Swipe

August 27, 2012
Twelve-year-old Logan Langly lives in a dystopian America where every citizen, on his or her 13th birthday, is compelled to get the Mark. With the Mark, which is scanned for everyday purchases, job applications, and use of public transportation, Logan will gain the advantages of citizenship. But unlike his classmates, Logan is nervous about the Mark: when his sister received hers five years earlier, she vanished. Sensing that all is not right in their world, Logan and classmate Erin begin an investigation into the Mark and all that it entails. Barrie Buckner's narration is intense, pulpy, and perfectly suited to Angler's dark novel. Buckner skillfully modulates his tone and cadence to create distinct voices for the characters. However, the narrator falters in his interpretation of young, female charactersâsomething that proves problematic given Erin's significant role in the novel. And while this flaw may be distracting to some young listeners, it will likely not deter them from enjoying this compelling audio edition. Ages 8âup. A Thomas Nelson paperback.

April 16, 2012
Angler debuts with this exciting book inaugurating a new series. When Logan Langly turns 13 in a few months, he will at last be eligible to receive his Mark. It’s a big day, for the Mark allows people to hold jobs, to vote, and to participate in community life. Logan is worried, though. His sister, Lily, went for her Mark and never returned. Furthermore, he thinks someone is following him. Meanwhile, he befriends a new girl at school. Erin Arbitor has moved from the capital with her father, who has a mysterious job working for DOME, the Department of Marked Emergencies. Together, Erin and Logan set out to discover who’s following him. The trail leads to a gang of Markless people, shunned by Marked society. The book is a well thought-out and well-written thriller set in a dystopian future North America. While the terrain and the politics have been permanently altered by ecological and human disaster, the teenage main characters have concerns easy to relate to. This book is a good read. Ages 8–11. (May)■

Like every other person in his futuristic society, Logan Langley is scheduled to get the Mark on his thirteenth birthday, allowing him all manner of rights and privileges. But unlike everyone else, he's not looking forward to itâ not since his sister disappeared while getting it five years ago. Barrie Buckner's unhurried delivery is too slow for the gripping plot of this first book in a thrilling new dystopian series. While the portrayals of the main characters come across as youthful, they have one-dimensional quality about them that makes them sound too young, a weakness that takes away from the believability of the novel. Although Buckner's narration doesn't quite hit the mark, the story's suspenseful ending will leave listeners eager for the next installment. M.D. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine