- Paperback: (ARC) 431 pages
- Publisher: Headline (2 Feb 2012) Age Range: Young Adult Genre: Dystopia:Post Apocalyptic Source: Publisher
Rating:
3.5
This is a bit of a tricky book for me. Originally, I struggled with it, and I contemplated setting this one aside. I'm glad I went ahead with it anyway. It may have not really kicked in for me until the second half but I do think it was worth it.
The premise is truly frightening and the book can be disturbing at parts. You know, it's hardly gory or anything of the sort, but some of the things they have to go through and the way these innocent people have suffered is pretty traumatising.
When I think of Aribelle and Sedge and her granddad, I mean my heart just goes out to them. Of course everyone is a victim here but I think it was these three who touched me most. It's funny, how they seemed to reduce me nearly to tears although I hardly know them.
Each character holds their own in this novel. Sometimes, we are a little frustrated at lack of characterisation and then let it slide reminding ourselves that it's the first book in the series, surely we will get to know them more during the future instalments? This book shows that there should be no such excuse. There may be characters that you'd like to know a little more but that connection is there, there is enough depth to them to make you truly care.
If I had to pick two favourite characters, it would have to be El Capitan and Bradwell. Although El Captian is originally on a very different side, he shows real compassion towards a girl he hardly knows when he doesn't have to, when it goes against everything that he is a part of. How can you not admire that about a man? Also, I found it interesting how he dealt with his younger brother who is forever fused to him. Bradwell is a real swoon magnet. The funny thing is, he's not made out to be gorgeous or anything, but there's definitely something very attractive about him. A girl can admire a strong, brave man, right? It's so lovely how you watch as him and Pressia start to become more aware of each other. I absolutely love how the author really takes her time with these two. How Bradwell simply touching her hair, or embracing her could fill me with such warmth and happiness. Sometimes the subtle gestures can mean so much more. Lyda and Partridge kind of fell into the background whenever the other two were around. Unfortunately, for me, personally, they just didn't stand out as much.
Of course, let's not forget the cool moments. Once a few things were revealed I was pretty psyched! Ermm, can I just give Glassings a shout-out! He is so freaking awesome.
A part of me just can't help but wish that it was a standalone. It would have been so much more satisfying if they could have just fit it all in one book. Series tend me make me weary. Although I ended up liking the book and being glad that I continued reading it, it wasn't the most easy reading experience out there, and for that reason I can't guarantee that this will be for everyone. I'm not sure how I feel about reading the future books. I think that will have to be decided when it is time.
This is a bit of a tricky book for me. Originally, I struggled with it, and I contemplated setting this one aside. I'm glad I went ahead with it anyway. It may have not really kicked in for me until the second half but I do think it was worth it.
The premise is truly frightening and the book can be disturbing at parts. You know, it's hardly gory or anything of the sort, but some of the things they have to go through and the way these innocent people have suffered is pretty traumatising.
When I think of Aribelle and Sedge and her granddad, I mean my heart just goes out to them. Of course everyone is a victim here but I think it was these three who touched me most. It's funny, how they seemed to reduce me nearly to tears although I hardly know them.
Each character holds their own in this novel. Sometimes, we are a little frustrated at lack of characterisation and then let it slide reminding ourselves that it's the first book in the series, surely we will get to know them more during the future instalments? This book shows that there should be no such excuse. There may be characters that you'd like to know a little more but that connection is there, there is enough depth to them to make you truly care.
If I had to pick two favourite characters, it would have to be El Capitan and Bradwell. Although El Captian is originally on a very different side, he shows real compassion towards a girl he hardly knows when he doesn't have to, when it goes against everything that he is a part of. How can you not admire that about a man? Also, I found it interesting how he dealt with his younger brother who is forever fused to him. Bradwell is a real swoon magnet. The funny thing is, he's not made out to be gorgeous or anything, but there's definitely something very attractive about him. A girl can admire a strong, brave man, right? It's so lovely how you watch as him and Pressia start to become more aware of each other. I absolutely love how the author really takes her time with these two. How Bradwell simply touching her hair, or embracing her could fill me with such warmth and happiness. Sometimes the subtle gestures can mean so much more. Lyda and Partridge kind of fell into the background whenever the other two were around. Unfortunately, for me, personally, they just didn't stand out as much.
Of course, let's not forget the cool moments. Once a few things were revealed I was pretty psyched! Ermm, can I just give Glassings a shout-out! He is so freaking awesome.
A part of me just can't help but wish that it was a standalone. It would have been so much more satisfying if they could have just fit it all in one book. Series tend me make me weary. Although I ended up liking the book and being glad that I continued reading it, it wasn't the most easy reading experience out there, and for that reason I can't guarantee that this will be for everyone. I'm not sure how I feel about reading the future books. I think that will have to be decided when it is time.
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