Sunday, September 18, 2016
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Shadow Fall Review
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| 368 pages |
The asteroid hurtling toward the earth will kill billions.
The Emperor and his Gold Court will be safe in their space station, watching from the stars. The Silvers will be protected underground. But the Bronzes must fight it out at the Shadow Trials for the few remaining spots left on the space station.
When an enigmatic benefactor hands Maia Graystone a spot in the Trials, she won’t just get a chance at salvation for her and her baby brother, Max: She gets to confront the mother who abandoned her in prison, the mad Emperor who murdered her father, and the Gold prince who once loved her. But it’s the dark bastard prince she’s partnered with that will make her question everything, including her own heart. With the asteroid racing closer every day, Maia must trust someone to survive.
The question is who?
Review (ARC):
This wasn't a bad book but it wasn't an exceptionally good one either. Think The Hunger Games or other similar dystopian novels except in space. The main character, Maia, is a survivor and gets pulled into a game of survival to save her life and her brother's. There is a lot of action in this novel and even a bit of a love triangle. Caspian and Riser are polar opposites yet each have something that pulls Maia and it will be interesting to see who she ultimately ends up with. As the first in the series this novel is fairly enjoyable and anyone that enjoys dystopian fiction will enjoy this one.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Thursday, September 8, 2016
The Scourge Review
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| 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.
