Reviews for Time Lost: Teenage Survivalist II
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest
Time Lost: Teenage Survivalist II by Julie L. Casey is a great novel for young adults. Ben finds his life taking a turn when he is 13; this is when his parents divorce. But his world literally comes to a standstill the next year when the sun decides to teach the world a lesson. The sun destroys the power grids and people find themselves living in utter chaos in a world filled with disease, dehydration, starvation and many other terrible things. But Ben sees a light coming his way when he meets Sara, who also has suffered loss in her own way. Ben and Sara flee to a large city park when they find a murderous gang threatening them.
The book is a revelation of sorts. It shows readers how dependent we are on electricity and the kind of problems that can happen in the world if a disaster like that occurs. There are many dimensions to the plot; Ben and his experiences, the hardships he faces, the loss of electricity and his meeting with Sara make the story a compelling read. It is fast paced and takes readers on a great journey. All the characters have been portrayed well and the twists and turns have been woven well into the main plot. I found the theme extremely exciting. The thought of the sun turning its back on the world is quite a compelling thought. And the other angles lent by Sara and the murderous gang draw readers into the story.
FEATHERED QUILL BOOK REVIEWS: A truly amazing story showing the perseverance of the human spirit!
Pre-Teen/TeenTime Lost: Teenage Survivalist II (Volume 2)
Reviewed By: Kristi Benedict
Review Date: May 2014
Living in a world without electricity was something Ben had never once thought about especially since his parent’s divorce occupied his mind at the time. However, when PF (Power Failure) Day comes, the power grids are completely wiped out by an electromagnetic surge from the sun forcing everyone to realize just what it is like to live without electricity. Chaos erupts everywhere as Ben and his father try desperately to find ways to survive, but the limited supply of water and food in the city is diminishing quickly, causing people to take desperate measures. As winter approaches, Ben’s father unfortunately becomes ill with the flu and Ben decides he has to go out and find food alone. Unfortunately, while he is gone, a fire erupts in their apartment building taking his father away in a sea of ashes.
Feeling completely lost and hopeless, Ben goes to find the only other person who he believes would care about him, his mom. He finally makes it to his mother’s house but only finds Lyle, her new husband, who informs him that his mother died just three days earlier from the flu. Ben’s last thread of hope is now gone, taken away by this devastating disaster that surrounds him. The only thing he knows for sure is he must leave this house where so many ghosts haunt his dreams but as to where he is going Ben has not a clue.
In the wake of utter despair a glimmer a light comes into Ben’s life as he meets Sara, a young woman who has also lost both of her parents. Feeling a connection between them, they decide that they would rather run away together and keep their freedom rather than be thrown into some foster home, school, or orphanage that would keep them confined. With the unrelenting will to survive, Ben and Sara head out on their own knowing that the only people they can truly trust is each other. However, with the increased crime, panic, and desperation of everyone around them will they really be able to survive?
As soon as I started this book there was absolutely no way I was going to put it down until I reached the very last page! Each chapter had me hanging on the edge of my seat wondering if Ben and Sara could truly survive after everything that had happened. It is wonderful to read a book that truly makes a reader think about what would happen if that situation was true. This book definitely had me thinking with every page I read and really showed the essence of human emotion when everything but the vital components of survival are all that is left. In addition, seeing this story from the viewpoint of two teenagers was intriguing as many times it is teenagers who get caught up in all of the material things of life instead of the small essential things. I applaud Julie L. Casey for creating a story that shows the renewed joy in finding a purpose in life even in the aftermath of destruction.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Time Lost, April 27, 2014
By Tammy Cline
Verified Purchase
This review is from: Time Lost: Teenage Survivalist II (Kindle Edition)
I started this book and read it in one sitting. I just had to see what would happen next with Ben and Sara. It made me think of what I would do without electricity and how to do just basic living. It is a breath of fresh air to see thru a teenagers eyes of what is going on around them and how they cope.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read, April 27, 2014
By sboyle
Verified Purchase
This review is from: Time Lost: Teenage Survivalist II (Kindle Edition)
Looking at a situation from a different character view definitely adds depth to the story. One of those books that you just have to keep reading. Looking forward to the next one!!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A home-run in the HIBATS series! April 2, 2014
By Whitney Lawrence Grady
Format:Kindle Edition
Time Lost is a home run in the HIBATS series! From the beginning, I fell in love with Ben's personal point of view and his description of his experiences. He feels time is against him and his heart is heavy with loss. While the start of the book grips your heart, the adventures to come keep you turning the pages! I couldn't put this book down! If Life of Pi met Water for Elephants...this book would be there! It is definitely worth a read and shows what a great series the HIBATS series is!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Keep this series going! March 11, 2014
By Tossy
Format:Kindle Edition
Copy of this book was given to me for a honest review.
I read Julie's first book How I Became a Teenage Survivalist and was hooked! Could hardly wait for this book and I must say it was well worth the wait! My heart broke for Ben, especially when he reached his mothers house. This young man faces hardships that would crush most of us.
Please keep this series going!!
4.0 out of 5 stars
Please continue the series March 10, 2014
By danette33
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I was surprised how different this story was from book 1. I really loved the story and characters in book 1. This book has a great story but it was so tragic, repeatedly. To your writing credit, I felt so much pain for Ben. I really hoped after all the heartache there would be a life lesson ending with a happy ending. Ben deserves a happy ending. I really hope there is another book and please included a stable life filled with prolonged happiness for Ben. I am also looking forward to reading how all the characters are doing.
Thank you for the good read.