I have never read a book that was anything like The Border. This is a story I think needed to be told because I don't think people realize how difficult life in other countries can be and why someone might chose to cross the border into America illegally. You feel sympathetic for these characters from the beginning and I was rooting for them the whole time. The story did feel a little slow in places, but where it didn't it was intense and interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publsher, Sourcebooks Fire, for a copy of The Border in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was so excited to read this book. I honestly knew nothing about it or the author when I came across it on NetGalley. When I read that this was about 4 teens trying to cross the Mexican/American border after all of their families were murdered by a gang I was hooked. I’ve never read a book like this and with today’s politics in the US it is UBER relevant!

Let me tell you this, if you are looking for heartbreak – cause let’s be honest who doesn’t crave a good heart crushing story once in a while – YOU NEED TO GET THIS BOOK. My heart was hurting from beginning to end. The story is tremendously sad and the journey they take is physically and mentally exhausting. The writing was on point! It was as if I was reading a memoir, not a fictional story. The details were so precise and the descriptions were so extraordinary.

Some of the characters fell a little flat for me. The fact that the character who’s point of view we have falls in love with the only girl in their group is just typical. I understand, some of the scenes wouldn’t have been so dramatic without the romance, but it was such an obvious thing to happen. For a book that’s unlike any I’ve ever seen or read, it was disappointing to have the fail safe romance.

I loved this book though. And whether or not you think this might be something that will interest you, please give it a chance! I’m not normally one to push books on people but I loved this one and it’s so relevant to today’s events.

This isn't a title I would've picked up on my own. That said, there were parts of it that I really enjoyed and parts that I found just meh. The pacing is strong and the story moved forward at a good rate, which is probably what kept me reading until the end.

Lots of action. Even where the story slows, things are still happening and the tension is there. I think the biggest thing that held me back on this one was that I never really felt a connection. I kept turning pages to find out what happened next, but not because I cared specifically for the fate of any particular character, but in that train-wreck sort of way where you just stare at the carnage. There was an emotional distance here and, while the characters were well-drawn, for me, they remained mostly flat.

The story is well-written and fast-paced and, even though it's fiction, I think it helps paint a face on current immigration issues and what some have to sacrifice in order to survive. Overall a good read.

I received a free copy from NetGalley. Timely book given the current political climate, it gives personalities to one reason why someone might cross the border illegally and just how difficult it is to do so even without a wall. This book gives a lot of food for thought.

I was already bored, and skeptical because "white guy telling POC story." But then he threw in the "She's not like other girls" line and I had to DNF at 14%.

Patio has left a party to get fresh air. He sits down on an old abandoned seat when Arbo appears saying I thought you would be here. Marcos and Gladys are with them when they hear gunshots. They run back and find everyone dead at the party. A lone gunman sees them and tells them that they will kill them when one of his partners yells out to him and says kill them now. The killers are narcos. How do the four escape from the narcos at the murder sight? Plato thinks of someone they might be able to stay with that the narcos don't know about. This is necessary as they don't want their friends to be killed too. A decision is made that they must escape to the United States by crossing the border. The desert they cross almost causes their death. Gladys does die. How? Why? Plato tries to get them help after Gladys dies. Will he succeed? Do the three of them make it to the United States?

This is a heart rendering novel. I felt their anguish and pain not only when their families are killed but during their escape too. The novel is intense. It does have some surprises even though the story is filled with tension and suspense. The author does include some humor which eases the story for a short time. I found that the relationship between Plato and Arbo all too human but also helps the novel from becoming too sad. There is hope.

Interesting perspective. Can't wait to share with my students!

I finished this book within 2 days because I couldn't put it down! I loved the bond between Pato and Arbo and how they constantly supported one another with each new obstacle that was thrown at them! The fast pace and suspense will appeal to my eighth graders and keep them reading until the very end! I can't wait to "book talk" this book the first week of school! I anticipate that I will have a waiting list to check it out!

As Pato is entering his cousin’s birthday celebration with his parents he sees a strange black car sitting outside the house and means to say something about it but with the excitement of entering with his family it slips his mind. Later in the night Pato, Arbo, Marcos, and Gladys sneak away from the party to smoke when all of a sudden gunshots ring out in the night.

When the group return they find everyone from all their families have been executed with the gunmen still there. Marcos thinks quick and finds a gun to return fire but the group finds themselves on the run from the drug dealers. With nowhere to go and the narcos doing everything they can to find them the group finds themselves setting out to cross the desert hoping to find freedom in the US.

Steve Schafer has come up with an excellent novel that truly fits today’s society and headlines giving a look into the lives of some of the innocent that are forced to flee Mexico and risk their lives crossing the border illegally. With all the talk in the news of building walls on the border this story is very relevant with the four innocent teens having no other option but to run away from their home due to the volatile situation that was not any doing on their part.

The story is fairly fast paced with a decent amount of action building the tension throughout their journey although I did find a few slower moments. There’s a bit of a romance that builds between Pato and Gladys which of course didn’t sit well with Gladys’ older brother Marcos who becomes the self appointed leader and protector of the group to add to the drama of the story during their crossing. Arbo was the sort of class clown type of personality which leads to a few funnier moments to lighten up the read here and there.

Overall, while this young adult read is a story of fiction the reality of the characters situation is a great look into the struggles that some truly do suffer and I’d definitely recommend checking it out.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

The Border is a YA story by Steve Schafer. I am far removed for the YA group but I did enjoy this story. The action starts immediately but it took awhile to become invested in the characters. Some very intense edge of your seat moments but also found myself laughing out loud a few times. I was given an early copy to review.

I heard about this book earlier this week while listening to a Booklist webinar so I requested an ARC through NetGalley. The opening chapters grabbed me right away. We will be purchasing The Border for our teen collection. This is a great book for teens who like adventure and realistic fiction. The author created characters, especially Pato, that teens could relate to. It gives them a look at why some people cross the Mexican border into the U.S. but he does not take any political sides. The only criticism I have is that I wished the characters were developed a little more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire and Steve Schafer for providing an advance copy of The Border by Steve Schafer. Debut author, Steve Schafer, has written a heart wrenching book about Mexican teens forced to endure murder, secrets, betrayal, and danger after a celebratory family party results in the death of their families and all that they knew and loved in their lives. I could not put down this book as I followed Pato, Arbo, Marcos and Gladys through their intense journey from Mexico across the border and into the horrors of the desert. I loved the four characters: Pato who is vulnerable (but strong) to so many conflicting thoughts and feelings, Arbo (Pato’s best friend and cousin) can’t defend himself but helps in any way he can, Marco is a hothead who is not afraid to protect his sister, use a gun, and fight and finally Gladys, Marcos’ sister who is sweet, kind, and always tries to be positive keeping the group together with her wisdom. As these teens run from a Mexican gang and everyone else (they have bounties for their capture) the reader learns about their lives before the party and are catapulted into each hour and footstep after as they try to evade capture and flee to “safety” in the United States. These teens are tested time and time again in ways they never imagined. YA fans and reluctant readers hearts will palpitate as Pato and friends try to survive too much adversity and facing impossible choices. Readers will root for these Mexican teens through cliff hangers, chaos, and much suspense as they race against time toward a life that does not promise safety and security but that I hope, they can persevere. Please read the Author’s Note and Acknowledgments, they are very important and I liked that high school students read and gave feedback on this timely and real issue. Highly recommended!

A terrifying thriller from start to finish that explores family, culture, fear, and the depths of survival. THE BORDER moves with a fast-paced plot made more tragic by the truth behind its story.

Just by reading the description of The Border, I knew it was going to be an emotional roller coaster type read and it was. SO MANY FEELS. I laughed, I mostly cried. It was such a sad and emotional story. It’s also a story about survival and boy did Pato, Arbo, Marcos, and Gladys fight to survive. I grew to love every single character; even Marcos and at times it was so hard to. The things that they had to see and live through, no kid should ever have to. They lost everything and in the end they only had each other and they needed each other more than anything. They fought hard and I was rooting for them all the way to the end.

I’m glad I was given the opportunity to read this book, because it’s so important. Things that have happened in this book are things that have been going on in Mexico for decades. This isn’t something new and it’s still happening today. The Border may be a work of fiction, but some of the places and things happening are not. There are thousands of people that lose their lives in the Mexican desert just trying to get out of an already crappy life in Mexico. They’re willing to risk everything (even their life) for the chance and hope for something better for themselves and their families.

Overall, The Border was a very emotional read. At times it was pretty scary and some of the events that happen are horrific. There were some good moments as well even through all the bad. Hands down, one of my favorite books of the year so far. This book, this story, these characters were EVERYTHING. I loved this book so much and it’ll be one of those books that I will forever think about, talk about, and recommend.

This is a highly relevant and important book. It is fairly well written. The weight of the content makes it difficult.

I was invited to read and review this book and to be honest I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book. The content was something that I don't usually choose, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed this book and I learned a lot about the lives of people who choose to illegally immigrate to the US via the Mexican/American border.
Living in the upper Midwest my entire life, I was aware of this happening, but never really knew much about it. I appreciate the insight this book gave me as well as the empathy that I have developed for those individuals having to deal with this experience.
Thank you for inviting me to read this book, it was amazing and eye opening to say the least.

This is the ultimate story that will grip you and reel you in from beginning to end. You won't be able to put the book down once you've started reading it. It's a tragedy, romance, and some drama all in one book.

I'd say that this would be based on something true.As I read through the story, I also felt a bit uneasy - while I know this is a fictitious story, I also know the realities that this is based upon.

The main characters' determination and strength is something that will stay with me for a while. The characters never give up, even when faced with something that's bigger than they are. This story is filled with courage and the power of hope. It was an inspiring read, and I the themes will never be forgotten once you've read this book.

Overall, I thought this was a good read.

What a page turner for me. We always hear how hard it is for people to cross into the United States but to have it told in a story it felt different, more raw and I liked that. Four kids have their lives changed when gunmen kill at a party. We see how they learn to come together but yet still fight for their lives while trying to get across the border. Nothing will be easy and heartache will ensue. They will encounter harsh conditions and death. This book was not like anything I have read before and I enjoyed that. The characters felt real and when put into certain situations I felt that they handled it like they were suppose to. The whole scene with the vultures was like nothing I have seen described and I felt it went where it needed to in the story.
There was one scene where Pato and Arbo are in the desert and Pato thinks about the only way to cool Arbo down.
Well this leads to later on everyone joking with Pato which actually had me laughing and just shaking my head, because well you will do anything to make sure your friend lives.

Another part in the book I really liked was when Pato and Arbo are talking about water and the taste. They are questioning why water doesn't taste like anything unlike everything else we put in our mouth. "You can't describe water, and it's the one think we need the most. Why not give it flavor?" This really gets you thinking about that!

Overall this book was amazing and a real eye opener to the illegal immigration that goes on and the depths of what people will do to get out of the country they are in., especially when they are running away from something terrible.

What a poignant book. This is the ultimate journey story that will grip you and reel you in from beginning to end. It's the type of book that keeps you up at night because you need to know more, more, more. It's tragedy, romance, and drama all rolled into one, with just enough comic relief to keep you from suffocating under the intensity of this book.

As I read through the story, I also felt a bit uneasy - while I know this is a fictitious story, I also know the realities that this is based upon. The narcos, the desert, the corruption... It's all real, and it's happening just south of me. If that doesn't make the book a terrifying read, then I don't know what will.

The main characters' determination and strength is something that will stay with me for a long time. Their story is poignant, but never do they give up, even when faced with something much bigger than themselves. This is a story of absolute courage and of the power of hope, of how setting goals is crucial in times of despair. It was an inspiring read, and I don't think I'll ever forget the themes of this book.

I'd like to thank Sourcebooks Fire for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It will be hitting the shelves in September, so keep an eye out for it!