Vagrant Summer

by David S. McCrae

With solidarity and vigor against the rulers of Eden, thirteen-thousand young revolutionaries staged an uprising the likes of which had never been seen in history. Calling themselves the "Causes," they seek truth, change, and transparency from their government; a powerful council known as the Fifteen.

Two months in, the Revolution eases into a temporary stalemate. Dartmouth--known as "Brigg" among his fellow Causes--continues to enjoy carefree time to himself. Using the Revolution to distance himself from his personal hardships has been working out for him.

His time traveling solo is soon cut short when he crosses paths with an endearing girl named Mika, who has been seeking help in locating her missing father. Unsuccessful thus far, she confides in Dartmouth when he offers to help.

As the two of them become a team, a chain of events is sparked into motion. With their choice, the balance of the Revolution shifts, diplomacy shrivels to chaos, allegiances are shattered, and the course of Eden's history is affected in ways far beyond what they could ever imagine.

371 pages, Paperback

First published July 11, 2009

Reviews

[Teran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent this book by the author to read and give an honest opinion and review.

"...comfort is the best water to douse the fire of revolutionary thought." This sentence....I knew the moment I read this that I would love this story. This novel is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and 1984.

The premise is one we are all very familiar with; an overstepping government that believe the world is best ruled with an elite group of individuals. Knowledge is not a free commodity and the citizens of Eden are only told what they need to hear to keep in line. That is, until a few thousand teenagers decide they want to choose their own occupation, what makes the wheels of Eden run, and why there is advanced science is some aspects of the country and not in areas where it would help civilians.

I loved how the characters were a bit more mature than is typically found in the YA genre. This story is extremely relevant to our country's current situation, which made it that much more immersive. There are secrets and revelations to come in the series that I am excited to find out. I wish that there was a bit more background on Eden itself and the formation. However, the story ends with a few intense scenes and quite the revelation. I cannot wait to continue the story through Kay's point of view and to find out her history and why she takes the stand that she does with the "slope" and Brigg.

[Zoe L.]

Well this book is coming out at a perfect time! There are so many things in this story that can be related back to our current climate, which also makes the book that much more intense. But make sure that you plenty of time to read this, because you’re not going to want to put it down! There’s so much intensity and action that you’ll be wanting more and more.

This is a dark story that isn’t afraid to get deep and gritty. I mean, there’s a lot at stake, but I don’t want to say too much and give things away. But if you’re a fan of teenagers taking control and overthrowing a terrible dystopian-esque situation then you’re like this! And what I liked best about this book is that the characters aren’t your typical whiney ya type of teenager, they have a purpose and are willing to go to any length.

My only complain is more of just a personal preference. There wasn’t a lot of world building throughout the story, but instead it was used as a plot device to throw some epic curve balls at the end of the book. Now, I’m probably an anomaly in missing this aspect but that’s just because (as I’ve said many times) I grew up on Tolkien and love that aspect of long drivels of lore on the world. But anyways, this was still an amazing review and I cannot wait to see where this story leads!

You can view my full review on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!

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[JANELLE || WHATSHESEEES · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying, I can't wait for book two!!! Vagrant Summer was an awesome read that I truly didn't expect to enjoy SO, SO much, bur really glad I did.

It's honestly hard to write a review about this one without giving anything away so what I will say is you will not be able to put this book down (fair warning) it is an intense read but in the best possible way.

Because this is a dystopian read it really reminded me of the Netflix series Daybreak. In both the book and the Netflix series, the teenagers take control and are strong-willed. They are determined to get shit done and I really love that the author brought to life those strong kinds of characters. It makes what is happening more realistic too.

I read a TON of YA novels and this one didn't have that same feel to me only because of how mature and well developed each character David made them. I really am looking forward to recommending this one to my friends who I know will just LOVE this one and look forward to chatting with them about it in the future.

I am overall satisfied with the ending because I know it doesn't end there and now I am just trying to "patiently" wait for book two so I can see what happens next!

Thank you both to the Author and Kayla for giving me the chance to read this beautiful dystopian novel and for all the cool bookish merch to go with it! If it wasn't for Kayla reaching out to me, I would have missed an awesome read so thank you again.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book and a goodie package by David McCrae and Kayla Ware.




First of all I have to say that I neeeeeeed the next book. Like right now can someone transport me to the time when the second book is out? It has been two years since I have read a book that left me with the need for the next book as much as Vagrant Summer did.
As much as I loved it I wish there was a bit more about the world in the beginning rather than having it more towards the end, though after learning more about Eden I want to know more. But that is a smaller issue because I have more of an issue with Brigg's and him physically attacking another girl more than once, though David has acknowledged this himself and is no longer including this scene in Vagrant Summer so do not worry about it. But other than those two areas I absolutely loved it! The plot was easy to follow, I am already in love with the characters and their relationships. And I believe that ending with that cliffhanger while can be frustrating (the long wait for the next book) I feel that it really hooks readers into the next book. Especially since the thing at the end has to deal with one of my favorite characters in Vagrant Summer.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and editor for providing me with an ARC of Vagrant Summer in exchange for an honest review!

If you’re wanting to get back into the fun of YA dystopian, this is a novel that should be on your radar. I loved the aspect that this novel is set in the middle of the revolution, even though it did take me a little while to get acquainted with the situation. I’d love a prequel about the start of the revolution! These characters are dynamic and fun to follow, and I’m super interested to follow Kay in the next installment!

[Daniela · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I wanted to say thank you to the author and Kayla Ware for sending me an arc of the book in exchange for my honest opinions! I loved the characters, they were all distinct with their own personalities. I enjoyed the world building, but I wish that more of the lore was explained earlier in the book rather than towards the end. The plot flowed nicely and had a good pace to it. I especially loved the drama and tension of the last 50 or so pages. My main critique would be on Brigg’s characterization. I feel like there are better ways to show his trauma than to have him physically attack another girl multiple times. I also didn’t like how he consistently called Mika “Little Miss” as I feel like that’s not something a teenager would ever say, especially to someone only five or so years younger than them.

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it!!! It's a dystopian Hunger Games/Divergent feel. It starts if slow in my opinion as the author is building the backstory. I'm never happy with backstory building though; it's either too much or not enough, never a happy median. 😂 They characters are VERY well developed and have good sides and very relevant flaws. They affect each page accordingly and it's a nice break from most of the whiny protagonists of most YA books. The writing is wonderful! It's as if David has published 100 books.
•
The story line was very smooth and the two missions rolled together nicely. The main character, Brigg, and the rest of the group, Mika, Dice, and Kay, work off eachother to make a very well rounded group. I really enjoyed seeing Brigg and Kay finally put their issues aside. Dice is quirky and I love his method of decision making. (I do something similar when I want multiple options equally.) Mika is adorable but I'm just not sure about her. She's definitely hiding something more than just she lost her father. (David, I'm mad that I have to wait for the next book to find out if my theory is right 😒😂.)
•
The ending definitely had me on the edge of my seat. I need the next book and the fact that it's from Kay's point of view is exciting!!! I can't wait to get more of her history.

**really a 4.5 rating but goodreads doesnt allow for halves.

[Tati Alvarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was graciously sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Before I get into the book, let me just give both David and Kayla props for such an amazing package! I seriously loved everything that came with the book, (the compass and dice being my favorite) and for just being all around amazing people.

Vagrant Summer is a book I would not have picked up myself simply because I'm a sucker for covers. The cover did not immediately grab my attention, but I know that I can be a diva when it comes to book covers, so that small piece of criticism is mostly me being extra. However, the synopsis of the book definitely peeked my interest. After that, the first few pages have to hook me in order for me to want to actively keep reading.

Right from the start, I was picking up Fahrenheit 451 vibes couples with Divergent. Briggs, actual name Dartmouth, is a Cause - protestors and members of the Revolution that seeks to challenge the tyrannical leaders in hopes for change. But also, he is now responsible for a 12 year old girl named Mika, as he agrees to help her find her father.

McCrae's world he created was the aspect of the book that intrigued me the most. With any dytopian like novel, I feel like creating a unique world is crucial. I wanted more about the world, his society, the government. We get hints of them through the characters and setting, but I felt like I needed more of the world to truly get invested into this place.

As for characters, Dice was my favorite. I like odd, quirky characters and he definitely fit the bill. Kay and Mika were also interesting female characters, though I did not feel connected to them entirely. There were moments when their personalities and actions really shined, but other times they seemed complacent or extra. Overall, with so many different characters in the book, I think McCrae does a great job at making each one unique. I did not feel as if I were reading the same character over and over again, just in a different body.

As for Briggs...I was not a fan of him. I just saw him as problematic. He was angry and often lashed out in violent ways. I understand that this comes from his parents abusing him, but the way he treated Kay was horrendous. He was also slightly creepy, not going to lie. I appreciated that he recognized his shortcomings and vocalized them, but I could not bring myself to like Briggs as a person that much. As a character, I think he was well developed and flawed.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I liked the story and most characters. I would simply like to know more about the world and have certain characters stand out in different ways.

[Mindy]

Rather than do a rating, I wanted to compile a few thoughts about what I liked and didn't like about the first book in the upcoming Wanderlust series.

What I liked:
- The writing style- It was still adult enough for me to be absorbed in the story and flowed nicely.
- The premise- A tyrannical government and a revolution looking to overthrow said government, tied in with apocalyptic themes? Count me in! I did, however, have trouble understanding why most everything regarding the Revolution was done through a forum online- not to mention one that could so easily be hacked.
- The character building- I felt the reader really got to know each character in a deep and developed way and I enjoyed that I got to know so much about Brigg's inner working and history.
- The series set up- The ending of the novel gave us a great jumping off point for which to continue the series, but I didn't feel jilted or left hanging.

What didn't work for me:
- The dialogue- Although I enjoyed the writing, the dialogue was different. I realize that we are dealing with teens and young adults on the part of the Causes, but some of the dialogue was a little bit too juvenile for me.
- Brigg's emotional lability- I know it makes sense that Brigg may have anger and violence issues because of his history with his father, but I just felt that each time he hurt or threatened Kay, it was swept under the rug. His arousal scenes were also way too much for me.
- The "little miss"- The term "little miss" was used to describe Mika by almost every male character and not only was it creepy, it just isn't a term I see teens and young adults using.
- The scene with Mika in the shower- Hated that entire scene and the book could honestly work without it. It was creepy with a tinge of pedophilia and I really disliked Brigg's commentary to Kay when he felt accused of being a potential peeping Tom.

Thank you to David S. McCrae for sending me an ARC of this novel and allowing me to be one of the first to review it! If you're into apocalyptic YA complete with adventure, consider picking these up when they release!

[Noel Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted this amazingly detailed & nuanced book to review by David McCrae. It came packaged with some amazing goodies that were tied to the novel by Kayla Ware. Thank you to both of these amazing humans!

I definitely got some Hunger Games, Fahrenheit 451, and maybe even 1984 vibes from this book! It's YA, so it isn’t as brutal as some of those, but it feels mature enough that older people will still enjoy it. I read VS so quickly because I couldn’t really put it down - once it got started, I was hooked. Those first few chapters of exposition were a bit difficult to get through, but once I did, I really enjoyed my time in Eden. I read a few chapters and then put the book down, only to come back a little while later and read the rest of it in one sitting - and it isn’t short.
The only real sticking point for me was Briggs. I just didn’t feel any redemption for him as a character. He was too angry (as perhaps I would be as well) and even though he knew it, I didn’t feel like there was a sincere effort to change.

I’ll admit that I’m a little peeved that I have to wait for the second one to figure out some of these mysteries!

[Andy Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting and engaging book! So many characters are layered and complex in their personalities and motives, you get surprised with each and every page the more you learn about them. Book one already has some amazing plot twists that you'd never expect, and the worldbuilding so far has been really good! If you like a good story about people rising up against a dystopian society, I'd absolutely recommend giving this a read!