Alright, so referring to this book as a modern day Lord of the Flies meets X-Men is a bit of an oversimplification for such a chilling, gritty, dystopia. There is a warning on the back of the book for cruelty and violence that should most definitely be heeded. It's not an exaggeration. There are scenes in this that were gruesome. I mean that in the best way possible. It's a tightly plotted, truly chilling opener to a series I can't wait to continue with. The characters are fantastic - realistic even in the face of their gifts. Not all children are good and pure and that really rings true in this. There is a death count in this...and it isn't low. It's extremely difficult to put down once you start reading, so give yourself a few uninterrupted hours to really get into it.

Very good book with clever story structure and emotional writing with a few jokes ever so often. Has many cliffhangers in an adrealine rushing book and I would highly recommend this to teenagers.

I bought this book because the blurb made it sound really good, and it was right! I found it strange that the book jumped from different characters who were in different scenario's but as I read on Michael Grant seamlessly weaved each storyline together, which made for a fantastic read and concluding in a fantastic ending. I am currently moving onto the third book, which I have sent my mother to go in and buy whilst I finish the second here lol! But yes, I really recommend this book to all fantasy lovers!

This series is brilliant. I love the characters and the amazing imagination that Michael Grant has. Totally unique and original. Everyone should read this great book and then read the others!

this book was mind blowing. the book hit its climax with the first page. i recomend this to anyone. i have also read the second book- HUNGER. and i hope to get LIES today. the characters and the way the story keeps rising in action is amazing. you can never guess whats going to happen next. from the fayz to the darkness, people who read the book will no what im saying. take this from me this book is the best. And the cliffhanger is just spine tingling...