Sylo
by D. J. MacHale
Published: July 2, 13
Pages: 407
Source: Review copy received for tour.
***I was not paid for this review***

Does Tucker Pierce have what it takes to be a hero when the U.S. military quarantines his island?
Fourteen-year-old Tucker Pierce prefers to fly under the radar. He’s used to navigating around summer tourists in his hometown on idyllic Pemberwick Island, Maine. He’s content to sit on the sidelines as a backup player on the high school football team. And though his best friend Quinn tells him to “go for it,” he’s too chicken to ask Tori Sleeper on a date. There’s always tomorrow, he figures. Then Pemberwick Island is invaded by a mysterious branch of the U.S. military called SYLO. And sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option for Tucker, because tomorrow may never come. 
It’s up to Tucker, Quinn, and Tori to uncover the truth about the singing aircraft that appears only at night—and the stranger named Feit who’s pushing a red crystal he calls the Ruby that brings unique powers to all who take it. Tucker and his friends must rescue not just Pemberwick Island, but the fate of the world—and all before tomorrow is too late.  

     To be honest, when I started this gorgeous book, I really wasn't sure what I'd think of it. It wasn't as flashy as I expected. And I wasn't completely on board with this whole military mystery either. But then...ba-bam! We're thrown for a loop and the story gunned it's engine and it got real good.

It's been a long time since I've read a book from a male perspective. Tucker was a very interesting protagonist. He's one of those "turtle characters". Tucker has a safe shell that he lives in and he's content to be that way. Versus his best friend who's eager to poke his head out and do something with life. I loved seeing how throughout this wild ride, Tucker expanded his comfort zone, and found that he could indeed branch out.

Tucker had a good voice and the story progressed well. Or should I say, rapidly. Sylo is one crazy action-packed ride once it lifts off the ground. And it's totally written by a guy. (Meant in a good way of course.) There were so many crazy scenes filled with gunfire and explosions. I could probably find a few places were bombs dropped every other sentence[literally!] and the stakes are raised multiple times within a page. It was pretty awesome! People who love this kind of action will suck it up. And even though this isn't always my thing, it was really fun. My sister would come in and find my eyes glued to the pages, locked in the combat.

There's quite the array of side characters that added flavor to the story. Part of this cast included two young vibrant ladies, Olivia and Tori. Hmm I wonder what two girls and and boy could make? If you guessed a romantic love triangle, you would be correct! But before you assume the worst about this book, let me sooth your worries! There is nothing to worry about! At the beginning of the book it felt like Tucker's head was going through some serious love triangle issues. One page it was Tori, then Olivia, then Tori. Make up your mind bro! But then it relaxed. And it was slow and nice and even though there isn't anything that steady at the end of the book, it worked. Gone was our "love triangle". I was actually kinda glad. I liked that it was light, with a buildup that will flow nicely into the next book.

Speaking of next books..holy cow the ending! After all these questions we get some of the mystery straightened out. The last page was cray-cray! I was like UM WHAT? And then those fateful words.. "To Be Continued..." Hmmph. Why do books do that? Now, I'll be honest, I'm not in shreds over this cliff-hanger. But after this mystery I totally want to know what happens. There are still so many questions and AWEIFAJEIOANWEFYAABHG. Point made.

So. If you love a fun action packed book with a light dosing of romance then this is the book for you. I really enjoyed this and will totally recommend this one!

About The Author

Here's a pretty cool video by the D. J. himself talking about Sylo! Check it out! 

Just kissing! Who doesn't love a fun giveaway! And I've got a fabulous one here! Thanks to Penguin and D. J. for their donation! You can win a copy of Sylo along with some awesome swag! Go enter! Go Go Go!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
And that's all for today folks! Thanks for stopping by!!! :D XOXO,