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smkean's review
5.0
A wild Sci-fi ride with a YA dystopian twist. A group of young soldiers , groomed from birth to protect the people of earth from a coming apocalypse, treated like reality stars as they continuously train for every possible danger and when one dies, another is chosen to replace them. But when you live your life as a tool and toy of the government, how much about what you know is actually true? This story moves fast, with a lot of information being thrown at you in the beginning but the visuals are great, the dialogue whitty and the action has you hooked in fast, it takes a bit to get the characters worked out in your head, as there are so many in most scenes but it's not bothersome at all & I loved the use of cities for names. Once I started this I read through it pretty fast, not wanting to stop and interrupt the adventure. Yes, these genres have been flooded lately and yes some elements might feel familiar but I think this was put together in a totally original and well written way. I also give it props for surprising me a few times, I did not see a lot of it coming at all!
kitsunebi_reads's review
3.0
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Apocalypse Five centers around an elite group of teens chosen to save Earth in the event of a major disaster that could end the world.
Living on a space ship they are regularly tested in simulations of varying disasters. Those who die in the simulations die for real. Like in the Hunger Games the Apocalypse Five are treated like celebrities and flounced in front of the cream of the crop. But there is something deadly wrong on the ship and the Apocalypse five mean to find out what and why.
I had a hard time with this read. Stacey Rourke creates very vivid characters and scenes, but for all the detail I had I could not connect with the characters. They seemed distant and forced for most of the story making the dialogue fall flat in some scenes.
Wildly imaginative, though feels familiar in the vein of the Hunger Games or Divergent.
Only giving 3 stars has I found it hard for me to get into and read.
Apocalypse Five centers around an elite group of teens chosen to save Earth in the event of a major disaster that could end the world.
Living on a space ship they are regularly tested in simulations of varying disasters. Those who die in the simulations die for real. Like in the Hunger Games the Apocalypse Five are treated like celebrities and flounced in front of the cream of the crop. But there is something deadly wrong on the ship and the Apocalypse five mean to find out what and why.
I had a hard time with this read. Stacey Rourke creates very vivid characters and scenes, but for all the detail I had I could not connect with the characters. They seemed distant and forced for most of the story making the dialogue fall flat in some scenes.
Wildly imaginative, though feels familiar in the vein of the Hunger Games or Divergent.
Only giving 3 stars has I found it hard for me to get into and read.
belindaclemons_123's review against another edition
5.0
Stacey Rourke has created a unique book outside her usual realm of stories. In this book we meet 5 unique teens named Detroit Houston Augusta Juneau and Reno who are raised during the Apocalypse to be a Elite Force of Fighters in the AT-1-NS space station. Each one was fantastic and I loved Detroit she was just epic. it was suspenseful and had action and just was very quick to read I just couldnt put it down. I cant wait to read more of this group.
kylielovesbooks's review
4.0
This book was better than I was expecting. It was a mixture of The 100 and Ender's Game in my opinion.
The beginning was pretty confusing to me and very hard to get into. We got random facts, but no explanation. For example, it said something about the Apocalypse 5 having an audience, but no reason for why they would have an audience until much later in the book. I kept thinking that I missed things when I really didn't.
After I finally got into it, I really started enjoying it. I guessed early on the "big reveal" that happened about halfway through the book, but it didn't make it any less enjoyable. The whole storyline was so fun and action packed. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next for most of the book.
I really loved the relationship between the 5, although sometimes I got the more secondary characters (Auggie and Reno mostly since Juneau is a girl) mixed up. I kind of wish they got more fleshed out. I really liked Detroit. She was so strong, but also showed her weaknesses and faults and I think that's really important in a character. Being the team leader, she didn't want the rest of her team knowing when she was weak, but they knew and they helped her through it. They all helped each other through all their respective weaknesses and I really liked that dynamic. Houston was hunky and had me rooting for him and Detroit throughout the whole book.
This was a very different apocalypse story even though it reminded me of some other books, and a very enjoyable one. I can't wait for the sequel!
The beginning was pretty confusing to me and very hard to get into. We got random facts, but no explanation. For example, it said something about the Apocalypse 5 having an audience, but no reason for why they would have an audience until much later in the book. I kept thinking that I missed things when I really didn't.
After I finally got into it, I really started enjoying it. I guessed early on the "big reveal" that happened about halfway through the book, but it didn't make it any less enjoyable. The whole storyline was so fun and action packed. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next for most of the book.
I really loved the relationship between the 5, although sometimes I got the more secondary characters (Auggie and Reno mostly since Juneau is a girl) mixed up. I kind of wish they got more fleshed out. I really liked Detroit. She was so strong, but also showed her weaknesses and faults and I think that's really important in a character. Being the team leader, she didn't want the rest of her team knowing when she was weak, but they knew and they helped her through it. They all helped each other through all their respective weaknesses and I really liked that dynamic. Houston was hunky and had me rooting for him and Detroit throughout the whole book.
This was a very different apocalypse story even though it reminded me of some other books, and a very enjoyable one. I can't wait for the sequel!
fiona_gs's review
5.0
This book is across between 'Starship Troopers' with 'The Illuminae Files', 'Hunger Games' and 'Ascension'. It was hard to put down with characters that grew on you as they grew into themselves. I would call this a gate way book for young teens (as I have observed with 'The Last Thirteen') that find getting into serious sci-fi had to do due to language and length. This book is well written with language easy to understand in a not over long book. I hope the other books are not longer. The action and pace of the book is great and aimed at a more savvy read without it being to bablish in nature. I have been reccomending this book before I had finished it and have placed on our request list to buy for the Library I work for.
ambledsoe's review
3.0
I absolutely loved the concept of Apocalypse 5. In a twist of Ender's Game mixed with Firefly, I was ready to dive head first out of the space ship. Unfortunately, with very little wirld building, I felt as though I was drifting through space untethered. From the getgo, you're thrusted into Stacey Rourke's dystopian world and in 250 pages, I felt the pacing was really in need of padding.
I really enjoyed the characters but by the time I came to care for them, the book was nearly over.
I really enjoyed the characters but by the time I came to care for them, the book was nearly over.
chyina's review
4.0
Firstly, I would like to thank the publisher for my advanced reader copy.
The characters were realistic and I was rooting for them the whole way. Auggie was by far my favorite, after the whole stranded on a devastated planet Earth thing...When it came down to the twins Juno and Reno, I wanted to see more of them and get a better sense at their relationship but I was in no ways upset by what I did get.
Rourke weaves trepidation, suspense and action together very well. At times it was hard to remember that the team known as Apocalypse 5 was made up of children 13 to 16 years old. This novel is about what happens when those you trust not only betray you but make you out to be something you aren't. I read this magnificent piece in one day and am excited for the sequel!
If I had to list a least favorite thing, it would be that in the digital version at least, there were a lot of spelling errors missed which pulled me out of the amazing plot.
The characters were realistic and I was rooting for them the whole way. Auggie was by far my favorite, after the whole stranded on a devastated planet Earth thing...When it came down to the twins Juno and Reno, I wanted to see more of them and get a better sense at their relationship but I was in no ways upset by what I did get.
Rourke weaves trepidation, suspense and action together very well. At times it was hard to remember that the team known as Apocalypse 5 was made up of children 13 to 16 years old. This novel is about what happens when those you trust not only betray you but make you out to be something you aren't. I read this magnificent piece in one day and am excited for the sequel!
If I had to list a least favorite thing, it would be that in the digital version at least, there were a lot of spelling errors missed which pulled me out of the amazing plot.
quirkycatsfatstacks's review
4.0
I received a copy of Apocalypse Five through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Apocalypse Five is the first novel in the Archive of the Fives series by Stacey Rourke. If I had to define the novel for you in just a few sentences, I would say that it’s Hunger Games in a science fiction setting, only with a couple major twists thrown into the mix.
Apocalypse Five is a combination of so many things, that I honestly don’t envy whoever had to make the decision on what category to put it into. It’s a little bit science fiction, young adult, survival, post-apocalyptic, and so much more. It also touches on other elements, some coming of age, a little bit of romance, that sort of thing.
Warnings: My comparison to Hunger Games is accurate in one sense, at least. There are children (okay, teenagers) in this series. And adults too, of course. These people are used as soldiers for what appears to be entertainment. Their deaths are not always easy or quick, but they’re not overly detailed at least.
Apocalypse Five was a fast-paced novel full of so many twists and turns. With every new twist, I thought I had a handle on the situation, that I fully understood what was happening it this world. Only for another twist to come along and further shake my perception of the world. It left me feeling like I had to constantly stay on my toes as I read – waiting for the next big reveal.
I enjoyed reading this novel. I liked how quick the pace was, and while there was a lot of violence in it, it never really felt overly gory or graphic. That’s a hard line to walk on, so I really appreciate it and feel like it deserves to be pointed out.
I’ll admit that it took me a couple of chapters to really get into this book. The first chapter really threw me through a loop. It was great that it started right out in the action, but I had no idea what was happening or who these people were. Once I got farther along I was able to truly understand what I had read, but it did take me a minute.
That being said, once I got past that point it didn’t take long for me to start becoming attached to the characters. And trust me, I tried to say ambivalent about them too – after that introduction (and my comparison to the Hunger Games) I was afraid to become too attached to anybody. So the fact that I did despite all of that says something, I think.
I’m not sure how I feel about the final twist in this book. It’s interesting, and I do look forward to seeing that get developed further. At the same time, it leaves me with more questions than answers. It’s not a cliffhanger, not quite. But it did change the book from feeling complete to making it very clear that there’s a lot more going on that we initially thought. I’ll have to wait and see what is shown in the second novel before I comment on it too much though.
I like that I wasn’t able to predict what was going to happen next. It’s refreshing to not have any clue what is going to happen, even if it is also a little bit stressful – I was constantly concerned about the fate of the five main characters.
I really enjoyed reading Apocalypse Five, and am looking forward to the sequel. The only shame is that I’ll have to wait. I guess that’s the downside to reading a novel the second it comes out (okay, I read it slightly before it came out, but you know what I mean).
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Apocalypse Five is the first novel in the Archive of the Fives series by Stacey Rourke. If I had to define the novel for you in just a few sentences, I would say that it’s Hunger Games in a science fiction setting, only with a couple major twists thrown into the mix.
Apocalypse Five is a combination of so many things, that I honestly don’t envy whoever had to make the decision on what category to put it into. It’s a little bit science fiction, young adult, survival, post-apocalyptic, and so much more. It also touches on other elements, some coming of age, a little bit of romance, that sort of thing.
Warnings: My comparison to Hunger Games is accurate in one sense, at least. There are children (okay, teenagers) in this series. And adults too, of course. These people are used as soldiers for what appears to be entertainment. Their deaths are not always easy or quick, but they’re not overly detailed at least.
Apocalypse Five was a fast-paced novel full of so many twists and turns. With every new twist, I thought I had a handle on the situation, that I fully understood what was happening it this world. Only for another twist to come along and further shake my perception of the world. It left me feeling like I had to constantly stay on my toes as I read – waiting for the next big reveal.
I enjoyed reading this novel. I liked how quick the pace was, and while there was a lot of violence in it, it never really felt overly gory or graphic. That’s a hard line to walk on, so I really appreciate it and feel like it deserves to be pointed out.
I’ll admit that it took me a couple of chapters to really get into this book. The first chapter really threw me through a loop. It was great that it started right out in the action, but I had no idea what was happening or who these people were. Once I got farther along I was able to truly understand what I had read, but it did take me a minute.
That being said, once I got past that point it didn’t take long for me to start becoming attached to the characters. And trust me, I tried to say ambivalent about them too – after that introduction (and my comparison to the Hunger Games) I was afraid to become too attached to anybody. So the fact that I did despite all of that says something, I think.
I’m not sure how I feel about the final twist in this book. It’s interesting, and I do look forward to seeing that get developed further. At the same time, it leaves me with more questions than answers. It’s not a cliffhanger, not quite. But it did change the book from feeling complete to making it very clear that there’s a lot more going on that we initially thought. I’ll have to wait and see what is shown in the second novel before I comment on it too much though.
I like that I wasn’t able to predict what was going to happen next. It’s refreshing to not have any clue what is going to happen, even if it is also a little bit stressful – I was constantly concerned about the fate of the five main characters.
I really enjoyed reading Apocalypse Five, and am looking forward to the sequel. The only shame is that I’ll have to wait. I guess that’s the downside to reading a novel the second it comes out (okay, I read it slightly before it came out, but you know what I mean).
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
hncald78's review
5.0
Holy moly. Rourke continues to astound me with her incredible wit and character depth in each book, regardless of genre. This latest endeavor is absolutely no exception. From beginning to end, the reader will sit white knuckled attempting to winnow what may lie ahead for our characters. Hands down, a fantastic read. Lovers of “The Hunger Games” MUST read this book!
popthebutterfly's review
4.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Book 1 of the Archive of the Fives
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (some mention of sex, language, death, and gore)
Publisher: Black Spot Books
Pages: 250
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The end of the world is coming. How or when, scientists can't agree upon. For decades, Earth's best line of defense has been a team of young soldiers known as the Apocalypse Five, forced into virtual reality simulations to train for Doom's Day. But, this is no game. Death on the grid is brutally final and calls up the next in a long line of cadets. Stationed aboard the AT-1-NS Starship, the A5 are celebrities thrust into the limelight by a calling they didn't choose. All it takes is one unscheduled mission, showing seventeen-year-old team leader Detroit a harsh and unfathomable reality, to shake the A5's belief in all they thought they knew. After questioning people with the power to destroy them, the team is framed for a crime they didn't commit and marked for death. Now, the hunt is on. Can the Apocalypse Five expose the truth the starship would kill to keep hidden? Or, will their bravery end in a public execution?
Review: I thought this book was pretty good. It’s an amazing dystopian sci-fi book that will make any hardcore dystopian fan happy. I thought the book was very reminiscent of The Hunger Games and Ender’s Game. The characters were all very well developed and personable. The plot was interesting. The pacing was very fast paced and you would easily run through this book in one sitting.
However, I did feel that the way the book told the story was a bit weird. It was really disjointing and it was hard to figure out what was going on. The book took a bit to get into and I feel that it was mostly due to the writing style.
Verdict: An amazing excellent book!
Book Series: Book 1 of the Archive of the Fives
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (some mention of sex, language, death, and gore)
Publisher: Black Spot Books
Pages: 250
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The end of the world is coming. How or when, scientists can't agree upon. For decades, Earth's best line of defense has been a team of young soldiers known as the Apocalypse Five, forced into virtual reality simulations to train for Doom's Day. But, this is no game. Death on the grid is brutally final and calls up the next in a long line of cadets. Stationed aboard the AT-1-NS Starship, the A5 are celebrities thrust into the limelight by a calling they didn't choose. All it takes is one unscheduled mission, showing seventeen-year-old team leader Detroit a harsh and unfathomable reality, to shake the A5's belief in all they thought they knew. After questioning people with the power to destroy them, the team is framed for a crime they didn't commit and marked for death. Now, the hunt is on. Can the Apocalypse Five expose the truth the starship would kill to keep hidden? Or, will their bravery end in a public execution?
Review: I thought this book was pretty good. It’s an amazing dystopian sci-fi book that will make any hardcore dystopian fan happy. I thought the book was very reminiscent of The Hunger Games and Ender’s Game. The characters were all very well developed and personable. The plot was interesting. The pacing was very fast paced and you would easily run through this book in one sitting.
However, I did feel that the way the book told the story was a bit weird. It was really disjointing and it was hard to figure out what was going on. The book took a bit to get into and I feel that it was mostly due to the writing style.
Verdict: An amazing excellent book!