Gone by Michael Grant


Gone, written by Michael Grant is an intense, science fiction story, although it has many predictable elements. What keep your eyes glued to the book are the exciting aspects that twist the story in unexpecting ways. Even though at times the story can be dragged out with over description, the element of surprise in other parts of the book surely makes up for it.

This story is like a Stephan King version of Lord of the Flies. When all adults fourteen and older disappear, the children left flip out. While some kids are smart enough to realize that order is needed and begin to help little ones and take charge, others cause complete chaos. What also doesn’t help is a band of punks who wish to take over the remaining kids and rule by force. Power seems to be what all are seeking, especially when some of the children start to mutate, wishing to influence the town with their newly found powers. But all chaos seems to die down when a group of kids from a private school arrive, bringing order with them, although people suspect secrets are being kept. It’s a series of unfortunate events when a huge dome is discovered to surround the town. Is it the end of civilization for these kids? Will everything collapse over itself? Are secrets really being held?

Gone is a suspenseful, fun story to read, and while not being a great literary work, I recommend it to fans of science fiction.