Teen Reviewer:

Teen reviewer Clare, 13, read an advanced reader copy of SYLO, by D.J. MacHale (to be published July 2, 2013). Clare read this book because a friend suggested it to her. Here is her review:

The science fiction novel SYLO by D.J. MacHale was well-written with an interesting writing style and a plot that, while done before, was still exciting to read. The story centers around Tucker Pierce, who, after a series of unexpected deaths, finds his island town is being taken over by a government branch called SYLO. The rest of the novel shows Tucker and his newfound friends discovering the true motives behind SYLO. New discoveries and the book's mystery keep it fresh, but they are too few for the book's length. Major events are separated by pages of slow-moving chapters that make SYLO difficult to push through. Combined with a cast of characters that are mostly dull, unlikable, or stereotypical, SYLO seems to rely heavily on its plot, which doesn't always work. But for most of the book it does. While not a book everyone would find interesting, I would recommend it to a fan of science fiction or someone looking for a book of decent length to pass the time with.

Clare recommends this book for teens age 13-15.