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thebookaddictedgirl's review
4.0
4½ Out of 5 Stars
Nine months have passed since Blood Ties, and Theo and Rachel now live across the Atlantic from one another. They’ve been given new identities to protect them. Why? Because they are clones. They were created by the evil genius Elijah, and are hunted by both him and a group known as RAGE (the Righteous Army against Genetic Engineering), who view clones as “unnatural”. But when Rachel finds out that Elijah is about to kill Daniel, a five-year-old clone of the scientist, to take the child’s healthy heart for himself, Rachel just knows that she has to do something. Even if that means giving up her new identity… or maybe even more… With a little help, she smuggles herself onto the island Elijah is working on. That’s when it goes downhill for her... Meanwhile, Theo becomes worried when Rachel misses their weekly chat, and when he finds an article saying that she has committed suicide, he knows something has happened to her. Something bad. With the help of Lewis, who helped the two escape Elijah’s clutches the first time, Theo travels to Scotland. Both he and Rachel have no idea what Elijah is planning. But, knowing Elijah, it’ll terrible. They just had no idea how terrible…
I love Sophie McKenzie’s books. She has a way of creating brilliant characters that feel so real and worlds that both scare the life out of me and absolutely thrill me. I had no idea how Blood Ransom was going to beat Blood Ties (which is one of my favourite books) and was almost scared to read the sequel, worried I’d be let down. I should have known I had nothing to worry about. With non-stop action, dual narratives and evil scientists, Blood Ransom never let me go from start to finish.
Rachel: love her! She was an overweight, shy girl in the first book, but it this one… well, what a transformation! Now Rachel is strong, brave, stubborn and confident: a girl who can hold her own. (Those of you who have read a few more of my reviews have probably picked up on the fact that I loathe weak girls who go running to the strong boy in bad situations. I am pleased to say Rachel was the complete opposite, though she was a little gullible at times.) As for Theo, I always liked him. However, now I love him. I really got to see what was going on inside his head, and how much he loved Rachel. He’d do anything for her. Yes, it’s probably odd, seeing as they’re both teenagers for the two to be so… committed. But it’s sweet and believable; and nothing like foolish-first-love.
Lewis is another character I feel I have to mention: passionate, strong and out for revenge of Elijah, I was so glad to have him back! He’s the kind of person I’d love to have as a big brother – just… without the revengeful side. Although you could understand why: Elijah is cruel and heartless and evil. He thinks because he “created” Theo and Rachel, he can just do anything with them, something I hated. Elijah’s the classic evil-genius villain who is just designed to be loathed. The ultimate bad-guy.
Now, whilst this is a definite thriller, it also has a moral aspect. How far should we allow science to go? Now, I’m not saying I’m going to go all murderous like RAGE, but should we let people create life just because they can? And then do anything with that ‘creation’ (for lack of a better word), including killing them? Yes, Sophie McKenzie’s books often have me thinking…
Back to Blood Ransom: I loved the twists and turns and suspense of this book. I was never bored, I loved every single second and I was left longing for more. So, to fill the hole, I am going to read The Medusa Project! Honestly? I recommend this series: it’s thrilling, exciting and it grips you from the first to the very last word. Sophie McKenzie is just the most amazing author, and I can’t wait to see what Sister, Missing brings us!
Nine months have passed since Blood Ties, and Theo and Rachel now live across the Atlantic from one another. They’ve been given new identities to protect them. Why? Because they are clones. They were created by the evil genius Elijah, and are hunted by both him and a group known as RAGE (the Righteous Army against Genetic Engineering), who view clones as “unnatural”. But when Rachel finds out that Elijah is about to kill Daniel, a five-year-old clone of the scientist, to take the child’s healthy heart for himself, Rachel just knows that she has to do something. Even if that means giving up her new identity… or maybe even more… With a little help, she smuggles herself onto the island Elijah is working on. That’s when it goes downhill for her... Meanwhile, Theo becomes worried when Rachel misses their weekly chat, and when he finds an article saying that she has committed suicide, he knows something has happened to her. Something bad. With the help of Lewis, who helped the two escape Elijah’s clutches the first time, Theo travels to Scotland. Both he and Rachel have no idea what Elijah is planning. But, knowing Elijah, it’ll terrible. They just had no idea how terrible…
I love Sophie McKenzie’s books. She has a way of creating brilliant characters that feel so real and worlds that both scare the life out of me and absolutely thrill me. I had no idea how Blood Ransom was going to beat Blood Ties (which is one of my favourite books) and was almost scared to read the sequel, worried I’d be let down. I should have known I had nothing to worry about. With non-stop action, dual narratives and evil scientists, Blood Ransom never let me go from start to finish.
Rachel: love her! She was an overweight, shy girl in the first book, but it this one… well, what a transformation! Now Rachel is strong, brave, stubborn and confident: a girl who can hold her own. (Those of you who have read a few more of my reviews have probably picked up on the fact that I loathe weak girls who go running to the strong boy in bad situations. I am pleased to say Rachel was the complete opposite, though she was a little gullible at times.) As for Theo, I always liked him. However, now I love him. I really got to see what was going on inside his head, and how much he loved Rachel. He’d do anything for her. Yes, it’s probably odd, seeing as they’re both teenagers for the two to be so… committed. But it’s sweet and believable; and nothing like foolish-first-love.
Lewis is another character I feel I have to mention: passionate, strong and out for revenge of Elijah, I was so glad to have him back! He’s the kind of person I’d love to have as a big brother – just… without the revengeful side. Although you could understand why: Elijah is cruel and heartless and evil. He thinks because he “created” Theo and Rachel, he can just do anything with them, something I hated. Elijah’s the classic evil-genius villain who is just designed to be loathed. The ultimate bad-guy.
Now, whilst this is a definite thriller, it also has a moral aspect. How far should we allow science to go? Now, I’m not saying I’m going to go all murderous like RAGE, but should we let people create life just because they can? And then do anything with that ‘creation’ (for lack of a better word), including killing them? Yes, Sophie McKenzie’s books often have me thinking…
Back to Blood Ransom: I loved the twists and turns and suspense of this book. I was never bored, I loved every single second and I was left longing for more. So, to fill the hole, I am going to read The Medusa Project! Honestly? I recommend this series: it’s thrilling, exciting and it grips you from the first to the very last word. Sophie McKenzie is just the most amazing author, and I can’t wait to see what Sister, Missing brings us!
sammeehicks's review
4.0
4.5 Stars
I was completely blown away by Blood Ties so I could not wait to read this one. I literally picked it up as soon as I'd finished the first! I was so taken with Rachel and Theo I had to know what happened next.
The story picks up nine months after the end of Blood Ties. Not able to see each other, but communicating every week through chat rooms Theo becomes concerned when Rachel misses one of their meetings. Convinced something is wrong he comes across an article online claiming she has committed suicide. Not believing this to be the case, Theo teams up with Lewis to find her.
Again we get the dual narrative that I enjoyed in the first book and it works just as well here. I think it adds to the 'action-packed' feel of the book by not letting it get stale. It's really interesting to be able to get the story from both points of view and to see how they view each other too.
The characters had all grown in the nine months and this time I really liked Theo. Rachel is also much more confident - although I thought she was a little too trusting in the beginning of this story but I can understand why. I was also very glad Lewis was back - and that his feelings toward Elijah for what he did (in Blood Ties) were explored.
I wasn't sure how Sophie McKenzie would be able to come up with a story that would match the excitement levels of Blood Ties but she has managed it. It felt like a progression of the first book - and is a great way to conclude the overall story. There wasn't a dull moment so I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute. I also really liked how it ended - but I am still holding out hope that we may get more!
Now, where is my copy of Girl Missing?
I was completely blown away by Blood Ties so I could not wait to read this one. I literally picked it up as soon as I'd finished the first! I was so taken with Rachel and Theo I had to know what happened next.
The story picks up nine months after the end of Blood Ties. Not able to see each other, but communicating every week through chat rooms Theo becomes concerned when Rachel misses one of their meetings. Convinced something is wrong he comes across an article online claiming she has committed suicide. Not believing this to be the case, Theo teams up with Lewis to find her.
Again we get the dual narrative that I enjoyed in the first book and it works just as well here. I think it adds to the 'action-packed' feel of the book by not letting it get stale. It's really interesting to be able to get the story from both points of view and to see how they view each other too.
The characters had all grown in the nine months and this time I really liked Theo. Rachel is also much more confident - although I thought she was a little too trusting in the beginning of this story but I can understand why. I was also very glad Lewis was back - and that his feelings toward Elijah for what he did (in Blood Ties) were explored.
I wasn't sure how Sophie McKenzie would be able to come up with a story that would match the excitement levels of Blood Ties but she has managed it. It felt like a progression of the first book - and is a great way to conclude the overall story. There wasn't a dull moment so I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute. I also really liked how it ended - but I am still holding out hope that we may get more!
Now, where is my copy of Girl Missing?
chlojo's review
5.0
Absolutely AMAZING!!!!!! So gutted that there isn't a sequel. Happy for Rachel and Theo though. Theo seems like a really good guy and I am glad that Rachel has got much more confident. I am definitely in love with Sophie McKenzie's books right now. Gonna read Sister, Missing soon and Missing me (the sequel to Sister, Missing) has just come out so hopefull that should be good to!! For anyone who hasn't read the prequel, it's Blood Ties. It is an amazing book, even better than this one (unbelievable isn't it?). It's a definite must-read!!
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