I LOVED this book --- and the rest of the series for that matter. Some of the other reviewers have commented that it reminds them of Lord of the Flies - I would agree with that assessment. Some parts of this book and series were definitely mature and disturbing, but nothing that today's YA audience wouldn't be prepared for (in particular I'm thinking about some of the violence that the kids inflict on each other and some of the neglect that initially occurs).

I picked this book up on a whim - I was looking for some good YA fiction to read on a business trip. I ended up getting sucked in, and read this during my day of air travel and layovers. I proceeded to buy (and subsequently read) the next two in the series while tucked away in my hotel room after work (it's an exciting life that I lead). I was ecstatic when the final book in the series was released this year. Overall, the plot moved at an appropriate speed - quick enough to keep me engaged for hours on end. The character development was great - everyone was flawed in some way, which felt very authentic to me. I also really enjoy stories that span a series of books. When I find a story and characters that I like, it's always fun being able to stay with them for a while.

In short, I highly recommend this book and series. I wish this kind of YA literature had been around when a growing up!

My full review of the Gone series can be found here: http://cactuswrenreview.wordpress.com/2013/12/31/gone-series-by-michael-grant/