65 pages 2-hour read

Michael Grant

Hunger

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

Michael Grant

Hunger

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

608

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

Fantasy

Romance
Setting

Perdido Beach • Contemporary

Theme
Fear

Hate & Anger

Coming of Age
Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-17 years

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Super Short Summary

In Hunger by Michael Grant, young individuals in a town cut off by an invisible barrier face rising tensions and severe food shortages. Person-first characters, some with emerging powers, struggle to maintain order as their survival instincts are tested. The community grapples with ethical dilemmas and the challenge of leadership in a deteriorating environment.

Dark

Suspenseful

Gritty

Unnerving

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Hunger by Michael Grant is a gripping sequel that enhances its dystopian atmosphere with heightened tension and complex character dynamics. Readers praise the fast-paced plot and deeper exploration of survival themes. However, some critique the relentless dark tone and underdeveloped secondary characters. A compelling, if intense, continuation of the series.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Hunger?

Readers who enjoy Hunger by Michael Grant typically relish fast-paced dystopian novels with themes of survival and power struggles. Fans of The Maze Runner series by James Dashner and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins would likely find this book appealing due to its intense action and complex character dynamics.

Character List

A reluctant hero with the power to generate light and heat, Sam is the protagonist who struggles with leadership responsibilities within the FAYZ community.

Sam’s twin brother and primary antagonist, Caine is a charismatic leader with telekinesis, driven by a lust for control and power.

Known as "Astrid the Genius," she is Sam’s trusted advisor, providing logic and scientific inquiry to navigate the dangers of the FAYZ.

Referred to as "The Healer," Lana has the ability to mend injuries and grapples with the community's demands and her traumatic past.

Caine’s sadistic lieutenant, known for his love of violence and a tentacle arm mutation, serving as an enforcer of terror.

A pragmatic figure who becomes an economic leader, establishing a new currency system to organize labor and resources in the FAYZ.

Caine’s strategist and confidante, using her intellect to navigate alliances and protect her interests in a volatile environment.

Leads the “Human Crew” and promotes prejudice against the super-powered children, exploiting societal fears and tensions.

Astrid’s brother with autism, who holds immense, secret power as the creator of the FAYZ barrier, connected to unexplained phenomena.

Sam’s former best friend who struggles with courage and seeks redemption by finding a valuable role within the community.

Caretaker of the youngest children in the FAYZ, known as “Mother Mary,” who conceals personal struggles behind her nurturing facade.

A sixth grader whose power to alter his own density forces him into reluctant self-discovery and moral decisions.

A mutant with superspeed abilities, known as "The Breeze," loyal to Sam and driven by a desire for vengeance against their enemies.

Possesses the power to nullify gravity in a targeted area, acting as a stoic and reliable protector among Sam’s allies.

A technological genius whose loyalty is divided between Sam and Caine, driven by the challenge of his technical work.

A boy with heat generation powers whose accidental actions escalate tensions between “normals” and mutants in the FAYZ.

A boy undergoing a physical mutation into gravel-like substance, possessing strength and invulnerability under Howard’s management.

A mutant with camouflage abilities, serving as a spy and infiltrator, motivated primarily by food and fear.

Sam’s reliable ally and military leader, providing steadfast support and a grounded perspective on their survival struggles.

Book Details
Pages

608

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

Fantasy

Romance
Setting

Perdido Beach • Contemporary

Theme
Fear

Hate & Anger

Coming of Age
Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-17 years

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