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Science Fiction. Science Fiction & Fantasy. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML: An international bestseller published in over thirty countries, this riveting sci-fi dystopic thriller is �a bona fide page-turner.� �MTV.com Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie�s only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man. He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders�seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie�s head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter. Callie soon discovers that her renter intends to do more than party�and that Prime Destinations� plans are more evil than she could ever have imagined. . . . Includes Portrait of a Spore, a never-before-published short story that takes place in the world of STARTERS. Praise for STARTERS: �A smart, swift, inventive, altogether gripping story.� �#1 New York Times bestselling author DEAN KOONTZ �Compelling, pulse-pounding, exciting . . . Don�t miss it!� �New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr �Readers who have been waiting for a worthy successor to Suzanne Collins�s The Hunger Games will find it here. Dystopian sci-fi at its best.� �Los Angeles Times �Intriguing, thought-provoking and addictive.� �BookReporter.com �Readers will stay hooked. . . . Constantly rising stakes keep this debut intense.� �Kirkus Reviews �Fast-paced dystopian fiction. . . . The inevitable sequel can�t appear soon enough.� �Booklist "Intriguing, fast-paced . . . Fans of dystopian novels will be completely engaged and clamoring for the sequel." �School Library Journal �Addictive and alluring.� �Examiner.com �Chilling and riveting.� �Shelf-Awareness.com �A must-read for fans of The Hunger Games and Legend. Fast-paced, romantic, and thought-provoking.� �Justine.… (more)
Media reviews
Random House
Callie's parents died after the Spore Wars and now it's just her and her seven year old brother Tyler. Tyler is sick with a rare lung disorder and Callie needs money so she can buy them a house to live in. But, the renting does not go as planned and Callie is stuck pretending to be the person who
At first teens renting out their bodies to old people was really creepy idea to me and I didn't think it was a type of book that I would like but I was picked to be an Ambuzzador for it and I'm really happy that I was. I felt really bad for Callie because felt she had no other choice but to rent out her body and I thought she faced it with so much courage. You could really tell that her brother meant the world to her and that she would do anything and everything necessary to give him a better life. Callie is an incredibly strong character and I found it very easy to like her.
Starters is a awesome dystopian book and I'm positive dystopia fans will love it even if your not a fan of dystopia you should defiantly try it. Things that happened toward the end really took me by surprise and left me eager to see what happens next!
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rented her body. She keeps hearing a voice in the back of her head and things start taking a weird turn. Everyday that passes, Callie starts learns more and more about what her renter was really up to. At first teens renting out their bodies to old people was really creepy idea to me and I didn't think it was a type of book that I would like but I was picked to be an Ambuzzador for it and I'm really happy that I was. I felt really bad for Callie because felt she had no other choice but to rent out her body and I thought she faced it with so much courage. You could really tell that her brother meant the world to her and that she would do anything and everything necessary to give him a better life. Callie is an incredibly strong character and I found it very easy to like her.
Starters is a awesome dystopian book and I'm positive dystopia fans will love it even if your not a fan of dystopia you should defiantly try it. Things that happened toward the end really took me by surprise and left me eager to see what happens next!
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User reviews
LibraryThing member callmecayce
I tore through this book in a day, it was actually hard for me to put it down to go to work. The premise is good -- would you let a stranger use your body if the money would save your brother's life? Lissa Price creates a believable post-apocalyptic world, which I've been finding difficult to come
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by in recent months. Callie's brother is sick, she can't afford to get him the medicines she needs because her parents are dead and she has no living Enders, or adults over the age of 60. Callie's world is a mishmash of the rich (somewhat reminding me of The Capitol in Hunger Games, but perhaps not as overly cruel) Enders and their grandchildren (called Starters, everyone under the age of 20). They are all survivors of a war who received a vaccine. For me, the logic works enough that I have no trouble buying any of the more ridiculous elements of the story line and once the body/mind swapping gets going, the story takes a fantastic twist. To make matters even more interesting, Price throws in a few more twists and leaves us satisfied, but wanting more, at the end. It's not perfect, but it's enjoyable. Show Less
LibraryThing member ljldml
Starters
by Lissa Price
published by Random House Children's Books
available March 13, 2012
Callie is the main protagonist of the story. A 16 year old Starter. What's a starter? Well, the US has been a victim of the Spore Wars, a biological weapon killed everyone between the ages of 20-60. The very
Those over the age of 60 who lived are called the Enders, as in End of Lifers.
Callie is introduced to a buisness named Prime Directive. They 'rent' the bodies of Starters to Enders who wish to be young again. Yuck! It is done through a computer chip allowing the Ender to gain control of the young persons body. Callie sees this as the only way to protect her brother.
Well, of course things don't go as planned.
Callie is an incredible character. She is both strong and vulnerable. She is doing everything she can to protect her younger brother in a hostile world.
Some of the other characters are equally spectacular. I think the readers will like Helena and Lauren as well as Michael and Blake. Of course, there are also 'bad guys' in the book. Very bad guys, downright evil in fact.
I did enjoy the humorous reference to the border wall built between the US and Mexico to prevent infected Americans from entering Mexico- this was a laugh out loud moment for me. (not a spoiler, just a quick reference to a funny part of the book)
The book itself was a very quick read. I didn't want to put it down. When I finished, and boy what a jaw dropping finish, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.
There is a part 2 about the Enders due in the winter of 2012.
by Lissa Price
published by Random House Children's Books
available March 13, 2012
Callie is the main protagonist of the story. A 16 year old Starter. What's a starter? Well, the US has been a victim of the Spore Wars, a biological weapon killed everyone between the ages of 20-60. The very
Show More
young and old were the only citizens vaccinated against the spores. Callie's parents are dead. She is looking after her young brother Tyler while trying to survive in a strange new world. Those over the age of 60 who lived are called the Enders, as in End of Lifers.
Callie is introduced to a buisness named Prime Directive. They 'rent' the bodies of Starters to Enders who wish to be young again. Yuck! It is done through a computer chip allowing the Ender to gain control of the young persons body. Callie sees this as the only way to protect her brother.
Well, of course things don't go as planned.
Callie is an incredible character. She is both strong and vulnerable. She is doing everything she can to protect her younger brother in a hostile world.
Some of the other characters are equally spectacular. I think the readers will like Helena and Lauren as well as Michael and Blake. Of course, there are also 'bad guys' in the book. Very bad guys, downright evil in fact.
I did enjoy the humorous reference to the border wall built between the US and Mexico to prevent infected Americans from entering Mexico- this was a laugh out loud moment for me. (not a spoiler, just a quick reference to a funny part of the book)
The book itself was a very quick read. I didn't want to put it down. When I finished, and boy what a jaw dropping finish, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.
There is a part 2 about the Enders due in the winter of 2012.
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LibraryThing member BookishDame
A highly imaginative novel about children left in a post-apocalyptic world with aged adults who want their bodies!
Where the Dame's Mind Went :
My mind went horrified as I thought of a world where senior citizens would turn on the young and use them for vehicles of personal gain. Ugh! What a
The "haves" in this "have nots" world are the elderly over 60's who were able to receive a vaccine for the virus that wiped out the US because they were deemed most likely not to survive. Young people/children received the vaccine also, being considered too weak to survive. Since parents and middleagers died off, the wealthy elders that survived now have everything they want, except the beautiful, supple bodies they need to enjoy all the sports and activities of their past young lives. Hence, they "rent" the bodies of teens through computer/science by the day, week and month. The teen in question here, Callie, is caught in this web of transactions and terrors because she's desperate to keep her little brother alive.
Suspense and terror are built up masterfully by Lissa Price as she develops her world and her creepy elder-care characters. Additionally, the young adult characters you'll come to love; Callie, her friend Michael, and Callie's 7 year old brother, Tyler tear at your heart while they struggle alone to cull out a way to survive in a hostile environment fraught with attacks such as military-like marshalls that seek out straggling children, and destroy tenement buildings in which they may be hiding. When these squads burn out and block them from refuge in such a place, leaving Tyler without the only thing he has left of his before life; a toy and the picture of his mother and dad, I was really choked.
Price knows how to bring out the emotions and cause us to champion these children. Her ability to make us visualize is stellar. Her ability to put terror in our hearts with the threat of an unknown is the sign of a very talented writer. I was scared half the time! Price put me in the body of Callie!
I found this book engaging and suspenseful on a gut level. I loved how the story developed, how Price used her characters to engender different emotions and careful messages; even warnings. Not all of the elders were monsters, thankfully, and I liked that she made that evident from the start. The concept of losing one's self to a mechanism/computer for a space and time seems plausible and; therefore, all the more frightening to me! What a perfectly nightmarish theme!
As a young adult novel, this book soars. As a crossover into adult fiction; i.e., for lovers of YA fiction, I think it will be a satisfying and thought-provoking read. Absolutely book group reading material; including mother/daughter book groups. What the outcome of the novel is is neither here nor there, especially in light of the whole concept ... it should be enough to have you grabbing this one off the shelves!
I had a great trip within the body of this book. Please try it on for yourself! And, for God's sake, get your flu shot!!
5 stars
Deborah/TheBookishDame
Where the Dame's Mind Went :
My mind went horrified as I thought of a world where senior citizens would turn on the young and use them for vehicles of personal gain. Ugh! What a
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jaded-eyed look at the elderly!! This is a book that will scare the pants off everyone who reads it. A world gone so desperate that the children left behind after a viral catastrophe wipes out their parents, are scuttling through the streets to survive like rats in broken down tenements and abandoned warehouses. I couldn't stop being glued to the pages of the book. I took offense to being called away from it. Horrified and hungry to know more!The "haves" in this "have nots" world are the elderly over 60's who were able to receive a vaccine for the virus that wiped out the US because they were deemed most likely not to survive. Young people/children received the vaccine also, being considered too weak to survive. Since parents and middleagers died off, the wealthy elders that survived now have everything they want, except the beautiful, supple bodies they need to enjoy all the sports and activities of their past young lives. Hence, they "rent" the bodies of teens through computer/science by the day, week and month. The teen in question here, Callie, is caught in this web of transactions and terrors because she's desperate to keep her little brother alive.
Suspense and terror are built up masterfully by Lissa Price as she develops her world and her creepy elder-care characters. Additionally, the young adult characters you'll come to love; Callie, her friend Michael, and Callie's 7 year old brother, Tyler tear at your heart while they struggle alone to cull out a way to survive in a hostile environment fraught with attacks such as military-like marshalls that seek out straggling children, and destroy tenement buildings in which they may be hiding. When these squads burn out and block them from refuge in such a place, leaving Tyler without the only thing he has left of his before life; a toy and the picture of his mother and dad, I was really choked.
Price knows how to bring out the emotions and cause us to champion these children. Her ability to make us visualize is stellar. Her ability to put terror in our hearts with the threat of an unknown is the sign of a very talented writer. I was scared half the time! Price put me in the body of Callie!
I found this book engaging and suspenseful on a gut level. I loved how the story developed, how Price used her characters to engender different emotions and careful messages; even warnings. Not all of the elders were monsters, thankfully, and I liked that she made that evident from the start. The concept of losing one's self to a mechanism/computer for a space and time seems plausible and; therefore, all the more frightening to me! What a perfectly nightmarish theme!
As a young adult novel, this book soars. As a crossover into adult fiction; i.e., for lovers of YA fiction, I think it will be a satisfying and thought-provoking read. Absolutely book group reading material; including mother/daughter book groups. What the outcome of the novel is is neither here nor there, especially in light of the whole concept ... it should be enough to have you grabbing this one off the shelves!
I had a great trip within the body of this book. Please try it on for yourself! And, for God's sake, get your flu shot!!
5 stars
Deborah/TheBookishDame
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LibraryThing member suetu
Talkin’ ‘bout my generation gap
"Enders gave me the creeps." That's the first sentence of Lissa Price's debut novel, Starters, as thought by her tough, independent protagonist, Callie Woodland. Callie has had to get tough--she's a Starter. In the futuristic world envisioned by Price, the
But society is suffering something far worse than a generation gulf. The Enders have all the money and all the power. Trust me, by and large, these are NOT kindly old grandparents! And with advances in medicine and technology, they regularly live to be 200 or more. It's tough times to be a Starter. You're not legally allowed to work, and if you don't have an Ender willing to be your legal guardian, you'll be hunted down and locked in a facility.
So, this is the world that Callie's been surviving in for the last few years since she lost her parents. She might be relatively okay on her own, she has friends, but she's responsible for a sick little brother who means everything to her. It's a constant source of worry which leads her to take desperate measures. She's going to Prime Destinations, where she can get enough money for food and rent for a year. While never stated explicitly, this is a new form of prostitution. It's not sex she's selling, but she's going there to sell her body--or at least rent it out.
Prime Destinations has developed technology whereby a teen can rent possession of their vigorous, young body to an Ender for a day, week, or month at a time. She's told, "We insert a tiny neurochip into the back of your head. You won't feel a thing. Totally painless. Allows us to connect you to the computer at all times. We then connect your brain waves to the computer, and the computer connects the two of you." In other words, an Ender in suspended animation would take control of Callie's body, while her own consciousness is in a coma-like sleep. After just three rentals, she'd get the big payday and be totally free of obligations. It's an offer she can't afford to refuse.
But bargains with the devil are never simple. Something goes wrong, and Callie winds up in a struggle for dominance with an Ender who has an agenda that has nothing to do with the rental agreement. And this is just the tip of the iceberg in a story that becomes increasingly complex and increasingly compelling as it goes along. There is actually quite a lot going on in this dystopian tale. There are, of course, elements of social commentary, along with some amusing social satire. There are political intrigue and thriller aspects to the tale alongside the science fiction. And, yes, in what has become a familiar YA trope, there is a love triangle. (Or square? Pentagram? Whatever, there's romance afoot.) Additionally, there are some compelling plot lines involving a mystery villain, the Old Man, about whom it is said:
"The one thing that everyone knows is that he's kept his identity secret. No one's ever seen his face. Rumors abound... He used to be a software genius, he was in charge of Dark Ops during the war and sustained some injury... Who knows if any of it is true?"
Who knows, indeed? It is these questions that will have fans rushing back for ENDERS, the sequel to this nail-biter. Price does a great job creating likable and engaging characters and telling a darn entertaining story. It moves at an enjoyably rapid pace. I felt influences of many other sources within the confines of this story, but rather than take away from what Price has created, I felt like they added interesting subtext to the tale.
Finally, it is at least a little ironic that this tale of the young and old should have so very much crossover potential between its intended YA audience, and oldsters like me. I'm not quite an Ender yet, but I'm not a young adult either, and I was captivated. I'm thrilled the sequel is due out in December. Price has set things up for a blockbuster conclusion, and I shall be waiting with bated breath.
"Enders gave me the creeps." That's the first sentence of Lissa Price's debut novel, Starters, as thought by her tough, independent protagonist, Callie Woodland. Callie has had to get tough--she's a Starter. In the futuristic world envisioned by Price, the
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population has been decimated by a genocidal "spore war." There was a vaccine against the spores, but there wasn't enough. Per protocol, it was given to the weakest members of society, the oldest and youngest. Now, the survivors are almost exclusively 20 or younger (the Starters) or 60 or older (the Enders).But society is suffering something far worse than a generation gulf. The Enders have all the money and all the power. Trust me, by and large, these are NOT kindly old grandparents! And with advances in medicine and technology, they regularly live to be 200 or more. It's tough times to be a Starter. You're not legally allowed to work, and if you don't have an Ender willing to be your legal guardian, you'll be hunted down and locked in a facility.
So, this is the world that Callie's been surviving in for the last few years since she lost her parents. She might be relatively okay on her own, she has friends, but she's responsible for a sick little brother who means everything to her. It's a constant source of worry which leads her to take desperate measures. She's going to Prime Destinations, where she can get enough money for food and rent for a year. While never stated explicitly, this is a new form of prostitution. It's not sex she's selling, but she's going there to sell her body--or at least rent it out.
Prime Destinations has developed technology whereby a teen can rent possession of their vigorous, young body to an Ender for a day, week, or month at a time. She's told, "We insert a tiny neurochip into the back of your head. You won't feel a thing. Totally painless. Allows us to connect you to the computer at all times. We then connect your brain waves to the computer, and the computer connects the two of you." In other words, an Ender in suspended animation would take control of Callie's body, while her own consciousness is in a coma-like sleep. After just three rentals, she'd get the big payday and be totally free of obligations. It's an offer she can't afford to refuse.
But bargains with the devil are never simple. Something goes wrong, and Callie winds up in a struggle for dominance with an Ender who has an agenda that has nothing to do with the rental agreement. And this is just the tip of the iceberg in a story that becomes increasingly complex and increasingly compelling as it goes along. There is actually quite a lot going on in this dystopian tale. There are, of course, elements of social commentary, along with some amusing social satire. There are political intrigue and thriller aspects to the tale alongside the science fiction. And, yes, in what has become a familiar YA trope, there is a love triangle. (Or square? Pentagram? Whatever, there's romance afoot.) Additionally, there are some compelling plot lines involving a mystery villain, the Old Man, about whom it is said:
"The one thing that everyone knows is that he's kept his identity secret. No one's ever seen his face. Rumors abound... He used to be a software genius, he was in charge of Dark Ops during the war and sustained some injury... Who knows if any of it is true?"
Who knows, indeed? It is these questions that will have fans rushing back for ENDERS, the sequel to this nail-biter. Price does a great job creating likable and engaging characters and telling a darn entertaining story. It moves at an enjoyably rapid pace. I felt influences of many other sources within the confines of this story, but rather than take away from what Price has created, I felt like they added interesting subtext to the tale.
Finally, it is at least a little ironic that this tale of the young and old should have so very much crossover potential between its intended YA audience, and oldsters like me. I'm not quite an Ender yet, but I'm not a young adult either, and I was captivated. I'm thrilled the sequel is due out in December. Price has set things up for a blockbuster conclusion, and I shall be waiting with bated breath.
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LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
I wouldn't call Starters a dystopian novel, though it does have a similar feel. It's more of a unique and interesting YA science fiction novel that paints a unique vision of the future with an unexpected twist.
Starters takes place in the future, where it's become common for teens to rent their
Debut author Lissa Price brings a compelling and incredibly fresh new vision to the world of YA fiction. Price introduces readers to the voice of Callie, a unique teen dealing with some very serious -and adult -issues who is willing to do what it takes to provide for herself and her brother. Not only does Starters offer an engaging thrill ride for readers, but it explores the concept of eternal youth, and discusses the fact that our culture is so obsessed with youth that some people would be willing to do just about anything to achieve it -no matter how unethical it might be.
I really enjoyed Price's writing style. It's easy to read, access, crisp and strong. Any reader can easily fall into this book and not have problems with getting lost. Price is a fabulous new author that promises some excellent thrills for readers and a unique new series that's unlike anything else out there.
Starters takes place in the future, where it's become common for teens to rent their
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bodies out to elder people who want the opportunity to be young again. Young Callie is an orphan who lost her parents in a brutal genocide attack, left with nothing but her younger brother and the desperate need to make make ends me. Callie's only salvation seems to be renting out her body to seniors, also known as renters. But her body's newest tenant doesn't just want to party, but has more sinister plans in mind.Debut author Lissa Price brings a compelling and incredibly fresh new vision to the world of YA fiction. Price introduces readers to the voice of Callie, a unique teen dealing with some very serious -and adult -issues who is willing to do what it takes to provide for herself and her brother. Not only does Starters offer an engaging thrill ride for readers, but it explores the concept of eternal youth, and discusses the fact that our culture is so obsessed with youth that some people would be willing to do just about anything to achieve it -no matter how unethical it might be.
I really enjoyed Price's writing style. It's easy to read, access, crisp and strong. Any reader can easily fall into this book and not have problems with getting lost. Price is a fabulous new author that promises some excellent thrills for readers and a unique new series that's unlike anything else out there.
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LibraryThing member cwbenson19
Starters, a debut novel by author, LIssa Price, is set in a futuristic world where Callie and her seven year old brother, Tyler, have been left to fend for themselves as they were orphaned when a genocide spore wiped out all members of the population who were not vacinnated against it. This left
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the two groups deemed at high risk, the very young, Starters and the very old, Enders. The two along with their friend Michael live on the streets and in vacant buildings scrounging for food and trying to protect themselves from the renegades who are a constant threat. Callie learns of Prime Destinations, a company engaged in the business of renting young, beautiful bodies to rich seniors who wish to live out their fantasies. In an effort to provide a better life, and to meet the needs of a little brother who is seriously ill, Callie, rather reluctantly, decides her only hope is take advantage of this opportunity in a world where it seems opportunity has ceased to exist. This fast-paced thriller finds Callie caught up in a complex web of events from which she must extricate herself. This is a great read. Show Less
LibraryThing member brandileigh2003
This is such a creepy and delicious idea for a dystopia! The idea of renting out your body and not knowing what the renter does is so hard to imagine, and just reading the description makes you wonder why you would want to do that. We quickly see with Callie her heart and determination--she does it
The idea of the Enders is kinda creepy too... not knowing who is a real teen, and if you are seeing the same person inside a body every time. I liked some of the Enders that we met, and you can understand their motivations too.
I really enjoyed the romance and how twisted the relationships really are. I hope that they are explored fully in the next books in the series because there is so much potential and I want to know what happens next.
There is a lot of action and I was constantly engaged, wondering what would happen next and what would throw me for a loop.
Essentially, I loved it and can't wait for the next. Strong characters and refreshing idea.
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for her brother. The family bond there is so sweet and I love how that is woven into the story. Fighting for her only surviving family is a motivation that I can totally understand and makes her actions believable and commendable. The idea of the Enders is kinda creepy too... not knowing who is a real teen, and if you are seeing the same person inside a body every time. I liked some of the Enders that we met, and you can understand their motivations too.
I really enjoyed the romance and how twisted the relationships really are. I hope that they are explored fully in the next books in the series because there is so much potential and I want to know what happens next.
There is a lot of action and I was constantly engaged, wondering what would happen next and what would throw me for a loop.
Essentially, I loved it and can't wait for the next. Strong characters and refreshing idea.
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LibraryThing member chickey1981
These days it is hard to write a dystopian YA and have it stand out. Starters did not have that problem; it was impressive from start to finish.
In the first few pages, we are immersed in the dangerous world where Callie, the protagonist of the book, lives. There has been a horrible war where the US
There are countless strengths of this novel. The key, however, is Callie. She is a terrific main character; she is strong, resourceful, intelligent and brave... but at the same time believable and utterly likeable. She will do anything to take care of her little brother. Also, this novel begins in the middle-- right in the center of the action and never lets up all the way through. I blazed through this book and couldn't put it down. The starkness and clarity of the prose really came through; it was crisply written. I loved each of the twists and did not even predict the biggest one. It's hard to do that with a seasoned YA veteran reader. Furthermore, the other characters were well developed. Probably my other favorite character was Madison- I'll leave the reader to discover her. She was an utter gem. The world that Lissa Price builds is terrible but very believable; while not entirely unique (which is pretty impossible at this point), she gave a brand-new spin in her creation of this dystopian society.
And the Old Man. There are several mysteries that I have still lingering in my mind and that will haunt me until December.
Overall, a smashing debut in a genre that is very difficult to break into. This book is in the top 5 books that I have read in the past year, and one that I believe earns its place along with Pandemonium and Divergent. Lissa Price will be one to watch.
In the first few pages, we are immersed in the dangerous world where Callie, the protagonist of the book, lives. There has been a horrible war where the US
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has fell victim to a terrible biological attack, where only the elderly and young have been vaccinated. Unsurprisingly, this leaves the young to fend for themselves. Callie is forced to make some tough decisions when an offer to rent her young body to an elderly person for a short time comes across the table. This money could save her little brother's life.There are countless strengths of this novel. The key, however, is Callie. She is a terrific main character; she is strong, resourceful, intelligent and brave... but at the same time believable and utterly likeable. She will do anything to take care of her little brother. Also, this novel begins in the middle-- right in the center of the action and never lets up all the way through. I blazed through this book and couldn't put it down. The starkness and clarity of the prose really came through; it was crisply written. I loved each of the twists and did not even predict the biggest one. It's hard to do that with a seasoned YA veteran reader. Furthermore, the other characters were well developed. Probably my other favorite character was Madison- I'll leave the reader to discover her. She was an utter gem. The world that Lissa Price builds is terrible but very believable; while not entirely unique (which is pretty impossible at this point), she gave a brand-new spin in her creation of this dystopian society.
And the Old Man. There are several mysteries that I have still lingering in my mind and that will haunt me until December.
Overall, a smashing debut in a genre that is very difficult to break into. This book is in the top 5 books that I have read in the past year, and one that I believe earns its place along with Pandemonium and Divergent. Lissa Price will be one to watch.
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LibraryThing member breakingdownslowly
I enjoyed this one a LOT more than I expected.
Callie was a pretty kick ass heroine. She was stubborn and independent and super protective. I really got her character because, as I've mentioned in a couple other reviews, I'm about her age with a brother about her brother's age and I would do
Also, the story line of Starters? Sweet Freaking Jesus. I thought it would be kind of bland, a lot like other dystopians, but NO. No. Starters was different and twisted CONSTANTLY. Like the ending? Approximately 5,000 things happened and my brain was confused in the most wonderful way because HOW JUST HOW? But it was all there and it was beautiful and so many twists. I gave up trying to figure out what was going on and just read in shock and let my jaw drop a bunch of times. Let's just say Lissa Price knows How to Write.
The world was definitely interesting. The background is unfolded very slowly, but I'm still not totally sure how society ended up the way it was. I'm hoping it'll be more developed in the future novellas/sequels because it seemed very different and complex and I'm curious how Lissa would break it down. I loved the idea of Starters and Enders and body swaps. It's creepy and eerie but kinda cool. If I was 100 years old, hell yes I'd love to be in a 19 year old body to experience life again for a little while! It was different. Completely and totally different.
Starters is a pretty original idea for a dystopian with an incredible main character, an intriguing romance, murder, mystery, and many, many, MANY twists you don't see coming (even now that you're going to look for them YOU WON'T FIND THEM.) Lissa Price put out an insanely good debut and I'll definitely be looking forward to novellas and sequels and possibly trilogies, oh my! (Yeah...that was...no.)
Callie was a pretty kick ass heroine. She was stubborn and independent and super protective. I really got her character because, as I've mentioned in a couple other reviews, I'm about her age with a brother about her brother's age and I would do
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anything for him, just like she does. And she does all this badassery and it was just...wonderful.Also, the story line of Starters? Sweet Freaking Jesus. I thought it would be kind of bland, a lot like other dystopians, but NO. No. Starters was different and twisted CONSTANTLY. Like the ending? Approximately 5,000 things happened and my brain was confused in the most wonderful way because HOW JUST HOW? But it was all there and it was beautiful and so many twists. I gave up trying to figure out what was going on and just read in shock and let my jaw drop a bunch of times. Let's just say Lissa Price knows How to Write.
The world was definitely interesting. The background is unfolded very slowly, but I'm still not totally sure how society ended up the way it was. I'm hoping it'll be more developed in the future novellas/sequels because it seemed very different and complex and I'm curious how Lissa would break it down. I loved the idea of Starters and Enders and body swaps. It's creepy and eerie but kinda cool. If I was 100 years old, hell yes I'd love to be in a 19 year old body to experience life again for a little while! It was different. Completely and totally different.
Starters is a pretty original idea for a dystopian with an incredible main character, an intriguing romance, murder, mystery, and many, many, MANY twists you don't see coming (even now that you're going to look for them YOU WON'T FIND THEM.) Lissa Price put out an insanely good debut and I'll definitely be looking forward to novellas and sequels and possibly trilogies, oh my! (Yeah...that was...no.)
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LibraryThing member SmplexlyRee
This has been, by far, the most difficult review I’ve written in 2012, and I’m not even sure why. Perhaps because I’m so conflicted – I loved the story; the characters, the premise, the writing style, were great…but there’s quite a few holes in the plot that made me slightly uneasy. I
Starters had me from the very beginning – I absolutely fell.in.love. with Callie, Tyler, and Michael before the first chapter had even come to a close. It wasn’t even that they were incredibly well developed at that point (it wasn’t far enough in the book for that; this isn’t a flaw!), it was simply that the story was poignant and relateable and the writing was detailed and lovely enough to make you want to reach in and hug those poor kids close. Maybe it’s the mommy in me, but I wanted to bring them all home – and I certainly was interested in what was happening to them in the book.
Interestingly enough, Ms. Price did not assign a hair or eye color to Callie. It wasn’t til the end of the book that I realized I’d been imagining her as a dark haired, green eyed, exotic beauty. The cover, with its stark whites and greys and startling eyes, was an enigma to me initially – but I get it now. Viewed after reading the story, it makes so much more sense, and is definitely more beautiful.
As far as plot, setting, and all – well, again, there’s some gaps. There’s some world building in place, and it’s definitely enough to bring the story forward and not leave the reader flailing for more information, but I’d have liked more detail.
The pace was -fantastic-. There are very few, if any, spots that drag on. Forward momentum is maintained steadily and characters develop in a believable time frame. As far as grammatical issues, I’m sure there’s probably some there, but I was so interested in the story that I didn’t notice. That, to me, counts for a lot. There -is- a sort of love triangle in the book, but it’s not overwhelming and again, it’s believable.
Starter’s end left me wide eyed and wanting more. It’s a cliffhanger, of sorts, but it’s the type that is rife with suspense and intrigue and sets things up perfectly to flow into the next book.
All in all, I truly and honestly loved this book and I will be reading the 2nd and last in the series, Enders. I’ll be buying copies for my nephews and a copy for myself. Starters is a poignant tale of survival, love, consequence, and growth that will grab the reader from the start and leave you breathless at the end.
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have questions about the war with the spores and the missiles. I have some thoughts on the ages of people in the book and how things would have affected each part of the demographic, and a few other things. In the end, I decided that those imperfections and unanswered questions were not enough, in MY opinion, to fuss over.Starters had me from the very beginning – I absolutely fell.in.love. with Callie, Tyler, and Michael before the first chapter had even come to a close. It wasn’t even that they were incredibly well developed at that point (it wasn’t far enough in the book for that; this isn’t a flaw!), it was simply that the story was poignant and relateable and the writing was detailed and lovely enough to make you want to reach in and hug those poor kids close. Maybe it’s the mommy in me, but I wanted to bring them all home – and I certainly was interested in what was happening to them in the book.
Interestingly enough, Ms. Price did not assign a hair or eye color to Callie. It wasn’t til the end of the book that I realized I’d been imagining her as a dark haired, green eyed, exotic beauty. The cover, with its stark whites and greys and startling eyes, was an enigma to me initially – but I get it now. Viewed after reading the story, it makes so much more sense, and is definitely more beautiful.
As far as plot, setting, and all – well, again, there’s some gaps. There’s some world building in place, and it’s definitely enough to bring the story forward and not leave the reader flailing for more information, but I’d have liked more detail.
The pace was -fantastic-. There are very few, if any, spots that drag on. Forward momentum is maintained steadily and characters develop in a believable time frame. As far as grammatical issues, I’m sure there’s probably some there, but I was so interested in the story that I didn’t notice. That, to me, counts for a lot. There -is- a sort of love triangle in the book, but it’s not overwhelming and again, it’s believable.
Starter’s end left me wide eyed and wanting more. It’s a cliffhanger, of sorts, but it’s the type that is rife with suspense and intrigue and sets things up perfectly to flow into the next book.
All in all, I truly and honestly loved this book and I will be reading the 2nd and last in the series, Enders. I’ll be buying copies for my nephews and a copy for myself. Starters is a poignant tale of survival, love, consequence, and growth that will grab the reader from the start and leave you breathless at the end.
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LibraryThing member EKAnderson
In Lissa Price's debut STARTERS, most adults are dead. The Spore Wars, during which a contagion spread and killed everyone between 20 and 60, has wiped out much of the population. Callie is one of the many "unclaimed minors," kids under nineteen without grandparents or other living relatives. Many
At Prime Destinations, Callie is given a contract. She will do three rentals, at which point she will be free of her contract and paid and on with her life. Sure, an Ender -- an elderly person -- will be renting her body and doing who knows what, but at the end of her contract, she'll be able to afford a place for her and her brother and Michael to live. Of course, things don't go as planned. During her third rental, she finds herself slipping in and out of consciousness, she hears her renter's voice, and she finds herself in the middle of a way bigger plot than the month-long nap she's supposed to be taking.
Part mystery, part romance, hugely sci-fi, and really fun STARTERS is sure to satisfy some dystopian cravings in the coming months.
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of the unclaimed minors have been institutionalized, living in dorms built and run by the government -- dorms that are rumored to be unpleasant. Which has left Callie with very little in the form of options. Her brother is sick, she's living on the street with a small band of friendlies including her kind-of-but-not-really boyfriend Michael, and it's illegal for her to get a job -- unless, of course, that job is the underground market for human body rentals.At Prime Destinations, Callie is given a contract. She will do three rentals, at which point she will be free of her contract and paid and on with her life. Sure, an Ender -- an elderly person -- will be renting her body and doing who knows what, but at the end of her contract, she'll be able to afford a place for her and her brother and Michael to live. Of course, things don't go as planned. During her third rental, she finds herself slipping in and out of consciousness, she hears her renter's voice, and she finds herself in the middle of a way bigger plot than the month-long nap she's supposed to be taking.
Part mystery, part romance, hugely sci-fi, and really fun STARTERS is sure to satisfy some dystopian cravings in the coming months.
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LibraryThing member Shadowrose96
The summary of this book is so intriguing that I finished two books just so I could start it sooner. It certainly didn’t disappoint but I can honestly say I have a ton of questions that I really want answered, and I’m hoping with the second book they will be.
I really like the plot’s premise,
Callie was an interesting character but unfortunately by the end I didn’t really know who exactly she was, the plot doesn’t really leave open much room for expansion on her actual character and I’m hoping that it will in the second one. Micheal and Tyler were also semi glossed over, you get some idea of their connection to one another but the story moves away from them so fast that you never get chance to see how close they are to Callie. I also didn’t quite understand how Callie related to Blake at all, it moved super fast on her part and I wasn’t sure how exactly it came about. I did however really like The Old Man, I felt his character was the most intriguing and I am super curious about him.
Like I said before I do have a ton of questions now, and I have a feeling that a few will be answered in the next one. I do wish that the whole Spore War thing would have been delved into more, I understand that it’s not really huge in the actual plot other than background but I would have loved to know more about it.
While I wasn’t really drawn in by the characters I did love the plot and concept and I do want to read the second one when it comes out. There was also a moment at the end that practically determined that I’m reading the second one no matter what, because I simply HAVE to know.
I really like the plot’s premise,
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and the whole idea of renting actual bodies is super creepy and interesting. In fact it makes my skin crawl a bit to think about someone wearing my body like a new suit, even if the money was a fantastic intensive. I do like that concept of a company taking advantage of the desperation of the remaining people, both old and young. As horrible as that sounds it’s kind of one of those believable yet unbelievable concepts that really strike me as a great idea. I did enjoy the whole conspiracy part of this and I enjoyed seeing Callie react to what was thrown at her. Overall I felt the idea to be original because I personally haven’t really seen this idea outside of the horror spectrum and it’s a nice change.Callie was an interesting character but unfortunately by the end I didn’t really know who exactly she was, the plot doesn’t really leave open much room for expansion on her actual character and I’m hoping that it will in the second one. Micheal and Tyler were also semi glossed over, you get some idea of their connection to one another but the story moves away from them so fast that you never get chance to see how close they are to Callie. I also didn’t quite understand how Callie related to Blake at all, it moved super fast on her part and I wasn’t sure how exactly it came about. I did however really like The Old Man, I felt his character was the most intriguing and I am super curious about him.
Like I said before I do have a ton of questions now, and I have a feeling that a few will be answered in the next one. I do wish that the whole Spore War thing would have been delved into more, I understand that it’s not really huge in the actual plot other than background but I would have loved to know more about it.
While I wasn’t really drawn in by the characters I did love the plot and concept and I do want to read the second one when it comes out. There was also a moment at the end that practically determined that I’m reading the second one no matter what, because I simply HAVE to know.
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LibraryThing member StephsStacks
I heard many great things about Starters and I couldn't wait to dig in! Well, I can tell you, friends, all of the early buzz was well justified and I wasn't disappointed.
So, once upon a time, in the not-so-distant future, due to biological warfare, everyone between the ages of 20 and 60 is now
Enter our heroine, Callie. She has lost her entire family during the Spore Wars with the exception of her little brother, Tyler. Tyler is sickly and Callie is willing to risk her life to protect him. The two of them have joined up with Michael and, together, the three of them fight of Renegades, avoid Marshalls and dumpster dive for food to survive.
Callie discovers a covert opportunity to make enough money to buy her little family a house (and take care of them for a year) in exchange for a few weeks of her life. Prime Destinations is offering her the chance to get off the streets as long as she doesn't mind an Ender taking over her body for a spell. Nothing bad could come of that, right?
Well, despite her initial reservations, Callie takes the deal (you knew she would) and shenanigans ensue. What follows is a fast-paced, action-packed thrill ride. Callie finds herself thrust into a world filled with money, glamour, cute boys, peril, mystery and imposters. I couldn't wait to see what was coming around each twist and turn.
I found Callie to be quite the KAH. She was clever, resourceful and deadly in her undercover role (I could see a Nikita, Dollhouse or Alias situation in her future). I can't wait to see where her adventures take her next. Sign me up for the sequel!
So, once upon a time, in the not-so-distant future, due to biological warfare, everyone between the ages of 20 and 60 is now
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dead. Adding to the chaos that invariably ensues is the fact that once considered elderly people (Enders) are now living to 200. Therefore, everyone under 20 (Starters) can basically suck it. Unless you have a nice Elder to take you under their wing, you are a menace and a threat.Enter our heroine, Callie. She has lost her entire family during the Spore Wars with the exception of her little brother, Tyler. Tyler is sickly and Callie is willing to risk her life to protect him. The two of them have joined up with Michael and, together, the three of them fight of Renegades, avoid Marshalls and dumpster dive for food to survive.
Callie discovers a covert opportunity to make enough money to buy her little family a house (and take care of them for a year) in exchange for a few weeks of her life. Prime Destinations is offering her the chance to get off the streets as long as she doesn't mind an Ender taking over her body for a spell. Nothing bad could come of that, right?
Well, despite her initial reservations, Callie takes the deal (you knew she would) and shenanigans ensue. What follows is a fast-paced, action-packed thrill ride. Callie finds herself thrust into a world filled with money, glamour, cute boys, peril, mystery and imposters. I couldn't wait to see what was coming around each twist and turn.
I found Callie to be quite the KAH. She was clever, resourceful and deadly in her undercover role (I could see a Nikita, Dollhouse or Alias situation in her future). I can't wait to see where her adventures take her next. Sign me up for the sequel!
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LibraryThing member DarkFaerieTales
Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: This dystopian America exposes the lengths people will go to for their families…and to get their youth back.
Opening Sentence: Enders gave me the creeps.
The Review:
Starters, Ender, Renegades, Spore Wars–the world building Price does in this book
This page turning story is told from Callie’s POV, and she’s a strong, caring heroine. The body bank is her last card, the only way she can think to save her brother Tyler. They squat on the streets, hiding from the government, but at the age of seven Tyler’s sick and getting sicker. He needs a home, real food and a clean place to sleep. The paycheck from the body bank can give Callie that. She knows something’s off with them–it’s illegal to hire Starters, and especially unclaimed minors–but there’s no where else to turn. It’s easy money–literally as easy as falling asleep–and she has no other way to save Tyler. Ender’s pay for the chance to use your body for a few days, to get to be young and beautiful again, and you get a fat paycheck without any questions. Except Callie’s rental doesn’t work that way. Callie wakes up. Despite the rules and regulations body renters are supposed to oblige, Callie’s in a nightclub with a wad of money and a gun. Clearly, not your average rental.
Callie does what any self-respecting girl would do in this situation: panic. I don’t mean she has a hysterical fit or anything, but she’s clearly worried about what her renter is up to. I mean, I would be too, which is what makes Callie such a great narrator. Not only can you follow her thought process without banging your head against the wall saying “Why are you so stupid?” but she does exactly what I would do in this situation. That is: try and figure out what’s going on without getting in more trouble. But of course it’s not that easy (though really, is that easy?) because Callie’s renter has a mission she’s determined to see through to the end. As the darker side of the body bank comes to light Callie also struggles with her feelings for Michael and Blake. Michael is the boy-next-door, who she never really knew until they were living on the streets together. He’s watching over Tyler while she’s gone and has clearly been protecting them since their parents died. They’re a unit, but there’s tension when Callie has to leave. Blake is the rich real-boy–as in he’s not a renter. He’s cute, he’s fun, and he doesn’t ask questions when Callie does something crazy but instead follows her lead. I think there’s a lot more to Blake than meets the eye; I can’t wait for more of his story in the next installment!
As I said before, the writing style is first person. It also–impressively, in my opinion–holds very true to realism in this dystopian world. Price has built an intricate world around a manipulative government and demolished society using terms that are easily definable for her readers. Her plot is strong and based almost wholly on the idea of “what would you do when backed into a corner?” but still manages to surprise you. Part of the surprise comes from the fact that her characters are almost all individualized. They each have their own motives and missions that both work to further the plot and complicate their lives. I’m always a little iffy on flashbacks, but they’re used here more as memories triggered by something going on than as a cop-out for the author to explain what’s going on.
I’m a big fan of dystopians because they’re rife with angst and questions about society. This one is a particular favorite. I need the next book right now! The ending wasn’t one of those annoying cliff hangers, but you’re still left with a lot of tension to carry over into the next story!
Notable Scene:
“He’s over here!” The other marshal’s voice called out.
The the sound that made our spines tingle, that electronic, arcing crackle, broke through the cold night.
ZipTaser.
Excruciating screams followed the crackle. They ripped through us, making our teeth hurt and our souls ache. The leaves shook as the marshal ran off.
I pressed my face to the hole in the bushes to see. A boy lay on the ground, facedown. His screams were giving way to moans.
One of the marshals slapped autocuffs on him and turned him over. I recognized him as one of the newer guys in our building. The side of his neck was burnt black from the ZipTaser. That happened if they held it too close or the gun was turned up too high. They did it on purpose, to brand us.
The Starters Series:
1. Starters
2. Enders
FTC Advisory: Random House/Delacorte Books provided me with a copy of Starters. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: This dystopian America exposes the lengths people will go to for their families…and to get their youth back.
Opening Sentence: Enders gave me the creeps.
The Review:
Starters, Ender, Renegades, Spore Wars–the world building Price does in this book
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is phenomenal. Starters takes place in a post-war America–biological warfare–that destroyed society as we know it. During the Spore Wars only the elderly and the young were vaccinated, because they were the most vulnerable, and as a result everyone between the ages of 20 and 60 is dead. Of course, Enders can live as long as 200 years in this time–and they do, manipulating their bodies in grotesque and phenomenal ways (for example: rib removal for a tiny waist) to stay beautiful. The Starters are the kids left behind by the Spore Wars. The unclaimed get sent to a government run institution and are never heard from again.This page turning story is told from Callie’s POV, and she’s a strong, caring heroine. The body bank is her last card, the only way she can think to save her brother Tyler. They squat on the streets, hiding from the government, but at the age of seven Tyler’s sick and getting sicker. He needs a home, real food and a clean place to sleep. The paycheck from the body bank can give Callie that. She knows something’s off with them–it’s illegal to hire Starters, and especially unclaimed minors–but there’s no where else to turn. It’s easy money–literally as easy as falling asleep–and she has no other way to save Tyler. Ender’s pay for the chance to use your body for a few days, to get to be young and beautiful again, and you get a fat paycheck without any questions. Except Callie’s rental doesn’t work that way. Callie wakes up. Despite the rules and regulations body renters are supposed to oblige, Callie’s in a nightclub with a wad of money and a gun. Clearly, not your average rental.
Callie does what any self-respecting girl would do in this situation: panic. I don’t mean she has a hysterical fit or anything, but she’s clearly worried about what her renter is up to. I mean, I would be too, which is what makes Callie such a great narrator. Not only can you follow her thought process without banging your head against the wall saying “Why are you so stupid?” but she does exactly what I would do in this situation. That is: try and figure out what’s going on without getting in more trouble. But of course it’s not that easy (though really, is that easy?) because Callie’s renter has a mission she’s determined to see through to the end. As the darker side of the body bank comes to light Callie also struggles with her feelings for Michael and Blake. Michael is the boy-next-door, who she never really knew until they were living on the streets together. He’s watching over Tyler while she’s gone and has clearly been protecting them since their parents died. They’re a unit, but there’s tension when Callie has to leave. Blake is the rich real-boy–as in he’s not a renter. He’s cute, he’s fun, and he doesn’t ask questions when Callie does something crazy but instead follows her lead. I think there’s a lot more to Blake than meets the eye; I can’t wait for more of his story in the next installment!
As I said before, the writing style is first person. It also–impressively, in my opinion–holds very true to realism in this dystopian world. Price has built an intricate world around a manipulative government and demolished society using terms that are easily definable for her readers. Her plot is strong and based almost wholly on the idea of “what would you do when backed into a corner?” but still manages to surprise you. Part of the surprise comes from the fact that her characters are almost all individualized. They each have their own motives and missions that both work to further the plot and complicate their lives. I’m always a little iffy on flashbacks, but they’re used here more as memories triggered by something going on than as a cop-out for the author to explain what’s going on.
I’m a big fan of dystopians because they’re rife with angst and questions about society. This one is a particular favorite. I need the next book right now! The ending wasn’t one of those annoying cliff hangers, but you’re still left with a lot of tension to carry over into the next story!
Notable Scene:
“He’s over here!” The other marshal’s voice called out.
The the sound that made our spines tingle, that electronic, arcing crackle, broke through the cold night.
ZipTaser.
Excruciating screams followed the crackle. They ripped through us, making our teeth hurt and our souls ache. The leaves shook as the marshal ran off.
I pressed my face to the hole in the bushes to see. A boy lay on the ground, facedown. His screams were giving way to moans.
One of the marshals slapped autocuffs on him and turned him over. I recognized him as one of the newer guys in our building. The side of his neck was burnt black from the ZipTaser. That happened if they held it too close or the gun was turned up too high. They did it on purpose, to brand us.
The Starters Series:
1. Starters
2. Enders
FTC Advisory: Random House/Delacorte Books provided me with a copy of Starters. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
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LibraryThing member terilhack
Callie Woodland had a beautiful life. Callie had a mother and devoted father, a brother and a nice house, but all of that changed as a massive shift came over her world destroying everything she thought she had.
In this future a disease has wiped out all of the middle aged people in the US, Callie
Callie is trying to keep her sick and ailing brother alive and safe from the Marshal's hunting kids relentlessly when she hears about a new opportunity to raise money-loan your body. The elderly, Ender's, pay dearly to replay their youth with the new found ability to rent a host body and basically upload into someone's mind and relive their youth. For Callie learns all about being a Renter from the company Prime Destinations, and as she loans out her body so not only finds that things can go wrong, but people do not always follow the rules of their contract.
Caught in a dangerous position Callie Woodland must choose to save herself, or save all of the lost children of the future. Can one man and one law destroy them all?
Lissa Price has created an action packed new release that will grip readers with the plights of the decimated kids struggling in a world that has lost compassion for them. Sold and imprisoned like cattle kids in the future soon may find themselves lost to the aging generation of Enders as nothing but a new body for hire or perhaps eternity?
With a great cast of characters and new twist around every turn Starter's by Lissa Price will introduce readers to a frightening future that lays the cost of war upon the disenfranchised youth. With no where to go really, and everything to loose how far would you go to help those that you love?
In this future a disease has wiped out all of the middle aged people in the US, Callie
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and thousand upon thousands of other kids lost their parents to a deadly sickness that tore their world apart. With a police state where enforcers are coming and rounding up parentless kids and sending them into asylums or playing them in deadly work camps, Callie and her brother Tyler are struggling to survive and stay free in this dangerous new reality.Callie is trying to keep her sick and ailing brother alive and safe from the Marshal's hunting kids relentlessly when she hears about a new opportunity to raise money-loan your body. The elderly, Ender's, pay dearly to replay their youth with the new found ability to rent a host body and basically upload into someone's mind and relive their youth. For Callie learns all about being a Renter from the company Prime Destinations, and as she loans out her body so not only finds that things can go wrong, but people do not always follow the rules of their contract.
Caught in a dangerous position Callie Woodland must choose to save herself, or save all of the lost children of the future. Can one man and one law destroy them all?
Lissa Price has created an action packed new release that will grip readers with the plights of the decimated kids struggling in a world that has lost compassion for them. Sold and imprisoned like cattle kids in the future soon may find themselves lost to the aging generation of Enders as nothing but a new body for hire or perhaps eternity?
With a great cast of characters and new twist around every turn Starter's by Lissa Price will introduce readers to a frightening future that lays the cost of war upon the disenfranchised youth. With no where to go really, and everything to loose how far would you go to help those that you love?
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LibraryThing member dgoo
I really enjoyed this post-apocalypse/future dystopia young adult novel. A teen girl on her own fending for her family in the face of an oppressive adult culture, this one of uber-elderly who want to stamp down and in some cases stamp out youth under 18, who have no rights in their society. This is
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all post-war which involved biological spores dropped from a bomb which wiped out everyone without the vaccine, those 18-60. This book reminded me of the novel The Declaration by Gemma Malley, but I liked this story better. The plot was a bit more straightforward but I found the writing more engaging and the pace was a little faster, more to my liking for this story. Show Less
LibraryThing member booktwirps
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved this book. When I read the synopsis it sounded intriguing and like something I felt I would enjoy. Let me just say that the synopsis is nothing compared to the actual book. I was immediately drawn into the story in the first chapter and by the end
Ms. Price does a wonderful job of mixing pulse-pounding action with a touch of sci-fi, and has created a unique dystopian premise. I really liked Callie, the protagonist. This poor girl only wants to provide for herself and her little brother and gets sucked into a disturbing game that seems almost impossible to escape. I felt her fear and frustration, her distrust of everyone and her conflicting emotions between what she feels is the right thing to do and what needs to be done to survive. It gets to the point where Callie has no idea who she can trust which puts her on edge and causes her to make some rash decisions. I would hate to ever be in her position. The other characters were fine and served a purpose, I just didn’t really connect with them as much.
There were a few things I didn’t like. For one, I felt the romantic interest felt rushed and I didn’t completely believe that Callie would have fallen for the guy as quickly as she did, or trust the guy as much as she did. It just didn’t feel natural. By the end of the book it was apparent why Ms. Price set this up, but I didn’t totally buy into it. There also appears to be a set up for a possible love triangle, which again, I don’t feel is totally necessary. Then again, having not read the next book, this is just speculation on my part. I also felt the last few chapters were rushed. We get a lot of information that is just summed up, which is fine, but it just felt as if it happened too quickly.
While the ending wasn’t a complete surprise, it is exciting and a major cliffhanger. The good news is that, according to a page at the end of the book, the next installment will be released in winter of 2012, so we won’t have to wait an entire year for the next installment. I also understand there is an ebook short story available that gives us a little more background on Callie. I’ll definitely be picking this up.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced dystopian that will keep you on your toes, I HIGHLY recommend this one.
(Review based on an Advanced Reader’s Copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley)
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of the third I was hooked. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it: The complex plot, the characters, the mystery.Ms. Price does a wonderful job of mixing pulse-pounding action with a touch of sci-fi, and has created a unique dystopian premise. I really liked Callie, the protagonist. This poor girl only wants to provide for herself and her little brother and gets sucked into a disturbing game that seems almost impossible to escape. I felt her fear and frustration, her distrust of everyone and her conflicting emotions between what she feels is the right thing to do and what needs to be done to survive. It gets to the point where Callie has no idea who she can trust which puts her on edge and causes her to make some rash decisions. I would hate to ever be in her position. The other characters were fine and served a purpose, I just didn’t really connect with them as much.
There were a few things I didn’t like. For one, I felt the romantic interest felt rushed and I didn’t completely believe that Callie would have fallen for the guy as quickly as she did, or trust the guy as much as she did. It just didn’t feel natural. By the end of the book it was apparent why Ms. Price set this up, but I didn’t totally buy into it. There also appears to be a set up for a possible love triangle, which again, I don’t feel is totally necessary. Then again, having not read the next book, this is just speculation on my part. I also felt the last few chapters were rushed. We get a lot of information that is just summed up, which is fine, but it just felt as if it happened too quickly.
While the ending wasn’t a complete surprise, it is exciting and a major cliffhanger. The good news is that, according to a page at the end of the book, the next installment will be released in winter of 2012, so we won’t have to wait an entire year for the next installment. I also understand there is an ebook short story available that gives us a little more background on Callie. I’ll definitely be picking this up.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced dystopian that will keep you on your toes, I HIGHLY recommend this one.
(Review based on an Advanced Reader’s Copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley)
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LibraryThing member Beamis12
Loved the characters of Callie, Michael and her little brother, unfortunately while they figure prominently in the first part of the novel, we don't see much of them in the second. Very interesting plot line with the Enders renting the bodies of the young. the spore wars and the fight to survive in
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a very changed world. Believe the YA audience will love this well written novel and as an adult I liked it quite a bit myself. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bookswithbite
Another great book that intrigued me to no end! Full of passionate writing and great characters Starters is the beginning of something great!
What I loved about the book is the plot line. It was so uniquely fresh and so exciting to read I could do nothing but read the pages faster and faster. The
The characters of the book were also so uniquely fresh. I loved that each character played an important role to the next part of the story. Nothing was confusing and it all connected very well in the end. The very interesting part of the story is that some of the character were unaware of what is happening. It all felt so surreal when the characters and I, finally saw it all come together in the end.
Now the ending. I have never been more stunned in my life. I mean, I had no idea! Ms. Price really knows how to leave her readers breathless and awed!
Starters is an affectionate and comprehensively detailed presentation of amazing writing. A welcome alternative to the current genre offerings, Starters is faithful to give you a bite to remember.
What I loved about the book is the plot line. It was so uniquely fresh and so exciting to read I could do nothing but read the pages faster and faster. The
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reader steps into Callie shoes, who rents out her body to allow someone else to use for a time period. In the mist of that, something happens to her chips, plans are uncovered and whole new world is discovered. As I read this story, the plot pacing builds up nicely. I loved feeling the emotions of the story build up along with the characters.The characters of the book were also so uniquely fresh. I loved that each character played an important role to the next part of the story. Nothing was confusing and it all connected very well in the end. The very interesting part of the story is that some of the character were unaware of what is happening. It all felt so surreal when the characters and I, finally saw it all come together in the end.
Now the ending. I have never been more stunned in my life. I mean, I had no idea! Ms. Price really knows how to leave her readers breathless and awed!
Starters is an affectionate and comprehensively detailed presentation of amazing writing. A welcome alternative to the current genre offerings, Starters is faithful to give you a bite to remember.
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LibraryThing member ShellyPYA
Callie and her younger brother Tyler are on their own; the recent Spore Wars killed everyone between the ages of 20 and 60. When Tyler gets sick, Callie's only option is to get a job at Prime Destinations, a service for seniors who "borrow" a teen's body in order to feel young again. But during her
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third job, the chip inside her head malfunctions and she's able to communicate with the older woman who's renting her body; the woman has her own agenda and grudge against Prime Destinations. Callie soon discoveres that things aren't what they seem. Show Less
LibraryThing member summerskris
Dystopian, mystery, and thriller come together in this novel. There are secrets, deception, and the threat of the unknown. From the first page, Lissa Price had me questioning the structure of this dystopian society and trying to find answers in a tangled web of loose threads.
Callie is a wonderful
Prime Destinations seems to be the solution. It's shady, but Callie has no other way of securing herself. When she wakes up, she realizes that there is more to the deal than she thought there was. The characters that she meet are fascinating. While the story doesn't have a romantic focus, there are fun interactions between characters and interesting plot twists.
Starters is a chilling debut from Lissa Price that contemplates life in a world with a huge age gap in the population. The villains are compelling; the plot is enticing. Every chapter built the intrigue and engaged me. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy if you are looking for a dystopian that haunt you from the first page and even as you pick up the sequel Enders next year!
Callie is a wonderful
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protagonist. She is strong and independent, but her love for her younger brother exposes her vulnerability. Her desperation to protect him is a reminder that Callie is still a teenager fighting for survival in a world where her parents and would-be mentors have been wiped out from the disease. She can only rely on herself to protect her younger brother and herself.Prime Destinations seems to be the solution. It's shady, but Callie has no other way of securing herself. When she wakes up, she realizes that there is more to the deal than she thought there was. The characters that she meet are fascinating. While the story doesn't have a romantic focus, there are fun interactions between characters and interesting plot twists.
Starters is a chilling debut from Lissa Price that contemplates life in a world with a huge age gap in the population. The villains are compelling; the plot is enticing. Every chapter built the intrigue and engaged me. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy if you are looking for a dystopian that haunt you from the first page and even as you pick up the sequel Enders next year!
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LibraryThing member MonicaLynn
Callie and her little brother Tyler along with a friend Michael, are left in this world to fend for themselves, due to a war. Their parents were killed by the spores that were released during the war. The only people left in this world are the Starters or rather younger generation in their teens
Callie takes a trip to Prime Destinations where she will allow her body to be rented by a ender, where they place a chip in the donors brain and the renters brain and allow the renter to utilize the donor body for a short period of time to do the things that they used to like to do before they were to old to do them. Everyone thinks that this is just for short period but someone else has something else in mind permanacy.
Callie and her renter get a connection that no other has they can communicate and they fight for what is right. Most Enders want to just rent however some want to become owners.
This was a truly interesting and pull you in kind of story. I was always wanting to know what was going to happen next. Very well written and I am really looking forward to another book by this auther especially continuing this story. Very fun read and very imaginative.
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and Enders the older generation or grandparents, basically those people who were vacinated against the spores. Some starters are lucky enough to have grandparents alive and well. Callie, Tyler and Michael are not so lucky as well as other children living on the street some are friendlies and some are renegades. Living in abandoned homes or buildings with no money or food is a tough life until a job opportunity comes up for Callie which is a quite a bit more than she bargained for.Callie takes a trip to Prime Destinations where she will allow her body to be rented by a ender, where they place a chip in the donors brain and the renters brain and allow the renter to utilize the donor body for a short period of time to do the things that they used to like to do before they were to old to do them. Everyone thinks that this is just for short period but someone else has something else in mind permanacy.
Callie and her renter get a connection that no other has they can communicate and they fight for what is right. Most Enders want to just rent however some want to become owners.
This was a truly interesting and pull you in kind of story. I was always wanting to know what was going to happen next. Very well written and I am really looking forward to another book by this auther especially continuing this story. Very fun read and very imaginative.
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LibraryThing member jennrenae
When I first sat down to read this book, I had my doubts because it looked very sci-fi like—which can be hit and miss for me; however, I love dystopian novels, so I figured I’d give this one a try. I’m certainly glad I did! Reminiscent of Dollhouse that aired on Fox, in Starters, a super
Callie is put in a no win situation—she has a very sick little brother Tyler and no money to get him medicine and no home to keep him safe. It was very easy to get to know her and relate to her as she began finding herself in treacherous situations. I felt like I was alongside her the whole way—when her heartbeat sped up, so did mine; when she smiled because of Blake (the resident cutie in the book), I smiled; and when she got curious, I got even more curious!!!
What struck me most about this book is how our future could end up very similar. How?
1.) We vaccinate the old and young first as well, leaving everyone else more susceptible.
2.) Biological weapons are a very real threat, especially if terrorists get their hands on one.
3.) People always want what they can’t have and thus will push technology and morality to the edge.
Now, there are some areas of the book where the action drags, but that really didn’t both me that much. The thing that bothered me was the lack of details in the Spore Wars and their society, but maybe that is something that will come in the future installments. For example, the enders can live up to 200 years old, but all we are told is that medical advancements allowed it—I would have like more information. I guess I’ll just have to wait in anticipation!
It’s definitely a thrill ride, and let me tell you this!
THE ENDING….OH MY GOSH….WHAT A TWIST!!!! I finished the book last night, and I woke up this morning turning situation after situation over and over in my head trying to figure out what is going to happen in the next book and what the twist really means!!!!
This would be a great book for any age! There are a couple of scenes in a nightclub, but it’s just some dancing (and the mention of the bar), and there are a few kissing scenes (I wish they were more swoon-worthy, but Lissa Price didn’t spend much time delving into Blake and making him oh-so-dreamy…another hope for the future books). Overall, not the greatest dystopian novel, but a definite must read for those who like this genre.
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secret organization called Prime Destinations employs starters (those under 19 in the futuristic society) to rent out their bodies to enders (people over 60). Most everyone between those ages is dead because of the Spore Wars (WW3 which ended in biological attacks on the US). The elderly and the young were vaccinated because they were vulnerable so when the attack came, anyone without the vaccine quickly died.Callie is put in a no win situation—she has a very sick little brother Tyler and no money to get him medicine and no home to keep him safe. It was very easy to get to know her and relate to her as she began finding herself in treacherous situations. I felt like I was alongside her the whole way—when her heartbeat sped up, so did mine; when she smiled because of Blake (the resident cutie in the book), I smiled; and when she got curious, I got even more curious!!!
What struck me most about this book is how our future could end up very similar. How?
1.) We vaccinate the old and young first as well, leaving everyone else more susceptible.
2.) Biological weapons are a very real threat, especially if terrorists get their hands on one.
3.) People always want what they can’t have and thus will push technology and morality to the edge.
Now, there are some areas of the book where the action drags, but that really didn’t both me that much. The thing that bothered me was the lack of details in the Spore Wars and their society, but maybe that is something that will come in the future installments. For example, the enders can live up to 200 years old, but all we are told is that medical advancements allowed it—I would have like more information. I guess I’ll just have to wait in anticipation!
It’s definitely a thrill ride, and let me tell you this!
THE ENDING….OH MY GOSH….WHAT A TWIST!!!! I finished the book last night, and I woke up this morning turning situation after situation over and over in my head trying to figure out what is going to happen in the next book and what the twist really means!!!!
This would be a great book for any age! There are a couple of scenes in a nightclub, but it’s just some dancing (and the mention of the bar), and there are a few kissing scenes (I wish they were more swoon-worthy, but Lissa Price didn’t spend much time delving into Blake and making him oh-so-dreamy…another hope for the future books). Overall, not the greatest dystopian novel, but a definite must read for those who like this genre.
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LibraryThing member Liz_S
I liked this book. It was very fast paced with alot of action and a hint of romance! I will definitely be getting the sequel in Dec. The idea for the story was great! People can live to be in the 200's and rent a younger body for a period of time. I liked how the story developed into something more
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and how the main character developed. I would recommend this to my friends! Show Less
LibraryThing member AngelaFristoe
I finding it really hard to make my mind up about this book. The first hurdle is the cover. The background looks neat and I like the eyes, but the girl just looks like a basic sketch I would have done back in high school. I'm thinking that maybe the physical cover is actually better than it appears
The concept is one I like, that in the not too distant future a war wipes out everyone between the ages of 18 and 65. Price does a great job of explaining that the young and old were immunized as they are the most vulnerable to illness. This really worked for me, and I even liked how the older people were in control of things. I loved the body bank idea. It felt a bit like that movie Surrogates, but with the younger generation being forced into letting the 'Enders' relive their youth.
What didn't work for me plot wise was that the 'Enders' were living up to 200 years. This felt like it was added in just to make the 'Starers' downtrodden fate all that much longer. This is where I doubt who was immunized. If people are living to 200, then 125 would be the new 40, right? But I could over look that and just think of these people as being old. What I really didn't get was how in only a few short years these 'Enders' who are the grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. of the 'Starters' let children be abused an neglected to such an extreme. Maybe a small portion would let it go for their own benefit, but not all of them, not to the extreme here.
The main character Callie good. I liked her dedication to her brother and her ability to do what she needed to. That said, once she wakes up in mid-way through her rental she starts to sink. It felts so contrived. She meets a cute boy, and immediately feels connected to him, and trusts him explicitly with the location of her brother and a ton of money. Then of course there is the obsession with the expensive clothing and cars. I couldn't believe that this girl who was the sole caretaker of her little brother, who had donated her body for recreational use for him, was suddenly going on dates and worrying about if a boy likes her, while her brother is sick, possibly starving.
The ending had some great potential, especially with the love triangle aspect due to a great twist Price threw in to tempt us into the sequel. But at the last moment it became a mess of superficiality and made me lose respect for one of the main characters. It just felt like the beginning of another forced love triangle.
I would read the sequel, but I would probably go in to it with slightly lower expectations than I did this one.
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as an ebook cover. The cover though does work with the story.The concept is one I like, that in the not too distant future a war wipes out everyone between the ages of 18 and 65. Price does a great job of explaining that the young and old were immunized as they are the most vulnerable to illness. This really worked for me, and I even liked how the older people were in control of things. I loved the body bank idea. It felt a bit like that movie Surrogates, but with the younger generation being forced into letting the 'Enders' relive their youth.
What didn't work for me plot wise was that the 'Enders' were living up to 200 years. This felt like it was added in just to make the 'Starers' downtrodden fate all that much longer. This is where I doubt who was immunized. If people are living to 200, then 125 would be the new 40, right? But I could over look that and just think of these people as being old. What I really didn't get was how in only a few short years these 'Enders' who are the grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. of the 'Starters' let children be abused an neglected to such an extreme. Maybe a small portion would let it go for their own benefit, but not all of them, not to the extreme here.
The main character Callie good. I liked her dedication to her brother and her ability to do what she needed to. That said, once she wakes up in mid-way through her rental she starts to sink. It felts so contrived. She meets a cute boy, and immediately feels connected to him, and trusts him explicitly with the location of her brother and a ton of money. Then of course there is the obsession with the expensive clothing and cars. I couldn't believe that this girl who was the sole caretaker of her little brother, who had donated her body for recreational use for him, was suddenly going on dates and worrying about if a boy likes her, while her brother is sick, possibly starving.
The ending had some great potential, especially with the love triangle aspect due to a great twist Price threw in to tempt us into the sequel. But at the last moment it became a mess of superficiality and made me lose respect for one of the main characters. It just felt like the beginning of another forced love triangle.
I would read the sequel, but I would probably go in to it with slightly lower expectations than I did this one.
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Awards
Nebraska Golden Sower Award (Nominee — 2015)
Sunshine State Young Reader's Award (Nominee — Grades 6-8 — 2014)
Gateway Readers Award (Nominee — 2015)
Florida Teens Read Award (Nominee — 2014)
Isinglass Teen Read Award (Nominee — 2015)
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (Selection — 2013)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Teens (Fiction — 2012)
Young Adult Favorites Award (2013)
Tome Society It List (2015)
Publication
Delacorte Press (2012), Edition: First Edition, 352 pages
Original publication date
2012-03-13
Language
ISBN
0385742371 / 9780385742375