Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Clarion Books (April 5, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars
Book Description:
In a city divided between opulent luxury in the Light and fierce privations in the Dark, a determined young woman survives by guarding her secrets.
Lucie Manette was born in the Dark half of the city, but careful manipulations won her a home in the Light, celebrity status, and a rich, loving boyfriend. Now she just wants to keep her head down, but her boyfriend has a dark secret of his own—one involving an apparent stranger who is destitute and despised. Lucie alone knows the young men’s deadly connection, and even as the knowledge leads her to make a grave mistake, she can trust no one with the truth.
Blood and secrets alike spill out when revolution erupts. With both halves of the city burning, and mercy nowhere to be found, can Lucie save either boy—or herself?
This novel is almost quiet in its intensity, tackling tough subject matters that still sadly plaque our culture and world today.
A very subtle nonthreatening look into diversity and prejudice that doesn't immediately stand out and grab you but rather over time, works its way into your sub-conscience and finally, after filling it out, shining through with clarity, understanding, and knowledge.
This was a fun and interesting world with subtle messages woven throughout and I couldn't of been happier with the whole light and dark, good versus evil feel to it.
It was entertaining, interesting, and most importantly, fun. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for something that is different with wonderful and heartfelt messages throughout without those messages being overbearing or too heavy.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
I like subtle Ali! The books that feel quieter are always the ones that stick with me longest, so I can't wait to give this a try! Have a fantastic weekend:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny, you too and I hope you like it!
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this book. I, too, am a fan of books with subtle messages and themes. There's nothing wrong with them, for sure. Happy weekend, Ali!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joy and you too!
DeleteI read in another review this is based on aDickens novel. Wondering if you saw the similarities and how it compares?
ReplyDeleteOh I didn't but I haven't read any Dickens *ashamed* so I have no idea how it compares but that is cool that it is based on one of his.
DeleteKindlemom I love that term quiet in its intensity it really makes me want this one, great review thanks xo
ReplyDeleteAww thanks Debbie!
DeleteI didn't quite enjoy this one as much as you did but I love your description of "quiet in its intensity". So very fitting :D
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Eileen! It was a different sort of read for sure. ;)
DeleteThanks for sharing! I am really curious about this one. I'm glad to hear you liked it. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lauren!
DeleteI do love a book that is different! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI love that this is standalone Ali!!
ReplyDeleteMe too, we need more of those for sure. ;)
DeleteNope not really. I can see a sequel for sure but not really a cliffhanger.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate books that tackle issues in a little "lighter" way sometimes. There's always a place for those!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
So very true Nicole! Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteIt looks like readers either love this book or hate it. So many mixed reviews. I haven’t read the author’s previous books, would you recommend to read her previous series or this book?
ReplyDeleteI've noticed that as well. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of in between with this one.
DeleteSounds like this is an interesting read. I don't mind a book that has subtleness to it. A book can be interesting and not be in your face. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
I couldn't agree more Melanie and it is nice to have them once in awhile for sure.
DeleteSounds like a book I'd enjoy :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't quite comprehend why this book has received so many negative reviews, perhaps it's because of the tough issues it tackles after all? Despite the negative reviews, I'm glad to hear you liked this one!
ReplyDeleteThat could be and it is a bit different. I don't know though, I didn't see anything that bad but maybe I'm just weird. :P
DeleteNice to hear it's subtle. Sometimes that has more of an impact.
ReplyDeleteI love SRB - I think she possesses a very distinctive voice, though she has proven that she can misplace it and get swept by the flavor-of-the-month current like so many contemporary authors. Nevertheless, at her most focused, she is quite extraordinary. Thank you so much, Ali, I hadn't heard of this one and I would've hated to miss it!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome Ramona, I hope you like it!
DeleteI need to try this author, my friend loved her and offered me a few books but I haven't read them yet
ReplyDeleteDefinitely try her, her stuff if always interesting.
DeleteI just downloaded my galley from NG before it expired. Phew! I really like the subtle intensity of this one and when I heard it was an homage to A Tale of Two Cities, it made me even more excited. Glad you liked it, Ali!
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to grab it!
DeleteI'm glad you liked this one! I do enjoy a book with a great message that isn't too heavy. Great review. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteOhh this does sound good. I love hidden messages that you start to realize especially if it says something about diversity or something like that. Glad it was a good read for you!
ReplyDeleteI really do too and thanks Lorna!
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