The Pack

L.M. Preston

Shamira is considered an outcast by most, but little do they know that she is on a mission. Kids on Mars are disappearing, but Shamira decides to use the criminals most unlikely weapons against them the very kids of which they have captured. In order to succeed, she is forced to trust another, something she is afraid to do. However, Valens, her connection to the underworld of her enemy, proves to be a useful ally. Time is slipping, and so is her control on the power that resides within her. But in order to save her brother's life, she is willing to risk it all.

My Take:

I absolutely loved reading this book, but before I get into why it was so great, I want to get the bad stuff over with quickly.  There was a bit of awkward writing here and there throughout the book, and a few redundant phrases that were funny to me (pensive thoughts, secretly made a secret account, unattainably impossible) These phrases weren't a big deal, just a personal preference to not see those hanging around a good book.  Anyway, that's it, everything else, I totally loved.  The characters were great and I especially loved the growth each of the characters made throughout the course of the book.  Each and every one of them felt real and whole, especially the main character, Shamira.  Though she was cranky and more than a little aggravating toward the beginning of the story, you still felt for her and rooted for her.  As she grew into the leadership role she eventually took, you saw her soften her heart a bit and grow into a well rounded person.  I felt that the book had a great mix of the different elements that makes up a good action book.  There was a little romance going on, great action scenes, not too much violence for a YA book, thoroughly developed characters, and a hint of suspense and treachery.  The pacing was also well done, it was a teensy teensy bit slow at the very beginning, but picked right up and the book was a total page turner.  The Pack is a great book for any teenager or YA fan to read.  It is science fictiony, but doesn't overwhelm the reader with that aspect, it's just a great story.  I am excited to read more from this author.  Overall, The Pack gets a rating of a 2, Borders with a Coupon.

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!

If The Pack were a movie it would likely be rated a VERY mellow PG-13 for mild language (a few H's and D's) throughout and violence throughout.  Some light sexual suggestiveness.

A Few words with the author, L.M. Preston:

The Book Buff: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

L.M. Preston: I considered myself a writer when I finished my first book. At that point I knew it was something that I wanted to do and loved doing it. That this wasn’t going away.

 TBB: Do you have a specific writing style?

LMP: I believe I do. Even though I write YA, Scifi, I aim to write in a easy to read and engaging manner. One of the main reasons I write this way is because my beta readers who were teens told me that they didn’t like scifi because it was so techy and the authors would write complex along with the complex issues they discussed. So I wanted to write a fun, easy read that even a teen that didn’t have great reading skills would devour easily.

 TBB: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

LMP: I would have kept Shamira blind longer. It was challenging to write in that manner, but many of my younger beta readers were frustrated that they couldn’t get a clear picture of the environment that surrounded her and they requested that she gain sight earlier in the book.

 TBB: How much of the book is realistic? Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

LMP: Many of my books have teen scenarios that I pull from my own childhood or from my kids. The dialogue between characters and the character types are composed of personalities I’ve known personally. In addition, growing up I wasn’t popular and was the butt of many jokes. I also had a blind friend that was very much like Shamira in her relation to meeting and trusting others.

TBB: What is your favorite interview question, and what is the answer?

LMP: What has made you the person you are today. I love this question. I’ve become the person I am today because of all the hurdles, trials, mistakes and tenacious spirit of hope that I have. These lessons I weave into my writing for young people, because my readers value being portrayed as smart, resourceful and fearless – which are the traits that most teens have.

TBB: What are you working on now?

 LMP: The Pack – Retribution, brings Shamira back where she struggles with being a leader and burying herself back within. Her trust and friendships are further tested. This is due out in Spring, 2012.

TBB: Where can readers find you if they are interested in learning more about your work?

LMP: I love people to check out my blog which is http://lmpreston.blogspot.com also I’m having a Virtual Book Release Party with a giveaway of a free hotel night stay among other party favors at http://bookpartylmpreston.blogspot.com

To find out about my upcoming books check out www.lmpreston.com

***FTC Disclosure:  This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***

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