4 out of 5 stars.
I would like to thank Hague Publishing for an ARC of this book for an open and honest review.
This was a very interesting story where I went from liking it to not liking it, and back again throughout.
Set in a dystopian surrounding that brought to mind other young adult genre books like Taronga by Victor Kelleher and even, at times, the Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody it caught my attention quickly. However I then found it a rather slow paced book and I kept wondering if and when it would get to the point.
Though, I must say when it did get to the point… wow! Plot twist to die for! All my grumpy feelings for the book flew out the window and I couldn’t wait to see where this series would take me.
To touch on the negatives though, I found the characters hard to connect with and confusing at times as they seemed to chop and change their personalities. However, I do feel this might have been down to me… as I don’t read as much Young Adult as I used to and I really do feel these minor flaws wouldn’t be noticed by someone who does read YA all the time.
Would I recommend this book? Actually I would. I really didn’t think I was going to and I really was concerned I’d not have anything to nice say… but the ending just brought it all together and was well worth reading all the way through. So my advice is – it’s a little slow, but stick with it and go ‘wow!’
Would I continue to read this series as it’s published? For now, YES! That was one major hook at the end and when you look at it as a continuing story, the initial slow pace is worth it. I do hope the pace speeds up a little in the next book, but again this could be me and my preference. Speeding it up might just ruin the effect.
If you’re looking for an interesting new YA story from an Australian author – read this.
Until next time,
Janis. XXOO
Janis's Journal 