When I started reading this, I had a distinct mental image of the exact setting described in the first few pages. And that mental image kept going through the whole novel.

The story, a mix of sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, and loss of innocence is good for YA and adult readers alike. As I was reading, I couldn't decide which it section it fit best in...before I gave up. A good book is a good book so who really cares?

Halloween is our main character and immediately, he's not exactly the best narrator, considering he can't remember anything. I thought this would irk me, and it did at first but soon I was just as curious as he was to figure out what was going on.

The interludes with the characters in italics slowly clues you in on what's going on and soon you'll have an idea at the same time Halloween does. I enjoyed the twist, though I figured it out before I think I was supposed to.

The second twist, however, took me by surprise. Though the ending, in my opinion, was a bit anti-climactic, I will still read the second book in the series. I think it'll be a good one! ( )

Sci-fi, mystery or pseudo-thriller, Idlewind had me hooked from the beginning. You never know what twists and turns the plot will take as you follow an exploration of the mind which truly makes you question the reality of life itself. I found it so hard to put this book down that I read it in a single day. Gripping. ( )

A man awakens with no memory of who he is, or where he is. But he's sure someone is trying to kill him. As he slowly recovers his memories and hunts for his assassin, he is forced to look more closely at his own world and discover the deeper truths of who he is, and why.

This is a brilliant take on post-apocalyptic fiction, taking place in part in a convincing immersive virtual reality. Fast paced, and filled with tantalizing clues, this is both imaginative and deep. Exactly what sci-fi should be, and a worthy inheritor to the Sagan name. ( )

What a great book! It's a Mystery plus Science Fiction plus Growing up Tale that works on so many levels. Its a book thats hard to discuss because almost all of it is spoiler. I started reading it, and I couldn't put it down. There is nothing missed, except maybe the ending was a bit rushed and the secondary characters reactions seemed a bit out of touch with real 18 year old kids ( )

The premise: a young man wakes up in the middle of the field with no of who he is or what he's been doing. But he does know without a shadow of doubt that someone is trying to kill him, and he may very well have killed someone himself. The story that follows is more than just a tale about a guy struggling with amnesia: it's about the struggle of adaptation, of learning his world. Hal, short for Halloween, is one of ten students is an experimental education program that involves teaching through virtual reality. Hal learns his life is made of layers within layers within layers, and he's not sure he can trust anyone, least of all his friends.

My Rating

Worth the Cash: it's a dystopian cyberpunk that follows the grand traditions of similar movies but still knows how to swing the punches. The voice makes it a smooth, fast read, and Sagan's style make everything about the book come together with a ring of confidence. There were a lot of things that could've annoyed the crap out of me about this book, but they didn't, and I think that's due to Sagan's voice and style and the fact he's not afraid to let the reader figure things out for themselves, if they want. Whether you do or not, it's bound to keep you guessing, even when you guess right. I look forward to the sequels.

The full review, which does include spoilers, may be found in my journal. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome. :)

REVIEW: Nick Sagan's IDLEWILD

Happy Reading! :) ( )