Thirteen by Tom Hoyle

Book Details
Author: Tom Hoyle
Ages: 11+
Rating: 7/10
Number of Pages: 322
Plot: Adam Grant is a normal thirteen year old until he discovers that a murderous cult called 'The People' need to sacrifice him in order to take over the world. Coron, the crazy cult leader, has already eliminated twelve boys who all share a similar characteristic - they were all born at midnight on the start of the new millennium; and Adam is the thirteenth and last to be sacrificed.

Not to contradict the popular saying 'don't judge a book by it's cover', the cover of this particular novel drew me in immediately. I had never heard of the book or the author and so knew little of the style or general idea of the book.
From the prologue to the end of the novel I was hooked on every word; the writer uses interesting characters and clever plot twists to keep the reader entertained. I liked how the book was set in modern day London (2013-2014)  as the majority of novels I have read in this genre are set in the future in America.
The author also used lots of action which captivated the reader and made the novel more exciting. The author in some parts, I felt, could have made the fights more realistic, for example, would a thirteen year old boy know how to fire a gun successfully.

'By the time he is fourteen, the boy has become a man...... Thirteen is the last year of childhood...... They boy must die before he is a man.' - Coron's 'Great Book' 

My favourite idea throughout the book was the use of the cult and the crazy cult leader Coron as this made the novel more unique and different to other YA books on the market. The author clearly shows how the cult leader is insane through the third person narrative and the erratic description that surrounds the character. The author also creates a dictatorial relationship between Coron and his people; this can be seen throughout the novel when Coron directs speeches or dictates others - his 'subjects' are always described as being in awe of him and his leadership skills.
Overall I thought that the novel follows a very unique idea that is executed in a descriptive and imaginative way that holds the readers interest throughout. Despite the scenes and actions that can only be described as being unbelieveable; this book is full of suspense ans is a real page turner.
I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of the Gone series by Michael Grant. I look forward to reading the next in the series and future novels by Tom Hoyle.

Reviewed by Daisy Wallis