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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
The prose in this book is good - poetic, but it actually works (at least for me! I know that some people beg to differ). I wasn't sure at first if it was going to be too much for me to handle, but it was fine. I got drawn into the protagonist's voice within a few pages.
I took the story at least partially at face value, but I appreciate the allegorical interpretation of the story that some of the other reviewers have discussed and think that considering it on a more metaphorical/non-literal level adds some depth to the novel. That said, I don't have anything new or insightful to add to that discussion, so you should read other people's reviews if you want to think more about
Finally, the zombies shape the world of the novel immensely, but it's not really about the zombies, if that makes sense. No need to be super into zombie fiction to appreciate this book!
I took the story at least partially at face value, but I appreciate the allegorical interpretation of the story that some of the other reviewers have discussed and think that considering it on a more metaphorical/non-literal level adds some depth to the novel. That said, I don't have anything new or insightful to add to that discussion, so you should read other people's reviews if you want to think more about
Spoiler
Moses, the monstrous people, or the ending.Finally, the zombies shape the world of the novel immensely, but it's not really about the zombies, if that makes sense. No need to be super into zombie fiction to appreciate this book!
adventurous
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Zombies..... Not much more needs to be said. You either like them or hate them. I think you can see by my review which side I'm on. Here's the synopsis anyway;
Zombies are the order of business in an apocalyptic future world. Temple is a 15-year old girl who is thrust into a world where self-preservation is a way of life. Desolation is everywhere and she must strive to stay alive amongst the threat of zombies as well as desperate and depraved people. Temple is a strong female character who finds another survivor and treks across the country to stay alive.
The Reapers are the Angels is a 2011 Alex Award winner (Books written for adults that may be enjoyed by Young Adults). The theme is a bit heavy and is best read by older YA readers. The female lead character is very strong and because of that this book may appeal to female fans of horror.
Zombies are the order of business in an apocalyptic future world. Temple is a 15-year old girl who is thrust into a world where self-preservation is a way of life. Desolation is everywhere and she must strive to stay alive amongst the threat of zombies as well as desperate and depraved people. Temple is a strong female character who finds another survivor and treks across the country to stay alive.
The Reapers are the Angels is a 2011 Alex Award winner (Books written for adults that may be enjoyed by Young Adults). The theme is a bit heavy and is best read by older YA readers. The female lead character is very strong and because of that this book may appeal to female fans of horror.
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Honestly I can’t decide how I feel about the book. It’s not easy reading, though the writing is atmospheric. The lack of punctuation drove me batty even after getting used to it.
It loses points for ‘men writing teenage girls and sex’. If you know what I mean. Also I couldn’t take it that there was power in places 25 years post apocalypse.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Body horror, Gore, Incest, Rape, Grief, Cannibalism, Alcohol
Temple roams the land, infested by zombies, meeting remnants of the human civilization.
This is a short, beautiful, violent book. Temple is a captivating character, and people she meets will stay with me for a while.
This is a short, beautiful, violent book. Temple is a captivating character, and people she meets will stay with me for a while.
Alden Bell’s The Reapers Are the Angels reminds me of nothing so much as True Grit with zombies. It’s plain spoken and profound at the same time, anchored by a tough girl who is trying to do the right thing in a violent world. Unlike True Grit, there’s no one to protect and guide Temple. She’s on her own, with a vengeful man on her trail. In that way, it’s sort of True Grit in reverse. With zombies...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
“Well my goodness ... Mercy beaucoop, little lady.”
“There is no pain — just travel”
“There is no pain — just travel”
goddamn it it’s like 4.75* with a quarter of a star less for all the Male Author Writing Teen Girl In Sex Scenes And Also Shes Naked A Lot?-Ugliness but it was just so absurdly well written and wonderful i can’t even be mad because i just stealth cried in public a little
also i really want a paperback so i can reread it and get out pretty markers to mark like . 80% of the damn book for being GORGEOUS
also i really want a paperback so i can reread it and get out pretty markers to mark like . 80% of the damn book for being GORGEOUS
Spoiler free review over on http://booksandchill.weebly.com/recent/the-reapers-are-the-angels-exit-kingdom-by-alden-bell-spoiler-free-review
I had a break of a couple years in between reading the first half and the second half of this book. The ending wasn't quite what I was expecting, but was still very satisfying. Some thought provoking ideas about fate.