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29

(29 #1)

Nancy Pennick (Goodreads Author)

4.08 · Rating details · 48 ratings · 35 reviews

Allie Sanders thinks life in a small town can’t get any more dull and boring. She plans to escape

after graduation. After a bad break-up, she wants to sail through junior year without distraction.

Then the mysterious loner sits down in front of her in AP English. He’s the guy she noticed last

year desperately trying to stay invisible. She wants to know his secrets.

Suddenly ...more

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Paperback, 334 pages

Published November 3rd 2015 by Allison-Hayes Books

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Average rating 4.08 ·

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· 48 ratings · 35 reviews

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Jan 10, 2016 Jasmine rated it liked it

Shelves: just-fine, kindle, read-to-review, abusive-domestic-violence, disappointed, ebooks-ibooks, cliffhanger, light-read, supernatural

**Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours and the author for offering an e-book copy in exchange for an honest review.**

What I like most about the story is the beginning. It's really addictive and draws my attention immediately because of the mysterious "Niner", Lucas Montgomery. I'm so eager to find out who or what he is and why he seems to know everything in advance. At first, the female main character, Allison Sanders, aka Allie, acts like an ~~inexperienced~~ spy, which is pretty funny throughout her ...more

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Mar 21, 2016 Olivia-Savannah rated it liked it

29 by Nancy Pennick was one that took me by surprise. I managed to read the majority of it in a single day. It was quick read and I flew through it.

What intrigued me the most about this book was the fact that it had to do with a secret society of boys/men who were all born on February 29th, a leap year day. Those particular men were given special “powers” like super strength or brainpower or some other things. For that reason, they are wanted by the military in order to be used as soldiers wheth 29 by Nancy Pennick was one that took me by surprise. I managed to read the majority of it in a single day. It was quick read and I flew through it.

What intrigued me the most about this book was the fact that it had to do with a secret society of boys/men who were all born on February 29th, a leap year day. Those particular men were given special “powers” like super strength or brainpower or some other things. For that reason, they are wanted by the military in order to be used as soldiers whether those particular people are willing to do so or not. It was a very creative idea and I hadn’t heard of anything like it before, so of course I wanted to read more about it. The concept behind Niners was built up very well.

Then we have our main character, called Allie. She seems to be the one who is stuck in the middle, seeing as her boyfriend turns out to be one of those Niners but her oldest brother happens to be part of the military group that is rounding all of those particular people. You see how she has the issue of wanting to keep her boyfriend and brother far away from each other? As well as that, no one is allowed to know who her boyfriend really is for his safety… and then there is the issue of her not knowing which group is actually the good one. They’re both telling her different things, but who is really the bad, or the good? Or are the lines a bit more grey than that?

Although I really did enjoy the plot and the dilemma to this book, at times I found the writing style to have a bit of a young feel to it. In general, it didn’t deter me from reading or distract me too much. But in terms of the romance sometimes I felt like it wasn’t entirely believable. But at other points I could definitely see how some people would act like that in a relationship. I would recommend this book for the younger YA audience I think.

Nate and Ashley were Allison’s best friends. I really liked the both of them, because they were always there for her no matter what she needed or wanted. I think as a group of three, they really did have a true friendship and that was something I could admire throughout the book a lot.

I was also a bit annoyed by some of the choices that Allison made. Whenever her boyfriend was out of the scene for whatever reason, or she was experiencing some difficulties in their relationship, she seemed to run back to her ex. I can understand that, but it also made me feel like she couldn’t do without a boyfriend of some sort, or didn’t want to try and stick out the single life… which bothered me a bit.

^How I felt about her older brother, Doug.

The action was a bit want worthy in places, but the ending had a good climax where everything came to a pinnacle and some tough decisions had to be made. I really like that Allison had to be independent in that moment and really needed to ‘save herself.’ She maybe have a boyfriend who has powers, but she is also her own person and he can’t do everything for her. I liked that Pennick didn’t just turn her into a damsel in distress but made her strong too.

It was a good read!

This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/20... ...more

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Jan 05, 2016 Peggy rated it it was amazing

**SPOILER FREE**

This book was so well written and interesting that I finished it before realizing I was coming to an end. Don't believe I have read anything prior by this author but I know I will be from here on out. A great book! It will have you turning pages quickly!

*Received for an honest review* ...more

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Jan 02, 2016 Aubrey Wynne rated it it was amazing

29 by Nancy Pennick is a page turner. Well written and fast-paced, it is filled with the ups and down of young love and clever science fiction issues that center around being born on leap year. Since this is a leap year, I found it especially interesting.
Allison finds the love of her life in Lucas. He walks into class one day, mysterious and hurting, and her heart goes out to him. She is determined to find out what is behind the secretive exterior. And so is her older brother, Doug, who is in t ...more

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Jan 04, 2016 ♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ rated it really liked it

Shelves: 14-arc, 10-kindle

...more

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Jun 21, 2016 Mira rated it it was amazing

Shelves: r2r, mystery, friendship, love, ya, 2016

I received this book in exchanged for an honest review.

A typical-curious-teen-love-story with a twist from the cover itself, up to the story-line.

The "29" thing made me grab the copy because it made me curious which is a good thing for authors who would love to get their reader's attention. I love how the story goes, I became excited on every pages. I like how the story made me hate Doug, a little disappointed with Allie's parents, likes Ashley and Nate, and being amazed by the Montgomery's and ...more

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Dec 25, 2015 Carla added it · review of another edition

I really liked this book. I loved the characters (and despised one lol). I easily fell into the whole thing. I pictured the school, the diner where Lucas and Allison went on their first outing together. it kept me flipping the pages not wanting to put it down. now I'm sad it's done and can't wait to see what's next. I'm rooting for Allie! and I love Lucas! excellent book “I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review”. ...more

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Jan 12, 2016 Larissa :) [HIATUS] rated it liked it

Shelves: 2-and-a-half-star-read

Oh the beginning was so promising. Things were going great. But then, around the 30% mark, it just went downhill for me. It's like I completely lost interest once the mystery around Lucas was revealed, resulting in my skimming the rest of the book super quickly to be finished with it.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy it more Jasmine! ...more

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Oct 02, 2017 Rebecca Austin rated it really liked it

Shelves: review-magic

Allison Sanders is in high school and is intrigued by the new boy in her class, Lucas Montgomery. But when her much older brother, Doug, begins coming home and questioning her about Lucas she gets her guard up.

Soon Lucas explains to Allison a bit about himself and why Doug is after him. Allison must make a choice and decide if she believes Doug or Lucas and must help the one she believes. Along with her best friends Ashley and Nate can Allie keep those she loves safe and figure out who the leak ...more

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Sep 18, 2019 kathleen detherow rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Finally something different

A little romance ,a little intrigue and a plot I haven't read about before will keep me reading this series until the last book and the best thing..they are all on kindle unlimited. ...more

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Nov 16, 2015 Shawna Shauntia marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Class hadn’t started so I talked to the back of his head. I gave up trying to talk to the front. “I want to thank you for helping me out the first day of school. I wasn’t in trouble or anything, just an ex wanting to talk. I didn’t want to talk and that’s what you saw ... or heard. How did you hear me?” I paused for a response but nothing. Thinking back to that day, I thought it odd that he came out of nowhere and knew I wanted Josh to let go of my arm. We blended in with the crowd. We weren’t yelling or fighting. To a passersby, Josh had his hand on my arm.
The grateful teen girl routine wasn’t working so I went with another approach. “And, by the way, how did you know I needed rescuing? Or if I wanted rescuing? Maybe I want to get back with my ex and you ruined it.” I let out a loud huff, hoping he felt my frustration. “Anyway, I’m not going back to him, in case you’re interested. I have big plans to get out of this town as soon as I graduate. A boyfriend would complicate things.” I poked him in the back. “Got it?”
I swear his shoulders moved up and down with laughter. “What’s your name? First name that is, Mr. Montgomery.”
He shook his head slowly back and forth. I couldn’t tell if he found me impossible or was answering “no”. I poked him once more for good measure and then stopped. Mrs. Greene walked to the front of her desk. The signal class would begin.
During her lecture, I obsessed on how to get the guy in front of me to open up. Maybe I should ask him about his tattoo. It’d make a great conversation starter. So what does XXIX mean? Are you in a cult? A gang? I chuckled at the thought then frowned. My brother’s out to get you, so watch out. Why did I feel suddenly protective of Heathcliff?
A better idea hit me. Follow the secretive Mr. Montgomery. Thank you, Mr. Whitmore, for issuing my parking pass. I had to wait a few days, but the Jeep now sat right outside, ready to go at a moment’s notice.
As soon as the bell rang, I rushed for my locker, forgetting to wait for Ashley. Out of breath, she caught up with me. “What’s the hurry? Are you meeting Josh? Did he dump Chloe?”
“I’m going to follow him, Ash.” I stared into my friend’s hazel eyes and saw confusion.
“Josh?”
“No, Heathcliff,” I whispered and exhaled at the same time. ...more

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Jan 08, 2017 Carrie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017

Wow! I was absolutely blown away by this book! I'm so glad I took a chance on a vague description and dove into the wonderful world of the 29. I literally just finished the book and had to immediately record my review. Why haven't more people read this book? It was like the magically perfect blend of high school teen angst, sci-fi, and romance. If any of those things appeal to you, pick this book up now!

Allie is a high schooler with a crush. She's been trying out this independent woman gig after Wow! I was absolutely blown away by this book! I'm so glad I took a chance on a vague description and dove into the wonderful world of the 29. I literally just finished the book and had to immediately record my review. Why haven't more people read this book? It was like the magically perfect blend of high school teen angst, sci-fi, and romance. If any of those things appeal to you, pick this book up now!

Allie is a high schooler with a crush. She's been trying out this independent woman gig after breaking up with her cheating ex but the mysterious lure of a boy in her class keeps drawing her attention. After dedicating her after school time to essentially stalking this boy until she found out more, it all pays off in a rather sudden and extremely rewarding way. In the blink of an eye, Allie and Lucas (the mystery boy) are a couple. I guess that's pretty typical in high school, but it was just as shocking and happy to me as I'm sure it was to Allie. Unfortunately, things aren't all unicorns and rainbows. Lucas has secrets and while he appears to get a grip on the hot/cold personality he wears, it's very clear that there is something he's holding back.

Allie, on the other hand, is pretty much an open book. She's got a loving family but her brother's are significantly older than her. On brother in particular, Doug, ends up becoming aggressive in his questioning of Allie soon after she and Lucas begin dating, raising all sorts of red flags. I don't want to spoil any of the twists and turns that this book delivers, but there is definitely oodles of conflict in Allie's future. She is forced to choose between her family, her friends, and the love of her life. I don't envy her the very tough choices she's forced to make in the course of this book.

Another highlight, other than the completely addictive mystery and action, was the wonderfully written characters. Allie's friends play as much a role in the story as she does and they were so much fun. I am *thrilled* to see that there are more books in this series, because there is no way that I can let this world go. If the first book in a series can knock my socks off, where can they go now that all the introduction is finished? I can't wait! ...more

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Dec 29, 2016 Stacy Sabala rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya, romance, suspense

Book Review- 29 by Nancy Pennick

Allison Sanders is the youngest and is almost done with high school. Her older brothers have their own lives. Doug is in the military and rarely comes home. She doesn’t have much of a relationship with him. Her other brother, Dean, lives near the beach with his girlfriend Autumn. He is an artist. He and Allison are close. Starting school gives her the opportunity to sit behind the hot loner guy. He intrigues her and she is determined to learn more about him. He is ...more

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Dec 23, 2016 Jennifer rated it really liked it

After breaking up with her ex-boyfriend, Allie decides to begin junior year by focus on her mystery crush who just happens to sit in front of her in English. Allie doesn't know his name yet, but with encouragement from her next door neighbor buddy Nate and her best friend Ashley, and her own amateur sleuthing, she's determined to find out more about him and his secrets.

I really enjoyed all the characters, as they are all have their own personalities and interplay well together. I even enjoyed re ...more

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Jun 02, 2016 Misty rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ebook, gifted-4-an-hr

I will try my very best to not include any spoilers but it won't be easy lol. This book was amazing! I'm not usually much of a sci-fi fan but the cover drew me in. It didn't take long reading until I was completely taken in by the story as well. Fast paced and full of mystery and intrigue and just the right amount of romance. I sat glued to the edge of my seat through the entire book trying desperately to figure out where the author would take me next but gladly it remained a mystery to the very ...more

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Sep 02, 2016 Amberlie Owens rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

OMG!!!!

So first off in exchange for a honest review I received a free copy of 29. This book was so well put together and amazing. I have to say the description did not do justice. This book is about Allie and Lucas and the fact that he is a leap year baby. There is such a neat twist that I honestly would never had thought about it as being something interesting to write about. The book is about loyalty, love, friendship, and good vs evil. This should be the book you don't overlook. Wait ago Nanc ...more

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Jun 04, 2016 Alicia rated it did not like it

Shelves: female, family, mystery-thriller

I skimmed most of the book after about the thirtieth page because I realized that whatever interested I had in starting the book, with the Loner kid was trumped by the poor and cliched writing and uninteresting "mystery" with unrealistic dialogue between the main character and her friend. It wasn't even tolerable ignore some major overhaul in language to get to the heart of what XXIV meant.

Received this book via Book Buzz in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jul 25, 2016 Jaylon rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I was given this book for an honest review and very thankful. From the first page nothing could drag me away from this story and could not stop until the last page. Very well written and very imaginative and it continued into the 2nd book.

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Dec 15, 2015 Sean Colarossi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This was great! I sped through it and it never lost my interest. Look forward to reading the next installment!

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Mar 14, 2021 D.G. Driver rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I enjoyed this light scifi YA. The characters were likeable, and I liked the relationships between them. It had an episodic feel to it: moments of action or higher drama followed by lulls where everything seemed to be going just fine again. I could imagine this story being done as a CW series, and it would be enjoyed by people who like the show Roswell New Mexico. I'll admit the main concept of Leap Year boys being magical was a push, but once I got past that and just enjoyed the whole "secret s ...more

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Feb 19, 2020 Jacquelyn rated it liked it

Such an interesting take. It would be interesting to see what the explanation is for why this only happens amongst the males and I'm hoping the first female is found or born. ...more

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May 25, 2016 TheCosyDragon rated it it was ok

This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.

Allison is settling in for a normal Junior year of high school. Little does she know that her heart will be attracted to the bad boy in her English class, and her older brother will be set on a rampaging trail to force her to betray her loved ones.

Cliche, cliche, cliche. Fall for for the ‘bad boy’, get dumped, go back to the ‘safe choice’. Seriou ...more

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Dec 14, 2015 Kelly rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, 2016

First off- I wasn’t sure if this was the end or there were more books to come and I am glad to say that there are more books to come. Otherwise, I would have been very frustrated with the ending.

This story was a great idea! Being born on leap year and only aging 3 months every year so you are only one year older every four years and with some extra benefits to boot! Sign me up!

Allison is your typical teenager. She has had this crush on this Loner boy in school even when she was dating the popul ...more

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Mar 08, 2016 Tara Hall rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 28, 2016 Precious-Books.blog rated it really liked it

Shelves: planned-reading

The cover of this book made me think of the movie 28 days later so I was expecting it to be another zombie book. It's not. It does however, have a unique story line, that draws you in and makes you feel like you have to know what happens on the next page. The main character is a girl named Allie, in her Junior year at high school. I personally found that the teenager in me identified with her on so many different levels:

*She has an older brother she barely gets along with and who does whatever h ...more

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Feb 21, 2016 Lynne rated it really liked it

A big thank you to Jay at Choosy Bookworm and Nancy Pennick for providing a free copy of this book, for an honest review.

When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure I was going to like it. I've never read a book before where I knew I was writing a review at the end so I think I was over analysing it a bit.

This book, however, is very easy to like. By chapter two I was engrossed and I read it all in one sitting.

I enjoyed Nancy's writing style and the fast paced nature of the story and rea ...more

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Dec 10, 2015 Susan Gesing rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

29 was one of the best reads I've had in a long time. Allie is a typical teenage girl who has a mad crush on a stranger and she goes to great lengths to get to meet him and know him better. She never would have guessed Lucas' secret and how her older brother, Doug, would become a part of their lives to the extent he does.
I found the premise of the book to be very interesting and captivating for the reader. I would recommend this book to anyone, not just a New Adult! Pennick has another series, W ...more

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Jan 22, 2016 Beth ~~Just One More Chapter I Swear~~ rated it it was ok

Shelves: first-reads

~~~~~2.5 Stars~~~~~

***I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

I'm not sure that I got the same book as the other rave reviewers or maybe I am WAY out of the demographic zone here but this book was not for me. I just couldn't get into it. I felt nothing for the characters, the love interest was extremely unswoonworthy, the world development was lacking and I was frantically checking the page numbers wishing them to magically increase without me having to read any more.. ...more

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Jun 18, 2016 Natasha du Plessis rated it really liked it

This is the first book by Nancy Pennick that I have read. This is a YA novel but also suited to more adult readers.
I loved the characters and the friendship that was formed between the friends. I also loved the relationship and love that formed between Allie and Lucas. I did not like Allie's brother and hope that something can be done to him soon ... I hope that this book is only the first in a series as I would love to read more of the Niners and their exploits, it there is more books I hope th ...more

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May 22, 2016 ☆Joycedale☆ rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, r2r, book-review-buzz

Found it to be a little out there. It was an interesting concept though.
Still not sure why Allie never came clean to her parents about Doug though.
Some people may hate this but my favorite part was that there wasn't an hea. It had a very true ending based on love.

I received a ecopy through Book Review Buzz in exchange for a honest review. ...more

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About Nancy Pennick

Nancy Pennick

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After a career in teaching, Nancy began writing young adult books. The Waiting for Dusk series includes a historical fiction prequel, Broken Dreams. The fantasy romance series has three books-Waiting for Dusk, Call of the Canyon and Stealing Time. The Swedish influences in the series come from her mother whose parents emigrated from Sweden.
Her YA Sci-fi series-Twenty Nine-has slowly developed ove ...more