Review: SYLO

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.

I was really excited to get my hands on this book. I fell in love with D.J. Machale’s Pendragon series and just with a strong feeling did I know that I would fall in love with this book.

Plot: This book somewhat reminded me of Little Brother by: Cory Doctorow in the sense of military soldiers taking over control but when I kept reading there was so much more that captured my attention and had me standing on my feet, nervous about what could happen next. I felt that the plot and storyline intertwined perfectly bringing together a story that all readers will hesitate to place down.

Characters: There were a lot of characters that played important roles in this novel and I felt that I was connected with Tucker most of all. Tuck is the type of person that when the going gets tough he backs away and I feel that I am like that in real life as well and seeing how he came to stand up for the people he cared about and stood strong even when he was pressed to the max. I felt that he matured greatly over the expanse of the novel and he still has time to grow into the young man I hope he will get the chance to be. With supporting characters that played a part, I felt like they each had something to give and much much more. I did feel a little lost when we lost one of them and I feel deep down inside of me that we haven’t lost him for sure.

Family: I feel like this is an important topic that was shown throughout the book in the sense that you would never expect your family to betray or hid secrets from you. I feel like what the two character’s families did was unacceptable and I even questioned: what was the point of protecting your children if all along you lied to them.

End: The ending of the book is a complete shocker because the main characters realize that there home was not just the beginning of something that could evolve into something of a much greater impact. I am highly anticipating the next novel in the series and D.J. Machale has once again grabbed my attention with his new book that will blow your mind. A book that I will hold in high standards, this book will challenge all authors of the science fiction world.

I give it 5 bites!