Book Review: Countdown by Michelle Rowen

Countdown
Author: Michelle Rowen
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian | Science Fiction
Released: September 24th 2013 (Revised Edition)
Review Source: NetGalley | Harlequin Teen

3 seconds left to live.

Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped.

2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game.

Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.

1 reason Kira will never, ever trust Rogan. Even though both their lives depend on it.

Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove ever more deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape.

GAME 0VER

I couldn't wrap my head around whether or not I liked this book. I still can't, actually. A lot of it had to do with it reminding me of multiple other movies and books. (Saw, The Hunger Games, that Disney movie 'Smart House') Halfway through it kind of, almost, strayed from those comparisons. But, still, it was enough to not let me enjoy it. I love dystopian, when done right. This didn't feel right to me. It was too bizarre and felt too forced.

I will totally blame myself for what I'm about to say because I didn't start reading knowing if it was a series or not. Honestly, the entire time I thought it was a series so it got kind of "dragg-y" for me. There were multiple times when I'd think "this is a good way to end it" and then I'd look at the page count and be confused as to why there were still a lot left. Again, completely my fault for assuming it was a series. I do think it had potential to be made into a series, but it's not and that's fine. Because, it did hold my attention the entire time. Some parts I did like, but overall it's not a book that left a major impact on me.

So, if you're looking for a read that's a dystopian and it involves a game where different challenges arise and you've got to survive, then by all means pick this book up. Just keep in mind it is not a series, it is a full story cover to cover.