The Compound

By: S. A. Bodeen

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 5 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

"Dad asked me if I wanted to see more of the Compound. I didn't. We would have to wait fifteen years before it would be safe to go outside. Which left more than enough time to see the rest of the Compound.

"Our new world. A world I would soon hate."

Eli and his family have lived in the Compound for six years. The world they knew is gone. Eli's father built the Compound to keep them safe. Now, they can't get out.

He won't let them.

©2008 S.A. Bodeen (P)2008 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"Suspenseful and riveting, this debut novel raises serious issues about what it means to survive." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"The audience will feel the pressure closing in on them as they, like the characters, race through hairpin turns in the plot toward a breathless climax." ( Publishers Weekly)

• 2008 Parents' Choice Recommended

Traumatizing

I was scrolling through my read on audible and this monstrosity came up and let me tell you this book has followed me. I was forced to read this BY MYSELF for school when I was 11 not even in group read. I am now 21 and this book still gives me nightmares. Spoilers to follow, this book subjects HEAVILY around a wife being forced to birth children just so her older children can eat them because the dad poisoned the cows. In the end it’s revealed that the dad is a nut job and they don’t actually eat the babies. But it was enough for 11 year old me to forever hate this book and start me in therapy young lol. From what I remember the story isn’t bad perse but just really dark. A deep take on mental health and psychological horror/thriller. The author is obviously very talented to have sparked these emotions that still unsettle me to this day, but maybe wait till your kids/ you are at least 16 to read this one. And for the love of Jesus don’t force kids to read this one.

Full of suspense

I rarely find myself rushing back to a book, but this one was short enough that I could get through it in two days commuting to work. I found myself getting out the door just a little bit faster this morning so I could finish it, but had to sneak in the ending at work!

I enjoyed this as an adult, but it would be good for teens as well. The main character is intriguing and leads the listener through a well told story.

5 stars for the story, 4 stars for the narration as it was a bit dead-pan.

Category TEEN

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I believe the younger generation would find this book very interesting ! I bought this book without checkin category did give low ratings but would rather not rate this book . I am 85 and found no interest in the story line .

Would you ever listen to anything by S. A. Bodeen again?

Believe she writes for teens .

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Narrator did a fine job

Any additional comments?

I feel this story is a great book just out of my area of interest

The Compound

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would definitely recommend it! I only for the very twisted ending

Would you ever listen to anything by S. A. Bodeen again?

Yes!!

Have you listened to any of Christopher Lane’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this is my first.

Did The Compound inspire you to do anything?

Stock up on canned meat!!

Any additional comments?

This story left me reeling. You just don't know who to trust, or how far someone will go to fulfill a social experiment.

it's ok.

hard to like protaginist, pacing could use some work, setting the scene was 80% of the book. fun ending.

genuinely an interesting idea for a story

I loved how dark and complex the plot is, and how discriptive the author is.

Great book

Second time I've listened to The Compound one of my favs. I recommend this book

Compelling YA Ride

What did you love best about The Compound?

The character development of Eli, the teen protagonist, was excellent along with strong dialogue, surprising plot twists and the fascinating setting in the massive underground compound.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Compound?

When Eli discovers his twin brother's computer.

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

Lane is an excellent reader who added punch to this suspenseful story.

Rivetting YA story.

What did you love best about The Compound?

The intricacies of the compound itself.

What other book might you compare The Compound to and why?

Any book where the main character has to overcome themselves to save everyone else.

Have you listened to any of Christopher Lane’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't before.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

The author's language for the little children is unbelievable. They don't speak like that at that age.

Just a Little Predictable, But Still Great

Wow. While I figured out the ending and some of the small twists, it was still a really good story and different from your average dystopian novel for teens.