Awards
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
A Book Links Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book for Young Adults
Synopses & Reviews
The world will end on July 27
Marina's mom is a Believer. So is Jed's dad. That's why they've dragged Marina and Jed to a mountain retreat with the rest of Reverend Beelson's flock. From the mountaintop the Believers will watch the Righteous Conflagration that will scour the world clean and then they will descend to begin God's world anew.
But this world has only just begun for Jed and Marina, two teenagers who aren't sure they believe in anything, let alone that everything they've ever known will soon vanish in a blaze of fire. Why should the world end now, when Marina and Jed have just fallen in love for the first time in their lives?
Review
"Yolen and Coville...explore their rich, thought-provoking theme with the perfect balance of gripping adventure and understated pathos, leavened by a dollop of humor." Roger Leslie, Booklist (Starred Review)
Review
"Yolen's and Coville's styles and narrative voices, though different, complement each other well....Providing action, romance and a provocative message, this novel could well get teens talking." Publishers Weekly
Review
"[A] page-turner....The authors pull off the remarkable feat of making the sacred tangible, of delineating what it means to believe." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"There are no easy answers in this novel, and there are no simple characterizations; both writers are skilled enough to paint a full picture....[A] lovely piece of work..." Michelle West, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction
Review
"[A] gripping tale....Though coincidence plays some part in the plot, the book establishes a convincing and compelling scenario. The two protagonists are well developed." School Library Journal
Review
"YA readers...will find much to contemplate...and will be drawn in by the two narrators....With its fiery cover and suspenseful story, this book...provides opportunites for discussion on many issues." VOYA
Synopsis
The world will end on Thursday, July 27, 2000. At least, thats what Reverend Beelson has told his congregation. Thats why Marina and Jed and their parents have joined the rest of the Reverends flock at a mountain retreat to await the end of the world. But this world has only just begun for Jed and Marina, two teenagers with more attitude than faith. Why should the world end now, when theyve just fallen in love for the first time?
Synopsis
The world will end on Thursday, July 27, 2000. At least, that’s what Reverend Beelson has told his congregation. That’s why Marina and Jed and their parents have joined the rest of the Reverend’s flock at a mountain retreat to await the end of the world. But this world has only just begun for Jed and Marina, two teenagers with more attitude than faith. Why should the world end now, when they’ve just fallen in love for the first time?
About the Author
Jane Yolen has written more than 180 books and has been awarded several of the highest honors in children's literature. Ms. Yolen and her husband divide their time between homes in western Massachusetts and Scotland.
Bruce Coville is the popular author of dozens of books, including the best-selling My Teacher Is an Alien and Jennifer Murdley's Toad (Harcourt Brace, 1992), winner of the 1997 California Young Reader's Medal. Mr. Coville lives with his wife and youngest son in Syracuse, New York.