The Eighth Day

De: Michael O'Neal

Narrado por: Robert Martinez

What they know might get them killed.

What they are might save us all.

High school seniors Jay Anderson and Kathy Winters have been best friends and next-door neighbors their whole lives. Both have bright futures ahead of them...then in an instant their idyllic small-town lives are turned upside down.

Jay is accused of a crime he didn't commit and immediately becomes social pariah. Kathy and the rest of their small circle of friends seem to be the only ones who believe in his innocence. Risking her own future, she sets out to clear him at any cost. But she rapidly discovers that cost might be their lives. Someone wants Jay out of the equation. Badly. And as they dig deeper, they uncover the shocking truth about the sudden explosion of violence and paranoia around their sleepy little town, the suspicious activity at the city reservoir, and the strange light that streaked across the night sky...

Now, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance, five seemingly ordinary friends must embark on a desperate quest. From the steps of Capitol Hill to the frozen wastelands of Siberia, from the unfriendly skies over Eastern Europe to the treacherous waters of the Caribbean, danger lurks around every corner as they seek to learn the truth about what was created on...

The Eighth Day

About the Author:

Michael O'Neal wrote the first draft of The Eighth Day as a sophomore in high school, and it was the first prize winner of the 2000 Fountainhead Productions National Writing Contest. Since then he graduated from the professional pilot program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and served a tour of duty in the NOAA Corps, America's seventh and smallest uniformed service. When he's not writing he teaches nautical science and is a volunteer aviator with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He lives in Virginia with his wife and a small zoo of rescued animals.

©2011 Bluewater Press LLC (P)2014 Michael O'Neal

The high school version of the X Files

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

This was a fun, fast paced book that is great for all ages. Full of mind controlling aliens, conspiracy theories, and genetically modified super humans that are the key to saving the world. There was always so much going on - never a dull moment.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character, Jay. I felt horrible for him when he was singled out. Great writing makes you care about the characters.

What does Robert Martinez bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Martinez did a really good job with each character having their own voice, very easy to follow.

Any additional comments?

Audiobook provided by author for an honest review.

Fast paced

What made the experience of listening to The Eighth Day the most enjoyable?

I was loving this audio book from start to finish.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kathy she was great. It helped that I am a Kathy from Iowa too. LOL But she was an amazingly developed character in the story line. The author made her a book smart girl and loyal to her friends. I think that her character was very important in the story line because she kinda gave her friends that little push to do what they all thought was right.

What about Robert Martinez’s performance did you like?

Robert has this great voice for a fast paced government thriller. His talent helped us the listener work through this story line. Robert was a perfect fit this fast paced story lined as it developed.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

genetically modified super humans

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this story. I liked that they started out just High School friends. The author developed this story line into a mind controlling aliens, conspiracy theories, genetically modified super humans, and a save the world story. All in a book that can be listened to in under 10 hours. There were a corny spot or two in story line but those spots worked out to inform us where the mind set of the characters were. I hope to hear more from this author and differently from the narrator.

Strong Performance

Would you listen to The Eighth Day again? Why?

Probably, I really enjoyed the performance by Mr. Martinez. He was able to create distinct voices for the characters.

What other book might you compare The Eighth Day to and why?

I can't think of a story off the top of my head. The plot was pure YA adventure. There were some instances in the plot where I found myself working hard to suspend my disbelief, but as long as I approached it from the angle that this is young adult fiction, then it wasn't too problematic.

What about Robert Martinez’s performance did you like?

The narrator created distinct and identifiable characters. I had no problems differentiating one from another. Very good work on his part.

Any additional comments?

The audio performance made me think what it would be like if Michael Bey did young adult fiction. The plot was driven by the action and though at times it could seem a bit farfetched as long as you didn't over think it and kicked back to enjoy the ride it is an enjoyable piece. The plot gets 3.5 rounded to 4 and the performance gets 4.5 rounded to 5.

Fun ride even if a bit unrealistic

Jay Anderson and his friends are quirky high school seniors, already ostracized because of their high intelligence. Jay is suddenly accused of selling drugs making him a pariah to his teachers, fellow students and even his parents. The only people who believe him innocent are his best friends, Kathy, Jeff, Ryan and Rachel. Kathy tears apart the evidence managing to get the case dismissed but that doesn’t change the minds of those who were quick to deem him guilty.

Rachel finds an incriminating picture that places a high government official involved in framing Jay. Amid an unusual rash of anger and high tempers in town, Jeff finds evidence of another government cover-up effecting the town’s water reservoir. The 'bug' not only causes the violent tempers but can cause death too. The teens are alarmed and head out in different directions to try to figure out what is going on and how to save their town.

Jay and Kathy visit a Senator in Washington, DC, who is a friend of the family. Jay hopes that perhaps he can give help but the next thing they know they are on the run from government officials. Their race to prevent the deadly plan sends them on a train ride, into desolate, cold mountains on foot and eventually to Russia.

Jay and Kathy have secrets that are a surprise even to them. While certain high level conspirators want them captured, controlled or maybe dead, there is finally a high government force that decides to protect and help them. The problem is the ‘good guys’ can’t get close to the kids to let them know they have back-up.

There is a lot of action that keeps this moving and interesting. However, there are also a lot of improbable episodes. These teens are portrayed as some type of genius superheroes. I enjoyed the quiet faith input and confidence that was portrayed, especially in Jay. I also appreciated the depth of friendship between Kathy and Jay who are resisting the temptations to be ‘friends with benefits’.

This is fun and entertaining as long as you set aside realism. I recommend it as fun action, suspense and entertainment.

Audio Notes: Robert Martinez does a good job providing different voices for the characters. His narration helps to keep the story fun and enhanced the "reading" experience for me.
I received this audiobook through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

The Eighth Day

This was a really good book! Havenbrook people are becoming nasty and hateful to everyone,even family.One teen and his friends try to figure out what is going on,only to be thwarted by the government being already involved,but not in a good way.Finally getting a sample to the right people they help to save what remains of their town. Robert Martinez is a great narrator.
I was given this book free for an honest review.