It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.
What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion.
This is the second book in the Dust Land series with Blood Red Road as the first. When I read Blood Red Road, I honestly didn't think I'd like it. The writing style was unique and I thought it would draw me out of the story too much. I was wrong and that book turned out to be one of my favorite books of last year. So, naturally I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. Especially when I thought it might feature Jack!
Well, I was wrong. It did have to deal with Jack in a prominent way but he wasn't in the book as much as I would have liked. It was more about Jack's motivations and who he really is in his heart and soul. It's also the beginning journey for Saba to find out what is really in her heart and soul. She didn't have time to ponder that the last time and had only survival on her mind.
With this transition in direction we get frustrated. We want all the details at once and yet it would be too much so we had to wait to figure it all out with Saba. Unfortunately some answers do not come in this book although I suspect they will be revealed in the future. However, we do, in the end find out about Jack so that answer helps us survive any other questions we might also want fulfilled.
The author, Moira Young, also knows how to write personalities in animals. Even if they don't have a lot of time on the pages. We also know that it is a harsh environment and not everyone survives. This kept me gripping at the book a lot, worrying about the animals constantly. Granted not everyone is as bad as me, but I swear I didn't breathe until the end of the book. For those who are like me highlight for animal spoiler: Saba's animals are fine. None of her animals dies. :) *end slight spoiler. I know it's not a big spoiler but some people actually like the tension this creates... it's just not me. ;)
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I was frustrated with the lack of answers, but at the same time I felt it was intentional. This is a transition book. It's Saba's transition, so it works. I'm curious as to the direction the author is going with these characters so I know I must have that next book! Oh and do read these in order. You'll be lost otherwise.
I received this ARC from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.
You know, I dnf this book cause I could not get into at all. I felt like it lacked soo much. I decided just to put it down and re-read the first book then go into this one.
ReplyDeleteThat might really help. I'm always feeling like I'm playing catch up when I finally get the second book...
DeleteGreat when a book you aren't sure you'll enjoy turns out to be a favourite, its so much better than when a book turns out to be a rotter.
ReplyDeleteAt least this one wasn't a rotter, just a transition book. :) I have a feeling the 3rd will rock.
DeleteI'm like you Melissa, I often struggle with second books just because they are, by nature, transition books, helping bridge the gap between the events of book one and the events of book three, and if I don't get enough answers to tide me over till book three I tend to get antsy. Still, this is an amazing series and I think Moira is a gifted storyteller!
ReplyDeleteI agree! I am still amazed I get so involved with the story because of the different writing style! That is a gift!
DeleteWhen I never get any answers I get so annoyed. I want them all at once and I can't wait for several books
ReplyDeleteLOL I am like that, but I have a feeling we will get quite a few in the 3rd book. Maybe not all, but we will have to get at least a couple of main answers.
DeleteWonderful review, Melissa! Like you, I really enjoyed this book, despite the questions it left me with. I thought it was, in many ways, stronger than Blood Red Road because of the introspective focus, but I'm terrified to find out what happens in the sequel. I hope everything works out for Jack and Saba! *fingers crossed*
ReplyDeleteI picked the first one up at the Scholastic Warehouse sale last year but haven't read it yet. I do remember it wasn't one that everyone loved, but many really did. It just has a distinctive style. So I hope I like it. I will just keep in mind that this one might not blow my mind. I like edge of the seat sometimes, but I have to try to read non stressful books in between. ;)
ReplyDeleteLack of answers would kill me! Seriously could you see me at the end of this book? there would be a temper tantrum!
ReplyDeleteAAAh terrible to be frustated like that! I saw this one and was intrigued but as I haven't read the first one I should start with this one to see.
ReplyDeleteIntentional lack of answers makes me feel like the author is stringing me along, and I don't like that, but it's always fun to see an animals personality shine through. Though I think I'd be worried too. Still haven't started this series but it's on my long TBR list. :)
ReplyDeleteThe protagonist's name made me laugh because saba means grandfather in Hebrew; a strange for a teenage girl. I'm not familiar with Blood Red Road but your review got me curios about it. I'm going to go check it out on Goodreads now.
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