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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I would have liked it more had the narration fit with the rules--specifically the limited vocabulary--which is the whole point of the setting.
Holy cow. This is a kid’s book? Heavy! I was not mentally prepared for this. And then a huge nor’easter came and the Arctic is in the 40s?? This is a bleak and frightening future and I think a child who can handle the darkness of the seventh Harry Potter book is the only type of kid I would recommend this too. There could be a lot of nightmares from this one. But for adults? It’s pretty awesome.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Really enjoyed this book. We're introduced to Letta, the apprentice wordsmith in what in many ways feels like a sort of religious commune because of the tight control and the biblical references. John Noa, their leader, has led a small band of faithful followers to safe refuge in his “ark” after worldwide disaster, in part brought on by human greed but fear and the aftermath of the devastation have caused good intentions to go too far.
Letta is assigned to give out boxes of words from the short list of those still allowed to be spoken, and in the house she lives in, is taught those that are now banned. But when trouble comes to her door, she can no longer ignore the forces of dissent brewing inside and outside the compound's walls.
In addition to the worldbuilding, I particularly enjoyed how the author contrasts the bleakness of a society that has been forbidden to use most spoken and written word with such gorgeous prose. The language of “List” is stilted and at times, almost a little annoying to have to interpret, and rich impressions of Letta’s view of the landscape become that much more meaningful.
There were some story arcs that seemed to be left intentionally unanswered, most likely for a future novel.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
I received an advanced copy of this text via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Letta is assigned to give out boxes of words from the short list of those still allowed to be spoken, and in the house she lives in, is taught those that are now banned. But when trouble comes to her door, she can no longer ignore the forces of dissent brewing inside and outside the compound's walls.
In addition to the worldbuilding, I particularly enjoyed how the author contrasts the bleakness of a society that has been forbidden to use most spoken and written word with such gorgeous prose. The language of “List” is stilted and at times, almost a little annoying to have to interpret, and rich impressions of Letta’s view of the landscape become that much more meaningful.
There were some story arcs that seemed to be left intentionally unanswered, most likely for a future novel.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
I received an advanced copy of this text via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I studied this book with my first year secondary school students (ages 12 to 13) and they absolutely hated it. This, in turn, made reading the book with them nothing but a chore.
4.25 stars
The concept of this book was amazing!
I loved our main character, "Letta"! She was like the perfect "strong female lead!"
The list of words was the "perfect plot!"
I think that the author showed our world in ways I could never imagine it!
The only reason I took away .75 stars is that at some times the book was very confusing.
Hope you all have a happy and healthy day!
BYE!!!
The concept of this book was amazing!
I loved our main character, "Letta"! She was like the perfect "strong female lead!"
The list of words was the "perfect plot!"
I think that the author showed our world in ways I could never imagine it!
The only reason I took away .75 stars is that at some times the book was very confusing.
Hope you all have a happy and healthy day!
BYE!!!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No