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Handler

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Our world was perfect––until we broke the law: Don't go out at night.

Utopian by day, dystopian by night; this is the world I recently discovered. I now struggle with the fact that our whole society has been based on a lie. There's only one way to change it––conquer the darkness we've all been raised to fear.

Live the lie; fight to the death; become a Handler. It's the only way.

A sci-fi/dystopian novel.

274 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2017

42 people are currently reading
1162 people want to read

About the author

Tish Thawer

51 books756 followers
#1 Bestseller in Historical Fiction
Top 100 Bestselling in Paid Kindle Store
Best Cover Award Winner
Readers’ Choice Award Winner
Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi Novel Winner (x2)

www.TishThawer.com
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Author Tish Thawer writes young adult fantasy and paranormal fiction. From her first paranormal cartoon, Isis, to the Twilight phenomenon, myth, magic, and superpowers have always held a special place in her heart.

Best known for her Witches of BlackBrook series, Tish’s detailed world-building and magic-laced stories have been compared to Nora Roberts, Sam Cheever, and Charlaine Harris.

Tish has worked as a computer consultant, photographer, and graphic designer, and has bylines as a columnist for Gliterary Girl media, RT Magazine, and Literary Lunes Magazine. She currently resides in Missouri with her husband and two of her three wonderful children, and operates Amber Leaf Designs, an online custom retail store, and Amber Leaf Farms, a lavender and flower farm that opened in 2022.

A common FAQ: "How do you pronounce her last name?"

Answer: Think "Bower" or "Thow-er". It's Persian!

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5 stars
25 (24%)
4 stars
29 (28%)
3 stars
23 (22%)
2 stars
14 (13%)
1 star
12 (11%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Bon Tom.
856 reviews63 followers
January 6, 2020
In a strange way, this reads almost as a litRPG, but it isn't. But something about the tone, dialogues, atmosphere, character and plot development, reminds me irresistibly of it. It wasn't completely to my taste, but I totally get it if it is to somebody else's.
Profile Image for Jennifer Treviño.
555 reviews5 followers
January 2, 2018
Original, suspenseful, & thoroughly entertaining!!!
It seems I’ve found another author I will be stalking in the near future. (OK...not literally because that is illegal. Her book though....I definitely need more of this in my life!!) This is the 2nd book I’ve read by Tish Thawer & this is the 2nd time she has blown me away.

Looking for a whole new take on dystopian end of the world where humanity is on the line? Look no further. What begins as a cool utopian world quickly takes a few turns toward something totally different & engaging. We’re talking layers upon layers of action packed discoveries. My mind leapt from one possibility to the next as the scenarios played out. Thawer was a step ahead the entire time though, & I was impressed.
The characters are not dull or ordinary. Their world a complete mystery to be unveiled. Even when it seems to be piecing together we are diverted with another twist. And...when the truth begins screaming from the dwinn tops you will want to listen, & follow to the end. Where I was begging for any little glimpse of what is yet to come.

I can’t wait to see what happens next!Handlers is a must read!!! And I will be on the lookout for its sequel!

https://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/2...
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,676 reviews85 followers
December 21, 2017
Honestly, going into Handler I was ready for the common dystopian end of world story and up until half way I believed that was what I was getting. There is a twist to this story that at first turned me off but as I continued to read actually ended up enjoying it. Cole is a strong character and very likable. The connection clicked almost immediately with him. Of course this is a dystopian world but the twist is pretty big and I think any YA dystopian fan will enjoy.

Review by Raychel
Profile Image for MBenzz.
924 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2018
I am clearly in the minority here, but I just didn't like this book. I'm giving it two stars because I did read to the end, but the story was just ridiculous. The writing was ok, but was at times very juvenile. None of the characters are fleshed out...not even Cole, the main character. They're just bodies that have been assigned names. I never felt like I got to KNOW any of them, which in turn means I didn't care about any of them.

The truth about the Handlers and who/what they are? Absolutely ridiculous. I don't know, maybe it was the way it was written, but I literally laughed out loud and said "Are you SERIOUS??" while rolling my eyes. I'm not sure if it was meant to be scary, or thrilling, but it certainly didn't come off that way.

You're left with so many unanswered questions, and the history of the Handlers is never explained or explored. You're just told a few facts about their past on Earth, then nothing more. Judging by the ending, it seems the author has set this up for a sequel, probably turning this into another trilogy or series which seems to be all the rage right now. If that's the case, then I'll never find out what happens as I do not plan to read anything else from this author. Recommend maybe for tweens, but that's about it.
Profile Image for Katja.
39 reviews
March 2, 2018
I know I am in the minority here but Handler just wasn't for me.

I know not every book is for everyone and there are bound to be books I don't like much, but with Handler I can actually put my finger on a few things that put me off.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

First of all - I could not connect to either Cole or any of the other characters in the book on a deeper emotional level. I'm not even sure why, but while I could follow with his thoughts and reasoning up until he actually leaves Atal. As soon as he and Vey end up in the dystopia part of their world. From then on, it's just weird-
The way he decides in like 5 seconds on his end-goal after hearing about the Handler program for the first time. The way he lets the Vey-issue drop (yeah, sure there are hints about the memory loss - but still...)
Lainy's crude tries to hook up --- really?
Dex death is never solved.
And worst of it all - the 'solution' to the mystery. Two-thirds into a book and the author throws aliens at me. err-sorry, but no.

So, I am sorry to say that the initially intriguing idea of Utopia vs Dystopia that made me pick up the book did not hold up to its promise.
But - it wasn't a DNF - so here are two stars for the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Erin.
174 reviews7 followers
December 23, 2017
LOVED. IT. Yes, straight to the point, but sums it up entirely. This book was never at any point what I was expecting, and it was such a fantastic surprise – or a lot of surprises, in this case! When I first started the book, I was worried it was going to be your typical Utopian society that some kids decided was a little too perfect, go off to investigate, and find a bunch of secrets the ‘adults’ are hiding and decide to expose it. Nope. I was SO wrong!

To say this book is dystopian, or even sci-fi…it’s hard to put such small labels on it. There truly is a bit of everything in it, and is what I enjoyed about it so much. You see the entire book through one character’s eyes, so every event that unfolds that could potentially be answered through another character’s eyes? Nope. You don’t find out until the main character finds out what’s going on. It really feels like you are right there with him the entire time…confused, angry, scared, happy…all of it right along with him. It was the perfect point of view for this book because it added to the creepy and the billions of questions that keep building up, and flying at you.

I devoured this book. There was so much detail – and not overdone, boring detail, but movie-in-your-head detail – that I knew only a quarter of the way through that this would definitely turn into more than one book. I wasn’t even mad. In fact, I was happy because I knew that this entire world and what we find out about it is going to be giant, and I JUST. CAN’T. WAIT!

This is definitely a more difficult review to write, because I don’t want to give away any more than what the description of the book already tells you. The journey of questions and answers that just create more questions was the best part of the ride in this book. All I can say is read it. You MUST read it! If you like dystopian and sc-fi with a whole lot of mystery, you will love this book as much as I did. I would definitely say it’s re-readable as well, because there is so much you learn that will give you a completely different perspective the 2nd time around. I can’t wait to see what book 2 has in store for us!
Profile Image for Autumn.
2,341 reviews47 followers
December 31, 2017
http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot...
I received this book to give an honest review.

WOW I was mind blown about 60% in....I so was not really expecting it to be like that.

Before I get into the review I have to say there was a part in the book that bothered me a bit. There are camera's everywhere. Yet when Lainy and Cole are discussing family they are talking freely like nothing is there. To me that seems weird as it seems Cole is very observant about what he says around the cameras. Though this little thing won't affect my review of 5 wineglasses!

The world as we know it is no longer the same. It seems that cities are divided into quadrants and there is a curfew. You can not be out at night though during the day it seems to be a Utopia world.

Cole is a normal teenager or at least to normal as you can get to one. When his best friend goes missing Cole along with his best friend's brother go out to search for him. What they uncover is nothing that they would believe actually goes on.

There is a world underneath their world a world that no one is who they truly seem and you have to fight to move on.

Cole will not go down easy and we see how he truly tries to do the right thing even if that means leaving those he has gotten close to behind.

The title of this book says it all Handler. What could that mean exactly? Well you have to read the book to find that out.

I literally read this book in one sitting and at the end I was wanting more! Now I have read this author's work before when she co-authored with someone else and I loved her writing then. To be able to read another book by her and love it shows the talent she has.

As far as characters went the only one that truly got on my nerves was Lainy she felt way to clingy in my opinion!

The rules of the above ground socity is pretty crazy like one dessert per week! My question is how if they know you have more than one?

Now if you like a bit of sci-fi mixed into the world of dystopia than pick this book up! I think you will really enjoy it!
Profile Image for Angela *Whiskey Angel Life Blog*.
70 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2018
I was provided a copy of Handler by the author for a honest review.

This is my first read by Tish Thawer. As well, sci-fi/ dystopian is not my usual go to genre, so I went into the book blind. After reading the blurb about the book I was immediately intrigued and wanted to venture into new territory in both author and genre.

What I loved about Handler

- Miss Thawer is an artist. Words are her medium. She paints a story that is vivid, creative and wildly imaginative.
- I really enjoyed the plot/ story line of the book. Set in 2026, in a time so advanced, you can actually feel the precision and perfection of the world they now live in. So advanced, yet so controlled.
- Cole. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that the story was told from a young males POV. I really liked Coles character. He continually questioned authority and forged ahead when most would back down or just willing accept the answers provided to him. Overall he was a very well developed character

What I didn’t like about Handler

- Honestly I didn’t love the ending. I feel like I was left without closure. There was no sense of a conclusion. While this is currently a stand-alone, I am hoping for a 2nd book. I feel like there are many unanswered questions

Favourite line from Handler

“Beyond the Atals boundary, it was pitch black; no gleaming quartz sidewalks to light the way, no glass structures to reflect the moons glow....just a vast empty void.”

Overall....
I thoroughly enjoyed Handler. I most definitely enjoyed Tish Thawer’s writing abilities and will certainly be adding more of her works to my reading lists. I give 4.5* 😊
Profile Image for Jackie.
768 reviews57 followers
January 4, 2018
I didn't know what to expect with this book, but wow. I have so many thoughts running through my head right now, it's hard to process all of it.

Handler is centered around a post apocalyptic world, but we soon find out that everything is not as it seems. I have mixed feelings about the main character Cole. There are times when he comes across as a little weak, but then there are other times when he shows that he can be strong - in the end, he did what he needed to do, so major props for that. It wasn't an easy decision to make at all.

The mystery in this story is written very well. I spent a lot of this book confused, but it wasn't in a bad way. There is a lot going on, with a lot of secrets, so it was hard to gauge who you could trust and who was telling the truth. As things started to come out, it made more sense. There were a few instances where my mouth dropped open in shock because something happened that completely took me by surprise. I also like that there was a little bit of romance and some humor throughout the book as well.

My only real complaint is that, to me, it felt like the story wasn't finished and there was more to tell. Just when everything was starting to come out and fit together, the story was over. I don't know if there is going to be a second book or not, but I was left with a lot of questions about what was going to happen next.

All in all this was a really engaging, mysterious book that is sure to take you for a ride!
Profile Image for Ginelle Blanch.
930 reviews26 followers
January 4, 2018
I'm leaning more toward 4 stars than 3 stars so...four stars for me.

I'd say this was a bit of a sci-fi/mystery...with a touch of romance. This was a unique read and, I cannot say it wasn't confusing but, I'm thinking that's how the author intended it to be. Being confused and having question upon question let you experience more of what Cole experienced.

For me, there wasn't a real clear sense of the passage of time...it felt like just days to me but, maybe was a longer period of time. It took me quite a bit of time to get into this story but, I'm happy that I stuck with it. This was a very different type of read for me, also, which did make it a bit slower.

The book has characters that I really liked and that I really felt for. A world that you have known for your whole life is just suddenly not at all what it appears...questions without answers...people you have know look the same but are so very different. Secrets and lies. And, I will say that not much at all is revealed until about 75-80% of the book is read but, I really enjoyed the last handful of chapters.

Even though it says "The End" at the end of the book, the author left it a bit open ended for the possibility of a second book...which I'd be happy to read.
Profile Image for Julia Red Hatter Book Blog.
644 reviews33 followers
December 15, 2017
Handler delivers sci-fi like no other! Tish Thawer creates a world within a world that leaves you salivating for more. Would you enjoy a Utopia? No crimes and only one rule, do not ever go out at night. Sounds nice right? Maybe not so much. Cole lives in Utopia, he only knows of a nice life with his family and friends. No wars. No crime. No complaints. Until one of his best friends is "killed". Word on the street is he ventured out after night. He decides to investigate it with his friends and finds out what really happens at night and why that rule is in place.

I don't want to give too much away. I enjoyed every single twist and want others to enjoy it too. Tish Thawer wrote incredible characters that had a drive to fight for what's right. What's right may not be what you'd expect. This book has so many twists it had my head spinning, but in a good way. My heart was beating and I admit there were a few times I had to actually stop for a second because I was scared of what came next. This book is for any sci-fi lover. Trust me you won't be disappointed visiting Utopia.
Profile Image for A Belle & A Book.
680 reviews28 followers
August 2, 2018
WOW! I don't know what I expected, but it definitely wasn't this. Handler by Tish Thawer is a total mind F%$k! Talk about falling down the rabbit hole, Cole's life as he knows is GONE. How can i describe it? This story is the Hunger Games, MMA, and the Matrix all rolled into one with a bizarre, unique twist. <---- See, mind f%$k. This is NOT your run of mill dystopian novel. Thawer has crafted a original, thrilling tale that left this reader slack jawed and wanting more.

I actually listened to the audio version so I am adding a review for the narrator as well.

John Pirhalla did a fantastic job bringing this story to life for me. The intense fight scenes, the chill of sneaking down hallways, the loss of friends, he brought the feels to all of it. I hope he will be on board for the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Paranormal Tendencies.
254 reviews20 followers
January 7, 2018
Cole lives a perfect peaceful community in the near future. Their only law: never go out at night. Cole has no problem with the law until his friend Victor mysteriously disappears. Cole and Victor’s brother Vel leaver after dark one night to try to find Victor. When they find him they also find the truth about their perfect community. Now Cole has to decide what to do with this truth.
I enjoyed this futuristic tale of secrets and lies. At first the book reminded me of Lois Lowry’s The Giver. The society was peaceful and blissfully unaware of what happens when they aren’t looking. The towards the end it took a turn towards Stephenie Meyers’ The Host. I really enjoyed both of those books so Handler fit seamlessly into the list of must read sci-fi books! 4 stars for Handler!
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
December 21, 2017
Handler Tish Thawed
5 out of 5 stars

Cole or Colizan lives in a city like no other where the grass is always green the air is always fresh there are no sicknesses or diseases and he only has to follow one rule do not go outside after dark easy right? It was until Cole's best friend turns up missing now Cole and Vey are determined to find answers. This book had it all twist and turns you never saw coming. Tish truly wrote a great story and for this being my first sci-fi book it did not disappoint and I couldn't ask for a better one.
Profile Image for Carrie Blair.
64 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2018
If your looking for a good stand alone book. I would recommend Handler. A peaceful post apocalyptic society is not what it appears to be. This book follows Cole through his investigation to heart of a coexisting world inside of the one he’s always know.
I for the most part I enjoyed this book, the only problem I had was I just didn’t connect to the characters as I usually do. That may just be me, so I give this book 4 stars.
Profile Image for Brynn Myers.
Author 16 books180 followers
December 13, 2017
A MUST READ! Handler is a futuristic dystopian that is utterly engaging. You'll be hooked until the end and when you find out the "WHO" and the "WHAT", you'll be shocked! 12.19.17 Only a few more days until you too can find out about their one law...DO NOT GO OUT AT NIGHT! You really should heed the warning!
Profile Image for Cheree Castellanos Edits.
287 reviews28 followers
January 5, 2018
If it seems to good to be true, it probably is. Cole seems to be naturally curious, but when one of his best friends disappears suspiciously, his curiosity won't let him leave it alone. And what he finds is beyond anything he can imagine, and he's only just touched on the tip of the ice burg. Delve into a deep world that slowly unfolds like a flower, revealing the the giant wasp inside!
Profile Image for Marlene.
441 reviews10 followers
January 4, 2018
I always find dystopian stories an interesting sub-genre. This one had me curious from the onset. It kept me guessing from the get go as to who was good and who was bad and maybe there were shades of grey and maybe some weren't as straight-forward either good or bad. I always like a book that makes me think a bit even if it's an easier read.
1,405 reviews10 followers
January 13, 2018
I’m not quite sure how Tish does it. But here is yet another book that she just completely knocks out of the park. This was a new genre for me to read from Tish specifically and it was magnificently crafted. Rich plot and characters. Significant development of back story and universe. The voice of the characters was clearly heard. Loved it as I usually do with her books. 100% recommended!
Profile Image for KylaL.
25 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2018
I Loved this book, It had a wonderful story full of action and adventure. Reading the story of what it's like to go through the handler program, and to see what happened when you get washed out. Then seeing how you feel and having your family at the line. But the ending left with many confusions, and left me wondering what could have happened.
Profile Image for Angela.
2,508 reviews10 followers
December 13, 2017
This book is amazing. There’s no other way to describe it. With twists and turns you never know what to expect from this book. The characters are flawless. The story line, phenomenal. One of my favorite books that Tish has written. An absolute must read.
Profile Image for Heather Rizkallah.
570 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2018
This world Tish painted seems like a apolyptic konda world. Things have changed and the laws are strict. No one is allowed out after dark. Once you read the book you will know why. And I must say I was shocked at why.
Profile Image for Cindy O.
128 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2018
2 1/2 stars maybe. It felt very young adult. It is simplistic and convoluted. I gave it the extra 1/2 star because I did finish the book.
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Why it has an average of 4 stars on Goodreads is a mystery to me unless most of the reviews are from the author’s friends and relatives. 😉
Profile Image for Jan.
Author 1 book8 followers
June 19, 2020
I didn't feel there was any connection between the two different worlds introduced in this story. The story was actually interesting and I liked the possibility of change at the end, but the lack of connection between the worlds was a serious hole in the storyline.
16 reviews
March 7, 2019
Couldn’t do it.
I read over 125 pages in and found it totally uninteresting. Nothing there to to capture my interest. Not even the shadowy government.
Sorry.
Profile Image for Vivianne TM.
1,442 reviews21 followers
February 1, 2019
This is so bad. The characterizations are too unbelievable to keep going and the writing just seems superficial and lazy. I'm not finishing it. Even though it's short, it's not worth it.
Profile Image for Ricardo Alves.
1 review2 followers
April 9, 2018
I enjoyed the book as a whole. Nicely written, with a compelling story. The plot was also interesting. However, there were a couple of things that prevent me from rating this book higher, namely:



- I was never able to develop empathy for any of the characters. They are introduced very quickly in the first couple of pages, but I never got to know the characters. What drive them? What are their dreams? etc...

- Finally, I constantly felt the story was always rushing to the next chapter. Everything happens too quickly. I couldn't understand how long did Cole spend down there. I couldn't understand the notion of time throughout this book.

All in all, the book was very interesting with a unique concept.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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