YA Cookie Cutter

I feel like a lot of the YA are so similar. Almost all YA I have read have the same format. Two men that the heroine has to chose between and in one way or another is herione is the savior of the people. Well written, good but not great.

11 people found this helpful

Deja vu

This story has been written over and over again in YA fiction, however, in this version, the plot and storyline are weak and predictable, the characters are dull and terribly inconsistent, and there is not a lot to keep you interested. The author over-explains characters' emotions and choices, assuming readers need to have things explained to them. In other parts, the author creates contrived scenarios. There are several parts where you can almost hear the author thinking, "hmmm...what can I put here to make the story go in the direction that I'd like?" And then the writer' choice is a giant jump from point A to point B. The reader is left head scratching over and over.

The narration was meh. I got the impression that the narrator seemed bored by the story.

Overall the whole book: writing, plot, characters, performance was mediocre.

6 people found this helpful

Hunger Games and Divergent Merge!

Would you listen to Numbers Game again? Why?

This is the type of book I will listen to more than once and still enjoy. The book is "clean" without obscenities and sex scenes. While similar to Hunger Games or Divergent, Numbers Game holds its own with a story line that kept me listening without getting bored.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Numbers Game?

When Trina meets her father.

Have you listened to any of Stacey Glemboski’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any other of Stacey Glemboski's other performances, but I did like her work and would listen to others.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think the part that really moved me was when Trina gets her number and the feelings she went through.

Any additional comments?

I've listened to hundreds of books, and read thousands more. At the age of 54, I tend to like the YA books because they are usually more creative. Unfortunately, many are starting to use excessive profanity and obscenities, along with sex scenes that put me off. This book was refreshingly clear of those things and, therefore so much more enjoyable.

14 people found this helpful

Divergent meets Hunger Games. Future Dystopia.

This book follows the current popular theme: Future dystopian world, totalitarian government, female main character, male crush...
There were a lot of parallels to Divergent with a hint of Hunger Games or the Matched series.
I thought that the whole book was very well written, thrilling, and all-around hard to put down. Definitely a winner that will hopefully follow in the footsteps of some of the more popular titles in this genre.

The book opens with Treena, the main character, preparing for her rating day. In this futuristic world, citizens receive ratings based on grades, how useful they are to society, and how well they adhere to strict social rules. Treena is expected by her peers to receive a top rating, allowing her to go on and do great things in the government and society. When the ceremony ends in her receiving the lowest rating in her class, and one of the lowest ratings that society can give, she is both devastated and confused. How could her rating have been so low? When she is offered a chance at reconsideration if she undertakes a mission that immerses her into a world of danger, she begins to discover things she never knew about the society she has spent her entire life trying to live up to. Why has their government really been suppressing and imprisoning those living in small villages on the outskirts of their society? Why did she really receive such a low rating? Was she part of some greater plot by her government?

In the very beginning (the first hour or so) I wasn't that impressed. However, as the story continued, I found my self more and more drawn in by the characters.

Narration was very well done as well. The narrator was perfect for the main character.

If you liked Divergent, Hunger Games, Matched, or some of the other similar books in this genre, then you will like Numbers Game.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author, publisher, or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review. I was NOT required to write a positive review and this reflects my honest opinion of the work.

21 people found this helpful

Interesting and entertaining new world

I loved listening to this story. Stacey did an amazing job and the many different voices she used were out of this world. I've listened to a few romances Stacy has narrated and she's just as wonderful as she was there. I loved the futuristic feel to the story and how its so different and yet still the same as now. The romance aspect between Treena and Vance is pretty adorable too. I just love how this story was written and narrated and just how interesting it is overall.

2 people found this helpful

LOVED THIS!!! GOING ON TO BOOK 2 IMMEDIATELY!!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would...this is the kind of story that got me addicted to audible in the first place...Dystopic YA with a great storyline and a bit of romance!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Numbers Game?

When Treena finds her real dad, quite by accident...and when Treena also finds out her step dad signed away her empire..ooooh that ticked me off!

Have you listened to any of Stacey Glemboski’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I dont think so....but I would...and I am going to in book 2!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes it was!

Any additional comments?

** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

Treena lives in a very controp dystopic society....its all about following following rules and getting rated...there are reds, yellows, and greens....well when her day comes...everything goes wrong and she is given a very low rating and is in the red...she can not be with her boyfriend...she is a pariah in society..and a mystery unfolds....having an accidental run in with there leader, she makes a deal for a secret mission to raise her rank...but unbeknownst to her it is all a ruse..and she is in more danger than ever...she meets a new boy Vance and her heart is now conflicted...she finds her real father...and learns some painful truths...and a war ensues and she almost dies...she wakes up from a coma and learns not only has her rulership been taken from her, but she may never get to see Vance again!

BOOK 2 ASAP...LOVED THIS!!!

5 people found this helpful

loved it

Any additional comments?

I read this book when it first came out, but I just finished re-reading it through Audible. The narrator did such a fantastic job bringing the story to life! I was worried it would be weird having a female narrator for the male first-person chapters, but she did an awesome job.

I love this book. Treena and Vance areboth strong, kick-butt characters, and NORA and the ratings system is fascinating. I was on the edge of my seat more than once! Perfect for people who enjoyed The Hunger Games or Divergent. Can't wait for the sequel!

5 people found this helpful

What Is Your Number?

The Numbers Game by Rebecca Rode hooked me from the start. I had trouble falling asleep because I kept wanting to listen to one more chapter. I had to re-listen to several chapters the next day because I kept dosing off, though that wasn't a problem because the book was captivating and worth a second listen.

Treena's growth throughout the book is well done, though a bit fast time-wise. She goes from living a relatively sheltered, well organized life to being thrown into the unfairness and cruelty experienced by most of the population.

Stacey Glemboski did a good job narrating the book and she did a great job in keeping my interest. There were a few places where I wish she was a little more consistent with the voice and personality of Vance, but it did not detract from the story.

Hopefully these dystopia/post apocalyptic books will smack some sense into the human race. It would be a wonderful world if we were all treated as equals.

This audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

4 people found this helpful

awesome!!

this was a fabulous book! listened to it twice it was so good! it reminded me of divergent or legend! it was written well and the authors skill competes with some of my favorites! I would and did recommend it to others! my 12 year old is listening to it now and is addicted! she would rather listen than watch tv or play video games! her and I have listened to lots of books in the car and this is the first one she has locked herself in her room to get more!!
narration was great!
well worth the money and time!! I might have to listen again in a month or so!

8 people found this helpful

Compelling new story for Divergent fans!!

Any additional comments?

Numbers Game by Rebecca Rode is a compelling story that is reminiscent of the classic The Handmaid's Tale with its "new world order" destined to fail because citizens are not given certain basic freedoms. At the same this book reminds me a little of Divergent due to everyone being associated with their factions (rankings), high school graduates being taken from their families almost immediately after being ranked (choosing a faction), and corruption parading around under the guise of protection.

Numbers Game is told from two perspectives in alternating chapters. First is Treena, who is super smart, beautiful, and consistently ranked at the top of her class on tests and evaluations - think stereotypical homecoming queen. All she wants to do is graduate and attend the academy with her similarly top ranked boyfriend. However, when her final ranking is revealed at graduation, she receives the lowest number in school history that is also lower than a known serial killer. The majority of the story is devoted to Treena's attempt to get her old life back.

The second point of view is Vance, who is a mysterious soldier with a haunted past. Vance's story is revealed sporadically throughout the book after Treena is placed on Vance's "swat" team and is the only girl. Vance is much smarter than his number reflects and he possesses great moral character. He quickly realizes that someone is trying to kill Treena by the end of her first week with the team.

What I loved most about this book is Treena's maturation over the course of the story. By the end Treena realizes how superficial her whole life has been up until then and decides to put an end to the oppressive and corrupted caste system.

I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by Stacey Glemboski. Her narration was superb with great intonation and pace. Her portrayal of every character was very believable, in particular, Treena and Vance.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book and look forward to the next book in the saga. I received a copy of this audio from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

8 people found this helpful