Thursday, December 15, 2011

Variant by Robinson Wells


Variant by Robinson Wells

Publish Date: October 4, 2011
Published by: HarperTeen
Reviewed by: Honorary Sis Beth
Sister Says: Valiant, Varied, and Vexing (but in a good way)

Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.

He was wrong.

Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.

Where breaking the rules equals death.

But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible. (Summary by goodreads.com)

My husband came home from the library and said, "Honey, I have a book you HAVE to read." I said, "Sure, sure, sure, whatever, put it on my list." The next day he said, "Here's the book, I might have accidentally read the whole thing while at work", and I said to him, "Was it that good? or were you just that bored?" He said, "Let's just say, I'm going to have to work late from home tonight." So, that night, I picked up Variant and could not stop reading it! He was right; I absolutely had to read it!!!

Variant is an original, action-packed book that will leave you guessing the whole way through. There were so many twists and turns that my head is still spinning. I can honestly say, it is jaw-droppingly good and will be impossible to put down.

The main character, Benson, is a foster child who gets tired of moving around so he applies and gets accepted to the prestigious "Maxfield Academy". Upon his arrival, "red flags" start flying when he learns there are no adults in the school and there is no way out. He is strong, brave, determined, and independent person who pushes the boundaries of the school and will not settle for less than the truth. What I love about him is that he is not perfect. In fact, sometimes his arrogance causes some very negative results; I love it when an author shows the flaws in their characters. It just increases my respect and connection with the character.

It is refreshing to read something that my husband and I can both enjoy. He likes action packed fantasy with some major plot-twists; whereas, I enjoy paranormal romance with a gut-wrenching love triangle. Although the love story is a minor subplot, we both were able to enjoy this book; it definitely appeals to both men and women. My sweet husband was so funny, he was literally bouncing on the balls of his feet anxious to discuss the book with me. The only other books we were both so excited to discuss (that both of us read) were I am Number Four and Power of Six. If you liked those books, you definitely need to read this Variant.

The book is full of unexpected surprises. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, I turned the page and my eyes popped out. It held my attention the whole time and I guarantee it will for you as well. I hope you all read it and like it as much as I did!