Reviews

Icon by Georgia Briggs

ednanorim06's review

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

0.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gun violence, Religious bigotry, Child death, Death, and Genocide

Minor: Abortion and Homophobia

Absolutely horrible book that is full of religious bigotry. The book makes Christians be victims of a "genocide" that's happening in our century. I must admit it was an interesting concept,

with how the icon saved the girl's life, because it protected her from a bullet

. But let's be serious now, in this century are Christians really victims because of their religion? No, this book has this apocalyptic atmosphere to it. Nowadays other people are being killed because of their religion, so the plot about how Christians "will experience genocide" in the future is very far-fetched. The book was alright, but in the end the "concept" of gay marriages and abortion (pro-life people) had to be brought up. That to me was so hateful, it didn't even make sense why you would put it in a children's book. Overall, when I read this book I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth, the ending was not it.

mesp's review

emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

lattetams's review

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I chose *ICON* for a reading challenge because of the dystopian story line. I was not prepared to be immediately sucked into the story, nor for the depth of the plot. The main character has a strength of character often not seen in much larger works. Inspiring, attention grabbing, thought provoking. A must read.

erikamelek's review

challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

vcoons1983's review

5.0

I read this book while on a girls weekend at a lake. I finished when I got home.
I couldn't put the book down, and buzzed right through it.
It was easy to read, but it caused me to really think; to think about my faith, about being Orthodox, and about the future of Christianity as a whole.
I believe this book could seriously be a glimpse of a possible future, and it's scary. I am glad I read it, and plan to recommend to others to read as well.

not_irish_patrick's review

5.0

A great story that is an easy read.

mimima's review

3.0

I don't agree that society is moving in the way that Briggs envisions, and found that she is not quite polished enough as a writer to make her argument without being forced. Having said that, though, it was a good, engaging read. As my dear friend mentioned, it is definitely heavy, though, and not for younger (or sensitive) teens.

katerinasclentz's review

5.0

I loved this book so incredibly much! It was really scary seeing what the world would be like if we weren’t “allowed” to practice Orthodoxy and weren’t able to use our Orthodox names. I found it so heartwarming that St. Nicholas saves Euphrosyne’s life the first time- what an amazing miracle that was. It was so sad when Euphrosyne passed away but beautiful because she would be reunited with her family. I found it so sad that I cried when she and her guardian angel visited her old home, Mimi and Father Innocent and her Grandma. I was surprised that Euphrosyne died, but I still found this book beautiful even though it was saddening. I will definitely reread this in the future, and I recommend it to any young Orthodox teens, and adults alike.

drag0nfly's review

dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5