Tag Archives: review
Born
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
Damned
Damned, Book 1
Fiction
Anchor Books
2012-10-02
247
As thirteen-year-old Madison tries to figure out how she died and ended up in Hell, she learns how to manipulate the corrupt system of demons and bodily fluids.
Review:
To be upfront, I am not typically a fan of Chuck Palahniuk’s writing, but this one’s description caught my eye so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did, because I generally loved it.
The main character, 13-year-old Madison, evolves throughout the story from a rather clueless girl to one who gradually becomes more self-aware. The writing style is meant to mimic how a girl her age may write, and for the most part it played out nicely. However, after a while some of the repetition began to grate on my nerves like one of the demons in the book. We got the point, Mr. Palahnuik. It really marred what was otherwise a pleasant read and is the sole reason I gave it three stars instead of four.
The other characters were excellent. All surprising and well-rounded, they did a great job of making the novel thought-provoking as opposed to one-dimensional. Archer and Goren were particular were favorites of mine.
The list of ways to get you a one way ticket to eternal damnation had me laughing every time one came up. I challenge anyone not to wonder if you are gambling with their soul the next time they commit one of the atrocities.
As is so common in a Palahniuk novel that I don’t think it bears even a thought of a spoiler warning, it all comes down to the ultimate existential crisis. This one is the best I have ever read, not only from the author, but from possibly any author. It definitely left me wanting more in spite of the previously mentioned repetition. Lucky for me, there is a sequel, “Doomed”.
Content Warning:
This book was listed as young adult, and that designation makes me quite sure that I either entered an alternate dimension or the one who decides such things came to work drunk. It is NOT, by any stretch of the imagination, a book meant for younger readers. There is quite a bit of profanity, extremely graphic sexual imagery, and an overall perverseness that would make most school librarians have a stroke. You have been warned.
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