In Michelle Gagnon’s debut YA thriller, Don’t Turn Around, computer hacker Noa Torson is as smart, tough, and complex as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’s Lisbeth Salander. The first in a trilogy, Don’t Turn Around’s intricate plot and heart-pounding action will leave readers desperate for book two. Sixteen-year-old Noa has been a victim of the system ever since her parents died. Now living off the grid and trusting no one, she uses her hacking skills to stay anonymous and alone. But when she wakes up on a table in a warehouse with an IV in her arm and no memory of how she got there, Noa starts to wish she had someone on her side. Enter Peter Gregory. A rich kid and the leader of a hacker alliance, Peter needs people with Noa’s talents on his team. Especially after a shady corporation threatens his life in no uncertain terms. But what Noa and Peter don’t realize is that Noa holds the key to a terrible secret, and there are those who’d stop at nothing to silence her for good.
I really enjoyed this one. I've been describing it as "Baby Dragon Tattoo" - it has a similar protagonist and the thriller/computer hacker angle without the graphic descriptions and dull financial sections in the Dragon Tattoo books. It jumps back and forth between multiple perspectives (similar to Legend) and is a page-turner from the very first chapter. It moves away from the dystopian trend (this is more of a sci-fi feel) and doesn't contain any objectionable language or content that stood out to me. I think students will enjoy it (and I believe Stephanie said there is a sequel as well - though that does mean it pretty much ends on a cliffhanger). I think it's a strong choice.
ReplyDeleteI read this last summer and loved it. It's nail-biting! msegalla
ReplyDeleteI read this book, last spring and loved it!! The book keeps your attention throughout and makes you want to continue reading to find out what happens to the girl and why the testing is happening. I would definitely consider this for a school wide read as I think it can be enjoyed by many different people since it is suspense, adventure and a little sci fi all in one.
ReplyDeleteThis book does have a sequel that came out this summer for those who wish to continue reading, although I think it could also be read as a stand alone. This book made it to both the YALSA's "2013 Best Fiction for Young Adults" as well as Kirkus Review's "Best Teen books of 2012"
I enjoyed it, but didn't find it as nail biting as some of the other readers until the end. Despite how it starts, it took me a while to get through the first few chapters. The fact that we had to wait so long for some of the answers bothered me more than intrigued me.
ReplyDeleteSome of the plot points I could see coming from a mile a way, but at the same time, I want to know what happens to everyone and why some people (and government agencies) would sacrifice what they are in order to save lives similar to those they are sacrificing. (Cryptic for those that haven't read).
I think it has an interesting look at the lives of those children on the fringes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It kept me intrigued in regards to the different twists the protagonists take. The only flaw was how long it took for Noa and Peter to meet.
ReplyDelete