ginnikin's review against another edition
3.0
A good read; psychological; not mindfucky but mindmessy; what is real? How do we handle all the variables and create the perfect tool?
jesssicawho's review against another edition
3.0
“There are no miracles. Not for you, certainly not for me. Not for any of us.”
Author Nick Sagan is the son of astronomer Carl Sagan. As a boy in the 1970s, Nick’s greeting, “Hello from the children of planet Earth,” was recorded for NASA’s Voyager Golden Record (a phonograph with audio and visuals depicting human life) and sent into space for aliens to discover. So it is only fitting that Nick Sagan’s first novel fits snugly into the sci-fi fantasy genre.
Idlewild is the story of 19-year-old Halloween (birth name Gabriel), who wakes one day with no memory of his life or surroundings. The world seems oddly…off. The people he meets are just as bizarre. Slowly, he begins to recover aspects his memory and realizes that he is one of ten students in a futuristic virtual school, taught and cared for by computer programs. Similar to the Matrix, he and his classmates are actually (physically) plugged into virtual reality equipment in the real world, where their bodies are nourished. Their minds, however, are fed within the virtual system. However, one student is missing, presumed dead, and Halloween suspects he is next.
Interspersed with the story of Halloween and his eight strange friends is that of three scientists attempting to save humanity from an early 21st century plague called the Black Ep. The relation between both storylines is revealed throughout the book.
The plot starts out strong and shows potential as a dystopian, cyber-punk novel, but falls apart halfway through. Neil Gaiman called this book a “roller coaster ride” of a story, but I think that’s just his nice way of saying the book takes too many quick, sloppy turns. An element of surprise is always welcome in fiction, but Idlewild becomes choppy – as though Sagan couldn’t decide where he wanted to take the plot. The climax seems to come out of nowhere and doesn’t quite satisfy, while the ending is too rushed.
Such faults could possibly be overlooked if Sagan’s writing compensated for the plot flaws, but sadly that disappoints as well. The characterization of Halloween is a trifle cliché (typical angst-ridden teenage goth boy), and the other characters are never fully developed.
That said, the idea behind the story is provocative, and despite its poor execution in this first book, there might be enough potential to be continued. I read the excerpt included of its sequel, Edenborn, and the post-apocalyptic vibe did spark some curiosity in me. If Sagan improved his writing style and got all the kinks out, Edenborn might be worth reading. I would, however, skip Idlewild and watch the first Matrix movie instead.
Author Nick Sagan is the son of astronomer Carl Sagan. As a boy in the 1970s, Nick’s greeting, “Hello from the children of planet Earth,” was recorded for NASA’s Voyager Golden Record (a phonograph with audio and visuals depicting human life) and sent into space for aliens to discover. So it is only fitting that Nick Sagan’s first novel fits snugly into the sci-fi fantasy genre.
Idlewild is the story of 19-year-old Halloween (birth name Gabriel), who wakes one day with no memory of his life or surroundings. The world seems oddly…off. The people he meets are just as bizarre. Slowly, he begins to recover aspects his memory and realizes that he is one of ten students in a futuristic virtual school, taught and cared for by computer programs. Similar to the Matrix, he and his classmates are actually (physically) plugged into virtual reality equipment in the real world, where their bodies are nourished. Their minds, however, are fed within the virtual system. However, one student is missing, presumed dead, and Halloween suspects he is next.
Interspersed with the story of Halloween and his eight strange friends is that of three scientists attempting to save humanity from an early 21st century plague called the Black Ep. The relation between both storylines is revealed throughout the book.
The plot starts out strong and shows potential as a dystopian, cyber-punk novel, but falls apart halfway through. Neil Gaiman called this book a “roller coaster ride” of a story, but I think that’s just his nice way of saying the book takes too many quick, sloppy turns. An element of surprise is always welcome in fiction, but Idlewild becomes choppy – as though Sagan couldn’t decide where he wanted to take the plot. The climax seems to come out of nowhere and doesn’t quite satisfy, while the ending is too rushed.
Such faults could possibly be overlooked if Sagan’s writing compensated for the plot flaws, but sadly that disappoints as well. The characterization of Halloween is a trifle cliché (typical angst-ridden teenage goth boy), and the other characters are never fully developed.
That said, the idea behind the story is provocative, and despite its poor execution in this first book, there might be enough potential to be continued. I read the excerpt included of its sequel, Edenborn, and the post-apocalyptic vibe did spark some curiosity in me. If Sagan improved his writing style and got all the kinks out, Edenborn might be worth reading. I would, however, skip Idlewild and watch the first Matrix movie instead.
sobiereads's review against another edition
4.0
fast-paced sci-fi with a unique premise and a goth mc. this shit feeds my soul
casperilluhhh's review against another edition
5.0
How many times have I read this book now? I remember the first time I read it; I was an impressionable young teenager - and what an impression it made on me! Prior to Idlewild, I had mostly been obsessed with fantasy novels on a pretty exclusive basis. It was this book that taught me that science fiction could be just as enjoyable - that a book didn't have to have magic and mystical creatures to be spellbinding in its own way.
The second time I read it, I discovered that there was a second book in the series. The third, I discovered the final instalment to the trilogy. It seems like every time I've approached this book it has been accompanied by the joy of finding more of the story to delve into, and while I know that the series has since been concluded, I'm confident that with subsequent readings I'll take away something new each time.
The protagonist, Halloween, is at once relatable and frustrating, as any authentic teenage character should be - his interactions with other characters, both as friends and as love interests, feel genuine. There's never a point in the book when you want things to hurry along, to get to where they're going, because Sagan so successfully crafts a character whose own internal dramas are fascinating in their own way.
The plot itself is great - and while some may be aware of the twist before they read the book, I think it's best enjoyed without that particular bit of knowledge. I never felt betrayed or cheated once the revelation was made; instead the idea of a virtual world, almost realer than real, sets you up for things to come.
I would definitely recommend this book for lovers of sci-fi, young adult and dystopia alike. While I feel it fits quite neatly into the YA category, it also stands up well in its own right amongst the more serious, literary sci-fi books out there and shouldn't be dismissed out of hand as something for the younger generations.
The second time I read it, I discovered that there was a second book in the series. The third, I discovered the final instalment to the trilogy. It seems like every time I've approached this book it has been accompanied by the joy of finding more of the story to delve into, and while I know that the series has since been concluded, I'm confident that with subsequent readings I'll take away something new each time.
The protagonist, Halloween, is at once relatable and frustrating, as any authentic teenage character should be - his interactions with other characters, both as friends and as love interests, feel genuine. There's never a point in the book when you want things to hurry along, to get to where they're going, because Sagan so successfully crafts a character whose own internal dramas are fascinating in their own way.
The plot itself is great - and while some may be aware of the twist before they read the book, I think it's best enjoyed without that particular bit of knowledge. I never felt betrayed or cheated once the revelation was made; instead the idea of a virtual world, almost realer than real, sets you up for things to come.
I would definitely recommend this book for lovers of sci-fi, young adult and dystopia alike. While I feel it fits quite neatly into the YA category, it also stands up well in its own right amongst the more serious, literary sci-fi books out there and shouldn't be dismissed out of hand as something for the younger generations.
spaceykate's review against another edition
4.0
This book was incredibly strange but I definitely enjoyed it. Had a concerning amount of coincidental parallels to my life at the time I read it, ranging from the location of Idlewild (Michigan), the weather at various points, and the time in which I read it (at the brisk start of October, which made the main character's name a titch more spooky). Many layers.
petyayancheva9's review against another edition
3.0
What? That was my reaction throughout the book. It took me a good one hundred pages to get into the book and start enjoying it. It was so confusing in the begining and the moment I started to understand what I was reading , ten pages later I would wonder what was happening.
I found the plot really interesting and intriguing. The way the whole thing turned out, that it wasnt real... damn. Did not expect it to be Merc. It is so cool to think that you can imagine and build worlds and people and stuff.
Did not like the releationship between Halloween and Simone. Or whatever that was. I always thought it should be Fantasia. And to learn that Pandora likes him... what? Also didnt like that all of Hal's friends died, like, come on!
I really liked the character of Halloween. He was fun, cynical and just... ah!
When I learned that there are three books I was a little shocked because the ending is a perfectly good one for the book and I cant imagine what can be done without ruining the book.
Overall, I liked it but I dont think that I would be continuing the series.
I found the plot really interesting and intriguing. The way the whole thing turned out, that it wasnt real... damn. Did not expect it to be Merc. It is so cool to think that you can imagine and build worlds and people and stuff.
Did not like the releationship between Halloween and Simone. Or whatever that was. I always thought it should be Fantasia. And to learn that Pandora likes him... what? Also didnt like that all of Hal's friends died, like, come on!
I really liked the character of Halloween. He was fun, cynical and just... ah!
When I learned that there are three books I was a little shocked because the ending is a perfectly good one for the book and I cant imagine what can be done without ruining the book.
Overall, I liked it but I dont think that I would be continuing the series.
lexiscee's review against another edition
4.0
Actually, 3 and 1/2 stars (when will Goodreads allow 1/2 stars??)
The majority of the book was a 4 star read for me, but the ending bumped the total rating down to 3 1/2.
The majority of the book was a 4 star read for me, but the ending bumped the total rating down to 3 1/2.
booksdogsandjess's review against another edition
2.0
Ok this is very Sci-Fi, so if thats not your thing then this , this is not your book. A lot of people seemed to have given this a good rating on Goodreads, me not so much.
I hate when a book makes me feel dumb, like I don't get the joke that they are still laughing about 2 pages later.The characters make reference to things that have not been covered in the book,I am sure that this is a tool the author used to show the comradery between the teens it sort of annoyed me.
It was like "Inception" if you've seen it(if not,get on it) at one point when very few people in the theater audience are clear on whats going on Juno(who is new to the group) says somthing like
"we will find him, okay. As soon as Arthur's music kicks in just use the defibrillator to revive, We can give him his own kick down below. as soon as music ends we blow up the hospital and we all ride the kick back up the layers."
And I'm like "Really Juno? thats all we have to do? Because WTF comes to mind" thats what "IdleWild" is like the whole time like the answer is elementry and then they start talkin shit that has not been covered in the book. Also IdleWild does not have Leo DeCaprio or Tom Hardy or banging effects so it cannot getaway with this stuff.
Very matrix-esque story with virtual reality and a bit of world domination mixed in for good measure.I will not be reading the other books in the series.
I hate when a book makes me feel dumb, like I don't get the joke that they are still laughing about 2 pages later.The characters make reference to things that have not been covered in the book,I am sure that this is a tool the author used to show the comradery between the teens it sort of annoyed me.
It was like "Inception" if you've seen it(if not,get on it) at one point when very few people in the theater audience are clear on whats going on Juno(who is new to the group) says somthing like
"we will find him, okay. As soon as Arthur's music kicks in just use the defibrillator to revive, We can give him his own kick down below. as soon as music ends we blow up the hospital and we all ride the kick back up the layers."
And I'm like "Really Juno? thats all we have to do? Because WTF comes to mind" thats what "IdleWild" is like the whole time like the answer is elementry and then they start talkin shit that has not been covered in the book. Also IdleWild does not have Leo DeCaprio or Tom Hardy or banging effects so it cannot getaway with this stuff.
Very matrix-esque story with virtual reality and a bit of world domination mixed in for good measure.I will not be reading the other books in the series.
alice2000's review against another edition
2.0
I seem to be in the minority on this book. While it was unusual and mostly original I just flat out didn't like it. I didnt' care about any of the characters or how it was going to end. There were some fun parts, but overall I wouldn't recommend it to anyone or read the sequels.
leaton01's review against another edition
4.0
This review is of both the book and the audiobook. This review is of both the book and the audiobook. This is not your average Halloween—in fact, it’s not even a holiday, but a death-obsessed eighteen-year-old boy who awakes to find his memory has been rebooted and his body is immovable. While his thoughts are scrambled, he slowly regains some memories. Suddenly, he realizes that he was attacked and someone is out to get him. Halloween knows he cannot trust anyone, but with holes in his memory, he is hard-pressed to figure it all out on his own.
It’s the 22nd century, and Halloween and his classmates attend a high-tech school that prepares them to be the leaders of tomorrow. It is a physical school but much of the education and training transpires in a virtual reality simulation where the students use a myriad of resources that borderline on magic. The students rely heavily upon their virtual reality identities and return to the real world only when necessary or when attempting to avoid the caretaker of the virtual school. Hal and his friends are constantly finding ways to hack this system and manipulate the caretaker programs. While producing one of these glitches, Hal learns the true nature of his school and the legacy awaiting his fellow students. But with one student already missing, and his life in evident danger, Hal struggles to determine who among his friends and enemies has also learned of what awaits them after graduation.
The story maintains a decent level of mystery and suspense. Playing the part of the detective, Halloween even goes to the extent of having a gathering of all the students to flesh out the villain. Unfortunately, this party causes unforeseen events that only further Hal’s confusion and disillusion with his environment. Just as Hal was regaining his memories and understanding his situation, he is blown away by the knowledge that indeed his whole universe does not exist. He must determine what to do with his life when everything he knows is a lie.
Since the release of “The Matrix,” this idea of a reality within a reality has grown with popularity and one could say that “idlewild,” is just another copycat. However, it is much more than that. Nick Sagan combines aspects from “The Matrix,” but that is not his sole model. While it feels akin to such “what is reality” type stories, it carries its own distinction. Also, early in the story, he relies heavily upon H.P.Lovercraft and makes enough references to the famous writer to warrant looking up information on the genre writer. On the technological aspect of his writing, he seems to have been influenced by William Gibson.
Clayton Barclay Jones uses a soft and eloquent voice that perfectly coincides with this first person narrative. As the voice of Halloween, Jones is superb in fleshing out Halloween as a cool, calm, and collective being trying to rationalize his world. Even at times of excitement, the voice maintains gentleness quite appropriate for the protagonist. What does not work for this audiobook is Beth McDonald. At the beginning of each chapter, she reads off what sounds like a transmission record. This record appears to be a technical summation of what happens in the virtual world. While it is meant to feel very mechanical in its reading, it is too much for the listener. When reading the book, the reader has the ability to read and slowly digest what the readout is saying. McDonald delivers a fantastic computer voice but reads very quickly giving the listener no real chance for understanding.
“idlewild,” is a fantastic and thrilling novel about a young man’s fight for life and understanding of what living ultimately means. Enriched with a story line that has similarities to “Oryx and Crake,” “The Matrix,” “Neuromancer,” and several other contemporary books, the book keeps you guessing and maintains your interest until the very end.
It’s the 22nd century, and Halloween and his classmates attend a high-tech school that prepares them to be the leaders of tomorrow. It is a physical school but much of the education and training transpires in a virtual reality simulation where the students use a myriad of resources that borderline on magic. The students rely heavily upon their virtual reality identities and return to the real world only when necessary or when attempting to avoid the caretaker of the virtual school. Hal and his friends are constantly finding ways to hack this system and manipulate the caretaker programs. While producing one of these glitches, Hal learns the true nature of his school and the legacy awaiting his fellow students. But with one student already missing, and his life in evident danger, Hal struggles to determine who among his friends and enemies has also learned of what awaits them after graduation.
The story maintains a decent level of mystery and suspense. Playing the part of the detective, Halloween even goes to the extent of having a gathering of all the students to flesh out the villain. Unfortunately, this party causes unforeseen events that only further Hal’s confusion and disillusion with his environment. Just as Hal was regaining his memories and understanding his situation, he is blown away by the knowledge that indeed his whole universe does not exist. He must determine what to do with his life when everything he knows is a lie.
Since the release of “The Matrix,” this idea of a reality within a reality has grown with popularity and one could say that “idlewild,” is just another copycat. However, it is much more than that. Nick Sagan combines aspects from “The Matrix,” but that is not his sole model. While it feels akin to such “what is reality” type stories, it carries its own distinction. Also, early in the story, he relies heavily upon H.P.Lovercraft and makes enough references to the famous writer to warrant looking up information on the genre writer. On the technological aspect of his writing, he seems to have been influenced by William Gibson.
Clayton Barclay Jones uses a soft and eloquent voice that perfectly coincides with this first person narrative. As the voice of Halloween, Jones is superb in fleshing out Halloween as a cool, calm, and collective being trying to rationalize his world. Even at times of excitement, the voice maintains gentleness quite appropriate for the protagonist. What does not work for this audiobook is Beth McDonald. At the beginning of each chapter, she reads off what sounds like a transmission record. This record appears to be a technical summation of what happens in the virtual world. While it is meant to feel very mechanical in its reading, it is too much for the listener. When reading the book, the reader has the ability to read and slowly digest what the readout is saying. McDonald delivers a fantastic computer voice but reads very quickly giving the listener no real chance for understanding.
“idlewild,” is a fantastic and thrilling novel about a young man’s fight for life and understanding of what living ultimately means. Enriched with a story line that has similarities to “Oryx and Crake,” “The Matrix,” “Neuromancer,” and several other contemporary books, the book keeps you guessing and maintains your interest until the very end.