Review: Cleverly written and engaging story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 8, 2014
Unplugged by P.D. Quaver brings together a bunch of device-addicted teenagers in a device-less camp of sorts called ‘The Natural Path’ run by a shifty character known as Dr. Zarkov. It starts off as a light young adult story that introduces Max and other quirky teens who are in various stages of addiction to modern devices. They were brought to The Natural Path by their respective parents in the hopes of ‘treating’ them from their techie affliction.It was fun getting to know the kids early on, especially with their distinct personalities that can get a little rambunctious when they get together. The kids start to suspect that the camp is not what it appears to be when they start noticing oddities. Then this is when the story turns dark. As it turns out, the camp is a front for a kidnap-for-ransom ring run by Dr. Zarkov. Things continue to spiral out of control and the teens realized they need to work together to survive. This is what makes the book special because it brought all of them closer together, and practically erased their device addiction.The book is cleverly written and touches on themes of friendship, death, survival, and family, among others. It effectively shows technology pervades the lives of modern kids,  up to the point of addiction. The misadventures and ordeals of the 11 teens present a deeper and more profound message of real friendship and camaraderie sans smartphones and computers.I highly recommend this book as this will definitely appeal to teens as well as adults.