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Variant Audiobook
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(3.00) - 6,772 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.
He was wrong.
Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.
Where breaking the rules equals death.
But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.
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"This is probably more like a 4.5. It's hard to discuss this book without giving stuff away, but I'll just say this: with this story you hit the ground running and it doesn't let up. It was a super fast read and my favorite part is probably the questions it sets up. Good stuff. "
— Melanie (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“An intense journey with some of the most shocking twists and turns I’ve ever read.”
— Pittacus Lore, #1 New York Times bestselling author -
“Variant is a compelling story on so many levels. I loved it! The twist behind it all is my favorite since Ender’s Game.”
— James Dashner, New York Times bestselling author -
“A chilling, masterful debut. With its clever premise, quick pace, and easy-to-champion characters, Wells’ story is a fast, gripping read with a cliffhanger that will leave readers wanting more.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“An exciting, edge-of-your-seat read that combines psychological themes from works like Lord of the Flies,The Hunger Games and Ender’s Game in a truly unique way. Variant should join the ranks of today’s must-read science fiction and fantasy series. A highly recommended addition to any collection for teens.”
— VOYA (starred review)
Awards
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A 2011 Publishers Weekly Best Book: Children's Fiction
Variant Listener Reviews
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" Haven't I read this book before? Wasn't it called Maze Runner? This book is extremely similar to Maze Runner (the author of which has a blurb on the front cover, ironically), but in a more condensed, edited version. The twist at the end was interesting so I'll probably read book 2. "
— Christie, 2/13/2014 -
" this book was amazing sucked me right in i literally couldn't put it down but to sleep. I had to keep going :) "
— Jenessa, 2/10/2014 -
" My favorite type of story. Read it in one day! And the ending? Oh my heck! When is the next book out? "
— Karleneb, 2/3/2014 -
" READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!! ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER!! DON'T DOUBT ME. READ IT!!!!! I SAID READ I!!! "
— Carson, 1/22/2014 -
" I would really give it 2.5 starts if that was an option. I liked the mystery; what was the deal with the school with no adults, and kids being killed for misbehavior? Anyhow, when I found out some answers in the end, it was a little dumb, and it leaves you hanging way more than a book really should. All the while I was coming up with plausible reasons for all the crazy things at the school, but when some of the ending things happen, well, let's just say that I'm not planning on reading the next one. "
— Sarah, 1/6/2014 -
" Amazing. This is what you call a page-turner. :) "
— Kyla, 12/23/2013 -
" This Sci-fi book was a fast-paced novel with lots of twists and turns...some of them out of left field! The ending really leaves you hanging and wanting the next one. Good book for reluctant readers and one that many of my students have really enjoyed! "
— Jill, 12/21/2013 -
" Awesome. Epic and filled with action. "
— Morexette, 9/6/2013 -
" This book was an interesting twist to the regular dystopia type book. And even in the end, I was left wondering what was going to happen next. Nothing was predictable. And the cliff-hanger was one of the best I've read. "
— Jen, 8/28/2013 -
" Amazing there was many twist and turns! It was unpredictable and just amazing! "
— Sierra, 8/24/2013 -
" This was a fast read and fun for the 9th grade book club. I needed more closure at the end, however! "
— Stephanie, 8/8/2013 -
" Variant was a pretty gripping book, I was hooked as soon as I started reading it. I couldn't put it on down, it reminded me a lot of " The maze runner". The ending definatley left me hanging though. Can't wait to start the second book! "
— Raquel, 3/18/2013 -
" I loved it! It's the best book I've ever read/ listened to. Amazing! I cam wait to get the next one! "
— Mikayla , 1/25/2013 -
" Was confusing towards the end but it still was a pretty good "
— Destini, 12/22/2012 -
" I liked it ok..enough that I'll check out a sequel from the library to see where it goes but my final opinion will depend on where the series goes "
— Melana, 10/10/2012 -
" Slow start in my opinion but it completely hooks you in until the final conclusion "
— Oliver, 2/2/2012 -
" Good book, didn't see the ending coming. I am still not sure what happened at the end truthfully. "
— Bonnie, 12/17/2011 -
" Won this this book of one of the goodreads giveaways and decided to give it a shot since it looked interesting. It didn't dissapoint. "
— Amanda, 11/6/2011 -
" This book left me so, so awesomely confused. "
— Kate, 10/22/2011 -
" Just a plain fun, entertaining, quick read. "
— Jen, 10/16/2011
About Robison Wells
Robison Wells is the author of the young-adult science fiction thrillers Variant and Feedback. Variant was a Publishers Weekly Best Book and a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. Wells lives in the Rocky Mountains with his wife and kids in a house not too far from elk pastures.
About Michael Goldstrom
Michael Goldstrom is a Juilliard-trained actor and comedian. He has appeared on Comedy Central, HBO, A&E, NBC, and ABC, as well as on and off Broadway. His audiobook narrations have earned several Earphones Awards.