The Compound (The Compound, 1)

This book was amazing. You are absolutely engrossed by the theme of this story - that a family has survived some kind of apocalyptic or nuclear disaster. As a mom, there is no question I could see myself wanting to be prepared for this kind of emergency. So when the family winds up in the "Compound", you are grateful that they are there, and recognize how lucky they are to have been able to have such an option. You feel their losses and the emotional turmoil they find themselves in. As the story progresses, let's just say you will be quite surprised at how it twists. I like that you get to see the children grow, and like all children, they become more aware of their surroundings, and more able to question things around them. As they do, many surprises await them! Terrific plot, and an excellent and smooth story development. Thrilled to see that there is a sequel coming in 2013. Also - went on to read two other books of hers - The Gardener, and The Raft. I think Bodeen has a tremendous future in YA Fiction!

Great read.

I was excited to find another YA post-apocalyptic novel, but The Compound by SA Bodeen is SO much more than that. In fact, its level of twists, turns, and truly disturbing plot lines will keep you interested through every page.Eli is the son of a brilliant billionaire, Rex, whose technological advances have rocked the world. When he finds out a nuclear attack has occurred, he rushes his family into The Compound, a shelter he has been working on for almost a decade in case just such a thing occurred. When they rushed to get in, though, their grandmother and Eli's twin Eddy are left outside. When Eli shouts that they have to wait for them as the Compound door closes, his father says, "At least I have one of you."Life in the Compound has been growing increasingly precarious despite the monotony and the boredom. The food source that was supposed to last for 15 years has been compromised in many ways. The livestock grain was poisoned, the grow lights were actually normal bulbs, and the food supply would never last for the full 15 years necessary for the radiation to dwindle to safe levels. Rex has found a way to survive for longer, but the result, held behind the yellow door, is something no one in the Compound but Rex is willing to consider.When Eli finds his brother's old computer and picks up a wireless signal (Rex had removed wireless capabilities from all the other computers), he beings to question why they are really in the Compound. Was there really a bomb? Did people survive? Could Eddy and Gram have survived? Is his dad telling them the whole truth? This novel will keep you asking crazy questions from beginning to end.While there is no sex or real violence in this story, it is very disturbing in parts. The lengths Rex will go to survive will leave the hairs on the back of your neck standing on end. At first he is a quirky rich man intent on protecting his family, but as the story unfolds, it is clear he is also more than a bit unstable. I would save this crazy story for a more mature reader, although the reading level is quite accessible. While the life in the Compound is fairly routine, Rex's madness is anything but. This is an amazing, creative, and disturbing story, but make sure not to read it on a dreary day!

This book i had heard of, recommended to me by friends. I wasnt to sure if i would like it, since i dont commonly read this genre, but i was in love with it! I couldnt put it down i had to know every detail. This thriller had great twists( i wont tell you-no spoilers) it kept getting better. The writing was well done, couldn't find errors. I loved how you could connect with the characters, and really feel the emotions. This is definitely one of the best books ive ever read.

My son and I read this book for a school report. It was very good, Suspenseful couldn't put the book down. We have read the book many of times. I purchased it to keep reading it in the future.

I don't read a lot and when I do its books like this. I was a fan of "The Giver" and the Mockingbird series books like that. So this book was right up my alley. I was confused what the book might be about based on other reviews but it was definitly a good book. I finished it in basically a day, because I could not put it down. I had to put it down for a while to go run errands and kept thinking "whats going to happen!" Definitly a great book. My only disapointment was when I got to the end... it was over, i want it to keep going on and on. Some books, it takes FOREVER to get to the plot, this one got there farily quick and it was nice. I got to find out what was going on fast. There wasnt a huge delay in getting to the idea, or seeing what happened... it happened quickly, and i like that.

My daughter wanted this book so I ordered it for her for Christmas and she absolutely loves it. I haven't read it myself.

Reading teacher here. Loved this book and would definitely recommend it to young adult readers as well as adults who also like YA novels.

Arrived quickly and in good shape. My daughter loved the book so much we just ordered the second installment The Fallout.

It has you on edge and grabs you so you have to keep reading.You follow the Family and see their fears and sacrafices and .... plans on how to survive.But i have on question, food became a problem and more importanly protein, so why didn't they have a tank full of fish, i mean i know eating only fish will couse health issues but they have ways, to not only eat fish.

This book was absolutely great. I really enjoyed reading it and didn't want to put the book down. Each chapter revealed a new secret, and you would discover that The Compound isn't exactly what it seems. You feel as if you are part of the book and that the chracters are talking to you. All of the twists and turns that the father has caused keeps you entertained, especially when you find out that what the father is doing to keep his family safe - in fact it isn't.

My 16 year old son read it for a school project. He enjoyed it.

Very good. I would recommend this book.