Reviews

Denton Little's Still Not Dead by Lance Rubin

katykelly's review against another edition

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4.0

Sequel that makes the world of deathdates feel possible, it has smarts and a fast-moving amusing plot.

This really must be read after the first book. It flows straight on after the events of that, and I could have done with a reminder of the plot and characters - it's been a couple of years since I read it.

I soon caught back up, mostly. Denton Little was meant to die on Prom Night - everyone in his world is told the date they will die when they are children, and nothing can change this date.

But Denton didn't die, and now he gets to find out why. And maybe even help other people to miss their own dates with Death... will he? Should he? Does he have the right to choose for other people, and what if he has the power but doesn't want to use it?

With moral conundrums underlying the story, it's a teenage tale as well, about crushes, and friendships, and parents. It's wickedly funny at times, with some great scenes as Denton debates using his 'gift'.

Love the concept, and though I wondered early on about the way the story was going, as it turned into a story involving Denton and his friends again, I settled into the plot.

Surprisingly, it's the author narrating his own book. He did a grand job, capturing the voice of Denton and his adolescent humour well. It was a good choice for audio, flowing nicely and the format suitable for the style of book.

A few swear words and scenes of a sexual nature, it may be unadvised for younger teens. This is probably recommended for ages 14 and over.

With thanks to Nudge Books for the sample Audible copy.

books4susie's review against another edition

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5.0

This is the long awaited conclusion to Denton Little’s story and the wait was well worth it. Humorous, snarky and serious at times, Denton begins to unravel the mysteries and reasons behind his survival. I listened to the audio versions of this title and once again, the author does a fabulous job of bring Denton’s story to life. This book is a definite recommend!

sarahanne8382's review against another edition

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4.0

The sequel to Denton Little's Death Date, continues in the same wonderfully satiric vein as it's predecessor.

Picking up immediately after Denton survives his death date, we get to meet his birth mother and learn more about her movement to end mandatory death dates. Denton & co. spend the majority of the book hiding from the DIA and Denton struggles to discover what life after his death date will be like. Through the snark and humor some serious questions get asked about what it would mean if everyone knew when they were going to die.

This series really surprised me. A satiric novel about an 18-year-old boy who's trying to avoid dying young is not the kind of thing I would usually pick up, but I really enjoyed it. This is definitely not for everyone, but definitely appreciated by those who like that kind of thing.

draculaura21's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

It has been quite awhile since I laughed out loud so much during a book. I first read Book #1 in print format, but due to the overwhelmingness of my to-read list, I decided to give the audiobook version of Book #2 a listen during my commute to work. And, boy, am I glad I don't take public transportation because I would've looked like an insane person laughing and gasping out loud. Lance Rubin's writing (and narrating) style is so unique and natural, he really brings Denton and his cohorts to life. Millie's deadpan attitude is so endearing and just my absolute favorite. Paulo makes me want to give nicknames to everyone and anyone (Milldew and Milladelphia make me wish I actually knew someone name Millie). And Denton. Oh, Denton. Sympathetic, infuriating, and galvanizing all in one. Everything a teenager ought to be. This series was thoroughly enjoyable and a perfect end (or is it?) to Denton's story. 

triangle38's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

sweetash_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

jenniepicky's review

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4.0

Denton Little lives in a world where everyone knows their date of death, no one can outrun or bribe their way out of the date, regardless of their age, wealth or status. At least that was the case until the crazy mad-cap events of Denton Little's Death Date...and Denton lived through his date of ultimate doom.

In this follow-up, Denton attempts to navigate how to live after living, when that is a secret so big the government might be willing to kill you. But is it murder if everyone thinks you are dead? If you should have been dead already? Is life worth living if you can't go back to your old life? And to complicate matters, Denton's best friend's death date is rapidly approaching and Denton is desperate that he should live through his death date as well.

For a book about death and dying, this series is fairly lighthearted fun. The humour is wry and sarcastic while still managing to have a lot of heart. I love Denton's best friend Paolo, and I think that the books are best when he and Denton are together. Their friendship shines and is what helps give the books the chemistry they need to tackle the tough world of knowing the day of your demise from the day you are born.

I read the first book and listened to this second installment on audio and would recommend it in either format. This is a fairly action-packed series and sometimes the audio makes you slow down just enough to fully appreciate the series of events. On the other hand sometimes things happen so quickly that the ability to re-read or skip back is helpful to the understanding of those fast action sequences.

I don't know if there are any more Denton books slated in this series. But if there is I will read every single one of them.

silvyinwonderland's review against another edition

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4.0

Recensione: http://wefoundwonderlandinbooks.blogspot.it/2017/04/blogtour-birthdate-di-lance-rubin.html

lindsey_kerrigan's review

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3.0

3.5 stars. When I started this book I didn't think I was going to like it. But it grew on me as I kept reading. It was the kind of book where I didn't have this urge to pick it up but as soon as I picked it up I didn't want to put it down.

kawarwick's review

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4.0

A funny sequel! Enjoy every day as if it is your last because you never (thankfully) know.