*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
It's been 20 years since a plague called The Madness spread throughout the world. Many were killed by the plague, others were actually cured by it. Unfortunately, another group turned Feral, so filled with rage that all they could do, or think to do, was kill all those around them. Children born in the post-Madness world all go through The Change when they reach their teens. They go into a coma and wake up either with powers or as Ferals. This book follows the stories of Narrah and Arika, twins born in post-Madness Australia, as they are kidnapped, hunted, and go on dangerous journeys in the real world, and in the Changelands.
Review:
I'll admit, at first glance, this book seemed like it was going to be just another YA Dystopia novel that was just gonna be "okay" at best. What I found, however, was an interesting world with intelligent characters, always an enjoyable combination for me. I appreciate when I never feel the urge to yell at a character for being stupid. Couple that with "super powers" in the real world, and I was hooked.
Overall I found the story to be well written and easy to follow. No part of this book felt out of place, but not everything was predictable. As the book progressed, the world opened up and became more interesting. I appreciated that Flynn included all kinds of survivor mentalities. There were those that felt technology caused all the problems, so all instances of it should be destroyed. Others felt that technology was the only way to save the world. And, of course, there were also the religious fanatics. Each view point was well thought out and fully believed by the characters.
There were also little things that made me enjoy the book. The entire book takes place in Australia, so when the twins encounter an American for the first time, one of them makes note of how the guy was clearly speaking English, but there was something off about how he was speaking it. There was also how Arika used her abilities, getting into the right mindset required a very different kind of thought process.
This book ended up being a much more engaging read than I thought it would. Good characters, good world, good story. I happily give 4 hoots!
Hoot! Hoot!
Thanks, Rachel; I am very pleased you enjoyed the novel.
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