Inside the Needle

The Annihilation of Foreverland by Tony Bertauski

Summary: When kids awake on an island, they’re told there was an accident. Before they can go home, they will visit Foreverland, an alternate reality that will heal their minds. Reed dreams of a girl that tells him to resist Foreverland. He doesn’t remember her name, but knows he once loved her. He’ll have to endure great suffering and trust his dream. And trust he’s not insane. Danny Boy, the new arrival, meets Reed’s dream girl inside Foreverland. She’s stuck in the fantasy land that no kid can resist. Where every heart’s desire is satisfied. Why should anyone care how Foreverland works? Together, they discover what it’s really doing to them.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Review: An incredible young adult dystopian read that slowly and tantalizingly reveals the truth behind the island and Foreverland.  

This book really was a nail biter. It's a short read, but packs a lot of punch and I found myself wanting to read more and more so I can finally get to the truth. The reader is just as lost as Danny Boy is at the beginning and as he gains more knowledge, so does the reader. I guessed the big secret before it was revealed, but it still was unpleasant to be proven right since it was such a horrible situation. Paradise always has a dark side. Paradise will not please everyone. 

I liked Reed the best. He didn't blindly believe what everyone else had been told and wasn't ready to given in. Reed had a lot of strength, both physical and mental. He was the most tragic character and while I am sad at what happened to him, it still turned out all right in the end. I would like to think that Foreverland would never be allowed to happen, but I suppose that it could happen with enough money and power and that is it the most horrifying aspect of this book. 

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that enjoy young adult dystopian fiction or dystopian fiction in general.