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Spray
A group of teens sign up for an assassination game on the streets of a big city. Their pressurized water guns. It's meant to be a game, a sport. But for some, it's more than harmless fun. To win, they'll use any means necessary. Two hundred players. Three weeks of tense cat-and-mouse action. Every stalker is being stalked and only one player will be left standing. No one will be the same. Through multiple points of view, Harry Edge puts readers right in the middle of the action--watch your back!
228 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Harry Edge
5 books3 followersHARRY EDGE lives in the UK. He owns four water pistols and has a past career that he would prefer to keep secret. Therefore, Feiwel and Friends has agreed not to reveal his real identity.
When not writing, he likes to read, watch movies, go to rock concerts, and ride his bicycle.
When not writing, he likes to read, watch movies, go to rock concerts, and ride his bicycle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 12, 2017
everyone knows the real author of spray is Jessie Milman. No one sprays better than him. 1830 gallons
March 3, 2024
I picked up Spray at ALA having no idea what to expect because I'd never heard of it before. When I finally read it I was sucked in. The writing switches between seven different people, all competing in a city-wide competition of Spray. There's Han, who is a "fifteen" year old girl who seems to be in the game for something more than winning. Shell and Maiko who both go to college in the city. Jenny, a gorgeous seventeen year old, who gets more than she ever expected from playing. Mac, a seventeen year old with a secret, who is completely consumed by the Game. Zed, a student-nurse playing Spray with her boyfriend. And there's Green, who's probably never been this active before in his life. At the start of the three week game of Spray each player receives a laminated card with the name (or nickname), picture, place of residence (or, at least, where they are supposed to be residing), and occupation (or school) of their target. The goal is simple, spray and don't get sprayed. Oh, and there's a gamekeeper who can change the rules at anytime. And 199 other people all want the victory just as much, if not more, than you do. Good Luck.
My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was action with the perfect amount of surprises and just a touch of romance. The way it was written made me believe that a city could hold a three week, two hundred person water gun fight any day. No big deal. Shortly before reading this book, I was taught how to play a game called Assassins by some of my friends and they told me there was another way to play, using water guns. In Spray they said that the game Spray came from a game called (what else?) Assassins! Once I read that I knew, I couldn't stop until I finished this book. I would also recommend Spray to guys, but, not being a guy myself you can't hold me to that.
Kit
My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was action with the perfect amount of surprises and just a touch of romance. The way it was written made me believe that a city could hold a three week, two hundred person water gun fight any day. No big deal. Shortly before reading this book, I was taught how to play a game called Assassins by some of my friends and they told me there was another way to play, using water guns. In Spray they said that the game Spray came from a game called (what else?) Assassins! Once I read that I knew, I couldn't stop until I finished this book. I would also recommend Spray to guys, but, not being a guy myself you can't hold me to that.
Kit
December 24, 2010
Even though Harry Edge's Spray isn't my usual type of book, I have to admit that after reading the summary and an excerpt from the book I was quite intrigued. I loved the idea of assassination water gun game and how the story of it would be told in the eyes of several different participants in it. Sadly enough, Spray wasn't nearly as spectacular nor ground-breaking as I thought it would be.
One of the major aspects that just didn't do it for me was the characters. With books containing alternating perspectives, I always know the characterization probably won't be so great, but what I got was even worse than I expected. For one, the many characters and perspectives (there were about nine in all) forever left me confused about who each person was and made me wonder what exactly some of their parts were in the story. I think this story would have been much better if Mr. Edge picked a handful of perspectives to tell the story from because not only would it have been less choppy but I possibly could have been able to know enough about a character to relate to him or her; something I just wasn't able to do in this.
Though, I will admit the premise of this was pretty great and execution of it did a pretty great job of keeping me interested in the plot lines at hand. I thought the idea of the water game was always intriguing and something that would be cool to participate in.
In all, if you like plot driven books more than ones with lots of character development, Spray is the book for you, because this book wasn't ever lacking in new twists and turns. So, therefor, I think this book would be perfect for teen boys who are reluctant readers rather than teen girls like myself.
Grade: C-
One of the major aspects that just didn't do it for me was the characters. With books containing alternating perspectives, I always know the characterization probably won't be so great, but what I got was even worse than I expected. For one, the many characters and perspectives (there were about nine in all) forever left me confused about who each person was and made me wonder what exactly some of their parts were in the story. I think this story would have been much better if Mr. Edge picked a handful of perspectives to tell the story from because not only would it have been less choppy but I possibly could have been able to know enough about a character to relate to him or her; something I just wasn't able to do in this.
Though, I will admit the premise of this was pretty great and execution of it did a pretty great job of keeping me interested in the plot lines at hand. I thought the idea of the water game was always intriguing and something that would be cool to participate in.
In all, if you like plot driven books more than ones with lots of character development, Spray is the book for you, because this book wasn't ever lacking in new twists and turns. So, therefor, I think this book would be perfect for teen boys who are reluctant readers rather than teen girls like myself.
Grade: C-
June 13, 2013
first of all. this is a very confusing book to read. but i like how Edge played the character in this book. he shows various point of view from the players and the gamekeeper.
simple story line broken up to three major parts according to the three weeks of the game period. and each part contains it own excitement. it is action packed, thrill, and keeps getting me goosebumps.
anyway. it is best to you to make a note yourself in order to not getting confused by any plot twist.
simple story line broken up to three major parts according to the three weeks of the game period. and each part contains it own excitement. it is action packed, thrill, and keeps getting me goosebumps.
anyway. it is best to you to make a note yourself in order to not getting confused by any plot twist.
July 5, 2017
The story was delivered in such a different fashion that it made it fresh.
The world has changed and water has become an issue as the country continues to have a drought. The story follows several individuals each section told be a different individual as they play a game in which the players use water guns to assinate other players. It takes skill and inginuity to get "kills" and no one is hurt (except maybe a little pride).
We learn a little about the lives and decisions of each of the followed players. A diversion worth reading.
The world has changed and water has become an issue as the country continues to have a drought. The story follows several individuals each section told be a different individual as they play a game in which the players use water guns to assinate other players. It takes skill and inginuity to get "kills" and no one is hurt (except maybe a little pride).
We learn a little about the lives and decisions of each of the followed players. A diversion worth reading.
July 10, 2018
Fascinated my from the very beginning. If it werent for the miserable ending I would have given it the perfect score. I really hope for a second part.
February 12, 2015
In an unknown city, a game of "Spray" is about to start. Consisting of 200 players, all armed with water pistols or balloons, the idea of the game is to assassinate a target who has been selected for you. When you have taken your target out of the game, their target becomes your next target. The game continues until there is only one player left standing.
We follow the players as they prepare for and become involved in the game. Some of them will not last the first day, some of them will not even last the first hour. Others will play with much more skill and subtlety and will make several kills and last well into the game. Some players have played the game before and expect to win. One player in particular is not interested in the game itself, but is playing for her own reasons and has had to bend the rules to even be involved.
The story is mostly about the game, rather than the players. Of course, we have to follow the players to get the game, as they make alliances with other players and as they hunt and kill and are themselves hunted and killed. We get a brief introduction to some of them; there are students, business people and even a police officer. Most, but by no means all, of them are young; many of them have invented clever nicknames. But their ages and professions are largely irrelevant and their names are used solely to distinguish one from the other.
The game is the thing and the game is a heck of a lot of fun to play. This means that the game is also a heck of a lot of fun to read about. Some of the kills are simple and amusing in their simplicity, some involve a little bit of stalking and a little more planning. The longer the game goes on, the more skilled the remaining players are and the harder the kills. Some involve some really rather elaborate planning that may or may not turn out the way they'd hoped.
"Spray" is very skilfully written, with the pace matching the game, constantly switching between characters and with short chapters that keep the pages turning. The language used reflects that of the characters, being pretty simple and so helps making the book easy to read, although it's the constant action that keeps you going more than the writing. Keeping going is exactly what I did with the book as well, going through it from cover to cover in a couple of sittings lasting a little over four hours. It wasn't that I intended to read it so quickly, but there was never a point where the story paused for long enough to make putting the book down and taking a break an easy decision.
Edge's writing is such that the book reads very much as if it would make a decent action film. There's a lot of colour and the characters are quite well described in basic outlines; in terms of hair colour, size and clothing, although they do tend to be fairly bland in their facial features; we get a blurred image of them, but never a clear picture. The equipment they carry is always mentioned in terms of their colour, rather than being properly described. The reader is put in the position of one of the players, catching a glimpse of colour from the corner of the eye, but never seeing things clearly. In terms of the writing matching the subject matter, Harry Edge has done superbly.
If there is a down side, it's that some of the ideas that were touched upon in the book were never fully explored. There was a touch of romantic entanglement that never really came to fruition and the city was going through a severe water shortage at the time which was mentioned on several occasions, but never become an integral part of the story, which could have made things a little more interesting. This lack of other ideas did make the story seem a little superficial, but it didn't reduce the excitement factor of it.
This lack of depth does mean that the book can really only be read the once, as there's nothing else to discover once you've reached the end and repeated readings wouldn't give any further enlightenment. This makes "Spray" a book that would be far better borrowed than purchased, but even a purchase wouldn't be too much of a risk and it's an exciting read that shouldn't be missed.
This review may also appear, in whole or in part, under my name at any or all of www.ciao.co.uk, www.thebookbag.co.uk, www.goodreads.com, www.amazon.co.uk and www.dooyoo.co.uk
We follow the players as they prepare for and become involved in the game. Some of them will not last the first day, some of them will not even last the first hour. Others will play with much more skill and subtlety and will make several kills and last well into the game. Some players have played the game before and expect to win. One player in particular is not interested in the game itself, but is playing for her own reasons and has had to bend the rules to even be involved.
The story is mostly about the game, rather than the players. Of course, we have to follow the players to get the game, as they make alliances with other players and as they hunt and kill and are themselves hunted and killed. We get a brief introduction to some of them; there are students, business people and even a police officer. Most, but by no means all, of them are young; many of them have invented clever nicknames. But their ages and professions are largely irrelevant and their names are used solely to distinguish one from the other.
The game is the thing and the game is a heck of a lot of fun to play. This means that the game is also a heck of a lot of fun to read about. Some of the kills are simple and amusing in their simplicity, some involve a little bit of stalking and a little more planning. The longer the game goes on, the more skilled the remaining players are and the harder the kills. Some involve some really rather elaborate planning that may or may not turn out the way they'd hoped.
"Spray" is very skilfully written, with the pace matching the game, constantly switching between characters and with short chapters that keep the pages turning. The language used reflects that of the characters, being pretty simple and so helps making the book easy to read, although it's the constant action that keeps you going more than the writing. Keeping going is exactly what I did with the book as well, going through it from cover to cover in a couple of sittings lasting a little over four hours. It wasn't that I intended to read it so quickly, but there was never a point where the story paused for long enough to make putting the book down and taking a break an easy decision.
Edge's writing is such that the book reads very much as if it would make a decent action film. There's a lot of colour and the characters are quite well described in basic outlines; in terms of hair colour, size and clothing, although they do tend to be fairly bland in their facial features; we get a blurred image of them, but never a clear picture. The equipment they carry is always mentioned in terms of their colour, rather than being properly described. The reader is put in the position of one of the players, catching a glimpse of colour from the corner of the eye, but never seeing things clearly. In terms of the writing matching the subject matter, Harry Edge has done superbly.
If there is a down side, it's that some of the ideas that were touched upon in the book were never fully explored. There was a touch of romantic entanglement that never really came to fruition and the city was going through a severe water shortage at the time which was mentioned on several occasions, but never become an integral part of the story, which could have made things a little more interesting. This lack of other ideas did make the story seem a little superficial, but it didn't reduce the excitement factor of it.
This lack of depth does mean that the book can really only be read the once, as there's nothing else to discover once you've reached the end and repeated readings wouldn't give any further enlightenment. This makes "Spray" a book that would be far better borrowed than purchased, but even a purchase wouldn't be too much of a risk and it's an exciting read that shouldn't be missed.
This review may also appear, in whole or in part, under my name at any or all of www.ciao.co.uk, www.thebookbag.co.uk, www.goodreads.com, www.amazon.co.uk and www.dooyoo.co.uk
January 25, 2011
Originally posted at: http://jawasreadtoo.wordpress.com/201...
I am reviewing an advance copy provided by the US publisher.
In a city that could be any city around the world, people of all ages arm themselves with bright plastic water pistols with one idea in mind: spray before they can be sprayed. A traveling assassination game known in some circles as “Spray” attracts individuals of all ages in a no-violence-allowed and standard-driven, city-wide water gun fight. Super Soakers, water balloons, cheap spray-toys—if it shoots water without causing physical harm, the game allows players to use it. For three weeks participants run high on adrenaline and the thrill of being hunted. That is, only if they haven’t already been eliminated from the game.
When reading Spray (originally published in the UK), I was reminded of other YA books that tackle the idea of sprawling elimination games in urban settings (Z by Michael Thomas Ford comes immediately to mind), but realized this one was different. It’s not nearly as dark or urgent; no one really ever gets hurt—unless wounded pride counts. The use of water guns dilutes the drama of Spray to lukewarm levels compounded by an anti-climactic ending unsure whether it celebrates the reunion of long-lost family members, the victory of an otherwise unnoticed denizen of society, or the end of a game reliant on a rapidly dwindling resource (the city is suffering a prolonged drought). Perhaps it is all three, but with a narrative that merely grazes the passing of either outcome, the story fell short of its potential. Perhaps Spray was never meant to be more than a light-hearted and elaborate game of tag. It is, after all, mostly about the fast-paced action.
There is an urgency to the narrative that cannot be denied and which works in its favor. The quick narration switches that posed confusing, overwhelming, and structurally awkward most of the time (readers contend with a large cast of characters who later become entirely insignificant, except as fodder for some of the others to use to progress forward) ultimately engaged the immediacy of the game. As players are sprayed, the roster is culled of irrelevant narrators, leaving only the surviving few to outsmart each other for as long as the game allows. These survivors are also the core players or, the ones readers are meant to root for.
Of course with the game being the focal point of the story, the idea of sportsmanship elevates the novel above its shortcomings. The game brings people together in a bond of mutual enjoyment. Losers help active players achieve more “kills” despite their inability to claim the prize for themselves and develop new friendships and interesting relationships along the way. In many ways this was the strongest part of the novel. The rest is merely incidental. Even the local park and high school have generic names to shift focus ont0 resident citizen and student players: City Park and City Academy.
While it was refreshing to read a YA book that features several protagonists at University (a rare occurrence), it is, in this case, entirely accidental—an example of the type of person attracted to the sport; just as civic servants, professors, and a fast food employee become involved, so too it is inevitable that in this iteration, a few college students also pay the entry fee. I did, however, enjoy, appreciate, and am very encouraged by the variety. It's about time other authors recognize the large gap between teenage protagonists and their adult counterparts in contemporary fiction.
Ultimately, Spray appears to be a fun and fast thrill ride high on adrenaline-fueled strategy. There is little character development, but there is no pretending here. This does not appear to want to be that kind of novel. Readers looking for deeper considerations need look elsewhere. Enjoy Spray for its ease and quick action-fulfillment. Don’t expect much more. Every once in awhile, though, that’s enough.
I am reviewing an advance copy provided by the US publisher.
In a city that could be any city around the world, people of all ages arm themselves with bright plastic water pistols with one idea in mind: spray before they can be sprayed. A traveling assassination game known in some circles as “Spray” attracts individuals of all ages in a no-violence-allowed and standard-driven, city-wide water gun fight. Super Soakers, water balloons, cheap spray-toys—if it shoots water without causing physical harm, the game allows players to use it. For three weeks participants run high on adrenaline and the thrill of being hunted. That is, only if they haven’t already been eliminated from the game.
When reading Spray (originally published in the UK), I was reminded of other YA books that tackle the idea of sprawling elimination games in urban settings (Z by Michael Thomas Ford comes immediately to mind), but realized this one was different. It’s not nearly as dark or urgent; no one really ever gets hurt—unless wounded pride counts. The use of water guns dilutes the drama of Spray to lukewarm levels compounded by an anti-climactic ending unsure whether it celebrates the reunion of long-lost family members, the victory of an otherwise unnoticed denizen of society, or the end of a game reliant on a rapidly dwindling resource (the city is suffering a prolonged drought). Perhaps it is all three, but with a narrative that merely grazes the passing of either outcome, the story fell short of its potential. Perhaps Spray was never meant to be more than a light-hearted and elaborate game of tag. It is, after all, mostly about the fast-paced action.
There is an urgency to the narrative that cannot be denied and which works in its favor. The quick narration switches that posed confusing, overwhelming, and structurally awkward most of the time (readers contend with a large cast of characters who later become entirely insignificant, except as fodder for some of the others to use to progress forward) ultimately engaged the immediacy of the game. As players are sprayed, the roster is culled of irrelevant narrators, leaving only the surviving few to outsmart each other for as long as the game allows. These survivors are also the core players or, the ones readers are meant to root for.
Of course with the game being the focal point of the story, the idea of sportsmanship elevates the novel above its shortcomings. The game brings people together in a bond of mutual enjoyment. Losers help active players achieve more “kills” despite their inability to claim the prize for themselves and develop new friendships and interesting relationships along the way. In many ways this was the strongest part of the novel. The rest is merely incidental. Even the local park and high school have generic names to shift focus ont0 resident citizen and student players: City Park and City Academy.
While it was refreshing to read a YA book that features several protagonists at University (a rare occurrence), it is, in this case, entirely accidental—an example of the type of person attracted to the sport; just as civic servants, professors, and a fast food employee become involved, so too it is inevitable that in this iteration, a few college students also pay the entry fee. I did, however, enjoy, appreciate, and am very encouraged by the variety. It's about time other authors recognize the large gap between teenage protagonists and their adult counterparts in contemporary fiction.
Ultimately, Spray appears to be a fun and fast thrill ride high on adrenaline-fueled strategy. There is little character development, but there is no pretending here. This does not appear to want to be that kind of novel. Readers looking for deeper considerations need look elsewhere. Enjoy Spray for its ease and quick action-fulfillment. Don’t expect much more. Every once in awhile, though, that’s enough.
December 20, 2010
Review Originally Posted Here: http://www.goodbooksandgoodwine.com/2...
Did anyone else play Assassin in college or at summer camp? I remember we tried to do this one year in my dorm and it lasted for about two weeks before falling apart, as more people were focused on going out/partying than playing Assassin. That and it’s not like we had a board up with players so we all kind of forgot who was still playing.
However, I know some people and some colleges take Assassin a bit more seriously and are a little more hardcore about it. Those who are more hardcore will certainly relate to and enjoy Spray. Basically the concept of Spray by Harry Edge is that spray is a game where it’s assassin but with water guns. FYI in the game, you get a card with the name and information about your victim. You then have to spray the victim with water. When sprayed, you must surrender your laminated card to your assassin. The winner is the person who ends up with their own card, because the only way you can get your card is when it is down to the last person.
Right-o. So Spray starts off with 200 registered players for the game. From there the players are offed right and left. ALSO we begin the book with a ton of alternating view-points. As we go further into the game/book, the number of viewpoints drops so we are more able to focus on a core group of players. I’ve seen a few reviews that didn’t care for the multiple POVs because they are hard to follow. I, personally, did not have a problem following the multiple points of views. Actually, I thought they made Spray a quicker read because there was so much action.
If you are looking for a book with action, then definitely read Spray. If you want a character study, then perhaps this is not the book for you. I enjoyed Spray on the whole, but mainly because sometimes I just want to read action books, and well, the reverse is also true. Sometimes I just want to read character books. So really, if you are in the mood for a lot of action and a kick back and enjoy the game type of book, you best pick up Spray.
Disclosure: Received for review.
Did anyone else play Assassin in college or at summer camp? I remember we tried to do this one year in my dorm and it lasted for about two weeks before falling apart, as more people were focused on going out/partying than playing Assassin. That and it’s not like we had a board up with players so we all kind of forgot who was still playing.
However, I know some people and some colleges take Assassin a bit more seriously and are a little more hardcore about it. Those who are more hardcore will certainly relate to and enjoy Spray. Basically the concept of Spray by Harry Edge is that spray is a game where it’s assassin but with water guns. FYI in the game, you get a card with the name and information about your victim. You then have to spray the victim with water. When sprayed, you must surrender your laminated card to your assassin. The winner is the person who ends up with their own card, because the only way you can get your card is when it is down to the last person.
Right-o. So Spray starts off with 200 registered players for the game. From there the players are offed right and left. ALSO we begin the book with a ton of alternating view-points. As we go further into the game/book, the number of viewpoints drops so we are more able to focus on a core group of players. I’ve seen a few reviews that didn’t care for the multiple POVs because they are hard to follow. I, personally, did not have a problem following the multiple points of views. Actually, I thought they made Spray a quicker read because there was so much action.
If you are looking for a book with action, then definitely read Spray. If you want a character study, then perhaps this is not the book for you. I enjoyed Spray on the whole, but mainly because sometimes I just want to read action books, and well, the reverse is also true. Sometimes I just want to read character books. So really, if you are in the mood for a lot of action and a kick back and enjoy the game type of book, you best pick up Spray.
Disclosure: Received for review.
December 6, 2010
To run is futile. To hide, perhaps worth the effort. To win...the main goal. It's a war zone out there but not quite in the way you may think. No bombs (sorta of). No guns (with bullets at least). No lives lost (in reality at least). Your objective: Seek out your opponent. Assinate them. Make their target your own and repeat til the last man or woman is standing. Your weapon...a water gun.
Yep...a water gun! This "war" is fought with war and moves from city to city as people from everyday life get the chance to play in this covert ops type affair. It's not dangerous in the sense of actual fatalities, but it can uncover truths and pasts you may have thought you out ran.
This was actually a really fun read! I wasn't certain what to make of it at first, especially when the narrator continually jumps from player to player to player. In this case though...it really works and it kept the storyline moving equal to the fast pace that the game was being played at...thus propelling you to read faster and faster and faster until....well, until a winner is declared. Despite the wasted water which is actually spoken to in the city's drought state in the story, one player puts it in perspective rather well...."Everyone needs to be a little childish sometimes..." (pg 205, ARC)
Great read for all ages. The storyline does have slightly deeper revelations for a few characters but overall it's a fast paced, fun and water filled time that you won't want to miss.
So I guess the only question that remains is this...are you in or are you out? *takes aim with super soaker*
Happy reading!
Yep...a water gun! This "war" is fought with war and moves from city to city as people from everyday life get the chance to play in this covert ops type affair. It's not dangerous in the sense of actual fatalities, but it can uncover truths and pasts you may have thought you out ran.
This was actually a really fun read! I wasn't certain what to make of it at first, especially when the narrator continually jumps from player to player to player. In this case though...it really works and it kept the storyline moving equal to the fast pace that the game was being played at...thus propelling you to read faster and faster and faster until....well, until a winner is declared. Despite the wasted water which is actually spoken to in the city's drought state in the story, one player puts it in perspective rather well...."Everyone needs to be a little childish sometimes..." (pg 205, ARC)
Great read for all ages. The storyline does have slightly deeper revelations for a few characters but overall it's a fast paced, fun and water filled time that you won't want to miss.
So I guess the only question that remains is this...are you in or are you out? *takes aim with super soaker*
Happy reading!
November 11, 2010
First things first, this book is incredibly fun and entertaining. The characters play a game that is written to where it’s almost like you’re playing along with them. It’s a refreshing plot that doesn’t overwhelm you with love triangles or secret lives or anything that you might see in other novels nowadays.
But even though I was thoroughly entertained, I admit that the book didn’t reel me in all that much. The book switches point of views like crazy, which eventually works, but had me incredibly confused in the beginning. And with that constant switching, there really wasn’t any room for the characters personalities to grow. Once more players were eliminated and their perspectives stopped showing up on the pages, more time and words were put into certain characters who eventually grew personalities. But keyword: eventually. It took me quite awhile to get into this book.
The entire book was kind of stiff and anticlimactic for me, but once it narrowed down to the final players, it really came to life. Paths crossed, character backgrounds were revealed, drama ensued and it mixed perfectly with the water gun game. I loved the end chapters, even though I wasn’t too crazy about the first half of the book.
Overall, Spray is fun, entertaining and cunning. The author puts you in the backseat of every character’s head, which makes it easy for you to chose a player to root for and play along. While it isn’t really a deep and emotional read, it’s enjoyable and one that I definitely think you should give a try!
But even though I was thoroughly entertained, I admit that the book didn’t reel me in all that much. The book switches point of views like crazy, which eventually works, but had me incredibly confused in the beginning. And with that constant switching, there really wasn’t any room for the characters personalities to grow. Once more players were eliminated and their perspectives stopped showing up on the pages, more time and words were put into certain characters who eventually grew personalities. But keyword: eventually. It took me quite awhile to get into this book.
The entire book was kind of stiff and anticlimactic for me, but once it narrowed down to the final players, it really came to life. Paths crossed, character backgrounds were revealed, drama ensued and it mixed perfectly with the water gun game. I loved the end chapters, even though I wasn’t too crazy about the first half of the book.
Overall, Spray is fun, entertaining and cunning. The author puts you in the backseat of every character’s head, which makes it easy for you to chose a player to root for and play along. While it isn’t really a deep and emotional read, it’s enjoyable and one that I definitely think you should give a try!
March 28, 2011
Why I read this: I was sent this as an ARC and it seemed like an intriguing concept.
Plot: I loved the pace of this novel. The different characters you encounter and the way the book is written really makes it fast-paced and interesting. I love the different takes on the game. I also really didn't see the overarching plot come out until halfway through the novel. I think that itself really pulled the novel together. Definitely an interesting novel.
Characters: The multiple points of view in this novel really make it unique. You get to see into the eyes of some of the different players, why they're playing and what they hope to gain from it. It's also interesting to piece parts of the plot together when different events occur - thanks to these different character view points.
Relatability: A fun novel that I think presents an interesting look at city-wide games and how serious they can become.
Cover Commentary: Not my favorite, but it's alright.
Plot: I loved the pace of this novel. The different characters you encounter and the way the book is written really makes it fast-paced and interesting. I love the different takes on the game. I also really didn't see the overarching plot come out until halfway through the novel. I think that itself really pulled the novel together. Definitely an interesting novel.
Characters: The multiple points of view in this novel really make it unique. You get to see into the eyes of some of the different players, why they're playing and what they hope to gain from it. It's also interesting to piece parts of the plot together when different events occur - thanks to these different character view points.
Relatability: A fun novel that I think presents an interesting look at city-wide games and how serious they can become.
Cover Commentary: Not my favorite, but it's alright.
July 1, 2010
Written by a former military man this is a book for both boys and girls. Mysterious gamekeepers define and manage a water pistol game played in a three week time span by 15 year olds and up. Players are given ID's (keeps their shenanigans legal) and targets with short biographies. The winner is the last 'man standing'. Players are eliminated when they are sprayed and hand over the target they are pursuing. This continues till all but the last player is sprayed.
This is the story of one game- from the points of view of the many players. We see their strategies, desires and motivations. It is an action and plot driven piece.
This is hard to place agewise- it would be great for younger kids - but the players are mostly 15 and up with the issues that teens and young adults have. Perhaps best places as high interest/low level.
This is the story of one game- from the points of view of the many players. We see their strategies, desires and motivations. It is an action and plot driven piece.
This is hard to place agewise- it would be great for younger kids - but the players are mostly 15 and up with the issues that teens and young adults have. Perhaps best places as high interest/low level.
March 14, 2013
I really liked this book and thought that it was excellent because of its descriptions and conflicts through its characters. This book was about eight teenagers signing up for a tournament involving two hundred players and their weapons were water guns, who ever got sprayed by a water gun was considered assassinated and was disqualified from the game. In addition I also enjoyed the author's craft. For instance, in the text it said, "After getting sprayed, he walked out the room and slamed the door shut..." (Edge). The author demonstrates anger in this line, showing that Mac is very mad because he got sprayed and is now out of the game. In summary, this book was excellent in description, conflict, and author's craft and I really enjoyed reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2014
The book is about a group of teens who join a game called spray. It is a really intense and exciting book. My favorite character was Shell. All the teenagers have to make up weird nicknames for the game. The five main characters are Zed,Green,Mac,Shell,and Cliff. This is a really good book and I would recommend it to all of my friends. There are interesting plot twists and unexpected rivalries as well as friendships. Over all it really made me not want to stop reading it. It was so easy to pick up from were you left off because it is written like a journal that all the teen collaborated to make. It is only 205 pages so it is rather short and you can get at the Miami township library if you are interested for those of you who live in Cleves.
August 16, 2011
3.5 stars
I liked the book, but I LOVED the idea.
The plot itself was ingenious and very interesting. However, it took a while to figure out who was who because the book moved from multiple point-of-views, which eventually became entertaining and suspenseful, waiting to see how one player was going to spray and therefore "kill" their target.
Because of this book, I was inspired to make a school version of the game called Assassin where it's seniors exclusive and killing people involves brightly colored sticky notes instead of water guns. Since I've only just started getting the word out last Friday, the game isn't going to start until September 1st, so I can't wait to see how it will go!
I liked the book, but I LOVED the idea.
The plot itself was ingenious and very interesting. However, it took a while to figure out who was who because the book moved from multiple point-of-views, which eventually became entertaining and suspenseful, waiting to see how one player was going to spray and therefore "kill" their target.
Because of this book, I was inspired to make a school version of the game called Assassin where it's seniors exclusive and killing people involves brightly colored sticky notes instead of water guns. Since I've only just started getting the word out last Friday, the game isn't going to start until September 1st, so I can't wait to see how it will go!
April 12, 2014
This book is original, clever and full of amazing plot twists. The plot is fantastic and refreshing, breaking free from the far too familiar plot lines of many other books I have read. It is not generic at all and really grips the reader and sucks them right in. I especially liked the ending, although I hate spoilers I will say this, prepare yourself for a shock!
The characters are deep and relatable and each explores a different aspect of human life. All in all I think this book is amazing and completely and utterly recommend it to all.
The characters are deep and relatable and each explores a different aspect of human life. All in all I think this book is amazing and completely and utterly recommend it to all.
July 20, 2011
great story! characters sign up online to participate in an "assassin" game using water pistols. the game area is a whole city, but they are each given a card with a photo and personal info on their "target". When one person sprays their target, they get that person's target card, and they move on through the players, assassinating each other with water.
i'd love to see something like this in action.
i'd love to see something like this in action.
August 15, 2011
Ages 12 and up. Spray is a water assassination game, consisting of 200 players who must "kill" or "be killed". This book follows six of the participants as they hunt down their targets, alternating points of view between chapters. The concept is interesting, but the story gets confusing in the middle trying to keep the characters straight, and who is targeting whom. Still, it keeps you guessing to the end who will ultimately win.
October 5, 2014
So I say, I picked this book up and y'know what? This was completely different than the stuff I normally read. It was Ok, so 3 stars would suit.
The action was good, there were nice surprises and I liked those little touches of romance. It fitted well, so you can't actually say that the romance was the hot-steamy type. It was just the normal, high-school type.
So overall, its a 3.92 from me. I did enjoy it.
-Sudichka =)
The action was good, there were nice surprises and I liked those little touches of romance. It fitted well, so you can't actually say that the romance was the hot-steamy type. It was just the normal, high-school type.
So overall, its a 3.92 from me. I did enjoy it.
-Sudichka =)
May 11, 2011
The concept sounds exciting, but I wanted something more edgy, like Lord of the Flies or something. What, no one dies or gets shot with an acid filled water gun? It was hard to keep track of so many characters in the beginning, and the win seemed kind of a let down. Guess you really have to be into fantasy role playing to enjoy this.
May 5, 2010
this book is about a group of teen sing up 4 an assassination game on the street of this big city their weaponz r pressurized water gunz there are two hundred playerz.....three weekz of tense cat-n-mouse action n every stalker is being stalked n only 1 player would be left standin
December 1, 2013
An interesting concept, if slightly unbelievable. I thought that there were too many pov's in the beginning. It was slightly confusing. I did like the outcome, although it wasn't as thriller-esque as the description portrayed.
November 30, 2010
Good story with a good twist at the end.
January 8, 2015
Maybe I'm old, but I had entirely too much trouble keeping up with these characters and switching viewpoints. The plot is def. interesting, though.
January 31, 2011
The book was amazing!!! I hope they have or make a sequel to the book. The book made me very excited what would happen next.
February 7, 2011
Fast, fun read about kids (and adults) playing an assassination game with water pistols. My copy of the book had a better cover though.
June 10, 2011
fast paced book about a ciy spray tournament. as long as you can keep the characters straight, but once it gets going, becomes easier to do. good for reluctant readers.
September 8, 2011
played a similar game in college really enjoyed watching the action
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