The Finisher

by David Baldacci

Hardcover, 2014

Status

Available

Call number

F Bal

Call number

F Bal

Barcode

3129

Publication

Scholastic (2014), Edition: First Edition

Description

Vega Jane has never left the village of Wormwood. But this isn't unusual, nobody has ever left the village of Wormwood. At least not until Quentin Herms vanishes into the unknown. Vega knows Quentin didn't just leave, but that he was chased. And he's left behind a very dangerous trail of clues that only she can decode. The Quag is a dark forest filled with terrifying beasts and bloodthirsty Outliers. But just as deadly are the threats that exist within the walls of Wormwood. It is a place built on lies, where influential people are willing to kill to keep their secrets. Vega is determined to uncover the truth. But the closer she gets, the more she risks her life.

Original publication date

2014-03-14

User reviews

LibraryThing member bookwren
I couldn't put this down. Loved the Old World slang, Vega Jane's no-nonsense, but inwardly kind and vulnerable personality, Delph's warm heart, Vega Jane's relationship with her tree, the constant surprises, twists and turns in the plot, the mystery of "the other side," the many strange creatures
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in the world of Wormwood (check out "A Wugmort's Guide to Wormwood and Beyond" in the end matter, especially if you get confused, like I did, by the many different creatures attacking Vega), and even the clever number names Baldacci invented for the chapters (a combination of French and Spanish?). Though shades of The Hunger Games exist in the annual "Duelem," these were not as horrifying as those in Collins' story. Baldacci writes in an afterword the he researched mythology and this is evident in much of his world-building and characters. Morrigone is reminiscent of Morgana from the King Arthur story. Some of the dangerous creatures and weapons were most likely inspired by mythology, as was the room Vega goes into to find them. I can't wait to read the sequel, The Keeper.
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LibraryThing member claireh18
I've previously read quite a few books by David Baldacci and really enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to getting stuck into his first journey into the YA genre. I'd like to thank the netgalley team for the copy i received to review. This title was published on 4th March by Pan
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Macmillan.

Fourteen-year-old Vega has lived all her life in Wormwood. Beyond Wormwood lies the terrifying Quag, filled with all manner of weird and evil creatures that are intent on ripping a Wug like Vega limb from limb. All Wugs are taught from an early age that outside of the Quag there is nothing, just... nothing.

This is a wonderfully descriptive novel that easily rivals any of Baldacci's previous books. The story comes to life with the use of brilliantly descriptive language, draws you in from the very beginning and takes you for a very bumpy ride at breakneck speed before throwing you out after the thrilling conclusion. 4/5 stars.
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LibraryThing member loveofreading
One of Scholastic's front list titles for spring 2014 is bestselling author David Baldacci's YA novel, The Finisher. Aimed at readers ages 10-14, this is an exciting fantasy/adventure story about a young girl who lives in a mysterious place called Wormwood. This is Baldacci's first YA novel, and my
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first Baldacci novel.

Vega Jane is yet another strong and confident YA heroine, demonstrating that she has the skills, smarts, and capabilities to survive and thrive in a male-dominated society. At one point, Vega is forced to enter a tournament and physically fight against men for a prize (and her freedom). Vega uses her brain and her strength to overcome her opponents and prove herself worthy of being someone we can root for. She comes up against terrifying monsters, dark secrets, and faces people who will kill anyone to protect the secrets of Wormwood. She is a formidable force for someone so young — and for being a female, as she is so often reminded.

Few authors could construct a world like this and make it so compelling. At times it is as fantastical and breathtaking as Lewis Carroll's Wonderland. The odd language, particularly the names of the monsters (ie. Jabbits) made Wormwood lightly reminiscent of Wonderland. The language is sometimes a little hard to get used to, but the repetition of the terms makes the text easy to understand.
Sliver = a moment Sessions = years Light = morning

The book is a little daunting at just over 500 pages, and the story is fairly complex. A lot happens in the story, so an attentive reader is a must. David Baldacci brings his exquisite use of language and storytelling abilities to this middle grade book. Although the target audience is 10-14, I'd say the book skews toward an advanced reader ages 12-14.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, but the grandeur of the story arc slowed down my usual reading pace as there was so much detail to take in. Fans of James Patterson, JK Rowling, and Rick Riordan will appreciate the fantastical, dangerous, and dark world of Wormwood. This is a great addition to libraries and personal bookshelves. Baldacci has few rivals in his ability to masterfully construct a good story.

3.5 Stars
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LibraryThing member JRlibrary
Purchased it because I often like writers of adult novels who decide to drop into the teen market. Unfortunately, this one didn't work for me. I became so bored of the story by the end of the first quarter that I just could NOT make myself finish it. Perhaps I was just in a reading slump because I
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rarely if ever, abandon a book, but this one was just not doing it for me.
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LibraryThing member infjsarah
Better than I expected. It's very readable although some of the world slang gets annoying. Especially when mixed in with slang from our world.
Not sure I believed that a closed dictorial culture like this would allow Vega to get away with what she does. But it's an OK read.
LibraryThing member Jfurnee
Hoping it wouldn't be too young for me, but it was. But Robie is still awesome.
LibraryThing member VPbookseller
I have to admit I had a few issues with some of David Baldacci's coined words. There really could have been more imagination put in to the creation of new words for this new world. However, once I got past that, I loved the characters and creatures that filled this action packed fantasy/mystery and
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I can't wait for the next installment. Vega Jane is a alone in her small community and is looking for answers to mysteries in community. She is not willing to accept the platitudes of a hierarchy that has with held answers from anyone brave enough to observe and question the facts. Baldacci creates a truely original world alive with new creatures, people, and magic to explore.
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LibraryThing member VPbookseller
I have to admit I had a few issues with some of David Baldacci's coined words. There really could have been more imagination put in to the creation of new words for this new world. However, once I got past that, I loved the characters and creatures that filled this action packed fantasy/mystery and
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I can't wait for the next installment. Vega Jane is a alone in her small community and is looking for answers to mysteries in community. She is not willing to accept the platitudes of a hierarchy that has with held answers from anyone brave enough to observe and question the facts. Baldacci creates a truely original world alive with new creatures, people, and magic to explore.
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LibraryThing member lilibrarian
Vega Jane and her brother live in a village that is supposed to be the "only" habitable place. It is surrounded by a wilderness called the Quag inhabited by terrible beasts. But when her mentor disappears into the wilderness, Vega Jane tries to understand how, and finds herself in danger both from
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the outside, and from the powers in her own village.
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LibraryThing member lkmuir
When Quentin Herms is chased from his village into the Quag, a dark forest filled with terrifying beasts and murderous Outliers, Vega uses her skills as a talented decoder to uncover dangerous secrets.
LibraryThing member buffalogr
Baldacci does fantasy? Who knew? I expected better. He changes things that there is no point changing - using 'Wugs' instead of 'People'; 'Lights' instead of 'Days'; a very annoying use of 'Males' and 'Females' instead of men and women...confusing to say the least. The plot was interesting, but
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does not match the leader. I thought that we would follow a young woman fighting her way through a deep forest, but instead it was a young woman fighting her way out of the city...literally fighting. And, with some strange weapons. This acclaimed author should not bother with fantasy...but wait, there's another...which I'm not interested in reading.
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LibraryThing member haileymary
If you've ever read any of his other books you have to go into this one with an open mind. This is a different genre and writing style compared to his other books.
I would recommend this to friends who want to read a different take on a fantasy novel. I don't read many books in this genre because
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they usually don't interest me but this one sounded good and I'm glad I read it.
Some parts are a little predictable but there were a lot of things that I didn't see coming. At some points, the main character, Vega Jane, seemed a little too good to be true but overall I enjoyed her character.
I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series, it left me craving to know what happens next.
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LibraryThing member Carolibrarian
Vega Jane is the hero of this book. Baldacchino captures your interest with this YA novel. Read it in one sitting, couldn't put it down,,,, waiting to read the keeper next
LibraryThing member Breony
A bit hard to get into at the beginning with a lot of new language in this fictitious town of wormwood. The main character seems a bit too cynical of the place without reason. But the story builds well and I was hooked by the end. Themes are relatively modest.
LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
I usually like books by Baldacci, so was interested to read his first YA novel. Unfortunately, I didn't like it. Although he tried to create a realistic world and a strong, female protagonist, the book was a slog to read and halfway through I finally gave up. This author should stick to what he
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does best - write exciting adult thrillers.
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LibraryThing member Mike_B
Fantasy is not my thing.
Baldacci made it a good story though.
LibraryThing member JenniferRobb
I usually enjoy Baldacci's books. At one point, I wrote down the titles I hadn't read from a list. This was a series I hadn't heard of prior to that list.

It's apparently Baldacci's attempt at fantasy (young adult fantasy).

It was a DNF for me and I don't plan to read the rest of the series.

Rating

½ (108 ratings; 3.5)
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