1. If We Survive
    Andrew Klavan
    Thomas Nelson / 2013 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$10.99 Retail Price$14.99 Save 27% ($4.00)
    4.9 out of 5 stars for If We Survive. View reviews of this product. 7 Reviews
    Availability: In Stock
    Stock No: WW547960
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  1. Iola
    New Zealand
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Outstanding Christian YA
    November 25, 2012
    Iola
    New Zealand
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for If We Survive.
    If We Survive is the story of four teenagers in the fictional Central American country of Costa Verdes, on a mission trip to rebuild a school, destroyed by the volcanoes. Nicki Wilson, Jim Nolan, Meredith Ward and Will Peterson, supervised by Pastor Ron, have finished their week in the village and are waiting for Palmer Dunn, their pilot, to finish his drink and fly them back to the capital of Costa Verdes, so they can catch their flights home. But revolution erupts, and they are caught in the middle.

    "I just wish I could tell you that all of us made it home alive."

    That's how Chapter One ends. With lines like that, Klavan has certainly perfected the art of creating an unputdownable page turner. As I was reading, I was telling myself that Will must survive, if for no other reason than he is the narrator. After all, very few novels attempt a dead narrator, and even fewer succeed (but it has been done). Was I right? You'll have to read it to find out.

    The story is told in the first person from the point of view of sixteen-year-old Will, who tells us his story in a very conversational tone that directly addresses the reader. The language is very visual. For example, in introducing us to each of the people on the mission trip, Will gives a physical description, a character assessment, then tells a story illustrating their personality. So even when he tells, he's also showing us what happened.

    It has to be admitted that the characters (especially Jim and Nicki) are somewhat stereotypical, but these kinds of characters have become stereotypes because there is something in them we recognise. But they each learn and grow as the story progresses and their beliefs about themselves are challenged. Will is a Christian and prays a lot, but (in line with a typical teenage boy) is never preachy.

    If We Survive is a novel aimed at the Young Adult (teenage) market. There is a lot of violence (mostly implied, without any real detail) but no sex, no sensuality and no swearing. It reminded me of Crossfire and Betrayed by JM Windle, but more fast-paced and with a teenage focus. A Christian YA novel that will appeal to lovers of adventure (and their parents). Recommended.

    Thanks to Thomas Nelson and BookSneeze® for providing a free ebook for review.
  2. Christianfictionaddiction
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Infused with action & deep faith
    September 6, 2013
    Christianfictionaddiction
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for If We Survive.
    There's nothing I like better than a tautly written suspense novel that not only provides gripping entertainment, but leaves me deep in thought as well. "If We Survive" is one such book, a book that held me in its grasp from start to finish. Klavan writes with a sure hand, and his scenes are infused with action and descriptions that leap off the page. This is not a novel for the faint of heart, for it finds the characters fighting for their lives, facing death and moral dilemmas and looking in the face of evil, both human and otherwise. The scene involving the spider left me with chills! Klavan does an excellent job of getting into the head of Will Peterson, creating a teen who struggles with the insecurities all teens face and yet superbly rises to the challenge as well. Although I greatly enjoyed Will, my favourite character was actually Meredith, who simply stands out due to her depth of faith in God. Will says it best when he observes "And what Meredith knew, what Meredith had learned when her sister died, what her sister had taught her when she was dying, was that good things might happen to you in life or bad things might happen, sometimes terrible things, but no matter what happens, your soul is your own. It's in your power to point your soul toward the light of God, and no one and nothing - not even a man with a gun, not even death, not even the devil from hell himself - can stop you". Powerful words, indeed.

    Although this book may be aimed at the younger audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it as well, and am certain that people of all different ages will enjoy the fascinating plot and the bite-your-nails action. In fact, young adult fiction doesn't get better than this. Grab a copy of your own. You'll be glad you did! 5 out of 5 stars.

    A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
  3. Teri
    Neosho, MO
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Love this book
    February 14, 2014
    Teri
    Neosho, MO
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I loved this book and have encouraged all the young men and women I know to read it. The attitude of the main character and his respect for and defense of the young women in the book is what I am trying to teach my 15 year old son. The story is exciting and teens may not even know they are learning a life lesson. Highly recommended!
  4. gjo50
    Texas
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Thrilling Adventure for Teens
    September 28, 2013
    gjo50
    Texas
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for If We Survive.
    This is an excellent choice for students who have been on mission trips or know of people who have been on mission trips. If you have been in a third world country, it is easy to see how easily a small number of people could stage a take over. Though I enjoyed it thoroughly, it probably plays better to teens, and is safe for all ages, though there is some violence. School libraries and homeschoolers alike will enjoy the wild ride, and make them think about what it would be like to be in similar situations. It will definitely make an exciting addition to all libraries.
  5. AddLibrarian
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Hooked From the First Line
    May 23, 2013
    AddLibrarian
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    This review was written for If We Survive.
    "We were in the cantina waiting for a bus when Mendoza walked in and shot the waiter dead." ~ If We Survive

    That opening line hooked me and wouldn't let go. A missions trip in Central America goes horribly wrong when Will and his friends are caught in the middle of a violent revolution. The latest novel from Andrew Klavan, (whom I've raved about before) If We Survive is masterful writing. The non-stop action draws you in and and keeps you furiously turning pages, yet Will's internal struggle to make sense of the violence around him will make you consider your own beliefs about poverty, patriotism, and sacrifice. A great read from start to finish!
Displaying items 1-5 of 7
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