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tracamiller's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
andiapfel's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
First read this book back when it came out in 2014 and really enjoyed it. At the time (and even now) I was very interested in survival stories, especially ones that detail how the characters figure out how to get by without the use of our modern day conveniences like electricity, so this was a particularly fascinating read. I just reread it again this year (2024) and overall it still holds up pretty well. The beginning scene in the school classroom is a bit cringy, which I also felt when I first read it, and the romantic subplot could've been handled better, but the overall plot and how the characters deal with their new situation kept me hooked.
Also, as an aside, reading this after Covid and the supply chain issues really puts into perspective how delicate the structure of our society is, and how many people aren't prepared or don't know how to survive outside of their normal routine. You don't have to be a super prepper like Herb, but having some extra food/cash on hand, and maybe some basic first aid skills in case of emergencies wouldn't hurt. The likelihood of a total societal collapse like in the book is pretty slim, but most of us will still have personal disasters like power outages, job loss, natural disasters, and supply chain issues to deal with, so it never hurts to be prepared.
Also, as an aside, reading this after Covid and the supply chain issues really puts into perspective how delicate the structure of our society is, and how many people aren't prepared or don't know how to survive outside of their normal routine. You don't have to be a super prepper like Herb, but having some extra food/cash on hand, and maybe some basic first aid skills in case of emergencies wouldn't hurt. The likelihood of a total societal collapse like in the book is pretty slim, but most of us will still have personal disasters like power outages, job loss, natural disasters, and supply chain issues to deal with, so it never hurts to be prepared.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Cursing, Violence, and Blood
hdbblog's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, what a book. The Rule of Three doesn't feature zombies. It doesn't have a huge decimating explosion that sets off the end of the world. What it does have, is a realistic vibe to it. What happens when everything you take for granted is suddenly gone? Cars no longer work, cell phones are dead, and there's no way to know if any help is coming. What happens to society? This is what Eric Walters uncovers in The Rule of Three, and it's both amazing and terrifying.
It's a little hard to describe the pacing of this book. While it doesn't exactly pick up pace at any particular time, it has this slow burn feel to it throughout the whole book. There's never really a huge climax. Lots of small ones, yes. Lots of little things to keep you reading on and wondering what will happen next, but nothing explosive. It's an interesting read for that very reason. I'm used to books being either slow, and then picking up or vice versa. This was bit of an anomaly to me, but one that held my attention.
In terms of characters, Adam and his neighbors have the ability to be anyone. They might be the people down the street from you. The babysitter at the end of the block. I loved the realism here. I watched in fascination as normally happy, easy-going people were reduced to shambles. As society as we know it so very quickly fell apart. Adam's story is scary because it is one that could, and most likely would, actually happen. It makes it that much harder to put down.
In fact, I predict that this very fact is going to be a deal breaker for some readers. The Rule of Three does have a few things about it (such as Herb) that are more fictional, but still possible. However the majority of this book is very grounded in reality. It's a look at what we are all capable of when survival mode sets in. So, if you've been eyeing this book, know that I recommend it! I can only hope there's more around the bend.
It's a little hard to describe the pacing of this book. While it doesn't exactly pick up pace at any particular time, it has this slow burn feel to it throughout the whole book. There's never really a huge climax. Lots of small ones, yes. Lots of little things to keep you reading on and wondering what will happen next, but nothing explosive. It's an interesting read for that very reason. I'm used to books being either slow, and then picking up or vice versa. This was bit of an anomaly to me, but one that held my attention.
In terms of characters, Adam and his neighbors have the ability to be anyone. They might be the people down the street from you. The babysitter at the end of the block. I loved the realism here. I watched in fascination as normally happy, easy-going people were reduced to shambles. As society as we know it so very quickly fell apart. Adam's story is scary because it is one that could, and most likely would, actually happen. It makes it that much harder to put down.
In fact, I predict that this very fact is going to be a deal breaker for some readers. The Rule of Three does have a few things about it (such as Herb) that are more fictional, but still possible. However the majority of this book is very grounded in reality. It's a look at what we are all capable of when survival mode sets in. So, if you've been eyeing this book, know that I recommend it! I can only hope there's more around the bend.
ryland_phipps's review
5.0
Really amazing book!!!!!!! I did not want to put this book down for one second as soon as I picked it up. But with school and life...... I had to. Anyway, really great! Would totally recommend to anyone
lmconway_ak's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
While a compelling read that kept me going, the writing is not 5 star worthy. It is a reasonable study of human nature aimed at tweens.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
kaeliwolf's review against another edition
3.0
This book was action packed and it was AWESOME! The ending is particularly good. The beginning and the ending are the most action packed. The middle is still good because Eric Walters adds in some excitement so that you aren't bored. I usually don't like Eric Walters writing style but I like the style of writing for this novel.
falloutofmyactions's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
nic_fish's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyed this book. A little teen romance, some fighting, not too graphic.
nicole_litwin's review against another edition
4.0
Steady plot & a page turner ending. Can’t wait to dive into the 2nd book!
c_sandman's review against another edition
3.0
There was a lot of dialogue to begin and a slow pace to start out. Then, the book picked up in the action near the end. Very interesting idea/concept, though (about a society that loses all electronic power).