Author: Gregg Rosenblum
Edition: Hardcover
Published: January 8, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 265
Source: Bought from National Book Store
Category: Dystopia. Sci-Fi
Trailer: not applicable.
Synopsis:
Twenty years ago, the robots designed to fight our wars abandoned the battlefields. Then they turned their weapons on us.
Only a few escaped the robot revolution of 2071. Kevin, Nick, and Cass are lucky —they live with their parents in a secret human community in the woods. Then their village is detected and wiped out. Hopeful that other survivors have been captured by bots, the teens risk everything to save the only people they have left in the world—by infiltrating a city controlled by their greatest enemies.
Revolution 19 is a cinematic thriller unlike anything else. With a dynamic cast of characters, this surefire blockbuster has everything teen readers want—action, drama, mystery, and romance. Written by debut novelist Gregg Rosenblum, this gripping story shouldn’t be missed.
Transformers. Reel Steel. Terminator. Battle: Los Angeles. These are some of the films I loved that are all robots inspired. When I read the synopsis of Revolution 19, I can't help but gasp because I have never read such kind of literature. So I bagged a copy home though I've devoured it after a couple of months. I've seen a lot of negative reviews about this and I respect them so much. But still, those didn't make me falter and am just so glad this review is a positive one.
Couple of decades back, the human race created robots to be the front lines in battles. However, robots started to increase their intelligence and eventually took over the race. Several years after, humans were all being governed by robots and anyone who tries to escape or rebel against them gets killed immediately. Nick, Kevin and Cass, together with their parents, live in a small community with the other survivors of robot revolution. With very little means, they have been resourceful and their parents teach them whatever they can. While in the forest, Kevin picked up an unusual device only to find out later that it was a tracking device. Their community was attacked, most of their friends died but their parents were missing. They agreed to go to the City, where humans are held hostage and are used as slaves, and find their parents. So then the fight begins.
Wow. This novel was just.. wow! How am I even supposed to review this thing? The plotting was a very strong depiction of a world where mechanism rules. A very very strong one. Everywhere you try to look, you'd see abandoned towns, scraps and metals and a very hard life. It was always about survival, not from hunger but from metals trying to capture you and turn you into something controllable. Or even death. These robots can shoot simply because of a random movement analysis. It was all high tech!! Being in the IT/Tech Industry, one would be able to appreciate Rosenblum's attempt in encapsulating real data with fantasy. He created a movie-worth novel that I absolutely drooled over just because! The technology Rosenblum developed is possible to occur in the future and I appreciated how he molded the story for people to at least learn basic things about the ever growing technology. This defies the norm we see in the young adult genre and I liked how bold Rosenblum was in venturing in such prose that highly risks the success of it. There were also inconsistencies and some "glitches" in the novel that wouldn't go unnoticed like how on earth these "kids" would be able to save human race from robots and why the adults get captured when they should be more logical and ahead when it comes to survival tricks. But I feel like there would be a lot explanation in book 2 so I am still giving it a chance to patch those up.
The fact that despite the scarcity of the basic necessities in life, Nick's family remained knit. The novel exhibited how intact a family should be when faced with struggles. I think the siblings are stronger together. I don't see how each of them would survive with one another and its as if their talents compliment each other's. Nick is overprotective and sometimes he becomes irrational while Kevin needs more attention but I like how skilled he is at his young age. He's got so much potential. I appreciated Cass' love for her adoptive family and how much she is willing to risk to protect them. However, I don't understand Lexi's character. I know she helped the siblings but why trust a person who is all over their wanted list and why help just because you are bored? I WASN'T EXPECTING ANY HEAVY ROMANCE IN THIS AT ALL BECAUSE I THINK IT DID FOCUS MORE ON SCI-FI ASPECT but I just didn't understand her. Or maybe she's a child flirting with a child. Or something like that.
Revolution 19 is a novel that would make you paranoid every time you turn the page! It is highly recommended for those who are into futuristic technology and loves battles with robots! It is built in a foundation of cynical people that you would wonder yourself, who to go to! Decent pacing, filled with action and full of surprises!
VERDICT:
"Quote to follow."
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