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The Rule of Three #1
The Rule of Three
One shocking afternoon, computers around the globe shut down in a viral catastrophe. At sixteen-year-old Adam Daley's high school, the problem first seems to be a typical electrical outage, until students discover that cell phones are down, municipal utilities are failing, and a few computer-free cars like Adam's are the only vehicles that function. Driving home, Adam encounters a storm tide of anger and fear as the region becomes paralyzed. Soon―as resources dwindle, crises mount, and chaos descends―he will see his suburban neighborhood band together for protection. And Adam will understand that having a police captain for a mother and a retired government spy living next door are not just the facts of his life but the keys to his survival, in The Rule of Three by Eric Walters.
405 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2014
About the author
Eric Walters
150 books881 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people - the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories - picture books and novels - to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for STARS), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger By The Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped In Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons - specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie The Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories - picture books and novels - to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for STARS), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger By The Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped In Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons - specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie The Poodle).
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Shelved as 'dnf'
January 16, 2014DNF around 80 pages. It's fine, and the story is interesting, but I don't love the writing style. The dialogue in particular doesn't seem to flow very naturally.
Also: too many exclamation points.
Also: too many exclamation points.
October 6, 2014
Review to come, but you should pre-order this.... like now. No, really go now please and pre-order! You're welcome!
*UPDATE*
*UPDATE*
GUYS!!!! GUUUUUYYYYSSS!!!!
Yes, this is totally going to be one of those reviews that is 60% gifs, 30% incoherent screaming and caps locks, 5% me demanding you go out and buy it, 3% analogies made of pure nonsense and 2% coherent review. Now that you have been warned, let's get this party going!!!
I swear I just want to scream TRUST ME! YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT JUST FLIPPING PRE-ORDER IT! I think we've know each other long enough for that to be sufficient. I even like to think that you care about my babble and would actually listen to me, while I continually just scream for you to pre-order The Rule of Three right this second. Yes, forget this review, forget putting on pants, forget everything that doesn't directly affect you pre-ordering this book, right this second.
I won't go into what the book is about because whoever did the blurb did a fan-flipping-tabulous job already, and this was probably one of the things I loved most. Come on you know what I mean! You grab a book, read the blurb and the tag line, then you think "hmm this sounds good" but then you read the book and think "where in the hell is the book that goes with the blurb I read in the store?!". I've had this happen numerous times and for The Rule of Three to not only stand true to it's summary but also have a summary that totally encompasses the book without giving away key details but still hold my attention is applause worthy.
Ok, so let me try and be coherent now.
The most impressive and wonderful thing about The Rule of Three was how real it felt. I don't know how many of you remember the blackout of 2003, I was only 14 at the time but I remember people freaking out. I remember my mom telling us not to leave the neighborhood and to run as fast as we could if we saw someone we didn't know. I remember how people started to act after just a few hours of no electricity, and it's something I have no intentions of reliving in this lifetime. The Rule of Three, made the blackout of '03, that itty bitty blackout that only lasted a few hours for some and a few days for others, that blackout that only affected 55 million people, seem pathetic and silly by comparison. The power outage in The Rule of Three was world wide and had no sign of ending, and Walters took that scenario and showed us what happens to humanity when the things we depend on for ever day life disappear.
Seriously think about it.Your car won't start, your cellphone won't even light up, your toaster, coffee maker, fridge, credit card machines, THE INTERNET did not work. How long would it take for that layer of civilization to vanish? Walters took this scenario, and showed us how delicate that layer of civilization truly is. It wouldn't take days, or weeks, or months. In just a few hours man would turn on man and the very thing that separates us from our original barbaric state would disappear. And this isn't an assumption! Remember the first night of the blackout of '03? The looting? The fires? The fights? The TENSION! Walters has done so good of a job showing what our actions would be like I may actually look into a bunker! Seriously.
But Walters didn't show just the despair of this situation, he showed that there really are people out there that are genuinely helpful. That there are people who are meant to lead and can do so effortlessly. That there are people who know what buttons to push to secure the resources necessary for survival. And he did all of this with a writing style that was comfortable, gripping and totally believable considering that the POV was from a teenage boy. It was... I was... It just..
The only thing holding it back from a full on 5 star review was the "romance". This book had action, intense situations, fabulous writing, lovable and amazing characters and a plot that took you for a hell of a ride. Why Walters felt the need to add a love interest is beyond me. It didn't fit. It didn't even flow! One second we're facing an unknown end and the next we're talking about our hands being sweaty from holding a girls hand? I do not approve. Especially when the rest of the book was flawless.
November 27, 2013
One afternoon, as teenage Adam and his best friend Todd are working in their high school computer lab, their computer abruptly shuts down. All the computers shut down - and everything that relies on computers to run. No electricity, no communication. Adam's mother is the local police chief and their next-door neighbor, Herb, is an elderly former government operative, so as alarm verges on panic, Adam finds himself at the center of his neighborhood's efforts to survive. Walls are erected, supplies stockpiled, and lawns converted into farmland.
Adam's ethical qualms about the ruthless decisions that Herb insists they must make - turning people away from their sanctuary, treating unknown people as threats - make for nuanced reading. However, the relegation of female characters to romantic or administrative roles is unrealistic. Adam's mother is naive and ineffective, and Herb repeatedly subverts and manipulates her authority. When a daycare center is proposed, Adam thinks it sounds like something his girlfriend Lori might be interested in. Lori, who happens to be one of the only three people in the community with knowledge of farming.
Ladies, don't put up with sci fi that diminishes you or belittles you. Even in a post-calamitous society, you are good for more than running the daycare center and expressing doubt. Ugh.
Adam's ethical qualms about the ruthless decisions that Herb insists they must make - turning people away from their sanctuary, treating unknown people as threats - make for nuanced reading. However, the relegation of female characters to romantic or administrative roles is unrealistic. Adam's mother is naive and ineffective, and Herb repeatedly subverts and manipulates her authority. When a daycare center is proposed, Adam thinks it sounds like something his girlfriend Lori might be interested in. Lori, who happens to be one of the only three people in the community with knowledge of farming.
Ladies, don't put up with sci fi that diminishes you or belittles you. Even in a post-calamitous society, you are good for more than running the daycare center and expressing doubt. Ugh.
October 21, 2015
Whenever I read survival books or watch survival movies, I am constantly yelling at the characters for their bad decisions.
"Don't go in that room! There are zombies in the dark!"
"Don't split up! You'll get overrun!"
"Don't drink that water! It's tainted!"
Many times I've wondered what it would be like to read or watch a story where the characters made all the right decisions and everything worked out okay. Well, I have finally discovered such a story, and it is boring as hell.
Herb is the Jesus character of this book, always knowing what to do, always making the correct decision, always thinking eighty bajillion steps ahead. Their community is well stocked, well protected, and just well in general. There is no true conflict. Occasionally someone speaks up, and all Herb has to do is talk calmly to them, and they back off. It's like a diplomacy handbook for a perfect world.
The book drags through scene after scene of almost-almost-conflict only to peter out as the main characters deftly dodge problems and wrap everything up neatly with a bow. Food shortages? We'll just plow all the land around town and open a soup kitchen. Looting a potential problem? We'll set up an IOU system. Violence forthcoming? We'll set up patrols and train civilians, who will of course be brave and competent and know exactly what to do. The title is mentioned once in the book, but it doesn't really fit the story since nothing huge happens after the third day and no one is forced to face a situation where they would be without oxygen, food, or water. A weak premise.
Also, we have a plane for some reason. I can tell the author is a pilot himself or has at least taken flight lessons because the scenes where he describes Adam's flights are the most detailed parts of this book.
The romance between Adam and Lori is as predictable as it is flat. We see no emotions, and even the dialogue sounds stilted. It's like the characters were plowing through what should have been heartwarming scenes just so they could get through them to the next (boring) non-conflict.
None of the chapters end in cliffhangers, so there is no suspense to keep me going. I read the book so I could finish it, not because I was pushed to find out what happened next. At times, I found myself wishing that Herb would be killed, or that Brett would turn out to be a double agent, or that Adam would make a fatal mistake and cost someone his life. Hell, even the scenes with bodies and dying are detached, almost like we're hearing someone tell us about a movie about someone who witnessed this stuff firsthand. I'm so far removed that I don't even feel a part of it.
Also, please don't use exclamation points outside of dialogue. "She kissed me!" and "The car exploded!" remind me that the protagonist is a 16-year-old boy whose main concerns are getting laid and making good grades.
I'll be passing on this series.
"Don't go in that room! There are zombies in the dark!"
"Don't split up! You'll get overrun!"
"Don't drink that water! It's tainted!"
Many times I've wondered what it would be like to read or watch a story where the characters made all the right decisions and everything worked out okay. Well, I have finally discovered such a story, and it is boring as hell.
Herb is the Jesus character of this book, always knowing what to do, always making the correct decision, always thinking eighty bajillion steps ahead. Their community is well stocked, well protected, and just well in general. There is no true conflict. Occasionally someone speaks up, and all Herb has to do is talk calmly to them, and they back off. It's like a diplomacy handbook for a perfect world.
The book drags through scene after scene of almost-almost-conflict only to peter out as the main characters deftly dodge problems and wrap everything up neatly with a bow. Food shortages? We'll just plow all the land around town and open a soup kitchen. Looting a potential problem? We'll set up an IOU system. Violence forthcoming? We'll set up patrols and train civilians, who will of course be brave and competent and know exactly what to do. The title is mentioned once in the book, but it doesn't really fit the story since nothing huge happens after the third day and no one is forced to face a situation where they would be without oxygen, food, or water. A weak premise.
Also, we have a plane for some reason. I can tell the author is a pilot himself or has at least taken flight lessons because the scenes where he describes Adam's flights are the most detailed parts of this book.
The romance between Adam and Lori is as predictable as it is flat. We see no emotions, and even the dialogue sounds stilted. It's like the characters were plowing through what should have been heartwarming scenes just so they could get through them to the next (boring) non-conflict.
None of the chapters end in cliffhangers, so there is no suspense to keep me going. I read the book so I could finish it, not because I was pushed to find out what happened next. At times, I found myself wishing that Herb would be killed, or that Brett would turn out to be a double agent, or that Adam would make a fatal mistake and cost someone his life. Hell, even the scenes with bodies and dying are detached, almost like we're hearing someone tell us about a movie about someone who witnessed this stuff firsthand. I'm so far removed that I don't even feel a part of it.
Also, please don't use exclamation points outside of dialogue. "She kissed me!" and "The car exploded!" remind me that the protagonist is a 16-year-old boy whose main concerns are getting laid and making good grades.
I'll be passing on this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2020
This book was amazing. I brought constant challeges Which had to be solved in order to survive. I liked how a boy my age took charge and helped get the neighbourhood alive. He is my age and was just regular kid before the whole world expeirienced a massive power shortage and no electronics worked. It took place in a modern day neighbourhood were lots of people realy on technolagy and without this boy and his family the neighbourhood will go into anarchy. This is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone of the age eleven and up.
September 26, 2017
Adam is 16. He's a good student. He's building an ultralight with his dad in the garage. He likes a girl he's too nervous to talk to. And then every computer in the world goes dark. Permanently.
What's a guy to do?
If his mom's a police officer and his next door neighbor is some kind of retired government operative (spies tend to be vague about their personal history), he fortifies his suburban neighborhood and turns it into the last bastion of sanity amidst a dying civilization. Obviously.
If that sounds like an unrealistic plot line, here's the crazy thing: it isn't. Eric Walters' brilliance as a writer is that he shows you that it isn't--drawing you in, page by page, while his characters go through the slow burn of realizing that everything might not be okay.
I love this book. It's incredibly complex, but it doesn't feel complex. It grabbed me from the beginning and kept me reading straight through to the end, every chance I got. I love the characters--real people with distinctive character traits and realistic motivations. I love the plot development--real problems playing out in realistic time frames.
And best of all, it's all wrapped up in a well-written package--by which I mean the writing tells the story without getting in the way. The book isn't trying to be a literary triumph. It's just straight-up can't-put-it-down entertainment. It's a fun read, and I loved every minute of it.
(BTW, I came to think of it as Under the Dome meets Jericho, and if you get both of those references, definitely send me a friend invite! 😝)
What's a guy to do?
If his mom's a police officer and his next door neighbor is some kind of retired government operative (spies tend to be vague about their personal history), he fortifies his suburban neighborhood and turns it into the last bastion of sanity amidst a dying civilization. Obviously.
If that sounds like an unrealistic plot line, here's the crazy thing: it isn't. Eric Walters' brilliance as a writer is that he shows you that it isn't--drawing you in, page by page, while his characters go through the slow burn of realizing that everything might not be okay.
I love this book. It's incredibly complex, but it doesn't feel complex. It grabbed me from the beginning and kept me reading straight through to the end, every chance I got. I love the characters--real people with distinctive character traits and realistic motivations. I love the plot development--real problems playing out in realistic time frames.
And best of all, it's all wrapped up in a well-written package--by which I mean the writing tells the story without getting in the way. The book isn't trying to be a literary triumph. It's just straight-up can't-put-it-down entertainment. It's a fun read, and I loved every minute of it.
(BTW, I came to think of it as Under the Dome meets Jericho, and if you get both of those references, definitely send me a friend invite! 😝)
February 7, 2014
I thought I was over the whole dystopian genre, but this book proved me wrong – very wrong. I won a copy of this book through Twitter, and I’m glad I did, because I never would have bought it from the bookstore. My problem with dystopian fiction is that it is most always completely unbelievable, but that was far from the case with this book.
The basis of the novel is that technology ends. One minute all is fine, and the next there is no electricity, no computers, no phones, nothing. Though that situation may be unlikely, it was absolutely believable. It’s also quite frightening how addicted we all are to technology.
This book takes you through the lives of a small(ish) neighbourhood and how they come together to deal with the crisis at hand, and shows how quickly and deadly panic can set in. The only slight part that was unbelievable was Adam, the protagonist, and his maturity for being only 16 years old.
I really wish the book didn’t end as soon as it did. I’m left with many unanswered questions and really hope there will be a follow-up book to complete the story, as there is so much left to be told.
The basis of the novel is that technology ends. One minute all is fine, and the next there is no electricity, no computers, no phones, nothing. Though that situation may be unlikely, it was absolutely believable. It’s also quite frightening how addicted we all are to technology.
This book takes you through the lives of a small(ish) neighbourhood and how they come together to deal with the crisis at hand, and shows how quickly and deadly panic can set in. The only slight part that was unbelievable was Adam, the protagonist, and his maturity for being only 16 years old.
I really wish the book didn’t end as soon as it did. I’m left with many unanswered questions and really hope there will be a follow-up book to complete the story, as there is so much left to be told.
October 21, 2023
5.0 stars ...
just as fun the second time through! 😁
just as fun the second time through! 😁
October 21, 2023
The entire book from start to finish was intense! The drama and action continually builds up to a jaw dropping finish! 5 stars!
December 29, 2014
Oh, how I had issues with this book. I really wanted to love it. Though it did take me over a year to finally read my copy. But yeah. I thought this book sounded exciting and a bit different. I was nervous, as I wasn't sure it would be for me, but I hoped. And I'm so disappointed, because I really did not like this book.
I'm not sure how to begin talking about it. And I don't think my review will be all that long, because when I think about this book, I don't have any positive things in my head. I wish I did, but I don't. There was so many things that did not work at all for me. Which is why this book get a one star rating from me.
First there is the writing. I really disliked how it was written. None of it seemed realistic. The characters were so weird when talking together. None of them fit. There is a tiny bit of romance, and the only mention of it is this: they kissed. Seriously. That is so not how you describe a kiss in a book. Ugh. I did not like this writing at all. It annoyed me a bunch of times. Okay, it isn't the worst writing I had read, not even close, but it was bad. Especially with all the other things I disliked in this book. One positive thing: there is only one point of view in this book. Thank god for that. But yeah. I didn't even like the main character. Which is just all kinds of depressing. There was so many things I did not like in this book. Which is just so sad.
Main character is Adam. Whom is sixteen year old. And then the power goes out everywhere, and his mom is a police officer, and he is a pilot, all kinds of young. Hmph. And when things go bad, he seems to know the answers to everything. He gets to be in on all the important meetings. He gets to decide things. Oh, and he has a small weird plane in his garage that works; which he uses. Sigh. I did not like this boy. He was a bit too much, yet not nearly enough. I didn't care for him a single bit. Sad face.
Then there is his best friend, Todd. Whom we see a tiny bit. And all of that made him just seem like an idiot. Disliked reading about him. And we don't get to know anything about Adam or Todd prior to the power thing. Adam also has a crush on this girl, Lori. But why does he have a crush on her? I have no idea at all. We get to know nothing of her. She is a farm girl. She is beautiful. That is all. What does she look like? Don't have a clue. What does she like? No idea. Ugh, how I hated that no details at all thing.
I wish I could say I loved the plot. I was so curious about it, with the whole power thing going away. But it didn't fully go away. Old cars worked. And lots of other things. And I just. I didn't believe in any of it. I didn't like how the people reacted. Or didn't react. None of it seemed realistic. Especially since it was set in our time. None of these people should be that stupid. Seriously. Oh, how this book annoyed me. Everything they did and didn't do. It all bothered me so much. Wish it wasn't so, but it totally was.
There is so much I could say about this book, but I don't want to. I just want to be done talking about it. I thought it would be great. It wasn't. Not at all. Oh, and the old guy, Herb. Ugh. That bothered me too. Just so many silly things. Not real at all. I wanted to quit reading this book so many times, but I did not. Only because it is a Macmillan book, and I adore them, and I really wanted to finish it. I regret reading it, sort of, but yeah. Now I'm done with it, hah. Just so many things about this book bothered me.
Huge thank you to Ksenia at Macmillan Kids for the review copy of The Rule of Three that she sent me over a year ago. <3 I'm so sorry I didn't like it. But yeah. It wasn't for me. Not at all. Now I'm trying to decide if I should read book two as well, since it is a review copy, and I'm to be on the blog tour on the 5th. But I'm not sure. Because I really don't want to. Might try, though. Anyway. I do think some people might love this book :) I'm curious to hear other thoughts on it. Have any of you read this book yet?
I'm not sure how to begin talking about it. And I don't think my review will be all that long, because when I think about this book, I don't have any positive things in my head. I wish I did, but I don't. There was so many things that did not work at all for me. Which is why this book get a one star rating from me.
First there is the writing. I really disliked how it was written. None of it seemed realistic. The characters were so weird when talking together. None of them fit. There is a tiny bit of romance, and the only mention of it is this: they kissed. Seriously. That is so not how you describe a kiss in a book. Ugh. I did not like this writing at all. It annoyed me a bunch of times. Okay, it isn't the worst writing I had read, not even close, but it was bad. Especially with all the other things I disliked in this book. One positive thing: there is only one point of view in this book. Thank god for that. But yeah. I didn't even like the main character. Which is just all kinds of depressing. There was so many things I did not like in this book. Which is just so sad.
Main character is Adam. Whom is sixteen year old. And then the power goes out everywhere, and his mom is a police officer, and he is a pilot, all kinds of young. Hmph. And when things go bad, he seems to know the answers to everything. He gets to be in on all the important meetings. He gets to decide things. Oh, and he has a small weird plane in his garage that works; which he uses. Sigh. I did not like this boy. He was a bit too much, yet not nearly enough. I didn't care for him a single bit. Sad face.
Then there is his best friend, Todd. Whom we see a tiny bit. And all of that made him just seem like an idiot. Disliked reading about him. And we don't get to know anything about Adam or Todd prior to the power thing. Adam also has a crush on this girl, Lori. But why does he have a crush on her? I have no idea at all. We get to know nothing of her. She is a farm girl. She is beautiful. That is all. What does she look like? Don't have a clue. What does she like? No idea. Ugh, how I hated that no details at all thing.
I wish I could say I loved the plot. I was so curious about it, with the whole power thing going away. But it didn't fully go away. Old cars worked. And lots of other things. And I just. I didn't believe in any of it. I didn't like how the people reacted. Or didn't react. None of it seemed realistic. Especially since it was set in our time. None of these people should be that stupid. Seriously. Oh, how this book annoyed me. Everything they did and didn't do. It all bothered me so much. Wish it wasn't so, but it totally was.
There is so much I could say about this book, but I don't want to. I just want to be done talking about it. I thought it would be great. It wasn't. Not at all. Oh, and the old guy, Herb. Ugh. That bothered me too. Just so many silly things. Not real at all. I wanted to quit reading this book so many times, but I did not. Only because it is a Macmillan book, and I adore them, and I really wanted to finish it. I regret reading it, sort of, but yeah. Now I'm done with it, hah. Just so many things about this book bothered me.
Huge thank you to Ksenia at Macmillan Kids for the review copy of The Rule of Three that she sent me over a year ago. <3 I'm so sorry I didn't like it. But yeah. It wasn't for me. Not at all. Now I'm trying to decide if I should read book two as well, since it is a review copy, and I'm to be on the blog tour on the 5th. But I'm not sure. Because I really don't want to. Might try, though. Anyway. I do think some people might love this book :) I'm curious to hear other thoughts on it. Have any of you read this book yet?
March 5, 2014
Fuck. I love books like this. SO MUCH. It reminded me of when I read "Ashfall". I love books that are just about humans surviving in apocalypses. I mostly get this from zombie novels, but there's something refreshing when the only enemy is human nature. You know, other humans. Just trying to survive in these extreme circumstances.
I liked Adam. I'm pissed we never found out what Herb did for a living. Also: what happened to Adam's dad? I kept expecting him to show up. Frustrating. Even more frustrating? The fact that this novel just ENDS. IT JUST FUCKING ENDS. And there's no indication that there will be a sequel. And knowing Eric Walters, there won't be.
It'd be crazy if he wrote a sequel from the father's point of view... as he goes on his journey to get back to his family... and then it turns out he's killed by the neighbourhood during their battle with the militant group! And like, you can see the moment where the two novels intersect and you're like, "Oh wait... no... NO! OH SHIT! WTF NOOOOO!!!" haha
I liked Adam. I'm pissed we never found out what Herb did for a living. Also: what happened to Adam's dad? I kept expecting him to show up. Frustrating. Even more frustrating? The fact that this novel just ENDS. IT JUST FUCKING ENDS. And there's no indication that there will be a sequel. And knowing Eric Walters, there won't be.
It'd be crazy if he wrote a sequel from the father's point of view... as he goes on his journey to get back to his family... and then it turns out he's killed by the neighbourhood during their battle with the militant group! And like, you can see the moment where the two novels intersect and you're like, "Oh wait... no... NO! OH SHIT! WTF NOOOOO!!!" haha
October 9, 2020
Overall Rating : C
This felt more like a survivalist handbook than a story. I probably would've liked it better if it was.
This felt more like a survivalist handbook than a story. I probably would've liked it better if it was.
March 4, 2015
All over the world, electricity has shut down. Computers don't work. Neither do most cars. Our way of life is rendered completely useless. Next comes the chaos. People don't know what to do - they can't get home, they can't go to work, they can't live like this! The fight for power begins...
For Adam Daley, it's no different. On one day, all technology shuts down. At first it seems like a normal power outage, until kids discover that cellphones are down, municipal utilities are out of commission, and the only modes of transportation that still function are a few old, pre-computer cars, much like Adam's own '57 Corvette. Driving home, Adam encounters a huge tide of confusion and anger as the city becomes paralyzed in what to do. Soon, resources drop to a critical low, and chaos threatens to break out within their small community - but Adam will see to it that they will stay together! they have to, or else even their peaceful town will turn into a wasteland. With the world thrown into an unexpected apocalypse, it's not long before Adam learns that having a police chief for a mother and a retired government spy living next door are not just absurd facts of his life - they could be the key to his survival, and the survival of those he loves.
What really made this book stand out for me was the fact that the possibility of such a thing happening is all to real. All it could take would be a single power failure, and our centuries-old civilizations could die. At first, I dismissed the idea almost instantly, but as I read more of Eric Walters' amazing book, the more real the thought seemed. What could we possibly do if such an event actually happened? Would we be at each others' throats? Or would we stay together? By binding these ideas together, and keeping reality as the defining factor, Eric Walters has created a masterpiece - one that could end up being our very own, not-so-great future.
Another element of this story that really appealed to me was the fact that Eric Walters chose to write the book from Adam's point of view, and how he faces the challenge of being somewhat of a community leader, as well as being an ordinary teenager. Another book that I feel really gives this kind of insight is Searching for Sky by Jillian Cantor. In these stories, both authors choose to write the story from the perspective of a character whose age only differs slightly from our own. I guess it really helps, being able to relate to a character like that - it makes all the difference between a good book and a masterpiece. I think that The Rule Of Three is one of these rare books. Wonderful, amazing work.
I would recommend this book to all readers who enjoy a novel about our uncertain future. Unlike other dystopian-type novels, which are usually set in a post-apocalyptic utopia of sorts, this book is about the actual catastrophe that happened to create such a world. It's an interesting switch from the Hunger Games, but a thrilling read all the same. I also think that YA readers would enjoy this book - partially because the protagonist is also a teenager, who is still trying to find his place in his word. I would personally recommend this book to my friends - and any other readers looking for a good futuristic book. In The Rule of Three, Eric Walters combines an catastrophe, war, family and the need to survive to create one hell of a story you do not want to miss!
For Adam Daley, it's no different. On one day, all technology shuts down. At first it seems like a normal power outage, until kids discover that cellphones are down, municipal utilities are out of commission, and the only modes of transportation that still function are a few old, pre-computer cars, much like Adam's own '57 Corvette. Driving home, Adam encounters a huge tide of confusion and anger as the city becomes paralyzed in what to do. Soon, resources drop to a critical low, and chaos threatens to break out within their small community - but Adam will see to it that they will stay together! they have to, or else even their peaceful town will turn into a wasteland. With the world thrown into an unexpected apocalypse, it's not long before Adam learns that having a police chief for a mother and a retired government spy living next door are not just absurd facts of his life - they could be the key to his survival, and the survival of those he loves.
What really made this book stand out for me was the fact that the possibility of such a thing happening is all to real. All it could take would be a single power failure, and our centuries-old civilizations could die. At first, I dismissed the idea almost instantly, but as I read more of Eric Walters' amazing book, the more real the thought seemed. What could we possibly do if such an event actually happened? Would we be at each others' throats? Or would we stay together? By binding these ideas together, and keeping reality as the defining factor, Eric Walters has created a masterpiece - one that could end up being our very own, not-so-great future.
Another element of this story that really appealed to me was the fact that Eric Walters chose to write the book from Adam's point of view, and how he faces the challenge of being somewhat of a community leader, as well as being an ordinary teenager. Another book that I feel really gives this kind of insight is Searching for Sky by Jillian Cantor. In these stories, both authors choose to write the story from the perspective of a character whose age only differs slightly from our own. I guess it really helps, being able to relate to a character like that - it makes all the difference between a good book and a masterpiece. I think that The Rule Of Three is one of these rare books. Wonderful, amazing work.
I would recommend this book to all readers who enjoy a novel about our uncertain future. Unlike other dystopian-type novels, which are usually set in a post-apocalyptic utopia of sorts, this book is about the actual catastrophe that happened to create such a world. It's an interesting switch from the Hunger Games, but a thrilling read all the same. I also think that YA readers would enjoy this book - partially because the protagonist is also a teenager, who is still trying to find his place in his word. I would personally recommend this book to my friends - and any other readers looking for a good futuristic book. In The Rule of Three, Eric Walters combines an catastrophe, war, family and the need to survive to create one hell of a story you do not want to miss!
October 31, 2018
What would happen if the internet and all digital equipment stopped working all around the world? Not just for a day or so but for months. I've been telling my wife for quite some time that society is going to implode some day because the internet was meant to be used by people who know and trust one another. That's why no safeguards were built into it. And when the internet goes down and society implodes, we'll have to struggle to survive.
Now I've found a novel, Eric Walter's The Rule of Three, that describes what might happen. The book opens with sixteen-year-old Adam Daley in his high school class talking with his friends when suddenly their smart phones go blank. The lights go out. Cars and trucks stop working. Planes stop flying and crash. Gas and water pumps stop pumping. Everything that's digital stops working. And life as Adam knows it ends abruptly.
Gradually, society breaks down and Adam's town turns into enclaves of groups who look out only for their own members. Only vintage vehicles, battery-powered equipment, and other "old fashioned" devices still work. Those people who have them are lucky and must fight to keep them.
The people in the neighborhood where Adam lives turns the area into a walled fortress. Armed guards patrol the walls. The group grows their own food, digs wells for water, and goes back to pre-computer-era living. They turn away everyone to asks to join their community because they have to take care of themselves. Adam's community has enemies, too, who are attracted by the community's food and resources. And there's one mean group of rogue soldiers who have military grade weapons and rocket propelled grenades who want what Adam and his neighbors have.
I enjoyed the book but I think it makes life too easy for Adam and his neighbors. First, his neighbor Herb is a retired government worker (CIA? Black ops? Who knows?) who just happens to have a stash of firearms and grenades in his basement. He also knows how to handle just about any situation that pops up because he's been through it all before. And then there's the father of Adam's girlfriend, Lori, who just happens to be a farmer and moves his livestock and uncomputerized equipment into Adam's compound and plants and runs the community farm. And finally there's Adam himself, who just happens to know how to fly a plane and also just happens to have an ultralight plane in his garage, which he can use can to fly reconnaissance missions. Pretty handy, huh?
Still, I enjoyed the book and will read the other two in the series. And who knows? Fiction might turn into reality some day.
Now I've found a novel, Eric Walter's The Rule of Three, that describes what might happen. The book opens with sixteen-year-old Adam Daley in his high school class talking with his friends when suddenly their smart phones go blank. The lights go out. Cars and trucks stop working. Planes stop flying and crash. Gas and water pumps stop pumping. Everything that's digital stops working. And life as Adam knows it ends abruptly.
Gradually, society breaks down and Adam's town turns into enclaves of groups who look out only for their own members. Only vintage vehicles, battery-powered equipment, and other "old fashioned" devices still work. Those people who have them are lucky and must fight to keep them.
The people in the neighborhood where Adam lives turns the area into a walled fortress. Armed guards patrol the walls. The group grows their own food, digs wells for water, and goes back to pre-computer-era living. They turn away everyone to asks to join their community because they have to take care of themselves. Adam's community has enemies, too, who are attracted by the community's food and resources. And there's one mean group of rogue soldiers who have military grade weapons and rocket propelled grenades who want what Adam and his neighbors have.
I enjoyed the book but I think it makes life too easy for Adam and his neighbors. First, his neighbor Herb is a retired government worker (CIA? Black ops? Who knows?) who just happens to have a stash of firearms and grenades in his basement. He also knows how to handle just about any situation that pops up because he's been through it all before. And then there's the father of Adam's girlfriend, Lori, who just happens to be a farmer and moves his livestock and uncomputerized equipment into Adam's compound and plants and runs the community farm. And finally there's Adam himself, who just happens to know how to fly a plane and also just happens to have an ultralight plane in his garage, which he can use can to fly reconnaissance missions. Pretty handy, huh?
Still, I enjoyed the book and will read the other two in the series. And who knows? Fiction might turn into reality some day.
February 14, 2014
2.5 stars
Plot- 6.5/10
Characters- 7/10
Writing- 7.5/10
World Building- 8.5/10
Total- 7.1/10
Quickie Review- This was not a good book. 2.5 stars is generous, actually. I tried so hard to get into this book. Really. I saw it at the library and went, OMG THAT'S A SICK COVER. And the blub on goodreads was pretty cool. HOWEVER, there were numerous flaws with this book. First of all, the plot never got interesting until page 350. NO action, just a whole bunch of planning and talking. In no way was this a gripping read. Also, there was no sense of urgency and hopelessness. This was because Adam had a government spy and a police officer always at his disposal. I always felt as ease in this book, which made it less intense and engrossing. The characters were not great either. Adam had potential to be a good lead character, but he was quite bland and was a bit one dimensional. He came across as a goody-two-shoes to me. Lori was never really prominent in the book. Neither was Todd. The women in this book were quite disastrous. I think every one of the women cried, except for Adam's mother, who is a police officer. No kick-butt heroines here. This book was also all about the adults. Herb, Adam's mother, and the other grown up citizens were the focus of this book, and the teenagers took a backseat. I did not appreciate this. I like to read about people my age. Finally, the world building was ok. It was weird for me because Walters based this community off a real one, and this real community is a 25 minute drive from where I live. It was hard to envision this community as he described it in the book. Also, in no way did the book ever look like what it does on the cover. If it was supposed to, the author did a poor job of portraying the scene. In general, this book is not recommended.
Plot- 6.5/10
Characters- 7/10
Writing- 7.5/10
World Building- 8.5/10
Total- 7.1/10
Quickie Review- This was not a good book. 2.5 stars is generous, actually. I tried so hard to get into this book. Really. I saw it at the library and went, OMG THAT'S A SICK COVER. And the blub on goodreads was pretty cool. HOWEVER, there were numerous flaws with this book. First of all, the plot never got interesting until page 350. NO action, just a whole bunch of planning and talking. In no way was this a gripping read. Also, there was no sense of urgency and hopelessness. This was because Adam had a government spy and a police officer always at his disposal. I always felt as ease in this book, which made it less intense and engrossing. The characters were not great either. Adam had potential to be a good lead character, but he was quite bland and was a bit one dimensional. He came across as a goody-two-shoes to me. Lori was never really prominent in the book. Neither was Todd. The women in this book were quite disastrous. I think every one of the women cried, except for Adam's mother, who is a police officer. No kick-butt heroines here. This book was also all about the adults. Herb, Adam's mother, and the other grown up citizens were the focus of this book, and the teenagers took a backseat. I did not appreciate this. I like to read about people my age. Finally, the world building was ok. It was weird for me because Walters based this community off a real one, and this real community is a 25 minute drive from where I live. It was hard to envision this community as he described it in the book. Also, in no way did the book ever look like what it does on the cover. If it was supposed to, the author did a poor job of portraying the scene. In general, this book is not recommended.
April 30, 2016
Imagine having to survive without electricity for a month. It seems unimaginable but for Adam and his country it is simply reality. After a major power outage everything stops working from cars to phones. Adam's community must learn to work together and in the end survive throughout this terrible black out.
As I mentioned before, I joined Red Maple because of my passion of reading. After recently the layed back, How to Outrun A Crocodile With Your Shoes Untied, I felt the urge to read an intense book again. As I was looking at the shelves this book caught my eye. It was an Eric Walter book and I had heard many compliments for his writing so I decided to pick it up. The title was cool so I decided, let's try this ! I started reading this book and I must admit it was kind of boring in the beginning. I almost put the book down. But my friends said I should continue and so I did.This book was very intense throughout the whole story. I found it very action packed and things moved very fast. It was like one second things were good and the next and attack. I wanted to know if the community got back the power so I continued reading. In the end I don't know if they ever did,it's left for the reader to imagine. I don't really like that, I like the book to have an ending. That's why I didn't enjoy the ending. This book was an okay read for me but I think that Bianca Tu and Ziying might like it.
As I mentioned before, I joined Red Maple because of my passion of reading. After recently the layed back, How to Outrun A Crocodile With Your Shoes Untied, I felt the urge to read an intense book again. As I was looking at the shelves this book caught my eye. It was an Eric Walter book and I had heard many compliments for his writing so I decided to pick it up. The title was cool so I decided, let's try this ! I started reading this book and I must admit it was kind of boring in the beginning. I almost put the book down. But my friends said I should continue and so I did.This book was very intense throughout the whole story. I found it very action packed and things moved very fast. It was like one second things were good and the next and attack. I wanted to know if the community got back the power so I continued reading. In the end I don't know if they ever did,it's left for the reader to imagine. I don't really like that, I like the book to have an ending. That's why I didn't enjoy the ending. This book was an okay read for me but I think that Bianca Tu and Ziying might like it.
November 11, 2013
Adam is 16. He's in school one day, helping his buddy with a paper, joking around and flirting with girls. Normal stuff - that is, until the power goes out. After realizing it's not a normal power outage - cell phones are out too and cars won't start - Adam is able to drive his older model car home. His neighbor, ex-spy Herb, seems to be preparing for the worst. But it's just a normal power drill, right? Everything will be back up and running soon. But as Herb warns, it's likely to get worse. And it does. Adam's mom is a police captain. Together with Herb, Adam and his mom help diffuse potentially dangerous situations and start working to help their neighborhood.
I had to read it twice - back to back. I was expecting a stand-alone book and the ending suggests a sequel. I'm very happy about that.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I rarely give 5 stars but this easily deserved it.
I had to read it twice - back to back. I was expecting a stand-alone book and the ending suggests a sequel. I'm very happy about that.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I rarely give 5 stars but this easily deserved it.
November 30, 2015
I really liked the book. The book was basically a story of what would happen if all of the computers and electricity stopped working. The thing about this is it could actually happen. Right now I don't think humanity is prepared for something like this.
December 10, 2015
I thought this was a really interesting book. I really liked it. It was interesting because like it says on the back, the idea of the book is that all the power/electricity is wiped out. I felt like this was a highly possible situation given the current events. I would recommend this to everyone.
June 6, 2022
Idk why I just randomly wanted to reread this series but they’re still lowkey bangers fr
February 25, 2024
Rule of Three has an interesting concept but fails to make much use of it, the book is simply ok and isn't special in anyway. It feels slow and not much happens, and when it does get exciting it's over quickly. It has clunky dialogue that real people wouldn't say. There's parts to like but, Rule of three is really just a ok.
November 11, 2018
I enjoy a good YA post-apocalyptic/dystopian novel if it’s done right. Unfortunately so many of them aren’t. I’m happy to say that this one fits the former category and not the later.
What I liked about this one is that unlike so many post-apocalyptic/dystopian novels out there that take place 100 years or more in the future, this one takes place in present day. It made the disaster and the subsequent consequences much more relatable for me. I could actually see something like this happening today or in the near future. Kind of a terrifying thought, but that’s what made it an exciting read.
Who doesn’t spend part of, or maybe even a large part of their day using some kind of electronic devise? We can hardly get though the day without being on our computers, iPhone, or iPad. And that’s just our personal stuff. How many of you don’t use some type of electronic devise at work? It’s not just offices and big businesses that are now hooked into the electronic age. Places where I remember getting a hand written receipt not that many years ago, (like the auto repair shop and the dry cleaners), now keep all my information electronically. Buying food? Yes, rung up electronically. Checking out a book from the library? Yes, you’ll need to have your library card scanned. Staying at the RV Park or a campground? Your reservations and payments are all done on a computer program. The day of written receipts is over. The last time I drove across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco I had my money out and ready to give to the person in the kiosk, but found all the kiosks empty. After much honking from the line of cars behind me who were upset that I had stopped while trying to figure out how to pay, I finally drove off worrying that I was going to get in big trouble for not paying the toll. Two weeks later I received a bill in the mail from the City of San Francisco. They got my name and address from the photo of my license plate that was snapped as I drove through. It seems it’s now more cost effective that way than to have actual people there at the bridge taking the money. Just about everything we are connected to in our lives is electronic. So what would life be like for all of us if there was suddenly a world-wide blackout and everything electronic suddenly stopped working? This scary scenario is the premise for The Rule of Three.
It’s just another normal day at high school for Adam Daley and his friends, or at least it started out that way. Then suddenly all the lights go out and all the computers shut down. iPhones, iPad, and everything else electronic have stopped working. Since school has basically shut down, the principal lets everyone out early. The students can’t get out to the parking lot fast enough to jump in their cars and get away from school. But guess what? Hardly any of them can get their cars started. Only a handful of students like Adam can, whose vehicle is old enough to not rely on a computer chip to run.
So what would you do in this same situation? You might wonder if this was just something that was only happening in just your part of town or maybe only in your city. You might think, “Hey, this is only temporary, things will be up and running again soon.” You would probably (hopefully) be sensible and rational in your thinking. You would figure out what you needed to do to survive until things got back to normal. You would get yourself to the store, by walking if necessary, and stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries, and anything else you would need to get you through. You would band together with neighbors, helping and sharing where you could, and learning what skills each had that would benefit all of you and help you through the crisis. You wouldn’t go all nut job vigilante crazy and start breaking into houses, police stations, and armories, taking all the weapons and explosives you could find and killing anyone who got in your way. But that’s what a lot of people start doing.
I have to hand it to the author for creating a situation in this book that is so darn realistic it’s terrifying. It feels like something that could actually happen, and not just way in the future, but in the very near future. This is book one of a planned trilogy. I honestly can’t wait for book two. I have to know what happens next!
What I liked about this one is that unlike so many post-apocalyptic/dystopian novels out there that take place 100 years or more in the future, this one takes place in present day. It made the disaster and the subsequent consequences much more relatable for me. I could actually see something like this happening today or in the near future. Kind of a terrifying thought, but that’s what made it an exciting read.
Who doesn’t spend part of, or maybe even a large part of their day using some kind of electronic devise? We can hardly get though the day without being on our computers, iPhone, or iPad. And that’s just our personal stuff. How many of you don’t use some type of electronic devise at work? It’s not just offices and big businesses that are now hooked into the electronic age. Places where I remember getting a hand written receipt not that many years ago, (like the auto repair shop and the dry cleaners), now keep all my information electronically. Buying food? Yes, rung up electronically. Checking out a book from the library? Yes, you’ll need to have your library card scanned. Staying at the RV Park or a campground? Your reservations and payments are all done on a computer program. The day of written receipts is over. The last time I drove across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco I had my money out and ready to give to the person in the kiosk, but found all the kiosks empty. After much honking from the line of cars behind me who were upset that I had stopped while trying to figure out how to pay, I finally drove off worrying that I was going to get in big trouble for not paying the toll. Two weeks later I received a bill in the mail from the City of San Francisco. They got my name and address from the photo of my license plate that was snapped as I drove through. It seems it’s now more cost effective that way than to have actual people there at the bridge taking the money. Just about everything we are connected to in our lives is electronic. So what would life be like for all of us if there was suddenly a world-wide blackout and everything electronic suddenly stopped working? This scary scenario is the premise for The Rule of Three.
It’s just another normal day at high school for Adam Daley and his friends, or at least it started out that way. Then suddenly all the lights go out and all the computers shut down. iPhones, iPad, and everything else electronic have stopped working. Since school has basically shut down, the principal lets everyone out early. The students can’t get out to the parking lot fast enough to jump in their cars and get away from school. But guess what? Hardly any of them can get their cars started. Only a handful of students like Adam can, whose vehicle is old enough to not rely on a computer chip to run.
So what would you do in this same situation? You might wonder if this was just something that was only happening in just your part of town or maybe only in your city. You might think, “Hey, this is only temporary, things will be up and running again soon.” You would probably (hopefully) be sensible and rational in your thinking. You would figure out what you needed to do to survive until things got back to normal. You would get yourself to the store, by walking if necessary, and stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries, and anything else you would need to get you through. You would band together with neighbors, helping and sharing where you could, and learning what skills each had that would benefit all of you and help you through the crisis. You wouldn’t go all nut job vigilante crazy and start breaking into houses, police stations, and armories, taking all the weapons and explosives you could find and killing anyone who got in your way. But that’s what a lot of people start doing.
I have to hand it to the author for creating a situation in this book that is so darn realistic it’s terrifying. It feels like something that could actually happen, and not just way in the future, but in the very near future. This is book one of a planned trilogy. I honestly can’t wait for book two. I have to know what happens next!
August 25, 2020
The book says that the main character is Adam, but let's be honest, this book is about Herb- the know-it-all ex-embassy member elderly neighbor. He gets Adam out of every situation, and I mean every. Herb's words and ideas supercede everyone else's ideas or expertise. All of the other characters just do whatever Herb suggests. Nobody thinks for themselves and it is just unnerving to read.
Also, the females characters in the book really bug me. They just exist. They don't really do anything. Adam's mom is a police chief but we never see her taking charge or engaging in anything a police chief would. Lori, the love interest for Adam, exists solely to be a love interest. The romance never goes anywhere. They dance around the "why didn't you ask me out?" conversation multiple times.
And let's be honest, the plot is boring. For an interesting premise, you would think there would be more action but there is very little of it. Most problems are solved with diplomacy. The characters talk about exciting things that are happening in the world, but they are always apart from them. The author does a lot of telling and not showing. It doesn't make for an engaging read.
I wanted to like this book. I really like the pretense. I just think the execution was wrong. And if the author wanted to write a book about Herb, it should have been about Herb. Just saying.
Also, the females characters in the book really bug me. They just exist. They don't really do anything. Adam's mom is a police chief but we never see her taking charge or engaging in anything a police chief would. Lori, the love interest for Adam, exists solely to be a love interest. The romance never goes anywhere. They dance around the "why didn't you ask me out?" conversation multiple times.
And let's be honest, the plot is boring. For an interesting premise, you would think there would be more action but there is very little of it. Most problems are solved with diplomacy. The characters talk about exciting things that are happening in the world, but they are always apart from them. The author does a lot of telling and not showing. It doesn't make for an engaging read.
I wanted to like this book. I really like the pretense. I just think the execution was wrong. And if the author wanted to write a book about Herb, it should have been about Herb. Just saying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2015
A blackout hits Adam's neighborhood as it turns out to be a viral catastrophe. People have gotten frightened, causing them to start making little troupes to protect themselves. With the help of Adam's neighbor, who is a retired spy and Adam's mom, a police captain, Eden Mills might have the chance to stay alive, but only if they work together.
I picked up this book because it was a Red Maple Nominee for this year. Also, I have heard that Eric Walters is an extraordinary writer which gave me another reason to read this book.
I finished this book because it was so intense. Filled with unexpected action, this book will make you be at the edge of your seat, wanting to keep on reading. Also note that the beginning might be a little boring but once you're halfway through the book, you'll be hooked.
I would recommend this book to Betty, knowing that she liked the book Divergent. I think she might like the action in this book as well.
I picked up this book because it was a Red Maple Nominee for this year. Also, I have heard that Eric Walters is an extraordinary writer which gave me another reason to read this book.
I finished this book because it was so intense. Filled with unexpected action, this book will make you be at the edge of your seat, wanting to keep on reading. Also note that the beginning might be a little boring but once you're halfway through the book, you'll be hooked.
I would recommend this book to Betty, knowing that she liked the book Divergent. I think she might like the action in this book as well.
March 16, 2015
When a blackout hits Adam's school, it turns out that all computers and technology have been shut down all over the world. Adam and his community team up in order to survive with the help of Adams mom a police officer and their neighbour Herb a retired government spy.
I picked this book up because it was by one of my favourite authors;Eric Walters, It was also one of this years red-maple books which was a bonus.This book was a little over-the-top for me because everything was so fast-paced, In four days people were killing and fighting for electricity; but I survived the ice storm black-out which lasted 3 days.
I have to admit,I was planning on abandoning this book because it was a little boring at the beginning but all my friends convinced me to read a little further because they had read the book and they all loved it.
I would recommend this to Betty and Amruta because they enjoy dystopia or Sci-fi related books just like me.
I picked this book up because it was by one of my favourite authors;Eric Walters, It was also one of this years red-maple books which was a bonus.This book was a little over-the-top for me because everything was so fast-paced, In four days people were killing and fighting for electricity; but I survived the ice storm black-out which lasted 3 days.
I have to admit,I was planning on abandoning this book because it was a little boring at the beginning but all my friends convinced me to read a little further because they had read the book and they all loved it.
I would recommend this to Betty and Amruta because they enjoy dystopia or Sci-fi related books just like me.
January 5, 2020
I really liked The Rule Of THRE3. The power has shut down all over the world. Anything with a computer doesn't work. There is no wifi or cell phones either. I like that this book is from the point of view of a teenager named Adam. I like an apocalypse but without zombies. Everyone is doing what they can to survive. Sometimes, they are making decisions about their survival that they wouldn't do under normal circumstances I like the secrets and plotting one interesting character is Herb, the neighbor. we never really find out what he did for a living the only thing we know for sure is that it is no ordinary government job. This book has left me to wonder what me and my family do to survive in this situation.
December 5, 2013
This book does the end of the world as we know it extremely well. I felt very uneasy through much of it. I think it's likely an accurate portrayal of the breakdown of society in a situation like this. Not every character is particularly likeable and neither did they all make the decisions that I would make, but that's just like real life I suppose. I am not a fan of the extremely sudden ending though. This will evidently be part of a trilogy but I still like an author or make an attempt at creating a proper beginning, middle and end to each entry in a series; however the rest of the book is so strong I'm willing to forgive it.
August 3, 2019
It's not the greatest dystopian book I've ever read, but it goes quickly and I imagine middle grade/early teens would love it. I'd love to see more character development, but perhaps that will happen in the next books. I am intrigued to think of what would happen if everything went dark, all electricity, all technology, and so on. It's like a sci-fi beach read, good for summer and I will read the next ones!
December 29, 2020
As always, Canadian Bestselling Author Eric Walters has written a book that people will love.
Part of a Dystopian/ Post Apocalyptic future series, The Rule of Thre3 will grab readers from the very first page.
This book is targeted at young adults, but is captivating enough that adult readers will love the story as well.
I rate this book as 5 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Part of a Dystopian/ Post Apocalyptic future series, The Rule of Thre3 will grab readers from the very first page.
This book is targeted at young adults, but is captivating enough that adult readers will love the story as well.
I rate this book as 5 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Be sure to visit my blog at
http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
And Follow me on Instagram at
http://www.instagram.com/Amiesbookrev...
February 6, 2023
I have read a lot of dystopian and so I wasn’t expecting much from this book because many have a similar plot. I was actually surprised by this one though. It kept a great pace through out and had some different elements to keep my interest. I wish the ending tied up the story a little better, but I guess now I have to get the next book to see what happens. 🙂
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