Audio Book Review: The Eighth Day by Michael O'Neal

This is a fun ride even if a bit unrealistic!

The Eighth Day
Written by: Michael O'Neal
Narrated by: Robert Martinez

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-30-14
Publisher: Michael O'Neal
Genre: Thriller, Action Adventure (YA)
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Yesterday they were five ordinary friends. Today they are all that stand between us and extinction...
Havenbrook, Iowa. Typical small town America, nestled in the rolling plains of the Midwest. Life is simple here. But for high school senior Jay Anderson, it's about to get a whole lot more complicated. Accused of a crime he didn't commit, he is shocked to become an outcast throughout this small community, and becomes suspicious of the townspeople's suddenly strange behavior. Only his friends believe in his innocence, and set out to prove it...
...only to find out there is something far more sinister going on here. Who are the mysterious men who have suddenly appeared around town? What is the government hiding at the town's reservoir? Pursued by shadowy forces that would kill to keep the secrets they discover - and the secret Jay holds unknowingly within himself - he and his friends embark on an epic adventure. From the steps of Capitol Hill to the walls of the Kremlin; from the unfriendly skies over Eastern Europe to the treacherous waters of the Caribbean; danger lurks around every corner as these five teenagers seek to uncover what was created on...
©2011 Bluewater Press LLC (P)2014 Michael O'Neal

Review:
Jay Anderson and his friends are quirky high school seniors, already ostracized because of their high intelligence. Jay is suddenly accused of selling drugs making him a pariah to his teachers, fellow students and even his parents. The only people who believe him innocent are his best friends, Kathy, Jeff, Ryan and Rachel. Kathy tears apart the evidence managing to get the case dismissed but that doesn’t change the minds of those who were quick to deem him guilty.

Rachel finds an incriminating picture that places a high government official involved in framing Jay. Amid an unusual rash of anger and high tempers in town, Jeff finds evidence of another government cover-up effecting the town’s water reservoir. The 'bug' not only causes the violent tempers but can cause death too. The teens are alarmed and head out in different directions to try to figure out what is going on and how to save their town.

Jay and Kathy visit a Senator in Washington, DC, who is a friend of the family. Jay hopes that perhaps he can give help but the next thing they know they are on the run from government officials. Their race to prevent the deadly plan sends them on a train ride, into desolate, cold mountains on foot and eventually to Russia.

Jay and Kathy have secrets that are a surprise even to them. While certain high level conspirators want them captured, controlled or maybe dead, there is finally a high government force that decides to protect and help them. The problem is the ‘good guys’ can’t get close to the kids to let them know they have back-up.

There is a lot of action that keeps this moving and interesting. However, there are also a lot of improbable episodes. These teens are portrayed as some type of genius superheroes. I enjoyed the quiet faith input and confidence that was portrayed, especially in Jay. I also appreciated the depth of friendship between Kathy and Jay who are resisting the temptations to be ‘friends with benefits’.

 This is fun and entertaining as long as you set aside realism. I recommend it as fun action, suspense and entertainment.

Audio Notes: Robert Martinez does a good job providing different voices for the characters. His narration helps to keep the story fun and enhanced the "reading" experience for me.

I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review. This will count toward my 2015 Audiobook Challenge.