Qualify

I could not put this book down! What these kids went through to Qualify was amazing, and kept me on the edge of my seat. The book is long, yet you don't realize it because you don't want the story to end..it is that engaging. I love the Atlantean characters, as well as the close knit relationship with the tittle character and her siblings, who are all there to compete. This story may be likened to The Hunger Games, but honestly, the author is such a skilled writer that you never once think of that story while you are reading this. She has made this world uniquely her own. I can't wait for the next one to come out.

I read an advanced copy of this book and I was completely amazed by it. This was one book I wasn't sure I'd like since I wasn't that big on The Hunger Games but, once I started reading, I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! I was completely caught up in the world of Gwen Lark, her struggle to live and keep all the people she cares about alive. All the characters -- even the Atlanteans -- are fully developed and Vera makes you care about them. The stakes are real; you FEEL it when anyone is seriously injured or dies. Unlike similar books, this is not a typical, boring future dystopia where everything has fallen to pieces. This world is similar to ours, but Vera plays the crisis -- that the world is going to end because an asteroid is going to hit -- realistically and powerfully. The "aliens" who come to save Earth are the descendants of Atlantis -- as it turns out, that continent did exist. They are brilliantly and compellingly realized individually and as a society. Vera has created a unique and fascinating science and culture that is brilliant, surprising, but ultimately makes sense. After trying everything they can to save Earth from the asteroid, the Atlantis’s realize that they can only save a relatively few people. So how do you qualify? You have to be the right age, have brains, think quickly, learn Atlantean technology, and be physically and mentally strong. There is violence and people die, the tasks get harder as the book goes on. Some of it's terrifying, but it keeps you wrapped up, cheering for the heroes, fascinated by who the Atlanteans really are until the end. By the time this book ends, you might care more about what happens to Gwen Lark, her siblings, and her friends than you do about people you know. A powerful and entertaining book

I loved this book and I am a senior citizen! I'm recommending it to my 18 year old granddaughter to readl......excellent book and really keeps you wanting more.

Really enjoyed this book!  Intriguing plot, and fun to read. It held my interest throughout.  Loved it!

I found this nook by mistake, liked the cover and decided to read since it was free. Was slow going at first, but couldn't put it down once pre-qualifications where over. And later you find out the necessity of explain so much. After all this is a dystopian world, how would you understand what's going if you don't know the parameters of the world she created? And contrary to popular belief, apocalypse hasn't happened hey, so no one knows what would be on someone's mind during such an occasion, but I would imagine that if you had an escape route for It, you focus would be on your new future and what your life would be like... But that could be just me. All that said I love the story, the romance between two of the main characters, and the subsequent drama from that romance.

Every night, just one more chapter, then two hours later ...

Love this series!

This book got great reviews from "BookBub" so i decided to give it a try. OMG, i could not put it down. I read the first book "Qualify" in a few days. I am hooked on this series and just bought the second book "Compete" and look forward to finding out what happens next. If you like sci fi, read this book.

Loved it

DISCLAIMER: I was given a copy of this book by the author (via Goodreads/Shut Up and Read/Read It and Reap) in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. SYNOPSIS / SPOILER ALERT: The year is 2047. An extinction level asteroid is headed toward Earth, and they don’t have the technology to destroy it, nor is there enough time for an escape plan (and where would they go?). Fortunately, help arrives in the form of the Atlanteans, descendants of the people who originally inhabited the lost continent of Atlantis. They offer to transport a small percentage of the Earth’s to the colony planet of Atlantis; however, for reasons unknown, they will only consider the best and the brightest of our youth between the ages of 12 and 20. Preliminary Qualification tests are performed to identify those who have intelligence and potential in a variety of areas, but less than 10% of those tested will move on for further training at the Regional Training Center. Of those fortunate enough to advance, they will undergo training to learn the skills they will need to participate in the first round of Qualification. These skills include Agility Training, Combat Training, Atlantis Tech, and Atlantis Culture. The Semi-Finals themselves are brutal – presenting the Candidates with real life and death situations. And if you survive the Semi-Finals, you move on to the Finals, which adds a fifth category of training – Water Survival and Swimming. But not everyone on Earth is convinced that the Atlanteans are here to help, especially since they are unwilling to share the secrets of their technology. And there are those who are unhappy with the selection process (especially those who didn’t qualify). Chaos and rioting begins to break out on Earth, and there are fringe groups and factions that are willing to resort to espionage, sabotage and terrorism to ruin anyone’s chance at survival. However, there’s only one truth really matters: Qualify or Die. Our story follows the trials of our heroine, Gwenevere (Gwen) Lark, a klutzy, nerdy 16 year old bookworm from Vermont, and her siblings, George, Gordie, and Gracie (aka The Four Gees). They all fall within the desired age range, and have made it far enough along to train for the Semi-Finals. We meet new friends along the way, including Logan Sangre (Gwen’s secret crush), Laronda, Dawn, Hasmik, and Blayne Dubois. We also have run-ins with the mean girls and jackholes – the “popular” alphas who pick on those they perceive to be weak or nerdy. And we are also introduced to many Atlantean instructors: Oalla Keigeri, Nefir Mekei, Keruvat Ruo, and Xelio Vekahat. And then there’s the one they call Phoebos -- Command Pilot Aeson Kass, an astra daimon (an elite group of the Star Pilot Corps), as well as one of the highest ranking officers of the Fleet. Along the way, there is jealousy, rivalry, sabotage, and betrayal. There are deaths and losses of other kinds. And a lot of growing up to be done. Can the bonds of friendship and family survive? And what’s waiting for the lucky few who Qualify? COMMENTS: I thought the book was very well-written for the YA Dystopian audience/genre. In some ways it reminded me of the movies “Deep Impact” and “Armageddon”, mixed with “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent”. However, the whole planet colony of Atlantis was an interesting twist, as well as their use of tone-based technology. Due to character limitations here, please refer to my full review on Goodreads.

Such a great book i could not put it down . Hands down by far the best book i hveread so far.

A fast paced blend that puts the best of gladiatorial games with The Running Man and Hunger Games all in a unique sci-fi twist that is refreshing and impossible to put down.

Great read if you like dystopian hunger games type stories

Hunger Games Atlantis style!

Enjoyed the story but it would benefit from a good editor. Definitely worth reading!

This book was very interesting. There are about 587 pages. There were some parts where I skimmed through but that was because I wanted to know what happened next. -k

Really enjoyed, interesting character, still need to know more so looking forward to reading next book

This is a very interesting and engaging story. I found it hard to put down. Loved it.

Reading this book was so painful death seemed an acceptable alternative.

Picked it up as a free ebook and will definitely buy the rest of the series. Interesting, fun, suspenseful and engaging.

I've read alot of end of time books and this is AWESOME!! I am so attached to Gwen and her crew and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!!!

I rarely read something that I cannot put down. I know it's a clique, but I was reading at work, and every moment I could spare. The story and characters were well written and alive, while waiting for their deaths.

Make a movie of this! First time reading Vera Nazarian--cannot wait to read more!

Wow, I picked this up because it looked interesting and was free. Little did I know how hooked I would become. This book is just the start of an EPIC adventure for Gwen and friends/family. I can't recommend this series enough. I've read this book twice now and expect I'll read it again several times before the 4th book comes out next year. So good.!