from nerd to prep), has several encounters with bullies, and has to deal with his love for Janis. Janis, on the other hand, has a sister with the ability to manipulate anyone to do anything, a fear that the neighbor is watching her sister that no one is taking seriously, and a new boyfriend. Janis and Scott work together to solve the mystery surrounding her neighbor.
XGeneration 1: You Don’t Know Me is a fantastic book for anyone who likes Mutant X or X Men type stories.
Scott and Janis are both freshmen in high school and they have both noticed the development of powers outside human norms. Scott can access electronics with his mind, while Janis not only can astral project when she sleeps, but she also has precognitive and telekinetic abilities. They used to be friends in elementary school, but in middle school, they drifted apart. Now as freshmen, their newfound abilities bring them together again. Not only does Scott have to deal with his new ability, he gives himself a makeover (from nerd to prep), has several encounters with bullies, and has to deal with his love for Janis. Janis, on the other hand, has a sister with the ability to manipulate anyone to do anything, a fear that the neighbor is watching her sister that no one is taking seriously, and a new boyfriend. Janis and Scott work together to solve the mystery surrounding her neighbor.
XGeneration 1: You Don’t Know Me is a fantastic book for anyone who likes Mutant X or X Men type stories.
November 12, 2013
Here we are again with the first book in a series and it is painfully slow. A lot of what seems to be useless information/filler text. I kept reading because I could see the concept the author was going for and I wanted more from the book. There was times I was like "OMG just get to the point already" and "what was the point in explaining that", but I kept reading and it got better at the beginning of the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book and I am expecting hopefully that it will use that "useless info" and tie the books together and not make my continued reading in vain with additional rambling info:-). I think some of the "filler info" could have been circumvented by more description/info when Scott was in the shed to tell a little more of what he seen, like he could have seen some other people/homes he knew. it would have still left much to the imagination to be discovered and written about in subsequent books.So my hopes is that the author has a grand plan to make the rest of the books in the series grand slams!!!! Can't wait for the next book.
August 31, 2014
This was a really enjoyable book that I didn’t want to end. I’m not normally too keen on reading books about teenagers as I find most writers follow the main themes of growing up, high school, romance etc, but even though this book contained all of that, there was something really great about the way it was written and how it flowed so well, the characters were like-able, conversations were natural and easy and I found myself rooting for Janis and Scott. I like a book to have some mystery about it and the added concept of Janis feeling watched by Mr Leonard the neighbour really ramped up the fear factor for me. When it got to the climax when one of the characters gets seriously injured, I found the tenderness that emerged between Janis and Scott really touching and I found myself getting a bit teary which to me is a sign of a really good writer. I would love to know what happens next in this very promising series!
March 31, 2014
I received this ebook for free in exchange for a review from a LibraryThing giveaway.
Everyone knows when I'm reading a good book because I am happy. "XGeneration 1: You Don't Know Me" by Brad Magnarella made me happy. It's one of those books that you start reading faster because you want to know what happens and then you are sad that there is no more to read. I always wonder if authors have superpowers that allow them to know the thoughts and emotions swirling around inside so many different people. If so Brad Magnarella has an extra strong set of powers and also the ability to communicate those thoughts and emotions. He has created interesting people with unique powers. Like the characters in Maggie Stiefvater's series you come to know and care about the characters and you want to know what happens to them. It is such a good book I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Everyone knows when I'm reading a good book because I am happy. "XGeneration 1: You Don't Know Me" by Brad Magnarella made me happy. It's one of those books that you start reading faster because you want to know what happens and then you are sad that there is no more to read. I always wonder if authors have superpowers that allow them to know the thoughts and emotions swirling around inside so many different people. If so Brad Magnarella has an extra strong set of powers and also the ability to communicate those thoughts and emotions. He has created interesting people with unique powers. Like the characters in Maggie Stiefvater's series you come to know and care about the characters and you want to know what happens to them. It is such a good book I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
September 14, 2014
This captures the feel of a Spielberg movie better than any YA novel I've read recently. A small town, kids in school, slowly discovering that there is a hidden story behind the scenes, with creepy people watching over their moves... Although there are obvious comparisons to be made with the X-Men (a comparison driven, in part, by the author's making sure one of the characters in the story is himself a comic nerd who loves reading the X-Men), I don't think that's the dominant influence in the story's feel.
This ends on a small cliff-hanger but is a complete story by itself. At least at this time, it's available for free, so I definitely recommend giving it a shot; I think kids, young adults, and adults who have a taste for the fantastic will enjoy it.
This ends on a small cliff-hanger but is a complete story by itself. At least at this time, it's available for free, so I definitely recommend giving it a shot; I think kids, young adults, and adults who have a taste for the fantastic will enjoy it.
April 24, 2015
Cannot adequately express my love for this book! I love X-Men. I won't deny it. The fact that this book was loosely based on X-Men characters piqued my interest immediately. I had no idea how awesome the subsequent characters, writing, and plot would be though! I am blown away! I wrestled with the entire gamut of emotions: loneliness, fear, anger, humiliation, love, sadness...you name it, it's in here! One particular incident had me in tears one moment and then shrieking, "Hell yeah! Get those bitches!" the next! Such a great book! I can't wait to read the next and find out more about Scott and Janis...and the others too!
January 17, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am a fan of x-men and things of that sort and this reminds me a little of those type of stories. Being the first book in the series the author has some growing to do in my opinion. The story was hard to get into because it just seemed to drag on in parts. I think the storyline is a great one and I look forward to other installments to this series, but I am hopeful that the author can trim the fat so to speak (cut the info that really doesn't need to be there).
I am a fan of x-men and things of that sort and this reminds me a little of those type of stories. Being the first book in the series the author has some growing to do in my opinion. The story was hard to get into because it just seemed to drag on in parts. I think the storyline is a great one and I look forward to other installments to this series, but I am hopeful that the author can trim the fat so to speak (cut the info that really doesn't need to be there).
May 25, 2014
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading XGeneration 1: You Don't Know Me, by Brad Magnarella, but I didn't regret reading it at all. I hadn't been born when the story starts, but I've always liked 80s and 90s shows, so I didn't feel lost with the setting.
This is a clean YA story with teen protagonists who have some cool powers. The pace is fast and you quickly get into the story. Some of the middle of the book would've been more fun to read with less pages, but the book was entertaining nevertheless.
This is a clean YA story with teen protagonists who have some cool powers. The pace is fast and you quickly get into the story. Some of the middle of the book would've been more fun to read with less pages, but the book was entertaining nevertheless.
July 10, 2016
The story follows the main characters, Scott and Janis as they move to to High School, Scott as a tip a Nerd trying to reinvent himself and Janis as the sport type who doesn't want to change. But Janis is no ordinary teenager as she has paranormal experience which she'll have to learn and adapt too.
As both Janis and Scott renew their childhood friendship they become close and dependant on each other in their times of need and their struggles through their school year.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it's not the most exciting storyline but it flows and and kept my interest.
As both Janis and Scott renew their childhood friendship they become close and dependant on each other in their times of need and their struggles through their school year.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it's not the most exciting storyline but it flows and and kept my interest.
March 25, 2016
2.5 stars. I enjoyed the 80's setting and I particularly like Janis and how she stands up for Scott at the party. And the last 15% of the book was very exciting. However for a book about kids with powers it was surprising slow moving and alot of time was spent on normal high-school stuff that had nothing to do with what should have been the main story - Scott and Janis'powers, where they came from, who is watching them etc. Also because so much time was spent on this irrelevant stuff we actually don't get any questions answered at all.
June 2, 2014
[XGeneration:1] by [Brad Magnarella] was a flashback for me to the 80’s. I was the nerdy kid, like Scott, with the TRS80 and playing Dungeons and Dragons. I was also the girl who played sports like Janis. I could relate to both characters except for special powers thing. [Magnarella] did an excellent job of transporting me back in time. I really felt I was experiencing the events with the characters. I am looking forward to reading the second book.
August 12, 2016
There were a lot of 80's references that I could easily for me to relive. I enjoyed that part of the setting quite a bit. I think the book was intended for young adult, but like most of that genre is fine for adult reading as well. The story had a bit of a slow start for me, but as the powers develop so does the intrigue/interest. The characters were well developed and likable, since they were so easy to relate to.
February 24, 2015
I almost felt ashamed for being a computer nerd / geek after reading this. I can't put my finger too much on why I was uncomfortable, but the main character is set up as very anti-social and unlikeable at first - always staring and looking at his neighbor, and comparing her and himself to the X-Men in these creepy nerd-montages.
I just felt icky reading them, and it overshadowed what wasn't too bad of a book, but it really left me not wanting more.
I just felt icky reading them, and it overshadowed what wasn't too bad of a book, but it really left me not wanting more.
October 23, 2015
When ever I read a book I always finish it at one point or another. Xgenerations book 1 had me up all night and any book that can do that is, in my opinion worth five stars. Yet there are some concerns about this book. one being the setting, set in 1984 might not hold the attention of the target age group. I also think that the pace in the middle of the book is a bit slow and some people might not enjoy it.
February 24, 2016
This is a great book! I passed this one up twice thinking it would be too sci-fi for me, but I really enjoyed it. The author sells himself short saying this book doesn't have a lot of action. There is a wonderful slow build of suspense to the final showdown, but there's action of all kinds in the subplots. The eighties are depicted so clearly that anyone who didn't experience the decade can get envision what it was like. Believable characters, great plot. Well done!
May 2, 2016
I did not like this book. But that is my opinion it was wrote well and the characters were well developed. It just wasn't my cup of tea so to speak. I think a younger read would love this book. Because it's all geeky. What's not cool about a guy that can hack any computer just by feeling his way through it. I would like to see this author do a more adult series. I would recommend this book to younger friends of mine.
February 20, 2014
I had a ball reading this book. I was fooled by the beginning and tricked at the end. A simple love quest for a teen geekboy computer hacker who wants to attract sports star teen girl gets mangled in with cold war espionage, magic, and bad people. Let's keep this series coming. It's a winner. My thanks to the author and LibraryThing for a complimentary copy.
July 21, 2016
Interesting, but awkward.
The plot was great. Mystery, romance. Yet it doesn't answer any questions.
Plus, book stuck in a certain time period? Reference every single thing even remotely related to said time period!
And awkwardness. A paddling and two pants-wettings. Not a lot of fun.
A great story, yet not one of my favorites.
The plot was great. Mystery, romance. Yet it doesn't answer any questions.
Plus, book stuck in a certain time period? Reference every single thing even remotely related to said time period!
And awkwardness. A paddling and two pants-wettings. Not a lot of fun.
A great story, yet not one of my favorites.
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