Release Date: July 10th
Publisher: HarperTeen (KT)
Series: Insignia (bk. 1)
Genera: Sci-fi, dystopian, futuristic
Subjects: computers, virtual reality, technology, war
Length: 444 pgs.
HC/PB: Hardcover
Summary/ product description: “More than anything, Tom
Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For
years, Tom’s drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad,
gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful
combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible.
Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test, and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War Three. Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him?
Gripping and provocative, S. J. Kincaid’s futuristic thrill ride of a debut crackles with memorable characters, tremendous wit, and a vision of the future that asks startling, timely questions about the melding of humanity and technology.”
Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test, and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War Three. Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him?
Gripping and provocative, S. J. Kincaid’s futuristic thrill ride of a debut crackles with memorable characters, tremendous wit, and a vision of the future that asks startling, timely questions about the melding of humanity and technology.”
My Rating: êêêê1/2
My Review: This book was better than I expected. Set
in 3rd person of male, 14-year old Tom Raines, I wasn’t sure if it
would keep my interest, since it sounded more like it was middle grade than YA.
The humor was amazing in this book, though. It was Percy Jackson series good.
Really funny. The characters interacted so well. Lots of banter, but not really
much real romance, but a kind of virtual one.
What I did not expect was that Tom was going to have a
computer put in his brain. This was pretty awesome, and kind of scary. I’d
never go through what he did. I’d say no. No brain surgery for me. But he said
yes, and it was pretty cool to see the result of the neural processors. I love
all the futuristic technology. The author must have done a ton of research or
be really creative. Everything about the companies and the Spire is done very
intricately.
Tom’s a really strong character for his age. He’s stubborn
and doesn’t back down. He’s a gamer and he plays to win. His roommate Vik is
funny, and they become friends. This books more about friendship, and fighting
for what you believe in, not a romance or survival book.
I recommend this book to people who love reading books
set in the future, or people who like video games or computers. This book is so
cool!
Cover Art Review: I’m not sure what kind of special
effects will be used on the cover, but I’m sure the symbol with be raised, the
title probably not. It may be metallic. I love how they did the title and all
the computer stuff, circuitry. It’s really interesting.
~Haley G
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