A competently told teen life&death competition story, with a 16yr old protagonist, 2 of 4 siblings all of whom are in the competition. She has the requisite two guys and is absurdly good in the crunches - she always has some solution and in her group no one else seems to. Recommended only to those who really love a Hunger Games type plot and don't care at all if there is any sense to it. ( )

Wonderful story, excellent story telling and excellent world building. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

I think this is what you would call a YA sci fi novel/series. Good thing that I love sci fi.

Basically a huge asteroid is heading for Earth and when it hits it will be an ELE event - or a End of Life event - wiping out the entire human race. Possibly even damaging or breaking up the planet.

The Atlanteans are descendents of the original atlanteans who used to live on earth and who survived the last Atlantis disaster by leaving earth and settling on another planet. They have now returned to Earth - but not necessarily to help. They can rescue 10 million earth citizens, between the ages of 12 and 20. However, there is a proviso.

These teens will have to qualify. There is a prequalification test, then qualification training, then the semi final test, more training and then the final qualification. Those who qualify at the end will be allowed to leave Earth and go to Atlantis.

The story is narrated by an american female teenager named Gwen Lark. I am not usually a fan of first person stories, but there is enough going on, and plenty of description that demands that I am desperate to know what happens, so I keep reading.

The only negative thing I would have to mention is all the crushes and hormonal stuff that Gwen goes through. But then these are teenagers so that comes with the territory. I do remember being a teenager myself - but that was 40 years ago. LOL

The Atlantis culture, tech, weapons and other skills being taught to these teenagers is absolutely fascinating to learn which is why I loved this world building!! ( )

I haven't completed the book as yet, but 40% of the way through and I've purchased the second in the series. Yes, it's a bit wordy but not so much that I want to give up on it. I like sci fi style novels and this is pushing the right buttons. Perfect for the frequent flying I do for work. ( )

I have read several of her books and I believe that Nazarian builds consistently relatable and compelling characters for her stories. Her books are always very readable and this one is no exception. One of the traits that her main characters seem to always exhibit is an inner drive, often unrealized, that allows them to rise above what they think is their potential. Again, this book is no exception. The main character here, Gwen, is self-deprecating bookworm who is physically unsuited to the challenges that are presented to her. But there is determination and a drive that even she didn't suspect she had that moves her past obstacles and over hurdles. I enjoyed this book, though I confess at times it was a bit predictable, nevertheless the plot is well done with a couple of twists, and as always with her writing when you turn the last page, you keep looking for more, hoping there is more - there's not, you have to get the next book. Which I certainly will. ( )

Easily one of the most compelling works of Science Fiction I have read in many years, I would put Nazarian right up with Heinlein, Campbell, or Niven. With the protagonist a sixteen-year-old young woman (Gwen Lark) from Vermont, the story line takes the reader through a series of tests designed to qualify the teenager to leave Earth on board a space ship operated by the descendents of the ancient denizens of Atlantis, a departure that will save her life when an asteroid destroys Earth in a few months hence. There are actually three tests Gwen and her peers face, beginning with the Qualification Test Gwen, her three siblings, and all other teenagers across the country (and implied around the world) face at the very beginning of the book. It is understood that anyone not passing the test will return home to face anihilation with their parents and (non-qualifying) siblings, hence the saying "Qualify or Die," which is repeated throughout the story. Those students who pass the first test are immediately taken to a Regional Qualification Center (in Gwen's case in Pennsylvania) where they will train for a month before taking their "Semi-Final" exam. The Semi-Final winnows the thousands of students from each regional center (over 6,000 in Pennsylvania) down to 200. Those who survive the Semi-Final are taken to a National Qualification Center (believed to be in eastern Colorado) where they will train for an additional month with all their fellow countrymen before facing the Final exam. The book's six hundred pages take the reader through all three exams as well as the training sessions leading up to the exams. Most students, including Gwen, are well aware that the chances are rigged against them. All know that if they do not pass the Final Exam, they will die anyway when the asteroid destroys the Earth. Make no mistake, this is a long book, but it is never dull, never slow, and the cast of characters is fully fleshed out, whether they be nerds, geeks, or even the bullies that seem to inhabit all levels of teen-age (and even adult) life. Throw in an alien, yet related, race with an almost unbelievably advance level of technology, and the story line fascinates on so many different levels. My highest recommendation! ( )