Amber S’s Reviews > Gone > Status Update

Michael Grant uses a technique of creating characters who contrast with other characters in order to highlight particular qualities of the other character. An example of this is Caine and Sam. Caine is Sam's twin brother and although being placed in similar positions, they react differently. I believe Caine is representative of evil which is contrasting constantly with Sam's positive, good nature.

I believe that the main antagonist of this book is not a certain person but rather the barrier that surrounds the Fallout Alley Youth Zone (FAYZ) and the difficulties that the children face inside of it. The FAYZ is not transparent so the kids are not able to see anything from the world outside. I find it fascinating that the barrier (of the FAYZ) covers the exact same area that the blast radius covered 15 years ago.

Throughout the novel, the characters are obviously evolving due to their society and environment. Sam grows into his role as a natural born leader as before the FAYZ were introduced, he kept a "lower profile" and wore "nothing that drew attention to himself." However, after the FAYZ arrived he became a leader and expressed that "[they] can't just watch this happen." Sam's character development has a large impact.

One of my favourite characters is Lana, I began to appreciate Lana when she was in a negative position where all the people over fourteen disappeared. She ended up getting horribly injured and was about die once her power to heal manifests. I was frightened and saddened learning about her being stranded, wounded and only having her dog to protect her. I find her character so intriguing as she can heal all wounds.

As the book progresses and I delve further into the novel, I am realising how complex and relatable all the characters are. Michael Grant crafts a realistic setting placed with extraordinary children with superpowers which makes the novel engaging. The kids commit terrible crimes and actions, while suffering unimaginable torture although I need to remember that the characters are just children to help me put the plot

This book is frightening because of the circumstances that the children are placed in. They are situated in a dystopian world where the "townies [are] against [the] rich kids", "bullies against the weak" and "powerful against the powerless." My expectations of this book have been exceeded as I was expecting a tedious and predictable novel based around the children's struggle.

Supernatural power is a main theme of the novel. Some of the kids, have supernatural abilities that start to manifest which I thought was extremely interesting. I was engrossed by how Caine approaches this, with his evil little posse. The powers end up playing a pivotal role in this story, and I am sure that this will continue to be a very strong element throughout the book.

I am loving the relationship between Astrid and Sam. They have an innocent love but also a strong friendship and support system in which they watched out for each other and did what they could to help everyone through this situation. Astrid is intellectual but also very kind. She had to take care of her younger brother, who was autistic, and extremely gifted with powers.

This book is intense, violent, and sad. Some of the kids die and a lot of them get hurt horribly. I love kids and hate to see them suffering so this book is painful to read. Even harder was seeing the cruelty and potential for evil that some of these children showed. I believe that Drake is a psychopath. He loves hurting people, and he feels no remorse about it. I don't believe that saving Drake is an option.

So far I am thoroughly enjoying this text. It provides complex characters such as Drake and Cane. Although I am a teenager myself, these individuals along with the rest of the characters offer their own unique perspectives on being teenagers in power. These different views that each character withholds makes the book captivating.