Books like 'Payback'
Readers who enjoyed Payback by Gordon Korman also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary sc-fi action / adventure mystery children realistic humor friendship family survival
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Survivor In Death by J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts
28 ratingsNo affairs. No criminal connections. No DNA. No clues. Eve Dallas may be the best cop in the city - not to mention having the lavish resources of her husband Roarke at her disposal - but the Swisher case has her baffled. The family members were murdered in their beds with brutal, military precision... -
Deadlock by Mark Walden
14 ratingsA Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader...Categorized as:
children friendship law-enforcement action-adventure book children-books contemporary crime -
Night Light by Terri Blackstock
24 ratingsWhat happens when the lights go out and don't come back on? At first, of course, the power shutdown seems like a minor inconvenience or even an occasion for merriment; but as this temporary crisis lengthens into months, it becomes apparent that this global blackout is a catastrophe of biblical proportions... -
Battle of the Ampere by Richard Paul Evans
26 ratingsThe hair-raising action continues for Michael Vey in this charged third installment of the #1 New York Times bestselling series.Michael, Taylor, Ostin and the rest of the Electroclan have destroyed the largest of the Elgen Starxource plants, but now they’re scattered across the Amazon jungle... -
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Terminal by Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs
18 ratingsThe thrilling finale to Kathy and Brendan Reichs’ New York Times bestselling VIRALS seriesThe Virals are back—but they’re not the only pack in town anymore. Terminal finds Tory Brennan—grandniece of the famous forensic anthropologist (star of the hit show Bones)—and the rest of the Morris Island gang tracking a pack of rogue Virals who call themselves the Trinity...Categorized as:
dystopia friendship humor law-enforcement action-adventure audiobook book contemporary -
Fire & Ash by Jonathan Maberry
18 ratingsIn the gripping conclusion to the action-packed standard bearer (Booklist) of zombie series, the threat of death is given new life.Benny Imura and his friends have found the jet and Sanctuary, but neither is what they expected. Instead of a refuge, Sanctuary is a hospice, and the soldiers who flew the plane seem to be little more than bureaucrats who have given up hope for humanity's future... -
Masterminds: Criminal Destiny by Gordon Korman
18 ratings"A terrific page-turner, full of unexpected twists and revelations. Buckle up!"—James PattersonThe second book in the acclaimed, action-packed series from New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman. Stranger Things fans, don't miss this trilogy!The clones of Project Osiris are free—but they’re being hunted... -
Rise of the Elgen by Richard Paul Evans
28 ratingsMichael must save his mother—and protect his powers—in the electric sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling Michael Vey, from Richard Paul Evans.Michael was born with special electrical powers—and he’s not the only one. His friend Taylor has them too, and so do other kids around the world... -
Masterminds by Gordon Korman
20 ratingsThe first book in the action-packed trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman is perfect for fans of Stranger Things and James Patterson. Eli Frieden has never left Serenity, New Mexico...why would he ever want to? Then one day, he bikes to the edge of the city limits and something so crazy and unexpected happens, it changes everything... -
UnSouled by Neal Shusterman
26 ratingsTeens fight for their humanity in this thrilling third book in the New York Times bestselling Unwind Dystology series by Neal Shusterman.Connor and Lev are on the run after the destruction of the Graveyard, the last safe haven for AWOL unwinds... -
Explorer Academy by Trudi Trueit
12 ratingsAdventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado as he joins an elite school for explorers.Cruz leaves his tranquil home in Hawaii to join 23 talented kids from around the globe to train at the Explorer Academy with the world's leading scientists to become the next generation of great explorers. But for Cruz, there's more at stake...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
The Overlord Protocol by Mark Walden
20 ratingsHOW FAR WILL OTTO GO TO PROTECT HIS FRIENDS? Otto Malpense and his friends thought their first year at the Higher Institute of Villainous Education was the most adventurous and exciting that they would ever encounter. They were dead wrong... -
Code by Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs
20 ratingsThe Virals are put to the ultimate test when they find a geocache containing an ornate puzzle box. Shelton decodes the cipher inside, only to find more tantalizing clues left by "The Gamemaster." A second, greater geocache is within reach—if the Virals are up to the challenge... -
Perfect by Cecelia Ahern
24 ratingsCelestine North is Flawed.Ever since Judge Crevan declared her the number one threat to the public, she has been a ghost, on the run with Carrick, the only person she can trust. But Celestine has a secret—one that could bring the entire Flawed system crumbling to the ground. A secret that has already caused countless people to go missing... -
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The Other Side of Dawn by John Marsden
25 ratingsSince their home was invaded by enemy soldiers and transformed into a war zone, Ellie and her friends have been fighting for their lives. Now a resolution may finally be in sight. But as enemy forces close in on her hideout, Ellie discovers that the final conflict just may be the most dangerous yet. And not everyone will survive... -
Alone by Megan E. Freeman
16 ratingsWhen twelve-year-old Maddie hatches a scheme for a secret sleepover with her two best friends, she ends up waking up to a nightmare. She’s alone—left behind in a town that has been mysteriously evacuated and abandoned.With no one to rely on, no power, and no working phone lines or internet access, Maddie slowly learns to survive on her own... -
Cryptid Hunters by Roland Smith
18 ratingsAfter their parents are lost in an accident, thirteen-year old twins Grace and Marty are whisked away to live with their Uncle Wolfe-an uncle that they didn't even know they had! The intimidating Uncle Wolfe is an anthropologist who has dedicated his life to finding cryptids, mysterious creatures believed to be long extinct... -
Among the Enemy by Margaret Peterson Haddix
24 ratingsHIDE OR FIGHT?Matthias, an illegal third child, is caught in the cross fire between rebels and the Population Police. When he unwittingly saves a Population Police officer, Matthias is brought to Population Police headquarters to train as an officer himself. There he meets Nina, another third-born who enlists his help in a plot to undermine the Population Police... -
Among the Free by Margaret Peterson Haddix
24 ratingsENOUGH GAMES.Luke Garner is a third-born in a restrictive society that allows only two children per family. Risking his life, he came out of hiding to fight against the Population Police laws. Now, in the final volume of Margaret Peterson Haddix's suspenseful Shadow Children series, Luke inadvertently sets off a rebellion that results in the overthrow of the government... -
Last Light by Terri Blackstock
24 ratingsIn the face of a crisis that sweeps an entire high-tech planet back to the age before electricity, Deni Branning's career ambitions have vanished. She's not about to let her dream of marriage go as well.But keeping it alive will require extraordinary measures. Yesterday's world is gone. All Deni and her family have left is each other and their neighbors... -
Burning For Revenge by John Marsden
25 ratingsThe action doesn't let up in the most explosive Tomorrow book yet -- another international bestseller from John Marsden. The journey to Stratton isn't an easy trip, especially when the enemy's headquarters lie somewhere along the way. And that's exactly where Ellie and her friends unwittingly find themselves... -
Among the Brave by Margaret Peterson Haddix
26 ratingsA Reluctant HeroTrey may have saved Luke's life, but he still thinks of himself as a coward who can barely stand to be outdoors. Now Trey finds out Luke has been taken prisoner at Population Police headquarters. Trey is terrified, but he knows that if he doesn't rescue his friend, no one will.At police headquarters, Trey impersonates an officer to try getting to Luke... -
Saves the Future by James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein
6 ratingsAlbert Einstein + James Patterson = A Must Read! The world's #1 bestselling author has teamed up with the world's most famous genius to entertain, educate and inspire a generation of kids--with the first and only kids' book series officially approved by the Albert Einstein Archives...Categorized as:
children friendship humor realistic action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
The Sinner and the Liar by Alice Winters
8 ratingsSin is a hard man caught in a crumbling city filled with crime. After losing the love of his life, Sin feels like he has nothing left to live for. Drifting through life, he takes on mercenary jobs by day and drinks away the memories of a happier time at night. Life has no color and little direction until he saves a gorgeous young man from a vicious attack... -
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The Fall by Thomas A. Watson
10 ratingsWhat would you do in an apocalyptic event? How would your family and friends survive? Could you survive? Join two families on a journey through hell on earth as they try to save themselves and maybe mankind.A super virus has been unleashed on mankind. Our way of life and the modern day speed of travel spread the virus from the jungles of Africa around the world in days... -
Boy In The Tower by Polly Ho-Yen
12 ratingsSHORTLISTED FOR THE BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD 2015LONGLISTED FOR THE BRANFORD BOASE AWARD 2015SHORTLISTED FOR THE REDBRIDGE AWARD 2015RUNNER UP TEACH PRIMARY NEW CHILDREN'S FICTION AWARD 2015BOOKTRUST PICKWhen they first arrived, they came quietly and stealthily as if they tip-toed into the world when we were all looking the other way. Ade loves living at the top of a tower block... -
Kalahari by Jessica Khoury
16 ratingsDeep in the Kalahari Desert, a Corpus lab protects a dangerous secret…But what happens when that secret takes on a life of its own? When an educational safari goes wrong, five teens find themselves stranded in the Kalahari Desert without a guide... -
Middle Ground by Katie Kacvinsky, Katie Ray
18 ratingsFor four weeks Maddie has been living in Los Angeles, trying to be good. But no matter how hard she tries, something inside her won't be sated. She can't live a life of half-truths and false pretenses. So one night, she says how she really feels.That's all it takes. One night... -
Mission Unstoppable by Dan Gutman
18 ratingsThe most exciting road trip in history begins! In this action-packed, New York Times bestselling adventure, twelve-year-old twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald embark on a family vacation you'll have to read to believe... -
The Night Is for Hunting by John Marsden
25 ratingsIn the penultimate installment of the internationally bestselling Tomorrow series, Ellie and her friends look after a gang of orphans whose wild behavior reveals the true impact of war.Amidst a brutal war with no end in sight, Ellie and her four remaining friends discover that their hidden refuge becomes a crowded place when they decide to care for an uncooperative crew of orphans... -
Among the Impostors by Margaret Peterson Haddix
26 ratingsLuke Garner is terrified.Out of hiding for the first time in his life, he knows that any minute one of his new classmates at Hendricks School for Boys could discover his secret: that he's a third child passing as the recently deceased Lee Grant... -
Among the Barons by Margaret Peterson Haddix
26 ratingsLuke Garner, an illegal third child, spent his first twelve years in hiding. For the past four months Luke has lived among others, using the identity of Lee Grant, at the Hendricks School for Boys. But just as things are finally starting to go right, Lee's little brother Smits arrives at the school and Luke finds himself caught in a tangle of lies that gets more complex with every passing day... -
The Program by Suzanne Young
31 ratingsIn Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive... -
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau, Amélie Hesnard
35 ratingsKeep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn't that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one and the same?The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation's chosen few who must rebuild it... -
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Nikki Tesla and the Ferret-Proof Death Ray by Jess Keating, Lissy Marlin
6 ratings"Let the official record show that, I, Nikki Tesla, did not intend to destroy the world."There are only so many times a kid can invent an instrument of global destruction without getting grounded. So when Nikki's death ray accidentally blows up her bedroom (if you can call a pet ferret with an itchy trigger finger an accident), she's sent to the only place that can handle her...Categorized as:
children friendship humor law-enforcement action-adventure boarding-school book children-books -
Double Cross by Beth McMullen, Kelsey Navarro
6 ratingsShannon Hale’s Princess Academy meets Stu Gibbs’s Spy School series in the third book in the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series.Abby and her classmates have all been invited to Briar Academy to participate in The Challenge, a prep school competition where teams compete for prizes and the glory of being the best of the best... -
Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick
10 ratingsIt could be the mysterious bloodstained man who tries to stop their coach, or the fact no one seems to be around at the brand-new activity centre when Lance and the rest of his class arrive for the Year 6 school trip, but something is definitely not right at Crater Lake! What follows is a fight for survival that sees five pupils band together to save their classmates from an alien fate far worse... -
After the Lights Go Out by Lili Wilkinson
10 ratingsWhat happens when the lights go off after what might truly be an end-of-the-world event? How do you stay alive? Who do you trust? How much do you have to sacrifice?'After the Lights Go Out is a terrifying yet hope-filled story of disaster, deceit, love, sacrifice and survival... -
H.I.V.E. Higher Institute of Villainous Education by Mark Walden
24 ratingsHIGHER INSTITUTE OF VILLAINOUS EDUCATIONOtto Malpense may only be thirteen years old, but so far he has managed to run the orphanage where he lives, and he has come up with a plan clever enough to trick the most powerful man in the country. He is the perfect candidate to become the world's next supervillain.That is why he ends up at H.I.V.E., handpicked to become a member of the incoming class... -
Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott
24 ratingsWhat would you do to save someone you love?Time is slipping away. . . .Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to the middle of nowhere for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying--and she's helpless to change anything... -
Seizure by Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs
25 ratingsEver since Tory Brennan and her friends rescued Cooper, a kidnapped wolf pup with a rare strain of canine parvovirus, they've turned from regular kids into a crime-solving pack. But now the very place that brought them together - the Loggerhead Island Research Institute - is out of funding and will have to shut down. That is, unless the Virals can figure out a way to save it...Categorized as:
dystopia friendship humor law-enforcement outlaws realistic action-adventure animals -
Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix
25 ratingsSo my only protection is a kindergarten teacher and a ninety-eight-pound female minister....And they don't even believe I'm in danger. As Bethany approaches her thirteenth birthday, her parents begin acting more oddly than usual: Her mother cries constantly, and her father barely lets Bethany out of his sight...Categorized as:
children dystopia family law-enforcement realistic action-adventure book children-books -
Among the Betrayed by Margaret Peterson Haddix
26 ratings"Everything that had happened to Nina was real. She had real handcuffs on her wrists, real scars on her back, real fear flooding her mind. "'They're going to kill me,' Nina whispered, and it was almost a relief to finally, finally give up hope...Categorized as:
children dystopia family friendship realistic survival action-adventure alternate-history -
Slated by Teri Terry
27 ratingsA riveting psychological thrillerKYLA HAS BEEN SLATED - her memory erased, her personality wiped blank. This is the government's way of dealing with teen terrorists: give them a fresh start as a new person. They teach Kyla how to walk and talk again, give her a new identity and a new family, and tell her to be grateful for this second chance... -
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Dry by Neal Shusterman, Jarrod Shusterman
28 ratingsWhen the California drought escalates to catastrophic proportions, one teen is forced to make life and death decisions for her family in this harrowing story of survival,The drought—or the Tap-Out, as everyone calls it—has been going on for a while now. Everyone’s lives have become an endless list of don’ts: don’t water the lawn, don’t fill up your pool, don’t take long showers...Categorized as:
dystopia family friendship realistic survival action-adventure apocalyptic audiobook -
Ungifted by Gordon Korman
27 ratingsThe word gifted has never been applied to a kid like Donovan Curtis. It's usually more like Don't try this at home. So when the troublemaker pulls a major prank at his middle school, he thinks he's finally gone too far... -
Darkness, Be My Friend by John Marsden
25 ratingsThe battle continues as five ordinary kids must journey back into the heart of an epic conflict.Five months into World War III, Ellie and her four remaining friends have barely escaped the Australian town of Wirrawee with their lives and their sanity intact.But as the next step becomes clear, they realize they must once again sacrifice their hard-won comfort and safety...Categorized as:
dystopia family friendship realistic survival action-adventure apocalyptic audiobook -
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
40 ratingsSHADOW CHILDRENLuke has never been to school. He's never had a birthday party, or gone to a friend's house for an overnight. In fact, Luke has never had a friend.Luke is one of the shadow children, a third child forbidden by the Population Police...Categorized as:
children dystopia family friendship realistic survival 20th-century action-adventure -
Savage Drift by Emmy Laybourne
18 ratingsThe stunningly fierce conclusion to Emmy Laybourne's Monument 14 trilogy.The survivors of the Monument 14 have finally made it to the safety of a Canadian refugee camp. Dean and Alex are cautiously starting to hope that a happy ending might be possible.But for Josie, separated from the group and trapped in a brutal prison camp for exposed Type Os, things have gone from bad to worse... -
A Whole Nother Story by Cuthbert Soup, Dick Hill
16 ratingsThe Cheesemans are a family on the run. Mr. Cheeseman and his late wife invented a device so powerful and amazing that all sorts of evildoers want to get their greedy hands on it. Mr. Cheeseman and his three children must keep their identities secret and stay one step ahead of the villains as they run from town to town, escape dangerous situations, even change their names...
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