Status
Available
Call number
Series
Publication
New York : HarperTeen, c2011.
Description
Fantasy. Juvenile Fiction. Juvenile Literature. HTML: Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life. He was wrong. Now he's trapped in a school that's surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive. Where breaking the rules equals death. But when Benson stumbles upon the school's real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape�his only real hope for survival�may be impossible..
User reviews
LibraryThing member beckylynn
In a world that is inundated with YA novels that just keep sounding the same, Variant is a breath of fresh air. Thinking outside the box Wells develops a story that leaves teens and adults alike wanting to know how it's going to end!
LibraryThing member Tom_Wright
Kept me turning pages, nearly finished it in a day. The ending definitely left me confused.
LibraryThing member Bibliotropic
A good number of YA novels take place in boarding schools, and Variant is another that can be added to that growing pile. But what makes this book stand out from others is that instead of having a misunderstood teenage girl as the protagonist, things get switched up and the main character is
I have to say, it was a nice change of pace. Not because I prefer reading stories about males, but because of the shift in perspective and priorities that came with a different gender.
Benson is a loner, a teenager's who has been shuffled from foster home to foster home, and who views Maxfield Academy as his chance to break the cycle when he's offered a scholarship there. Once there, he discovers that things aren't quite what they seemed to be. There are no teachers; students run the classes and the administration. Students have broken into gangs or factions, each with their own rivalries and credos. The school's most popular sport consists of a paintball war. Everyone's made to wear tracking devices, there and cameras and microphones everywhere, and breaking one of the major school rules is punishable by detention, which is a nice little euphemism for death.
Trying to escape is one thing that can earn you a detention. Talking about or planning to escape is punishable by the same.
To me, Variant read like James Dashner's The Maze Runner inside a boarding school. It's an obvious experiment, though the details of the experiment can only be speculated upon for the majority of the book. Most don't understand what's going on and are just trying to make the best of it, until somebody comes and messes up the system with their refusal to just accept that the old ways are the best ways.
The tension of the situation ramps up a notch when it's revealed that nobody can trust anybody about anything. Not even whether or not they're human.
Wells has a talent for character development, and clearly has the ability to take the basics of an idea that's been done dozens of times before and running in a new and interesting direction with it. The characters in Variant were well-developed and had their own foibles and curiosities, and it was fun to see them. In particular, I enjoyed how Wells had Benson comment multiple times on how the whole situation at Maxfield Academy was illegal. That's another point in his favour by comparison; I've read far too many stories about weird happenings at boarding schools where people notice that things are odd, perhaps even dangerous, but don't once mention trying to bring the police or the media into it. Wells's characters acted like real people, and it made for a pleasant experience to read.
Kudos to Wells for including romance in the story but not having it be anything but a side-story. Benson's attraction to Jane was sweet, fairly innocent, and very realistic, and most importantly, didn't dominate every moments of either character's life. I find that romance works best when it's a spice and not the whole of the meal, and I think that it was balanced quite well here.
If there was one thing I disliked about this is was the abrupt cliffhanger ending. A little too abrupt. Yes, it certainly made me curious and made me want to read the eventual sequel, but cutting things off in the middle of the action, at an event which is utterly baffling, left me feeling more than a touch disappointed. It felt more like a cliffhanger from a TV show than a book, and those don't always translate well from screen to page.
But overall, Variant was a well-plotted and well-executed YA novel, full of curious mysteries, tense action, and a desire to keep turning the pages. Highly recommended, especially to YA fans who enjoy a good boarding school tale but fancy a bit of a change from what's currently on the shelves. I sincerely doubt you'll be disappointed by what Wells has to offer.
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actually male. This puts this boarding school tale in a minority, since 75% of the other books I've read involving boarding schools of some kind have had their main characters be female. I have to say, it was a nice change of pace. Not because I prefer reading stories about males, but because of the shift in perspective and priorities that came with a different gender.
Benson is a loner, a teenager's who has been shuffled from foster home to foster home, and who views Maxfield Academy as his chance to break the cycle when he's offered a scholarship there. Once there, he discovers that things aren't quite what they seemed to be. There are no teachers; students run the classes and the administration. Students have broken into gangs or factions, each with their own rivalries and credos. The school's most popular sport consists of a paintball war. Everyone's made to wear tracking devices, there and cameras and microphones everywhere, and breaking one of the major school rules is punishable by detention, which is a nice little euphemism for death.
Trying to escape is one thing that can earn you a detention. Talking about or planning to escape is punishable by the same.
To me, Variant read like James Dashner's The Maze Runner inside a boarding school. It's an obvious experiment, though the details of the experiment can only be speculated upon for the majority of the book. Most don't understand what's going on and are just trying to make the best of it, until somebody comes and messes up the system with their refusal to just accept that the old ways are the best ways.
The tension of the situation ramps up a notch when it's revealed that nobody can trust anybody about anything. Not even whether or not they're human.
Wells has a talent for character development, and clearly has the ability to take the basics of an idea that's been done dozens of times before and running in a new and interesting direction with it. The characters in Variant were well-developed and had their own foibles and curiosities, and it was fun to see them. In particular, I enjoyed how Wells had Benson comment multiple times on how the whole situation at Maxfield Academy was illegal. That's another point in his favour by comparison; I've read far too many stories about weird happenings at boarding schools where people notice that things are odd, perhaps even dangerous, but don't once mention trying to bring the police or the media into it. Wells's characters acted like real people, and it made for a pleasant experience to read.
Kudos to Wells for including romance in the story but not having it be anything but a side-story. Benson's attraction to Jane was sweet, fairly innocent, and very realistic, and most importantly, didn't dominate every moments of either character's life. I find that romance works best when it's a spice and not the whole of the meal, and I think that it was balanced quite well here.
If there was one thing I disliked about this is was the abrupt cliffhanger ending. A little too abrupt. Yes, it certainly made me curious and made me want to read the eventual sequel, but cutting things off in the middle of the action, at an event which is utterly baffling, left me feeling more than a touch disappointed. It felt more like a cliffhanger from a TV show than a book, and those don't always translate well from screen to page.
But overall, Variant was a well-plotted and well-executed YA novel, full of curious mysteries, tense action, and a desire to keep turning the pages. Highly recommended, especially to YA fans who enjoy a good boarding school tale but fancy a bit of a change from what's currently on the shelves. I sincerely doubt you'll be disappointed by what Wells has to offer.
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LibraryThing member allureofbooks
Variant by Robison Wells was a really great surprise, y'all! The entire book was very mysterious and sinister - for most of the story the reader has no idea what direction the book will take. There are several plot twists, and a couple of them literally slapped me on the face. I haven't felt so in
Benson Fisher gets a scholarship to a boarding school and thinks he has really made it. He grew up in the foster system and definitely got the crappy end of the deal. Right now he is basically being used as free labor and he absolutely jumped at the chance to get himself into a new situation. Unfortunately, the second he is dropped off at his new school he discovers things are not right.
No adult supervision. Cameras and microphones everywhere. Three equally dangerous factions, join one or find yourself completely unprotected. Breaking the rules = detention that you don't come back from. No way out. This is not your mama's boarding school.
Benson is shocked at the way the majority of his peers are accepting of their prison sentence - how can people be okay with being trapped away like this? He refuses to give in and get used to it. At times, he does find himself enjoying life. Intense, all-out paintball wars, really awesome food, some great people (including Jill, who makes a lot of things seem worth it)...but the second he catches himself happy he forces himself to snap out of it. He continually searches to find a way out, which basically alienates him from almost everyone. Nobody wants to get grouped with him since they all think he is headed straight for detention (death).
The first half of the book is pretty much summed up by Benton getting used to the other students and life trapped in the school...and his constant search to find a way to run. Then all of a sudden the twists come - you won't see it all coming. Promise.
I highly recommend this to fans of dystopians and science fiction. A complete breath of fresh air, a thrill ride and a story well worth becoming invested in. I'll definitely be eagerly awaiting the sequel!
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the dark about where a story would take me in a long time, and it was a great feeling! I loved not being a step ahead.Benson Fisher gets a scholarship to a boarding school and thinks he has really made it. He grew up in the foster system and definitely got the crappy end of the deal. Right now he is basically being used as free labor and he absolutely jumped at the chance to get himself into a new situation. Unfortunately, the second he is dropped off at his new school he discovers things are not right.
No adult supervision. Cameras and microphones everywhere. Three equally dangerous factions, join one or find yourself completely unprotected. Breaking the rules = detention that you don't come back from. No way out. This is not your mama's boarding school.
Benson is shocked at the way the majority of his peers are accepting of their prison sentence - how can people be okay with being trapped away like this? He refuses to give in and get used to it. At times, he does find himself enjoying life. Intense, all-out paintball wars, really awesome food, some great people (including Jill, who makes a lot of things seem worth it)...but the second he catches himself happy he forces himself to snap out of it. He continually searches to find a way out, which basically alienates him from almost everyone. Nobody wants to get grouped with him since they all think he is headed straight for detention (death).
The first half of the book is pretty much summed up by Benton getting used to the other students and life trapped in the school...and his constant search to find a way to run. Then all of a sudden the twists come - you won't see it all coming. Promise.
I highly recommend this to fans of dystopians and science fiction. A complete breath of fresh air, a thrill ride and a story well worth becoming invested in. I'll definitely be eagerly awaiting the sequel!
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LibraryThing member cleoppa
Foster kid Benson Fisher applied to go to prestigious Maxfield Academy. Perhaps a way to get ahead, to keep from bouncing from foster home to foster home... Upon arrival, however, he quickly realizes that things are precisely how they seem.
There are more rules than answers. Number one rule is "No
This was definitely a stay-up-late read. I read nearly the entire book in one day, ending at midnight. While the book was captivating, I think it was more of a mystery-driven captivation than a plot-driven captivation. I was curious what was going on that school. Yes, the plot helped, but I really wanted to figure it out. Am I'm not sure that's the best plot device to keep people reading.
Nonetheless, I wasn't disappointed in the mysteries by the end of the book. However, I was disappointed that the author did not know how to end a book. Star Wars, Harry Potter, they're all series but each title ends cleanly with the plot coming to a close, while there's still a larger issue. Come on, even Stephanie Meyer knows how to end a book. This one, pretty much stopped in the middle of the book. Sure, there was a mild conclusion, but it was one of those books that should have been one whole book (from several series books), but apparently the author decided he wanted more money from multiple books? Gag. Finish your book.
There are more rules than answers. Number one rule is "No
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Trying to Escape." Punishment? Death, or some such similar. But apart from little things like, "no adults" and "you may not leave", it's a pretty good life--no homework, paintball wars every so often, good food and a school ball. So, really, why would anyone think about leaving? Right?This was definitely a stay-up-late read. I read nearly the entire book in one day, ending at midnight. While the book was captivating, I think it was more of a mystery-driven captivation than a plot-driven captivation. I was curious what was going on that school. Yes, the plot helped, but I really wanted to figure it out. Am I'm not sure that's the best plot device to keep people reading.
Nonetheless, I wasn't disappointed in the mysteries by the end of the book. However, I was disappointed that the author did not know how to end a book. Star Wars, Harry Potter, they're all series but each title ends cleanly with the plot coming to a close, while there's still a larger issue. Come on, even Stephanie Meyer knows how to end a book. This one, pretty much stopped in the middle of the book. Sure, there was a mild conclusion, but it was one of those books that should have been one whole book (from several series books), but apparently the author decided he wanted more money from multiple books? Gag. Finish your book.
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LibraryThing member GreatImaginations
Get ready for a monster rant. I just have to. This book made me so angry. But first, let me tell you something. I loved this book sooo much. I thought it was original and totally awesome and suspenseful and all the great things a thriller should be. Can't you tell I'm excited? I loved it!! I loved
This author, who I am assuming is a dude, is brilliant. He has the mind of a psychopath, but the ideas that come out of his brain are fantastic. Well. Somewhere along the line the author and I decided we were going to part ways, because he apparently does not like to end a book in the proper manner. Then again, that also could have been the publisher's fault. HarperCollins. Harummpph. We need to talk. I don't mind cliffhangers. I realize that they are quite the norm in the book world these days. Especially when it comes to teen literature. So I want to make that clear. I am not opposed to cliffhangers. I've sort of had to develop an immunity against cliffhangers and I think I did well. What I did not, and never will develop an immunity for, is ending a book on a cliffhanger without tying up a single one (a single one!!!!) of the loose ends. There were plot elements left hanging left and right. If I had not been reading this book on an electronic device, it would have taken a swan dive across the room. Seriously. I was mad. And that is all. I promise you HarperCollins and Mr Wells, if you ever do something like this to me again, I will write letters and post on every webpage I can find how much you suck. Okay, not really, but try not to test my patience alright?
Now that that is out of the way. Will I read the next book? You betcha. But will I go into it with completely different expectations and prepared for disappointment? YOU BETCHA.
But the bottom line is, this book had it all: originality, fun characters, breakneck pacing, an awesome setting, and everything I love in a great read. But the ending was terrible. Terrible. Be prepared to be left hanging in the worst way possible. If you are prepared for that, like I wasn't, then you will come out okay.
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the characters, the imagery, but most of all I loved the plot and the pacing. This author, who I am assuming is a dude, is brilliant. He has the mind of a psychopath, but the ideas that come out of his brain are fantastic. Well. Somewhere along the line the author and I decided we were going to part ways, because he apparently does not like to end a book in the proper manner. Then again, that also could have been the publisher's fault. HarperCollins. Harummpph. We need to talk. I don't mind cliffhangers. I realize that they are quite the norm in the book world these days. Especially when it comes to teen literature. So I want to make that clear. I am not opposed to cliffhangers. I've sort of had to develop an immunity against cliffhangers and I think I did well. What I did not, and never will develop an immunity for, is ending a book on a cliffhanger without tying up a single one (a single one!!!!) of the loose ends. There were plot elements left hanging left and right. If I had not been reading this book on an electronic device, it would have taken a swan dive across the room. Seriously. I was mad. And that is all. I promise you HarperCollins and Mr Wells, if you ever do something like this to me again, I will write letters and post on every webpage I can find how much you suck. Okay, not really, but try not to test my patience alright?
Now that that is out of the way. Will I read the next book? You betcha. But will I go into it with completely different expectations and prepared for disappointment? YOU BETCHA.
But the bottom line is, this book had it all: originality, fun characters, breakneck pacing, an awesome setting, and everything I love in a great read. But the ending was terrible. Terrible. Be prepared to be left hanging in the worst way possible. If you are prepared for that, like I wasn't, then you will come out okay.
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LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
I actually requested this one from NetGalley on a whim. It had a cool cover, a fairly intriguing blurb, and it's YA dystopian -you can't go wrong with a good YA dystopian novel these days, though I never seem to have enough time to read them all. Variant was no different, with interesting shades of
Young Benson Fisher thought his life was looking up when he got a scholarship to Maxfield Academy. Of course, things aren't that simple. After being dumped into the strange school in the middle of nowhere, he quickly finds that he's trapped -what other school has video cameras, microphones, and horribly strict rules? Then there's the strange factions of students who prefer to either follow the rules, openly flaunt the rules, or just try to survive.
Variant is an excellent dystopian novel. Not only is the setting bone-chilling and downright freaking, but virtually everyone can connect with the idea of a school that's little more than a prison. Well-paced and filled with edge-of-your-seat action, Variant is a well-constructed dystopian thriller that had me flipping pages frantically up to the end.
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Veronica Roth's Divergent and Lord of the Flies, combined with an intriguing new approach to the concept of school as a prison.Young Benson Fisher thought his life was looking up when he got a scholarship to Maxfield Academy. Of course, things aren't that simple. After being dumped into the strange school in the middle of nowhere, he quickly finds that he's trapped -what other school has video cameras, microphones, and horribly strict rules? Then there's the strange factions of students who prefer to either follow the rules, openly flaunt the rules, or just try to survive.
Variant is an excellent dystopian novel. Not only is the setting bone-chilling and downright freaking, but virtually everyone can connect with the idea of a school that's little more than a prison. Well-paced and filled with edge-of-your-seat action, Variant is a well-constructed dystopian thriller that had me flipping pages frantically up to the end.
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LibraryThing member poetrytoprose
This was an interesting read for me. Up until the point where we begin the story, Benson had been a part of the foster care system and, as can be expected, transferred from home to home. Maxfield Academy was his way out of the situation and he looked forward to finding a semblance of stability
There was a disconnect for me from the first half of the book. I felt that we moved too quickly from Benson’s arrival to the school to his urgency to leave it. I get wanting to have a fast pace, but it was difficult for me to care about him finding a way out when 1) he had only just gotten there and 2) I didn’t even know him as a character. True, the idea of possibly being confined there wouldn’t be appealing to anyone, but he didn’t even try to find out any other details about the school. He hadn’t seen anything really crazy yet! The cameras and security were creepy, of course, but I can’t think of many kids that wouldn’t at least be intrigued by the idea of no adult supervision. Benson is an exception to this and he quickly begins to try to form plans to get out. His determination, while admirable, came across as whiny at times and, unfortunately, didn’t allow much room for other character development. He lacked a certain depth and emotional range to make me truly care about his desperation to leave.
Somewhere in the middle of the book there’s a twist that I didn’t see coming. I immediately sat up and, from then on, I was glued to the pages until the very end. My detachment to Benson remained to a degree, but suddenly there was a reason to really want him to escape — I needed answers! The cliffhanger didn’t leave me with much but now, trying to put the pieces together, I’m beginning to think that the disconnect I felt from Benson makes perfect sense… *insert dramatic music here*
I’m excited to see where the next book picks up from here! While the book didn’t pack as much emotional punch as I usually want from my reads, Robison Wells has a very interesting story taking place and I’m anxious to find out more.
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through the school. Of course we can’t have that and he very quickly discovers that the school has its secrets. For starters, no one can escape.There was a disconnect for me from the first half of the book. I felt that we moved too quickly from Benson’s arrival to the school to his urgency to leave it. I get wanting to have a fast pace, but it was difficult for me to care about him finding a way out when 1) he had only just gotten there and 2) I didn’t even know him as a character. True, the idea of possibly being confined there wouldn’t be appealing to anyone, but he didn’t even try to find out any other details about the school. He hadn’t seen anything really crazy yet! The cameras and security were creepy, of course, but I can’t think of many kids that wouldn’t at least be intrigued by the idea of no adult supervision. Benson is an exception to this and he quickly begins to try to form plans to get out. His determination, while admirable, came across as whiny at times and, unfortunately, didn’t allow much room for other character development. He lacked a certain depth and emotional range to make me truly care about his desperation to leave.
Somewhere in the middle of the book there’s a twist that I didn’t see coming. I immediately sat up and, from then on, I was glued to the pages until the very end. My detachment to Benson remained to a degree, but suddenly there was a reason to really want him to escape — I needed answers! The cliffhanger didn’t leave me with much but now, trying to put the pieces together, I’m beginning to think that the disconnect I felt from Benson makes perfect sense… *insert dramatic music here*
I’m excited to see where the next book picks up from here! While the book didn’t pack as much emotional punch as I usually want from my reads, Robison Wells has a very interesting story taking place and I’m anxious to find out more.
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LibraryThing member gildedspine
Now this is the type of book I've been looking for since I devoured the Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix back in middle school. It's not a dystopian America. Benson is the type of kid you'd hear about every day, shuttled back and forth through the foster care system, getting
He's right, but not in the way he thinks.
Okay, now I must confess: for the first half of the book, I DETESTED BENSON. He sort of reminded me of Katniss (I'm sure I don't have to give a link for you to know who that is) - running against brick walls, constantly causing trouble without getting anywhere for his pains...oh yeah, and he is completely gullible when it comes to a cute girl. One thing is for sure, though, the plot wouldn't be carried off without him...and it probably wouldn't have been as fun with an infallible, all-wise and dashing hero.
Other than the initial setback of a rather irritating protagonist, this book was completely awesome in that it never delivered exactly what you'd expect. Even the end was a cliffhanger and, although I'm not approving of series recently, I will definitely set aside my misgivings for a sequel.
Bravo, Mr. Wells. I'm looking forward to more.
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nowhere. But unlike most down-on-their-luck little orphans, Benson doesn't look for a pair of parents for his very own, or tap-dance his way into the spotlight of some very impressed agent slash manager slash future father-in-law. He sends in for a scholarship to Maxfield Academy, a mysterious boarding school for kids like him who are down on their luck, hoping that maybe it can get his life going.He's right, but not in the way he thinks.
Okay, now I must confess: for the first half of the book, I DETESTED BENSON. He sort of reminded me of Katniss (I'm sure I don't have to give a link for you to know who that is) - running against brick walls, constantly causing trouble without getting anywhere for his pains...oh yeah, and he is completely gullible when it comes to a cute girl. One thing is for sure, though, the plot wouldn't be carried off without him...and it probably wouldn't have been as fun with an infallible, all-wise and dashing hero.
Other than the initial setback of a rather irritating protagonist, this book was completely awesome in that it never delivered exactly what you'd expect. Even the end was a cliffhanger and, although I'm not approving of series recently, I will definitely set aside my misgivings for a sequel.
Bravo, Mr. Wells. I'm looking forward to more.
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LibraryThing member booktwirps
The minute Ms. Vaughn drops Benson Fisher off at Maxfield Academy, he gets the feeling that something is a bit off. As soon as the front doors open, two students run out and into the woods. One of the boys warns him that no matter what anyone says, he can never leave. Things become even more
As the weeks press on, Benson becomes more and more unnerved. Teens start disappearing, extreme punishments are carried out and whoever is watching them on the security cameras seems to be carrying out some sort of experiment, but what is it? Benson plans to escape, but he knows he can’t do it alone. Who, if anyone, can he trust? If he doesn’t get out soon, he may not live through the year.
This book is packed full of action. Mr. Wells is excellent at creating tension, and his prose is effortless. The twists and turns this book took totally blew me away; I couldn’t stop reading it. The ending took me by surprise. I need the next installment immediately. If you are a fan of thrillers and lots of action, this is definitely one you don’t want to miss!
(Review based on an Advanced Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley)
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unnerving when Benson learns there are no adults at the academy. Instead, the kids teach all of the classes and carry out the discipline as well as work jobs for which they earn points that allow them to buy things. Benson is told that everything will be just fine for him provided he follows four rules: No sex, no trying to escape, no refusing punishments and no violent fights. If you do any of those things you are sent to detention, and if you go to detention – you don’t come back.As the weeks press on, Benson becomes more and more unnerved. Teens start disappearing, extreme punishments are carried out and whoever is watching them on the security cameras seems to be carrying out some sort of experiment, but what is it? Benson plans to escape, but he knows he can’t do it alone. Who, if anyone, can he trust? If he doesn’t get out soon, he may not live through the year.
This book is packed full of action. Mr. Wells is excellent at creating tension, and his prose is effortless. The twists and turns this book took totally blew me away; I couldn’t stop reading it. The ending took me by surprise. I need the next installment immediately. If you are a fan of thrillers and lots of action, this is definitely one you don’t want to miss!
(Review based on an Advanced Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley)
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LibraryThing member ladystorm
Variant - not agreeing or conforming; differing, especially from something of the same general kind. That definition is pretty much the theme of this book. This Dystopian type book deals with a group of kids locked into a school, like lab rats.
Benson thought his life in the foster care system was
Most of the new kids stop trying to figure away out and just live their life trapped inside the school because they know what happens when you try to escape--detention. Those who go to detention never come back, and since nobody ever rescues them they also know that detention means--death. There are cameras everywhere and the Iceman is watching their every move, but it doesn't stop Benson from trying to escape. He never conforms to how things are and can't see how everyone can just play along.
Benson is one tough character, he gets beat up on his first day at Maxfield, but never stops mouthing. He is always mentioning escaping and doesn't care how vocal he is and towards the end when he knows some of the secrets of Maxfield he drives a wedge between the other groups, but it only makes the place more unsafe. He is a smart mouth, sometimes a bit arrogant, but he sure can take a beating and keep on going. I liked him, but sometimes his rants were a bit repetitious.
Maxfield the school in itself is a very well thought out place. The student's closets are elevators that deliver their clothing, etc. There are a lot of those little elevator type closets all over and you can't try to escape in one because they won't move with a person inside them. Those running Maxfield picks only children who will not really be missed as they are either homeless, orphaned, or in foster care. If something happens to one of the kids nobody knows they are missing (but the kids inside Maxfield).
I enjoyed Variant and was a little surprised to find out why they were at Maxfield, but the story reminded me a little to much of The Maze Runner. (One guy who refuses to accept the way things are and decides to figure out how to escape). I also thought it was just a little bit to repetitious with the theme of the story which is pretty much, I have to escape, I can't stay here any longer, why don't you guys try to escape, etc. It seems like more often than not Benson is mentioning he he needs to escape and its like I know you want to escape so now do it. So for me it wasn't quite a 4 star read but almost.
I believe if you like Dystopian type stories that you might enjoy this book. But I warn you it has a cliffhanger ending!!!!!!!!!!!! I really hate when a book leaves you with this whole..uhhh huhhh what! type ending, it drives me crazy, but makes you really want to know what is going to happen next.
Benson thought his life in the foster care system was
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bad until that day he came to Maxfield. When he finds out that the whole school is ran by teenagers, he instantly knows something is not right and wants to leave. As most of the kids have conformed to never going home there are a small group who call themselves Variants who want to escape. Benson joins this group by default and he refuses to be a part of the Society or Havoc. Most of the new kids stop trying to figure away out and just live their life trapped inside the school because they know what happens when you try to escape--detention. Those who go to detention never come back, and since nobody ever rescues them they also know that detention means--death. There are cameras everywhere and the Iceman is watching their every move, but it doesn't stop Benson from trying to escape. He never conforms to how things are and can't see how everyone can just play along.
Benson is one tough character, he gets beat up on his first day at Maxfield, but never stops mouthing. He is always mentioning escaping and doesn't care how vocal he is and towards the end when he knows some of the secrets of Maxfield he drives a wedge between the other groups, but it only makes the place more unsafe. He is a smart mouth, sometimes a bit arrogant, but he sure can take a beating and keep on going. I liked him, but sometimes his rants were a bit repetitious.
Maxfield the school in itself is a very well thought out place. The student's closets are elevators that deliver their clothing, etc. There are a lot of those little elevator type closets all over and you can't try to escape in one because they won't move with a person inside them. Those running Maxfield picks only children who will not really be missed as they are either homeless, orphaned, or in foster care. If something happens to one of the kids nobody knows they are missing (but the kids inside Maxfield).
I enjoyed Variant and was a little surprised to find out why they were at Maxfield, but the story reminded me a little to much of The Maze Runner. (One guy who refuses to accept the way things are and decides to figure out how to escape). I also thought it was just a little bit to repetitious with the theme of the story which is pretty much, I have to escape, I can't stay here any longer, why don't you guys try to escape, etc. It seems like more often than not Benson is mentioning he he needs to escape and its like I know you want to escape so now do it. So for me it wasn't quite a 4 star read but almost.
I believe if you like Dystopian type stories that you might enjoy this book. But I warn you it has a cliffhanger ending!!!!!!!!!!!! I really hate when a book leaves you with this whole..uhhh huhhh what! type ending, it drives me crazy, but makes you really want to know what is going to happen next.
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LibraryThing member skaohee
This is the story of Benson Fisher and how he settles into his new life at Maxfield Academy, where there are no teachers, no grades, and only 4 rules. The school is split into three different "gangs" and these gangs have come to an agreement that will keep them at peace..most of the time. And then
This book was a thriller right from the beginning. Within the first 15 pages or so, I was already asking myself TONS of questions about the school - about the kids - about EVERYTHING. I found myself just as scared/angry as Benson was about the whole situation. I think that's one of the things that made this book so good for me - I really, truly connected with the characters. I felt like I was actually there, right along side Benson.
Variant was such a unique take on the idea of a Dystopian society and the ending left me begging for more. (I literally tweeted at Mr. Wells asking him if he had already written the second book.) I don't know where this series is heading, but this guessing-game is very refreshing for me.
Every so often, a book comes along that I would recommend for anyone and everyone. This is one of those books. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't like this thrilling, action-packed story - including teenage boys, who are especially hard to pick out a book for.
You'll especially like this book if you enjoyed The Maze Runner by James Dashner.
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Benson comes across the school's real secret..so, what will he do with this information and what will the consequences of his actions be?This book was a thriller right from the beginning. Within the first 15 pages or so, I was already asking myself TONS of questions about the school - about the kids - about EVERYTHING. I found myself just as scared/angry as Benson was about the whole situation. I think that's one of the things that made this book so good for me - I really, truly connected with the characters. I felt like I was actually there, right along side Benson.
Variant was such a unique take on the idea of a Dystopian society and the ending left me begging for more. (I literally tweeted at Mr. Wells asking him if he had already written the second book.) I don't know where this series is heading, but this guessing-game is very refreshing for me.
Every so often, a book comes along that I would recommend for anyone and everyone. This is one of those books. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't like this thrilling, action-packed story - including teenage boys, who are especially hard to pick out a book for.
You'll especially like this book if you enjoyed The Maze Runner by James Dashner.
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LibraryThing member nlsobon
Benson Fisher, who has spent his life in foster care, hoped that by accepting a scholarship to Maxfield Academy, his life would change. It did. Just not in the way he imagined.
Upon arriving at Maxfield Academy, Benson notices that something seems off about the Academy. There are no adults around.
Benson is a very strong-willed character. As soon as he enters Maxfield Academy, he senses something is off. He’s not really sure what, until Becky explains how the Academy operates. He doesn’t understand how the other students can act as though the entire situation isn’t wrong. Each movement, each word, is being watched carefully over the cameras (placed throughout the entire school). To Benson, this isn’t a school, but rather a prison. He needs to get out of there and he’ll stop at nothing to do so.
I found the entire Academy to be fascinating, too. The way they monitor the students, how they only go after children who won’t be missed (as there is no outside contact once you enter the Academy). It’s very all very disturbing, but it also keeps the reader guessing and curious as to what’ll happen next. You’re never truly sure who you can trust.
It is incredibly easy to get lost in the pages of “Variant”. With perfect pacing and a plot that’ll keep you guessing, “Variant” is one of the best YA books to come out this year. My advice? Set aside a few hours so that you can read this one in a single sitting. Oh, and go buy it. Now.
Upon arriving at Maxfield Academy, Benson notices that something seems off about the Academy. There are no adults around.
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The students act as the teachers and employees, bidding on jobs for points (which they use as money). Students are not allowed to leave the school; if they try they are sent to detention where they are never heard from again. The others try explaining to Benson that it’s best to follow the rules, especially with the cameras on them constantly, but he didn’t come to Maxfield Academy to be imprisoned. He came hoping for a new start before his eighteenth birthday. Refusing to be held prisoner, Benson searches desperately for an escape, uncovering some disturbing truths along the way.Benson is a very strong-willed character. As soon as he enters Maxfield Academy, he senses something is off. He’s not really sure what, until Becky explains how the Academy operates. He doesn’t understand how the other students can act as though the entire situation isn’t wrong. Each movement, each word, is being watched carefully over the cameras (placed throughout the entire school). To Benson, this isn’t a school, but rather a prison. He needs to get out of there and he’ll stop at nothing to do so.
I found the entire Academy to be fascinating, too. The way they monitor the students, how they only go after children who won’t be missed (as there is no outside contact once you enter the Academy). It’s very all very disturbing, but it also keeps the reader guessing and curious as to what’ll happen next. You’re never truly sure who you can trust.
It is incredibly easy to get lost in the pages of “Variant”. With perfect pacing and a plot that’ll keep you guessing, “Variant” is one of the best YA books to come out this year. My advice? Set aside a few hours so that you can read this one in a single sitting. Oh, and go buy it. Now.
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LibraryThing member A_Reader_of_Fictions
Variant is like a cross between Lord of the Flies and Winter's End, a less well-known dystopia by a French author that has a school setting like this. Having finished it, I'm not entirely certain how I feel about it. The story definitely left me with more questions than answers (typical) and
There is something about schools that makes them perfect settings for dystopias, maybe the fact that, with boarding schools, you have very few rights. Or, maybe it's the fact that there are so many children; nothing is more terrifying than a creepy child. You expect adults to be jerks, but you hate to such betrayal and evil from younger individuals, perhaps because it hints at the evil in human nature.
Benson, despite his stupid name and the fact that he is a bit of a jerk, is a good main character. He thinks about himself first, something the others constantly rag on him for, but, really, who wouldn't be focusing on getting themselves out of such a weird place? My one criticism for him is that he does some stupid things in trying to escape, but, hey, I knew from the beginning that he was smart, but not insanely so.
Variant definitely is not the most pertinent dystopia for our lives, but it is a thrill ride from the first chapter. If you like action, mystery and twists, you will not want to miss this. I know I won't miss book two!
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somewhat frustrated. However, the whole thing was completely engaging and thrilling. Wells definitely had me flipping pages, reading as fast as I could to figure out what the heck was going on this frackin' creepy school.There is something about schools that makes them perfect settings for dystopias, maybe the fact that, with boarding schools, you have very few rights. Or, maybe it's the fact that there are so many children; nothing is more terrifying than a creepy child. You expect adults to be jerks, but you hate to such betrayal and evil from younger individuals, perhaps because it hints at the evil in human nature.
Benson, despite his stupid name and the fact that he is a bit of a jerk, is a good main character. He thinks about himself first, something the others constantly rag on him for, but, really, who wouldn't be focusing on getting themselves out of such a weird place? My one criticism for him is that he does some stupid things in trying to escape, but, hey, I knew from the beginning that he was smart, but not insanely so.
Variant definitely is not the most pertinent dystopia for our lives, but it is a thrill ride from the first chapter. If you like action, mystery and twists, you will not want to miss this. I know I won't miss book two!
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LibraryThing member Bookswithbite
Variant is one of those books that keeps you on your toes. I mean, the plot from the very first page kept me hooked and my heart racing fast!
What I liked most about this book is the plot line and the mysteriousness of it. If anything, I love being kept in the dark only to dive into the book faster
The characters of the book are strong and loud. I loved that the characters raised questions and broke rules. Benson the main character really kept the reader asking questions as well as answering them. I love that Benson was not taken by the rules. He is not afraid to ask and to snoop around. Plus his bad boy rebelling attitude had me at hello!
The love interest really freaked me out as much as it did to Benson. I so did not see that coming and gasp! I had no idea that it will lead this way but it raised even more questions!! The ending definitely left me hooked and wanting more!!
Variant is a novel of mysterious and great writing. Every page turn left you wanting more. Every word left you breathing short. And every turn of the page took you on a reading adventure like no other.
What I liked most about this book is the plot line and the mysteriousness of it. If anything, I love being kept in the dark only to dive into the book faster
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in order to piece together whats really going on. So much intense moments of the book made my giddy! I like that the plot line involved not only a school but that kids run it. I am so curious to known what the school is hiding.The characters of the book are strong and loud. I loved that the characters raised questions and broke rules. Benson the main character really kept the reader asking questions as well as answering them. I love that Benson was not taken by the rules. He is not afraid to ask and to snoop around. Plus his bad boy rebelling attitude had me at hello!
The love interest really freaked me out as much as it did to Benson. I so did not see that coming and gasp! I had no idea that it will lead this way but it raised even more questions!! The ending definitely left me hooked and wanting more!!
Variant is a novel of mysterious and great writing. Every page turn left you wanting more. Every word left you breathing short. And every turn of the page took you on a reading adventure like no other.
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LibraryThing member kayceel
Intriguing premise: a foster kid applies to and is accepted by an elite boarding school, only to discover when he arrives that it is completely without adults. The teen students are expected to teach, cook, clean and police themselves, which cause major tension among the three 'gangs' that have
It is an interesting premise, but lacked...depth, I guess. However, most teens would enjoy this no-parents-no-teachers story - who wouldn't love mandatory paintball combat?
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formed.It is an interesting premise, but lacked...depth, I guess. However, most teens would enjoy this no-parents-no-teachers story - who wouldn't love mandatory paintball combat?
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LibraryThing member HeatherMS
Enjoying such books at "The Maze Runner" and "The Hunger Games," I eagerly sat down with "Variant" by Robison Wells and got ready to enjoy a good story. I was not disappointed. The story starts off with a foster home kid, Benson Fisher, who gets a scholarship to a private school. Sounds good for a
The private school, Maxfield Academy, has no adults in it. It is ran by other kids and Benson soon learns that now that he is in they won't allow him to leave.
There were some spots in the book that I found a little far-fetched and reaching, but overall it was a good story that I read at a quick pace.
I think that teenagers and young adults will particular find this story appealing.
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kid who has bounced from home to home for most of his life. But Benson finds out the hard way that you need to be careful what you wished for, for it may come true.The private school, Maxfield Academy, has no adults in it. It is ran by other kids and Benson soon learns that now that he is in they won't allow him to leave.
There were some spots in the book that I found a little far-fetched and reaching, but overall it was a good story that I read at a quick pace.
I think that teenagers and young adults will particular find this story appealing.
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LibraryThing member hashford
Ever jumped at an opportunity and then regretted it? Benson is fed up with moving from one foster family and school to another; so when he gets a scholarship to Maxfield Academy he thinks this is a great opportunity to start a new life. However, when he gets there, he finds not is all as it seemed;
The plot focuses on Benson’s friendship with Jane, and on his attempts to escape. It is fact paced and has plenty of twists and turns; perhaps as a result of the pace, the characterisations aren’t as fully fleshed out as I would like.
An interesting aspect of the book is how the pupils organise themselves in the absence of adult supervision and the interplay between the three main factions:
- society – who obey, and try to enforce, the rules
- havoc – who ignore and break the rules
- variant – who make up their own rules.
I did enjoy this book as an interesting example of YA dystopian fiction – a genre I read a lot of. However, I didn’t feel it that it is strong enough to really hold the adult reader.
And I give it a big black mark for ending on a cliff-hanger. I HATE books that suck you in and then leave you hanging. If the story isn’t complete in this one book, then it should say so on the cover!
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and what’s more, he is trapped. there. The plot focuses on Benson’s friendship with Jane, and on his attempts to escape. It is fact paced and has plenty of twists and turns; perhaps as a result of the pace, the characterisations aren’t as fully fleshed out as I would like.
An interesting aspect of the book is how the pupils organise themselves in the absence of adult supervision and the interplay between the three main factions:
- society – who obey, and try to enforce, the rules
- havoc – who ignore and break the rules
- variant – who make up their own rules.
I did enjoy this book as an interesting example of YA dystopian fiction – a genre I read a lot of. However, I didn’t feel it that it is strong enough to really hold the adult reader.
And I give it a big black mark for ending on a cliff-hanger. I HATE books that suck you in and then leave you hanging. If the story isn’t complete in this one book, then it should say so on the cover!
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LibraryThing member edspicer
I would tell them the plot on how it was a group of kids locked in a school they couldn't get out of and the conspiracy with the society. I would also talk of the break out. Q5P5 AHS/John B.
LibraryThing member callmecayce
An okay, if not great, dystopian YA novel. I was disappointed with the ending, not because it was a cliffhanger, but because of the circumstances of the cliff hanger. I felt that there were too many betrayals to make me care about the characters, though I'll probably read the next book to find out
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LibraryThing member C.Ibarra
First thought after finishing Variant? WOW! This is a book that was going along at a nice steady pace and suddenly the author throws in a plot twist that could literally ruin all he has created, but it doesn’t. It worked and I loved it! I always admire authors who are willing to take risks when
I adored main character, Benson (even though his name makes me think of that show from the 80’s). After a life in foster care he finds himself excited about receiving a scholarship to attend an exclusive boarding school. Then he arrives and discovers it was very much to good to be true. He finds himself locked up and isolated from the outside world by a huge wall, and a ruthless security team that is composed of students. Crazy part is the other students seem to accept their fate. Benson on the other hand focuses on escape. This leads him to uncover just a few of the secrets the school is hiding, and let me say those secrets are crazy!
My only complaint is the ending left me confused. The action kicks up several degrees as the conclusion becomes imminent. I felt the writing just didn’t flow in the last few chapters like it had over the rest of the novel. I had trouble keeping up with what was happening and whom it was happening too. Then the final chapter had my jaw hitting the floor. They should have slapped a cliffhanger warning on the cover of Variant because it is a biggie. I’ll assume this is a series debut because of End of Book One stamped on the last page along with the massive cliff edge I fell off on page 375. If it isn’t be warned I might cry. I’m a girl who needs closure and the lack of it in Variant is a cruel form of torture.
Even with the kind of crazy ending and cliffhanger (FYI I hate them) I still loved this book. It was unpredictable and a fab mix of mystery and action. The world building was top notch, and the character development was also pretty amazing. I’m giving this one a very strong 4 kitty rating and highly recommend giving it a read.
I also have to say Yippee for another male main character in Young Adult! As mom of an almost teen boy I’m always on the lookout for male protags. While Variant does contain violence and mentions that sex is against the rules once or twice, I’d have no issue with allowing my tween son to read it.
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writing, and Robison Wells took a big one when he went the direction he did with Variant. Will everyone who picks up this book think it worked? Probably not, but I dug it big time. I adored main character, Benson (even though his name makes me think of that show from the 80’s). After a life in foster care he finds himself excited about receiving a scholarship to attend an exclusive boarding school. Then he arrives and discovers it was very much to good to be true. He finds himself locked up and isolated from the outside world by a huge wall, and a ruthless security team that is composed of students. Crazy part is the other students seem to accept their fate. Benson on the other hand focuses on escape. This leads him to uncover just a few of the secrets the school is hiding, and let me say those secrets are crazy!
My only complaint is the ending left me confused. The action kicks up several degrees as the conclusion becomes imminent. I felt the writing just didn’t flow in the last few chapters like it had over the rest of the novel. I had trouble keeping up with what was happening and whom it was happening too. Then the final chapter had my jaw hitting the floor. They should have slapped a cliffhanger warning on the cover of Variant because it is a biggie. I’ll assume this is a series debut because of End of Book One stamped on the last page along with the massive cliff edge I fell off on page 375. If it isn’t be warned I might cry. I’m a girl who needs closure and the lack of it in Variant is a cruel form of torture.
Even with the kind of crazy ending and cliffhanger (FYI I hate them) I still loved this book. It was unpredictable and a fab mix of mystery and action. The world building was top notch, and the character development was also pretty amazing. I’m giving this one a very strong 4 kitty rating and highly recommend giving it a read.
I also have to say Yippee for another male main character in Young Adult! As mom of an almost teen boy I’m always on the lookout for male protags. While Variant does contain violence and mentions that sex is against the rules once or twice, I’d have no issue with allowing my tween son to read it.
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LibraryThing member summerskris
You really can’t trust anyone in this book. As much as you want to trust people, you’re better off assuming that everyone is against you. In this brilliantly plotted novel, Robinson Wells brings to life the nightmare that most every child has of boarding school: it’s a prison where the
I would never want to be in Benson’s position, just saying. If I were Benson, I wouldn’t like any of the things I liked in the set up, but I can say what I like because I’ve never been there. I like how Wells set up the boarding house with its stark lack of teachers, its strange curriculum, and the prison environment. The imagery is bleak and vivid, but Benson’s wit and strength comes through it all. He applied for the school in the hopes of making a life for himself, but he finds himself in a horrifying game where he must play high stakes to survive.
I never knew where Wells and Benson would take me. No matter how much I guessed or hoped, something else happened, something I would never have concluded from prior events. If anything, the mystery grew thicker and the conclusion more indeterminable as I progressed through the book. And you know what the worst of it is? We have to wait for the sequel to find out more.
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students are lab rats. Only, it’s no ordinary prison, as you’ll soon learn. It is a prison in which everyone is against each other in a game of survival.I would never want to be in Benson’s position, just saying. If I were Benson, I wouldn’t like any of the things I liked in the set up, but I can say what I like because I’ve never been there. I like how Wells set up the boarding house with its stark lack of teachers, its strange curriculum, and the prison environment. The imagery is bleak and vivid, but Benson’s wit and strength comes through it all. He applied for the school in the hopes of making a life for himself, but he finds himself in a horrifying game where he must play high stakes to survive.
I never knew where Wells and Benson would take me. No matter how much I guessed or hoped, something else happened, something I would never have concluded from prior events. If anything, the mystery grew thicker and the conclusion more indeterminable as I progressed through the book. And you know what the worst of it is? We have to wait for the sequel to find out more.
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LibraryThing member dasuzuki
I enjoyed this book but I have say it definitely had more of a slant towards the teenage boys. In fact, I had a similar reaction to The Maze Runner by James Dashner. Both were interesting story lines, interesting twists but the male main character was hard for me to relate to.
First off the story
And then there is Benson. I honestly did not care much for him and I had to keep reminding myself that he is just a teenager and has been thrown into an unbelievable situation. He's kind of a jerk and doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut even when it's for his own good. I understand his frustration but sometimes you just want to smack him and tell him to stop and think for a moment every now and then. I did find it interesting that he does get called out by some of the other characters about his self-centeredness and not really considering how his actions might affect those around him.
There are a few questions that I wish were answered or at least we got a little more information about in this book but I don't want to spoil any surprises for anyone. Let's just say I am eager to learn more in the next book.
First off the story
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line was fascinating. The mystery is why is this group of teenagers thrown into a school with no adults and for the most part are apparently treated pretty well as long as you follow the rules. Who brought them here and what is their true purpose? It was interesting how the students divided themselves into different factions and actually worked out a system that kept most people quite satisfied. There are a few twists that I honestly did not see coming and the book ends on a high note that leaves you anxious to get your hands on the next book.And then there is Benson. I honestly did not care much for him and I had to keep reminding myself that he is just a teenager and has been thrown into an unbelievable situation. He's kind of a jerk and doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut even when it's for his own good. I understand his frustration but sometimes you just want to smack him and tell him to stop and think for a moment every now and then. I did find it interesting that he does get called out by some of the other characters about his self-centeredness and not really considering how his actions might affect those around him.
There are a few questions that I wish were answered or at least we got a little more information about in this book but I don't want to spoil any surprises for anyone. Let's just say I am eager to learn more in the next book.
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LibraryThing member michelle_bcf
Benson has moved between many foster families and many schools, and when he gains a scholarship to a new school, it seems like a great move.
Once there, he realises that he's trapped - there's a large wall all the way around, and rumours of something waiting for you if you manage to cross over. Most
With a lack of adults, the pupils have divided themselves in groups. One groups sticks to and enforces the rules, one rebels against them, and the last is made up of everyone else.
The story focuses on the events in the school, and Benson's attempt to escape. It's a fast paced book which kept me reading, but I have to say that the big twist which people mentions was of no surprise to me - it seemed too obvious early on.
On the whole, I really enjoyed this one, but I was disappointed to find that only a few answers are given by the end. I would have preferred to discover this book once the sequel (or trilogy?) was published, rather than have to wait.
Once there, he realises that he's trapped - there's a large wall all the way around, and rumours of something waiting for you if you manage to cross over. Most
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unusually, there are no adults.. there are plenty of cameras watching their every move, and they are sent information, lessons for certain pupils to teach, and whatever they order through their internal computers. There are also severe punishment for those who disobey.With a lack of adults, the pupils have divided themselves in groups. One groups sticks to and enforces the rules, one rebels against them, and the last is made up of everyone else.
The story focuses on the events in the school, and Benson's attempt to escape. It's a fast paced book which kept me reading, but I have to say that the big twist which people mentions was of no surprise to me - it seemed too obvious early on.
On the whole, I really enjoyed this one, but I was disappointed to find that only a few answers are given by the end. I would have preferred to discover this book once the sequel (or trilogy?) was published, rather than have to wait.
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LibraryThing member jfoster_sf
I didn't really start liking this book until about halfway in, but once I did I couldn't put it down. Very, very interesting book.
Awards
Nebraska Golden Sower Award (Honor — 2015)
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Young Adult — 2013)
Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award (Nominee — 2014)
Iowa Teen Award (Nominee — 2015)
Sunshine State Young Reader's Award (Winner — Grades 6-8 — 2015)
South Dakota Teen Choice Book Awards (Nominee — 2014)
Association for Mormon Letters Award (Winner — Young Adult — 2011)
Truman Readers Award (Nominee — 2014)
Whitney Award (Finalist — 2011)
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (Selection — 2012)
Tome Society It List (2014)
Original publication date
2011-10-18
ISBN
9780062026088