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Strikers
One hundred and twelve years after the fall, the Republic of Texas is built on two foundations: total freedom and total responsibility. A law broken means a strike against the lawbreaker. Five strikes means execution. The only hope for the law breaker is to escape Texas—to go Striker—before justice comes for them.
Sixteen-year-old Karas Quick has never had it easy. The daughter of a Striker and an alcoholic mother, she’s gotten everything she has the hard way — even the strike on her neck. Yet try as Karas might to stay above-board with the authorities, there are some things you just can’t plan for. Seeing the face of her long-lost father paraded through the town square in chains is one of those things.
In the blink of an eye, Karas’s life changes forever. Potential strikes be damned, she has to see her father one last time. What she discovers propels her upon an unimaginable journey, one she can only hope she’ll survive.
Sixteen-year-old Karas Quick has never had it easy. The daughter of a Striker and an alcoholic mother, she’s gotten everything she has the hard way — even the strike on her neck. Yet try as Karas might to stay above-board with the authorities, there are some things you just can’t plan for. Seeing the face of her long-lost father paraded through the town square in chains is one of those things.
In the blink of an eye, Karas’s life changes forever. Potential strikes be damned, she has to see her father one last time. What she discovers propels her upon an unimaginable journey, one she can only hope she’ll survive.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2014
53 people are currently reading
1364 people want to read
About the author
Ann Christy
50 books329 followersAnn lives by the sea under the benevolent rule of her canine overlord and an incredibly foul-mouthed cat. A scientist and Navy officer by profession, the writing bug somehow got inside her during her travels. She's now stuck with it and can't stop writing.
She writes fully immersive works of science fiction and apocalyptic fiction. Ann is also a voracious reader, and adores a well-done audiobook. If she's not writing, then she's reading or listening.
She writes fully immersive works of science fiction and apocalyptic fiction. Ann is also a voracious reader, and adores a well-done audiobook. If she's not writing, then she's reading or listening.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 15, 2014
In many ways Strikers is a perfect name for Ann Christy’s first work outside of Hugh Howey’s WOOL Universe. Just taking a look at the cover is striking, the bold design pops out and will certainly draw scores of readers from just seeing it next to the other books in the Kindle store. But beyond the cover, Ann’s story is striking as a great work of young adult fiction.
In the world Ann Christy creates in Strikers, the United States is no more. In its place is a collection of independent nations, including the place where the story originates – Texas. In Texas, the people are controlled by a few select families and going against the law earns the violator a “strike,” including a tattoo on their neck. They go a bit farther than baseball as five strikes earns an out, or rather, death. That should’ve driven most of the people off the land, but even leaving Texas is an illegal act, making anyone who does so a “Striker.”
For Karas, a free spirit, this means her life is made all the harder than it already was. Life takes a drastic turn when her father, who she’d never ever known, shows up and reveals there is more to life outside of Texas. He comes back along with Maddix, the older brother of her friend Connor. Both are Strikers without any strikes left and Karas and Connor risk everything for their family.
Along with Karas, her friends Cassi and Jovan risks their lives to join her on a life-changing journey. Along the way, Karas discovers who she really is, the truth about her father and the life she never knew existed outside of the authoritarian nation of Texas.
In this book, Ann Chisty does a fabulous job of world-building, creating a realistic dystopian world where Karas and her friends find out what they are really made of. Her characters are very believable and although she does an admirable job tying up storylines by the end of the story, there are plenty of seeds and avenues to explore in future tales in her Striker Universe. I enjoyed reading it far more than a lot of dystopian young adult books on the market today and I feel she really tapped into the emotion that fuels much of the young adult fiction market these days.
Well done, Ann. I enjoyed Strikers and I know many others will as well.
In the world Ann Christy creates in Strikers, the United States is no more. In its place is a collection of independent nations, including the place where the story originates – Texas. In Texas, the people are controlled by a few select families and going against the law earns the violator a “strike,” including a tattoo on their neck. They go a bit farther than baseball as five strikes earns an out, or rather, death. That should’ve driven most of the people off the land, but even leaving Texas is an illegal act, making anyone who does so a “Striker.”
For Karas, a free spirit, this means her life is made all the harder than it already was. Life takes a drastic turn when her father, who she’d never ever known, shows up and reveals there is more to life outside of Texas. He comes back along with Maddix, the older brother of her friend Connor. Both are Strikers without any strikes left and Karas and Connor risk everything for their family.
Along with Karas, her friends Cassi and Jovan risks their lives to join her on a life-changing journey. Along the way, Karas discovers who she really is, the truth about her father and the life she never knew existed outside of the authoritarian nation of Texas.
In this book, Ann Chisty does a fabulous job of world-building, creating a realistic dystopian world where Karas and her friends find out what they are really made of. Her characters are very believable and although she does an admirable job tying up storylines by the end of the story, there are plenty of seeds and avenues to explore in future tales in her Striker Universe. I enjoyed reading it far more than a lot of dystopian young adult books on the market today and I feel she really tapped into the emotion that fuels much of the young adult fiction market these days.
Well done, Ann. I enjoyed Strikers and I know many others will as well.
July 6, 2014
1. I would give this book an overall 5 out of 5 stars for a first book in a series. I gave it 5 stars because unlike most serial books it can be a standalone. It leaves you wanting another book but you don't HAVE to have another book. The end wraps up enough that you can wait without being too annoyed to read anymore of her books.
2. Without giving away any major plot points here is a very brief synopsis. This takes place in the future America which is broken down more regionally rather than states with what appears to be a buffer no man’s land between the regions. You get the sense that climate change has played a bit of a role in this due to regions being drier or wetter than they used to be. I love how she doles out information about this new world as the characters are receiving it. There is a real sense that the characters are very ignorant of the world around them and they come across that way.
3. Some of the characters are given difficult situations to deal with and I think she (the author) does a good job of giving them believable reactions to these situations (don't want to spoil the read so I won't get too specific)
4. The kids in this are just that, kids, this is a YA book that I enjoyed even though I was a YA in the Stone Age. Sometimes it's nice to remember how young you were once. This in no way takes away from the book, just that it is set with the viewpoint of the YA audience and not say the boomers. I also enjoyed the hunger game series for the same reason.
5. I will say this; the characters in this book come from some very believable situations, poverty, alcoholism, abuse, etc. These are subjects that unfortunately children and young adults have to deal with all too often. I think she did it in a realistic way, portraying the characters in a more complicated grey area relationship rather than the black and white fairy tale relationship that really doesn't exist all that often.
6. My recommendation is that if you are a fan of dystopian future world and journey tales then read this book. You won't be sorry. I know I wasn't.
2. Without giving away any major plot points here is a very brief synopsis. This takes place in the future America which is broken down more regionally rather than states with what appears to be a buffer no man’s land between the regions. You get the sense that climate change has played a bit of a role in this due to regions being drier or wetter than they used to be. I love how she doles out information about this new world as the characters are receiving it. There is a real sense that the characters are very ignorant of the world around them and they come across that way.
3. Some of the characters are given difficult situations to deal with and I think she (the author) does a good job of giving them believable reactions to these situations (don't want to spoil the read so I won't get too specific)
4. The kids in this are just that, kids, this is a YA book that I enjoyed even though I was a YA in the Stone Age. Sometimes it's nice to remember how young you were once. This in no way takes away from the book, just that it is set with the viewpoint of the YA audience and not say the boomers. I also enjoyed the hunger game series for the same reason.
5. I will say this; the characters in this book come from some very believable situations, poverty, alcoholism, abuse, etc. These are subjects that unfortunately children and young adults have to deal with all too often. I think she did it in a realistic way, portraying the characters in a more complicated grey area relationship rather than the black and white fairy tale relationship that really doesn't exist all that often.
6. My recommendation is that if you are a fan of dystopian future world and journey tales then read this book. You won't be sorry. I know I wasn't.
July 16, 2014
This review is from: Strikers (Kindle Edition)
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Strikers by Ann Christy and was not given any direction as to how I should write my review.
I wish I could give this book 4 1/2 stars.
I enjoy the worlds Christy creates and can get lost in them. I had trouble with several awkward sentences in the first chapter, but soon got lost in the story and characters. Without revealing too many spoilers, I especially enjoyed the revelation of pieces of the back story throughout the book. While reading, I had several questions, and at just the right time, the answers appeared naturally. When I revisit the book in my mind, several scenes are so clearly written that they seem like one of my memories instead of remembering something I read. In a couple of chapters, I needed to keep a beverage close to me, and caught myself gasping at some intense action scenes. The ending of the book was good, but could have been a bit more of a cliff hanger. It still left me wanting more,
So Ann, what date is the sequel coming out? Please put me down for a preorder, even if you haven't started to write it yet.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Strikers by Ann Christy and was not given any direction as to how I should write my review.
I wish I could give this book 4 1/2 stars.
I enjoy the worlds Christy creates and can get lost in them. I had trouble with several awkward sentences in the first chapter, but soon got lost in the story and characters. Without revealing too many spoilers, I especially enjoyed the revelation of pieces of the back story throughout the book. While reading, I had several questions, and at just the right time, the answers appeared naturally. When I revisit the book in my mind, several scenes are so clearly written that they seem like one of my memories instead of remembering something I read. In a couple of chapters, I needed to keep a beverage close to me, and caught myself gasping at some intense action scenes. The ending of the book was good, but could have been a bit more of a cliff hanger. It still left me wanting more,
So Ann, what date is the sequel coming out? Please put me down for a preorder, even if you haven't started to write it yet.
September 10, 2014
I was privileged to be one the selected Beat readers for Strikers by Ann Christy.
I found it to be entrancing. In a way similar to her Wool 49 series,she makes the reader feel like they are right with the characters as they progress through the story. I live in Texas, so I kept trying to guess what part of the state they were located. I have my own ideas as to where the story is set, but you will have to read the story for yourself and come up with your own ideas. That is part of the fun.
In another part of the story, they take a trip down a major river. That description is excellent. Almost relaxing to read. Like any really good story, there are several unexpected twists and turns. Again, part of the fun.
When it is released in its final form, I'll be buying a copy.
I found it to be entrancing. In a way similar to her Wool 49 series,she makes the reader feel like they are right with the characters as they progress through the story. I live in Texas, so I kept trying to guess what part of the state they were located. I have my own ideas as to where the story is set, but you will have to read the story for yourself and come up with your own ideas. That is part of the fun.
In another part of the story, they take a trip down a major river. That description is excellent. Almost relaxing to read. Like any really good story, there are several unexpected twists and turns. Again, part of the fun.
When it is released in its final form, I'll be buying a copy.
August 14, 2015
An unexpected good read! I enjoyed the time I got to spend with Christy's characters. She has a nice handle on the dystopian genre and has created a compelling lead who balances her toughness with kindness well. And I really appreciated that there was no bad language or situations. There were a few scenes I felt could've been extended, and the final battle happened too quickly, but a lot is left open, and I'd willingly spend more time in this world.
August 11, 2014
Nothing pleases me more that when one of my favourite authors releases some brand new material but it also scares me a little. What if I don't like it?, a couple of my fave (and un-named) authors over the years have released books that I couldn't get half way through and it does make me feel a touch guilty.
So when I heard Ann was releasing a new novel, I pressed that all to easy button to order on Amazon and dived straight in to her new world.
I first came across Ann's work with her Silo 49 series, after reading the masterpiece that is Wool by Hugh Howey I was delighted to see the book had for want of a better word spawned a whole load of "fan fiction" by proper published writers and Ann's series was one of the first I read.
Strikers is her latest release, a dystopian novel set in a future United States, Our lead character is Karas a sixteen year old girl who lives in the now Republic of Texas, the rules in this new republic are very different from what we know, anyone who breaks the rules is marked with a strike across the neck, the more strikes the more rules have been broken and when a person gets to five strikes well lets just say they don't get the chance to break any more rules.
Karas is nearly on her own, her father is a Striker, the name given to people who have escaped the republic and her mother is an alcoholic who can hardly look after herself never mind her daughter, she has great friends in Connor and Cassi who are with her the day she sees her father for the first time in years.
Jordan, her father is taking part in a parade of prisoners being flaunted by the republic for all to see, their many strikes visible on their necks, along with him is Connor's brother Maddix. After the shock of seeing her father, she knows she has to get to see him and Connor is only too happy to lend a helping hand.
Karas has to enlist the help of her teenage crush Jovan to get in to the cells to see her father but once inside things go awry and Karas and her friends and father are on the run. They run for their lives, hiding from not only the world outside their town but the people sent to bring them back.
Strikers is a pure joy to read, as Karas and co make a run for their lives, the world in which they travel is vividly described, you almost feel as if you are with them experiencing each danger and each new experience, the wonder when they come across foods they've never eaten, technology they've never experienced and water, their pure joy at rivers and the ocean!
As a fan of dystopian young adult fiction and being on the wrong side of 30, I may not be the target age group for this novel but I enjoyed every minute of it, it also has for you romance fans out there a couple of new book boyfriends for us in the shape of Jovan and Marcus, which one will you choose?
So yay! I had nothing to worry about, Ann has done a brilliant job here and I hope to hear more from Karas and co in the future.
Strikers is awarded 5 out of 5
So when I heard Ann was releasing a new novel, I pressed that all to easy button to order on Amazon and dived straight in to her new world.
I first came across Ann's work with her Silo 49 series, after reading the masterpiece that is Wool by Hugh Howey I was delighted to see the book had for want of a better word spawned a whole load of "fan fiction" by proper published writers and Ann's series was one of the first I read.
Strikers is her latest release, a dystopian novel set in a future United States, Our lead character is Karas a sixteen year old girl who lives in the now Republic of Texas, the rules in this new republic are very different from what we know, anyone who breaks the rules is marked with a strike across the neck, the more strikes the more rules have been broken and when a person gets to five strikes well lets just say they don't get the chance to break any more rules.
Karas is nearly on her own, her father is a Striker, the name given to people who have escaped the republic and her mother is an alcoholic who can hardly look after herself never mind her daughter, she has great friends in Connor and Cassi who are with her the day she sees her father for the first time in years.
Jordan, her father is taking part in a parade of prisoners being flaunted by the republic for all to see, their many strikes visible on their necks, along with him is Connor's brother Maddix. After the shock of seeing her father, she knows she has to get to see him and Connor is only too happy to lend a helping hand.
Karas has to enlist the help of her teenage crush Jovan to get in to the cells to see her father but once inside things go awry and Karas and her friends and father are on the run. They run for their lives, hiding from not only the world outside their town but the people sent to bring them back.
Strikers is a pure joy to read, as Karas and co make a run for their lives, the world in which they travel is vividly described, you almost feel as if you are with them experiencing each danger and each new experience, the wonder when they come across foods they've never eaten, technology they've never experienced and water, their pure joy at rivers and the ocean!
As a fan of dystopian young adult fiction and being on the wrong side of 30, I may not be the target age group for this novel but I enjoyed every minute of it, it also has for you romance fans out there a couple of new book boyfriends for us in the shape of Jovan and Marcus, which one will you choose?
So yay! I had nothing to worry about, Ann has done a brilliant job here and I hope to hear more from Karas and co in the future.
Strikers is awarded 5 out of 5
August 18, 2023
Having recently read Ann Christy’s newest release, The Never-Ending End of the World, I’ve been having a bit of a book hangover. TNEEOTW has jumped to the top of my favorite books of 2023, and I can’t stop raving about it or thinking about it.
To try to combat the book hangover, I decided to take a look at Ann’s backlist and discovered the Strikers trilogy. Well… I love dystopian so I ordered a copy of Strikers and jumped right in.
I’m so happy I did. This dystopian world was everything a good dystopian should have and I thoroughly enjoyed it all.
Karas is a 16 year old living in Texas a hundred and twelve years after the Fall. Texas is cut off from the rest of the world, as past the borders there is nothing left and it’s barely survivable. The land is dry, so dry. Crops can barely be grown. Water is a luxury. Food is hard to come by.
If there are any infractions or crimes committed in Texas, strikes are given which are marks tattooed on the persons neck. 5 strikes and you’re marked for execution.
Karas has one strike, but her best friend has three. They’re doing their best to stay out of trouble until both see family members who were captured while sneaking back into the territory. Those who have escaped Texas to the Outlands are known as Strikers and if they’re captured, will be executed.
Karas and Connor desperately want to speak to their family members so they do anything they can to try to get into the jail to see them, if only for a few minutes.
The thing I’ve found about Ann’s books so far is that she writes the most loveable characters. You can’t help but root for them. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how they fared in each chapter.
With that said, I’ve already downloaded book 2 and can’t wait to read it! Oh, I should mention that Strikers can be read as a standalone as it does have a very satisfying ending.
To try to combat the book hangover, I decided to take a look at Ann’s backlist and discovered the Strikers trilogy. Well… I love dystopian so I ordered a copy of Strikers and jumped right in.
I’m so happy I did. This dystopian world was everything a good dystopian should have and I thoroughly enjoyed it all.
Karas is a 16 year old living in Texas a hundred and twelve years after the Fall. Texas is cut off from the rest of the world, as past the borders there is nothing left and it’s barely survivable. The land is dry, so dry. Crops can barely be grown. Water is a luxury. Food is hard to come by.
If there are any infractions or crimes committed in Texas, strikes are given which are marks tattooed on the persons neck. 5 strikes and you’re marked for execution.
Karas has one strike, but her best friend has three. They’re doing their best to stay out of trouble until both see family members who were captured while sneaking back into the territory. Those who have escaped Texas to the Outlands are known as Strikers and if they’re captured, will be executed.
Karas and Connor desperately want to speak to their family members so they do anything they can to try to get into the jail to see them, if only for a few minutes.
The thing I’ve found about Ann’s books so far is that she writes the most loveable characters. You can’t help but root for them. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how they fared in each chapter.
With that said, I’ve already downloaded book 2 and can’t wait to read it! Oh, I should mention that Strikers can be read as a standalone as it does have a very satisfying ending.
September 3, 2014
FIVE STARS EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE WEEK AND THEN SOME! Strikers manages to capture every element that is important to me in YA dystopia and I've been known to be picky when it comes to my favorite genre. Striker has rich characters that instantly come alive and truly embody actual teenagers and I would know as the mom of three teens myself. I love Karas, the protagonist, as well as her friends Conner and Cassi and then there's Jovan the handsome elite boy thrown into the chaos of Karas' life, love him! I value a great journey, an odyssey, instead of a stagnant plot, and Strikers doesn't disappoint. This book is fast-paced and exciting and I highly recommend it to everyone.
July 16, 2014
What a ride! You never know what dangers Karas and the others will face as they flee Texas. Will your favorite character survive the next encounter with the army, smugglers or who knows what other threats await them? There was this feeling of tension, like there was something that Karas didn't know, that she should. as they kept pushing toward "what"? I loved this book. The characters are well developed. I really cared about them.
July 7, 2014
Just finished the Beta Version of Strikers yesterday!
The book is all good fun.....well done Ann. After really lovin' the Silo books, I was relieved to discover the this 100% original story is just as good, if not better. Exciting, great characters, fast moving and works for young & old adults (me) alike.
The book is all good fun.....well done Ann. After really lovin' the Silo books, I was relieved to discover the this 100% original story is just as good, if not better. Exciting, great characters, fast moving and works for young & old adults (me) alike.
August 22, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Strikers. That's kind of like playing the lottery- you never know what you're getting but, in this case, I'm pleased to say I won! The story had me hooked early on and never let go. The characters felt real, the writing was vivid, and there was plenty of action. If you're up for a good adventure, then I recommend this book.
September 8, 2014
Strikers is as exciting as the bestselling dystopian YA books, but very realistic. This story is well written with believable and richly developed characters. Her world building is brilliant and convincing. Ann Christy is a wonderful storyteller and I look forward to next book.
July 23, 2014
I found myself taking "breaks" so I could go back to The Republic of Texas and Strikers. Great work of a Young Adult Fiction that chronologically gifted adults will enjoy as well. Definite 5 star
October 3, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it.
August 7, 2015
What a joyous find, when I discovered this author quite accidentally via a free Kindle book. Ann Christy is a recently retired Naval officer and this book of hers has me hunting down the rest of her work avidly. Strikers is the best kind of dystopian novel: strong central character, interesting ethical dilemmas, hints but not giveaways about the nature of the world and its collapse, thoughtful details, NO LOVE TRIANGLE (Thank you Ms. Christy for that), and an ending that, while satisfying, leaves me ready for book two. It is both a novel exploring the right role of government, a journey tale, and a coming of age story, all wrapped together.
Karras, 16, is our heroine, who lives alone with her abusive alcoholic mother, in a small Texas town in the Republic of Texas. Her father disappeared years ago across the border. The United States is apparently long gone, and several nations are now spread across the continent. They do not apparently get along very well at all. The state of things beyond the boundaries of the nation is reported to be quite terrible: but is that true? The event(s) leading to this state of affairs are not discussed in this first novel, but I wonder if they will come further in. Within Texas, society is pretty orderly, and the law is quite clear and firm: you are allowed four 'strikes" or crimes, and for each you are given a striped tattoo on the neck, or a "strike". Earn five,however, and you are labeled a "habitual criminal" -- and executed, with alarming efficiency. Karras has two strikes already, for destruction of a neighbor's property (even though it was accidental). In Texas you have total freedom: but you also have to take total responsibility for all actions.
When Karras and her friend Connor attend the mandatory "parade of prisoners" in town, they make two startling discoveries: first they discover that Conner's brother, Maddix, who ran off a few years before to cross the border into the Wildlands, has been captured and returned, and will surely be killed for his crime of leaving. But they also discover that one of the other prisoners is Karras' father. He too is certain to be marked for execution: and Karras and Connor quickly decide they have to take action to rescue them. Things go badly: a clean get-away becomes impossible.
Thus begins a headlong flight out of Texas, along with her friend Cassi, who is blessed with natural physical beauty and a cheerful, kind heart, and an old acquaintance, Jovan, who despite his wealth and family's elevated position turns out to have his own reasons for wanting out of Texas. Unfortunately, Jovan's father does not wish to let him go. The group is pursued with relentless intent by evil henchmen who were hired by Jovan's father, to return him, at all costs. As they travel, they must find food, shelter, and water, and learn the different cultural norms in each area they approach, but they also have to avoid the bad men chasing them.
There are so many things I appreciated about this novel. First off, a strong female character who does not fall apart or cry all the freaking time, and does not need or pursue a romance. Second, relatedly, NO LOVE TRIANGLE. This is a HUGE plus for me, as it seems all dystopian novels lately must have this absurd gimmick, and she avoids it entirely, thank you Ms. Christy!! Third, realistic world: we are never really told entirely what happened to lead to the separation of the states into competing and often hostile nations with tightly closed borders, but hints are given, and the regional differences have, over time, developed into cultures that are different and have different concerns and priorities. Karras thinks Texas has the best of all things, but she begins to discover that perhaps what she has been told about life outside Texas is just propaganda after all. The reader gets to learn about things as the characters learn about things: slowly, bit by bit. I very much enjoyed watching Karras and her friends encounter and struggle to understand new things, like squirrels and the Gulf of Mexico.
I also got a real kick out of figuring out the map as she travels. Names have changed and some towns are gone while others remain, such as Houston. As a North Texan, I really enjoyed this: Wicha, for example, is surely Wichita Falls. Benton is most likely Denton. The sunken city of Nola must be New Orleans, and its plight a hint at what may have occurred to change the world so drastically. The Mighty Miss, clearly, is the Mississippi River, and so on.
The novels asks some pretty serious questions: What is freedom worth? Is total order and peace possible, and if so, what is the price we pay for that? Where should the balance between social order and personal liberty be drawn? In Karras' hometown, things are orderly, but not really fair: yet the people have agreed to live this way and now it has become institutionalized. Security is valued more than personal liberty, to a point, despite their motto. Some families hold the vast majority of water and land: the rest make do. Wealthier families are far less likely to earn a strike for the same exact action that would earn a poor family a strike. This is known and simply accepted, with some frustration but no real sense that it can be changed. On the way, our heroes encounter places with a different set of balances.
There is romance in the book, but it is handled so softly that I will have no trouble putting this novel into my 8th grade classroom. I am EAGER for the sequels to be released and in the meantime and buying other Ann Christy novels to read. I finished this one in two days. My nephew is now devouring it.
highly Recommended.
Karras, 16, is our heroine, who lives alone with her abusive alcoholic mother, in a small Texas town in the Republic of Texas. Her father disappeared years ago across the border. The United States is apparently long gone, and several nations are now spread across the continent. They do not apparently get along very well at all. The state of things beyond the boundaries of the nation is reported to be quite terrible: but is that true? The event(s) leading to this state of affairs are not discussed in this first novel, but I wonder if they will come further in. Within Texas, society is pretty orderly, and the law is quite clear and firm: you are allowed four 'strikes" or crimes, and for each you are given a striped tattoo on the neck, or a "strike". Earn five,however, and you are labeled a "habitual criminal" -- and executed, with alarming efficiency. Karras has two strikes already, for destruction of a neighbor's property (even though it was accidental). In Texas you have total freedom: but you also have to take total responsibility for all actions.
When Karras and her friend Connor attend the mandatory "parade of prisoners" in town, they make two startling discoveries: first they discover that Conner's brother, Maddix, who ran off a few years before to cross the border into the Wildlands, has been captured and returned, and will surely be killed for his crime of leaving. But they also discover that one of the other prisoners is Karras' father. He too is certain to be marked for execution: and Karras and Connor quickly decide they have to take action to rescue them. Things go badly: a clean get-away becomes impossible.
Thus begins a headlong flight out of Texas, along with her friend Cassi, who is blessed with natural physical beauty and a cheerful, kind heart, and an old acquaintance, Jovan, who despite his wealth and family's elevated position turns out to have his own reasons for wanting out of Texas. Unfortunately, Jovan's father does not wish to let him go. The group is pursued with relentless intent by evil henchmen who were hired by Jovan's father, to return him, at all costs. As they travel, they must find food, shelter, and water, and learn the different cultural norms in each area they approach, but they also have to avoid the bad men chasing them.
There are so many things I appreciated about this novel. First off, a strong female character who does not fall apart or cry all the freaking time, and does not need or pursue a romance. Second, relatedly, NO LOVE TRIANGLE. This is a HUGE plus for me, as it seems all dystopian novels lately must have this absurd gimmick, and she avoids it entirely, thank you Ms. Christy!! Third, realistic world: we are never really told entirely what happened to lead to the separation of the states into competing and often hostile nations with tightly closed borders, but hints are given, and the regional differences have, over time, developed into cultures that are different and have different concerns and priorities. Karras thinks Texas has the best of all things, but she begins to discover that perhaps what she has been told about life outside Texas is just propaganda after all. The reader gets to learn about things as the characters learn about things: slowly, bit by bit. I very much enjoyed watching Karras and her friends encounter and struggle to understand new things, like squirrels and the Gulf of Mexico.
I also got a real kick out of figuring out the map as she travels. Names have changed and some towns are gone while others remain, such as Houston. As a North Texan, I really enjoyed this: Wicha, for example, is surely Wichita Falls. Benton is most likely Denton. The sunken city of Nola must be New Orleans, and its plight a hint at what may have occurred to change the world so drastically. The Mighty Miss, clearly, is the Mississippi River, and so on.
The novels asks some pretty serious questions: What is freedom worth? Is total order and peace possible, and if so, what is the price we pay for that? Where should the balance between social order and personal liberty be drawn? In Karras' hometown, things are orderly, but not really fair: yet the people have agreed to live this way and now it has become institutionalized. Security is valued more than personal liberty, to a point, despite their motto. Some families hold the vast majority of water and land: the rest make do. Wealthier families are far less likely to earn a strike for the same exact action that would earn a poor family a strike. This is known and simply accepted, with some frustration but no real sense that it can be changed. On the way, our heroes encounter places with a different set of balances.
There is romance in the book, but it is handled so softly that I will have no trouble putting this novel into my 8th grade classroom. I am EAGER for the sequels to be released and in the meantime and buying other Ann Christy novels to read. I finished this one in two days. My nephew is now devouring it.
highly Recommended.
August 10, 2014
A large percentage of dystopian fiction these days is also YA fiction, with mixed results. Strikers is one of the best that I've read in the past year, at least. I found it refreshingly different in several ways, starting with the noticeable lack of similarity to The Hunger Games and Divergent. Not that I didn't enjoy those books, but variety is a good thing.
Strikers is also lacking a couple of overdone tropes. Karas is the main character, and she is certainly a teenager. But she is not portrayed as some kind of superhero, destined to overthrow the evil regime herself, since the adults don't seem to be smart enough for the job. Okay, that's a slight exaggeration of the theme in some books, but not by much. She also doesn't take frequent breaks from a mission to agonize over a romantic attraction for pages at a time. There is a welcome lack of excessive angst in this book. Karas and Jovan definitely have a spark between them, but their interactions do not overshadow the rest of the plot or the other characters. Thank you, Ann Christy.
What Strikers does have is excellent world building, realistic characters, and believable events. I found the portrayal of postwar America to be logical and fascinating. One nation has been replaced by several territories, with their lifestyles dictated by geography and available resources. In a world that has lost the means for instant communication and fast transport, this is an entirely sensible way to structure society for the survivors. Karas and her friends see that not everyone is governed by tyrants, and the most oppressive government is the one that they've escaped. These characters are all interesting people, coming from varied backgrounds and home situations that range from good to awful. They didn't deliberately plan to escape Texas, but didn't hesitate to do what they had to do to protect their families and each other.
I understand that this is the first book of a series or trilogy. Don't let that stop you from reading this one. While there is plenty of room for more stories in this intriguing world, this book is a complete story, and an excellent one that's well worth reading.
Strikers is also lacking a couple of overdone tropes. Karas is the main character, and she is certainly a teenager. But she is not portrayed as some kind of superhero, destined to overthrow the evil regime herself, since the adults don't seem to be smart enough for the job. Okay, that's a slight exaggeration of the theme in some books, but not by much. She also doesn't take frequent breaks from a mission to agonize over a romantic attraction for pages at a time. There is a welcome lack of excessive angst in this book. Karas and Jovan definitely have a spark between them, but their interactions do not overshadow the rest of the plot or the other characters. Thank you, Ann Christy.
What Strikers does have is excellent world building, realistic characters, and believable events. I found the portrayal of postwar America to be logical and fascinating. One nation has been replaced by several territories, with their lifestyles dictated by geography and available resources. In a world that has lost the means for instant communication and fast transport, this is an entirely sensible way to structure society for the survivors. Karas and her friends see that not everyone is governed by tyrants, and the most oppressive government is the one that they've escaped. These characters are all interesting people, coming from varied backgrounds and home situations that range from good to awful. They didn't deliberately plan to escape Texas, but didn't hesitate to do what they had to do to protect their families and each other.
I understand that this is the first book of a series or trilogy. Don't let that stop you from reading this one. While there is plenty of room for more stories in this intriguing world, this book is a complete story, and an excellent one that's well worth reading.
October 8, 2014
In
Strikers,
we find ourselves transported to an unrecognizable Texas more than a century hence. The United States is no more, having sundered into regional confederations and alliances following internecine warfare. Texas is an oppressive, backward, militarized pariah encircled by hostile (and freer, more prosperous) neighbors. This is a society in which the wealthy few and the military run the show and ordinary citizens dare not step out of line for fear of earning a “strike.” (Woe to those who rack up five strikes, which, thanks to capricious rules, is not hard to do.) And any attempt to leave Texas is branded treason.
This is the setting in which we encounter sixteen-year-old Karas, who lives with her alcoholic mother and whose father disappeared over the border when she was small. Karas has never been more than a day’s hike from her dusty hometown, already has one strike tattooed on her neck, and has few prospects. But when she and two friends attend a “parade,” where the townsfolk are made to watch a procession of captured lawbreakers marched to summary judgment, everything changes. Karas spies a familiar face among the prisoners, and she and her closest friends soon find themselves in a desperate run for freedom just ahead of a grim pursuer.
I found it interesting how the author flips the script and turns the Texas of history and lore (the Alamo, cattle drives, the Texas Rangers, etc.) into a nasty police state that its neighbors feel impelled to contain, much as the West strove to contain the aggressive Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Love is at the heart of Strikers: that of a father for his daughter, and the simmering passion between protagonist Karas and the well-born young man who will do anything to protect her during their flight from Texas. Author Ann Christy gets the awkwardness, poignancy, and humor of youthful love just right.
Other commentators have pronounced this a fine example of young adult fiction. For my part, I will only say that I found Strikers a terrific read, one certain to be enjoyed by young and old alike.
This is the setting in which we encounter sixteen-year-old Karas, who lives with her alcoholic mother and whose father disappeared over the border when she was small. Karas has never been more than a day’s hike from her dusty hometown, already has one strike tattooed on her neck, and has few prospects. But when she and two friends attend a “parade,” where the townsfolk are made to watch a procession of captured lawbreakers marched to summary judgment, everything changes. Karas spies a familiar face among the prisoners, and she and her closest friends soon find themselves in a desperate run for freedom just ahead of a grim pursuer.
I found it interesting how the author flips the script and turns the Texas of history and lore (the Alamo, cattle drives, the Texas Rangers, etc.) into a nasty police state that its neighbors feel impelled to contain, much as the West strove to contain the aggressive Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Love is at the heart of Strikers: that of a father for his daughter, and the simmering passion between protagonist Karas and the well-born young man who will do anything to protect her during their flight from Texas. Author Ann Christy gets the awkwardness, poignancy, and humor of youthful love just right.
Other commentators have pronounced this a fine example of young adult fiction. For my part, I will only say that I found Strikers a terrific read, one certain to be enjoyed by young and old alike.
September 3, 2014
Required disclosure - I was sent this book as a winner of a giveaway on GoodReads.
I wasn't exactly sure what I was getting when I won the giveaway, and that's fine. It's nice to try something new once in a while, and when someone sends me something for free I'm more inclined to ensure I work my way through it and give it a shot.
I didn't need that inclination with Strikers as, within the first chapter or so, I was already enjoying it!
According to the blurb at the back, the author is a serving naval officer so it's perhaps unusual that the main setting is an arid Texas with water only featuring much later in the story. It's a simple first-person tale of a young girl brought up in a town subject to strict rules and unfair governance, as is the rest of the state of Texas.
Why is Texas under these restrictions? We aren't clearly told at the beginning, but we accept them... as our central character does. After all, that's how things always have been as far as she's concerned.
If I had to liken it to anything at all, it's probably Hunger Games but it's nowhere near as grand or formulaic. The story is more about the characters' journey - both geographically and through life - than that of Katnis in HG.
I'm not sure if it's aimed at a young adult audience, but it's perfectly suitable for them and I would say it's the ideal place to file it. Nothing too sexual or violent occurs - certainly compared to other books aimed at the 13-16 year old market - and the way that the main characters communicate with the listener are easy to read yet sympathetic. Although we're following a girl around, her experiences with the opposite sex ring remarkably true in my own male mind from around that point in my life!
The whole book is well written with good pacing and chapter size; just big enough for "one more before bedtime" addiction. The characters are well-rounded and believable. There are enough questions and tension to keep you interested without things getting too silly or extreme.
I'd definitely be interested in reading another volume, if one comes out.
I wasn't exactly sure what I was getting when I won the giveaway, and that's fine. It's nice to try something new once in a while, and when someone sends me something for free I'm more inclined to ensure I work my way through it and give it a shot.
I didn't need that inclination with Strikers as, within the first chapter or so, I was already enjoying it!
According to the blurb at the back, the author is a serving naval officer so it's perhaps unusual that the main setting is an arid Texas with water only featuring much later in the story. It's a simple first-person tale of a young girl brought up in a town subject to strict rules and unfair governance, as is the rest of the state of Texas.
Why is Texas under these restrictions? We aren't clearly told at the beginning, but we accept them... as our central character does. After all, that's how things always have been as far as she's concerned.
If I had to liken it to anything at all, it's probably Hunger Games but it's nowhere near as grand or formulaic. The story is more about the characters' journey - both geographically and through life - than that of Katnis in HG.
I'm not sure if it's aimed at a young adult audience, but it's perfectly suitable for them and I would say it's the ideal place to file it. Nothing too sexual or violent occurs - certainly compared to other books aimed at the 13-16 year old market - and the way that the main characters communicate with the listener are easy to read yet sympathetic. Although we're following a girl around, her experiences with the opposite sex ring remarkably true in my own male mind from around that point in my life!
The whole book is well written with good pacing and chapter size; just big enough for "one more before bedtime" addiction. The characters are well-rounded and believable. There are enough questions and tension to keep you interested without things getting too silly or extreme.
I'd definitely be interested in reading another volume, if one comes out.
November 24, 2015
In this world that the author has created, Texas is ruled with an iron fist. Each act of defiance or law breaking gets you one tattoo, or strike, on you neck for all to see. It's a case of 5 strikes and you're out!! You are sentenced to death! One day while Kara is watching the parade of wrong doers, she sees someone she knows can't be real. How did her father end up here after he disappeared years ago. He is considered a Striker because he escaped Texas. Why is he there?? She soon finds out the answer and along with her friends Cassi and Jovan, Kara sets out to discover the truth behind what her father said and who she is.
This was a pleasant surprise. I hadn't heard of this prior to it coming up for review so went in with no expectations. Well, I'm glad to say that I really enjoyed it. The author brings you into the story right from the start and keeps you gripped throughout. Her world building is flawless and her characters were all well developed. She explained the whole world and the back story thoroughly so I was not left hanging.
Kara was a strong willed, capable and likable character. She has a lot to deal with but does it admirably. Along with her friends, they make a great team and I loved their dynamics.
In all, this is a fast paced and entertaining read. It's the type of book where it doesn't feel like you actually reading a book, you start and next thing you know, an hour has passed in the blink of an eye. I can't wait to jump back into this world again!!
This isn't the first book I've listened to by Teri Schnaubelt and, as always, she does an amazing job. She has such an easy voice to listen to, that it will make you get lost in the book. I haven't failed to enjoy a book narrated by her yet.
This was a pleasant surprise. I hadn't heard of this prior to it coming up for review so went in with no expectations. Well, I'm glad to say that I really enjoyed it. The author brings you into the story right from the start and keeps you gripped throughout. Her world building is flawless and her characters were all well developed. She explained the whole world and the back story thoroughly so I was not left hanging.
Kara was a strong willed, capable and likable character. She has a lot to deal with but does it admirably. Along with her friends, they make a great team and I loved their dynamics.
In all, this is a fast paced and entertaining read. It's the type of book where it doesn't feel like you actually reading a book, you start and next thing you know, an hour has passed in the blink of an eye. I can't wait to jump back into this world again!!
This isn't the first book I've listened to by Teri Schnaubelt and, as always, she does an amazing job. She has such an easy voice to listen to, that it will make you get lost in the book. I haven't failed to enjoy a book narrated by her yet.
February 21, 2015
* Copy provided by author for review
Strikers was a great action-packed take on the dystopian genre, and I quite enjoyed it. There were a few slight issues that I had, but overall, I liked it and will definitely read the next book!
Things I Liked:
-The Characters. Especially Karas, who'd had a very tough life, with no signs of improvement, and has been a bit hardened. I like when there is an explanation for a character's strength, as opposed to just "Oh, she takes risks" and there are definitely many reasons behind Karas's choices. Jovan was also a great character, I admired him, and his willingness to do what he thought was right. The supporting characters were really great additions to the story as well.
-The first third and last third of the book. These parts moved quickly and were full of action and revelation.
- The Setting. I need MORE information, all the information! This world is messed up! The whole concept of the Strikers existing is so awful, and I am hoping to get more and more worldbuilding in future installments!
Things I Didn't:
-The middle third was a bit slow. I found that after the first third, things kind of tapered off a bit for me, but then they picked back up again around the last third.
-This might be silly, but having characters named Jovan and Jordan really threw me off. I would have to go back and check because I would read the name wrong because they are so similar. Weird complaint, I know. It didn't really change my opinion of the story itself or anything, but it made it a bit harder to read.
Bottom Line: I definitely enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading the sequel!
Strikers was a great action-packed take on the dystopian genre, and I quite enjoyed it. There were a few slight issues that I had, but overall, I liked it and will definitely read the next book!
Things I Liked:
-The Characters. Especially Karas, who'd had a very tough life, with no signs of improvement, and has been a bit hardened. I like when there is an explanation for a character's strength, as opposed to just "Oh, she takes risks" and there are definitely many reasons behind Karas's choices. Jovan was also a great character, I admired him, and his willingness to do what he thought was right. The supporting characters were really great additions to the story as well.
-The first third and last third of the book. These parts moved quickly and were full of action and revelation.
- The Setting. I need MORE information, all the information! This world is messed up! The whole concept of the Strikers existing is so awful, and I am hoping to get more and more worldbuilding in future installments!
Things I Didn't:
-The middle third was a bit slow. I found that after the first third, things kind of tapered off a bit for me, but then they picked back up again around the last third.
-This might be silly, but having characters named Jovan and Jordan really threw me off. I would have to go back and check because I would read the name wrong because they are so similar. Weird complaint, I know. It didn't really change my opinion of the story itself or anything, but it made it a bit harder to read.
Bottom Line: I definitely enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading the sequel!
December 2, 2015
With Texas - "The Republic of Texas", as the main geographical place within this book, it is easy to imagine the events to be realistic one hundred and twelve years after the 'fall'. Unfortunately, even in today's world most non-Texans seem to have a very poor opinion on how Texans choose to live while those of us born, raised and remaining here love our area of the south - even if we despise the bigotry and racism of many of our neighbors.
In this book, the areas remaining outside of Texas have such a (warranted) poor view of Texans that they refuse to do any business with them and go to extreme lengths to keep them isolated from the rest of the world. As such, the poor people born to The Republic of Texas are quite destitute, unless born into the genes of the few money-holding rich families who hold all the cards when deciding who gets good foods, decent shelter, heat, water and clothing.
I completely enjoyed reading this novel. The feelings that emerged within me kept me thinking all throughout each day about how my fellow neighbors who are bigoted and bias are sending a horrid message to the World about us. I am downright frightened for my fellow Texans who don't adhere to this outdated way of thinking.
In this book, the areas remaining outside of Texas have such a (warranted) poor view of Texans that they refuse to do any business with them and go to extreme lengths to keep them isolated from the rest of the world. As such, the poor people born to The Republic of Texas are quite destitute, unless born into the genes of the few money-holding rich families who hold all the cards when deciding who gets good foods, decent shelter, heat, water and clothing.
I completely enjoyed reading this novel. The feelings that emerged within me kept me thinking all throughout each day about how my fellow neighbors who are bigoted and bias are sending a horrid message to the World about us. I am downright frightened for my fellow Texans who don't adhere to this outdated way of thinking.
December 15, 2014
Strikers was one of those books I couldn't put down, even when I had other responsibilities. What are they going to do to me? Give me a strike? That isn't a real thing, right, Ann Christy? Right?! Regardless, the secretaries at my office that are stationed nearest to the bathroom probably thought I had some sort of issue that day. By the end of the day, I wasn't even attempting to hide my Kindle underneath my desk or pretending to work on my computer with a "I'm busy" expression plastered on my face. That is how much Strikers pulled me into Karys' story. She was relatable, but not a victim. She just wants a better life and a chance at happiness with family that cares about her. I loved her internal monologues about how she felt about Joven. It was so real, in an awkward-teenager sort of way, which was very relatable. It was funny though because this internal struggle with her feelings is happening while she and her group fight for their lives. The concept of Strikes and the entire world Ann Christy built was believable and easy to follow.
I love it. Read this. Now.
I love it. Read this. Now.
August 22, 2014
In a dystopian future where those who live in the Republic of Texas are strictly divided between the haves and have nots, no one is free to leave. Even small indiscretions earn you a strike and no matter what the strike, 5 strikes and you are out.
I rarely give five stars but I truly loved this book. The characters are well thought out and well described. The storyline was great and believable. I felt that I really connected with the characters and could feel the stress they were under. The story moves along well and a lot happens to the characters. It's a great look into a future that could pretty easily come to be.
I rarely give five stars but I truly loved this book. The characters are well thought out and well described. The storyline was great and believable. I felt that I really connected with the characters and could feel the stress they were under. The story moves along well and a lot happens to the characters. It's a great look into a future that could pretty easily come to be.
September 9, 2014
Strikers is a very good book with such a realistic feel to it. I loved the writing. Ann Christy's writing style is so careful and the pacing of the story and events that take place, are so well thought out. Everything fits so nicely.
I loved the setting. I kept feeling like I was reading an old west frontier story, that was juxtaposed with futuristic details. The archaic and advanced seemed to mingle throughout, and I loved the juxtaposition.
Strikers is dystopian in nature, but at the same time, it feels self-inflicted. It makes for a very interesting struggle the characters have to go through.
Well done Ann Christy!
I loved the setting. I kept feeling like I was reading an old west frontier story, that was juxtaposed with futuristic details. The archaic and advanced seemed to mingle throughout, and I loved the juxtaposition.
Strikers is dystopian in nature, but at the same time, it feels self-inflicted. It makes for a very interesting struggle the characters have to go through.
Well done Ann Christy!
September 7, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. And my honest opinion is I loved this story. It captured me right from the start and didn't let go until the very last words.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the characters I came to know and love. Ann Christy has the amazing writing style that throws you right into the story, keeps you wanting more, wanting to know the characters. You just don't know what obstacles they are going to face next so you have to keep reading.
If your looking for excitement, adventure, action, friendship, love and an overall great story, then give this one a try!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the characters I came to know and love. Ann Christy has the amazing writing style that throws you right into the story, keeps you wanting more, wanting to know the characters. You just don't know what obstacles they are going to face next so you have to keep reading.
If your looking for excitement, adventure, action, friendship, love and an overall great story, then give this one a try!
August 21, 2014
Ann Christy has struck gold with this book! Let me start with the outside and work my way in. The cover is stunning. It's fresh, inventive and perfect for the story line. My favorite character was the brave main character, Karas. She was fearless, fun and once she took a leap of faith, there was absolutely no stopping her. There were those who tried. The plot is suspenseful and the book kept my attention. I would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction. Well done! Two thumbs up and five golden stars, Ann!
October 27, 2014
This is a well written book. Creative premise and very well developed characters. The story begins strong and continually. builds throught to a more than satisfying conclusion. I knocked off a star not for quality but Bc I am a 41 year old man and this book is directed at teenagers. Probably female teenagers. There is a romance vine that entertained itself. throughout the entirety of the novel I found distracting. Overall Ann has written a very solid novel and I believe it will be successful.
October 3, 2014
Firstly, I have received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Secondly, I so glad I did. I loved this book and was taken in from the very first chapter. I love when a story can make you forget everything else and think that you belong with the characters.
This is a great story of friendship and sticking together. The characters develop and gel well together and I hope this book becomes a series as I would love to know what happens next.
Secondly, I so glad I did. I loved this book and was taken in from the very first chapter. I love when a story can make you forget everything else and think that you belong with the characters.
This is a great story of friendship and sticking together. The characters develop and gel well together and I hope this book becomes a series as I would love to know what happens next.
December 7, 2014
Hit the ground running
This book starts out with action and it doesn't stop till the end.
Some deep truth is hidden in the overall story, truth without preaching.
You want something fast paced and exciting from beginning to end this is the book for you.
This book starts out with action and it doesn't stop till the end.
Some deep truth is hidden in the overall story, truth without preaching.
You want something fast paced and exciting from beginning to end this is the book for you.
June 21, 2016
Ann Christy just writes humanity so well. This story is about young people, but you forget that reading what they go through. Thankfully there are reminders within the story, to keep you the reader on track. Her scenery is so luscious, that I would love to see it for real.
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