Gone

by Michael Grant
Gone cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £9.99
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Format • £7.59
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Technical
  • ID: 1449
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-06
  • ISBN: 9780061909641
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published: 2009-05-19
  • Formats: 15
  • Reviews: 4

Gone, the first book in Michael Grant's thrilling dystopian sci-fi saga, presents a chilling scenario where all adults mysteriously disappear, leaving only children and teenagers behind. The sudden absence of authority figures and technology creates a chaotic environment where hunger, fear, and power struggles dominate. As the teens begin to develop dangerous new abilities, the line between good and evil blurs, setting the stage for a battle for survival. The novel blends elements of horror and adventure, reminiscent of The Lord of the Flies and Stephen King's works, making it a gripping and thought-provoking read. With its fast-paced action and exploration of human nature, Gone keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Reviews
Fere Reads · C Reads · 2020-07-12
entertaining 4.50

The book is praised for its humor and adventure, making it an engaging and enjoyable read. The reviewer has already moved on to the next book in the series.

C Reads finds the book to be both funny and adventurous, making it a highly entertaining read. They particularly enjoy the fast-paced nature of the story, which keeps them hooked. The reviewer's enthusiasm is evident as they have already started reading the next book in the series, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the first book. The humor and adventure elements are highlighted as key strengths that make the book appealing to a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    It's funny and it has loads of adventure.

    It's also a really good story.

    I've already finished reading the next book in the series.

The Library Ladies · Kate · 2019-11-11
engaging 3.50

The novel is described as darker than expected, with a lot of components that make it entertaining. It is considered a good fit for young adult readers.

Kate found the book to be darker than she anticipated, which added to its intrigue. She appreciates the various components that make the story engaging and entertaining. While she feels it might be a bit much at times, she believes it is a good fit for young adult readers. The book's ability to maintain a balance between darkness and entertainment is noted as a significant strength.

Quick quotes

    A darker than I expected YA novel with lots of components.

    “Gone” is entertaining, a little much, and a good fit for YA readers.

    The characters were never truly given a chance to develop.

The Guardian · 2013-09-29
intense 4.00

The book is described as highly dark, even for a young adult audience, and the sequels maintain this intensity. The series is praised for its gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged.

The reviewer highlights the darkness of the book, noting that it is particularly intense for a young adult novel. They appreciate the consistency of this tone throughout the series, which they find compelling. The narrative is described as driving and torrential, making it a page-turner. The reviewer suggests that the book's intensity and the series' continuity are its strongest points, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Gone and its sequels, all the way to the final installment Light, are highly dark even for the young adult audience they are aimed at.

    The series is praised for its gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged.

    The first book in the bestselling cult YA thriller series GONE that Stephen King calls a 'driving, torrential narrative'.

The Book Habit · 2013-04-30
intriguing 4.00

The book follows Sam's journey to understand the disappearance of the town's adults. It is praised for its engaging narrative and intriguing premise.

The reviewer appreciates the book's focus on Sam's quest to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the adults in his town. They find the narrative engaging and the premise intriguing, making it a compelling read. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to keep readers invested in the story, despite some of the darker elements. Overall, they believe it's a strong start to a series.

Quick quotes

    The book follows Sam, a 14 year old boy, as he attempts to understand the reasons behind the sudden disappearance of the town's old folk.

    It is praised for its engaging narrative and intriguing premise.

    The reviewer highlights the book's ability to keep readers invested in the story.

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