Battle Royal, has anyone read it?

[Pyroglyphics]

I'm a thirteen year old girl, I've read the Hunger Games, loved it, heard about this book, and it piqued my interest. But the question I have is: Is it appropriate for my age group? I have no problem with gore, but I googled it, and it seems very horrific and terrifying-- but is it really that bad? I'd really like to give it a try.

[Copperfaith]

I'm not really sure, as I didn't read the books myself. I'm a fan of the movies though, mostly because Takeshi Kitano is my favorite Japanese actor and the emotions of the younger actors felt quite genuine. Why not find out yourself? If it turns out too 'heavy', you can always put the book away.

Also, Bump.

[Naterbee]

From everything I've been told there is a lot of sex and gore in it.
If you're not up for the gore or the sexual content, I advise not to read it.

[The Girly-Wolf]

Here's a quote for a taste of what Battle Royalle is like...

The soldier pumped two bullets into Mr. Hayashida's head. The rest of Hayashida's head flew apart. The high powered bullets tore apart his brains and bones which formed a bloody mist and splattered all over the faces and chests of the students in the front row.

This book is way more vicious than Hunger Games.

[The Raving Robot]

To add on to what Leah posted.

That's not even one of the most graphic parts of the book. Which, if you liked THG, Battle Royale (which I have read) isn't like it at all.
It's a completely different book, with a completely different message to it.
I don't particularly think people under the age of 17 should read the book, I mean I adore gore, but even this book was hard to read for me, it's just a really unnecessary book if you ask me.

But if you want to read a book that will leave you wondering why the ******** you even read it, and what you read, then read the book for sure.

[Trinket Sixpence]

I loved Battle Royale, its theme
of unifying against corrupt powers
was inspiring to me, and the vicious
breakdown of the human psyche in
children who knew they were going
to either kill or be killed was very
chilling.

It is, however, a little too heavy for
a younger audience. The violence
and sexual content are a bit too much,
and it gave me (A hardcore horror fan) the
jitters. As much as I loved this book, I
can't recommend it.

The Running Man might be a little easier
of a read. When I was your age, I was just
starting to really get into Steven King. It's
a similar concept, but the characters are
adults. He can get a little violent, but I've
never had to put his books down to let an
image settle without vomiting before. xD