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mlloy's review against another edition
2.0
I loved Noughts and Crosses, so was excited to read the next one. I was disappointed when I realised it centered heavily around Jude, and Sephy's choices in this one made me roll my eyes. I finished it for good measure, but I won't be reading the next one.
thefatlibrarian's review against another edition
2.0
The ending absolute killed it for me. I was feeling a bit eh during it but the ending was what made it a two star
peachesmore's review against another edition
4.0
This has been one of the most depressing books I have ever read. The sad thing is that due to the system Jude and Sephy grow up in it is not very surprising how they act and behave. The absolute truth is that we do live in a similar world to theirs. At least some places on this planet resemble(d) their world. It is actually no wonder that people radicalise or make irreversible decisions in such a world. I just hope the next book shows a way out of the heartless world.
eml28's review against another edition
3.0
Quite disappointed in this after loving the first book, but still want to persevere and finish the book series before watching the BBC adaptation!
readingbyem_'s review against another edition
5.0
Another good edition to the malorie Blackman series. It just carries on the story of the characters after what happened in the previous book. Always full of ups and downs and I couldn’t put it down.
fdr_girl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Sephy Hadley is one of my fave characters of all time and this entire book my heart aches for all she's lost and all she's trying to do; only re-reading it at the age I am now have I realised just how young she is and how much weight is on her brave little shoulders.
Jude is such a conundrum - he's an awful guy there's no denying that but the loss and pain and hurt he's suffered in his short life and the way he's been treated are a direct correlation of that. He makes incredibly bad choices but a tiny part of me still hurts for him and the monster he has become.
Jude is such a conundrum - he's an awful guy there's no denying that but the loss and pain and hurt he's suffered in his short life and the way he's been treated are a direct correlation of that. He makes incredibly bad choices but a tiny part of me still hurts for him and the monster he has become.
simonrtaylor's review against another edition
3.0
Knife Edge is the sequel to Noughts & Crosses (first read 2009) and also follows the events of Eye For An Eye (2010).
Given the tragic ending of Noughts, it’s hardly surprising the characters don’t begin Knife whooping and skipping for joy. But the first 10 or so instalments focus heavily on the prequel in vague, depressing terms. For those who have read Noughts, it becomes quickly tiresome. For those who missed it, the references are too vague to bring anyone up to speed.
When the story finally picks up, it does so in a more linear and eventful way than it’s predecessor. Instead of a circular will-they/won’t-they, Knife throws in new twists and developments all the time.
The birth of Callie Rose brings an interesting new element to the table: the Hadleys and McGregors are now related; Meggie is Callie’s grandmother and Jude is her uncle. Blackman does well to bring these relationships into play, especially Sephy and Jude, and the revised relationship between Jasmine and Meggie.
Jude and Cara’s relationship is also well developed, particularly given the characters involved. The climax is a highlight of the book. It’s so beautifully and carefully crafted that it’s almost overwhelming.
The multiple narrators are back, with Jude taking over Callum’s rotation. With so much doubt and subterfuge over everyone else’s true thoughts, feelings and motivations it works well. Also, particularly in Jude’s case, it helps the reader retain sympathy with both sides of the racial divide. It was great to see Jasmine and Meggie stepping into the narrating fray but it’s a shame it was so near the end. By this time they could only retrospectively confirm or deny Sephy’s suspicions.
Blackman tried a few other things too. The newspaper articles punctuated the narrative quite successfully, however the colours with lists of associated sentiments were bizarre, even if appropriate to the theme; they added nothing. Most annoying were Sephy’s letters to Callie at the beginning of the book, written in cringeworthy, butt clenching styles. There and elsewhere, Blackman also switches inexplicably from past to present tense, which may seek to add tension or drama, but actually just annoys.
I would query that this series would be appropriate fir children with swearing, sex, prostitution, suicidal thoughts and mature themes all present. It’s also worth noting that Blackman’s deliberate cliffhanger is completely ruined by the publisher’s preview of Book 3 which gives the game away.
Given the tragic ending of Noughts, it’s hardly surprising the characters don’t begin Knife whooping and skipping for joy. But the first 10 or so instalments focus heavily on the prequel in vague, depressing terms. For those who have read Noughts, it becomes quickly tiresome. For those who missed it, the references are too vague to bring anyone up to speed.
When the story finally picks up, it does so in a more linear and eventful way than it’s predecessor. Instead of a circular will-they/won’t-they, Knife throws in new twists and developments all the time.
The birth of Callie Rose brings an interesting new element to the table: the Hadleys and McGregors are now related; Meggie is Callie’s grandmother and Jude is her uncle. Blackman does well to bring these relationships into play, especially Sephy and Jude, and the revised relationship between Jasmine and Meggie.
Jude and Cara’s relationship is also well developed, particularly given the characters involved. The climax is a highlight of the book. It’s so beautifully and carefully crafted that it’s almost overwhelming.
The multiple narrators are back, with Jude taking over Callum’s rotation. With so much doubt and subterfuge over everyone else’s true thoughts, feelings and motivations it works well. Also, particularly in Jude’s case, it helps the reader retain sympathy with both sides of the racial divide. It was great to see Jasmine and Meggie stepping into the narrating fray but it’s a shame it was so near the end. By this time they could only retrospectively confirm or deny Sephy’s suspicions.
Blackman tried a few other things too. The newspaper articles punctuated the narrative quite successfully, however the colours with lists of associated sentiments were bizarre, even if appropriate to the theme; they added nothing. Most annoying were Sephy’s letters to Callie at the beginning of the book, written in cringeworthy, butt clenching styles. There and elsewhere, Blackman also switches inexplicably from past to present tense, which may seek to add tension or drama, but actually just annoys.
I would query that this series would be appropriate fir children with swearing, sex, prostitution, suicidal thoughts and mature themes all present. It’s also worth noting that Blackman’s deliberate cliffhanger is completely ruined by the publisher’s preview of Book 3 which gives the game away.
its_me_mar_p's review against another edition
3.0
It's good, though not as good as the first one. Malorie Blackman said it's essential to move the story from the first book to what follows, and I'm invested! Interested to see where the series goes from here.
bee_vee's review against another edition
3.0
I think I read this book but I don't remember it very well at all. I don't remember enjoying it, it was depressing.