marshthemartian's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this was a good idea for a story. However, I'm not sure how I feel about the execution. I liked the novel in itself. However, I felt that Adam was kind of whiney, and Lizzie was an okay female character. The idea that a drug will allow you 7 days of greatness for the ultimate price, death was interesting to me. I felt though that the author did not know how to make up a story around it. I felt that a lot of things were just thrown in to add drama. All in all I thought this book okay, and I liked it, kind of. I would recommend it, and I know this review is all over the place, but I can't really articulate my feelings towards this book.
rosiethespy's review against another edition
1.0
An intriguing premise that didn't live up to its potential. The characters were flat and the plot twists were more confusing and infuriating than interesting or exciting.
spicy_penguin's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
nidhi2023's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
This book is terrible. The premise was engaging and i really thought it would get better as time goes on but it did not.
rebeccabooks's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted on: http://rebecca-books.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/mini-reviews-hit-stay-where-you-are.html
I've never read much of Melvin Burgess' books before although I have heard some good things about Junk. I was a bit unsure myself about reading The Hit. The blurb and idea of the novel sounds interesting, something I was intrigued to read yet it seemed like the kind of gritty, urban genre novel that I just don't enjoy. However, when I saw this in my local library, I thought it was time to give it a go.
Synopsis: A new drug is out named 'Death'. Everyone is talking about it, many are taking it. It gives you the best feeling, the ultimate high. At the ultimate price. Because you have one week. One week of feeling on the top of the world and then you die.
Adam is tempted. His girlfriend, Lizzie, is on the verge of dumping him, his brother has gone. He thinks he has nothing to lose...but Lizzie shows him otherwise.
Review: One of the things I liked about this book was the gritty, harsh portrayal of England that is so refreshing to see in books that is so rarely seen. It is in interesting concept and something in the rapid evolution of drugs in recent years, that you can imagine happening potentially. This is made realistic as the events of the novel are set in a shadow of revolution and change for the future that are beyond Adam and Lizzie's control. Even though the concept is one is liked for the contemporary feel, at times the action and events within the story seemed far from the realism I was expecting, particularly latterly in the novel making this a book that was ultimately quite hard to read at times. I really disliked Adam and Lizzie and their portrayal was far too stereotypical of how people perceive teenagers. The choices they make are stupid and although in some ways, this may be the point of the book, it just didn't make this book enjoyable at times. However, saying these negatives, I have to admit that I did have that urgency throughout reading to find out what happens in the conclusion for Adam and Lizzie and the ending was a good one. This is an interesting, original book that covers a lot of contemporary and controversial issues in today's society, however, in my opinion it could have been done better.
I give it a 3.5 out of 5
I've never read much of Melvin Burgess' books before although I have heard some good things about Junk. I was a bit unsure myself about reading The Hit. The blurb and idea of the novel sounds interesting, something I was intrigued to read yet it seemed like the kind of gritty, urban genre novel that I just don't enjoy. However, when I saw this in my local library, I thought it was time to give it a go.
Synopsis: A new drug is out named 'Death'. Everyone is talking about it, many are taking it. It gives you the best feeling, the ultimate high. At the ultimate price. Because you have one week. One week of feeling on the top of the world and then you die.
Adam is tempted. His girlfriend, Lizzie, is on the verge of dumping him, his brother has gone. He thinks he has nothing to lose...but Lizzie shows him otherwise.
Review: One of the things I liked about this book was the gritty, harsh portrayal of England that is so refreshing to see in books that is so rarely seen. It is in interesting concept and something in the rapid evolution of drugs in recent years, that you can imagine happening potentially. This is made realistic as the events of the novel are set in a shadow of revolution and change for the future that are beyond Adam and Lizzie's control. Even though the concept is one is liked for the contemporary feel, at times the action and events within the story seemed far from the realism I was expecting, particularly latterly in the novel making this a book that was ultimately quite hard to read at times. I really disliked Adam and Lizzie and their portrayal was far too stereotypical of how people perceive teenagers. The choices they make are stupid and although in some ways, this may be the point of the book, it just didn't make this book enjoyable at times. However, saying these negatives, I have to admit that I did have that urgency throughout reading to find out what happens in the conclusion for Adam and Lizzie and the ending was a good one. This is an interesting, original book that covers a lot of contemporary and controversial issues in today's society, however, in my opinion it could have been done better.
I give it a 3.5 out of 5
miahunt1's review against another edition
Gotta say this book wasn't what I expected from this book, the characters were mostly uninteresting, the plot was boring and at some times very predictable, I wanted so badly to enjoy this book and the ideas behind it, but I just couldn't get into it!!!
hollyreadsbooks's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
suzannedix's review against another edition
1.0
Set in a grey, futuristic Manchester, England, society is on the brink of revolution. Discontentment abounds (though for reasons not well fleshed out) and thousands of people are willing to consider taking Death, a pill that gives you one week to live. Ironically the drug makes you feel more alive than you have ever felt. Seventeen year-old Adam gets caught up in the movement along with his girlfriend Lizzie. After making the decision to take Death, Adam embarks on a quest to check off items on his bucket list which include: have sex with as many girls as possible, do cocaine, kill someone who deserves to die and get Lizzie pregnant. The plot continues to spiral out of control with the addition of a homicidal drug dealer hell-bent on turning people into paraplegics. The highlight of the audiobook is Samuel Roukin’s narration. At best this book might interest mature readers with a love for dystopian/action novels but ultimately the level of senseless violence and social depravity will not appeal to many readers, especially in a school library.
Not recommended. Grades 10 and up.
Not recommended. Grades 10 and up.
nicolelynnreads's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5 stars.
I really enjoyed this for some reason. Not really a fan of the MCs and the ending was slightly weak, but idk I think I just really wanted to dig deeper into it. I feel like this book would be great for discussion and paper writing. I'm still mulling over the characters and their choices. But overall I really loved what the book explored, the writing style, the pacing and most of the characters. Definitely did enjoy this one and would recommend it for a read. Of course (as seen on GR) it's probably not going to be a book for everyone's tastes/enjoyment.
P.S. I'm definitely Lizzie's cousin Julie haha
I really enjoyed this for some reason. Not really a fan of the MCs and the ending was slightly weak, but idk I think I just really wanted to dig deeper into it. I feel like this book would be great for discussion and paper writing. I'm still mulling over the characters and their choices. But overall I really loved what the book explored, the writing style, the pacing and most of the characters. Definitely did enjoy this one and would recommend it for a read. Of course (as seen on GR) it's probably not going to be a book for everyone's tastes/enjoyment.
P.S. I'm definitely Lizzie's cousin Julie haha
vault_assassin_01's review against another edition
3.0
Good but not amazing. There weren't any points that made me think 'holy shit I must continue' but the plot wasn't weak. I think the concept is cool though. A sequel would be good, the ending was too sudden in my opinion. I want to know how the revolution panned out ect....