Tomorrow Land [NOOK Book]

The year is 2034; four years after humankind fell from the super

The year is 2034; four years after humankind fell from the super flu. Peyton Anderson is the key to humankind's revival, but she has to navigate mutated human-infected lands to reach her destination. Knowing that she won't be able to completely defend herself from the Others still roving around on the surface, Peyton teams up with childhood friend Chris Parker, a.k.a. Chase, to help with her mission.

In Peyton and Chase's distinctive perspectives, the events leading to the world's demise is told parallel to present day events. I like this setup because it shows the background story of the flu, and how Chase and Peyton get to the point where they can't even trust each other anymore, just as I'm learning that everything isn't perfect with them and the past is clouded with bad decisions.

"When the end of the world comes, it won't be the ones who cry who survive, but the ones who spit." (eGalley, pg. 26)

Tomorrow Land is not just an 'end of the world' story full of destruction and chaos. Readers see how the characters are more than survivors holding out for any speck of hope for a better future. Despite the post-apocalyptic setting, the characters dealt with real issues. Chase struggles to deal with Peyton's betrayal, the death of his friends and family, and learns how to be a leader and survive. Chase's side of the story was really touching, even more so when he worked through his problems.

Tomorrow Land has an adventure to experience in a world not only filled with doom and gloom, but also laughter and love.

*eGalley provided by Netgalley on behalf of NLA Digital Liaison Platform, LLC.*

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great Read

I liked this adventure.

A good book, but a little rushed. Like others I wanted to give

A good book, but a little rushed.

Like others I wanted to give it a star higher, but that ending knocked it down a star.

Disclaimers: I received an e-galley of this book from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I'd like to thank both the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I went into this novel with no expectations. The cover looked intriguing and so I figured I'd might as well read it. But really that was as much as I knew about this one.

I loved the idea of the story and the parallels to 1984. I haven't read 1984 yet, but I feel like those who have would really enjoy the parallels to that book. I've always loved the whole "Persuasion" plot line and this one fit the bill. That was what really cinched my decision to read this one.

I loved the characters Chase and Peyton and thought they were well-developed. I actually liked that the story switched back and forth between the present and the past. However, it resulted in some minor confusion at first. I also loved that we got both perspectives.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. So why three stars?

I felt like the plot was slightly rushed in certain parts where I would have wanted a lot more detail and then I felt like the ending was way too rushed. I wanted the author to slow down and explain what happened and instead I felt like I just got a quick recap. I feel like it would have worth taking a good forty to fifty more pages to flesh that part of the plot out.

However, I really enjoyed this novel and it kept me interested and entertained.

In Summary: A really enjoyable novel that I definitely recommend to fans of the dystopian genre. It was incredibly well-written just slightly rushed.

The Wrap-up: I'm glad I read this one and while I wouldn't buy it, I definitely think that this is one worth reading. I loved the plot and the characters, but I wish the author would have slowed down at the end.

Love,

Danica Page

Mancusi uses an interesting narrative technique of telling two s

Mancusi uses an interesting narrative technique of telling two stories about the same characters simultaneously though they are chronologically separated by 4 years. In one, we observe the downfall of society as disease runs rampant, killing off some people but turning others into zombies. In the other, we observe Peyton, Chase and a group of 8 children as they travel through a fallen world from North Carolina to Florida in a quest to reach Peyton's father and restart human civilization.

Though I enjoyed both stories, I did find that there were some small problems in the execution of the story. For one, there was a heavy reliance on our current pop culture with few references to anything that became popular (beyond sim games and technological advances) between now and 2030. The romance was also a bit too on the angsty side for my tastes. For those who do like teenage romances that deal heavily with an angst factor then I'm sure they'll enjoy the story. Personally, though, I felt there was too much reliance on misunderstood / lack of romantic communications, which held the story back in places. Despite this, I enjoyed it well enough for what it was!

To start off… 5 stars….that’s what I wanted

To start off…
5 stars….that’s what I wanted to give this book so bad….but the ending is what caused me to lower it down a star. As they say:
“This book started out with a bang but ended up with a whimper.”

TOMORROW LAND is a YA post-apocalyptic adventure that DOESN’T include love triangles, is a stand-alone book—as compared to the endless trilogies that are popping up everywhere—and does include mutated zombie-like creatures…that stalk the protagonists on their way to Disney World….yes, Disney World.

The start of this novel is pretty good. Great in fact; introducing the main character as not superhuman strong—physically and mentally—yet not damsel in distress either. Simply…human. Though I did love it in the beginning when the characters took a misdirected jab at Twilight.

Tomorrow Land alternated between past and present throughout the course of the novel; allowing readers to see how everything came to be was devastating but it showed the reality of it all. It is a very strong story, which throws several twists and turns at us which kept the pacing even, the world-building was impressive.

Mancusi’s writing is gripping and detailed, the setting was described to perfection and the characters fleshed out perfectly.
I really enjoyed how the author tapped into issues such as depression and addiction. In most dystopian/post-apocalyptic novels, issues such as these are flushed out or the characters have done so far into them that there is nothing for them beyond that. Mancusi provided insights on what went on inside a person’s drug-riddled mind and how, in such times, humans might take to things such as drugs in order to carry on in a world where there appears to be no hope, yet not truly letting themselves succumb to it 100%. I also liked how the main character, Peyton, dealt with these people. Most YA books lack a moral story, but this one doesn’t. It’s great to see an author trying to spread awareness about drug-dependency.

Overall, I loved it all, even the romance bits, but once it came to the final chapter,literally, I cracked. The ending, to me, seemed rushed almost. If it would have been an epilogue,then I’d have no problem with it, yet it wasn’t. It seemed as thought the book could go on for another 50 pages or more if the events that were discussed in the final chapter were played out, rather than spelled out for us. It simply came off as a cliché Hollywood-style movie ending that was thrown in when production dragged on too long and deadlines were approaching.

Overall…4/5 Stars for this novel. Amazing read, couldn’t put it down, finished it in roughly 3 hours or so, but the ending was but a mere whimper rather than a bang.

Copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.

A Must Read!

I was blown away by this novel. While initially confused by the back and forth nature of the story, each chapter alternating between the past and present, by chapter four I had figured out this writing technique and found myself quickly falling in love with it. Instead of giving the reader all the information up front, or glossing over the past in order to write the present, Marcusi alternates between the past and present to divulge this beautiful story of the zombie apocalypse. This technique also helped build suspense as Peyton and Chase touched upon certain elements in the present that weren’t yet fully explained in the past, allowing the reader to begin piecing facts together and come to his/her own conclusions before Marcusi hands them the truth. I really enjoyed this, and found that Marcusi did a phenomenal job stringing the reader along, giving him/her just enough information to fit the puzzle pieces together correctly, while also keeping the reader’s interest as this tale of love and survival unfolds. And I loved every minute of it.

What I really liked about this novel, more than anything else, was being able to watch Peyton and Chase fall in love twice, four years apart. Through our glimpses into the past, and our knowledge of the present, Marcusi gives the reader a true love story chalked full of mystery, suspense, and intrigue as the characters strive to make it to the rendezvous point and, ultimately, save mankind.

Peyton’s ex-scientist father is “crazy,” and his non-stop talk of the end of the world, along with his strict training of Peyton set the tone for this amazing novel. Having the ability to equip his daughter with the technology and parts she’ll need to survive, including retractable razor blades in her fingertips, GPS, and permanent contact lenses allowing her to see in all light and pick up heat sensations around her, this novel is sure to be a hit with all readers, young and old. I wasn’t expecting this kick-butt addition to the novel, but found it ultimately amazing and am eager to read this wonderful novel again. Five stars.

This is a very interesting dystopian novel. Throw in some zombie

This is a very interesting dystopian novel. Throw in some zombies, a mad scientist, and two kids in love and you have an amazing book called Tomorrow Land. I was pulled right into this book from the very beginning. I loved how the book jumped between the past and the present. I really enjoyed all the glimpses of what had happened before. I also love that we got to read what was going on with Peyton and Chris. This book didn't just stay with one main character.

Peyton was so well written. She was so strong. She was a real fighter. I loved reading about her enhancements and her struggle with dealing with who they made her. If it was the end of everything she would definitely be someone to have around. At times she seemed just a little heartless in her constant need to get to her father. Really though, she is just trying to be tough.

Chris was a big mess. I still loved him but he was really struggling through this book. The poor guy was always blaming himself and he did some unsavory things. Like I said, I still loved his character. I think that Mancusi did a really good job of addressing his issues and still making him a lovable character.

The children that Chris and Peyton are caring for are fun to read about. All these poor children left in a world full of zombies. They were so brave. The other people that popped up along the way were so well written. I loved Helga's character. She was one smart girl. The zombies, or The Others, were amazing. Mancusi did such a great job of painting this picture of what happened to the people with the Super Flu.

This book was a really great read. I would definitely suggest it if you enjoy dystopians and zombies. The adventures in this book were amazing. There were rescues, a race against the clock, and romance. It is a great YA book that I think many people will enjoy.

What a thought provoking book! From the very first page, I was i

What a thought provoking book! From the very first page, I was intrigued by the characters, the plot as well as the motive.

The plot line of the book based on scientist experimenting is real and so scary. I could see this happening in real life. Their are many twist and turns in the book that the reader has no choice but to keep reading. I like with each passing pass the reader get close to seeking the answer we all want to know. How did the virus start?

Another part of the book that really made it stick together are the characters. I loved that the characters faced all kinds of emotions. Love, lost, betrayal and even addiction. I was amazed of how well Ms. Mancusi can weave all of these elements together without confusing the story.

The love interest is one that made me happy. Their relationship has been through it all and I am so happy to be a part of it. I enjoyed their bickering, fighting, and unrelenting love for each other. You can truly tell that their love is one of kind.

The are a few twist in the book that really made me happy. I enjoyed the scientific view to the virus as well as who cause it. It all seem surreal in the end.

Tomorrow Land is an epic engrossing tale with a yearning romance that everyone will fall in love with. The heroine sustains the story with her altered appearance and kick butt moves. Superbly written, Tomorrow Land is an enthralling adventure you don't want to miss.

Tomorrow Land is an incredible, fantastic novel. Mari Mancusi ha

Tomorrow Land is an incredible, fantastic novel. Mari Mancusi has penned an awesome story with first love, the end of the world, grotesque zombies, and a kick-ass heroine. And that's just the tip of this marvelous storyline. Peyton and Chase are wonderful characters. I fell in love with these two on the first page, and it just keeps getting better with the heart-swooning romance between Peyton and Chase. Tomorrow Land is mostly told in Peyton’s POV with a few chapters told in Chase’s POV, and Mancusi does an excellent job at showing you what happens between Peyton and Chase before and during the oncoming apocalypse. I love Mari Mancusi’s writing, and definitely will be reading more novels by this author.

Peyton and her mother went into a fallout shelter at the start of the apocalypse. Now after spending four years locked up, the doors unlock, and her mother dies on the same day. Peyton enters this dystopia world not knowing if she’s the only one left, but hoping that the boy she fell in love with at fifteen survived the last four years. Peyton is nineteen now, and she’s on a mission to save the world or what's left of it. She needs to find her father. Payton's father has turned her into razor girl. Payton is the only hope for saving the human race and the last human outpost on earth.

Chase can't believe after four years Peyton, the girl he loved and still loves, just walks up to him. Chase is not the same boy Peyton knew four years ago, and after the choice she made which broke his heart, it might just be too late. Chase has found something else to replace Peyton. Peyton might be back to save the world, but can she save Chase, the only guy she loves? And the hard question she must ask herself is does she even want to try?

Tomorrow Land has everything that makes a novel awesome: humor, action, romance, and characters that capture your heart. After reading the last page, I agree with Peyton, I sure won't be going to Disney World. I recommend Tomorrow Land as a must read.

Tomorrow Land was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for NLA Dig

Tomorrow Land was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for NLA Digital.

I literally devoured this fast paced, action packed post-apocalyptic novel in such a short period of time; it was a real page turner that I struggled to put down.

Tomorrow Land follows the story of Peyton Anderson from the year 2030 where she is living safely with her mother and conspiracy obsessed genius father, to a post-apocalyptic zombie infested world 4 years later. As she steps out of the safe haven bunker constructed by her father for such emergencies she expected doom and gloom so was shocked by the reality and natural growth of her home, she was also curious about what had happened to everyone she cared about, especially Chris Parker.

Chris ‘Chase’ Parker crushed on Peyton for years and waited hours for her on judgment day so was devastated by her not showing up, he has hardened over the years and is shocked to see Peyton walking the deadly streets alone and changed – enhanced by her scientist father, she is now spouting razors on her fingers, enhanced eyesight and impressive kick-butt abilities.

As the story progresses, we learn the death and destruction was caused by a super flu which either caused immediate death or the person to change into a mutant hunger crazed zombie.
Chase and Peyton make a journey with the group of orphaned children in the hope of finding Peyton’s father in Disney World Florida, a trek which will put them in a world of danger without the guarantee of a positive outcome.

The character interactions were wonderful, I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship Peyton and Chris shared both pre & post apocalypse; seeing them gain one anothers trust and to forgive gave us a great sense of who they were. Both were very real with personal struggles not only with the world they are now having to live in but also within themselves.

Tomorrow Land alternated between past and present which I always enjoy, seeing how everything came to be was devastating but it showed the reality of it all. It is a very strong story, which throws several twists and turns at us which kept the pacing even, the world-building was impressive.

Ms Mancusi’s writing is gripping and detailed, the setting was described to perfection and the characters fleshed out perfectly.

All in all, Tomorrow Land is such an intense and thrilling ride, it is a fast paced and exciting plot that will hold you captivated from the start to the very end.

A post apocalyptic joy ride of horror, survival and romance. I

A post apocalyptic joy ride of horror, survival and romance.

I loved the book from the very start the technology in the world has now become amazingly advanced and the world seems all but perfected but Payton’s dad is saying the world is going to come to an end and they all ended to be ready for the worst. Payton’s friends think her dad is out of his mind. No one’s laughing when some kind of illness out brakes and within a short time people are changing turning into zombie like monsters that are attacking anything that moves. The world went from save to deadly in a blink of an eye and I loved reading every second of it.

Over the course of the book each chapter flips from the past when the out brake happened to the future four year in front. Payton comes out of her safe bunker after four years and her mission is simply find her dad and start making their world again but the strangest thing happens she bumps into her long lost love the person she hurt the most before she was locked away in safety.
The book had lots of everything a post apocalyptic them with a great back story, Horror that makes you keep the light on. A touch of love that warmed your heart and some secrets that could change everything. In this new world it’s all about survival.

The author has a great writing style and I love the way she mixed the past and present together. There was a lot in the story and you have no time to get bored with such a fast paced book.
I would recommend this book to other and happily reread the book too.
5 Stars

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.