Reviews

Proxy by C. Alexander London, Alex London

emrodav's review against another edition

4.0

I was super excited to read Proxy. It has so much going for it in its premise: dystopia, a world run on technology, the central idea that the privileged use the poor for the execution of punishments. And even a gay person of color as the protagonist! I had super high hopes for the book, and, for the most part, it delivered.

The book starts out with Syd, a proxy, who is responsible for handling the punishments of his patron Knox. The whole system is complicated and focused on debt: Syd owes debt for school and other things, and Knox's family has bought the debt so that they can use Syd as a proxy. Yes, it is as complicated and sometimes confusing as it sounds. But it's interesting, I swear! (Especially after Knox's car accident.)

Anyway, a lot of things happen that are too spoilery for me to really add to the review, and it's all really interesting. The first half of the book is really great. You get interested in the system and the characters and it's a really fun, fast-paced read.

The issues I had with the book started once the main characters left the city. The plot starts to fall apart and seems contrived. Too many things happen at once, too many characters (mostly very minor) die in quick succession. It's too much to handle, and you stop caring a little bit. Even the climax fight, and

Spoiler

when Knox disappears/dies/whatever (I'm not totally sure) it happens in two pages! The entire huge ending gets less page time than the introduction to the starving children they meet en route to Old Detroit

. You're bombarded with action and it just doesn't work.

However, the premise was so strong, and I enjoyed most of the book so much that I can't give it fewer than 4 stars. After all, I read the book mostly in two days. You will need to know what's happening. So despite the weaknesses of the second half, I really loved Proxy, and I can't wait to see what's in store for the next book.

mtzbookworm64's review against another edition

5.0

Good read into a futuristic, dystopia world where the male protagonist happens to be gay. Fast paced action with great twists and turns will be you turning the pages. I would not recommend for elementary school readers – middle school and up.

bookshelfd's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

onyxisalive's review

I really did not like the weird love triangle. I wish it had been more clear who liked who it made me uncomfortable reading. 
I would've liked this more if I'd read it years ago. At the time I read it I didn't really like it all that much - however, it was engaging enough 

chuskeyreads's review against another edition

4.0

Just the premise of proxies hired to receive punishments (vicious punishments at times) for the wealthy was enough to pick up the book and dive in. I must warn you, dear reader, that this is not just another dystopian novel for Hunger Games fans. Once you begin, make sure you've cleared your calendar for a little while because you won't want to put it down. Fast-paced is not quite the adjective to describe the high-octane speed at which the events unfold. I have to admit - the author managed to throw in a surprise or two that I was not quite expecting, and the diversity of the characters (dark skinned, gay) was a nice touch and very well done.

percyb0t's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

calycooper's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny inspiring sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

amandanic11's review against another edition

4.0

This book didn't thrill me at first, but really grew on me by the end as the world and characters grew and became more complex. Alex London beautifully illustrates and ties together the overarching theme of what debt and repayment truly means. I can't wait to pick up the sequel "Guardian" to see how London continues to build upon the rich world he has crafted in "Proxy".

vickal's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

2.75

j3h's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0