Lies: A Gone Novel

Author(s): Michael Grant
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Date : 2010

It has been seven months since all the adults disappeared and all the children under 15 are still struggling with life in the FAYZ. Hunger is an ever present problem, kids are getting drunk and smoking and carrying weapons. Some are trying to set authority with a Town Council; others aren't above violence and destruction to get their way. As Sam and Astrid fight (sometimes with each other) to do the right thing they are also dealing with the so-called prophetess who is saying death is the way to escape the FAYZ. On top of that Sam and others think they see Drake the dreaded Whip Hand, but he's dead - isn't he?

"Lies" is the exciting third book in Michael Grant's thrilling "Gone" series for young adults (the first two books are Gone and Hunger: A Gone Novel). Grant has managed to keep the tension throughout the series and you feel that the kids (some of whom are oh so young) as many struggle to do the right thing - not all agree on what the right thing is. While it is easy to feel sorry for Sam as he tries to lead those who don't necessarily want a leader and Astrid who is beginning to realize she is not always right, it is Mary who I felt the most sorry for as she has to decide whether or not to "poof" when she turns 15. This is not an easy decision for Mary - she is tired of taking care of the "littles" yet wonders who'll take care of them if she does disappear. Grant fills the book with many other memorable characters (for better or worse) including Orsay and Nerezza, Lana, Zil, Caine, Sanjit, Brianna, Dekka, Brittney, and more.

The Gone series reminds me a lot of a Stephen King type series for young adults and never more so than with this book which reminds me a lot of King's Under the Dome: A Novel. It is interesting to see what two authors do with a similar concept. There is a lot of good versus evil in both books and lots of destruction. Without giving anything away I do think Grant came up with a better explanation of what caused the FAYZ then King did with his dome. Grant gives readers just enough glimpses of life beyond the FAYZ to make readers wonder who among the children is doing the right thing - it will be interesting to see how Grant deals with the ramifications of the actions of all those living in the FAYZ - both the "good guys" and the "bad guys".

"Lies" is another excellent entry in Michael Grant's thrilling "Gone" series.

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