Revolution
19
Gregg
Rosenblum
1/8/13
Harper
Teen
Format: ARC
Source: pub
Twenty
years ago, the robots designed to fight our wars abandoned the
battlefields. Then they turned their weapons on us.
Only
a few escaped the robot revolution of 2071. Kevin, Nick, and Cass are
lucky —they live with their parents in a secret human community in
the woods. Then their village is detected and wiped out. Hopeful that
other survivors have been captured by bots, the teens risk everything
to save the only people they have left in the world—by infiltrating
a city controlled by their greatest enemies.
Revolution
19 is a cinematic thriller unlike anything else. With a dynamic cast
of characters, this surefire blockbuster has everything teen readers
want—action, drama, mystery, and romance. Written by debut novelist
Gregg Rosenblum, this gripping story shouldn’t be missed.
I
went into Gregg Rosenblum's Revolution 19 expecting
some intense Terminator
meets
I, Robot meets
Battlestar
Galactica craziness,
but what I got was a bit less intense and cinematic and more
middle-grade-ish over-the-top (in a good, fun way) sci-fi. Was I a
little disappointed with this book? Yes, but I did walk away from it
thoroughly entertained and liked it much more than I didn't like
it...if that makes any sense at all.
Siblings
Nick, Kevin, and Cass have lived their whole lives in a hidden and
secluded community in the woods away from the big city and the
robots. Robots that man built to fight their wars have turned on
their creators and have taken over. When the safe haven in the woods
is discovered by the robots, Nick; Kevin; and Cass must travel to the
terrifying city and face the robots in order to save the people they
love. Along the way, they make new friends, experience new things
(some scary, some surprising), and discover that things may not be at
all what they seem.
Revolution
19 is
a quick, fun read. Is this the “blockbuster epic” that the blurb
promises? No, but it does have its thrilling and captivating moments.
The story may not have blown my mind or break any new sci-fi ground,
but it did keep me entertained and intrigued.
The
story has the potential to be grand and complex, but it never quite
gets there. Rosenblum has certainly created and offered the inklings
of a fascinating and exciting history of his sci-fi/dystopian
setting, but the world-building never feels complete or intricate
enough. I found the idea of these robot soldiers turned leaders and
the rebel revolutions to be super cool and interesting; I just wish
the story had something more (more world-building, more oomph, more
substance, more action). I had hoped for a more edge-of-your-seat
cinematic landscape and experience, but I didn't hate the story
offered by any means.
The
story isn't wildly unpredictable, but does have some great twists and
turns. And the sci-fi elements may not be super original, but they
are presented in some enthralling and refreshing ways. The story
doesn't lack humor either, which I really liked. I do think the
overall story and its characters come off more upper middle-grade
than young adult and may have been better off if it were originally
conceived with that tween audience in mind. Older readers may find
the overall story hard to fall into or believe, and find themselves
distracted by a lack of complete world-building or some instances of
illogical explanation. But I think MG readers will find the sci-fi
elements and dashes of romance and adventure to create the right
amount of fun, excitement, and intrigue. As for me, I quickly put my
own expectations aside and really just went with the story and once I
did, I was able to enjoy it much more.
I
found the main characters to be likable enough, but I didn't fall in
love with them. I think younger readers will like that each of the
main characters offers a unique and likable personality to relate to.
The relationship between the three siblings is surprisingly moving.
And I actually really enjoyed the very sweet romances and flirtations
sprinkled in. I would have liked a more in-depth look at the robotic
“villains” though.
The
books concludes in a satisfying (if a bit cheesy) cliffhangery way,
but definitely left me eager for more.
MY
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Revolution
19 may
not have turned out how I expected and hoped it would, but that
didn't keep it from entertaining me overall and I would definitely
read a sequel. Readers looking for a quick, uncomplicated sci-fi read
will find much to like about this book. A worthwhile read!
MY RATING
Purchase Revolution 19
Gregg Rosenblum
Gregg Rosenblum works at Harvard, where he wages epic battles against technology as an editor/webmaster/communications/quasi-IT guy. He graduated from UC San Diego and has an MFA in creative writing from Emerson College. He lives in Boston with his wife and daughter.
