Plague (Gone)

In the ongoing story of the FAYZ, a bubble with a ten-mile radius around the nuclear power plant in California where all adults "poofed" out and left anyone under the age of 15 to fend for themselves, is getting darker and darker with each new book. Plague is the fourth book in Micahel Grant's Gone series, and it doesn't disappoint. Kids are tested time and time again by the supernatural terrors in the FAYZ, but can you stomach them long enough to finish the book? A lot went down in the months since the FAYZ wall went up, trapping the kids and leaving them to fend for themselves. After finally "burrying" the gaiaphage- a creepy mind-controlling entity that eats nuclear waste- the kids think they have a chance at a normal life. Boy are they wrong. Caine, Diana, Penny, and Bug are living the high life on the impenetrable island (after scooting its multicultural adoptees off the island unceremoniously) with plenty of food and drinking water, electricity, and nothing to bother them. Astrid and Sam were estranged after Astrid tried to kill a girl that convinced the littles to jump off a cliff. The new council is a hodgepodge of kids, including Howard, a known criminal. Edilio is struggle to maintain control of the town, but it is a constant battle, especially since he doesn't have any superpowers himself. All is bumbling along until Albert, the town business man/banker realizes they are almost out of clean drinking water. He sends Sam, Jack, Dekka, and Taylor out to the other end of the FAYZ to find the large lake he thinks is there. Hopefully it will keep the kids from dying of dehydration, but they have to get there quickly. On their way, they run across Hunter, who got gooped on by one of the flying snakes. Unfortunately, the snake goop seems to carry insect eggs that get into your body and eat your from the inside out. It doesn't hurt, and you don't know they are there at first, because they numb you up while they eat you, but when they find Hunter, he is so far gone they have eaten half his face and is beginning for Sam to finish him off. Sam obliges, but he can't seem to kill the bugs- they aren't fazed by his ultra-hot green lasers, and it takes Jack and Dekka's powers to realize they can at least crush the bugs. Meanwhile back at town, a plague is sweeping through the community. Kids are coming down with what seems like the flu, but what clearly has supernatural implications and becomes the most violent cough you have ever seen, eventually causing the kid to cough so hard they either break their neck or cough out their lungs (I told you this book was dark). Not even Lana the healer can stop this plague, despite her futile efforts. When the hostile kids who resent not having power decide to take it out on the one man who controls their status in the FAYZ, Albert, everything starts to fall apart. The final straw is when the immortally evil Drake (who bounces between being forceful Drake and plump, innocuous Brittney) escapes and returns to the Gaiaphage to serve his master. In the meantime, the bugs have grown bigger than SUVs and can snip a man in half. The Gaiaphage gives Drake control over the bugs, and Drake immediately sends some to attack the town and takes the rest with him to finally kill Sam Temple. What he doesn't understand is that his murderous rage is nothing compared to the will to live and protect that Sam and the others wear proudly like a badge of honor. But will it be too late to protect the town from the terrifying bugs? The reading level for this books is the same as the rest of the series- moderate language but some mature situations. I think this is the most adult book so far in an ever-maturing series, and I am constantly shocked at how dark Grant is willing to go. He certainly doesn't pull any punches even though this is a kids series, and he isn't afraid to lay it all out, gory bits and all. I am a huge fan of this series because it is like a modern day Lord of the Flies. Actually, if I had a student who was reading Lord of the Flies in their literature class, I would love to read this with them at the same time as an independent reading book. The comparisons would make for excellent discussions as well as great topics for essays. My favorite part about this book is that there are no clear heroes- everyone is flawed in some way. It makes the story more real and scarier than if you had some knight in shining armor who rode in and saved the day every time. Sam, Astrid, Edilio, and the other leaders are often tested and they don't always do the right thing. This is a very human story with tons of moral ambiguity- would you lock up a kid who was being eaten from the inside out by indestructible bugs to save other kids in the town once the bugs finished with him? Would you be able to kill an autistic nine-year old if it meant getting out of a place like the FAYZ? Michael Grant is an author who isn't afraid to make the reader feel uncomfortable with the tough questions. In fact, I think he revels in making the reader uncomfortable!

Michael Grant has the rare capacity to understand how teenagers think, to comprehend the fact that they are often capable of thinking like adults while they continue to act and make choices which are unwise or impulsive. Plague is just as riveting--with just as many "OMG" moments--as the other three books in the series to date. With each book, there is some character who grows or changes or steps up. In this book, it is Computer Jack... and perhaps someone else.... I love that Grant has been consistent with the personality of each character, and each character is thoughtfully crafted, a distinct individual among the rest. My favorite new character with this book is Sanjit.... I must include again my normal caveat for parents and teachers who are looking for Young Adult books to get their teens reading: I do not recommend these books for younger than high school age. There is violence (no profanity--good on you, Mr. Grant), and children die. But older teens love these books and devour them quickly as they are absolute, riveting page turners. (In my classroom, I've had to replace the earlier books in the series as they were 'read to death' by my students.) A further, more important point is that Grant places his characters in situations where there is no easy escape, and they must choose to do what is right or what is wrong in order to survive. The 'life lessons' are not overbearing, just enough to make us empathize with the good guys and really, really hate the bad guys. I read this one in two days. Can't wait for the next installment!!

I'm a fan of the entire series, each new book takes the situation to a whole new extreme. Horror and the like do not really appeal to me, I am more so attracted to the super power aspect. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it was made to be that way, I just don't really have the stomach for such things. This book in particular really got into my head, really making me experience the gruesome situation. I wasn't able to read it as fast as I wanted because I had to keep pausing to let the depressing atmosphere leave me. While it is a good read and great continuation of the story, I would be hesitant to let younger readers of the series continue with this one. It is marketed towards young adults, but I know that it is appealing to a younger audience as well. Up until this point, the series has bordered the line of appropriateness, but Plague sort of goes over the mark. I applaud Mr. Grant for managing to continue to refrain from using extreme profanity, but there were several adult situations presented here. Aside from that, the next chapter of the events taking place in the FAYZ are a spectacular one.

Fantastic book. The cover listed on the product page (with the detailed character art) doesn't match what shipped, but this worked out for me since the rest of my collection has the blacked out silhouettes on the their covers.

This is another great book in the gone series! As I've mentioned in my reviews of the other volumes in this series, some parts of this book were definitely mature and disturbing, but nothing that I don't think today's YA audience wouldn't be prepared for (in particular I'm thinking about some of the violence that the kids inflict on each other - and, of course, the crazy insects...). I have to say, I think Plague (compared to the other books in the series) was the most disturbing to me - perhaps because I'm squeamish about bugs (that's all I'm going to say about that...). Overall, the plot moved at an appropriate speed - quick enough to keep me engaged for hours on end. I read this book cover to cover in two or three sittings - just like the others prior. The continued character development that followed through from the first few books was great - as I've mentioned in reviews of previous entries is the series, everyone was flawed in some way, which i enjoy and appreciate. I also really enjoy stories that span a series of books. When I find a story and characters that I like, it's always fun being able to stay with them for a while. In short, I highly recommend this book and series for teens and adults who enjoy YA fiction. I wish this kind of YA literature had been around when I was growing up!

PLAGUE is the fourth book in the GONE series. I don't like spoilers, so this review is spoiler-free. This book was amazing. Although, if you haven't read the other three books read those, first. Otherwise you will not be able to understand why it was so out of character for ____ to do whatever he/she did. If you can NOT tolerate blood, gore, and death, then don't read this book. Go read Twilight, or something... I'm not against Twilight... in fact I read the whole series myself. The point is that they are just two different genres. LOST fans (such as myself) will love this series. It really does hook you in... along with occasional flashbacks... that do not go into a lot of depth. If I could have anything against this series it would be that I wish there were more flashbacks and that they told more about why that person has that particular trait. This is my first review so I hope it's good. I would recommend this book to almost anyone... A guy I know wouldn't read the first book because it looked like chick-lit. So I bet him to read it and if I won he would have to admit it was not... If he won he got ten bucks... I won.

A-MAZ-ING! I was literally sad after finishing this book because I didn't want it to end. I couldn't even move on to read another book because this one is still in my head. Michael Grant has done it again! The book just takes your breath from the beginning and doesn't even allow you to gasp for air until the end. It's not for weak stomachs, he had me itching and checking over my shoulders while reading this. All the books are fabulous but I think this is my second fav after Gone. I love all the characters and the stories. I'm sad some of my favs died or nearly died and the developements in this book keeps you thirsty for more. Can't wait until the next one comes out. The title of the next one alone has me shaking in my boots, I won't spoil it for you unless you ask. Stephen Spielberg if you want a huge hit on your hands I suggest you get the movie rights to this series PRONTO. It's the best series I've ever read. And I'm no teenie bopper.

First off let me say I love this series. Its exciting, thrilling, and just amazing. If you love it as much as me, you know what I mean. This book made me love the series even more. Yes this book was not as great as the first in the series, Gone, but it is still an exciting amazing thriller. I loved the excitement, drama, and just everything. Now, if you didn't like this book, ok, thats your opinion. But to every one of you who said that any of the books ended with too many loose ends, well duh you idiots! Its a freaking book series. What the heck kind of book series would this be with no loose ends. I think this is a great book series and its not letting up. I have just finished this book and I can not wait until Fear comes out. I strongly urge you read this book, and the series if you haven't.

These books are becoming somewhat repetitive. However, they are still gripping and exciting.

As usual, an action-packed book you simply cannot put down. Wether you're discovering some new terrifying bug only the FAYZ could have created, or you're wondering how the situation could get any worse, (and Lord knows it always can in the FAYZ), your eyes will be glued to the screen ! Once again, well done M. Grant !

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