336 pages
Published: July 14th 2015
Published by: Delacorte
Source: Publisher
"Intense, original, compelling . . . bristles with attitude. So cool. Just read it."--Michael Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Gone and BZRK
In the vein of The Outsiders and the early Western novels of Elmore Leonard, this inventive debut novel, a cross between the cult classic Mad Max movie series and Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, blends adrenaline-fueled action with an improbable yet tender romance to offer a rich and vivid portrayal of misfits and loners forced together in their struggle for a better life.Adam Stone wants freedom and peace. He wants a chance to escape Blackwater, the dust-bowl desert town he grew up in. Most of all, he wants the beautiful Sadie Blood. Alongside Sadie and the dangerous outsider Kane, Adam will ride the Blackwater Trail in a brutal race that will test them all, body and soul. Only the strongest will survive.The prize? A one-way ticket to Sky-Base and unimaginable luxury.And for a chance at this new life, Adam will risk everything.
Stone Rider has a little of a Red Rising meets The Hunger Games vibe to it. Even though I found the beginning to be a tiny bit slow, it picks up rather quickly and It. Does. Not. Stop. Every twist and turn is packed with action and intensity. Basically, I had a ton of fun reading this book.
The concept is so cool! I love that the author made the "bykes" that the characters used to ride in the Blackwater Trail feel like an additional character. It made the race that much more special and unique. Speaking of characters, I really liked them all. Even though the "villains" were a little too out there for my liking, I didn't have a major issue with any of the characters. Sadie, the love interest, is an amazing/strong/independent young woman and I can't tell you how much I loved that aspect of the story.
There's a twist at the end and I think it surprised me because I wasn't paying attention but I love that the book was able to shock me. Upon finishing the book, I felt like I wasn't entirely satisfied but I enjoyed the ride enough that I would love to read anything David Hofmeyr comes up with next.
Action-packed, fun, and thrilling, Stone Rider is a wild ride. I finished the book thinking that it was part of a series. I can't find anything to support this and I'm freaking out a little bit. I need to know more! So should I start a petition for a sequel now or is it too soon?
Praise for Stone Rider:
“The gritty, nonstop action and violence will appeal especially to reluctant readers.”—School Library Journal
“Filled with action and suspense and cool character reveals…an exciting, action-packed romp.”—Kirkus Reviews
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