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The Compound

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2008

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Book Brief

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S.A. Bodeen

The Compound

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Underground Bunker • Future

Publication Year

2008

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

570L

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Super Short Summary

In S.A. Bodeen's 2008 young adult novel The Compound, sixteen-year-old Eli and his family have lived in an underground compound for six years, believing a nuclear attack has destroyed the outside world. As resources dwindle and suspicions about their father's motives grow, Eli discovers the truth about their situation and ultimately leads his family to escape. The book contains themes involving the treatment of "supplements" as commodities, which may evoke strong emotional responses.

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Mysterious

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

24,788 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Compound by S.A. Bodeen offers a gripping and suspenseful narrative, appealing to young adult readers with its fast-paced storyline and intriguing premise. While praised for its originality and tension, some reviewers noted predictable plot twists and underdeveloped characters. Overall, it delivers a thrilling read but might fall short for those seeking deep character exploration.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Compound?

Fans of dystopian thrillers and survival stories will enjoy S.A. Bodeen's The Compound. Readers who appreciated Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games and Lois Lowry's The Giver will find themselves captivated by the tense atmosphere and psychological depth. Ideal for teens and young adults seeking intense, thought-provoking narratives.

4.2

24,788 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Eli Yanakakis

The main character and narrator, who is deeply impacted by guilt and self-doubt after a family tragedy and is known for his physical strength.

An eccentric billionaire who manipulates his family into living in an underground Compound, viewing them as part of a larger experiment.

Eli’s adopted sister, who seeks material comforts and strives for their father Rex's approval, becoming involved in his experimental plans.

Eli’s sister, who follows routines and expresses skepticism about their father's intentions, often challenging Eli’s perceptions.

A talented cellist and nurturing mother who supports her children’s individuality and opposes her husband's manipulative schemes.

Eli’s twin brother, remembered for his kind nature and charisma, whose absence profoundly affects Eli’s life and sense of self.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Underground Bunker • Future

Publication Year

2008

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

570L

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