hi. so I was trying to think of what to post yesterday. I had like a hundred ideas (exaggeration > more like five) but none of them felt inspiring, but then I finished The Blood Race and *click* I knew what to post about. I'm so pleased to finally join the ranks of all the bloggers who have read this and are making everyone else flail and scream with anticipation over this. It's like one of the most hyped indie books I saw last month. I could be wrong - I don't actually follow such news but just what I happened to see.
So it being so hyped up, my expectations were like SKY HIGH. Yup. And now that I've finished what do I say? Wow. Oh my word. I READ THE BOOK GUYS I ACTUALLY GOT TO READ IT I THOUGHT I'D HAVE TO WAIT AGES BUT I'M SO THRILLED I GOT TO READ IT IT FEELS LIKE FOREVER BEFORE I DID BUT I'M DONE NOW CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!!? ... yeah, sorry, I'm done now.
SYNOPSIS
He’s spent his life running from who he is. She’s been trying to escape her past for 100 years…
Born with unexplainable abilities he struggles to control, college student Ion tries desperately to integrate into his new school and finally put his dark past behind him. But after making a serious enemy, which leads to an accidental rendezvous with the mysterious old man next door— and his hauntingly beautiful but troubled young protégée Hawk, Ion realizes his life will never be normal again.
Late one evening, Hawk drags him by the hand into a closet-turned-rabbit-hole to an extra dimension, and Ion finds himself stumbling involuntarily into a secret society of training for “anomalies,” teenagers with a special set of abilities. Just like him.
As they train to become Protectors of future Earth, battling each other as well as their own demons, both Ion and Hawk begin to realize that they are far more alike than they realized. Unsettlingly so.
When the Dimension is shaken by an unthinkable betrayal, will an ancient prophecy bring Hawk and Ion together—or will a deadly threat hidden in plain sight cost them both their powers… and their lives?
REVIEW
The good news, my friends, is that this book did live up to my expectation in almost every way. Almost. But we'll get to that later.
Some where it was described as "The Raven Boys meets A Wrinkle in Time meets The Giver while being both secular and Christian at the same time." And that was really something to say. I haven't read A Wrinkle in Time, so I cannot say much about that, buuut I can say that it had elements from the Raven Boys and The Giver (less than I thought but it's expected because it's mashing three) and it was both secular and Christian! I'll explain that later (maybe I'm not supposed to?) But guys, I LOVED THE BOOK AND HOW CREATIVE IT IS!
I heard that you will fall in love with the characters - and I did. Not with all of them per se, but many of them. Ion for instance. I'm actually very fond of male mcs? He's just kind of perfect - not "perfect" perfect, but a terrific character - kid with troubled and mysterious past who doesn't know who he is, but guy who is pretty fun and an unintentional troublemaker and pretty sweet and realistic and a tad gullible at times... also pretty conflicted. They all are. Hawk though? I liked Hawk well enough but I think she needs to loosen up. She's kind of what I think we'd all find ourselves like in her position. I think she was harsh, hard core, unforgiving, and in a sense made others feel "less". I'm not saying I don't like her. Sure she's annoying sometimes. But I think it suits her, suits her position. And what she's struggling with inside ... In all honesty I don't see her how Ion does ... I see her more how she sees herself, or how Sensei sees her. Speaking of Sensei - he's just mysterious and wonderful and I TRUST HIM WITH MY LIFE - sorry, with the characters' lives. Whenever anything goes wrong I'm like "JUST GO TO SENSEI RIGHT NOW!!" Fin though <3 <3 <3 what else is there to say? I LOVE HIM. Also please give us more of West and Rugger??? Please, Kate, more West and Rugger those guys were the best ever!!! And Riley - I really wasn't expecting ... him ... to have a role like that ... I want to see more of him next time too. The characters were good, yes. Different and dynamic and real. With their own personalities and problems and good points.
Let me just take a breather here ... and take a moment to appreciate THAT GORGEOUS COVER. And the title. Umm it was intriguing when I first heard it, but did I understand what it meant? Haha #nope. But now I do! And if you read the book the title will make worlds of sense to you!
And I also admire the writing. Would I have guessed that this was by a first time indie published author? Nah. Such lovely writing and the words - they just flowed. The pov worked very nicely too.
The setting was one of my favorite things. Half real world, half fantasy. Those are some of my favorite kinds of stories. College + student house + the Dimension??? I'm in love and I want to go visit, please?
The whole sci-fi/fantasy feel was awesome. And I'm so stoked for what kinds of epic things will happen later + what great darkness will creep up.
I absolutely love, absolutely freaking love, the part that the anomalies were taken from the past, present, and future to protect earth. IT'S PURE GENIUS AND I'M IN AWE. It's something I was like thinking of doing. Not in the same way. I was having problems with the idea and Kate just solved them all in here - I love it!!! <3 <3 <3
Then the allegory. The symbolism. The hidden meaning. I'm drawing parallels here guys! This is the reason it can be considered Christian and secular at the same time! I'm so impressed, and it actually reminded me of Ted Dekker there (<< high praise, dude, high praise).
Next, the plot. The action. Car races, jumping off cliffs, training and breathing, flying, fighting, getting into worlds of trouble - omw, such a wonderful, exciting, fascinating plot! And I think it's seriously epic that they don't just have one power, but many!
The story had good, deep themes. However, I feel that here it came off pretty ... strong? I mean yes these characters gotta learn some lessons and the sooner the better but maybe it could have been a tad more ... uh ... subtle? But not a huge issue, and perhaps it's just me. Moving on.
Aaaand ... there's a prophecy. -_- Haha. Okay?? Very good let's take it nice and easy ... nothing wrong with prophecies because they are real and do happen but. it happens quite a bit - okay, A LOT - in books. Just saying? Nothing new in this area, so far nothing unique, and it's not bad in the slightest, just ... predictable maybe?
And now the elephant in the room. The prophecy is about two halves of a soul. Hahaha. Uh. HOW IS THIS SUDDENLY HAPPENING TO ME?? I thought I was done with this idea when I finished that one book last month and complained about it in my review. I was like, "okay well the good thing is it's over and I won't see it again". Lol no. In all honesty I am not the biggest fan of this idea - two halves of a soul destined find each other in another life ... just making myself clear that there's nothing really wrong with the idea - it's just me. Me. I personally am not a fan. Just my preference. I suggest unless you have experience with this storyline you ignore my complaint and just check it out for yourself. It might just be your thing, and if it is - GO YOU!!!
Then just a couple more points - the climax could have been more ... epic? Just personal taste (lol again) that climatic battles should be long and hard. It seemed a little easy here?
The last things I want to say can't be said without spoilers, so we'll have to leave them unsaid. *sigh*
But the cliffhanger though. At the end. HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO US, KATE? I NEED THE NEXT BOOK.
In the end guys, I give this book 4 1/2 stars and just saying I AM A FAN. Please do yourself a favor and read this amazing book. If you are anything like me you'll not find too much problems with it.
p.s. I seriously doubt I was able to cover all my thoughts. xD. I might add more later if I realize I forgot something. Lol.
And while we are at it you really should follow Kate, and check out this page of photos, and this board. :D
basically me + this book
what do you think?
have you read the blood race?
will you?
(you should.)
smiles. lisa.
smiles. lisa.
I am reading this right now and it's oh so good! I still can't bring myself to believe that this is Kate's first, though the genre is not in my sphere her writing is AMAZING and the plot flows so quickly.Great Review Lisa! :)))
ReplyDeleteYOU BEAT IVIE TO COMMENTING?! *GASP* I ought to reward you. but I don't want to make anyone jealous xD
DeleteYes WELL THAT'S FABULOUS I'M GLAD YOU ARE LOVING IT TOO! Yes Kate's writing was stunning :D Glad you liked it :DD
I'm not home. That's why. Next time, I will be first. *evil laugh*
Deletehahaha, That's always the way I feel when I find myself first up here. I'm forever asking myself what Ivie is doing when she hasn't already commented XDDD
DeleteLol. Out on errands and then dinner, since you were wondering. But I'm back now. *tries to look cool and fails*
DeleteI didn't realize I worked up a reputation as first comments. XD But, if that's my reputation, I'm cool with that. :D Hopefully people like my comments, lol.
(Btw, I am now in love with Hurricane by Fleurie. Actually, I'm just in love with a lot of her songs. She's now my new favorite singer.)
iviewrites.blogspot.com
It's a great reputation! XD
DeleteAnd Ivie, I will sure check that song out since you mentioned it.
YES! Anna recommended it to me and I am IN LOVE with it. I don't know how I was living without it. Fleurie is awesome. Her music gets me inspired to write.
DeleteAHH YES, I have succeeded in making you obsessed with her XD *satisfied smile*
DeleteFleurie is incredible and I'm glad you share my obsession and my feelings on her music <333 :)))
Yes!!!!! I can't stop listening to her. I already had a few of her songs in my folder for Truth Seekers, but I just love her voice. She's so talented. I think my new favorite is Hurricane, so thank you for telling me about it. Soldier is also one of the top on my list. <3 <3 <3
DeleteI need to finish that library book because I am going crazy to read this. I need this in my life!!! I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME JOB.
<3
YASSS I CAN'T WAIT TILL YOU DO <3 Have a thrilling time xD and thanks :D
DeleteI can't wait either. I'm about to say forget it with the library book. Trying to have self-control. Failing to have self-control is more like it, lol.
Delete<3
Haha same. I READ MULTIPLE BOOKS AT ONCE. So you're good. Lol.
DeleteYeah, I'm finishing up The Death Cure and also doing little snippets of The Girl Who Could See. I need help, lol. I'll have a review of The Mazerunner Trilogy hopefully by next week. I'm determined to finish this book by tomorrow. *crosses fingers*
DeleteAlso, did you know there is a prequel?
well good for you! Look forward to that review. I really want to read The Girl Who Could See too. And yes thrre are actually two prequels. But I have never read prequels. Like, at all. XD
DeleteI don't plan to read any prequels for this, either. This trilogy didn't keep me interested like it did for you. But, we all have different tastes. I may have to email you a little rant when I'm done because I'm NOT HAPPY ABOUT CERTAIN THINGS!
DeleteThey played with my emotions. *sobs*
Anyway, overall Mazerunner isn't bad. I'll have a in-depth review later. :D
Aww that's too bad, but no worries. I understand. I've seen such differing opinions going around so I was a bit nervous when putting up my glowing review because I felt that maybe someone - who has a different taste - might be disappointed. But please do send me a rant when you are ready! I'd love to talk about it! :D
DeleteI think your review was still wonderful because it showed how much you enjoyed the book. There should be no nerves for that. I didn't think it was bad, there ate just some things that stuck out at me that were probably more personal preference. I just know some things I'm not happy about are spoilers and I need to tell someone who's read the books. Otherwise it would ruin it for someone who didn't.
DeleteI realize putting it in all caps made it look like I was angry. Sorry 'bout that. <3 <3
Yeah, thank you. I know, one's opinion is one's opinion and as long as it's honest we shouldn't feel bad about it :) And I understand perfectly. Oh never mind the caps I get you <3
DeleteI was only mildly interested in this book until you wrote this AWESOME GLOWING REVIEW. Now I want to read it sooooo bad!!! Car races and jumping off cliffs??? Gaaahhh, I already love it XDDD
ReplyDeleteWOW GO ME. Sorry, I'm just happy I hooked you! Hope you get to read it soon then :D Tell us about it when you do! *high fives*
DeleteYou've literally echoed a lot of my thoughts on Kate's book! I did love it, but some parts (mostly the cliche parts and Hawk's character) were underwhelming for me, but I do believe Kate can pull through in the sequel.
ReplyDeletexoxo Abigail Lennah | ups & downs
HOW NICE OF YOU. <3 <3 Underwhelming is a good word - must store it in my vocabulary box. YES WELL HAPPY YOU LOVED IT. And we all have our own preferences xD
DeleteI LOVE ALL THESE GRAPHICS!!! AAAAH <33333 SO HAPPY YOU LIKED THE BOOK :''') Thanks for writing this review, too! *high fives* YOU'RE FABULOUS.
ReplyDeleterock on,
abbiee
WHY THANK YOU - I was basically stealing from your pinterest board. lol. UM YEAH IT WAS AWESOME AND NO PROBLEM. *high fives back* Aww you're the best. Love ya <3 <3 <3
DeleteI definitely need this on my shelf.
ReplyDelete*agrees* thanks for commenting Skye :D
Delete:") AW MAN THIS REVIEW. LISA, I can't say thank you enough. I am so glad you enjoyed the read. <3 AND THE GRAPHICS! Beautiful, beautiful job
ReplyDeleteWOW THE AUTHOR COMMENTED ON MY REVIEW <3 Aww thank YOU Kate. It was my pleasure. I'm glad YOU liked MY review. You're the best *hugs* <3<3
Delete