SYLO

By: D. J. MacHale

Narrated by: Andrew Bates

THEY CAME FROM THE SKY
parachuting out of military helicopters to invade Tucker Pierce’s idyllic hometown on Pemberwick Island, Maine.

They call themselves SYLO and they are a secret branch of the U.S. Navy. SYLO’s commander, Captain Granger, informs Pemberwick residents that the island has been hit by a lethal virus and must be quarantined. Now Pemberwick is cut off from the outside world.

Tucker believes there’s more to SYLO’s story. He was on the sidelines when the high school running back dropped dead with no warning. He saw the bizarre midnight explosion over the ocean, and the mysterious singing aircraft that travel like shadows through the night sky. He tasted the Ruby—and experienced the powers it gave him—for himself.

What all this means, SYLO isn’t saying. Only Tucker holds the clues that can solve this deadly mystery.

LOOK TO THE SKY
because Pemberwick is only the first stop.

Critic reviews

"Absolutely un-put-down-able, more exciting than an X-box and a rollercoaster combined."--Kirkus, starred review

"If you're a fan of The Maze Runner and Alex Rider, you might want to pick up SYLO... A fast-paced read and a huge cliffhanger." --EW.com

"[An] extremely high-octane story that's the equivalent to a summer movie blockbuster." --Booklist

"An entertaining and creepy tale." --Publishers Weekly

"This action-fueled, end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it adventure... should have teen reader clamoring for the next installment." --VOYA

"MacHale pens some terrific and unique action scenes... will leave readers hungry for the next installment." --SLJ

"I'm not sure anyone does suspense quite like D.J. MacHale. I ripped through the pages of SYLO, a relentlessly fast-paced, intriguing, expertly-written tale that leaves you breathless and satisfied, yet wanting more. Highly recommended." James Dashner, New York Times bestselling author of the Maze Runner series

“SYLO will have your pulse racing and your head spinning. Make plans to stay up all night finishing it." Michael Grant, New York Times bestselling author of the Gone series

"SYLO is D.J. MacHale at his finest -- he's crafted a book full of friendship, mystery and heart-pounding, spine-tingling adventure." Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author

“Packed with thrilling chases, daring escapes, and breathtaking action sequences, SYLO will grab the reader's attention from the first page and not let go until the final, stunning conclusion!”—Michael Carroll, author of The Quantum Prophecy

“I have no fingernails left! I chewed off every last one of them while I fretted over the fate of Tucker and his friends. Well done, Mr. MacHale."—PJ Haarsma, author of the Softwire series

Twists and Turns

absolutely exciting! Narrator was great and DJ MacHale has a way with creating great character s!

Keeps you going, but look out for the cliffhanger

The overall mystery was great but the ending features more questions than answers, and with a 'to be continued...'

Phenomenal story, decent reader

D.J. MacHale is one of my favorite authors. The story itself is phenomenal. Andrew Bates as a reader is decent enough. It took a while for me to adjust to his reading style. He adds enough life to the recording that I was able to stay hooked, but it took me a second try of listening to commit.

Started With A Bang, Idled, Ended With A Bang...

I must begin on the negative and address my major two criticisms of the book because, I came down hard from my first chapter high. First, it was a bit of overkill on the aspects of the island. The theme of this book’s Forward, McHales's love of travel, seeped into the story a little too much form. The idilicism of the island was explored more than the plot was, which annoyed me because the central plot was really interesting.


Secondly, it's Tucker. He just doesn't seem like a strong enough lead. I didn't mind him being an antihero in the beginning, but as the story goes on he's so disillusioned with life. For a fourteen year old, it's pretty sad. Also, a coward in a distracting way. I'm assuming he's going to do some kind of 180, but I don't know. When the big decision the trio had to make a about whether or not to leave the island, he didn't want to go. Tucker's reasoning -- a defiant stance about not wanting to leave life on the island despite his world going to hell and his need to put 100% faith in his parents though he just learned they're working with the enemy -- was just odd. I guess it goes back to Quinn's criticism of him not wanting to take risks, though he did run race toward armed Sylo soldiers when they chased down the two guys they murdered. I don't know, I guess he was just a little inconsistent for me. However, I do have to say agree with Tucker's philosophy about working hard. Hard work in school and a degree doesn't really equal anything anymore.

Everything that I just said, this relates to the first half of the book. Which was a slow burn to the action. Because the second half explodes like a powder keg. The plot goes from having sinister undertones to all out warfare. I have to admit, while it was an abrupt shift it was a needed one. As soon as Tucker is face with major conflict and has no choice but to step up too the plate after loosing Quinn and his parents support, he does. He was faced with adversity and fought through it. I can appreciate it. Brave Tuck showed up, and things really got good. Classic MacHale action!

The voice was understandable

The story was really good and enjoyable which made it super interesting and I could actually pay attention to it. I normally can’t do that!