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Survivor
When the first person on the Ultimate Bushcraft adventure holiday mysteriously dies, it's a tragedy. But when the second, and third die ...it's no longer mysterious: it's suspicious. Who can you trust when everyone left alive is a suspect? Who is the murderer? As the numbers dwindle, the chances of survival plummet ...Staying alive has never seemed so guilty. Perfect for fans of Michael Grant.
255 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2015
18 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 28, 2016
Survivor is a gripping and intense novel by Tom Hoyle, and definitely deserves 4.5 stars.
Survivor is set in outback Australia and follows the story of George. After saving a baby from a burning building he gets the opportunity to go on the 'Ultimate Bushcraft Camp', with other kids around his age. Everything is going fine until the first victim dies. This is taken as a terrible tragedy, but when the second, third and fourth go its clear that no-one can be trusted.
For me the first couple of chapters were a bit confusing, as the set-out was unexplained, but as soon as I realised what was happening it was really interesting. After seeing a chapter through Georges eyes, then the author re-writes the chapter in the killers eyes. This is very fascinating as you get to see both peoples perspectives on the situation. Also the font and writing style of the killers chapters are crazy and messy, which accurately represents the characters mind.
Also Georges chapters seem to be written as a court statement of sorts. It is written in past tense and he sometimes talks to the reader, which makes it seem like he said this and a police officer recorded it down. Also in between the two chapter styles their is also Things like Witness statements and statements from friends, which give the impression that George is the suspect, and that they think that he killed all the people on the camp.
Also the way that the story is written never lets the reader know who the killer is until George finds out, which makes the read even more intriguing because you want to find out who it is. At some point during the killers chapter (he/she) might drop a clue to who they are and you (the reader) think that you've worked it out, only to find that it cant be that person or that it could easily be someone else. It keeps you guessing and trying to work out things like who did that and how did they do it?
The author does a brilliant job at keeping the book interesting, as I don't think there was a single dull chapter, or even page. the chapters are also quite short, which is a really good thing, because I always found myself wanting to find out what the next witness statement said, or what the killer was thinking when George did something.
It was a genuinely gripping book that makes you connect with George and the killer, even though you don't know who they are. You want to keep reading, and honestly if I had more time I probably would have read the whole book without putting it down. For these Reasons and the reasons above I am giving this book 4.5 and recommend it to anyone of a mature age who doesn't mind books with murder in them. This one is probably not suitable for younger children because some of the things the happen are genuinely frightening and worrisome. This is a great book a I enjoyed it extremely.
Survivor is set in outback Australia and follows the story of George. After saving a baby from a burning building he gets the opportunity to go on the 'Ultimate Bushcraft Camp', with other kids around his age. Everything is going fine until the first victim dies. This is taken as a terrible tragedy, but when the second, third and fourth go its clear that no-one can be trusted.
For me the first couple of chapters were a bit confusing, as the set-out was unexplained, but as soon as I realised what was happening it was really interesting. After seeing a chapter through Georges eyes, then the author re-writes the chapter in the killers eyes. This is very fascinating as you get to see both peoples perspectives on the situation. Also the font and writing style of the killers chapters are crazy and messy, which accurately represents the characters mind.
Also Georges chapters seem to be written as a court statement of sorts. It is written in past tense and he sometimes talks to the reader, which makes it seem like he said this and a police officer recorded it down. Also in between the two chapter styles their is also Things like Witness statements and statements from friends, which give the impression that George is the suspect, and that they think that he killed all the people on the camp.
Also the way that the story is written never lets the reader know who the killer is until George finds out, which makes the read even more intriguing because you want to find out who it is. At some point during the killers chapter (he/she) might drop a clue to who they are and you (the reader) think that you've worked it out, only to find that it cant be that person or that it could easily be someone else. It keeps you guessing and trying to work out things like who did that and how did they do it?
The author does a brilliant job at keeping the book interesting, as I don't think there was a single dull chapter, or even page. the chapters are also quite short, which is a really good thing, because I always found myself wanting to find out what the next witness statement said, or what the killer was thinking when George did something.
It was a genuinely gripping book that makes you connect with George and the killer, even though you don't know who they are. You want to keep reading, and honestly if I had more time I probably would have read the whole book without putting it down. For these Reasons and the reasons above I am giving this book 4.5 and recommend it to anyone of a mature age who doesn't mind books with murder in them. This one is probably not suitable for younger children because some of the things the happen are genuinely frightening and worrisome. This is a great book a I enjoyed it extremely.
December 15, 2024
Okay this book was much more exciting than the Adam Grant duology. The writing style caught me off guard sometimes but it had a great buildup that led to a great plot!!
However, all of this just because of jealousy seems a little too much 😭
However, all of this just because of jealousy seems a little too much 😭
October 31, 2015
This story is written as a transcript from George Fleet’s cell after an experience he will never forget. Interspersed through his transcript are police statements/phone call transcripts by witnesses or those who knew George. Another important part of the story are chapters by the killer – seeing how he ticks.
Also included are newspaper reports from many years before that are relevant to the case.
When George sees a house on fire from his seat on the bus, he leaps off and helps save a woman and her baby. He receives a visit by his MP, his photo in the papers and kudos at his school. But the thing that changes everything is when he receives a National Badge of Courage and a free trip of a lifetime to Australia to experience an Ultimate Bushcraft adventure.
He’s excited but a little nervous, but soon meets up with a group of other guys his age going on the same flight and adventure.
He doesn’t realise at the time, when one of the boys (called Matt) has a severe reaction to something he eats on the plane, it is only the beginning of their nightmare…
A thriller read – great for guys. Who is the murderer amongst them?
Also included are newspaper reports from many years before that are relevant to the case.
When George sees a house on fire from his seat on the bus, he leaps off and helps save a woman and her baby. He receives a visit by his MP, his photo in the papers and kudos at his school. But the thing that changes everything is when he receives a National Badge of Courage and a free trip of a lifetime to Australia to experience an Ultimate Bushcraft adventure.
He’s excited but a little nervous, but soon meets up with a group of other guys his age going on the same flight and adventure.
He doesn’t realise at the time, when one of the boys (called Matt) has a severe reaction to something he eats on the plane, it is only the beginning of their nightmare…
A thriller read – great for guys. Who is the murderer amongst them?
August 9, 2015
Waterstones sent this out a week early. I'm not complaining! Firstly the book is another bright one. Green. I do love these bright colours. The story is about George, who because he has saved a life, gets to go on an adventure to Oz. Whilst there with a number of boys things begin to happen. Bad things. Boys start being killed and no one knows why or who's next. The story switches between Gregory's statement of what happens and also the attackers. We never know who the attacker is until near the end and I wasn't expecting it. It's a good book. I am fast becoming a fan of Tom Hoyle. Can't wait for more stuff!
September 13, 2015
Maybe 3.5 stars for me but only because I found this a very uncomfortable read. It is very clever and the format and structure is entertaining but I am not a big fan of thrillers. It really does keep you guessing but this "Lord of the Flies" mixed with a psychopath is not really the sort of story that appeals to me. Readers who like edge of the seat, psychological drama will love this.
November 1, 2015
Really loved this book!
Finished and started it all in the space of a few hours because I could not put it down.
Finished and started it all in the space of a few hours because I could not put it down.
June 8, 2022
i finished this ages ago and completely forgot ab it
anyways it creepy asf and they’re all a bunch of psychopaths and the dude who said Wand Erection please stop it’s 1D don’t be rude to the boys bitch🧚♂️
anyways it creepy asf and they’re all a bunch of psychopaths and the dude who said Wand Erection please stop it’s 1D don’t be rude to the boys bitch🧚♂️
August 19, 2017
Why I read this
I was at a sale where you could buy as many books as could be fit into a box for a flat price. Since me and my friends wanted to fill it with as many boxes as possible, some of the ones we picked were filler. And for me, this was one of those.
I picked it up mainly because of how strikingly (neon) green the cover is. I quickly flipped through the inside and also quite like the font.
Rating: 3/5
I don’t have much to say about this to be honest It was an ok, quick read. I managed to get through this in about 1.5 hours this afternoon.
It’s a bit confusing at first as it jumps between 2 narratives, the main character, George, retelling the events and the culprit’s insane ramblings about 1 hour before whatever happened that lands the main character in trouble. Interspersed are other reports and accounts of the incident or about the main character.
As a thriller, it was ok. Perhaps it was just the main character’s tone but I didn’t feel much dread or anything. The main mystery is trying to figure out who the killer is as you try to match his ramblings with George’s recollection of events. It wasn’t that exciting but I was at least motivated to read till the end while trying to see if I could guess who the culprit was before it was revealed.
Overall, even though I finished the book feeling meh about it, it was an interesting enough way to pass 2 hours. I’m always a fan of the different POVs and “random extra articles” style of writing, instead of just a linear prose narrative, so I would recommend it to those who like this writing style as well.
Re-readablity
It was interesting enough the first time but I don’t think I’ll be picking it up again to re-read. None of the characters really interested me enough to fell attached. For me, it’s just a one and done read. Truthfully, it’ll probably be gone the next time I do a bookshelf clearing.
I would be interested in borrowing his other similar books from the library to read if they’re available.
I was at a sale where you could buy as many books as could be fit into a box for a flat price. Since me and my friends wanted to fill it with as many boxes as possible, some of the ones we picked were filler. And for me, this was one of those.
I picked it up mainly because of how strikingly (neon) green the cover is. I quickly flipped through the inside and also quite like the font.
Rating: 3/5
I don’t have much to say about this to be honest It was an ok, quick read. I managed to get through this in about 1.5 hours this afternoon.
It’s a bit confusing at first as it jumps between 2 narratives, the main character, George, retelling the events and the culprit’s insane ramblings about 1 hour before whatever happened that lands the main character in trouble. Interspersed are other reports and accounts of the incident or about the main character.
As a thriller, it was ok. Perhaps it was just the main character’s tone but I didn’t feel much dread or anything. The main mystery is trying to figure out who the killer is as you try to match his ramblings with George’s recollection of events. It wasn’t that exciting but I was at least motivated to read till the end while trying to see if I could guess who the culprit was before it was revealed.
Overall, even though I finished the book feeling meh about it, it was an interesting enough way to pass 2 hours. I’m always a fan of the different POVs and “random extra articles” style of writing, instead of just a linear prose narrative, so I would recommend it to those who like this writing style as well.
Re-readablity
It was interesting enough the first time but I don’t think I’ll be picking it up again to re-read. None of the characters really interested me enough to fell attached. For me, it’s just a one and done read. Truthfully, it’ll probably be gone the next time I do a bookshelf clearing.
I would be interested in borrowing his other similar books from the library to read if they’re available.
July 25, 2016
WOW! I don't really read many YA books and this was recommended by a friend who really loved it too. This a short, only around 250 pages I think, story that had some aspects of Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None'. It follows a boy named George who is sent on a bush craft holiday in Australia as a reward for saving some people in a fire. Whilst on this holiday with people he doesn't know, things start to go really wrong. This book was narrated by George but told through a succession of police statements. I loved the structure of the book; one chapter of his statement, one other witness statement and then a chapter of George before the statement talking to the killer. This book was really unique and I flew through it in a few hours. The setting was good and useful for vivid descriptions and emphasis on the hysteria that they were facing.
The characters were great. George was a kind of typical hero but I still enjoyed his character and wasn't annoyed by his arrogance or anything. I also loved the killers monologue throughout the book. This allowed to really get into the killer's head in detail without knowing who it is.
The witness statement part of the book was really interesting and relevant because it helped you to try and figure it out yourself.
In conclusion, this is an AMAZING novel which you should definitely. As it is YA the language is simple but it is still as good as some adult thrillers I have read so everyone should probably pick this up. Beautiful cover as well, looks great on the shelf!
The characters were great. George was a kind of typical hero but I still enjoyed his character and wasn't annoyed by his arrogance or anything. I also loved the killers monologue throughout the book. This allowed to really get into the killer's head in detail without knowing who it is.
The witness statement part of the book was really interesting and relevant because it helped you to try and figure it out yourself.
In conclusion, this is an AMAZING novel which you should definitely. As it is YA the language is simple but it is still as good as some adult thrillers I have read so everyone should probably pick this up. Beautiful cover as well, looks great on the shelf!
December 14, 2015
I bought this book originally because the bright colour made it stand out (I know, I know).
But I am quite pleased that I did! My rating is 4.5 for the storyline itself. I found some things I could predict (as with all stories) but other things I kept changing my mind on. I found that I was having to evolve my theories and question myself. I feel that I could guess just enough to keep me hooked and I couldn't quite put my finger on enough things that I felt like I really understood how confused George must have been.
The actual writing was good in chapters written from George's perspective, but I wasn't a fan of the use of italics and bold lettering and underlining in the other chapters. I felt like it detracted from the writing more than anything. It also felt strange to me as I have never read a book that uses those things as literary devices. I hope this doesn't become a commonplace theme/facet of modern writing. I'd rate the writing itself at a 3.5, personally I couldn't get on with the non-George chapters. I can see what the author intended but it felt juvenile. Though I suppose I wouldn't have felt this way if I were a younger reader.
I feel as though this book would be great for 13-16 year old boys (maybe written to encourage this group to read? The author is a head teacher after all) and any young person into thrillers.
But I am quite pleased that I did! My rating is 4.5 for the storyline itself. I found some things I could predict (as with all stories) but other things I kept changing my mind on. I found that I was having to evolve my theories and question myself. I feel that I could guess just enough to keep me hooked and I couldn't quite put my finger on enough things that I felt like I really understood how confused George must have been.
The actual writing was good in chapters written from George's perspective, but I wasn't a fan of the use of italics and bold lettering and underlining in the other chapters. I felt like it detracted from the writing more than anything. It also felt strange to me as I have never read a book that uses those things as literary devices. I hope this doesn't become a commonplace theme/facet of modern writing. I'd rate the writing itself at a 3.5, personally I couldn't get on with the non-George chapters. I can see what the author intended but it felt juvenile. Though I suppose I wouldn't have felt this way if I were a younger reader.
I feel as though this book would be great for 13-16 year old boys (maybe written to encourage this group to read? The author is a head teacher after all) and any young person into thrillers.
November 24, 2015
Firstly, I love love love the colour of the books. They really stand out on my bookshelf. It's very unique and definitely a good idea.
My friend recommended this book to me and I loved both Spiders and Thirteen (read them both in a day, they were great!). I did the same for this book because I wanted to know the outcome and I was guessing at who was responsible for the killings through the whole book. I kept jumping between characters as to who it was so in that respect, Hoyle did a really great job.
I rated this book 5/5 because of how gripped I was and how much I wanted to know the ending. This book was very action packed. However, it was quite an uncomfortable read and I felt unsettled at the end. I wanted to know what happened to George and I don't feel that this was covered very well.
I would recommend this book but, given the nature of it, I probably wouldn't recommend it to everyone!
My friend recommended this book to me and I loved both Spiders and Thirteen (read them both in a day, they were great!). I did the same for this book because I wanted to know the outcome and I was guessing at who was responsible for the killings through the whole book. I kept jumping between characters as to who it was so in that respect, Hoyle did a really great job.
I rated this book 5/5 because of how gripped I was and how much I wanted to know the ending. This book was very action packed. However, it was quite an uncomfortable read and I felt unsettled at the end. I wanted to know what happened to George and I don't feel that this was covered very well.
I would recommend this book but, given the nature of it, I probably wouldn't recommend it to everyone!
June 7, 2016
The book is average but not bad. It oscillates somewhere b/w thrilling and could've been better. As mentioned some portions are really chilling and gives you a rush. Explanations are very detailed and one feels as if they are right in the setup. But the major disappointment for me was the conclusion. It could've been made better. Overall It's a good book kill your time. And and and.... The cover really is attractive. Superbly designed..!!
November 17, 2015
Not bad. It was okay an enjoyable read but no more than that. I liked the format and the way it was set out. It was done in the first person being split from George's point of view, the killers point of view and statements. The story was okay. 3 stars.
January 8, 2017
This story is incredibly underrated and I wish was read by more people. This story follows a boy named George, who has saved a life. He then goes on an adventure. But things start to take a turn for the worse.
I won't spoil anything but I honestly reccomemd this story.
I won't spoil anything but I honestly reccomemd this story.
August 16, 2017
I just finished this book rn and I was impressed with the amazing writing and the interesting story. I bought this book not knowing anything about it so I really suggest you pick it up and read it without knowing anything about it. I give this book 5/5 stars. Tom Hoyle did a fantastic job.
September 24, 2015
Really good book!
September 27, 2016
This is a very good book with a very interesting plot that really makes you think. It is very interestingly set out which is very enjoyable to read, a very good book!
November 22, 2017
Entertaining but predictable story line for fans of the genre. Still a gripping read.
August 29, 2021
I must say this was my least favorite book from this author soo far which was due to the writing style that was used in this book. I found the writing style to be very dry and very clinical seeing that this book was description heavy, with the first half of this book being a chore too. I found the writing style to be very boring to be honest with you, so it was a factor of this book that really dragged it down for. The writing style also affected the characters in a major way for me, seeing that i thought the heavy reliance on description really affected the character development in this book with the characters coming across as very basic and bland for so i feel like this book lacked character development which is important in this type of book with death only being round the corner for the characters
The characters death did not affect me emotionally which is tied directly to the lack of character development, so the emotionally impact of their deaths was not their for me which is a shame seeing that it would have made the book more rich and more full for me. Their manner of death did shock me though, seeing that their deaths were very brutally and you can tell that they did not get easy deaths with aliaster death being the most haunting for me and freaking me out the most. I would usually talk about the characters, but i said above my attachment level to them all was very low so they were not significant characters for me with little to nothing to really write about them.
The other factor that made this book for me a 2 star is george statement which a section of the book that, i did not enjoy at all to be honest. My reason for not enjoying it is that i found reading them uncomfortable because they were so angry and so filled with hate that it really turned me off them so i defeo groaned every time they came up. The other reason why i found them uncomfortable is because of the style of it, with the style really breaking the fourth wall so it felt like the character as talking directly to us which made the george statement too negative for me to read with them being too blunt and too in your face for me
The second half of this book is why it is getting 2 star is the second half section of this book which was the jungle section, which i thought really did work and really done wonders for the book in my eyes. It worked for me because of the tension and dread that was courseing through this section, with us as the reader never knowing who is going to die and how they are going to die so the jungle section done a great job regarding the art of tension and how to make it work for the reader and for the book. The section is the one that finished in one setting which also speaks to the fact that this section is where the gold in, and the section that will pull you in
The characters death did not affect me emotionally which is tied directly to the lack of character development, so the emotionally impact of their deaths was not their for me which is a shame seeing that it would have made the book more rich and more full for me. Their manner of death did shock me though, seeing that their deaths were very brutally and you can tell that they did not get easy deaths with aliaster death being the most haunting for me and freaking me out the most. I would usually talk about the characters, but i said above my attachment level to them all was very low so they were not significant characters for me with little to nothing to really write about them.
The other factor that made this book for me a 2 star is george statement which a section of the book that, i did not enjoy at all to be honest. My reason for not enjoying it is that i found reading them uncomfortable because they were so angry and so filled with hate that it really turned me off them so i defeo groaned every time they came up. The other reason why i found them uncomfortable is because of the style of it, with the style really breaking the fourth wall so it felt like the character as talking directly to us which made the george statement too negative for me to read with them being too blunt and too in your face for me
The second half of this book is why it is getting 2 star is the second half section of this book which was the jungle section, which i thought really did work and really done wonders for the book in my eyes. It worked for me because of the tension and dread that was courseing through this section, with us as the reader never knowing who is going to die and how they are going to die so the jungle section done a great job regarding the art of tension and how to make it work for the reader and for the book. The section is the one that finished in one setting which also speaks to the fact that this section is where the gold in, and the section that will pull you in
November 12, 2023
I must say this was my least favorite book from this author soo far which was due to the writing style that was used in this book. I found the writing style to be very dry and very clinical seeing that this book was description heavy, with the first half of this book being a chore too. I found the writing style to be very boring to be honest with you, so it was a factor of this book that really dragged it down for. The writing style also affected the characters in a major way for me, seeing that i thought the heavy reliance on description really affected the character development in this book with the characters coming across as very basic and bland for so i feel like this book lacked character development which is important in this type of book with death only being round the corner for the characters
The characters death did not affect me emotionally which is tied directly to the lack of character development, so the emotionally impact of their deaths was not their for me which is a shame seeing that it would have made the book more rich and more full for me. Their manner of death did shock me though, seeing that their deaths were very brutally and you can tell that they did not get easy deaths with aliaster death being the most haunting for me and freaking me out the most. I would usually talk about the characters, but i said above my attachment level to them all was very low so they were not significant characters for me with little to nothing to really write about them.
The other factor that made this book for me a 2 star is george statement which a section of the book that, i did not enjoy at all to be honest. My reason for not enjoying it is that i found reading them uncomfortable because they were so angry and so filled with hate that it really turned me off them so i defeo groaned every time they came up. The other reason why i found them uncomfortable is because of the style of it, with the style really breaking the fourth wall so it felt like the character as talking directly to us which made the george statement too negative for me to read with them being too blunt and too in your face for me
The second half of this book is why it is getting 2 star is the second half section of this book which was the jungle section, which i thought really did work and really done wonders for the book in my eyes. It worked for me because of the tension and dread that was coursing through this section, with us as the reader never knowing who is going to die and how they are going to die so the jungle section done a great job regarding the art of tension and how to make it work for the reader and for the book. The section is the one that finished in one setting which also speaks to the fact that this section is where the gold in, and the section that will pull you in
The characters death did not affect me emotionally which is tied directly to the lack of character development, so the emotionally impact of their deaths was not their for me which is a shame seeing that it would have made the book more rich and more full for me. Their manner of death did shock me though, seeing that their deaths were very brutally and you can tell that they did not get easy deaths with aliaster death being the most haunting for me and freaking me out the most. I would usually talk about the characters, but i said above my attachment level to them all was very low so they were not significant characters for me with little to nothing to really write about them.
The other factor that made this book for me a 2 star is george statement which a section of the book that, i did not enjoy at all to be honest. My reason for not enjoying it is that i found reading them uncomfortable because they were so angry and so filled with hate that it really turned me off them so i defeo groaned every time they came up. The other reason why i found them uncomfortable is because of the style of it, with the style really breaking the fourth wall so it felt like the character as talking directly to us which made the george statement too negative for me to read with them being too blunt and too in your face for me
The second half of this book is why it is getting 2 star is the second half section of this book which was the jungle section, which i thought really did work and really done wonders for the book in my eyes. It worked for me because of the tension and dread that was coursing through this section, with us as the reader never knowing who is going to die and how they are going to die so the jungle section done a great job regarding the art of tension and how to make it work for the reader and for the book. The section is the one that finished in one setting which also speaks to the fact that this section is where the gold in, and the section that will pull you in
November 25, 2018
It was good, though it took awhile for me to figure out what was happening. I found the murderers perspective interesting and the evidence was different from other books which was nice. However George was a bit bland, not really feeling despair or shock or scared or sad or anger. You know, what you'd feel if you thought something was hunting you in the middle of the woods.
I did enjoy trying to figure out who the killer was. Though I did work it out, I didn't work out who there "assistant" was and I was in for a genuine surprise.
4 Stars
I did enjoy trying to figure out who the killer was. Though I did work it out, I didn't work out who there "assistant" was and I was in for a genuine surprise.
4 Stars
March 14, 2018
This book is amazing. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it back down, it kept me guesssing who the killer was till the end. I must praise the writer for how cleverly this book was written. Definitely 5/5 👍
March 10, 2023
Not the type of person to read this but when i read this i was so gripped into the story i read it in a couple hours! I kept switching on who i thought the murderer was and didn’t really expect the person. I love how the anonymous writing all comes together at the end. Love Tom Hoyle books!
May 15, 2019
I enjoyed the writing style and the pace of the plot.
September 6, 2019
I ENJOYED EVERY BIT OF IT. Amazing. I love how he used font size and font styles to depict insanity. I'm sorry for blaming all the fai cais. I was never good ad Secret Hitler anyway. Haha
January 21, 2020
Entertaining yet not particularly challenging
April 22, 2020
3.5 stars
September 24, 2020
Very interesting and enjoyable to read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews