Monday, September 28, 2009

Tomorrow When the War Began (YA)


Marsden, John. 1993. Tomorrow When the War Began. 277 pages.

It's only half an hour since someone--Robyn I think--said we should write everything down, and it's only twenty-nine minutes since I got chosen, and for those twenty-nine minutes I've had everyone crowded around me gazing at the blank page and yelling ideas and advice.

Meet Ellie, our narrator. Ellie and seven of her friends (Corrie, Kevin, Homer, Fi, Lee, Robyn, Chris) are in for quite a journey. It all starts on holiday. These teens have the brilliant notion to "go bush" that is camping in the outback. (Yes, I should probably mention that this one is set in Australia.) Some parents are okay with their kids heading off on their own for a week, others need some convincing. But when all is said and done, this casual trip turns out to be a blessing in disguise. You see, when they return, they discover that life as they knew it...simply isn't anymore. Their homes are deserted. Their pets and animals are dead and rotting. Their parents (and/or siblings) have vanished. What happened to everyone? Who did this? Why?

Intense doesn't even begin to describe this one. It's full of danger and adventure--and that's just the start. These teens have to come together to survive, something that isn't always easy with so many personality conflicts going on not to mention the emotional roller coaster they are on.

If you enjoyed How I Live Now, I think you'll really, really love this one. Honestly, I enjoyed this one so much more than How I Live Now.


© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

10 comments:

She said...

What a cool concept! Kinda reminds me of the The Lost Colony on Roanoke.

Unknown said...

So glad to see you loved this one, the entire series is just as fantastic!

Trisha said...

Hey, great minds must think alike, as they say. :)

I think you're right about this and how i live now. And as I re-read Tomorrow, When the War Began for my GLW review, I also thought it might also appeal to people who like The Hunger Games and Life As We Knew It because of the survival aspect. What do you think?

Jen Robinson said...

I'm so glad that you liked it, Becky. And what a great job you did in this review of making people want to read it, without spoiling anything! I definitely agree with the How I Live Now comparison - there's a similar feel to the books, though the characters in the Tomorrow series are probably more likable. Hope you enjoy the rest of the books!

Kailana said...

I am looking forward to reading this series very soon!

Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness) said...

I read this book when I was a teenager and was obsessed with it. I mean, the first time I read it I just thought it was so different from anything I'd ever read before. I think this review will make people want to read it, which is great!

Carrie K. said...

I just loaded the audio version of this onto my MP3 player - I'm so glad to hear it's great!

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...

I'd never heard of this series before and now I'M INTRIGUED. I bet I can't find it anywhere.

Beth F said...

I just finished book 4 in the series. LOVE these books.

Carrie K. said...

I love this series! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. :)