mb_booklady's review against another edition
2.0
Overdrive starts with Jules bent over, hotwiring a car she is planning to steal, while her boyfriend has his hand up her shirt and down her pants. Not a great first impression and it doesn't get much better from there.
Jules, also known as "Ghost" among the car thieves of Vegas, gets caught by the police. As a result, her foster family decides to get rid of her and her little sister, Emma. Although Jules claims to just be stealing cars as a way to earn money so she can keep Emma with her when the foster system gives up on them for good, she seems to enjoy the thrill of stealing the cars. She is not a very likable character overall.
Instead of going to jail, Jules and Emma are taken in by a widower who has taken in three other teens. Roger happens to also be very wealthy and provides more for Emma than Jules could imagine. He even has a barre built into a secret room for Jules so she can practice her ballet. She had to give up ballet after her dad left and her mom spiraled into depression.
Because life has made her skeptical, Jules wonders what the catch is to staying with Roger. She soon learns she and the three other teens possess a certain set of skills that will allow them to form a team of car thieves capable of carrying off incredible heists. Jules, Chelsea, Mat, and Nick are expected to steal seven rare, expensive muscle cars in seven weeks.
I am disappointed with this book and wasn't sure I would finish reading it. Besides the opening scene being an obviously sleazy guy copping a feel on the main character, the curses flew faster and more furiously than the cars they were stealing. The author also used too many cheesy descriptions of Jules being turned on by car exhaust and the smell of fuel injector fluid. The combination of garage mechanic porn and teen novel should not be attempted.
Furthermore, the characters jumped from one activity to another with very little transition. It was a disjointed and sometimes groan-worthy read. . .and they were NOT groans of pleasure.
I would classify this as an older teen read and would suggest libraries replace worn copies of frequently read books, rather than purchase a copy of this one.
Jules, also known as "Ghost" among the car thieves of Vegas, gets caught by the police. As a result, her foster family decides to get rid of her and her little sister, Emma. Although Jules claims to just be stealing cars as a way to earn money so she can keep Emma with her when the foster system gives up on them for good, she seems to enjoy the thrill of stealing the cars. She is not a very likable character overall.
Instead of going to jail, Jules and Emma are taken in by a widower who has taken in three other teens. Roger happens to also be very wealthy and provides more for Emma than Jules could imagine. He even has a barre built into a secret room for Jules so she can practice her ballet. She had to give up ballet after her dad left and her mom spiraled into depression.
Because life has made her skeptical, Jules wonders what the catch is to staying with Roger. She soon learns she and the three other teens possess a certain set of skills that will allow them to form a team of car thieves capable of carrying off incredible heists. Jules, Chelsea, Mat, and Nick are expected to steal seven rare, expensive muscle cars in seven weeks.
I am disappointed with this book and wasn't sure I would finish reading it. Besides the opening scene being an obviously sleazy guy copping a feel on the main character, the curses flew faster and more furiously than the cars they were stealing. The author also used too many cheesy descriptions of Jules being turned on by car exhaust and the smell of fuel injector fluid. The combination of garage mechanic porn and teen novel should not be attempted.
Furthermore, the characters jumped from one activity to another with very little transition. It was a disjointed and sometimes groan-worthy read. . .and they were NOT groans of pleasure.
I would classify this as an older teen read and would suggest libraries replace worn copies of frequently read books, rather than purchase a copy of this one.
sc104906's review against another edition
2.0
Jules and her younger sister Emma have been abandoned by their parents and are bouncing through the foster system. As a way to make money and stay responsible for her sister, Jules steals cars. After getting caught, she is given one last chance with the foster system and outside of jail. Roger has taken in a collection of teenagers, all of whom have sketchy pasts. While Emma begs Jules to stay on the straight and narrow (heck, Jules would like to keep her nose clean too), Roger black mails the teens into stealing a list of high end cars. The teens use their skills to find and potentially steal these impossible cars.
This book had a ridiculous amount of cursing in it. While, I can handle swear words, this was over the top. The action sequences seemed unbelievable. The characters were surface level, the narrative ended with the characters all blowing around hot air, without any true development of their back stories. It could have been better developed.
This book had a ridiculous amount of cursing in it. While, I can handle swear words, this was over the top. The action sequences seemed unbelievable. The characters were surface level, the narrative ended with the characters all blowing around hot air, without any true development of their back stories. It could have been better developed.
readwithmeemz's review against another edition
1.0
I received an ARC of this book from Chapters/Indigo Home Office in exchange for an honest review.
For what was suppose to be a high-octane, action packed thriller, I found myself to be really bored while reading it. It was dull, predictable, and slow. It was weirdly paced - it felt like it just jumped into the car stealing plot line too fast in the beginning, and then it dragged on leading to the actual car stealing - which lost its momentum because 7 cars is a lot, and it seemed like none of the heists got enough time, and no plot line felt like it got the chance to develop. I was excited by the premise, but very disappointed by the execution.
For what was suppose to be a high-octane, action packed thriller, I found myself to be really bored while reading it. It was dull, predictable, and slow. It was weirdly paced - it felt like it just jumped into the car stealing plot line too fast in the beginning, and then it dragged on leading to the actual car stealing - which lost its momentum because 7 cars is a lot, and it seemed like none of the heists got enough time, and no plot line felt like it got the chance to develop. I was excited by the premise, but very disappointed by the execution.
thegraduatedbookwormblogger's review against another edition
5.0
Full Review can be found at http://thegraduatedbookworm.blogspot.ca
First I want to say thank-you to Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me an ARC copy of this to review. At first I wasn't 100% sure if I would like this based on the fact that it's about boosting cars and what not. Well let me tell you I am glad to have read this because it was AMAZING!!
From the beginning you can tell that Jules has had to grow up and become an adult for herself and for Emma way too early on. Although she has found a way for income, it's clearly not enough to keep them out of the foster system. I honestly felt so sad towards Jules and more so towards Emma, because a child never deserves to move from home to home, that's not really theirs.
Moving on from that, I obviously want to discuss the one person that causes Jules to drive herself a little mad in this house...NICK.
" I think I fell for you before I even met you."
So he definitely has s stick shift up his you know what for the beginning portion of the book. But as it keeps going, you get more of a sense of who he his, and his past. You get to see more of his other side, which Jules begins to uncover as well, and oh hot damn!
When it gets into more of the thriller parts of the story, I honestly felt as if I was in the story, and part of it myself! There was so much suspense, wondering if and when they would get caught, and even after the fact that something bad was going to happen. There were a couple parts where I could foresee what would happen, but then HOLY MOLY in comes a big twist, and I was on the edge of my seat for the last few chapters!
Overall I really loved this book, It's honestly nothing I have ever read before and it was such a thrill. I could seriously see this becoming a movie, and if not, then it should be! It was so fast paced, kept me on my toes, and always on the edge wondering what might happen! Throughout the novel, you really don't see their age shine through, and I personally felt like they were all older. The ending was absolutely perfect, and it could easily leave room for more, but not a cliffhanger where you wonder what happens next (although I kind of want to know what would happen) It had really funny moments throughout, and really heartfelt ones as well. Each and every character that was in here had a lot of pressure on them, and it showed. The love and sacrifice that Jules, Nick, Chelsea, and Mat was so intense, you could see them become their own kind of family.
First I want to say thank-you to Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me an ARC copy of this to review. At first I wasn't 100% sure if I would like this based on the fact that it's about boosting cars and what not. Well let me tell you I am glad to have read this because it was AMAZING!!
From the beginning you can tell that Jules has had to grow up and become an adult for herself and for Emma way too early on. Although she has found a way for income, it's clearly not enough to keep them out of the foster system. I honestly felt so sad towards Jules and more so towards Emma, because a child never deserves to move from home to home, that's not really theirs.
Moving on from that, I obviously want to discuss the one person that causes Jules to drive herself a little mad in this house...NICK.
" I think I fell for you before I even met you."
So he definitely has s stick shift up his you know what for the beginning portion of the book. But as it keeps going, you get more of a sense of who he his, and his past. You get to see more of his other side, which Jules begins to uncover as well, and oh hot damn!
When it gets into more of the thriller parts of the story, I honestly felt as if I was in the story, and part of it myself! There was so much suspense, wondering if and when they would get caught, and even after the fact that something bad was going to happen. There were a couple parts where I could foresee what would happen, but then HOLY MOLY in comes a big twist, and I was on the edge of my seat for the last few chapters!
Overall I really loved this book, It's honestly nothing I have ever read before and it was such a thrill. I could seriously see this becoming a movie, and if not, then it should be! It was so fast paced, kept me on my toes, and always on the edge wondering what might happen! Throughout the novel, you really don't see their age shine through, and I personally felt like they were all older. The ending was absolutely perfect, and it could easily leave room for more, but not a cliffhanger where you wonder what happens next (although I kind of want to know what would happen) It had really funny moments throughout, and really heartfelt ones as well. Each and every character that was in here had a lot of pressure on them, and it showed. The love and sacrifice that Jules, Nick, Chelsea, and Mat was so intense, you could see them become their own kind of family.
eokamoto's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
beautynherbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Review:
Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster for sending me an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
Wow is all I can say. This novel is fast-paced, smart and enjoyable. The characters are real, filled with real-life problems and troubles with family and friends. The relationships between them are not only a love one but finding a family and becoming one as well.
As a car lover myself, this book was perfect. A group of fostered teens is sent on an impossible mission-find seven of the rarest cars in seven weeks. Now where do I sign up for this!?
Now, me being the person that I am, I had to look up what these cars looked like, and for your benefit, I have included their images in this review. All of the cars are just stunning, so you know that the author had done her research before hand on the models of the cars and how they work. With the type of detail that is included in this story, the images are just to help better enhance the styles of cars that they were sent to get, even though it is not necessarily needed.
Each of the teens is gifted is certain fields. Jules and Nick are able to boost any car, Mat who has the ability to crack any computer code, and Chelsea, who really through me for a loop. Although she may look and act like a pampered rich girl, she has the ability to pick any lock, along with the mouth of the average truck driver.
Jules has given up everything in her life in order to provide the life she wants for her, but she has also lost a lot in her life, which is the reason she ends up living with Roger Montgomery, a middle-aged billionaire that has one goal, collect all the cars that were his wife’s final wish. He is a person who is a bit OBSESSED with cars. And when I say obsessed, I mean he practically molests the cars once they are in his possession (creepy, I know right).
I mean, he practically drools over their beauty, but in his defense, they are some pretty nice cars.
As the story is pieced together, you are able to see how the characters bond and develop together. Since they are all thrown into this mission together, they have no other choice but to get along, whether they like it or not.
Without giving away too many spoilers, I do highly recommend this book for everyone. Even if you do not enjoy cars, the story that is told in, unlike any other YA novel that I have read. With that being said, this book is perfect for those that enjoy the ability to relate to the characters and situations that occur within it. It is the perfect quick read for those that are looking for a new YA book to read for the fall.
-Read On Darlings!
Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster for sending me an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
Wow is all I can say. This novel is fast-paced, smart and enjoyable. The characters are real, filled with real-life problems and troubles with family and friends. The relationships between them are not only a love one but finding a family and becoming one as well.
As a car lover myself, this book was perfect. A group of fostered teens is sent on an impossible mission-find seven of the rarest cars in seven weeks. Now where do I sign up for this!?
Now, me being the person that I am, I had to look up what these cars looked like, and for your benefit, I have included their images in this review. All of the cars are just stunning, so you know that the author had done her research before hand on the models of the cars and how they work. With the type of detail that is included in this story, the images are just to help better enhance the styles of cars that they were sent to get, even though it is not necessarily needed.
Each of the teens is gifted is certain fields. Jules and Nick are able to boost any car, Mat who has the ability to crack any computer code, and Chelsea, who really through me for a loop. Although she may look and act like a pampered rich girl, she has the ability to pick any lock, along with the mouth of the average truck driver.
Jules has given up everything in her life in order to provide the life she wants for her, but she has also lost a lot in her life, which is the reason she ends up living with Roger Montgomery, a middle-aged billionaire that has one goal, collect all the cars that were his wife’s final wish. He is a person who is a bit OBSESSED with cars. And when I say obsessed, I mean he practically molests the cars once they are in his possession (creepy, I know right).
I mean, he practically drools over their beauty, but in his defense, they are some pretty nice cars.
As the story is pieced together, you are able to see how the characters bond and develop together. Since they are all thrown into this mission together, they have no other choice but to get along, whether they like it or not.
Without giving away too many spoilers, I do highly recommend this book for everyone. Even if you do not enjoy cars, the story that is told in, unlike any other YA novel that I have read. With that being said, this book is perfect for those that enjoy the ability to relate to the characters and situations that occur within it. It is the perfect quick read for those that are looking for a new YA book to read for the fall.
-Read On Darlings!
andymeeker's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a true thriller — the plot, filled with action-packed heists, was there. I was impressed by the extensive details about muscle cars, which added more depth to the robberies themselves. I thought there were moments where the dialogue was awkward/unrealistic, but these instances were rather detached from the main allure of this book, which was its suspense.
julietbuystomanybooks1234's review against another edition
5.0
I dont know a lot about cars but I still really liked it.
ttaa's review against another edition
4.0
Well I got this book from my local library around a month ago, and only just got around to reading it. I didn't expect much, but it was actually pretty enjoyable. The writing flowed nicely, and the pace was just right; it didn't lag at all and kept me entertained the entire time. The only drawback was the excessive swearing. It was a bit off putting at times, but overall, the book was well written, and a good way to pass a few hours.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
nerdynexus's review against another edition
4.0
With strong characters and a fast-paced plot, Overdrive by Dawn Ius is easily the most fun I've had all year. This is a good one, you guys!
Julia (Jules) Parish is a car thief, plain and simple. But under the hood, she's so much more than that. She has her reasons for what she does-- even the bad decisions, but at the end of the day everything she's done is to make things better for her sister, Emma.
After Jules is caught trying to boost a car, rich Roger Montgomery offers to let her and Emma come stay with him in his giant mansion instead of Jules being charged and possibly sent to juvie. Seems too good to be true, right? Bingo!! Jules and 3 other teens that Roger seems to have collected (Nick, Mat, and Chelsea) need to steal 7 cars in 7 weeks and they'll be set for life. Watching Emma become comfortable and settle into life at the mansion helps Jules decide this is what she needs to do.
After all the heavy drama books I've been reading lately, this was a breath of fresh air. It's like The Fast & the Furious for teens! The characters felt real. They made mistakes and owned up to them. Jules was a great main character. You could tell she really loved her sister. My favorite part has to be how these kids from messed up homes all managed to become their own little family. Will recommend!
*ARC provided via NetGalley & Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing in exchange for an honest review.*
Julia (Jules) Parish is a car thief, plain and simple. But under the hood, she's so much more than that. She has her reasons for what she does-- even the bad decisions, but at the end of the day everything she's done is to make things better for her sister, Emma.
After Jules is caught trying to boost a car, rich Roger Montgomery offers to let her and Emma come stay with him in his giant mansion instead of Jules being charged and possibly sent to juvie. Seems too good to be true, right? Bingo!! Jules and 3 other teens that Roger seems to have collected (Nick, Mat, and Chelsea) need to steal 7 cars in 7 weeks and they'll be set for life. Watching Emma become comfortable and settle into life at the mansion helps Jules decide this is what she needs to do.
After all the heavy drama books I've been reading lately, this was a breath of fresh air. It's like The Fast & the Furious for teens! The characters felt real. They made mistakes and owned up to them. Jules was a great main character. You could tell she really loved her sister. My favorite part has to be how these kids from messed up homes all managed to become their own little family. Will recommend!
*ARC provided via NetGalley & Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing in exchange for an honest review.*