I have never before read a David Baldacci novel. I know he's incredibly popular (that all his books are on the bestseller lists) but that's not enough reason for me to read a novel. That said, hearing the premise for his first venture into Young Adult fiction was enough reason for me to buy this book. This is a young adult fantasy novel set in one town in the middle of nowhere, a town surrounded by a wild land called the Quag, which it is forbidden to set foot into because of the creatures that live out there. The heroine of the story is Vega Jane and she's a boundary pushing individual who gradually comes to discover the secrets and abilities linked to her bloodline. The ideas of this book are excellent, I loved the grand world-building in every way. I also loved the protagonist, who was a realistic female character trying to make sense of her world. However, I felt there was room to play with some of the themes and ideas a little more. For instance this was another novel that talked about the fears of humans (though these individuals were Wugmorts and not necessarily human they acted as human) and the ways in which we allow walls to be built to protect us from the outside. Walls, which, in reality, keep us trapped inside. It's a theme which is particularly post-9/11 and from an era that includes the war on terror and the rise of social media, yet it is a universally applicable theme that could have been tapped into further. I also did not like the staccato nature of the writing in sections, which felt as if it 'told' the reader too much rather than 'suggested' or 'showed'. In other words, the writing was more or less predictable. All in all there is plenty of untapped potential in this novel and it feels as if there may be a sequel in the works. Though I have not heard anything about this as such. That said I would be interested to read the sequel. Can I recommend this novel then? Well as much as I recommend the average young adult novel: for enjoyment's sake rather than for a deep philosophical venture. If you want something deeper and more well-rounded there are other young adult novels I could point you to.
The Finisher (Vega Jane, Book 1)
By David Baldacci
| Interest Level | Reading Level | Reading A-Z | ATOS | Word Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grades 6 - 8 | Grades 3 - 9 | n/a | 5.2 | 129312 |
Vega Jane was always told no one could leave the town of Wormwood. She was told there was nothing outside but a forest filled with danger and death. And she always believed it -- until the night she saw Quentin Herms run away.
Vega knows Quentin didn't just leave -- he was chased. And he left behind a trail of clues that point to a dark conspiracy at the heart of Wormwood. To follow the clues will attract the attention of influential people willing to kill to keep their secrets. If Vega wants to stay safe, she just needs to keep her head down and her mouth shut. There's only one problem -- Vega Jane never walks away from a fight.
Master storyteller David Baldacci introduces an unforgettable heroine who must think fast, hit hard, and defy all odds to uncover the truth.
Book Reviews (60)
A girl, waiting for something magical to happen in her town. A mystery. A clue like scavenger hunt. Best book ever!! I so want this book and hope you get interested in this book as well!
This book is very interesting and captivating. It reminds me of another book called The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman and is also the first book in it's series. The plots and protagonists are similar.
This book is truly amazing! It is about a 15 year old girl named Vega Jane. The story starts with Vega seeing her mentor escape to the Quag, a forbidden place for many of the people in her community. From then her adventure starts. My favorite part of the book was the ending due to an epic battle, but I'll leave reading up to that your job.
I am so glad I read this book again, because I had forgotten how much I loved it. This book is about Vega Jane, a girl who is almost 15 sessions(15 years), and has been taught that her world and community is the only one. Then everything changes. She sees her mentor running into the Quag, the most dangerous place , freely. Then her brother is taken away, her hospitalized parents vaporize in front of her eyes, and she finds that much of her life is comprised of lies. It did take a chapter or two in order to get to the language. The use different words, for example wugs mean people, sessions means years, and slivers means minutes. But the unique words really differentiate their world. I loved re-reading this book again and picking up on some of the little things. I loved how every little piece fit together at the end. David did a fantastic job of making up a whole new world. I would only recommend this story to older kids as there are violent scenes, and moments that would be scary for younger kids, but anyone older than 13-read this book! I can guarantee it won't be disappointing! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
This is most favorite book ever! I loved this book! I loved the characters! I love how the main character is a girl! I love the plot! I love everything about this book!
This book was really interesting. It takes place in a dystopian world where people are kept in a certain border and are left in the dark, somewhat similar to the Giver, but not as organized. A girl named Vega Jane is thrown into looking for answers.
in this book a girl must figure out what lies beyond there village when a friend of hers goes missing. She finds these certain relics that give her powers. She fights in a tournament and makes new friends to help her escape.
This book was pretty good. It was dystopian, sci-fi, fantasy type of book. It was about a girl who wonders what is beyond her home other vicious animals. When a friend of hers disappears she wonders what happened to him, was he eaten? Was he safe? Did he go beyond the forest? She must find out what has happened to him and discover beyond her little society. Read this book to find out.
Vega had been told that Wormwood couldn't left and that there are dangers outside until one day she Herms is chased away. After following the trail of clues he has left behind she finds it.... but she doesn't leave without a fight.