A decent concept here. Solid set up for a dystopian novel, a character suddenly thrown into a drastically changed world and having to learn a new set of rules that aren't sufficiently explained. The execution isn't great. There's no depth to the plot, no time to let ideas or relationships develop. And the ending leaves a lot to be desire.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Let's start with the cover. It's unique but simple in coloring/etc.

This was my first book by this author, so I wasn't too sure of what to expect from them.
I was pleasantly surprised, honestly.
This is an young adult book with an unique plot.
Their writing style is great.
The storyline flowed easily and was easy to follow.
The plot idea was fairly unique. I personally haven't read anything like it.
The characters were well-developed and easy to relate to or like.

I'll definitely be looking out for other work by this author.

It had been a while since I'd read the original synopsis before diving into this book, so I was intrigued by the discussions of societal influence and inherent brain washing that occurs. I think the cover really does encapture that feeling of conformity. While it wasn't the best thing I've read, it's still a fast-paced novel for teens interested in action and books that will make you think.

I also really appreciated the publisher notes that The Rules Have Changed is a part of a collection that are written specifically for teens who are struggling to read. Reading has always been my method of escape, and any initiative to get accessible books into the hands of young readers who will fall in love with them is absolutely a plus in my book. I can't wait to see people picking up and enjoying this book.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Rules Have Changed was somewhat interesting for me. It was honestly a really quick read to devour and Blake, the MC, was kind of intriguing. I just think it was the writing or the edition that I received which I couldn't get invested in.

Weird, I know.

I'm thinking it was the edition because words in this would have random letters within them. So it wasn't making sense because my brain was thinking one word but my eyes were like.. what is this gibberish? So when I saw that happening throughout the chapters of the entire book, well, I wasn't a big fan of that.

Then there's the rules. They were okay and I wanted to know more about this world and these strange new rules.. but with the spelling mistakes - I just didn't seem to care anymore. Maybe if it was edited I might enjoy this book a bit more and what the characters go through.

I've never read anything by this author, but the blurb caught my attention. It didn't disappoint!

I used to teach students in this age group/target audience. I love the fact that the author has this series which is focused on providing engaging stories for teens who are struggling readers. My students would have loved this book.

It was interesting to follow Blake, who was trying to navigate a strange, new reality after having spent three years on a boat with his family. Society watches his every move, and he soon discovers that punishment for non-compliance is harsh.

This was a quick read written for young adults or middle grade students. The action is at a pace that keeps the reader engaged, and it has a dystopian feel to it. I look forward to reading other books by this author.

The Rules Have Changed by Lesley Choyce story feels very close to what is happening in the world now or what could happen with our society, government, and divide among the people. The story's premise was good overall.

I liked the part in the story when Blake says, "I remembered what my father had taught me about panic and fear and doing irrational things in desperate situations. Stay calm, use your head, assess the situation, and decide what to do. Remember, if you don't fully understand what's going on, if you can't decide what to do, sometimes it's better to do nothing at all."

The story was good, and I liked the characters, though there was not much in the way of character development as this was a short story. However, I felt the ending was a bit rushed and left the story on a cliffhanger.

I would read more from this author.

this was a really unique read, the premise was terrifying and I really enjoyed the suspenseful atmosphere. I look forward to more from the author.

After three years abroad, 16-year-old Blake Pendleton returns to his old high school and is shocked to find that the world he knew has turned upside down. Everyone wears a military-style uniform now and Blake soon learns the hard way that independence in any form is not encouraged.

This book was great! It was different from what I usually read.
But the writing was great. The characters were well played out here!
Overall good book!

First sentence: “The rules have changed.” That’s the first thing I was told when I showed up on my first day back at school. What rules? I wanted to ask. What kind of changes? But I decided to say nothing and keep my mouth shut. Why? Well, because everything about the school freaked me out. The uniforms. The kids staring at those slim metallic phones. The look on everyone’s faces. I can’t quite explain it. Let’s just say they looked stern and serious.

Premise/plot: Blake and his family are in for a shock when they return from an extended boating trip--three whole years disconnected from society and world events. Blake has trouble fitting in and conforming with the new rules and expectations. His parents have trouble finding jobs. Life is unpleasant--but is it also dangerous?

My thoughts: This was a quick read written for young adults. I would say it's more action-driven or premise-driven than character-driven. That isn't a bad thing--just a thing. I'll also add that it doesn't really have an ending in the traditional sense--more a cliffhanger of sorts? It is a dystopian-in-the-making.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of The Rules Have Changed in exchange for an honest review.

The Rules have changed is part of Orca Sounds series of high interest, low difficulty YA books, written for teens who have reading difficulties so they can still read books with characters and plotlines at their reading level.

This book was really interesting! Following 16-year-old Blake when he returns to school after having spent the last 3 years on a boat, he realizes society is drastically different than he remembered. Now, society and his teachers seem to be monitoring everything he says and harshly punish kids to try and make them more complicate. I do with a little more time was spent on Blake trying to break out of the system, but I also get why it was important to dedicate the time this book had to the plot points and pacing it chose to highlight.

Wow, I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book but it didn't disappoint. I think it opens up so many great discussions. I would compare this book to a new-age, young-adult version of "1984".