I picked up this book to read from the library, based upon a friend's recommendation. because of the similarities to the Hunger Games.

Overall I was disappointed with the book. The pacing is slow for me, and though on the one hand, a LOT happens in the book, on the other hand, not a lot happens - a bunch of boys are just walking along the road. It's more of a psychological thriller then I thought it would be.

I also had issues with the fact that you learn very little about the back story. It's another one of my pet peeves - I want to know the back story! yes, absolutely, sometimes the lack of a back story makes the book, and sometimes it's deliberate (for a prequel), but it still drives me crazy.

On the other hand (how many hands do I have? grin), the book is very real. The deaths of each individual boy who falls is heartbreaking, whether or not you liked the actual character. The boys supporting one another or taunting one another, and how each one deals with the pain and the madness as the hours creep by... wow... The book is exhausting to read, depressing, and definitely not for everyone. It's not a book I'll ever read again, but it's one I'm glad I read.