The Annihilation of Foreverland Paperback – April 17, 2012

This book grabbed ahold of me right from the start and wouldn't let go! I was already in love with the title, the description, and the author, so this wasn't really a surprise, but when you build something up in your head, it can be very disappointing when it doesn't live up to your expectations. That wasn't a problem here. The premise was unique and the characters were easy to connect with and had fleshed-out backgrounds. The world building was impressive, especially when the boys were "inside the needle." There were some twists that kept things interesting, and I loved the ending!All in all, I enjoyed this book very much, and can't wait to read the next book in the series!5/5 stars.

Cross-posted from Papyrus Independent Author Reviews.He wakes up in what looks like a doctor's office. He is told his name is Danny Boy. He doesn't know who he is or how he's come to this place, but the old man is telling him everything is going to be alright."The Annihilation of Foreverland" is a science fiction conspiracy novel where the story starts in a fairly non-threatening environment and quickly moves towards uncertainty and finally, revelation and crisis. It's not a new formula, but it's one that quite often works well with me and this book was not an exception. There's something so intriguing about the "something not quite right" formula. I want to dig just as much as the characters in the story and the deeper I get the more I want to know.Bertauski's setting is an island with boys who have a kind of amnesia (more like an assault of other people's memories) and are being treated in a revolutionary program that seems to involve lots of game playing, sun and healthy eating. That is until we get to the Haystack. This is meant to be the crux of treatment and it's pretty unsettling. But it's in the Haystack that we start widening the parameters of the story through the eyes of Danny Boy - newest "patient" on the island. The sessions at the Haystack seem to get wilder as the story progresses, but I would recommend just running with it as it makes the story more enjoyable.And I guess that's where I come to my observation about the target audience of this novel. The young adult label is well-earned. For a start, the pacing is great and the mystery develops with a successful blend of unease and tension that I believe younger readers will gobble up. But on the flip side, there's a couple of elements that I think would be more easily accepted by younger readers than perhaps adult readers. Lucinda is an enormously problematic character in this story. In fact, in my mind, she makes little sense but is given so much power as a plot device that it's impossible not to constantly face the absurdity of her role. Additionally, Danny Boy as a character is just too intuitive and too intelligent for my liking. On many occasions he borders on the super-human. However, I feel like I need to give a big concession here as I think younger readers will have no problem with Lucinda or Danny Boy.Moving on to the characters, Danny Boy is an interesting read despite my issues. I enjoyed watching this thirteen year old cope with the island, the uncertainty of his memories, the Investors, the Director and the Haystack. As he slowly starts to understand more about who he was before the island, we also start seeing more overt rebellion from him. His character becomes more resilient, resourceful and at the same time, much more interesting.Reed is where much of the mystery of the story starts. Who is this boy and why is he refusing treatment? Reed is the character that really sows the seed of doubt for Danny Boy. We do get to see some of the story through the eyes of Reed, but he is a character on the verge of breakdown for the entirety of the story, so his point of view isn't as entertaining as that of Danny Boy. But he's an important character - one that infuses the island with disharmony, a necessary atmosphere in a story like this one.I also found the Director interesting in this story. His character was quite paradoxical with actions and sentiments not often aligning. This is probably what I liked most though; someone so invested in an ideal, but whose actions seems so contradictory. As the story progresses his sentiment is swept away in his relentless pursuit of Lucinda and when certain revelations bring his character into sharp focus there is no longer any chance of this character being misunderstood. I enjoyed the unveiling.The writing had a few errors, enough that I mention it but not enough to stop me from recommending the book. Other than that, the author did a good job of portraying the island and the characters on it.Those who can't put aside the critical adult might have a few problems with "The Annihilation of Foreverland", but those who can appreciate where this story is targeted are going to enjoy the ride. The atmosphere is just right. Danny Boy has a good set of eyes through which to witness the conspiracy unfolding. If not young, at least be young at heart and I think this story will satisfy.

Let's be honest, fellow Brave Indie Reader, when you download a free indie book without knowing anything about the author, your plans to kick back and relax with a good book for a couple of hours can quickly go swirlin' down the ol' crapper. You're cautious as you tap-tap-tap your way through the first few pages. Don't diss me for being weak, but despite being duped before, I downloaded The Annihilation of Foreverland solely on the title and cover art. No pouring over reviews or even the description. I literally went in completely blind. What a pleasant surprise to find such a talented storyteller with nothing but my Kindle Fire and a wifi connection.I absolutely loved the premise of this book. A group of teenaged boys on a beautiful island with everything they could ask for; unlimited food and video games, a comfortable room, no real school or homework. They get to do pretty much whatever they want. The catch? Every two weeks their handlers, or "Investors", take them to the Haystack where they are stripped and made physically miserable until they take the needle -- where they get to escape their discomfort in an alternate reality. Eventually, when they're "healed" by their sessions in the Haystack they get to graduate, although none of them know quite what that means.I won't give away too much of the plot, but let's just say it's a well-woven tale with twists and turns that you don't expect. You start thinking, "Oh, so THAT'S what's going on," only to find you are wrong a few pages later.As I've mentioned before I'm a character-driven reader, and Mr. Bertauski does an excellent job of drawing me in with well-rounded characters that I cared about. Danny Boy and Reed's plight kept me turning the page, and even the minor characters had my sympathy and/or disdain. Computer hacking genius Danny Boy goes into the needle to find answers and escape -- real escape, from the island; Loner Reed refuses the needle with a Zen-like determination, visions of a lovely redheaded girl encouraging him to keep his resolve.Having three boys myself, a 12-year-old, a teenager, and a college student, the notion that despite the discomfort of the Haystack many of the boys didn't seem to mind it, even looked forward to it, intrigued me. The prospect of going "in the needle" and into foreverland, where literally anything is possible -- like a virtual reality video game where you have every superpower you can imagine and as real as you sitting here right now reading this review - is just too much of a draw for most of the boys to resist. Would you? Tempting. Kind of like the lure of drugs, they know better but just can't resist.On the other side of the coin (or the island) the Investors' motivations are a study in greed, narcisissm and the skewing of modern society's moral compass. Again, you have to look at yourself and ask, "If given the chance, would I succumb?" Hummmm. . . .While I think this book is geared toward the YA crowd, it is also a good, fun, easy sci-fi read for adults. I enjoyed the ride, and will encourage my sons to read it also.Tony Bertauski is definitely an indie author to watch. He's a wonderful storyteller with a unique imagination, and I won't be surprised when a major publisher picks him up. Actually, in my humble opinion, I think The Annihilation of Foreverland would make a great movie.

I downloaded this book a while ago but it has been sat on my to-read list since. I’m now devastated that I actually left it this long to read. The book is excellent, truly one of the best I have read so far this year. Such an unusual concept of the sci-fi genre but incredibly fast-paced like a detective mystery. Something that even fans not keen on sci-fi will love.The story centres around Danny Boy, the new arrival to the island. An exotic island run by the investors which gives boys everything they can dream off, especially once they step inside the needle. However, another camper named Reed intrigues Danny, Reed refuses to step inside the needle and instead is tortured for it. When Danny then meets Reed’s dream girl inside Foreverland, things get complicated, she knows things, things the investors don’t want the boys to know. She is stuck in Foreverland. Which side will Danny choose - the outcast Reed and his strange girlfriend or the investors and the boys living their dream on the island. Danny doesn’t know but he knows he needs to find out more. For those that like sci-fi, dystopian or even thriller stories this is a great read and the pace is set almost instantly. Great as a standalone novel although I was pleased to read this is actually a series. For those that really enjoy clever twists, this book is full of them. The descriptions were very realistic and although in theory this is set in a future world there is a tiny part of you that thinks, this could be happening now, how far are we from such technology. The characters were complex and the twists kept coming, I especially liked the little snapshots of their past weaved into the story. Everything you want from a good dystopian thriller.

When I got this book, it was free. It's now slightly more than that - but to be honest I would happily pay full price for this.This book had me hooked right from the start. There is definitely a hint of  Matrix Trilogy 3-Disc Set: The Matrix, Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions [DVD ] here, although the kids involved knew they were heading inside a VR world. Reading it also reminded me of the excellent  Idlewild (Idlewild Trilogy 1) , which will only ever be a good sign.I suspect it's pretty obvious from close to the beginning what is happening in the book, but I have to admit that my enjoyment in reading it made it less obvious until quite close to the end.I would recommend this book. It's entertaining and well written. I'm now looking at reading  The Socket Greeny Saga  by the same author. Matrix Trilogy 3-Disc Set: The Matrix, Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions [DVDIdlewild (Idlewild Trilogy 1)The Socket Greeny Saga

Tony Bertauski stirs together prison drama and science fiction in this YA adventure that's not afraid to get a little gritty- and just because the protagonists are teenage boys, that doesn't mean the book doesn't tackle some heavy themes.Awakening on an island resort where you're expected to do little more than eat, sleep and play video games might seem like every young boy's dream. But when your memories are scrambled and the price of luxury is regular visits to a strange experimentation camp, things start to seem a lot more sinister.What is the true purpose behind the ultimate virtual reality experience simply called Forever Land? Is the island truly a place of healing and enlightenment, or are Dannyboy's urges to rebel entirely justified?

The Annihilation of FOREVERLAND Tony BertauskiAmazing skill at revealing clues and making the reader wait to find out what is going on. There are hints and twists that are designed to mislead and redirect you until almost the end of the novel when the full reality is revealed.An excellent ending which anticipates the next novel.A very easy read as the nature of the plot means the characters all only have a part of the picture as well.I was given the novel free by netgalley.com for my fair and honest review.

Loved it!!the intrigue and cleverness of it was amazing!a very good concept well written.Damaged kids wake up on an exotic island minus their memories and believe they are there to be fixed.All their dreams are met once they visit foreverland via a needle to the brain;an alternative reality world where they can do anything they like;fly for miles or turn into big monsters.the director however,the man behind the island and the ideas has an ulterior motive which will turn the kids dreams into nightmares.I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book from front to back and I am starting the next one now!