Reviews
It felt like a prequel for what’s to come instead of a book that can stand on its own. The topics it touches on are very important, and I like that the author trusted young children to be able to understand these themes. I feel like people don’t trust children to possess intelligence or understand what’s happening in the world anymore. The use of propaganda and privilege was very spot on and still prevalent in 2025, which is scary to think about.
I hate hate hate Luke’s parents. they are selfish and unsympathetic. They are a huge reason I’m giving this the rating I am. Even the mother, who is supposed to be seen as loving, is insufferable because she’s the reason her child is at risk. Also, the pacing was weird at points.
I honestly didn't like Luke, and found the book a little boring.
Wasn’t very interesting until the very end.
okay i first read this in 4th grade!! i always end up rereading it once in a while simply because of the dystopian-suspense. it’s for kids but i will always love reading it. the whole series is just enthralling.
First read this book in the 7th grade and I absolutely fell in love with it. I read the first three books but not really bothered to re-read all of them atm. I was a fool for anything Shadow Children/ totalitarian slash extremist government related and this one just did it for me. Looking back at it, the only difference is that I now wish the book is more than 150 pages long. Other than that, it was a good trip down memory lane.
I don't have anything bad to say about this book. I really enjoyed it! I'm so intrigued by books with government systems that control population for various reasons. This one about third children being illegal was so interesting and I formed a relationship with the main character, Luke, quickly. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
Suspenseful story about f 3rd and forbidden child. First in a great and gripping 7 part series suitable for upper elementary.
This was strange. Like I like the idea I just feel like it fell slightly flat but like also I was so intrigued…?
2,5 langweilig aber nicht ätzend als Schulbuch
** spoiler alert ** Absolutely loved the ending. Luke is safe. He saves Smits. And he's even able to give Smits parents that will take care of him
It was great to see Trey step into the role he was meant to have. To see him become the man he was meant to be. To not let his fears stop him from saving his friends b
Amazing book.
2018 reread: A ton of stuff happens in this book, and it's not even that long. But it does a lot of things that make sense for its length. I really like that its middle grade, because I don't feel like there are enough dystopian middle-grade books - or at least, there weren't when I was that age. It's a simple story, but it aches with complexity and you get the feeling that before long, so much will be happening. It is shocking as well - especially with Jen and her fate. You go through the book thinking that her rally will be successful, that by the course of one person's actions the entire world will change, but then you are drastically given a blow that makes you realise how much bigger of an issue it is. But it works for middle grade, because it's written in a format that makes it easier to understand a much larger underlying issue with the society the characters live in. And it's incredibly intriguing, and makes you want to read the next books more than anything. ------------------------------------ I was so obsessed with this series in middle school. I don't think I've read them all yet, but the concept is way too interesting to not be intrigued. It almost feels like a game, but with much more dire consequences.
