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We, The Watched
An amnesiac struggles to conform in a surveillance society where the government keeps a Watched list of its own citizens.
"Fueled by a brilliantly nebulous backdrop, this briskly paced, action-packed novel is undeniably a page-turner of the highest order... A deeply allegorical and powerfully thought-provoking dystopian must-read." - Kirkus Reviews
Seven wakes in a forest outside the capital of a nation he doesn't recognize. When he enters the city, he discovers a surveillance society with no separation between Church and State. Those who rebel are called Heretics and face execution. Seven’s blank-slate perspective lets him see through the government's propaganda, but attracts the eyes of the Guard.
The debut novel by Adam Bender exposes a current political issue in an exciting science fiction adventure, carrying on the tradition of dystopian classics 1984 by George Orwell and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, as well as more recent blockbuster novels like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
"The dialog was excellent and the situations seemed driven by curiosity, which is a great way to pull you into an adventure. The detail of the forest and every part of the book helped me visualize the world and kept me submersed in the story. The author captures the imagination of the reader creating an addicting story." -- Readers Favorite
"There's action, romance, and social commentary woven into a brilliant story with an amazing plot twist near the end ... It's science fiction in the way that Orwell's 1984 or Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury dystopian novels are considered science fiction ... The writing is nearly on par with these geniuses of the written word." -- The American Chronicle
Continue Seven's adventure in Divided We Fall by Adam Bender.
"Fueled by a brilliantly nebulous backdrop, this briskly paced, action-packed novel is undeniably a page-turner of the highest order... A deeply allegorical and powerfully thought-provoking dystopian must-read." - Kirkus Reviews
Seven wakes in a forest outside the capital of a nation he doesn't recognize. When he enters the city, he discovers a surveillance society with no separation between Church and State. Those who rebel are called Heretics and face execution. Seven’s blank-slate perspective lets him see through the government's propaganda, but attracts the eyes of the Guard.
The debut novel by Adam Bender exposes a current political issue in an exciting science fiction adventure, carrying on the tradition of dystopian classics 1984 by George Orwell and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, as well as more recent blockbuster novels like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
"The dialog was excellent and the situations seemed driven by curiosity, which is a great way to pull you into an adventure. The detail of the forest and every part of the book helped me visualize the world and kept me submersed in the story. The author captures the imagination of the reader creating an addicting story." -- Readers Favorite
"There's action, romance, and social commentary woven into a brilliant story with an amazing plot twist near the end ... It's science fiction in the way that Orwell's 1984 or Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury dystopian novels are considered science fiction ... The writing is nearly on par with these geniuses of the written word." -- The American Chronicle
Continue Seven's adventure in Divided We Fall by Adam Bender.
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First published May 12, 2010
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About the author
Adam Bender
12 books132 followersAdam Bender is an award-winning journalist and author of speculative fiction that explores modern-day societal fears with a mix of action, romance and humor.
Bender's latest novel is Utopia PR, a speculative satire about a public-relations specialist who struggles to find work-life balance while managing crisis after crisis for a dystopian American president. It won the 2021 IndieReader Discovery Award for Humor.
Previously, Bender wrote The Wanderer and the New West, a near-future western about a rogue vigilante who seeks redemption in a lawless America that fully protects the rights of armed citizens to stand their ground. Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2018, the novel also won gold for Dystopia in the 2018 Readers' Favorite Awards and best Western Fiction in the 2018 National Indie Excellence Awards.
Bender authored We, The Watched and Divided We Fall in a dystopian series about an amnesiac who struggles to conform in a surveillance society where the government keeps a Watched list of its own citizens. Also, Bender has published several short stories.
In his day job as a journalist, Bender covers telecom and internet regulation for Communications Daily. He has won awards for his reporting from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Specialized Information Publishers Association, and the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing.
Bender lives in Philadelphia with his wife Mallika and son Rishi. He's usually a rather modest and amiable fellow.
Learn more about the author at WatchAdam.blog. Follow him on Facebook (wethewatched) and @WatchAdam on Twitter and Instagram.
Bender's latest novel is Utopia PR, a speculative satire about a public-relations specialist who struggles to find work-life balance while managing crisis after crisis for a dystopian American president. It won the 2021 IndieReader Discovery Award for Humor.
Previously, Bender wrote The Wanderer and the New West, a near-future western about a rogue vigilante who seeks redemption in a lawless America that fully protects the rights of armed citizens to stand their ground. Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2018, the novel also won gold for Dystopia in the 2018 Readers' Favorite Awards and best Western Fiction in the 2018 National Indie Excellence Awards.
Bender authored We, The Watched and Divided We Fall in a dystopian series about an amnesiac who struggles to conform in a surveillance society where the government keeps a Watched list of its own citizens. Also, Bender has published several short stories.
In his day job as a journalist, Bender covers telecom and internet regulation for Communications Daily. He has won awards for his reporting from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Specialized Information Publishers Association, and the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing.
Bender lives in Philadelphia with his wife Mallika and son Rishi. He's usually a rather modest and amiable fellow.
Learn more about the author at WatchAdam.blog. Follow him on Facebook (wethewatched) and @WatchAdam on Twitter and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 26, 2013
I loved this book. It's very much a page-turner - suspenseful with an enticing plot and smartly-developed protagonist. WTW reads like a movie. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
February 1, 2017
This was a pretty good book that people who like dystopian intrigue will enjoy. For me, it seemed to be a cross between two "The Twilight Zone" episodes - King Nine Will Not Return and The Obsolete Man.
The book opens with a man waking up in the forest with amnesia. He does not know his name, why he was there, how he got there, where he was supposed to go, or even if he had any friends or family who were concerned about his whereabouts. He finds a map on him that leads him out of the forest to the metro, where he gets on the monorail. He comes across a man named George who helps him by giving him money and gives him directions towards a hostel that is run by his sister. When asked his named, he say Seven, because of a number he saw carved in a tree.
Along the way, between his conversation with George, articles in a magazine he has read, and through going to church, he finds out that the country he lives in is run by a fascist government who has a Watched List of the citizens. People seem to accept the intrusion by the government, the forced conformity of the citizens to what the Church dictates as a way of life to endure their safety. The government announces that they have found a way to destroy the Heretics, an underground movement that is fighting back. Trying to figure his life out, Seven is befriended by Adrian, the grandson of Claire who runs the hostel, and the nephew of George. Finding a job at a book store, Seven soon finds himself on a date to a gig that is put on by Adrian's band. Then all hell breaks loose, and Seven finds himself having to seek out The Underground for help.
This is a pretty interesting book that has a number of twists and turns in it. I liked that the book started the way it did because it kept me intrigued and turning the pages. It was a quick read and one that I enjoyed. I think if the characters were more fleshed out and the story line was more detailed I would have enjoyed the story more and maybe would have rated it higher. With that said, I think readers who enjoy intrigue, those who enjoy reading about a future that cold conceivably occur, and fans of books that have plot twists will enjoy this book. It ends with the reader wanting to read the sequel - Divided We Fall.
The book opens with a man waking up in the forest with amnesia. He does not know his name, why he was there, how he got there, where he was supposed to go, or even if he had any friends or family who were concerned about his whereabouts. He finds a map on him that leads him out of the forest to the metro, where he gets on the monorail. He comes across a man named George who helps him by giving him money and gives him directions towards a hostel that is run by his sister. When asked his named, he say Seven, because of a number he saw carved in a tree.
Along the way, between his conversation with George, articles in a magazine he has read, and through going to church, he finds out that the country he lives in is run by a fascist government who has a Watched List of the citizens. People seem to accept the intrusion by the government, the forced conformity of the citizens to what the Church dictates as a way of life to endure their safety. The government announces that they have found a way to destroy the Heretics, an underground movement that is fighting back. Trying to figure his life out, Seven is befriended by Adrian, the grandson of Claire who runs the hostel, and the nephew of George. Finding a job at a book store, Seven soon finds himself on a date to a gig that is put on by Adrian's band. Then all hell breaks loose, and Seven finds himself having to seek out The Underground for help.
This is a pretty interesting book that has a number of twists and turns in it. I liked that the book started the way it did because it kept me intrigued and turning the pages. It was a quick read and one that I enjoyed. I think if the characters were more fleshed out and the story line was more detailed I would have enjoyed the story more and maybe would have rated it higher. With that said, I think readers who enjoy intrigue, those who enjoy reading about a future that cold conceivably occur, and fans of books that have plot twists will enjoy this book. It ends with the reader wanting to read the sequel - Divided We Fall.
October 18, 2014
***I received a free copy of this e-book from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.***
From the door I was a bit annoyed with the constant inner monologue but it didn’t take too long to get into the swing of things, even though I still feel waking up with total amnesia would leave me in a much greater state of panic; seems hard to believe Seven can be cool-headed at all. On the other hand this behavior proves him to be smart enough to get by without being noticed, some might say a perfect balance, at times. But any who, if you can get past this, or warm up to it (as I did), then you’ll hold on to this story in an effort to know a little bit of something. Before too long the plot thickens more and more and you find yourself hooked to the gravy of it all. What happened to the main protagonist who goes by Seven that caused him this amnesia? Why did he wake up in the woods? What’s he going to do and at what point, if ever, does he regain his memory? Meanwhile you wonder, what’s going on in this world? Clearly the government is paranoid and spying on people, controlling the populous but how and what does it all mean? How in this messed up world is this Seven character going to get by? Eventually the colorful monologues serve as an alternative to setting, which I don’t know would be to everyone’s taste but it’s entertaining and humorous at times. The plot carries itself well enough to get you through it if you so require more setting.
The twists may feel predictable at times but don’t be fooled. I read this book easily really, the dialogue & monologue actually helped this quite a bit (kept the characters more alive for me). I’m not the fastest reader but I finished this in about a day. The characters were well developed and believable, even when it was annoying you were just as happy to have them there as so many of the colorful characters in our everyday lives. If you’re into dystopian stories, paranoid government schemes and corruption along with the idea of revolution I’d say you’d enjoy this book. I’m interested in knowing how it all plays out so I’ll be picking up the sequel in the nearby future.
From the door I was a bit annoyed with the constant inner monologue but it didn’t take too long to get into the swing of things, even though I still feel waking up with total amnesia would leave me in a much greater state of panic; seems hard to believe Seven can be cool-headed at all. On the other hand this behavior proves him to be smart enough to get by without being noticed, some might say a perfect balance, at times. But any who, if you can get past this, or warm up to it (as I did), then you’ll hold on to this story in an effort to know a little bit of something. Before too long the plot thickens more and more and you find yourself hooked to the gravy of it all. What happened to the main protagonist who goes by Seven that caused him this amnesia? Why did he wake up in the woods? What’s he going to do and at what point, if ever, does he regain his memory? Meanwhile you wonder, what’s going on in this world? Clearly the government is paranoid and spying on people, controlling the populous but how and what does it all mean? How in this messed up world is this Seven character going to get by? Eventually the colorful monologues serve as an alternative to setting, which I don’t know would be to everyone’s taste but it’s entertaining and humorous at times. The plot carries itself well enough to get you through it if you so require more setting.
The twists may feel predictable at times but don’t be fooled. I read this book easily really, the dialogue & monologue actually helped this quite a bit (kept the characters more alive for me). I’m not the fastest reader but I finished this in about a day. The characters were well developed and believable, even when it was annoying you were just as happy to have them there as so many of the colorful characters in our everyday lives. If you’re into dystopian stories, paranoid government schemes and corruption along with the idea of revolution I’d say you’d enjoy this book. I’m interested in knowing how it all plays out so I’ll be picking up the sequel in the nearby future.
October 26, 2011
We the Watched is an intriguing thought experiment into the application of an extremist approach to domestic monitoring of citizens on a modern day era. Though no specific country names or religions are mentioned, it is very simple to draw the connection between already existing situations such as The Patriot Act, and religious law in the Middle East.
The narrative begins with a somewhat jarring entry into the mind of the protagonist, an amnesic mind, desperate for answers, every bit as confused and erratic as one might expect. With every deduction and distraction, the reader is pulled into the mind themselves. It is somewhat of a brute force tactic, but in the end it results in a deep connection with the character drawing extremely visceral responses from the reader to the events that unfold as the story progresses.
Bender does a good job of lyrically painting the landscape. Even when the environments themselves are supposed to be somewhat industrial and plain, the reader is able to visualize vivid mental pictures, complete with imagery of the citizens of this dystopian society and tinges of the white noise that are indicative of the dark secrets it hides.
Ultimately, We the Watched is definitely worth the read. There is room for expansion and elaboration of the world, but doing so would have been wholly unnecessary for the narrative portrayed. It is a fantastic debut for Bender, and I look forward to seeing what else he comes up with.
The narrative begins with a somewhat jarring entry into the mind of the protagonist, an amnesic mind, desperate for answers, every bit as confused and erratic as one might expect. With every deduction and distraction, the reader is pulled into the mind themselves. It is somewhat of a brute force tactic, but in the end it results in a deep connection with the character drawing extremely visceral responses from the reader to the events that unfold as the story progresses.
Bender does a good job of lyrically painting the landscape. Even when the environments themselves are supposed to be somewhat industrial and plain, the reader is able to visualize vivid mental pictures, complete with imagery of the citizens of this dystopian society and tinges of the white noise that are indicative of the dark secrets it hides.
Ultimately, We the Watched is definitely worth the read. There is room for expansion and elaboration of the world, but doing so would have been wholly unnecessary for the narrative portrayed. It is a fantastic debut for Bender, and I look forward to seeing what else he comes up with.
November 3, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive Adam Bender's first novel, We, The Watched from a Goodreads Giveaway.
The story unfolds in a first person narrative from the perspective of the main character, known as Seven, who wakes up in a forest with total amnesia. Seven makes his way to Capitol City and is confronted with government and religious practices that are repugnant to him. The government rules through fear, using a brutal police force known as The Guard to control the population and dissuade the citizens from free thought. It is aided by the church, which uses the same fear-mongering tactics to brainwash the citizens.
At its core, We, The Watched is a cautionary tale reminiscent of George Orwell's 1984. It warns of the dangers of blindly placing faith in a powerful institution and speaks of how easy it can be to distract a large group of people from the issues that really matter by creating diversions out of minor issues.
Bender provides an easy read that moves quickly. My only complaint is the inner monologue of Seven can be distracting from the rest of the story in places. There's also a fair bit of deus ex machina involved, especially in the beginning of the story, though this is somewhat explained in the ending of the story, where Seven finds out why he has amnesia.
Minor grievances aside, I enjoyed the story and recommend it to anyone who enjoyed 1984 or Huxley's A Brave New World.
The story unfolds in a first person narrative from the perspective of the main character, known as Seven, who wakes up in a forest with total amnesia. Seven makes his way to Capitol City and is confronted with government and religious practices that are repugnant to him. The government rules through fear, using a brutal police force known as The Guard to control the population and dissuade the citizens from free thought. It is aided by the church, which uses the same fear-mongering tactics to brainwash the citizens.
At its core, We, The Watched is a cautionary tale reminiscent of George Orwell's 1984. It warns of the dangers of blindly placing faith in a powerful institution and speaks of how easy it can be to distract a large group of people from the issues that really matter by creating diversions out of minor issues.
Bender provides an easy read that moves quickly. My only complaint is the inner monologue of Seven can be distracting from the rest of the story in places. There's also a fair bit of deus ex machina involved, especially in the beginning of the story, though this is somewhat explained in the ending of the story, where Seven finds out why he has amnesia.
Minor grievances aside, I enjoyed the story and recommend it to anyone who enjoyed 1984 or Huxley's A Brave New World.
February 11, 2016
So, I was a bit afraid to read this book. The blurb seemed great and the genre is right up my alley, but I had this fear that I wouldn't like it at all. And seeing as I received the sequel to post a review about, that would have been a real shame.
But! Luckily for me, I absolutely loved this book. I flew through it, wanting to know how it ended, but also not wanting to skip any of the details.
There is one thing I will say: this book is definitely not for everyone. It has a distinct writing style that not everyone likes, but I would still advise people to give it a try!
But! Luckily for me, I absolutely loved this book. I flew through it, wanting to know how it ended, but also not wanting to skip any of the details.
There is one thing I will say: this book is definitely not for everyone. It has a distinct writing style that not everyone likes, but I would still advise people to give it a try!
May 22, 2016
This seems to be inspired by the reaction to 9/11 with the Homeland Security creation. I was confused for the first half about Heretics and the Enemy. The Heretics were explained but not the enemy. Predictable plot and action.
June 21, 2011
My friend Adam Bender's first novel! An enticing read. The main character's journey keeps your interest piqued from beginning to end.
November 2, 2019
Very fascinating and enticing read. I was entranced with each act and it reminded me of getting immersed with certain levels of games and constantly going back previous pages before finally moving on and getting swept up in the next chapter. I found myself doing that especially in Seven's initial setting in the forest taking in his new surroundings completely clueless until he finds refuge. I then got wrapped up in the second act with the people he first settles in with trying to make a new life before he winds up in a new situation in the final act and before I knew it I found the narrative having a whole new dynamic and coming to a gripping conclusion and was over before I knew it. I cannot wait to jump into the follow-up, Divided We Fall, soon enough.
June 24, 2017
It was hard to take in a society that is always watching and can easily throw away people that they deem as heretics for even thinking certain ways. There were so many good plot points in this book and the characters were very likable.
However, when seven first woke up i got the idea that he was a much older man than the author intended him, and i also had trouble understanding his humor at times.
Otherwise, this was a good read and i was able to finish it fairly quickly.
However, when seven first woke up i got the idea that he was a much older man than the author intended him, and i also had trouble understanding his humor at times.
Otherwise, this was a good read and i was able to finish it fairly quickly.
October 12, 2014
Seven (narrator, National University) wakes up in the middle of nowhere in a forest. He meets George (former Lieutenant, Guard) & his journey begins.
His 1st stop he meets Claire (George sister).
News flash: President William T. Drake (Capitol Tower) informed the public the Department of Purity will make sure there are no more Great Wars against the Heretics (Joseph Fink, Devil Incarnate).
President Frederick Wright was in office back then. The Guard were formed to keep order.
Adrian Bernard (Claire grandson, punk rocker, band Beacon) gets Seven a job at the bookstore where he works.
Seven meets Bill (boss, National University Alumni, Birds) & gets hired for the music/movie department.
Seven then meets Kira (customer, student) & they go out on a date. The 2 go to a concert at Red Lion but things don’t go as planned.
Adrian (Heretic) is presumed missing but has been murdered as has Doug Smith (Elite Guard, agent).
Fast forward & Seven meets Ana (Underground).
Ana introduces Seven to Eric, David (A/A), Daniel Alexander Young (leader Underground), Tom & Nikki.
Where will this meeting take Seven (Jon) journey?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written YA dystonia book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great dystonia movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. It didn’t wow me but I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (Story Cartel)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
His 1st stop he meets Claire (George sister).
News flash: President William T. Drake (Capitol Tower) informed the public the Department of Purity will make sure there are no more Great Wars against the Heretics (Joseph Fink, Devil Incarnate).
President Frederick Wright was in office back then. The Guard were formed to keep order.
Adrian Bernard (Claire grandson, punk rocker, band Beacon) gets Seven a job at the bookstore where he works.
Seven meets Bill (boss, National University Alumni, Birds) & gets hired for the music/movie department.
Seven then meets Kira (customer, student) & they go out on a date. The 2 go to a concert at Red Lion but things don’t go as planned.
Adrian (Heretic) is presumed missing but has been murdered as has Doug Smith (Elite Guard, agent).
Fast forward & Seven meets Ana (Underground).
Ana introduces Seven to Eric, David (A/A), Daniel Alexander Young (leader Underground), Tom & Nikki.
Where will this meeting take Seven (Jon) journey?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written YA dystonia book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great dystonia movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. It didn’t wow me but I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (Story Cartel)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 19, 2016
I won this book off Goodreads Giveaways. I knew it was a book with a political paranoid type of agenda just from the title and the description. It was quick to read due to it is a short book. It took me awhile because I was involved with two books. I liked Seven and thought the book started out very interesting. At times I felt like the author rambled on a bit about what other non important passerby's were conversing about and descriptions of television shows. It was weird because I was near the end with only a few chapters left and I'm just thinking to myself how in the heck is this book going to end in only a few pages? When I was at the end I felt like I should of been more in the middle of the story with a lot more reading to accomplish. The end is a big twist not necessarily a bad one, just abrupt. I would
Of liked more leading up to the end instead of just a completely crazy ending described in only a few chapters maybe like more clues along the way leading up to that particular ending I felt like it was just sprung on me out of no where and it was summed up so briefly that I didn't connect with the ending. Otherwise I liked the story fine and the characters were easy to like. I thought the flow of the writing was well done.
Of liked more leading up to the end instead of just a completely crazy ending described in only a few chapters maybe like more clues along the way leading up to that particular ending I felt like it was just sprung on me out of no where and it was summed up so briefly that I didn't connect with the ending. Otherwise I liked the story fine and the characters were easy to like. I thought the flow of the writing was well done.
January 7, 2014
This book is an easy and entertaining read throughout! I found the main character, Seven, to be really likable. He's lost his memory, and we follow him as he discovers the world he's woken up in. With no money, no friends or family, and the realization that this place may be a bit hostile to those who refuse to conform, it can be tough to find your place. I liked that he quickly learns to get by, and for a while, is just trying to live a normal life (get a job, go on a date, avoid annoying people) until he gets his memory back. But of course, the messed up world he's found himself in makes that impossible, and Seven gets mixed up in some things he doesn't expect.
I won't ruin the fun for everyone else...it's worth a read!
I won't ruin the fun for everyone else...it's worth a read!
May 31, 2016
Inferior Version of Phillip K. Dick Story
Borrows ideas from "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale" (which has been made into 2 Total Recall films) and morphs into a poorly written teen novel.
The main character, Seven, wakes up in a park with amnesia and ventures into the city which is like a police state at war with the Underground attempting to overthrow them. Soon enough Seven has connected with the rebels and joins them on their missions to gather information while murdering Guards who get in the way.
Spoiler Alert. Like in the story it is revealed Seven has been undercover using a memory wipe. Does Seven chose to resume his old self or go forward as a rebel? Adam Bender provides the same conclusion as P. Dick in his story.
One star for stale plot.
Borrows ideas from "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale" (which has been made into 2 Total Recall films) and morphs into a poorly written teen novel.
The main character, Seven, wakes up in a park with amnesia and ventures into the city which is like a police state at war with the Underground attempting to overthrow them. Soon enough Seven has connected with the rebels and joins them on their missions to gather information while murdering Guards who get in the way.
Spoiler Alert. Like in the story it is revealed Seven has been undercover using a memory wipe. Does Seven chose to resume his old self or go forward as a rebel? Adam Bender provides the same conclusion as P. Dick in his story.
One star for stale plot.
November 10, 2015
I received this book through Goodreads' Giveaway program.
"We, The Watched" has an exciting story, but it seems to go too fast. The combination of story elements seems original, but there were a few story elements that I felt were out of place in this near-future world.
I enjoyed the premise of the amnesiac protagonist and the amped up internal surveillance state. Both elements contributed to the unique story and the exciting twists and turns. I wish the pace had been a little slower with a little more detail and setting. The fast pace made it seem like it was just the first book in a series, and it appears it will be.
"We, The Watched" has an exciting story, but it seems to go too fast. The combination of story elements seems original, but there were a few story elements that I felt were out of place in this near-future world.
I enjoyed the premise of the amnesiac protagonist and the amped up internal surveillance state. Both elements contributed to the unique story and the exciting twists and turns. I wish the pace had been a little slower with a little more detail and setting. The fast pace made it seem like it was just the first book in a series, and it appears it will be.
February 24, 2016
We, The Watched was a thrilling journey of a man who was searching for his identity in a world where the government had complete control over its citizens. The book was quite compelling in its storytelling and I cared for the characters, including Seven, Adrian, David, Ana and Eric. It was a unique story which parallels similar situations in our current society via social media, where people put their lives on the Internet for anyone, including the government, to see. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great ride with emotional turns, lots of action, vivid storytelling and, of course, romance.
February 26, 2016
*I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program for an open and honest review*
Adam Bender writes an awesome dystopian sci-fi that is enjoyable for a wide range of audiences (although I would advise 16+ for strong language). After I got used to the unique writing style, a present tense first-person narrative, I found it easier to immerse myself in the story and get behind the main character. It only takes a chapter or two for the pace to really pick up and after that it's non-stop until the end! Definitely possible to finish this book in one sitting. And of course, with a plot twist at the end I am eager to plunge into the sequel.
Adam Bender writes an awesome dystopian sci-fi that is enjoyable for a wide range of audiences (although I would advise 16+ for strong language). After I got used to the unique writing style, a present tense first-person narrative, I found it easier to immerse myself in the story and get behind the main character. It only takes a chapter or two for the pace to really pick up and after that it's non-stop until the end! Definitely possible to finish this book in one sitting. And of course, with a plot twist at the end I am eager to plunge into the sequel.
February 17, 2014
Won this in a first reads giveaway. I read this book in one sitting and stayed up til 1 in the morning to finish it. It had a "How 1984 should have ended" vibe to it. The fact that the "Church" was what was behind all the evil in this book was interesting and timely, considering the current political climate in the US.
This book also had an interesting twist at the end, which I appreciated. I enjoy being surprised by stories, and the explanation of the protagonist's amnesia was not what I expected.
This book also had an interesting twist at the end, which I appreciated. I enjoy being surprised by stories, and the explanation of the protagonist's amnesia was not what I expected.
August 31, 2016
I recieved this book through the Goodreads giveaway.
I like the genre and concept for the book. I found the story to be entertaining and fairly easy to get through. Sometimes I felt like there were a lot of important details left out of the story and a lot of unimportant scenes that went to far in detail. I often thought the book rushed through the big moments while dragging on the less useful dialog. The story was almost a knockoff of "Total Recall" without the aliens. With that said, the book was enjoyable overall and I would not be opposed to reading the sequel.
I like the genre and concept for the book. I found the story to be entertaining and fairly easy to get through. Sometimes I felt like there were a lot of important details left out of the story and a lot of unimportant scenes that went to far in detail. I often thought the book rushed through the big moments while dragging on the less useful dialog. The story was almost a knockoff of "Total Recall" without the aliens. With that said, the book was enjoyable overall and I would not be opposed to reading the sequel.
December 14, 2015
I won this book through a goodreads contest.
This was an interesting book about a society that has a very religious government that hates all other religions and anything that they deem as heresy. Enter the main character who has no memory of who he is. Other than being wet and muddy he enters the big city with no clue what is going on. Enter friendship, romance and gunfights. oooo and there is a atm that doubles as a secret lair. Anyways. I did like how it was written, the pace, and the story. However. I do wish it was a longer story.
This was an interesting book about a society that has a very religious government that hates all other religions and anything that they deem as heresy. Enter the main character who has no memory of who he is. Other than being wet and muddy he enters the big city with no clue what is going on. Enter friendship, romance and gunfights. oooo and there is a atm that doubles as a secret lair. Anyways. I did like how it was written, the pace, and the story. However. I do wish it was a longer story.
March 1, 2016
A man wakes up in a forest totally confused. No name, no memory - he calls himself 7 and tries to pick up his life in a totalitarian state. But it's easy to cross the line from normal citizen to Heretic... and 7 just did that.
The book takes the current angst about a police state to a new level - sort of a 21st century 1984. It's well written and easy to read, but tends to take the police state ideas to the absolute worse case.
*I got this book through GoodRead's Giveaways - an excellent source of interesting books!
The book takes the current angst about a police state to a new level - sort of a 21st century 1984. It's well written and easy to read, but tends to take the police state ideas to the absolute worse case.
*I got this book through GoodRead's Giveaways - an excellent source of interesting books!
March 2, 2014
I won this through Goodreads, and it took me a while to get around to it, but I just read it in one sitting. I wasn't a fan of some of the language, but the final plot twist took me by surprise. I feel like there's probably sequel coming? I'd read it, if there is. I feel like there was a lot of stuff about the culture that could be developed more, and while I'm glad the author avoided an info dump, I think more knowledge about the world would make it more engaging.
January 30, 2016
This was a book of a dystopian future woven with plots that could be readily imagined in today's world. The main character has amnesia and ends up working with the underground. The end of the story is very different from what you would expect. A good novel for revolutionary or wanna be revolutionaries. I enjoyed it and I am definitely not a revolutionary. I received this book from Goodreads for free.
October 20, 2014
I definitely liked the face paced action in this book. Also the internal conflicts are interesting through out. Over all a very good read.
March 25, 2016
I bought this book because I won the sequel from a goodreads giveaway. It was exciting and faced paced, and I read it in one sitting. Can't wait to start the second book!
June 11, 2016
The premise of this book is very interesting but the execution is very poor. Poorly developed characters, and often unbearable dialogue are my issues with this book.
May 9, 2017
While the character of seven and his plight are interesting the book itself barely attains average. Unlike the best books in this genre (1984, Man in the High Castle, The Handmaid's Tale, Cement) there is little to no back story to inform the reader how this society got to this point. Nor do the revolutionaries rise above college kids looking for the next kegger. Overall it reads like a rough draft in need of some heavy editing.
Want to read
March 31, 2016This short little book is a quick read, and after finishing it, all I can think of is "Where do I go to continue the story?" I've tried searching my local library, but to no avail. I guess I'll be hitting the local bookstore yet, though I suspect I may have to do the online bookstore route to find Bender's next work. I'll do it, though, because it's a GOOD story, well told, and worth following up on. Thanks.
November 1, 2016
A dystopian vision of what American society would look like with no separation of church and state...also a little sci fi memory reprogramming thrown in.
April 30, 2017
This book falls into the dystopian category for me because of the populace control and omnipresent government. I was surprised where the story took me whiling remaining cohesive. A good read.
Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Story line adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend to a family member/friend?
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. The story line supports the cover art. The cover feels like a warning and the story line tells me why I am warned.
Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Story line adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend to a family member/friend?
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. The story line supports the cover art. The cover feels like a warning and the story line tells me why I am warned.
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