The Loop
Teen prison inmates plan escape in intense sci-fi thriller.
Kids say
Based on 3 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Loop is the first volume of a science fiction trilogy set in a futuristic prison for young people. Author Ben Oliver explores a possible future of the death penalty. The level of violence is often high, especially as16-year-old Luka and his allies fight off homicidal zombies and ravenous rats. There's frequent swearing ("s--t" and "f--k"), but little sexual content.
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What's the Story?
At the start of THE LOOP, Luka has become somewhat used to the daily routine as he awaits his day of execution. But then small things start to go wrong with the facility, and Luka's warden warns him to escape whenever the chance arises. When the daily system eventually breaks down, he joins a group of inmates who want to see what lies beyond the prison walls. Luka discovers war-torn chaos, and when he reports back to his allies he is determined to go back and save his family, if he can.
Is It Any Good?
Sometimes all an author needs is a good narrative hook, and this futuristic prison break thriller makes the most of its high-concept plotting. Author Ben Oliver wastes no time in starting the action in The Loop. Sometimes it seems like overkill (rats AND zombie grandmothers?), but there's plenty here to satisfy fans of futuristic horror. Tense, sarcastic, and sometimes heartbreaking, The Loop is an assured debut, one that will leave readers eager for the next volume.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Loop depicts capital punishment. Why do some people approve of the death penalty? Are innocent people ever convicted of crimes?
Characters in The Loop use the drug Ebb to escape reality. What are the dangers of using hallucinogens and narcotics? Should all drugs be made legal?
Aspects of The Loop are more like horror than science fiction. Can you think of other books, movies, or shows that blend the two genres?
Book Details
- Author: Ben Oliver
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Adventures, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Chicken House
- Publication date: April 7, 2020
- Number of pages: 368
- Last updated: July 6, 2020
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