Swipe ~ a book review

Swipe (Series)
by Evan Angler
ISBN: 9781400318360
$8.99 (paperback)
$5.99 (kindle)


About the book:
Everyone gets the Mark. It gives all the benefits of citizenship. Yet it getting the Mark is such a good thing, why does it feel so wrong?

Set in a future North America that is struggling to recover after famine and global war, Swipe follows the lives of three kids caught in the middle of a conflict they didn’t even know existed. United under a charismatic leader, every citizen of the American Union is required to get the Mark on their 13th birthday in order to gain the benefits of citizenship.

The Mark is a tattoo that must be swiped by special scanners for everything from employment to transportation to shopping. It’s almost Logan Langly’s 13th birthday and he knows he should be excited about getting the Mark, but he hasn’t been able to shake the feeling he’s being watched. Not since his sister went to get her Mark five years ago…and never came back.

When Logan and his friends discover the truth behind the Mark, will they ever be able to go back to being normal teenagers? 



"Apocalyptic dystopian fiction at its best. Angler’s sharp wit and dexterity with political themes are matched only by the thrilling suspense on every page.” —Lis Wiehl, New York Timesbestselling author and FOX News correspondent

My thoughts:
Swipe is an excellent beginning to a series that I think is only going to get better (there are 4 of these books now). It's main focus is the story of Logan who is just about to turn 13 and become eligible to receive "the mark". When I hear of "The Mark" I immediately think of the passage mentioned in Revelations where each person will receive a mark that will identify them:

"And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, 17and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.…" Revelations 13:16

Swipe is written along the lines of this passage - before age 13 children are given everything they need. Evan Angler does a magnificent job describing a world where without this mark they cannot purchase items, go to the mall, get a job, continue schooling or even own a home or have a normal life. As his birthday looms closer and closer Logan who is already paranoid that someone is watching him discovers that indeed someone is watching him and with a new friend who is already marked he sets out to find out WHO it is and WHY they're following him.

This is an outstanding series to read with your older teens. I'd say about 14 or 15. If they enjoy reading dark and mysterious novels they should love this series. The writing is beautifully smooth, the intrigue and "darkness" of the story engrossing and I found myself totally focused on the story. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series... It would be a great stocking stuffer or birthday gift!

The only thing I found missing in this book was a list of discussion questions - it would really open up conversation between parents & kids - or book club discussions at school or in Lit Class. I can easily see the book being used as a discussion on the End Times based on Revelation and I'm really hoping as the series continues that Evan Angler includes a strong Salvation message. Be sure to connect with the Swipe Group on Facebook and check out Evan Angler's Website for more information about the rest of the series.

Disclaimer:
I was offered a copy of Swipe to read and review on GivingNSharing in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to have a positive review and no money exchanged hands. Thanks for reading!