Well, continuing on my bent of reviewing YA books that might
interest guys, today I present If We
Survive by Andrew Klavan.
I was browsing through the local library’s Overdrive
selection of audiobooks. I don’t remember if I’ve discussed Overdrive at
length, but it’s an awesome way to get digital books (e-books and audiobooks) from
your library right to your PC, tablet, e-reader or smartphone. As a busy guy
who doesn’t get to make trips to the library nearly as much as I’d like, this
is a great tool, especially paired with my beloved Kindle Fire.
I almost passed on this book. I picked up Klavan’s Homelanders books in one set out of the bargain
bin at a local retail store and I just can’t get into it. The teenage protagonist
is an insufferable brat, and the villains are cartoonish. Also, the 1980’s
called and they want their mindless cheesy jingoism back. But, I couldn’t find
anything more readily appealing so I borrowed If We Survive, and I’m quite glad I did.
The book follows a group of young American students on a
short mission trip to the Latin American country of Costa Verdes. The book’s
narrator, 16 year old Will Peterson, could be any average American teenager,
and he’s far more affable than the character from the Homelanders. At the tail
end of the trip, the country becomes engulfed in a violent revolution, and the
Americans are suddenly in grave danger. Their only hope of escaping alive is a
battle-hardened and embittered young ex-Marine, but the path to freedom is
fraught with danger, both from the rebels and the hazards of the jungle
wilderness.
The book is very fast paced, and the action is taunt and
relentless. It’s also a far more nuanced tale, the heroes flawed but likeable and
the bad guys villainous but not caricatures. The book also does a much better
job of hooking you in at the very beginning. So if you’re looking for a quick,
enjoyable fast-apced thriller, give it a try!
-Mike, out.
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