Born Trilogy, Book 1
Survival
2012-11-01
260
Ten years ago when the world ended she ran for her life. Five weeks ago the world she'd hidden from came knocking on the door of her secluded cabin. Ten days ago she found salvation hiding amongst the dead. Yesterday she went back for the living. Today she wonders if she will live to see tomorrow."--P. [4] of cover.
Review:
I bought this book for my Nook because it was on sale, and I am a sucker for any dystopian type of novel. It was a choice I am glad I made. It’s different from all of the others I have read in the blending of elements and tropes.
The basic premise is that a girl has been taught to survive by her father before a type of New World Order world conspiracy occurs. This leaves her alone and without human contact for ten years of her life. Add into the mix people who are almost like zombies, human hunters, rapists, food scarcity, and other various dangers and it becomes quite a thrill ride.
I loved the world building aspect of this book. Since she was completely isolated before others became involved, it was almost as if there were two different worlds to explore. The first is Emma’s in isolation, and the second is introduced through two characters who arrive at her door and pull her back into the lives of others. Her learning about them and how to interact was my favorite part.
Unfortunately, it began to lose me at the end. Things seem to move too quickly and a third character is introduced who gives me the creeps. I am afraid I can see where the next book is going, and it makes me nervous. Along with it, the writing of many of the personal interactions is stilted and awkward almost to the point of distraction. I enjoyed it at first, because it seems natural that someone who has had so little human contact would speak that way, but as the book progressed it became apparent it was due to the writing itself, not the portrayal of a character’s limitations.
Overall, the premise was enough to make me enjoy this book and read the rest of the series.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Sexual Situations
