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Bel:

Cover

A girl with blonde hair blowing in her face against a black backdrop is certainly eye catching, and the title in stark white gives the impression of seriousness.

Characters

Desperate teens in a small forgotten town… I can’t help but draw parallels to the small country town I grew up in, and I hope nobody ever does anything this ridiculous up there, because it’s Stupid with a capital S.

Favourite

I’ll pick Dayna, Dodge’s sister, the only sensible-ish character in the whole book.

Least Favourite

Krista, Heather’s Mum. There are no words.

Beginning

The graduating class put money into a pool to be able to ‘play’ an annual dangerous game, dubbed ‘Panic’. Winner takes all. Heather joins to be noticed by a guy she likes, and everyone is in it to get the hell out of town.

Storyline

The games get more and more dangerous, kids die, and everything is incredibly messed up.

Ending

I was amazed I actually kept reading through to the end.

Thoughts

This book triggered such emotion in me. It brought out the mother urges in me to talk some sense into the characters, and the bad parenting just tipped me over the edge. I honest to goodness hope nobody reads this and thinks “Hey, let’s do that.”

I wish there weren’t teens out there desperate enough to do something like this to rise above destitution, but there are so, so many across the world. It makes me both angry and sad.

It is really well written and the settings and circumstances are vivid in their depiction. I’m sure this was what Lauren was aiming for when writing the book. Bullseye!

Quote

“After Bill Kelly … it’s not worth it. It’s not right.” ~ Dayna trying to talk Dodge out of competing in Panic.

 

Joelene:

Cover

A girl with blonde hair blowing in the wind against a stark, black backdrop. Gives the idea of isolation.

Characters

A group of teens struggling to get away from the only lives they know. Same goal, but different motives.

Favourite

Bishop. Probably the only one whose actions make sense. Would have liked part of it to be from his perspective.

Least Favourite

Dodge. The kid has no idea what he wants. I have no idea what he wants.

Beginning

In the impoverished town of Carp, the only hope students have of getting out and making it is a dangerous game that they pool their cash into all year.

Storyline

As the challenges get more dangerous, bonds form and fall apart. With the stakes so high, friendships fray and players are left wondering if they really know each other.

Ending

Wasn’t exactly neat…As far as I can tell this will be a stand-alone, and there were a few loose ends that didn’t sit well with me.

Thoughts

I love books that explore teens from a disadvantaged background. Panic does a great job of showing the desperation that can arise from those kinds of situations. I would have liked to see the hopelessness the parents experienced too. They wouldn’t have had any more options than the kids, but they’re only painted as another obstacle to rail against.

Quote

‘My point is, when you love someone, when you care for someone, you have to do it through the good and the bad. Not just when you’re happy and it’s easy.’

 

 

Lisa:

Cover

I’ll have to say, that I’m not too amazed with this cover. I don’t dislike or hate it. But I don’t think that it isn’t special or sticks out. It’s not really eye catching, and doesn’t give the reader any hints at the story inside. AGAIN, I’m not saying it’s horrific, but I do feel that this story deserves a better cover.

Characters

Overall, I thought the cast of characters were okay. There was one or two that I absolutely loved, and a handful that I just wanted to give a good shake.

Favorite

The two that I couldn’t get enough of were Heather, the main character, and Dodge. Heather wasn’t some crazy life risking teenager who just graduated high school. She didn’t take part in Panic just for the fun of it. She had to. She desperately needed the money to support herself and her little sister, and made the tough decision of joining.

Dodge on the other hand, had his own motives for joining, which the money wasn’t one of them. He was in it for something completely different. He has been craving for his chance to play in Panic, so when it finally came around, there was no way he wasn’t going to take it.

Least Favorite

Most of the characters I wanted to grab and shake played very small roles. I can’t remember any specific thing they did, but it was usually what they said.

One character that did bother, and that I can recall, is Heather’s best friend, Natalie. She didn’t really have much of a reason to play, but just like a lot of her fellow classmates, she decided to enter for the “fun.” But the last straw, that made me officially dislike her, was when she made deals with both Dodge and Heather; if either one of them would win, they would split the money down the middle. Obviously, Natalie didn’t think very far into it, because if she won, she would have to give half to Heather and half to Dodge…so after going through all this crazy stuff, she would get nothing…

SO FRUSTRATING!

Beginning:

Panic dives right into the action. It begins with the initiation of Panic, and introduces our main character, Heather. The beginning is where we learn about the entire idea of Panic and how it works. We also learn a little bit about our characters, but not too much.

Middle:

Through the middle section of Panic, we witness a lot of the different (AND VERY SCARY) things these teenagers have to go to, to move onto the next round–from crossing a five lane high with their eyes closed, to sneaking into a man’s house and stealing his gun. We also are introduced to the real reasons as to why Heather and Dodge decided to play in Panic and some of their life stories.

End

The one thing I was happiest about when it comes to the ending was that Natalie was exposed for the deals she made with both Heather and Dodge. I mean the deal wasn’t the smartest thing to do anyways, but come on, you’re supposed to be her best friend?

We also witness who the ultimate winner is to Panic, and all of the consequences that come along with the game–tiger’s running wild, to friendships ending, and new ones blooming.

Overall Thoughts

When I first heard of Panic, I was automatically interested. Lauren Oliver has an amazing writing style and she’s an amazing person. I’ve even had the opportunity to meet her! But as I was reading reviews and listening to peoples’ rants, a lot of them were claiming that the game was dumb and pointless–that these kids were crazy to do it.

So I went into reading Panic, feeling okay about it. I didn’t want to hold my expectations to high, but I was still pretty excited.

Now that I’ve read it, I would have to say I disagree with those reviews. I thought the games were crazy, and there would be no way that I would ever play, but I know a lot of kids who could use that huge chunk of money, for school, or even for food. I don’t think it’s that crazy that these kids would join, a lot of people have valid reasons.

Overall, I loved Panic. Heather and Dodge made the story for me. The games were mind blowing. The jackpot was worth it. And I still can’t get enough of Lauren Oliver’s writing.

 

Krista:

Cover

Black cover with blonde girl’s hair blowing across it. I don’t feel it represents the actual details of the story, simplistic but not bad.

Characters

Told from 2 POV’s: Heather and Dodge in rotating chapters, with major side characters of Nat and Bishop.

Favourite

I have to say I couldn’t pick a favorite in this book. I liked all 4 of the major players in this story and what they brought to it.

Least Favourite

Heather’s mother is the worst! I didn’t like anything about her from beginning to end.

Beginning

After being dumped by her boyfriend, Heather decides to join in the senior game of PANIC, to the shock of her friends Nat and Bishop. They didn’t think she had it in her. Dodge, on the other hand, has no fear of participating in the game and looks forward to the challenges. He’s determined even, but not for the title of winner, or the grand prize!

Storyline

In a small town like Carp, the game of Panic has become a yearly thing for graduating seniors. The challenges are composed of trials in which they must overcome their fears, and not die trying. As the challenges get harder, and contestants are ruled out, changes in their lives also change their reasons and determination for winning.

Ending

Kidnappings, explosions and….tigers?

Thoughts

I really enjoyed the majority of this story: how the characters lives changed throughout the story, which in turn changes who they are as people; how the decisions you make can change the course of your life, or how you view life. Being a senior about to graduate already brings a lot of changes to a person’s life, but including such a dangerous game in the mix really added so much more to the story. It was well written, and there was only small things that I didn’t absolutely love about it; but a great and entertaining read, something I recommend to thrill seekers, adventure lovers, and those that like a pinch of survival stories.

Quote

“She knew that this day, this feeling, couldn’t last forever. Everything passed; that was partly why it was so beautiful. Things would get difficult again. But that was okay too.

The bravery was in moving forward, no matter what.”

 

Discussion Topics

Krista: In my opinion, this quote fits Heather’s character, “Love the moment. Flowers grow out of dark moments. Therefore, each moment is vital. It affects the whole. Life is a succession of such moments and to live each, is to succeed.” – Anonymous. Do you agree? What are some specific times throughout the story that Heather really focused on the big picture and didn’t just act spur of the moment?

I personally felt that the addition of the tigers to the story was out of left field and didn’t quite fit the rest of the story. Was there any part of this story that did not feel realistic to you?

Joelene: This theme seems to be running through the story: Is poverty a cycle or a choice?

 

Join us on GoodReads for the discussion!

 

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Krista:

Cover

Pretty plain cover. I appreciate it because it’s one that doesn’t have a girl in a dress on the cover, even though it could with this story. It’s nice to see something simple.

Characters

There are actually a lot more characters than I was thinking there would be when starting the story. Not only do we meet those people most important in Kitty’s life, but all of the Hart family and their closely trusted circle.

Favourite

By the end of the book my favourite character was Benjy. If I were stuck in this situation, I would want him as my sidekick: dependable, honest, and trustworthy.

Least Favourite

There were more people I didn’t like than I liked in this one! It was very surprising that the further I read, the more dislike I had for each member of the family and their actions. This took me off guard. I would have to say the most hated from the first time we were introduced to her was Augusta, the oldest surviving member  of the family line.

Beginning

Kitty has just taken her test and rated lower than she expected in the cast system her world so depends on. She has just turned 17 and feels that her life has just plummeted to nothing and she would rather die. Her boyfriend Benjy and her “mother” encourage her to live and convince her that she is destined to help the population fight the unfair ranking system.

Storyline

Kitty is picked up off the streets because of her similar look to Lila Hart. Given no reasonable choice, she is forced into pretending to be Lila after being “Masked” to look exactly like her. As she stands in for Lila, the family slowly begins revealing secrets of how they really rule the land and the operate the ranking system. She soon gets caught up with the political labyrinth players and the rebellion.

Ending

You thought you could see what was coming, but I never expected things to go the way they did! It was like being on a roller coaster where you were expecting to drop downwards but it pulled you sideways instead.

Thoughts

I can honestly say that I have not read a teen book with so many twists. I think there were so many big revelations throughout the story that I could actually feel my head spin. I am usually a huge fan of books that are just as fast paced and action packed as this one, but at the end I felt pounded with so much to take in. I felt out of whack, needing to still take it all in. It was a pretty dark and powerful read if you look at it in a more critical way — politically and socially.

Quote

“But the world is out there, and it understands that the illusion of knowledge and freedom is not the same as the real thing. Eventually, it will fade, and there are those who will do whatever it takes to make that happen sooner rather than later.”

 

 

Bel:

Cover

I borrowed the audio book from the Brisbane City Council Library and Bolinda Online audio books. The cover art is a round maze with an eye visible though most of the paths. A blue chess piece sits in the top right hand corner of the slate grey background. The book is read by Lamecce Issaq.

 Characters

There are so many characters to hate in this book. The lovable ones are certainly a catalyst to continue reading the series.

Favourite

Kitty. Kick ass, and brainy. Some of her decisions are a little questionable but her motivations make sense.

Least Favourite

Hmmm. Augusta. Again you can understand her motives, but that doesn’t make them right, or forgivable in any way.

Beginning

Kitty is given a really low score on the standardised test to see where she will fit into society, which means a menial job and having to move away from the love of her life Benji.

Storyline

Kitty takes an offer to go from a 3 to a 7 with the intention of being able to stay with Benji. Strings are attached however, and what would a good dystopian book be without some totally corrupt political themes.

Ending

I didn’t pick it, and I am desperate to read on.

Thoughts

With the standardised testing in Aussie schools becoming such a focus, the thought that a single exam determines the rest of your life is just a little too close to home.

I was a little weirded out by the masking process and how easily it seemed to be to recover from such dramatic procedures. Anyone who’s ever seen that gosh awful make over TV show The Swan… that’s what I pictured through this section of the book. EWWW!

I was a little perplexed about the lack of reaction from the character Celia over Kitty’s new circumstance. As a Mum, if this happened to me, I’d be beyond not okay with it.

I did LOVE the book. I’ll be looking to read on throughout 2015.

Quote

I picked this quote because it is pretty much the pivotal argument through the whole book, and I would hazard a guess as to the inspiration for the title of the book.

“They may be weak when the game begins, but their potential is remarkable. Most of the time, they’ll be taken by the other side and held captive until the end of the game. But if you’re careful—if you keep your eyes open and pay attention to what your opponent is doing, if you protect your pawns and they reach the other side of the board, do you know what happens then?”
I shook my head, and she smiled.
“Your pawn becomes a queen.” ~ Kitty having a conversation with Celia about chess.

 

Joelene:

Cover

A brilliantly blue eye framed by something that resembles machinery. Fits the futuristic dystopian theme.

 

Characters

The cast of characters isn’t huge in Pawn, so it’s easy to keep track of who everyone is. The Prime Minister’s family make up most of the players and it ends up seeming a bit like a political family drama.

Favourite

Greyson. He’s probably the smartest guy in the book. Trying to sort out that mess of family is way too complicated. He’s also more empathetic than the others; accepting people as they are rather than forcing them into what he wants them to be.

Least Favourite

Kitty. She really does live up to the book title. She never risks herself; she just lets the larger players push her to where they need her to be.

 Beginning

When Kitty scores low on the test that will decide her future, she thinks that any chance of a good life is forfeit. Then the Prime Minister makes her an offer that she can’t refuse.

Storyline

In a futuristic dystopia, Kitty is an unwanted extra child. When the Prime Minister offers her a chance at more than she could have dreamed, she takes it. What she doesn’t realise is that taking the offer might mean losing herself and becoming someone else – specifically the Prime Minister’s niece, Lila Hart.

 Ending

There’s more upheaval in the end of Pawn than I was expecting. The game is going to change drastically in book two!

Thoughts

Carter took a lot of the issues with growth and technology that worry us today and incorporated them into Pawn. What if technology existed that meant we could replace one figurehead with another without anyone knowing? If humans don’t regulate the population now, what will it mean in the future?

There are also some truths in the novel. Even now the world is told to believe that if a person works hard enough – wants something desperately enough – they will achieve it. We believe the lie, and don’t question the ugliness beneath it. Pawn builds its foundation on that unpleasant notion with the idea that a test given to the poor and rich alike is not equal.

Quote

“On my birthday, you gave me a present,” I said. “It was a purple flower from a vendor selling perfumes. A violet. You said – you said they never gave up, like me.”

 

 

Lisa:

Cover

I absolutely love this cover. If you have the US hardback version, the book jacket slips off, and reveals something even more beautiful. Looking at this cover before indulging in the book, it completely suckers you in. It’s mysterious, different, and bold in a strange way. After reading Pawn and looking back at the cover, you find a whole new meaning to it and each of its elements. Gorgeous!

Characters

There are quite a few characters in Pawn, but each and every one of them is unique and interesting. Obviously, some are meant for you to hate, but I can appreciate an amazing villain!

Favourite

Of course my favourite character would be Kitty, and I’m sure many of you will agree with me. She’s totally kick butt and doesn’t let anything scare her. She’s the perfect character for this role; she’s someone strong who won’t back down on her beliefs.

Least Favourite

As I said before, I can appreciate an amazing villain. When I think of my least favourite character, my mind automatically goes to Augusta or Daxton, simply because the reader is made to despise them. But looking back at them, they are perfect. Daxton is crazy in the head, and does some really messed up stuff, while Augusta is the older lady, who thinks she can still rule a modern world in the old ways.

Overall, I LOVED these two characters, but if I had to choose my “least favourite” it would be them.

Beginning

Pawn follows the story of a teenage girl named Kitty Doe. Anyone with the last name “Doe” is the child that was illegally born, because there is a one child minimum law. While most Does are sent to a place called Elsewhere, some are lucky enough to go to local group homes.

Once teenagers turn seventeen years old, they take an aptitude test, that determines what their ranks are in society. Ones and twos are usually sent to Elsewhere, while threes do the dirty work, fours and fives live comfortable while sixes and sevens are royalty.

After taking her test, Kitty scores low, and is tattooed a three on the back of her neck. She knows she will spend the rest of life working in the underground sewers, or renting out her body to disgusting men for money.

Middle

But when Kitty is approached by a man, who she later discovers is part of the royal family, with an offer to become a seven, Kitty can’t turn it down. She doesn’t know what the catch is, or what he expects of her, but becoming a seven is much better than staying a three, or being sent to Denver, or Elsewhere.

End

While I wish I could give you as much detail about the end, as I did with the beginning, I can’t. I want you to feel the same excitement, nervousness, and anxiety I felt with I was completely wrapped up in Pawn.

All I can tell you is that this story was absolutely amazing! And I’m dying to go out and buy myself a copy of the second book in The Black Coat Rebellion series: Captive.

Overall

I love Aimee Carter and have read all of her books, so this month’s read was a very exciting one for me!

When I first started Pawn, it reminded me of The Selection. Obviously, there are thirty-five girls standing here, to fight for the position that Kitty is in, but the general idea of a poor girl comes into the kingdom and starts to change this in their society is the same. Pawn also had different rankings in society. In The Selection, the higher numbers where lower ranking, in Pawn the lower numbers where lower ranking.

Overall, I enjoyed Pawn, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed The Selection series as well as The Chemical Garden trilogy.

 

 

Discussion Questions

Kitty has dyslexia and it has an affect on her test results. How do you feel about the very generalized way of ranking people this book has
Would you sacrifice yourself for the greater good?

How does the book compare to Kiera Cass’s The Selection?

Do our other club members use audio books often, and out of the three formats (ebook, physical book, audio book) which did they use for this month’s pick?

How close are we, as a global society, to using standardised testing to ‘match’ people to their ideal jobs?

Feel free to take the discussion to out GoodReads home.

 

 

 

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Bel:

Cover

I own the paperback of the book, and the cover art by Ana Juan reflects the story to a tee!

Characters

Though odd at times, in a rather Alice in Wonderland-esque way, each character seems to be well thought out and beautiful in their own right.

Favourite

A-Through-L… He’s special, and I love his desire to be a better Wyverary.

Least Favourite

Maud. Though misunderstood, I still dislike her.

Beginning

September, a 12 year old Omaha girl, is swept away to Fairyland.

Storyline

She is forced into service for the Marquess, and the impossible tasks she is set lead September on her great adventure through Fairyland.

Ending

Technically this story doesn’t end, as there is more fun to be had in Fairyland in further books.

Thoughts

I ended up listening to this book through Audible audio books, and it was far easier to hear Catherynne read to me than it was to read it myself. I felt like I was a child again, tucked up in bed and being read fantastical tales, which made little sense but held imperative lessons. This book reminded me so much of Alice in Wonderland, and yet it stands on its own two feet and takes us places Alice would never have dared to go.

Quote

“I can’t stop,” the shark rasped. “If I stop, I shall sink and die. That’s the way I’m made. I have to keep going always, and even when I get where I’m going, I’ll have to keep on. That’s living.” ~ The shark conversing with September.

 

Krista:

Cover

Takes me back to that childhood feeling of knowing you will find a great adventure within. Why is the dragon chained? Is the girl hiding the key on purpose? It represents the story very well and is intriguing.

Characters

So many characters! Imagine Alice in Wonderland. As September makes her way through fairyland she comes across various curious characters with unusual names and ways.

Favourite

I have to say that I could not place a favourite. I loved the majority of the characters and what they represented in the story.

Least Favourite

Marquess. I usually love me a villain, but there was absolutely nothing about this one that appealed to me.

Beginning

September, bored of washing dishes, is approached by The Green Wind and a Leopard whom she climbs upon and is taken to the border of Fairyland. In the closet, she must answer questions and go through customs. She nearly drowns upon her entry to Fairyland and comes across three witches who send her on her quest for a spoon.

Storyline

Fairyland has not been the same since the new Queen has taken the crown. September, along with her dragon and boy companion Saturday, goes on a quest to bring Fairyland back to its former glory.

Ending

Very much like our childhood books, this one ends with a peaceful goodnight. But it’s not the end of September’s adventures! There are more books to this series.

Thoughts

It was nice to end this year of book club with a very light, fun, and entertaining read. It has been to long since I have read a children’s fairytale and think that Catherynne M Valente did a magical job of whisking us away to a new and very curious world.

Quote

September sniffed and straightened up. She was not one to feel sorry for herself for long, “Mainly, I am going to Pandemonium, to stead the Spoon that belongs to the witch Goodbye, so that she can cook up the future again and not feel so sad.”

 

Lisa:

Cover:

At first look, the cover appears to be like a Middle Grade book: fun and interesting! But honestly, the cover doesn’t do this amazing story any justice! While this “could” be considered a Middle Grade book, it is so much than that!

Characters:

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In A Ship Of Her Own Making had a strangely intriguing cast of characters! Going from a young girl named September, a marid named Saturday, a dragon named A-through-L, and so many more!

Favourite:

I think every character in this book was my favourite. No-one was boring, lame, or similar. Each character was odd, creative, and strange.

Least Favourite:

Not a single one!

Beginning:

I’ll admit that I didn’t really think I would get as involved in this book as I did. After quickly reading through the first twenty or so pages, I couldn’t believe everything that was happening, so I decided to start all over, just to make sure I caught it all. This is a pretty dense story!

Middle:

We are not only introduced to a strange fairy world, but also a lot of interesting characters. September faces a few bumps in the road, and has an amazing, mind-boggling journey!

End:

All I can say is that I do plan on picking up the rest of the books! If you want to know what happens at the end of this book…you’re going to have to read it for yourself! I promise you won’t regret doing so!

Overall:

The only thing I would change about this book, is that I wish I had more time to read it. So I could take my time and really enjoy every single aspect! There is a lot that happens, I recommend taking your time and savouring the story!

 

DISCUSSION POINTS

This book is about escaping your normal life for a little adventure. What fantasy world would you like to lose yourself in and why?

What was the most memorable scene/character in this story and what about it stuck with you?

 

JOIN OUR BOOKCLUB ON GOODREADS AND TAKE THE DISCUSSION OVER THERE!

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Bel:

Cover

This looks for all with world like a post apocalyptic novel with a desolate desert scene, a cityscape in the distance and beside the sky in shades of sunset; there is only a lone figure in a red hoodie with two dogs. Quite dramatic and fits the story really well.

Characters

Almost everyone in this story is morally corrupt. Makes it easy to pick who I would want at my back.

Favourite

No brainer this one. Juneau, she’s discovering the world for the first time, literally, and making the best of the situation. She has to be one of the best heroines this year.

Least Favourite

Hmmm, this one is more difficult. Mr. Blackwell just makes my hackles rise.

Beginning

Juneau is going about the business of getting her clan fed. Then the helicopters came and took all but her and one other away to a far off place. It’s up to Juneau to find them and free them.

Storyline

When she travels beyond her clan’s borders, Juneau finds that her upbringing was based on lies. She’s determined to find her clan and free them, but the men who took her clan are now on the hunt for her.

Ending

Like last month’s book this continues on… so technically there was no ending.

Thoughts

I wasn’t holding my breath on liking this one. HOWEVER, I ended up having this book finished in about 12 hours. I loved it. I was glad some of the bad things I was expecting didn’t happen. I like that Juneau is battling on, and her focus is buoyed by the person we least expected. (Whoops, spoiler alert). I will definitely be looking to read on. Amy Plum has made a fan out of me.

Quote

“No, that’s what you do when your baby’s freaking out. So, Poe’s a raven-I inter-species extrapolated. And it worked. What would you have done?” ~Juneau giving Miles a piece of her mind.

Krista:

Cover

I really love the cover design, the contrast between the deserted land into the city and the clouds is really intriguing. But I don’t think it really fitted the story at all.

Characters

The story is told from rotating chapters between Juneau and Miles. She is on a mission, straight forward, direct and means business. Miles is just wanting to get away from his father who is very upset he just flunked a test and staying on his good side. He’s more laid back and curious.

Favourite

I found Juneau to be completely engrossing. She was in business mode, following the instructions she was given and always keeping her goal in mind. You don’t get that very often in YA books; it caught me off guard and I loved it.

Least Favourite

I would have to say Miles’ dad: completely egotistical and focused on money, no matter what the consequences.

Beginning

After some travelling, Juneau finds herself among a busy city full of people and technology and life. She was raised believing after World War Three in 1984 there was nothing left. Her clan disappeared while she was hunting and she must find them.

Storyline

Travelling from Alaska to Seattle, Juneau finds a world she did not know existed. Following the guidance of her Yara and her instincts, she uses her learned powers to guide her to her missing clan. She must out run the drug company that is after her by travelling through many states, and a member of her own clan who may have deceived them all.

Ending

It ends with a lot of questions and on a cliff hanger. Right when everything is all coming together, we have to wait! There is some romance as Miles and Juneau get close through their travels, but it definitely does not play a huge role in the story. The ending really shows a lot of heart.

Thoughts

With the book cover and the summary of the book, I was hoping for more apocalyptic-dystopian of a story, but was also pleasantly surprised to come by a character like Juneau. Not your usual type for a main character but one of the most admirable girls I have come across yet. She knew what had to be done and did whatever was needed to keep going. She didn’t take any crap and told it like it was: the full truth and nothing but the truth. I also love travelling or “road trip” stories and with this one we get to travel a lot, including to my home town of Salt Lake City!

Quote
“I’m lying here in a tent, pretending to be asleep but actually fearing for my life as I watch a bunny murderer have a conversation with our campfire.”- Miles

 

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Bel:

Cover

The book I borrowed from the Library is split into three horizontal strips. The middle strip has a partial profile of a girl we imagine would be Becca and the bottom strip is the silhouette of forestry. The title and author’s name are in hues of purple and before you read the book, it really doesn’t seem to refer too much to the story within.

Characters

Elizabeth George is quite skilled at creating characters you can relate to. You can even feel some sympathy for the queen of nastiness.

Favourite

Hayley. Yes I know this one is from left field. She’s dealing with stuff in the best way she knows how, and I love a girls who isn’t all ‘poor me’.

Least Favourite

Jeff Corrie. Scum of the earth is above him.

Beginning

Jeff Corrie is using Hannah for his own devices and his greed comes to a head, which would be fine except Hannah can hear whispers (read minds), and what she reads from Jeff’s mind is enough to have her mother and her on the run lickety-split.

Storyline

Hannah, now known as Becca, is sent to Whidbey Island to wait out her mother finding a safe place to hide. She finds the most popular kid in school close to death at the bottom of an incline in the forest and staying off the radar becomes her number one priority.

Ending

This series continues on, so I guess there technically isn’t one here.

Thoughts

I munched through this book in about 24 hours. Talk about hooked. I felt off kilter almost the whole way through, and it didn’t matter how many guesses I made throughout the book, I didn’t guess the outcome. The characters evolve and their relationships are cemented, which is excellent, because I will certainly be searching for the rest of this series.

Quote

“People usually hate because of a despair they can’t let themselves feel.” ~Dianna, giving words of wisdom to Becca.

 Krista:

Cover

My cover was the same as Bel’s The island the book takes place on does have a lot of forest landscape, but the main character Becca is explained to have heavy makeup on. I would have liked to see that on the cover.

Characters

The story takes place on a somewhat small island, a place where everyone knows each other. So there are a lot of characters that are coming in and out of the story. We get different point of views throughout the story, which I always enjoy. Becca is the main character and she is abandoned, scared, and lonely but seems to make friends easily.

Favourite

Diana: it seemed that everything this woman said was insightful, and she always has this caring air about her that was comforting.

Least Favourite

Jenn. It seemed like she always had to say something negative. She obviously didn’t believe in the saying “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Beginning

Running for their lives, Becca’s mother drops her off at Whidbey Island to be taken care of by a friend (to hide her from her step father). But when Becca gets to the friend’s house, circumstances have changed. Now she is stranded not knowing anybody who can help her and out of contact with her mother.

Storyline

Hiding from her step-father in fear for her life, Hannah is left in the care of her mother’s friend on Whidbey Island. As soon as she arrives everything falls apart, and now she has nowhere to go and doesn’t know anybody to help. After meeting a few people, she finds a place to live and she starts school. When a boy is hurt in the forest, things take a turn for the worse.

Ending

This is another first book in a series, so the ending leaves some unanswered questions and intrigue for the next book.

Thoughts

Even with a mixture of characters, I felt that the author did a great job in having each one rounded and their emotions jumped off the page. Their reactions were very real and raw. This made me really hate and really love different characters as the story progressed. I also loved the scenic mountainous setting of Whidbey Island; very much a place I would love to live in.

Quote

“Sometimes, we can’t see a reason for what happens, so we try to find one because it’s easier to do that than to go through the pain of recovering.” -Diana

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