Tomorrow, When the War Began

Tomorrow Series #1

By: John Marsden

Narrated by: Suzi Dougherty

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

While Ellie and her friends are away in the bush, the world changes. Suddenly they are in the toughest situations humans can confront, facing life and death decisions. They are thrown into a world where they find courage, initiative, spirit, and wisdom, or they die.

The first of an enormously popular series that has been translated and published all over the world.

Don't miss the other titles in John Marsden's Tomorrow series.

©1995 Jomden Pty Ltd. (P)1999, 2001 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd, by arrangement with Jomden Pty Ltd.

Critic reviews

"A gripping tale, told with Marsden's customary incisiveness." (Publishers Weekly)
"Fast-paced and provocative, it's a natural for book talking." (School Library Journal)

Gripping Story beautifully told!

Where does Tomorrow, When the War Began rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my top 5 books so far, because it gripped my attention and would not let me go.

What did you like best about this story?

The spirit, the cheeky characters, the way that at every turn you feel part of the story.
It makes you wish you were out there with them.
Suzy Dougherty draws the wild, rebellious, adolescent tomboy Ellie right in front of you and allows you to explore her adventures through her own eyes. Great!

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where they extract their friend Lee from the town centre.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it gripped me and would not let me go. I listed to it on my commutes and within seconds I felt I was hiking through mountains and dodging bullets.
The last 3 hours I listened to in one go!

Any additional comments?

The first hour is slow, but helps set the scene. From then on, it just will not let you go.

How to handle an Invasion

Imagine your country invaded by a foreign army, and it happens overnight!

That scenario confronts Ellie and her school friends after they camp out in the bush one summer.

I liked Marsden's writing: it is clever and pacy, with the listener/reader on the edge of their seat; hoping these kids can survive something they have never prepared for.

Readers from age 12 and up have enjoyed this series, and new hard cover editions appear regularly in Australia, due to its continuing popularity.

Interesting Challenge of Youth vs Invaders

This is an interesting story about some youths fighting to save their country from invaders. The female voice was soft and at times difficult to hear on my Kindle Fire even when I used headphone.

A lifelong favorite

Any additional comments?

I was introduced to John Marsden when i was 11. I am now 25 and still completely obsessed with his writing. In this series, he tackles distopia, human nature, love, friendship, and morality in an exciting way that captured my attention at 11. The characters continue to grow and develop throughout the entire series. You grow to love each of them deeply and will experience all of the emotions of the characters throughout. If Ellie were a real person, the narrator would be her. Her performance is perfect for the story. This series may be aimed at teenagers, but the story is captivating and mature enough for adults to enjoy as well. Writing this review makes me want to go read it again. I will just have to settle with watching the not as good movie adaptation on Netflix.

Tremendous Story -- A Must Read

Would you listen to Tomorrow, When the War Began again? Why?

Yes. Also, it is a movie made in Australia if you can get it. It is true to the book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tomorrow, When the War Began?

When Ellie and the group realize, at the end, what the mission has to be; when they realize what the magnitude of the situation is and their odds – very powerful.

What does Suzi Dougherty bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Suzi does a great job bringing each character alive in a way print just cannot manage.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My immediate reaction was to start the next book immediately, without delay, without rest!

Any additional comments?

Ellie Linton is a strong and very complex heroine. If you like hunger games, you will love this book as well.

A great family listen with one caveat

Would you consider the audio edition of Tomorrow, When the War Began to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print edition or seen the movie. The audiobook was great though.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Our family didn't have a favorite. There are several characters in the book (mostly teenagers) who have roughly equal billing, so it isn't really a "favorite character" sort of book. You definitely have a sense of "the good guys" and "the bad guys," though...and of course, we rooted for the good guys.

What aspect of Suzi Dougherty’s performance would you have changed?

Nothing. She was fine. Keep in mind that this book is by an Australian author and the story takes place in Australia...so it makes sense that the reader is Australian, too. Her accent was fine with us, but I'd recommend you listen to the preview for a couple of minutes to make sure it's pleasant for you.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There has to be a certain willingness on the part of the listener to accept the true implausibility of this story. It's really not likely that a ragtag bunch of teens could meaningfully carry on guerilla warfare against an organized, invading army. It's also nearly impossible to think that the United States and Great Britain would stand by while Australia is taken over by a hostile force.

If you can get past those things, the action is exciting and we all especially liked the story of the gasoline tanker truck, the bridge, and the cattle.

Any additional comments?

Here's the one caveat: There's some sex and some swearing in the book. It's not rated X, but certainly PG-13. Our 14 year old daughter squirmed uncomfortably at times as we listened to it together on a recent road trip. We're not prudish, but there are overt references to sex ("when we got back, she quickly pulled her hand out from inside his pants" kind of stuff.) IMO, it was fine for adults and teens, but I certainly wouldn't let kids hear it. Just my two cents, maybe you feel differently.

More than just an adventure story

Though it's been a few decades since I was a teenager, I was enthralled by this book. The author gave each of these rural kids a distinct and thoroughly believable character. And as a native speaker, I can assure my American friends that the Ausie accent is authentic. There's the right balance of action and reflection; not a boring moment in the whole story. It's one of those books where you find yourself conversing with the characters in your head, as though they're old friends. I'll definitely read the rest of the series.

Fantastic!!

I got to be honest, I'm Australian and I grew up listening/reading this series, it's my generation's Harry Potter! When I joined Audible I jumped at the chance to relive this book as it brings back memories of listening to it on my old orange tape deck and drawing. As an adult, the story still does not disappoint. I have loved every minute of it.

Assume

This is the 1st in a series of 7 books + 3 listed under The Ellie Chronicles that will captivate any reader or listener. If you happen to be American you'll have to learn the small differences in cultural languages.
After that though you'll be captivated by the depth and feeling that leaves the book and enters your imagination. I'm American and drive what the Brit's and Aussie's call a heavy truck (18 Wheeler for the American's) for a living. I have listened to many many audio books over the year's and for me at least
this series of books rate's #1. If you saw Red Dawn years ago you may think that this seems to parallel
that good movie. But the similarity is only skin deep. Once you enter the world of Tomorrow ,When The War Began,you enter into what might be the reality of any country in the world at any given time. You will be left with the question"What would I or my children do if this happen here". I'd give this series more than 5 stars if possible.

Skip the first hour.

Skip the first hour and, yes, the book really jogs along. The main characters are all in their teens but soon become adult. If you like Michael Chrichton and James Patterson I recommend it.
The Aussie accent is fine bearing in mind the location of the plot.