I thought that this book was too much like a chapter in a book and not a full book, but I did like the way it was written like he was talking to you. If the other books didn't repeat things, then you could put them together and it would make a book. I also thought it was a bit boring.

Rianne gave Playing Dead 2 out of 5.

Playing Dead is about a boy called Blade and his life in a rough area. He hints at a difficult past but that never unfolds in this book – it is part of a series. There are not really any other characters in Playing Dead and it mainly introduces you to the character and his personality. It doesn’t give away many details about him and is in first person so you see it all from his say-what-you-think point of view. The book is quite good but never really gets into the story and seems like a long introduction to the actual story but you never reach it.
I thought that some of the things that happened were good at keeping you reading with a bit of suspense but even at the end it still seemed unlinked and like the different things were just that – completely unrelated. I thought the character was occasionally interesting but also a bit blank because although the blank refusal to drop many hints about himself was intriguing as to why it also bored you after a while because I always like to be able to follow a character and almost be able to predict them just because you feel like you can get into the story more because you know them better. I did think that because you didn’t know him you would want to keep reading the sequel but I don’t think I will because it lacks a gripping storyline with all the parts of it linking together. I don’t think I would recommend it but it was an ok read to pass the time with if you were bored.

Caroline gave Playing Dead 2 out of 5 and now plans to read Creature of the Night.

This book has only one good point. The end. I hated every second reading it. I do feel that this book could well have been written in 10 pages, saving me 138 pages of drivel. I agree with some of the other reviewers in that this is much too childish for the 14-16 range and is only here because of the references to knives.

Daniel gave Playing Dead 1 out of 5.

I thought Playing Dead was very different to all books on th list, it had many qualities, like tonnes of action and it feels very personnal as you read it. However, the vocab seems suitable for younger ages and it is too short to be an amazing book in my opinion. It suit it's audience perfectly but was ruined in many ways because it left too many unanswered questions.

Darren gave Playing Dead 3 out of 5.

I enjoyed reading this book but I think the whole series should have been fitted in to one big book or at least two because it just felt like you were reading a chapter. Also I would have preferred it to have chapters because I like it when you have a proper place to stop. The storyline was good though and I liked how it was written as if you were there and he was talking to you. I would recommend it and I want to read the next one.

Gemma gave Playing Dead 4 out of 5 and now plans to read A World Away.

I think this book is the best book in this category. It is filled to the brim with excitement and suspense. What made this book even better is that it is all so real and that it could be happening today. My favourite character has to be Blade because he is all so secretive. Another reason this book is so brilliant is that the anther involves you in Blade's actions and has written the book as if you are actually there next to Blade.

Ethan gave Playing Dead 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Black Rabbit Summer.

Blade was an alright book but it wasn't one that made me want to read on so I could find out what happens next. I thought this book was more like an introduction to what is going to happen in the rest as the series as not much happens. The vocabulary seemed a bit simple and didn't seem like it would challenge a 14-16 year old. The plot was good but there could be more depth to it. I couldn't really relate to what was happening in the book because it is a completely different life to the one that most teenagers have.

Charlotte gave Playing Dead 3 out of 5 and now plans to read Creature of the Night.

This book was ok I guess but not really one id recommend. I know it’s a series of books and for the whole story you would need to read all of them but I would have preferred it if there was just one bigger book with all the sections in.
I like the style in which its written because its as if you are there with him living through all the excitement. Sometimes you almost feel that you’re getting in the way!!!

Ellie gave Playing Dead 3 out of 5.

Fast paced action thats what this book is all about.Blade although as people have said previously to this has some strong language in it but this adds to the realistic approach to the subject.As you turn each page there is always something going on.It is written in a style that is not seen in many books that I have read and urges you on to finish it.It will not take you long to read this short book but do not be fooled quantity is not quality in this book as you will find out.Have fun reading it as I have!

Jasmine gave Playing Dead 5 out of 5.

I think this book is the best i have read out of the 14-16 shortlist.
I love the way that at the beggining you are following this strange secretive boy around, and you have no idea why. Then BANG something exiteing happens,but he wont explain why, you want to keep reading just to find out why things are happening to him and who are the people who are trying to find him.The only thing is the cliff hanger and the end, so anoying, but dont worry, there are 3 more in the series. I recomend this book to everyone who loves exitement and adventure.

Katherine gave Playing Dead 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Broken Soup.

its not really that good and there are a lot of strong languges.

Abid gave Playing Dead 3 out of 5.

This book was great something was always going on and at the end it left you wanting more. Another reason was because it drops you straight in at the deep end and already your rushing into the adventure. Overall fab book and absolutely fantastic!!

Zoe gave Playing Dead 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Creature of the Night.

I think that this book was a good read, but it could get very confusing. The idea for this book was really good and with some more thought into this book it could win the leeds book awards

Nick gave Playing Dead 4 out of 5.

I did enjoy this book but only gave it 3 out of 5 because I thought it needed something else, such as another chapter at the end to round it all up or even one in the begining as I feel it jumps in too soon. But I liked it and would reccomend it to a friend.

Charlotte gave Playing Dead 3 out of 5 and now plans to read Creature of the Night.

i think that this book needed to have chapters in it because it just seem to have gone on and on. also if it had chapters you would be okay with putting it down because you could read to the next chapter then stop for a bit.

Melissa gave Playing Dead 2 out of 5.

this book is relly good because it gets your blood tingling and you donnt know what is going to happen next. its a good idea that he left it on a clifhanger that made eaven more exited to know what is going to happen next.

Christoher gave Playing Dead 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Before I Die.

I think this book is unusual but isnt to my liking, since to me it doesn't feel like reading a whole book. The story line is not really the type I like. I felt it dragged on a little and I could easily put it down without having the urge to pick it back up again, therefore I wouldnt really recommend it to anyone.

Georgi gave Playing Dead 2 out of 5 and now plans to read Before I Die.

Blade is a heartstopping unputdownable book. When you have read this book you will want to read the next in the series for sure. It is a mysterious book that explains itself as it goes along. THIS IS A MUST READ!

natasha gave Playing Dead 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Broken Soup.

Blade is written in a style I've never heard of before, as if your there with him,e.g Go hide over there, dont make a sound. I dont' like this type of book so I did'nt like it. For me, it also sounded like a chapter of a book, not just a book. Overall, I did'nt like this book and I would'nt reccomend it to anyone.

Josh gave Playing Dead 2 out of 5 and now plans to read Before I Die.

Playing dead is the first in a series of 4 books, which tell the story of Blade. He's very secretive, which may be what draws me into the book more. I really like this book, and it's amazing how all his emotions and feelings can be shown. The book just works really well, and is my favourite on the 14-16 short-list.

Laura gave Playing Dead 5 out of 5.