Book Review: SYLO by D. J. MacHale

SYLO
The SYLO Chronicles #1

Author: D. J. MacHale

Reading Level: YA

Genre: Dystopian

Released: July 2nd 2013

Review Source: Razorbill

Available: Amazon
SYLO Excerpt by Penguin Young Readers Group

Summary: (from goodreads) Does Tucker Pierce have what it takes to be a hero when the U.S. military quarantines his island?

Fourteen-year-old Tucker Pierce prefers to fly under the radar. He’s used to navigating around summer tourists in his hometown on idyllic Pemberwick Island, Maine. He’s content to sit on the sidelines as a backup player on the high school football team. And though his best friend Quinn tells him to “go for it,” he’s too chicken to ask Tori Sleeper on a date. There’s always tomorrow, he figures. Then Pemberwick Island is invaded by a mysterious branch of the U.S. military called SYLO. And sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option for Tucker, because tomorrow may never come.

It’s up to Tucker, Quinn, and Tori to uncover the truth about the singing aircraft that appears only at night—and the stranger named Feit who’s pushing a red crystal he calls the Ruby that brings unique powers to all who take it. Tucker and his friends must rescue not just Pemberwick Island, but the fate of the world—and all before tomorrow is too late.

#1 New York Times bestselling author D.J. MacHale brings his brilliant plotting and breathless pacing to SYLO, the first in this ultimate end-of-the-world adventure trilogy.

​​A true storyteller, Mr. MacHale composes a tale within SYLO that reiterates his stance as a top author in today’s literature industry. Filled with his usual suspense and emotional action scenes, a unique world is built to fully capture the reader’s imagination. Also you never seem able to take a break from this book it’s just so fast paced. The writing style makes it seem like a breeze when transitioning between points in the story. The characters also attribute to the illustrious plot by being dynamic and having relatable personalities.

​Which brings us to the fantastic plot that is sure to be the next big feature film. Right from the start we jump into the action with some horror and intrigue. All being the catalyst for a suspenseful roller coaster of mystery. Main character Tucker Peirce finds himself mystified by sudden happenings in his small town Pemberwick Island. Not much of a go-getter Tucker is thrust in to unimaginable circumstances when the government quarantines his town for unknown reasons. This sends Tucker on a search for answers with his best friend, but what they don’t know is that the truth could end life as they know it. SYLO embodies what truly makes young adult novels great. Basically a coming of age story mixed with a little dystopian, SYLO checks off all the boxes when it comes being. So don’t wait for the movie, definitely read this book as soon as possible.