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The Point
What if you had a power you had to hide from everyone--until now? In this bold sci-fi action thriller, a secret training program at West Point is turning misfits into a new generation of heroes.
Scarlett Winter has always been an outsider, and not only because she's a hardcore daredevil and born troublemaker--she has been hiding superhuman powers she doesn't yet understand. Now she's been recruited by a secret West Point unit for cadets with extraordinary abilities. Scarlett and her fellow students are learning to hone their skills, from telekinetic combat to running recon missions through strangers' dreamscapes. At The Point, Scarlett discovers that she may be the most powerful cadet of all. With the power to control pure energy, she's a human nuclear bomb--and she's not sure she can control her powers much longer.
Even in this army of outsiders, Scarlett feels like a misfit all over again, but when a threat that endangers her fellow students arises from the school's dark past, duty calls and Scarlett must make a choice between being herself and becoming something even greater: a hero.
Scarlett Winter has always been an outsider, and not only because she's a hardcore daredevil and born troublemaker--she has been hiding superhuman powers she doesn't yet understand. Now she's been recruited by a secret West Point unit for cadets with extraordinary abilities. Scarlett and her fellow students are learning to hone their skills, from telekinetic combat to running recon missions through strangers' dreamscapes. At The Point, Scarlett discovers that she may be the most powerful cadet of all. With the power to control pure energy, she's a human nuclear bomb--and she's not sure she can control her powers much longer.
Even in this army of outsiders, Scarlett feels like a misfit all over again, but when a threat that endangers her fellow students arises from the school's dark past, duty calls and Scarlett must make a choice between being herself and becoming something even greater: a hero.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2018
44 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
John Dixon
4 books133 followersJohn Dixon's first two novels, PHOENIX ISLAND and DEVIL'S POCKET, won back-to-back Bram Stoker Awards and inspired the CBS TV series INTELLIGENCE.
A former boxer, teacher, and stone mason, John lives in West Chester, PA, with his wife, daughter, and freeloading dog. When not reading or writing, he obsesses over boxing, chess, and hot peppers.
A former boxer, teacher, and stone mason, John lives in West Chester, PA, with his wife, daughter, and freeloading dog. When not reading or writing, he obsesses over boxing, chess, and hot peppers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
June 13, 2018
Scarlett Winter is a rebellious teenager who just wants to find adventure and not bend to the rules around her. On the night of her graduation Scarlett blows off the ceremony to hang out with friends only to find her parents had planned a surprise party she missed.
After a fight with her family Scarlett leaves yet again when the signs of her hidden powers start to get the better of her. What Scarlett didn’t expect was to come across a bomb and stop it from exploding with witnesses to the event.
The next thing Scarlett knows to the delight of her father a couple of military men show up at her door. As much as her father would like her to enlist Scarlett is determined to do things her own way until she’s taken aside and threatened with prison unless she signs up for a secret training program at West Point.
The Point by John Dixon was a decent science fiction thriller about a teen gaining super human powers and getting pulled into a secret program. The thing is this one didn’t feel overly original to me but blended in with a lot of other books of this genre. I also thought this one could have used a bit better world building with explanations of how posthumans came about and their powers right away to draw readers in a bit more quickly in stead of tossing them into the action. In the end I’d give this one 3.5 stars when finished.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
After a fight with her family Scarlett leaves yet again when the signs of her hidden powers start to get the better of her. What Scarlett didn’t expect was to come across a bomb and stop it from exploding with witnesses to the event.
The next thing Scarlett knows to the delight of her father a couple of military men show up at her door. As much as her father would like her to enlist Scarlett is determined to do things her own way until she’s taken aside and threatened with prison unless she signs up for a secret training program at West Point.
The Point by John Dixon was a decent science fiction thriller about a teen gaining super human powers and getting pulled into a secret program. The thing is this one didn’t feel overly original to me but blended in with a lot of other books of this genre. I also thought this one could have used a bit better world building with explanations of how posthumans came about and their powers right away to draw readers in a bit more quickly in stead of tossing them into the action. In the end I’d give this one 3.5 stars when finished.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
August 23, 2018
This story had some strong points: a good female lead, especially after she left the immature, teenage whining at the beginning of the book; unusual characters, also known "posthumans" with very strange powers; a secret spy organization located underground at West Point; and of course, villains, originally trained by the secret spy organization.
There were some cool, but less obvious, connections through out the story. One example is the senator and his long lost daughter: they could have played a much bigger role. Their appearance at the end of the book was surprising but it could have been a startling revelation.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, definitely in the young adult category.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
There were some cool, but less obvious, connections through out the story. One example is the senator and his long lost daughter: they could have played a much bigger role. Their appearance at the end of the book was surprising but it could have been a startling revelation.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, definitely in the young adult category.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
Read
May 10, 2018By anyone’s definition, Scarlett Winters is a screwup as well as a daredevil and thrill-seeker. She even blows off high school graduation, unaware that her long-suffering mother had planned a surprise party. Which is the last straw as far as her tightly-wound vet dad and even grimmer brother are concerned.
She goes off to visit a friend, and ends up in a violent scene. She goes straight from that to a family argument that swiftly turns violent. It ends only when her father’s friend, Colonel Rhoads of West Point, arrives with an offer for Scarlett: join or jail.
Though Scarlett is insanely reckless, she isn’t stupid.
What Scarlett discovers at West Point is a super-secret unit for extraordinarily-gifted young people. But, like her flat-eyed dad and her grim brother, the other cadets are far from a happy family of misfits. There are problems here, and layers of secrets. Is this really the opportunity of a lifetime, or a pathway to black ops terrorism?
Scarlett and her unit are considered posthuman, and that’s not always a good thing. As this tightly paced, vivid thriller unfolds, Scarlett has to find a way to master her powers and to decide if she, and the others, will truly join the Long Gray Line and the unfamiliar West Point world of duty, honor, country.
I really liked Dixon’s characters. Under the wisecracking and banter, the dark side of PTSD becomes a substrate under the story, comprehension hard-won, sometimes heartbreakingly.
Dixon’s narrative choices are interesting, employing a kind of omniscient third (with the narrator way behind the scenes). This enables the reader to see into key characters, as the tension inexorably winds up to the explosive (and I really mean explosive) finish.
Copy provided by NetGalley
She goes off to visit a friend, and ends up in a violent scene. She goes straight from that to a family argument that swiftly turns violent. It ends only when her father’s friend, Colonel Rhoads of West Point, arrives with an offer for Scarlett: join or jail.
Though Scarlett is insanely reckless, she isn’t stupid.
What Scarlett discovers at West Point is a super-secret unit for extraordinarily-gifted young people. But, like her flat-eyed dad and her grim brother, the other cadets are far from a happy family of misfits. There are problems here, and layers of secrets. Is this really the opportunity of a lifetime, or a pathway to black ops terrorism?
Scarlett and her unit are considered posthuman, and that’s not always a good thing. As this tightly paced, vivid thriller unfolds, Scarlett has to find a way to master her powers and to decide if she, and the others, will truly join the Long Gray Line and the unfamiliar West Point world of duty, honor, country.
I really liked Dixon’s characters. Under the wisecracking and banter, the dark side of PTSD becomes a substrate under the story, comprehension hard-won, sometimes heartbreakingly.
Dixon’s narrative choices are interesting, employing a kind of omniscient third (with the narrator way behind the scenes). This enables the reader to see into key characters, as the tension inexorably winds up to the explosive (and I really mean explosive) finish.
Copy provided by NetGalley
July 4, 2018
Scarlett was a rebel without a cause, a daredevil, a born troublemaker, a teen with a secret and now she has met her match. She is about to become part of a secret training program hidden deep within the bowels of West Point, but is she ready to become a hero?
THE POINT by John Dixon is a brilliantly edgy young adult science fiction tale that is jam-packed with action and danger, but where does the danger really lie? Teens with superhuman powers are being trained covertly to become the nation’s secret weapons, but is everything as it seems?
Called “posthumans,” these teens are raw, untrained and possess potentially deadly abilities. They are also highly intelligent and something just doesn’t feel right. Scarlett will be forced to choose between her own survival and the survival of her fellow students and her country.
John Dixon just blew me out of the water with his creative talents! THE POINT opened with a bang and never let up! Feel the emotional turmoil of young adults thrown into an unknown world, sense the tension that is building and witness some incredible characters rise to the challenges set before them. Personalities will clash, lies will be told, and blood will be shed as we become part of an incredible world filled with characters who come alive with the intensity of a fireworks display finale!
Magnetic from start to finish, horrifying at times, mesmerizing at others, science fiction lovers, this one’s for you!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Del Rey!
Publisher: Del Rey (August 7, 2018)
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: YA Science Fiction | Fantasy
Print Length: 320 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
THE POINT by John Dixon is a brilliantly edgy young adult science fiction tale that is jam-packed with action and danger, but where does the danger really lie? Teens with superhuman powers are being trained covertly to become the nation’s secret weapons, but is everything as it seems?
Called “posthumans,” these teens are raw, untrained and possess potentially deadly abilities. They are also highly intelligent and something just doesn’t feel right. Scarlett will be forced to choose between her own survival and the survival of her fellow students and her country.
John Dixon just blew me out of the water with his creative talents! THE POINT opened with a bang and never let up! Feel the emotional turmoil of young adults thrown into an unknown world, sense the tension that is building and witness some incredible characters rise to the challenges set before them. Personalities will clash, lies will be told, and blood will be shed as we become part of an incredible world filled with characters who come alive with the intensity of a fireworks display finale!
Magnetic from start to finish, horrifying at times, mesmerizing at others, science fiction lovers, this one’s for you!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Del Rey!
Publisher: Del Rey (August 7, 2018)
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: YA Science Fiction | Fantasy
Print Length: 320 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 20, 2018
Scarlett just graduated high school. She's ready to leave her misspent youth behind and backpack through Europe with her bestie.
Scarlett's parents hope for college or the military life for her. During a big family fight about her irresponsibility, two military recruiters show up at her door to give her a choice - prison for her latest escapade or West Point and military service for the next 8 years.
In spite of her rebellious nature, she's a smart girl and chooses West Point. Only to discover that she's been secretly recruited to an undercover training program for youth exhibiting super powers.
Similar to the X-Men, these youth have powers ranging from telekinesis to super speed, enormous strength, etc. Scarlett is one of a kind, even in this exalted environment, because she can absorb energy and re-emitt it to a target. She acts as a sort of boomerang for any type of energy. But that's not enough. If she can't learn to harness and store that power, she will not be of any use in defending against the biggest threat the country has ever faced.
This was a thrilling and intriguing new adult story. Among all the mystery and hair raising suspense, I really enjoyed watching Scarlett grow and mature into her full potential.
A big thanks to the publisher for this NetGalley ARC.
Scarlett's parents hope for college or the military life for her. During a big family fight about her irresponsibility, two military recruiters show up at her door to give her a choice - prison for her latest escapade or West Point and military service for the next 8 years.
In spite of her rebellious nature, she's a smart girl and chooses West Point. Only to discover that she's been secretly recruited to an undercover training program for youth exhibiting super powers.
Similar to the X-Men, these youth have powers ranging from telekinesis to super speed, enormous strength, etc. Scarlett is one of a kind, even in this exalted environment, because she can absorb energy and re-emitt it to a target. She acts as a sort of boomerang for any type of energy. But that's not enough. If she can't learn to harness and store that power, she will not be of any use in defending against the biggest threat the country has ever faced.
This was a thrilling and intriguing new adult story. Among all the mystery and hair raising suspense, I really enjoyed watching Scarlett grow and mature into her full potential.
A big thanks to the publisher for this NetGalley ARC.
July 25, 2018
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Scarlett Winter has always been an outsider as a daredevil and troublemaker, but she's hiding special powers she doesn't understand. She has no choice after graduation - either go to West Point or jail. She expects that she'll just be joining the army like her father before her, but she's actually joining a special unit of others with powers like her. Scarlett and her fellow students are learning to more accurately use their abilities, from telekinetic combat to running recon missions through strangers' dreamscapes, for eventual government service. Scarlett may have the strongest ability in her year with her power to control energy and use it as a weapon, she's a bomb waiting to explode, and she's not sure she can control herself for much longer. When a dangerous threat arises from the school's dark past, Scarlett will need to decide if she can truly step up and be a hero.
The Point by John Dixon is an addicting sci-fi thriller with a great central premise. Honestly, as soon as I heard military training, X-Men, and a secret West Point unit I was absolutely sold. Some of my favorite moments of the story are the training sequences and seeing the cadets powers in action. As for Scarlett, Dixon has created a pretty fantastic character arc for our leading lady. She really comes into her own as a part of a the Long Gray Line and through her training. That being said she never loses herself in the process, though she does seem to change her ways a little too quickly for my tastes. By the way, when it comes to Scarlett's power did anyone else think of Sebastian Shaw from X-Men? Anyway, one of my few issues is that I wish the world-building had been handled a little more thoroughly for the posthumans. I enjoyed what we got about they came to be, but it wasn't quite enough for me - bit of a missed opportunity there.
Overall, The Point by John Dixon is a great standalone sci-fi for fans of X-Men. This story isn't terribly unique, but it's still a fun read that you can quickly devour. It is an older YA read, but I think that it could make a great adult crossover story as well. This novel was my first read by this author, but I think now I'm going to have to read more of his work - I think a great starting place would be Phoenix Island which inspired the tv show Intelligence with Josh Holloway.
Scarlett Winter has always been an outsider as a daredevil and troublemaker, but she's hiding special powers she doesn't understand. She has no choice after graduation - either go to West Point or jail. She expects that she'll just be joining the army like her father before her, but she's actually joining a special unit of others with powers like her. Scarlett and her fellow students are learning to more accurately use their abilities, from telekinetic combat to running recon missions through strangers' dreamscapes, for eventual government service. Scarlett may have the strongest ability in her year with her power to control energy and use it as a weapon, she's a bomb waiting to explode, and she's not sure she can control herself for much longer. When a dangerous threat arises from the school's dark past, Scarlett will need to decide if she can truly step up and be a hero.
The Point by John Dixon is an addicting sci-fi thriller with a great central premise. Honestly, as soon as I heard military training, X-Men, and a secret West Point unit I was absolutely sold. Some of my favorite moments of the story are the training sequences and seeing the cadets powers in action. As for Scarlett, Dixon has created a pretty fantastic character arc for our leading lady. She really comes into her own as a part of a the Long Gray Line and through her training. That being said she never loses herself in the process, though she does seem to change her ways a little too quickly for my tastes. By the way, when it comes to Scarlett's power did anyone else think of Sebastian Shaw from X-Men? Anyway, one of my few issues is that I wish the world-building had been handled a little more thoroughly for the posthumans. I enjoyed what we got about they came to be, but it wasn't quite enough for me - bit of a missed opportunity there.
Overall, The Point by John Dixon is a great standalone sci-fi for fans of X-Men. This story isn't terribly unique, but it's still a fun read that you can quickly devour. It is an older YA read, but I think that it could make a great adult crossover story as well. This novel was my first read by this author, but I think now I'm going to have to read more of his work - I think a great starting place would be Phoenix Island which inspired the tv show Intelligence with Josh Holloway.
August 8, 2018
The Point starts with Scarlett skipping out on her high school graduation to party. She's a troublemaker and I did not like her whatsoever.
Scarlett is given a choice, go to West Point, or go to prison... She chooses West Point. When she gets there, she discovers that she's actually a "superhuman" with powers and although she's attending West Point, she's actually attending The Point, the secret underground school for superhumans, where she's learning to control her superhuman power. This was kind of a military X-Men.
I thought this was a really interesting premise and learning about the real West Point was fascinating. Scarlett's character arc was great and she really grew on me over the course of the book. I loved her friendship with her roommate.
It was fun seeing the powers of the others, especially Dalia, who I hated. Dalia was a pretty scary character and I can understand why Scarlett tried to stay on her good side.
Jagger... Wow! He was quite the villain and I was sure that this book would have to end on a cliffhanger as I was running out of pages. But, whew. There was a decent ending that had me sighing in relief. I'm not sure if there will be any sequels, but I'd like to see more of this storyline and these characters.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Del Rey Books for the advance copy!*
Scarlett is given a choice, go to West Point, or go to prison... She chooses West Point. When she gets there, she discovers that she's actually a "superhuman" with powers and although she's attending West Point, she's actually attending The Point, the secret underground school for superhumans, where she's learning to control her superhuman power. This was kind of a military X-Men.
I thought this was a really interesting premise and learning about the real West Point was fascinating. Scarlett's character arc was great and she really grew on me over the course of the book. I loved her friendship with her roommate.
It was fun seeing the powers of the others, especially Dalia, who I hated. Dalia was a pretty scary character and I can understand why Scarlett tried to stay on her good side.
Jagger... Wow! He was quite the villain and I was sure that this book would have to end on a cliffhanger as I was running out of pages. But, whew. There was a decent ending that had me sighing in relief. I'm not sure if there will be any sequels, but I'd like to see more of this storyline and these characters.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Del Rey Books for the advance copy!*
May 3, 2021
This showed up on my public library's 'New Books' SF/F shelf one day (back in the Before Times when one could physically enter the libray and browse) and it went on my TBR list. Unlike many other titles, it survived subsequent cullings of said list. Most of its fellows went the route of, "Meh, I don't really care if I read this or not."
Was The Point worth the wait? *shrug emoji*. It was fine, but it didn't thrill me. The big moments lacked visceral impact, and I couldn't generate strong interest in the story. The point of The Point was The Point and everything that happens there, but restricting all of the story to this limited setting gave it a small-scale feel, despite the ostensible global impact of certain events.
'The Point' is an underground compound beneath West Point army training academy, where young people with super powers are indoctrinated to serve America as a "posthuman" fighting force. The existence of super-powered persons is a recent development, and the public is only aware of them because of recent terrorist attacks. This story follows Scarlett, a troubled 18-year-old discovering her abilities and being forced into this military program. The story hits all the right notes, with characters dealing with traumatic histories, friendships and romance, self-identity and all that jazz along with their special abilities, but the emotion didn't resonate personally.
Was The Point worth the wait? *shrug emoji*. It was fine, but it didn't thrill me. The big moments lacked visceral impact, and I couldn't generate strong interest in the story. The point of The Point was The Point and everything that happens there, but restricting all of the story to this limited setting gave it a small-scale feel, despite the ostensible global impact of certain events.
'The Point' is an underground compound beneath West Point army training academy, where young people with super powers are indoctrinated to serve America as a "posthuman" fighting force. The existence of super-powered persons is a recent development, and the public is only aware of them because of recent terrorist attacks. This story follows Scarlett, a troubled 18-year-old discovering her abilities and being forced into this military program. The story hits all the right notes, with characters dealing with traumatic histories, friendships and romance, self-identity and all that jazz along with their special abilities, but the emotion didn't resonate personally.
August 12, 2018
Ive read similar books. The characters in this one and the way it was written set it apart. Scarlett, Seamus, Lucy & the others made me feel like I was apart of what was going on. I definitely wish I had post human powers lol. Now that the foundation has been set I hope author John Dixon carries this iinto a series and really develops the story.
May 28, 2018
Thank you so much to Random house publishing group via netgalley for sending me an ARC copy of The point by john Dixon. This will be released on August 7 of 2018.
The point ⭐️
“A shotgun blasy of emotion filled her with conflicting impluses”
Scarlett Winter. She had everything, good grades, amazing at all sports, beautiful, a loving boyfriend and yet... she quits every sport, doesnt care about others, doesnt really do anything.
So whats the point?
Scarlett has the potential to do so much more but she coasts through life not a care in the world. But soon we find out that Scarletts life is not perfect its quite a mess.
His writing style is gorgeous and flows so beautifully! His use of emotions and Adjectives make the story that much better.
The point ⭐️
“A shotgun blasy of emotion filled her with conflicting impluses”
Scarlett Winter. She had everything, good grades, amazing at all sports, beautiful, a loving boyfriend and yet... she quits every sport, doesnt care about others, doesnt really do anything.
So whats the point?
Scarlett has the potential to do so much more but she coasts through life not a care in the world. But soon we find out that Scarletts life is not perfect its quite a mess.
His writing style is gorgeous and flows so beautifully! His use of emotions and Adjectives make the story that much better.
August 11, 2018
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Science Fiction / Military / Action & Adventure / Thrillers
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
John Dixon's The Point is a story that could easily be called X-Men at the US Military Academy. Instead of calling those with strange powers mutants, let's instead call them post-humans. The protagonist of the story is 18-year old Scarlett Winter a rebel by nature who chaffs against responsibility. Winter's father is a retired Master Sergeant in the Army, while her older brother is a Sergeant in the Marines.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Science Fiction / Military / Action & Adventure / Thrillers
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
John Dixon's The Point is a story that could easily be called X-Men at the US Military Academy. Instead of calling those with strange powers mutants, let's instead call them post-humans. The protagonist of the story is 18-year old Scarlett Winter a rebel by nature who chaffs against responsibility. Winter's father is a retired Master Sergeant in the Army, while her older brother is a Sergeant in the Marines.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
September 10, 2018
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In The Point, you will end up meeting Scarlett Winter. She's a troubled teen in the beginning and doesn't really take to authority. Especially if it's her dad telling her what to do. Eventually things get a bit out of control and she ends up at West Point. Which is where her dad wanted to go to begin with. However, it's not THE West Point that everyone really knows about. Nope, she is basically with these cadets who have special powers, just like her.
Now this book kind of reminded me of a couple of TV shows and/or movies. For example, it's teenagers with special abilities going into this special program. No, they didn't volunteer for it either. So, while reading this book I kept thinking of like X-Men or even that show Heroes.
At first, the main character kind of annoyed me. I get that she was rebelling and everything but she was also a smidge annoying. I also feel like I could've used a bit more information on posthumans in general because I just really wanted to know more. For example, were the born with these powers? Did they magically get them overnight? What exactly are all the powers within the levels.? So many questions that could've been easily answered (I think).
Other than that, I did end up enjoying the book and I'm glad that I got the chance to read it. Real rating: 3.5 stars.
In The Point, you will end up meeting Scarlett Winter. She's a troubled teen in the beginning and doesn't really take to authority. Especially if it's her dad telling her what to do. Eventually things get a bit out of control and she ends up at West Point. Which is where her dad wanted to go to begin with. However, it's not THE West Point that everyone really knows about. Nope, she is basically with these cadets who have special powers, just like her.
Now this book kind of reminded me of a couple of TV shows and/or movies. For example, it's teenagers with special abilities going into this special program. No, they didn't volunteer for it either. So, while reading this book I kept thinking of like X-Men or even that show Heroes.
At first, the main character kind of annoyed me. I get that she was rebelling and everything but she was also a smidge annoying. I also feel like I could've used a bit more information on posthumans in general because I just really wanted to know more. For example, were the born with these powers? Did they magically get them overnight? What exactly are all the powers within the levels.? So many questions that could've been easily answered (I think).
Other than that, I did end up enjoying the book and I'm glad that I got the chance to read it. Real rating: 3.5 stars.
May 24, 2018
There may be a spoiler here. You’ve been warned.
So, I finished this book last week, but I found that I had to give a lot of thought to my review.
There were things I liked about it, things I hated about it, and nothing I loved about it.
After a bit of a jolt when we meet Scarlett (naked but for socks, outdoors, high, cool power, and one inconsiderate young woman), I kind of liked her. At least she had spirit. And the book is all X-men/Mutant/Find and destroy the Villain kind of fun.
Unfortunately, Scarlett soon lost all her boldness and edge and became a Basic Becky (ick) and her cool power? Seemed only to activate when a man tortures or hits her (except for one early incident). Yet, doesn’t activate when she’s being telekinetic-style beaten while being hazed. It was weird. But seriously (and this may be a spoiler, but whatevs because it bugged me so much) - at one point she’s begging her bland boyfriend to hit her so she can activate.
Ick.
Look the book is an adventure and it’s superhero fun most of the time, but there were a couple of elements that really gave me pause.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
So, I finished this book last week, but I found that I had to give a lot of thought to my review.
There were things I liked about it, things I hated about it, and nothing I loved about it.
After a bit of a jolt when we meet Scarlett (naked but for socks, outdoors, high, cool power, and one inconsiderate young woman), I kind of liked her. At least she had spirit. And the book is all X-men/Mutant/Find and destroy the Villain kind of fun.
Unfortunately, Scarlett soon lost all her boldness and edge and became a Basic Becky (ick) and her cool power? Seemed only to activate when a man tortures or hits her (except for one early incident). Yet, doesn’t activate when she’s being telekinetic-style beaten while being hazed. It was weird. But seriously (and this may be a spoiler, but whatevs because it bugged me so much) - at one point she’s begging her bland boyfriend to hit her so she can activate.
Ick.
Look the book is an adventure and it’s superhero fun most of the time, but there were a couple of elements that really gave me pause.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
March 24, 2018
Review of Advance Uncorrected Proofs
Daredevil Scarlett Winter has always had a propensity for causing trouble. She doesn’t exactly mean for things to go awry, but somehow turmoil always manages to find her. And her family’s understanding hits a new low when she decides not to show up for her high school graduation and misses the celebratory surprise party they’ve planned for her.
Everyone thinks Scarlett is selfish, thinking only of herself. But she hides a secret, one she doesn’t fully understand herself. When Colonel Rhoads maneuvers her into joining a super-secret West Point unit for extraordinarily-gifted young people, she soon finds that The Point holds a dark secret from the past. Will Scarlett continue to struggle to be herself, or is she destined to become something even greater than she could ever have imagined?
In the posthuman world of the future, some people have inexplicably gained extraordinary abilities. As this fascinating narrative unfolds, readers discover how those gifted young people react to their abilities, how they relate to each other, and how they might ultimately merge into the Long Gray Line and the unfamiliar West Point world of duty, honor, country. Peopled with well-developed characters, the narrative spins out its tale as the young people, long believed to be misfits in society, make themselves into something new and strong: heroes.
The sometimes-predictable plot holds several unforeseen twists and offers some unexpected reveals. The abilities of the posthuman young people are drawn and integrated into the narrative with great believability. Their struggles are realistic; their backstories credible. Readers who enjoy an action-packed thrill ride will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable tale of rebellion, determination, grit, and heroism.
Highly recommended.
Daredevil Scarlett Winter has always had a propensity for causing trouble. She doesn’t exactly mean for things to go awry, but somehow turmoil always manages to find her. And her family’s understanding hits a new low when she decides not to show up for her high school graduation and misses the celebratory surprise party they’ve planned for her.
Everyone thinks Scarlett is selfish, thinking only of herself. But she hides a secret, one she doesn’t fully understand herself. When Colonel Rhoads maneuvers her into joining a super-secret West Point unit for extraordinarily-gifted young people, she soon finds that The Point holds a dark secret from the past. Will Scarlett continue to struggle to be herself, or is she destined to become something even greater than she could ever have imagined?
In the posthuman world of the future, some people have inexplicably gained extraordinary abilities. As this fascinating narrative unfolds, readers discover how those gifted young people react to their abilities, how they relate to each other, and how they might ultimately merge into the Long Gray Line and the unfamiliar West Point world of duty, honor, country. Peopled with well-developed characters, the narrative spins out its tale as the young people, long believed to be misfits in society, make themselves into something new and strong: heroes.
The sometimes-predictable plot holds several unforeseen twists and offers some unexpected reveals. The abilities of the posthuman young people are drawn and integrated into the narrative with great believability. Their struggles are realistic; their backstories credible. Readers who enjoy an action-packed thrill ride will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable tale of rebellion, determination, grit, and heroism.
Highly recommended.
June 24, 2018
I loved The Point! A great story that grabbed me right from the beginning. Scarlett Winter is an amazing character. I love West Point and the premise of the story I thought it was unique and very interesting. As a matter of fact all the characters were executed perfectly. I enjoyed this Authors writing and look forward to reading more of his work.
I give The Point 5 stars for its thrilling read.
I would recommend this book to Dystopian fans, YA lovers and anybody that just loves a good read.
I give The Point 5 stars for its thrilling read.
I would recommend this book to Dystopian fans, YA lovers and anybody that just loves a good read.
August 7, 2018
Mutant training, coming-of-age stories, government conspiracies. The Point by John Dixon is a hybrid of all the types of books I love to read. With a main character you can’t help to root for and a bevy of twists and reveals, this is a solid addition to any one of those genres.
For the full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2018/07/24/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
For the full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2018/07/24/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
July 8, 2018
I'm an X-Men fan, so obviously I couldn't pass up reading this book. Think military X-Men battling rogue X-Men, but the 'good' X-Men are under government regulation - the bone of contention in Captain America: Civil War - and are a secret.
Scarlett is a great protagonist - an out of control, rules-be-damned, free-spirited teen who learns a hard lesson in responsibility and consequences. But once she commits to something, she's in it wholeheartedly. I thoroughly enjoyed her character arc.
Clearly, the author did extensive research on West Point, and it makes the story feel more authentic. Nearing the last quarter of the book, I assumed there would be a sequel, but after a no-holds-barred climax, I was pleasantly surprised to see this novel is a standalone. All questions are answered, and no plot lines are left dangling.
Although The Point doesn't really bring anything new to the genre, it's a fast-paced, action-packed read that will appeal to superhero and sci-fi fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Scarlett is a great protagonist - an out of control, rules-be-damned, free-spirited teen who learns a hard lesson in responsibility and consequences. But once she commits to something, she's in it wholeheartedly. I thoroughly enjoyed her character arc.
Clearly, the author did extensive research on West Point, and it makes the story feel more authentic. Nearing the last quarter of the book, I assumed there would be a sequel, but after a no-holds-barred climax, I was pleasantly surprised to see this novel is a standalone. All questions are answered, and no plot lines are left dangling.
Although The Point doesn't really bring anything new to the genre, it's a fast-paced, action-packed read that will appeal to superhero and sci-fi fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 4, 2018
I'm torn about The Point. It's a fun and fast paced read, so if you are looking for an action film with superheroes/X-men in book form, this is the book for you. The first half can get kind of hard to get through because it is filled with build up and getting to learn the characters, which are all kind of unlikeable. Scarlett is the main character and she has a lot of flaws, is lazy and entitled and I can't really get behind her for most of the book. Her turning point comes pretty late, like at the 70% point. The prose is not the best, a lot of telling not showing, but there are some great reveals and action scenes. So I think it was a worthwhile read, especially if you are on vacation and don't want to think too much.
October 18, 2018
If you need a review in very few words this book is a combination of X-men + very good military movie + troublemaker protagonist (yeah, Ive read similar books,movie,etc)
why is good read this book ?
this points going to answer that question for a yes or no :
- this is a good story for teens or yound adults struggling with responsibilities of the real world because of Scarlett need to play his role in the real world in the moment she leave her home and dont have old frindes, parents or anywant to be his support at the start of this new path in his life. .
-Scarlett (main character) she has a lot of flaws I can't really get behind her until the last part of the book until her turning point on the last chaprtes of the book.
- there are some great reveals and action scenes because you now superpowers and supermilitary people
-The prose is not the best , a lot of telling not showing in a action book is not you are looking for that reason i drop this book at least two times before finished.
why is good read this book ?
this points going to answer that question for a yes or no :
- this is a good story for teens or yound adults struggling with responsibilities of the real world because of Scarlett need to play his role in the real world in the moment she leave her home and dont have old frindes, parents or anywant to be his support at the start of this new path in his life. .
-Scarlett (main character) she has a lot of flaws I can't really get behind her until the last part of the book until her turning point on the last chaprtes of the book.
- there are some great reveals and action scenes because you now superpowers and supermilitary people
-The prose is not the best , a lot of telling not showing in a action book is not you are looking for that reason i drop this book at least two times before finished.
bailed-just-not-feeling-it
April 18, 2021Not to my taste. Could never really get into it and enjoy the storyline. I ended up giving the book away to someone who would enjoy it.
October 9, 2018
Scarlett Winter has never been one to follow the rules. A born troublemaker and rebel, Scarlett has been cruising through high school without a care in the world, riding her Yamaha, smoking weed, dating boys and doing absolutely no work. On the day of her graduation, when an uncovered attack on her ex-best friend’s grad party reveals that Scarlett has hidden powers, she is more than shocked. The next morning, she is even more stunned to be recruited by a top secret training facility at West Point for others like her, known as posthumans. At The Point, Scarlett joins others like her to hone their powers to help fight for the military in whatever way they can.
Yet even surrounded by other cadets with powers, Scarlett remains an outsider. With the unheard of ability to harness and control raw energy, Scarlett is as unique as she is powerful. Unable to fit in with the other recruits, she is battered down by loneliness and great power she is unsure she will be able to control. But beyond the classes and training at The Point, something more sinister is being planned. Something that could end not just her school, but the world.
THE POINT is a masterful work of many narratives that weave around each other, seeming like a mindless knot until the finale where everything suddenly comes together in a glorious reveal. While the majority of the story focuses on Scarlett, occasional glimpses into other mindsets not only layers the story, but also gives every character, even the ones we’re meant to hate, a background that displays their humanity. Chapters in the very beginning make absolutely no sense, until the very end when everything comes together in a mind-blowing conclusion. What initially seems like a story of a girl fitting in with the others in her school turns into the story of a masterful villain and a girl who decides to become a hero.
Initially, Scarlett seems like a selfish girl. Always looking for her next high, shirking her responsibilities and family, she is not the exactly the epitome of a new cadet at a military training academy. Yet as Scarlett grows with her fellow cadets and learns more about those around her, her family and herself, she reveals herself to be a girl who in the end, will always make the choice between what’s easy and what’s hard, and be the hero.
Dixon has a wonderful way of making every character not only unique but someone to respect. No one is simply a bully, or a coward, or a hero. They are real and complex, dealing with the struggles of not only being in a military academy, but becoming decent people in a world that has tried its hardest to ruin them. From Scarlett’s roommate Lucy to the elusive Seamus to the terrifying Dalia, everyone has a story, and everyone is important.
As Scarlett transforms from a snarky rebel into a powerful soldier, she must make the tough choice that everyone, soldier or not, must face: Will I stick with what I know and play it safe or will I take the risk to help others and be the hero they need? At The Point, that decision may mean the difference between herself, and saving not only her school, but the world.
Reviewed by Caitlyn K., Teen Board Member
Yet even surrounded by other cadets with powers, Scarlett remains an outsider. With the unheard of ability to harness and control raw energy, Scarlett is as unique as she is powerful. Unable to fit in with the other recruits, she is battered down by loneliness and great power she is unsure she will be able to control. But beyond the classes and training at The Point, something more sinister is being planned. Something that could end not just her school, but the world.
THE POINT is a masterful work of many narratives that weave around each other, seeming like a mindless knot until the finale where everything suddenly comes together in a glorious reveal. While the majority of the story focuses on Scarlett, occasional glimpses into other mindsets not only layers the story, but also gives every character, even the ones we’re meant to hate, a background that displays their humanity. Chapters in the very beginning make absolutely no sense, until the very end when everything comes together in a mind-blowing conclusion. What initially seems like a story of a girl fitting in with the others in her school turns into the story of a masterful villain and a girl who decides to become a hero.
Initially, Scarlett seems like a selfish girl. Always looking for her next high, shirking her responsibilities and family, she is not the exactly the epitome of a new cadet at a military training academy. Yet as Scarlett grows with her fellow cadets and learns more about those around her, her family and herself, she reveals herself to be a girl who in the end, will always make the choice between what’s easy and what’s hard, and be the hero.
Dixon has a wonderful way of making every character not only unique but someone to respect. No one is simply a bully, or a coward, or a hero. They are real and complex, dealing with the struggles of not only being in a military academy, but becoming decent people in a world that has tried its hardest to ruin them. From Scarlett’s roommate Lucy to the elusive Seamus to the terrifying Dalia, everyone has a story, and everyone is important.
As Scarlett transforms from a snarky rebel into a powerful soldier, she must make the tough choice that everyone, soldier or not, must face: Will I stick with what I know and play it safe or will I take the risk to help others and be the hero they need? At The Point, that decision may mean the difference between herself, and saving not only her school, but the world.
Reviewed by Caitlyn K., Teen Board Member
August 2, 2018
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
DNF @ 13%
warning: abuse
I quit this one a lot sooner than I usually do now-a-days. This is another one of those books where I lost respect for the character and then just couldn't get back into the book. Look, you don't not go to your graduation and not tell anyone -- unless you are TRYING to piss people off.
She doesn't care? She's leaving anyhow? well, no because she forgot to bring in her documents to get a passport OTL. Like, I just couldn't. If you are THAT excited about your future and determined to prove to your parents you are an adult, then you just don't do that.
Unfortunately, I know there are probably people who do this... so, I'm sure this part won't bother people.
Besides the characters, it still felt like we were getting background on the character and story, like we were waiting for the story to start. I won't lie, her power seems really interesting and I wanted to see what was going to happen there. The bad guy with a god-complex is still interesting enough to make me want to see what his master plan would be.
Anyhow, I wasn't interested in watching this girl hit rock bottom in order to climb her way back up, but it is an interesting story arc. I probably would hesitantly recommend this to people who don't have the same hangups as me and don't need to like the main character.
DNF @ 13%
warning: abuse
I quit this one a lot sooner than I usually do now-a-days. This is another one of those books where I lost respect for the character and then just couldn't get back into the book. Look, you don't not go to your graduation and not tell anyone -- unless you are TRYING to piss people off.
She doesn't care? She's leaving anyhow? well, no because she forgot to bring in her documents to get a passport OTL. Like, I just couldn't. If you are THAT excited about your future and determined to prove to your parents you are an adult, then you just don't do that.
Unfortunately, I know there are probably people who do this... so, I'm sure this part won't bother people.
Besides the characters, it still felt like we were getting background on the character and story, like we were waiting for the story to start. I won't lie, her power seems really interesting and I wanted to see what was going to happen there. The bad guy with a god-complex is still interesting enough to make me want to see what his master plan would be.
Anyhow, I wasn't interested in watching this girl hit rock bottom in order to climb her way back up, but it is an interesting story arc. I probably would hesitantly recommend this to people who don't have the same hangups as me and don't need to like the main character.
August 7, 2018
"X-Men" at West Point rather than the X-Mansion
This is a sci-fi thriller about Posthumans that have been appearing over the last couple of decades. Genetic mutations have brought forth young people with many different powers - telekinesis, healing, super strength, and many more more.
Scarlett Winter just barely graduated from high school. She's been a slacker, a daredevil, and has a power she barely understands - she can absorb energy and re-release it when and where she wants.
U.S. Army Colonel Rhoads approaches her after a disastrous night, giving her two choices - join his group or go to jail.
So Scarlett becomes part of Operation Signal Boost, a secret cadre of cadets being trained to use their powers in an underground installation below the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
This was a fun book. I enjoyed the author's first two books PHOENIX ISLAND and DEVIL'S POCKET. This was different from those two books but it's another great book. I enjoy books about West Point and even though the emphasis is on the young people and their special powers there is still quite a bit about the Academy.
I received this book from Del Rey Books through Edelweiss and Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
This is a sci-fi thriller about Posthumans that have been appearing over the last couple of decades. Genetic mutations have brought forth young people with many different powers - telekinesis, healing, super strength, and many more more.
Scarlett Winter just barely graduated from high school. She's been a slacker, a daredevil, and has a power she barely understands - she can absorb energy and re-release it when and where she wants.
U.S. Army Colonel Rhoads approaches her after a disastrous night, giving her two choices - join his group or go to jail.
So Scarlett becomes part of Operation Signal Boost, a secret cadre of cadets being trained to use their powers in an underground installation below the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
This was a fun book. I enjoyed the author's first two books PHOENIX ISLAND and DEVIL'S POCKET. This was different from those two books but it's another great book. I enjoy books about West Point and even though the emphasis is on the young people and their special powers there is still quite a bit about the Academy.
I received this book from Del Rey Books through Edelweiss and Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
September 5, 2018
Like his previous novels, this fast-paced novel straddles the ground between YA and adult thrillers. The story deals with superpowers, somewhat like X-Men, but more realistically (no capes or spandex tights). The explanation of the powers' origin was a bit too basic for me but it answers the nagging questions and lets the story move on. The West Point setting is interesting and I like how he incorporates some of the history and insider trivia. Scarlett is a strong protagonist. I loved her rebellious streak and I hope to see more of it in a sequel or two.
May 14, 2018
This is actually a 3.5 review here. I loved the level of research about West Point and the action is good, but the language and sexual content is more New Adult than Young Adult and the protagonist is a female but acts more like a man. Perhaps it is the military setting that homogenizes all temperaments, but one is left wondering if the character was made a young woman because that is what sells most successfully in YA/NA fiction.
August 20, 2019
This was good. It took like more than the half the book to get into the main main plot but, I really enjoyed it. I liked most the characters (the ones I didn't like... let's just say it was a good decision). :D I also enjoyed the West Point, Army aspect. It was so cool.
August 22, 2018
Yet another teenager with special powers. This wasn't for me and I abandoned it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
November 7, 2018
Oof. We really did not need a whole scene describing a football game. We also didn't need that awkward & weird scene with her boyfriend in the classroom--what even was the point? Aside from that, however: the plot is flimsy, weak characters, no real motivations or actual character progression. Very meh.
March 5, 2019
Not groundbreaking but a lot of fun regardless, this book is, as many others have undoubtedly noted, a sci-fi superhero story meets military thriller. The characters are what one would expect from that description, as is the plot. What stands out most is the way the author immerses you in the setting, and makes you feel like you are right there along with the MC, Scarlett, as she struggles to fit in and to achieve in the high-stakes environment of West Point. Well, a secret underground X-Men unit of West Point, anyway!
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
June 13, 2019
Scarlett Winters is a screw up. A troublemaker. After blowing off her high school graduation and, unknowingly, the party her parents had planned for her she finds herself backed into a bad choice. Go to West Point, something she’s never wanted, or be blamed for a terrorist attack and be sent to jail. West Point isn’t what Scarlett expects though as she’s thrown in with other misfits. Other misfits with superhuman powers and backgrounds a lot like her own. Threats from the Point’s troubled past leave Scarlett with a choice, stay the same as she’s always been or buckle down and learn to control her ability to manipulate energy and help save the Point and her classmates.
I’m not entirely sure what to do with John Dixon’s The Point. Left to itself, the book is a bit of a mess that jumps between having really well done moments and leaving me wondering how it reaches certain points. This is largely a matter of character motivation feeling lacking or just strange. The Point itself feels like a good place to start.
The Point doesn’t entirely seems certain if it wants its military element to be a balancing force in Scarlett’s life or a force for negative over all. There’s a fair amount of talking up all the good being at the Point has done for Scarlett in helping her get a handle on herself and making her feel like part of something more than herself, at least in the second half of the book. But then the cadets of the Point were nearly all brought in as opposed to being incarcerated. All of them were forced to go through normal West Point initiation before inevitably losing their tempers and failing out. And they’re kept in line through threat of what amounts to literal torture in addition to hazing from older cadets. And we don’t really see much of Scarlett building towards feeling like being at the Point is a good thing. She spends time getting tormented by this one older Cadet and his flunkies, then her powers are finally triggered and suddenly she’s moved into a better room and being treated much better. She’s suddenly got friends and a degree of freedom if she sneaks out. It’s that combination that helps her start dealing with things at the Point, but not really the Point itself.
Nothing really progresses from there until the antagonists make a move. Then it’s go time, things are personal for Scarlett so she absolutely wants to figure out how to use her power to be allowed to fight these guys. And it feels disjointed here, because you have to wonder if Scarlett would have cared enough to get serious if it hadn’t been personal. But it’s like flipping a switch, that’s how the troublemaker who only just chose the Point over prison is brought in line. That’s how we get from Scarlett barely treading water to Scarlett digging in her heels and pushing herself further and further.
The characters are, by and large, static. Scarlett changes some, but it feels forced. It’s the same for the student that’s supposed to be mentoring her. The love interest starts off hating Scarlett for being given special treatment, but he’s so obviously the love interest that that hardly counts. But then, that’s about it. Her fellow cadets are at best sketches of characters.
I would have liked to see more of the antagonists throughout the book. Just, more of them building towards their plan and letting it feel as dangerous as it’s supposed to be. It makes it hard to care about most of what’s going on because the stakes feel non-existent. Like, in the very lead up to the final confrontation, we get told that the big bad is super powerful and amazing and the most dangerous man to have come out of the program prior to the Point being cooked up. Everyone is just super doomed. But the reader hasn’t really been shown how good this guy is, it was touched on at the beginning and then he just sort of disappears until the climax. There’s this big confrontation at the end. It’s huge and flashy, like summer blockbuster flashy, but the impact is lost because it’s just so out of place. It took me out of the book in a bad way with just how badly out of place and over done it felt. More than that, I found myself asking why I should care about the chaos that was happening.
So, conclusions here, The Point has some scenes that work really well but it has a number of issues with character work and pacing. I’m left feeling like this was originally meant to be the start of a series, but then Dixon changed his mind and just didn’t go back and account for that. I would have liked to have seen more done with the characters overall. I think I would have also liked to have seen more of Scarlett and her fellow cadets daily stuff rather than the romance sub plot. That said, I would read John Dixon again, which leaves The Point with a three out of five.
Copy for review provided through netGalley.
I’m not entirely sure what to do with John Dixon’s The Point. Left to itself, the book is a bit of a mess that jumps between having really well done moments and leaving me wondering how it reaches certain points. This is largely a matter of character motivation feeling lacking or just strange. The Point itself feels like a good place to start.
The Point doesn’t entirely seems certain if it wants its military element to be a balancing force in Scarlett’s life or a force for negative over all. There’s a fair amount of talking up all the good being at the Point has done for Scarlett in helping her get a handle on herself and making her feel like part of something more than herself, at least in the second half of the book. But then the cadets of the Point were nearly all brought in as opposed to being incarcerated. All of them were forced to go through normal West Point initiation before inevitably losing their tempers and failing out. And they’re kept in line through threat of what amounts to literal torture in addition to hazing from older cadets. And we don’t really see much of Scarlett building towards feeling like being at the Point is a good thing. She spends time getting tormented by this one older Cadet and his flunkies, then her powers are finally triggered and suddenly she’s moved into a better room and being treated much better. She’s suddenly got friends and a degree of freedom if she sneaks out. It’s that combination that helps her start dealing with things at the Point, but not really the Point itself.
Nothing really progresses from there until the antagonists make a move. Then it’s go time, things are personal for Scarlett so she absolutely wants to figure out how to use her power to be allowed to fight these guys. And it feels disjointed here, because you have to wonder if Scarlett would have cared enough to get serious if it hadn’t been personal. But it’s like flipping a switch, that’s how the troublemaker who only just chose the Point over prison is brought in line. That’s how we get from Scarlett barely treading water to Scarlett digging in her heels and pushing herself further and further.
The characters are, by and large, static. Scarlett changes some, but it feels forced. It’s the same for the student that’s supposed to be mentoring her. The love interest starts off hating Scarlett for being given special treatment, but he’s so obviously the love interest that that hardly counts. But then, that’s about it. Her fellow cadets are at best sketches of characters.
I would have liked to see more of the antagonists throughout the book. Just, more of them building towards their plan and letting it feel as dangerous as it’s supposed to be. It makes it hard to care about most of what’s going on because the stakes feel non-existent. Like, in the very lead up to the final confrontation, we get told that the big bad is super powerful and amazing and the most dangerous man to have come out of the program prior to the Point being cooked up. Everyone is just super doomed. But the reader hasn’t really been shown how good this guy is, it was touched on at the beginning and then he just sort of disappears until the climax. There’s this big confrontation at the end. It’s huge and flashy, like summer blockbuster flashy, but the impact is lost because it’s just so out of place. It took me out of the book in a bad way with just how badly out of place and over done it felt. More than that, I found myself asking why I should care about the chaos that was happening.
So, conclusions here, The Point has some scenes that work really well but it has a number of issues with character work and pacing. I’m left feeling like this was originally meant to be the start of a series, but then Dixon changed his mind and just didn’t go back and account for that. I would have liked to have seen more done with the characters overall. I think I would have also liked to have seen more of Scarlett and her fellow cadets daily stuff rather than the romance sub plot. That said, I would read John Dixon again, which leaves The Point with a three out of five.
Copy for review provided through netGalley.
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