Sylo by DJ MacHale
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: Young Adult Adventure
ISBN: 978-1595146656
Source: Hardcover from BEA 2013
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THEY CAME FROM THE SKY, parachuting out of military helicopters to invade 14 year old Tucker Pierce’s idyllic hometown on Pemberwick Island, Maine.

They are a secretive branch of the U.S. Navy called SYLO. Their commander, Captain Granger, informs Pemberwick residents that their island has been hit by a lethal virus and must be quarantined.

Instantly, Pemberwick Island is cut off from the outside world.

Tucker believes there’s more to SYLO’s story. He was on the sidelines when the star high school running back dropped dead with no warning. He saw the bizarre midnight explosion over the ocean and witnessed mysterious singing aircraft travel like shadows through the night sky. He tasted the Ruby; and experienced the incredible power it gives to anyone brave and foolish enough to try it.

What it all means, SYLO isn’t saying.

Only Tucker holds the clues that can solve the deadly mystery.

LOOK TO THE SKY because Pemberwick Island is only the beginning.

1. Who were the most memorable characters?
What I love about DJ MacHale’s work is his ability to always make every single minor character just as memorable as the major characters. The most memorable for me though is Tori. She is strong but she’s still a kid and that vulnerability was wonderful and refreshing to see.

2. Is there a particular scene that brought you to this conclusion?
Simply learning more about Tori as time went on did it for me but there were two scenes in particular that stick out. The first scene is when Tori and Tucker drive to Tori’s house. The second is what takes place after Tori, Tucker, and Kent make their escape. You’ll know these scenes when you read them…anything more would be spoiling it for you!

3. Which character did you want more from?
Quinn.

4. Which character name is your favorite?
It’s a tie between Quinn and Tori.

5. How did you connect with the main character?
Tori is probably my favorite character because I’d like to think I’m as strong as her. I connected with Tucker once the ball started rolling. He’s naive at first (which on some level, I did relate to) but then he started stepping up to the plate and that’s when I really began to relate to him. I can relate to the core issues in Kent’s heart but not the way he goes about coping in everyday life. That frustrated me, as it should have. Kent is so broken and was crafted so well.

6. How did you connect with the villain?
I’ll have to wait until book two to answer this question since we still don’t know what side Tucker and his crew should be on. I am SO pumped for book two!

7. Which relationship did you enjoy reading the most?
Really, every relationship Tucker had was so much fun to read. I loved all of the different dynamics Tucker had with each character and that’s a gift DJ has when sculpting and writing his characters and relationships in all of his books.

8. What were your initial thoughts on the premise?
DJ MacHale is on my auto-buy list but to read the synopsis and know that the story was one I was actually excited for just doubled the anticipation.

9. What setting had the best imagery?
I could picture the whole town right away and loved every moment of it. I’m afraid though if I mention certain settings, they could be spoilers so just know that I especially loved the places DJ takes the reader in the second half of the book – in particular, the end of the book.

10. What line or scene made you think, “I wonder how much research it took to write this?”
Well, it was more like I thought, “I wonder what would happen in real life if this happened,” after Tucker and the town saw a message from the President of the United States about the quarantine. I love books that challenge you to take the words off the page and think about the world, the nation, the town you live in and the people around you. That scene really did it for me.

11. What did you notice most about the author’s writing?
Since I’ve gushed about the characters and relationships enough, I will point out that I absolutely love how incredible the pacing is and how thrilling every single page is. That’s what first hooked me to his work when I opened up Pendragon way back when.

12. Which scene resonated with you the most?
Various scenes resonated with me for different reasons but the final scene was hard hitting. Heart dropping. Gut wrenching. When your world is turned upside down, when so much is out of your control, how do you get it back? I could talk about the final scene, that final realization forever though so I will stop

13. What theme/symbolism struck you the most?
Trust was a huge theme that hit me hard. Who can Tucker trust? How much trust does he have for certain people? Can Tucker trust himself when it really counts? It doesn’t end with book one, so I am really excited to see Tucker continue to grow, feel out what is really going on around him, and decide what to do in the midst of it all.

14. If this book had a theme song, it would be?
I don’t know about a theme song, but if you like scores, I think I’d match up SYLO with “Pursuit by the Scene” composed by Nathaniel Mechaly for the Taken soundtrack or “Rogue Robots” composed by Thomas Newton for the Wall-E soundtrack. I’ve never seen Wall-E but I love the score.

15. What was the biggest lesson learned for you?
Never underestimate the people who don’t seem like they can help you at first.

16. Did you read this at the right time in your life?
I could read any DJ MacHale book at any age and learn something new every time.

17. Any pet peeves?
None.

18. Which did you like the most, the title or cover? The storytelling, writing, or world building? The opening or conclusion?
I like the title but after reading the book, I love the cover even more. The storytelling, writing, and world building all attribute to why this book is so fantastic so I can’t possibly choose! That ending…what an ending. I loved it. It definitely did not conclude anything hahaha. I can’t wait for book two!

19. Can you rate pacing, transitions, and the middle on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the best?
Five across the board.

20. If you read this again, would it be as an audio book or on your kindle to annotate?
I will probably read this series again and again in every single format possible over time.

21. Who would you recommend this book to?
Everyone. No matter how old you are, your background, and where you are in life, there’s something for everyone in SYLO.

Sylo by DJ MacHale is available now.