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Camp Valor #1
Camp Valor
A young adult thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of American Sniper.
Valor: great courage in the face of danger
When Wyatt gets framed for a friend’s crime, he thinks his life is over. But then a mysterious stranger visits him in jail with an unusual proposal: spend three months in a secret government camp and have a ten-year prison sentence wiped clean.
Wyatt agrees, and finds himself in a world beyond his wildest dreams, with teenagers like him flying drones, defusing bombs, and jumping out of helicopters. This is no ordinary camp. Camp Valor is a secret training ground for teenage government agents, filled with juvenile offenders—badasses who don’t play by the rules—who desperately need a second chance. If they can prove themselves over their three month stay and survive Hell Week, they will enter the ranks of the most esteemed soldiers in the United States military.
But some enemies of the United States have gotten wind of Camp Valor, and they will do everything in their power to find out its secrets. Suddenly, Wyatt and his friends have to put their training into practice, and find the bravery to protect their country.
Valor: great courage in the face of danger
When Wyatt gets framed for a friend’s crime, he thinks his life is over. But then a mysterious stranger visits him in jail with an unusual proposal: spend three months in a secret government camp and have a ten-year prison sentence wiped clean.
Wyatt agrees, and finds himself in a world beyond his wildest dreams, with teenagers like him flying drones, defusing bombs, and jumping out of helicopters. This is no ordinary camp. Camp Valor is a secret training ground for teenage government agents, filled with juvenile offenders—badasses who don’t play by the rules—who desperately need a second chance. If they can prove themselves over their three month stay and survive Hell Week, they will enter the ranks of the most esteemed soldiers in the United States military.
But some enemies of the United States have gotten wind of Camp Valor, and they will do everything in their power to find out its secrets. Suddenly, Wyatt and his friends have to put their training into practice, and find the bravery to protect their country.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 10, 2018
About the author
Scott McEwen
19 books262 followersScott McEwen is a trial attorney in San Diego, California. He grew up in the mountains of Eastern Oregon where he became an Eagle Scout; hiking, fishing, and hunting at every opportunity presented. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Oregon and thereafter studied and worked extensively in London, England. Scott works with and provides support for several military charitable organizations, including the Seal Team Foundation.
Scott's interest in military history, intense patriotism, and experience with long-range hunting rifles, compelled him to accurately record the battlefield experiences of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in United States military history.
Japanese: スコット マキューエン
Scott's interest in military history, intense patriotism, and experience with long-range hunting rifles, compelled him to accurately record the battlefield experiences of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in United States military history.
Japanese: スコット マキューエン
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 29, 2018
"This pro-America book could buck the left-wing YA trend." writes the New York Post
Leftist ideology is in the very fabric of YA. This tells me that someone doesn't read YA books and just walked into a reserved room without their pants. And one generic, instigating, chest-thumping pseudo-patriotic, drivel of a novel cannot move a stone if I dared it to.
So,
"McEwen co-wrote the No. 1 New York Times bestseller “American Sniper” which went on to become a blockbuster movie and a darling among conservatives."
Lol, I love it when the stars align in hell. American Sniper was nauseatingly inhuman, celebrated a serial killer, and contained gratuitous violence. I HATED that movie. No wonder this book is written by its cowriter.
People need to understand that race, diversity, sexuality, genders are not un-American or un-any nation! This book takes draconian pride in NOT being inclusive. It is a far-right wing propaganda piece that's trying to fan the flames of hate.
Good luck next time though.
Leftist ideology is in the very fabric of YA. This tells me that someone doesn't read YA books and just walked into a reserved room without their pants. And one generic, instigating, chest-thumping pseudo-patriotic, drivel of a novel cannot move a stone if I dared it to.
So,
"McEwen co-wrote the No. 1 New York Times bestseller “American Sniper” which went on to become a blockbuster movie and a darling among conservatives."
Lol, I love it when the stars align in hell. American Sniper was nauseatingly inhuman, celebrated a serial killer, and contained gratuitous violence. I HATED that movie. No wonder this book is written by its cowriter.
People need to understand that race, diversity, sexuality, genders are not un-American or un-any nation! This book takes draconian pride in NOT being inclusive. It is a far-right wing propaganda piece that's trying to fan the flames of hate.
Good luck next time though.
April 6, 2020
Meh? I can see how there was controversy but I also don’t know how a book with this writing style got so much notice....I really didn’t care for it...🤷🏻♀️
RTC.
I OWE SO MANY REVIEWS 🤦🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️
RTC.
I OWE SO MANY REVIEWS 🤦🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️
July 17, 2018
Somewhere I read something about this book that made me excited to read it before it was published. Then last week I was on vacation and ran out of things to read when I found a copy at the local bookstore. I tore into it excitedly and was quite absorbed for awhile, thinking about how much my students would really like the military and action aspects of it as we see Wyatt enduring the brutal training. Then, it began its slow, horrible descent into graphic, disgusting violence. The book tells parallel stories until they intersect in the last few chapters. I had no problems with Wyatt's timeline of training at Camp Valor (except for the romance which felt forced and added in just to be a plot point that led to another big event) even though if I think about it I guess it's pretty odd to have 11 year olds with stuffed animals defusing bombs and learning weaponry. But it's an adventure book and she was a secondary character so I didn't dwell on that. The main thing I DID dwell on in Wyatt's training storyline was the pill you had to take to wipe your memories if you tapped out - surely you had to take a different pill if you quit during Hell week as opposed to those who gave up in the first day? Just my own internal musings about the logistics of the memory wipe pill... Even though the teens at Camp Valor are learning to use all sorts of weapons, their scenes were not graphic or inappropriate for students.
No, the problem I had was with the other story of the Glowworm, the disgusting creature who used to be the despot's son. Even the description of his appearance and smell is pretty bad but that's nothing compared to his eating habits - completely gratuitous - and violence with those who disappoint him. In addition, there is his right hand assassin, Raquel, who attracts the Glowworm's attention when she kills some tourists because they photograph her eating her meal. When the two plot lines finally match up then the violence and killings ratchet up as well. The imagery in this book was so graphic and disturbing that I had to put it down one night before bed because it was making me uneasy in my own home. Aside from the violence, I take issue with the way the Camp Valor team handled their mission with Raquel and the Glowworm. It felt like a couple members of the team basically ignored all their training and protocols which led to a lot of death and injury.
I don't remember ever doing this with any other book I've purchased for my collection, but I'll be passing this one on to a high school rather than keeping it on my shelves.
No, the problem I had was with the other story of the Glowworm, the disgusting creature who used to be the despot's son. Even the description of his appearance and smell is pretty bad but that's nothing compared to his eating habits - completely gratuitous - and violence with those who disappoint him. In addition, there is his right hand assassin, Raquel, who attracts the Glowworm's attention when she kills some tourists because they photograph her eating her meal. When the two plot lines finally match up then the violence and killings ratchet up as well. The imagery in this book was so graphic and disturbing that I had to put it down one night before bed because it was making me uneasy in my own home. Aside from the violence, I take issue with the way the Camp Valor team handled their mission with Raquel and the Glowworm. It felt like a couple members of the team basically ignored all their training and protocols which led to a lot of death and injury.
I don't remember ever doing this with any other book I've purchased for my collection, but I'll be passing this one on to a high school rather than keeping it on my shelves.
April 25, 2021
I loved this very non-typical YA novel. It was intense and creepy with lots of twists and turns!
August 26, 2018
I wish I could give this book one million stars! Somehow I think the people who gave this book bad reviews are not the target audience. I bought Camp Valor for my 11 year old son and he couldn't put the book down. Every time I went in his room he was reading the book. We are on vacation now and had the book everywhere we went. When he finished Camp Valor, he begged me to take him to the bookstore to see if the sequel camp out. What more can a parent want out of a book?
July 18, 2020
This book was really good! I was extremely entertained by everything going on. Gotta say though that when the Glowworm was ingesting body parts of his victims I was extremely disgusted. Also for some reason I kept picturing him as Vector from Despicable Me lol.
There were a lot of twists and turns throughout the whole story. I should’ve known that “Chris Gibbs” would’ve been Wyatt’s dad. I liked how we flowed back and forth between Wyatt, Wil and even Pablo.
I hated seeing Hud die. He should’ve just let them wipe his memory. Although he still would’ve been in danger. I don’t really care for the relationship between Wyatt and Dolly. It just seems like something that wasn’t necessary. Why can’t guys and girls just be friends every now and then?
I wasn’t going to get the second book yet but I am extremely curious about what happens next after that ending!
There were a lot of twists and turns throughout the whole story. I should’ve known that “Chris Gibbs” would’ve been Wyatt’s dad. I liked how we flowed back and forth between Wyatt, Wil and even Pablo.
I hated seeing Hud die. He should’ve just let them wipe his memory. Although he still would’ve been in danger. I don’t really care for the relationship between Wyatt and Dolly. It just seems like something that wasn’t necessary. Why can’t guys and girls just be friends every now and then?
I wasn’t going to get the second book yet but I am extremely curious about what happens next after that ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2020
Engaging, full of action and challenges for the protagonists. A great read for the 2020 Missouri Gateway list
April 3, 2021
Misfits. Outcasts. Delinquents. They get one last chance. This book is fantastic!
December 15, 2020
This book was full of non stop action! Can't wait for the next!
February 8, 2022
All around I thought it was a great book. It had plenty of action and some funny moments, but about half way through it the book will start switching between two peoples stories. Even though that occurs the book is a very good read if you can keep track of who's story you're reading. If you are having a hard time keeping track I would still recommend reading it; there are many almost visual moments in the book that I found very interesting.
March 25, 2019
Great read. A black ops organization that secretly recruits and offers juvenile offenders a second chance, if they can pass 3 months of seemingly impossible training. If they agree to the program and pass, then they will be sent on missions of National Security. If they don't pass, or give up, they will be given a pill that makes them forget and sent back to whatever jail, or prison, they came from. The book follows the main character, Wyatt Brewer, through the rigors of his recruitment, training and relationships he makes throughout the process. The book is hard to put down and one you want to read until the end. The only problem I had was that it ended so abruptly, with so many questions unanswered and having to wait until the next book comes out to have them answered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2018
I won my copy from good reads first reads. Thank you. I enjoyed this book. Lots of action.
August 8, 2018
Widely known for penning AMERICAN SNIPER, Scott McEwen is now teaming up with Hof Williams in their first novel together, CAMP VALOR. Writing through a teenage point-of-view, they expose young adults to the harsh realities of the world through a heart-racing epic of espionage and survival.
After the disappearance of his father, Wyatt became a juvenile delinquent. Accidentally framed for a crime he did not commit, he is given a choice: face a 15-20 year imprisonment, or spend three months at a top-secret military camp, code name Camp Valor. At Camp Valor, juvenile delinquents are given a second chance, honing their skills to become specialized soldiers. However, this is not a game, and the consequences are life and death. The pressure to survive is high, and to successfully complete training without being sent back to jail will take everything and more than what Wyatt’s got. The new trainees must work harder than ever; looming far away but creeping ever closer is a threat unlike Camp Valor has faced before --- a sinisterly clever enemy that will stop at nothing to tear down the camp and everyone in it.
With excellent descriptive narrating, this novel is impossible to put down. Riveting action and suspenseful plots keep the reader constantly on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if the characters will survive…or be the next victim. Tension builds as the authors switch between the plots of Wyatt and the villain, making the reader question how the characters and conflicts are related. Far from detracting from the timeline of the novel, dates and locations are included in every chapter, adding organization and a military-like theme to the novel. While the cliffhanger leaves many unanswered questions, the novel itself flows well and has a clever connection to the beginning and the end.
Wyatt’s introduction to Camp Valor is reminiscent of the Percy Jackson series. However, Wyatt soon discovers that this is not a typical fun summer camp; he and other trainees are indoctrinated into a battle-filled life, where the wrong choice could lead to death, and reliability on others is paramount. The characters learn more than military discipline though; motifs of sacrifice, integrity and honor are all abstract thoughts that become grizzly reality in this novel. These values, while noble, come at painstaking cost. By describing in detail the harsh bitterness after a battle, the authors expose the stark loss that leaves a permanent mark of guilt on survivors.
While mainly an action-based novel, there is a psychological twist with the plot of the villain. When actions meant to prevent and protect turn ugly, tragedy leads to the creation of an evil even greater than before. Though the imagery of the corruption of the villain is fascinating, it all seemed too unreal in the depiction of the villain transforming into a literal, parasitical monster. The same issue applies to all the evil-doers in this novel. While the protagonists are diverse with character arcs and personalities, the bad guys are all scum. The arch-enemies are monsters; twisted and diabolical characters who are inhuman in both physical and psychological traits. Though the all the time spent on describing the background of each villain is needed to clarify how all the puzzle pieces fit together, the villains were not developed as actual people.
McEwen and Williams help the reader to understand the situation of the teens through descriptive writing, background and the characters themselves. Drawing from his experience of working with at-risk youth, McEwen creates characters and a setting that is meaningful and believable. The diverse characters allow the reader to question what is weakness, strength and loyalty. Using the knowledge they gain, the protagonists become mature and defend themselves; through these characters, the authors demonstrate to readers how they can take control of their life in an ever-changing world. In the dedication, McEwen and Williams speak directly to kids, explaining that, “we have left you a difficult world, but can only hope we have given you the skills within it to survive and thrive.”
Ewen’s and William’s gripping novel will have readers anxiously waiting for a sequel. Filled with action, CAMP VALOR is perfect for those who crave adventure and plot. Whether under the covers at night or in broad daylight, the horrors of the novel are bone-chilling, the plot exciting, and the experience sure to inspire action in all those who read it.
Reviewed by Lauren C., Teen Board Member
After the disappearance of his father, Wyatt became a juvenile delinquent. Accidentally framed for a crime he did not commit, he is given a choice: face a 15-20 year imprisonment, or spend three months at a top-secret military camp, code name Camp Valor. At Camp Valor, juvenile delinquents are given a second chance, honing their skills to become specialized soldiers. However, this is not a game, and the consequences are life and death. The pressure to survive is high, and to successfully complete training without being sent back to jail will take everything and more than what Wyatt’s got. The new trainees must work harder than ever; looming far away but creeping ever closer is a threat unlike Camp Valor has faced before --- a sinisterly clever enemy that will stop at nothing to tear down the camp and everyone in it.
With excellent descriptive narrating, this novel is impossible to put down. Riveting action and suspenseful plots keep the reader constantly on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if the characters will survive…or be the next victim. Tension builds as the authors switch between the plots of Wyatt and the villain, making the reader question how the characters and conflicts are related. Far from detracting from the timeline of the novel, dates and locations are included in every chapter, adding organization and a military-like theme to the novel. While the cliffhanger leaves many unanswered questions, the novel itself flows well and has a clever connection to the beginning and the end.
Wyatt’s introduction to Camp Valor is reminiscent of the Percy Jackson series. However, Wyatt soon discovers that this is not a typical fun summer camp; he and other trainees are indoctrinated into a battle-filled life, where the wrong choice could lead to death, and reliability on others is paramount. The characters learn more than military discipline though; motifs of sacrifice, integrity and honor are all abstract thoughts that become grizzly reality in this novel. These values, while noble, come at painstaking cost. By describing in detail the harsh bitterness after a battle, the authors expose the stark loss that leaves a permanent mark of guilt on survivors.
While mainly an action-based novel, there is a psychological twist with the plot of the villain. When actions meant to prevent and protect turn ugly, tragedy leads to the creation of an evil even greater than before. Though the imagery of the corruption of the villain is fascinating, it all seemed too unreal in the depiction of the villain transforming into a literal, parasitical monster. The same issue applies to all the evil-doers in this novel. While the protagonists are diverse with character arcs and personalities, the bad guys are all scum. The arch-enemies are monsters; twisted and diabolical characters who are inhuman in both physical and psychological traits. Though the all the time spent on describing the background of each villain is needed to clarify how all the puzzle pieces fit together, the villains were not developed as actual people.
McEwen and Williams help the reader to understand the situation of the teens through descriptive writing, background and the characters themselves. Drawing from his experience of working with at-risk youth, McEwen creates characters and a setting that is meaningful and believable. The diverse characters allow the reader to question what is weakness, strength and loyalty. Using the knowledge they gain, the protagonists become mature and defend themselves; through these characters, the authors demonstrate to readers how they can take control of their life in an ever-changing world. In the dedication, McEwen and Williams speak directly to kids, explaining that, “we have left you a difficult world, but can only hope we have given you the skills within it to survive and thrive.”
Ewen’s and William’s gripping novel will have readers anxiously waiting for a sequel. Filled with action, CAMP VALOR is perfect for those who crave adventure and plot. Whether under the covers at night or in broad daylight, the horrors of the novel are bone-chilling, the plot exciting, and the experience sure to inspire action in all those who read it.
Reviewed by Lauren C., Teen Board Member
February 2, 2021
The book was interesting to say the least. I enjoyed the two storyline dynamic, but if you don't pay attention to the beginning where they list the year it can be kind of confusing. The Camp Valor storyline was a bit too rushed in my opinion. There wasn't enough on the actual camp and training to warrant having the inside flap be all about the camp with zero mention of the second storyline. I was also confused when it started with the other storyline (I'm trying to stay vague so I don't spoil anything), since, again, there was zero mention of it in the synopsis. Overall though, it wasn't a bad book, gave me some serious Cherub vibes.
Trigger warning though, it is VERY gruesome in some parts. I wish they hadn't been so detailed in that aspect. Made me almost lose my lunch a few times.
*** Spoilers ahead ***
As mentioned above, I wish the torture parts weren't so detailed. I feel like the entire story would've stood up if we removed the dissection and canabilizing of people, and honestly, I would've rated it higher had those chapters not existed. I didn't see the point of making Wilberforce a disgusting hunk of human flesh. The description of his literal sliminess and feeding habits made me want to throw up, and was better suited for an adult horror novel, not a young adult spy novel.
I also didn't appreciate the extended paragraphs about the use of Adderall to help Pablo work better. It gives the wrong idea about what Adderall actually does for the population of those who use it. Though I do agree, it can make people stay up for nights on end, acting as if it just makes people able to work harder and longer is a blatant misrepresentation of those with ADHD, and doesn't speak to the harms Adderall, or other stimulants, can do to someone who doesn't actually need them. Since this book is directed towards teens, I'm most upset about this inaccuracy.
Overall the book was meh. I'll probably read the second one purely because I don't like having series unfinished, but I most likely will never reread the first one. I'm still haunted by the grotesque descriptions the authors provide.
Trigger warning though, it is VERY gruesome in some parts. I wish they hadn't been so detailed in that aspect. Made me almost lose my lunch a few times.
*** Spoilers ahead ***
As mentioned above, I wish the torture parts weren't so detailed. I feel like the entire story would've stood up if we removed the dissection and canabilizing of people, and honestly, I would've rated it higher had those chapters not existed. I didn't see the point of making Wilberforce a disgusting hunk of human flesh. The description of his literal sliminess and feeding habits made me want to throw up, and was better suited for an adult horror novel, not a young adult spy novel.
I also didn't appreciate the extended paragraphs about the use of Adderall to help Pablo work better. It gives the wrong idea about what Adderall actually does for the population of those who use it. Though I do agree, it can make people stay up for nights on end, acting as if it just makes people able to work harder and longer is a blatant misrepresentation of those with ADHD, and doesn't speak to the harms Adderall, or other stimulants, can do to someone who doesn't actually need them. Since this book is directed towards teens, I'm most upset about this inaccuracy.
Overall the book was meh. I'll probably read the second one purely because I don't like having series unfinished, but I most likely will never reread the first one. I'm still haunted by the grotesque descriptions the authors provide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2021
I have to be honest that I kept putting off reading this 2020-21 Gateway Nominee. Action/adventure with a boot camp setting isn't really my jam, but, as I should know by now, don't judge a book by its cover.
The book starts with a brutal murder that takes place aboard a yacht in the 1980s. As a result, a young, socially inept, videogame-obsessed boy is left without his father. But the story then jumps to present day, and we're quickly thrown into an impossible situation for Wyatt Brewer who is left in possession of evidence of a serious crime. He's sent to prison without much chance of proving his true innocence.
In prison, Wyatt is approached by members of a secret government agency who recruit young delinquents to train and, if they make it through the grueling obstacles at Camp Valor, become part of an elite team to carry out highly classified missions. If they don't succeed, their memories are erased, and they're sent back to prison.
Weirdly, some of the adults at Camp Valor seem to predict Wyatt's ability to survive Hell Week at camp, but he's too preoccupied with the intensity of the training and his growing feelings for fellow camper, Dolly, to think anything of their confidence in him.
Before the end of their training, a security breach forces Wyatt and his teammates to participate in a real mission. A sinister video-game company mogul is intent on exposing Camp Valor and exacting revenge on one of its graduates. And Wyatt has to rely on his limited training to keep himself and his team alive.
This book moves at a breakneck pace, and I loved the layers of mystery the authors wove into the story. The story was much darker than most YA I've read, so be prepared for some pretty disgusting scenes that involve the removal of body parts and putting them in a blender to be consumed. But, I was completely hooked from the beginning of the book, and I immediately recommended it to a bunch of students at my school. If you or your students liked Pierce Brown's, "Red Rising" series or Neal Shusterman's "Scythe" series, this would be a great next pick.
The book starts with a brutal murder that takes place aboard a yacht in the 1980s. As a result, a young, socially inept, videogame-obsessed boy is left without his father. But the story then jumps to present day, and we're quickly thrown into an impossible situation for Wyatt Brewer who is left in possession of evidence of a serious crime. He's sent to prison without much chance of proving his true innocence.
In prison, Wyatt is approached by members of a secret government agency who recruit young delinquents to train and, if they make it through the grueling obstacles at Camp Valor, become part of an elite team to carry out highly classified missions. If they don't succeed, their memories are erased, and they're sent back to prison.
Weirdly, some of the adults at Camp Valor seem to predict Wyatt's ability to survive Hell Week at camp, but he's too preoccupied with the intensity of the training and his growing feelings for fellow camper, Dolly, to think anything of their confidence in him.
Before the end of their training, a security breach forces Wyatt and his teammates to participate in a real mission. A sinister video-game company mogul is intent on exposing Camp Valor and exacting revenge on one of its graduates. And Wyatt has to rely on his limited training to keep himself and his team alive.
This book moves at a breakneck pace, and I loved the layers of mystery the authors wove into the story. The story was much darker than most YA I've read, so be prepared for some pretty disgusting scenes that involve the removal of body parts and putting them in a blender to be consumed. But, I was completely hooked from the beginning of the book, and I immediately recommended it to a bunch of students at my school. If you or your students liked Pierce Brown's, "Red Rising" series or Neal Shusterman's "Scythe" series, this would be a great next pick.
August 30, 2018
Camp Valor is a bit ridiculous, but if you're willing to put logic aside it's a pretty fun romp, probably more of a 2.5. I'd definitely watch a movie like this, but I feel like it'd be a made for TV one, not a huge blockbuster. Still, it's going to be an easy book to recommend for people that like action and adventure, or military/spy movies.
The good: It's fast paced and mostly fun. When I wasn't thinking about how ridiculous the book was I was enjoying it, and I'm actually tempted to read the next book just to see where it goes.
The bad: After the third or fourth (I lost track) prettiest girl he'd ever seen, I started to wonder if the world had been replaced with "exotic" super models (blonde hair is so exotic these days). Also, the entire timeline is ridiculous. Teenagers aren't ripped, their bodies are still developing. That's why so many TV and movie "teenagers" are played by people in their 20s. So as soon as the author expected me to believe that in three months (or less depending on which part of the story we were in) all of these teens left their "comfortable" body types behind and became on par with top military rankings? Yeah, no. If they'd mastered basic fitness and maybe one skill, maybe, but we were expected to believe they could now fire a gun (well), parachute, use fancy diving equipment, and all sorts of other things. It's pretty unbelievable.
The ugly: The villain. Literally and figuratively. The Glowworm was so ridiculous it stopped being a caricature and just became something that made me go "is this author okay? Like, has someone checked on him recently?" Pretty much any time I was reading something about him I was rolling my eyes, and it wasn't even a character I wanted to mock, just one I wanted swept under a rug.
The good: It's fast paced and mostly fun. When I wasn't thinking about how ridiculous the book was I was enjoying it, and I'm actually tempted to read the next book just to see where it goes.
The bad: After the third or fourth (I lost track) prettiest girl he'd ever seen, I started to wonder if the world had been replaced with "exotic" super models (blonde hair is so exotic these days). Also, the entire timeline is ridiculous. Teenagers aren't ripped, their bodies are still developing. That's why so many TV and movie "teenagers" are played by people in their 20s. So as soon as the author expected me to believe that in three months (or less depending on which part of the story we were in) all of these teens left their "comfortable" body types behind and became on par with top military rankings? Yeah, no. If they'd mastered basic fitness and maybe one skill, maybe, but we were expected to believe they could now fire a gun (well), parachute, use fancy diving equipment, and all sorts of other things. It's pretty unbelievable.
The ugly: The villain. Literally and figuratively. The Glowworm was so ridiculous it stopped being a caricature and just became something that made me go "is this author okay? Like, has someone checked on him recently?" Pretty much any time I was reading something about him I was rolling my eyes, and it wasn't even a character I wanted to mock, just one I wanted swept under a rug.
September 3, 2020
Wyatt finds himself running from the police when his friend, Derrick calls him for a ride, only to find out that Derrick's ride is actually a getaway from a robbery and assault. When Wyatt is thrown in jail for the crime, he thinks that his life is over, but he is suddenly whisked away by a stranger who says he can make all of Wyatt's troubles go away. It sounds too good to be true, and before long, Wyatt finds out that it isn't going to be that simple. To rid himself of the charges, he must survive Camp Valor which trains young men and women to be operatives for the government. Meanwhile, a powerful figure who believes that he has been betrayed by a graduate of Camp Valor vows to find the traitor, kill him, and destroy the program that made him into the weapon that was used against him.
Camp Valor's plot is not unique - a young person wronged by the system that should have protected him is given another chance to prove himself. What makes it intriguing are the many twists, turns, and surprises that are woven into a story filled with action, adventure, and a little romance. Character development is somewhat lacking mostly due to the number of secondary characters who have minor roles in the story. One issue I had with the book is that it is shelved as a middle grade story, but two of the villains are cannibals, eating body parts and gruesomely murdering their victims, making this story a little too violent for the middle grade age group. Overall, however, this is a very good action adventure.
Camp Valor's plot is not unique - a young person wronged by the system that should have protected him is given another chance to prove himself. What makes it intriguing are the many twists, turns, and surprises that are woven into a story filled with action, adventure, and a little romance. Character development is somewhat lacking mostly due to the number of secondary characters who have minor roles in the story. One issue I had with the book is that it is shelved as a middle grade story, but two of the villains are cannibals, eating body parts and gruesomely murdering their victims, making this story a little too violent for the middle grade age group. Overall, however, this is a very good action adventure.
August 19, 2018
Definitely a jump from what I normally read. When I first began reading this I honestly thought it would be a rather childish book. However, this book is not whatsoever for small kids and really for teenagers and adults. Though the plot is rather typical for an action novel, the sheer amount of detail used to describe the scenarios the characters are in really puts the reader alongside of them. I was so entranced by some of the items described that I would often break from reading to look them up so I knew what I was envisioning. Character development is excellent and becomes the center piece of the cast's adventures. There are MANY breaks from the action which will appease readers looking for a multi-genre story. Now, the only parts that ultimately caused me to give a 4-star rating rather than a 5-star were the antagonists. Their background info was amazing and the lead-up to them becoming villains was explained well. However, their final form(as the book takes place over a number of years) can be interpreted as silly. Other than that, Camp Valor was an exciting read that has me waiting for a sequel.
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January 24, 2021I know I’m not the target audience by any stretch of the imagination, but I just found the whole thing rather gross. The villain is so dehumanized, he is referred to as a “creature” while his gorgeous killing machine of a sidekick is like some sort of twisted fantasy. The ending was a complete bloodbath, and Wyatt, the only one who seems to realize he’s just killed actual people, is just told to get over it and does. It felt like violence and posturing heroism replaced any depth or complexity of character in the book, as every character was either a hero, a villain, or irrelevant; even anything that approximated a friendship felt more like an alliance. It’s not that I don’t see the appeal. I get that action-packed reads can be fun, and what teenager doesn’t love imagining being whisked away to a secret summer camp to learn things he or she can’t learn anywhere else and become a hero? But I do not, for the life of me, understand what put this book on award lists.
Also was this really supposed to be patriotic? Because I’m pretty sure using child soldiers (which is essentially what they are, however much training they’ve had) is against established humanitarian guidelines.
Also was this really supposed to be patriotic? Because I’m pretty sure using child soldiers (which is essentially what they are, however much training they’ve had) is against established humanitarian guidelines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
Did you finish Netflix while on quarantine? Need something to wake you up? Camp Valor will do just that. The premise is simple: pluck smart but slightly shady kids out of the juvenile system and send them to Camp Valor. They spend the summer learning the skills of bomb-building and defusing, shooting, surviving an attack, computer hacking, and jumping out of a helicopter all to help the United States Government take out the bad guys. The goal is to have these teens infiltrate and possibly assassinate targets who won’t be looking for someone so young to be an enemy. It’s intense, both mentally and physically. For Wyatt, a kid who used to be on the honor roll but has taken up some bad habits of late, it’s a way out of jail for a crime he didn’t commit.
His arrival at Camp Valor is somewhat unorthodox since the camp has already started. He’s determined to make the best of his new situation and knows it won’t be easy. If you can’t hack camp, you get sent back to where they found you, but only after you take a pill to wipe your memory of its existence. Wyatt thrives at Camp Valor even though it’s the hardest thing he’s ever done. The summer is almost over before the campers’ skills are put to the test- some of it’s staged and some not. Sorry, have to keep it a secret though ;).
This is a wild ride of the hellish trials the recruits at Camp Valor endure. Not to mention one of the most disgusting, seriously gross, bad guys that I’ve read in a long while in YA. Kudos to making a truly unique (again, totally nasty) bad guy that made it easy to dislike him. There are many predictable moments, but the twists keep coming up until the very end. This will be perfect for fans of the Boy Nobody Series and reluctant readers alike.
His arrival at Camp Valor is somewhat unorthodox since the camp has already started. He’s determined to make the best of his new situation and knows it won’t be easy. If you can’t hack camp, you get sent back to where they found you, but only after you take a pill to wipe your memory of its existence. Wyatt thrives at Camp Valor even though it’s the hardest thing he’s ever done. The summer is almost over before the campers’ skills are put to the test- some of it’s staged and some not. Sorry, have to keep it a secret though ;).
This is a wild ride of the hellish trials the recruits at Camp Valor endure. Not to mention one of the most disgusting, seriously gross, bad guys that I’ve read in a long while in YA. Kudos to making a truly unique (again, totally nasty) bad guy that made it easy to dislike him. There are many predictable moments, but the twists keep coming up until the very end. This will be perfect for fans of the Boy Nobody Series and reluctant readers alike.
September 19, 2018
I usually don't read these type of books that are espionage/ military. But I wanted to read something different, so I thought I give this book a shot. I'm glad I did.
The writing was really good and the characters were well develop. It was intriguing going through this bootcamp of sorts along with Wyatt, the main character. In this camp, Valor, they train young teens to become some type of spies.
The one problem I had with this book was, that it was too descriptive. Meaning the main bad guy, Glow worm, is disgusting looking and because of the way it was described, I had a very vivid image and got grossed out, lol and other things the Glow Worm did. Disgusting!!!!
But I definitely want to read what happens next with Wyatt and the rest of his friends from Camp Valor. The book ends with a cliffhanger and I just NEED to know, lol.
If you like YA, espionage/military books then I definitely recommend this to you!
The writing was really good and the characters were well develop. It was intriguing going through this bootcamp of sorts along with Wyatt, the main character. In this camp, Valor, they train young teens to become some type of spies.
The one problem I had with this book was, that it was too descriptive. Meaning the main bad guy, Glow worm, is disgusting looking and because of the way it was described, I had a very vivid image and got grossed out, lol and other things the Glow Worm did. Disgusting!!!!
But I definitely want to read what happens next with Wyatt and the rest of his friends from Camp Valor. The book ends with a cliffhanger and I just NEED to know, lol.
If you like YA, espionage/military books then I definitely recommend this to you!
June 2, 2019
Most of the book wasn't bad, I enjoyed the pace and the story of Wyatt and his fellow campers. The whole "glowworm" thing was a bit outlandish, like a old time Bond villain, but with less class. The last few chapters, which include the most intense action of the book, were largely a miss for me. I didn't find it particularly clever or overly heroic. It felt like everyone was making sacrifices EXCEPT the main character. Mini-spoiler warning - it was very disappointing to me to find the female lead described as such a bad-ass operative, only to have her predominantly end up needing to be rescued multiple time. Such a worn out trope, that the ending just fell completely flat for me. There was some potential here, but I won't be looking for follow up books.
January 13, 2020
A hard hitting and bloody YA novel in the sub genre of kids as spies. This novel by Scott McEwen is a fast paced and has a antagonist that is horrific. There are well used tropes of the "old dogs" that run Camp Valor that are stern and gruff but know what may be best for their wayward students that have been "recruited". The novel shifts between current and past events that are neatly tied up, for the most part, by the end.
One is reminded of the "Spy School" series by Stuart Gibbs only on a much more bloody view. In a similar "old dog" as mentor to the next generation trope is Robert Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" YA novel.
It is a series that gets off to a good start. Well worth two or three nights of reading.
One is reminded of the "Spy School" series by Stuart Gibbs only on a much more bloody view. In a similar "old dog" as mentor to the next generation trope is Robert Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" YA novel.
It is a series that gets off to a good start. Well worth two or three nights of reading.
August 3, 2018
I won this book from Goodreads. As it turned out, the target audience was "young adults", and I definitely am not in that category. There were some parts of the book that I found outlandish...such as all the fantasy stuff about the "GlowWorm" and cannibalism. However, I was surprised that the story kept me interested to the (bitter) end. I thought it ended horribly...but the rest of the book that was about juvenile delinquents who were allowed to go to Camp Valor to train instead of doing time was interesting. Also, I like the fact that there were so many subplots within the main story line.
August 3, 2019
Camp Valor Scott McEwen
Camp Valor is very unusual, in many ways. Juvenile delinquents who catch the attention of a select group of individuals, kids who are currently incarcerated are given another chance. A pass, but not an easy one. The camp lasts for three months. Most will fail. It's grueling, every day is physically and mentally painful. A challenge. It's a type of boot camp but along the lines of special forces training. If they pass their assignments could easily be fatal. The camps sponsor? Key figures in government, clandestine in nature. This is an extremely fast paced, well written action thriller. Enjoyed immensely!
Camp Valor is very unusual, in many ways. Juvenile delinquents who catch the attention of a select group of individuals, kids who are currently incarcerated are given another chance. A pass, but not an easy one. The camp lasts for three months. Most will fail. It's grueling, every day is physically and mentally painful. A challenge. It's a type of boot camp but along the lines of special forces training. If they pass their assignments could easily be fatal. The camps sponsor? Key figures in government, clandestine in nature. This is an extremely fast paced, well written action thriller. Enjoyed immensely!
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January 5, 2022A 14 year old boy named Wyatt gets caught up in some illegal activities with one of his friends and ends up getting framed for something he didn't do. The U.S. government brings him to a training camp for young assassins called Camp Valor. He ends up falling in love with a girl named Dolly, who is believed to be with a boy named Wyatt. Wyatt and Dolly would sneak throughout camp to be with each other at some points. This would later on affect the mission they would go on in foreign countries. Someone close to all the campers would die during one of their missions and everyone would come together and grief for them.
January 9, 2019
This isn't what I expected according to where I heard about it so that is probably why I'm not rating it very high. It's about an unknown boot camp where the authorities take juvenile delinquents to see if they can survive and then hope they can use them to infiltrate places and work for the government. I thought it was more about teaching kids how to become more responsible and independent with good working skills. Lots of violence instead with a lot of killing etc. Then to top it off it continues on to another book. Not something I'll read.
July 25, 2019
I was really excited about this book. There's not really anything else like it in the YA field that I know of. And it would appeal to a subset of readers that might often struggle to find something to hook them. Buuuuuuuut... I don't know if it's an issue with me or an issue with this book, but I REALLY struggled to get into it. I just wasn't that interested in the characters or what happened to them. And the big plot twist... well, I saw that coming. So... I don't know. I do think there are readers who will really enjoy this book. I'm just not one of them.
April 30, 2020
I'm giving this five stars because I want other HS teachers to pick up this book and give it to students! If I had to rate it as a book for myself, it would likely be more like three stars.
In a nutshell, this is Tom Clancy for kids. Some suspense and lots of action; good guys versus bad guys; the unlikely hero. The writing isn't anything to write home about, but it doesn't get in the way of the story, either.
This is a perfect book for 9th graders. I love that there is a sequel because I know students will be read this and beg for more just like it.
In a nutshell, this is Tom Clancy for kids. Some suspense and lots of action; good guys versus bad guys; the unlikely hero. The writing isn't anything to write home about, but it doesn't get in the way of the story, either.
This is a perfect book for 9th graders. I love that there is a sequel because I know students will be read this and beg for more just like it.
January 19, 2023
he obesely didn't and to be frank with you all your a bunch of wankers when it come to this I don't care much for what books you have read, this that and the other thing. I read this book when I was in Grade 8 and honestly loved it. if you are going to go spouting of about some BS that theres no diversity in the book, fine but no one F'ing cares its not a political book and it never has been. it a fiction book about a kid who becomes a fucking operative like get over your selfs with this Ideological BS
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