Reviewer (text)
Cassandra H., Teen Board Member
THIRTEEN is author Tom Hoyle’s debut novel, and it’s sure to keep readers up late at night. Thirteen boys were born at midnight on the stroke of the new millennium, and twelve of them are dead. They were killed by a cult called “The People” that believes that an imagined “Master” commanded them to do so. However, 13-year-old Adam is the last one on the list. He has absolutely no idea of the dire danger he is in. Time is running out, for not only Adam, but also the lives of an entire city. Set in iconic London, this thriller will keep readers on their toes as they meet characters who may or may not be trustworthy.
This book certainly keeps the pages turning, but readers will have to suspend their disbelief in the plot. I thought that the plot seemed highly unbelievable in the modern world, with little to no police/adult involvement concerning the murders “The People” have committed. Personally, I simply couldn’t buy that such a big cult existed right under the noses of top-notch police officers and detectives.
Set in iconic London, this thriller will keep readers on their toes as they meet characters who may or may not be trustworthy.
However, when I reached the Appendix, which shared information on real-life cults, I was shocked that such things do exist --- hundreds have died at the hands of cults throughout history. This was perhaps the most haunting revelation I got from THIRTEEN; though “The People” is fiction, what happened to Adam may have been a variation of something that actually occurred in the past.
THIRTEEN is full of interesting characters, from our unpredictable, smart hero, Adam, to the sly, zealous Viper, a girl who works with “The People”. Though Hoyle’s dialogue falls short in its well-meaning attempt to emulate teen-speak, he certainly knows how to write visceral action with perfect word-choice. He paints pictures that can range from relatively bloodless to gruesomely gory, depending on the reader’s imaginations. The strongest aspects of THIRTEEN are its action-packed scenes and sense of mystery, which will propel readers through the book in no time.
Teaser
Thirteen boys were born at midnight in London on the stroke of the new millennium. Today twelve of them are dead. They were executed by a cult called "The People," under the leadership of a dark, ruthless man named Coron. The People have tracked down all but one of the boys and will do anything to reach their last victim, thirteen-year-old Adam. Adam doesn't know he's in danger. Raised by adoptive parents, he has never known his real birthday, and he has no idea that his days are numbered. When a cult deserter named Simon tries to warn him, Adam can hardly believe what he is facing.
With help from Simon, Adam and his best friend Megan dodge a double agent policeman, multiple assassination attempts, and Coron himself, while labeled a public enemy for killing in self-defense.
Promo
Thirteen boys were born at midnight in London on the stroke of the new millennium. Today twelve of them are dead. They were executed by a cult called "The People," under the leadership of a dark, ruthless man named Coron. The People have tracked down all but one of the boys and will do anything to reach their last victim, thirteen-year-old Adam. Adam doesn't know he's in danger. Raised by adoptive parents, he has never known his real birthday, and he has no idea that his days are numbered. When a cult deserter named Simon tries to warn him, Adam can hardly believe what he is facing.
With help from Simon, Adam and his best friend Megan dodge a double agent policeman, multiple assassination attempts, and Coron himself, while labeled a public enemy for killing in self-defense.
About the Book
This heart-stopping thriller saves the best for last as Adam races against the clock to prevent a spectacular disaster.
Thirteen boys were born at midnight in London on the stroke of the new millennium. Today twelve of them are dead. They were executed by a cult called "The People," under the leadership of a dark, ruthless man named Coron. The People have tracked down all but one of the boys and will do anything to reach their last victim, thirteen-year-old Adam. Adam doesn't know he's in danger. Raised by adoptive parents, he has never known his real birthday, and he has no idea that his days are numbered. When a cult deserter named Simon tries to warn him, Adam can hardly believe what he is facing.
With help from Simon, Adam and his best friend Megan dodge a double agent policeman, multiple assassination attempts, and Coron himself, while labeled a public enemy for killing in self-defense.
