The Scourge Review

368 pages

As a lethal plague sweeps through the land, Ani Mells is shocked when she is unexpectedly captured by the governor's wardens and forced to submit to a test for the deadly Scourge. She is even more surprised when the test results come back positive, and she is sent to Attic Island, a former prison turned refuge -- and quarantine colony -- for the ill. The Scourge's victims, Ani now among them, can only expect to live out short, painful lives there. However, Ani quickly discovers that she doesn't know the whole truth about the Scourge or the Colony. She's been caught in a devious plot, and, with the help of her best friend, Weevil, Ani means to uncover just what is actually going on.
But will she and Weevil survive long enough to do so?

Review:

While I've seen this book marketed as a fantasy novel, the story follows along the lines of a mystery novel. Besides that it is a pretty decent read. Ani is an interesting heroine, bold and quick to stand up for what is right. Weevil is her best friend and their friendship is strong and unbreakable. The secret behind the Scourge is the mystery that envelops this entire novel. I enjoyed the heroism and loyalty of the main characters as well as the villainy behind the Colony. I do wish that Ani's life as one of the river people had been explored a bit more but the rivalry between those who live in the town and those by the river made things a bit more interesting. I'm glad that this novel ends without leaving room to wonder, as it is a standalone novel. I would recommend this read to anyone who likes mystery novels with some added action.