Predictable plot. Boring. ( )

I received a free copy of The Terminals from Goodreads First Reads.

Well, Buckingham spins an interesting, fast-paced, "espionage/action/adventure" tale with an intricate plot and multiple twists and turns. Still, I was a little disappointed with the conclusion--the big reveal about what and who was involved, and why. (Probably because I had kinda guessed it already. Poo. I kept thinking of Resident Evil 5 with Wesker claiming, "Humans have escaped this winnowing for far too long." Similar,...but not an exact parallel.) The epilogue does leave room for more though, like a potential sequel.

In the midst of a promising college and sports career, Cam, our 19-year-old protagonist, receives a diagnosis for a terminal disease, and a prognosis of possibly a year or less before succumbing to the disease. He's approached by a mysterious man who enters his life offering him a chance to join his organization and do something for the good of mankind--a chance to be a hero, or, better yet, a "superhero". Obviously, Cam accepts and is whisked away to what appears to be a tropical haven where he meets nine others not unlike himself. All have the same diagnoses and similar backgrounds. But, it isn't long, though, before Cam realizes that his cohorts not only appear healthy outwardly but are abnormally physically adept. What's more, Cam can't shake the feeling or ignore ominous signs that the organization he eagerly joined is not what it appears to be.

I must say, I didn't find Cam entirely likeable. At times, I found him pretty annoying, like his egotistical thinking and occasional whining. But, he had his moments, like his private encounter with Zara. (If and when you read the book you'll know what I mean.) He was more respectful than most in his situation would have been (and were), more respectful than she was to herself. I really appreciated that; now if only more would follow his example.

I suppose what surprises me most (even though it probably shouldn't after meeting certain people in my life) is how gullible Cam and his friends are. I'm like: "okay, this supposedly well-meaning organization is offering the chance to 'save the world'. But, the trainer and recruiter want you to trust them even though they won't trust you." Blindfolds, really? I guess it's easier to convince young adults. You know, people who want to save the world and make a difference, and still think they can--before they become cynical.

Then, there's the charismatic trainer whose seems to have a quick pre-thoughtout answer for everything. Someone who invites you to question him, but obviously would prefer you didn't, that you'll just trust him. (You'll have to forgive me. I'm a highly suspicious person by nature and I'm especially suspicious of charismatic people. Experience had taught me to be so.)

Overall, excepting the occasional profanity and "hormonal moments" (teenagers, *sigh*), The Terminals was a pretty good read. Occasionally funny, ultimately sad.

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3.75 Stars
A YA adventure novel with terminally ill MCs that have superpowers. Think Spy Kids meet Survivor and Bourne Legacy, but a bit darker. Great plot, good start, and fast-paced. The ending is open-ended and leaves room for a sequel (similar to classic Sci-fi). The characters don't have a lot of depth, but the story moves so fast that it doesn't hurt the overall work. A quick and easy read, recommended for young adults.

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