Lost Boys

By: Orson Scott Card

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Step Fletcher, his pregnant wife DeAnne, and their three children move to Steuben, North Carolina, with high hopes. But Step's new job with a software company turns out to be a snake pit, and 8-year-old Stevie's school is worse. As Stevie retreats into himself, focusing more and more on a mysterious computer game and a growing troop of imaginary friends, the Fletchers' concern turns to terror. Young boys, whose names match a list of Stevie's nonexistent friends, have mysteriously vanished from Steuben. And as evil strikes out from the most trusted corners, it's suddenly clear that Stevie is next on the list.

©1992 Orson Scott Card (P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

Audie Award Winner, Science-Fiction, 2005

"Card skillfully uses terror as a background to everyday family life. For Stephen King fans and those who like their suspense mixed with the supernatural." (Library Journal)

Compelling

I was compelled to listen to this book to the point that I often didn't get other things finished because I had to hear more. The story creates a good deal of suspense and you become extremely involved in the characters which are developed with care. I felt some loose ends were not tied up at the end of the story and after finishing have some questions about events that are unexplained and seem inconsistent to me. However, this did not take away from my immense enjoyment of this book. I highly recommend 'Lost Boys.'

Add to your MUST READ list today!

This is a tale by a master story teller. He shares the deep secrets found inside a suburban family as he describes their transplanted life to a new town with all their trials of adapting to new job, a new neighborhood and a new school. While the family is trying hard to cope with the job from hell and one of the children copes with being the the new kid at school ... there lurks in the background - just out of sight - an evil that you can't quite put your finger on. Several 'suspicious' characaters are brought into the the family's life and you think each one might be the source of the evil - but you're not quite sure.

The story is compelling. It feels like you are listening in on the family -- with all their human frailities and surprising strenghts. And as the story builds to the climax the ever circling evil gets closer and closer to the family. I swear it was almost like hearing spooky music at some points in the story. The tension mounts as you wonder when and how the evil presence will be unveiled. SInce other reviewers have already disclosed, the unveiling of the evil comes in the last few minutes of the story. It will hit you so hard, it's like the air is knocked out of your lungs. I finished this last week and still play the ending over and over in my mind.

Other reviewers mention the role the Morman faith plays in the story. This is material to the telling of the tale, just as Clint Eastwood's character in "Million Dollar Baby" had a tussle with his Roman Catholic faith - religion plays a role in this mystery. Don't let this dissuade you from the story... the religous element is key to unlocking the mystery.

Well Worth the Read

This is a book I will remember for a long time. One, who's story and everyday life, anyone can relate to. It was an endearing story of a Mormon family trying to do their best in what life gives them. The ending was so incredibly done. I particularly enjoyed the author's talk at the end.

Get This Book.

Just when you thought this would be just another boring crime/mystery/horror novel, Card sneaks up behind you and smacks you in the head with a skillet!

I am 6'5" 220# 35yo former police officer that has NEVER cried over a "story" in my life. As the events unfold toward the end of this book however, I found I had to literally pull off the highway and recover. Completely out of the blue and I never saw it coming in a million years...you wont either!

Get This Book!

This is what happens when you try something new

Not a bad book, nothing like I was expecting. You learn a lot about the Mormon faith, which is interesting and crucial to the story, since it drives the actions of the parents.

It's a little disconnected, but it makes sense if you're patient. I actually got emotional towards the end, and that's goog because it means I was involved.

The tension comes from the transplanted family and the horrors of a new job, new school, new experiences. The actualy "ghost" part is woven through, but it's subtle - very subtle. You won't see the end coming and that's good, but you may be tired of the story before then.

It was my first OSC story, and I may go back for more.

too many side plots that don't go anywhere

Wanted to really love this book after reading all the reviews. The story and narration were fine but I felt there were too many secondary plots that were left unfinished or weren't relevant to the story. I felt it ended rather abruptly and left me wanting to know why certain parts of the plot were included.

I cried

I went into this book not knowing a thing about it other than the summary. It sounded like a slice of life story with a small town murder mystery. Then I got to the last hour. I hated Card for writing this while at the same time praising him for how beautiful it is. I cried. This is a story that needs to be read or listened to. You won't regret it.

Not What I Expected

I have read and listened to a number of Orson Scott Card books and have enjoyed them all. I can't say I completely enjoyed this book but it definitely captured my attention. The narration was done well and it made it easy listening. If someone wanted to know more about Mormonism and the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, this would be a good book for engaging that subject. The premise is a bit fantastical, as are many of Card's books but the others have been science fiction/fantasy and that made those books easier to take. This is a well-crafted story of a family that is struggling with some financial difficulties which force them to make a move that is brilliant and yet devastating. It should cause any adult to consider how much we actually pay attention to the children in our lives and to seek ways to draw them out when they are becoming withdrawn. I would recommend it.

Brilliant

A somewhat slow but utterly brilliant and gut wrenching story. I don't know when I will have the heart to listen to it again.

Great Characterization

Card always has had a skill of creating such well rounded and detailed characters. Everytime I am done with one of his stories I always feel as though I know his characters very well. Most people complain saying its nothing like enders game, but I think that the style card writes with is very similar. I am not mormon and not even a religious person in any shape or form, but this book left me feeling very "different" after reading it. I don't exactly know how to explain it, but the book feels like it will be in my mind for a while to come. As always, Stefan Rudnicki does a good job and gives voice to each character splendidly. Great Book, end of discussion.