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brokebybooks's review
3.0
Trigger Warning Icon Young Adult Icon Apocalypse Icon Dystopian Icon paranormal Romance Icon Others Icon ’Clean’ Icon
Insta-Love Icon Not For Me Icon Problematic Icon Status Quo Icon
Red Death instantly grabbed my attention and didn't let go. Sounds corny and cliché, I know but that's the best way to describe it. It has classic dystopian elements and is a great recommendation for fans of the genre. You'll see some events coming in the beginning as it's all set up and follows the typical dystopian path. If you're an avid fan of the genre, you'll be able to spot more. For me, the characters and action made up for when I was being able to see what was around the bend.
There’s multiple POV’s that switch around and eventually converge. It saves on having to give back story once the paths cross. This is done very well. There’s no way to mix them up and was one of the best parts for me.
It’s full of action and adventure. Once Aaliss and Wilky get out with the soulless it picks up even quicker. I loved Aaliss in the beginning and the end, but in the middle, she’s dragged down by insta-love.
Can’t say I like or dislike Wilky as he isn’t a real person. He’s a plot device, trope, and stereotype. He’ll be catatonic and then pop up with whatever his companions need. If you’re sensitive to autistic portrayals in fiction, I’d steer clear. It’s highly annoying at the very least.
Piers, the oldest brother to Aaliss and Wilky, and Eamon, the brother to the king of the Butcher tribe, are the second-best characters. Eamon suffered the same fate as Aaliss with the middle drag. Piers however started meh and got better all the way to the end.
The rest of the cast is women, young and old, and a couple of Bad Guy villains. Not much time is spent with the Painted Ones, which I’d really like to know more of, or the tribe to the north of them or the rest of the damn world.
Now that the players are introduced and in place, the sequel will have war planning and Eden’s inhabitants to deal with. How it’s going to work out, I don’t know exactly.
Keep in Mind:
--Highly religious, would call it Christian fiction
--Dystopian world building in the past but the present focuses on paranormal souls and visions to move forward
--Small map is included to visualize the travels but there are no identifying marks where this takes place in the U.S.A.
--No idea about the rest of the world either.
--Plenty of graphic violence – fighting and murder but barely any romantic touching.
--Instalove
--Felt long in the middle
--What kind of fucking name is Wilky? Especially given to the autistic presenting kid? There’s no reason or meaning given, it just is. Also, he’s Magical™. And calling him “strange” makes it more problematic, not less.
--Appearance descriptions are mostly about faces, hair and eye color. The skin tone isn’t described but the people of Eden are white. There are several tribes of Soulless outside of Eden, but again skin tone isn’t described. I always buck the “white as default” bullshit in my mind’s eye but doing that in Red Death makes Wilky a white savior to native tribes. *sigh*
--Attempted Rape Scene early on. It doesn't get far beyond threats.
I did enjoy the ride, the actual characters are solid, and the plot has plenty going for it but it is problematic in several ways, the mystical religious part lowered it in my esteem (I’m not Christian so I would’ve skipped it had I known), and the instalove was annoying at first.
While I wouldn't say I regret reading it as it was easy, quick, and fun to read at the time but I wouldn't have chosen to promote or read it if other reviews had included this information.
It sucks not being able to recommend it more because of its issues as I'd get over the unexplained paranormal parts for the cast and plot but the more I think about Red Death the more uncomfortable I get with continuing the series.
longtimereader's review
4.0
In the city of Eden, every one is safer than the Soulless who are outside of Eden. Eden is a refuge, and the Guardian's of Eden have gas masks so they don't get the Red Death. The Red Death kills those old enough to catch it, their eyes turn red, and they die.
Aaliss is a Guardian of Eden. One of her brothers is a priest, and the other a odd little genius of sorts, or maybe he is autistic, but Wilky is fascinating. Wilky has been running tests on the Souless and he might have a major discovery. That is when Aaliss finds out their lives or in danger and there is only one place to go if you leave Eden, into the Zones.
This book is a page turner. Is the religion is as twisted as many religions have become? Certainly there are some corrupt people, but all is not at all as it seems in this book. From fantastic creatures to witches and "painted people", the large cast of characters was far from boring. Is the Creator who I hope he is? Why is Jacob's name the one used for the laws they adhere to? How long have these people been in charge anyway? Who created the virus and why? Those are only a few of the questions that keep the pages turning chapter after chapter, and perspectives from each of the main characters tell each of their parts in this story.
This is the first in a series that will probably turn out very good. This book alone was quite interesting. My copy came from the author. I was not required to leave a review. I leave this review of my own volition. My thoughts and opinions are all my own.
Aaliss is a Guardian of Eden. One of her brothers is a priest, and the other a odd little genius of sorts, or maybe he is autistic, but Wilky is fascinating. Wilky has been running tests on the Souless and he might have a major discovery. That is when Aaliss finds out their lives or in danger and there is only one place to go if you leave Eden, into the Zones.
This book is a page turner. Is the religion is as twisted as many religions have become? Certainly there are some corrupt people, but all is not at all as it seems in this book. From fantastic creatures to witches and "painted people", the large cast of characters was far from boring. Is the Creator who I hope he is? Why is Jacob's name the one used for the laws they adhere to? How long have these people been in charge anyway? Who created the virus and why? Those are only a few of the questions that keep the pages turning chapter after chapter, and perspectives from each of the main characters tell each of their parts in this story.
This is the first in a series that will probably turn out very good. This book alone was quite interesting. My copy came from the author. I was not required to leave a review. I leave this review of my own volition. My thoughts and opinions are all my own.
amia's review
5.0
RED DEATH is an incredible apocalyptic story that kept me up late and turning pages quickly so I could learn more about the perfectly described world and characters that are trying to survive there. I actually would have given a 4.75 rating if that was possible, because I've only read a few books in my life that are completely perfect (88 books so far this year alone). But, this one is close for me.
I am amazed at the many threads that are woven into this tapestry so well. I am even more amazed that the author put so much detail and action into this awesome story without a single zombie! I'm not going to describe the book to you only review how I feel about it.
I love it and am so excited that Book 2 will be published soon (not soon enough, but I think I can wait).
Thank you Jeff for such an exciting and sometimes scary escape from my world to one of yours.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review. I promise this book really was this good for me. Hopefully it will be for everyone.
I am amazed at the many threads that are woven into this tapestry so well. I am even more amazed that the author put so much detail and action into this awesome story without a single zombie! I'm not going to describe the book to you only review how I feel about it.
I love it and am so excited that Book 2 will be published soon (not soon enough, but I think I can wait).
Thank you Jeff for such an exciting and sometimes scary escape from my world to one of yours.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review. I promise this book really was this good for me. Hopefully it will be for everyone.
pixiejazz's review
4.0
When I was offered the chance to read Red Death by Jeff Altabef, I was a little hesitant. While it sounded really good, and I was definitely intrigued, I wasn't sure if A) I would have the time to put in to reading it, and B) Would I even like it? I decided to give it a shot, anyway, and hope for the best. Boy, am I glad I did.
Red Death is a young adult dystopian-esque novel, but to me, it has a very Game of Thrones, epic fantasy, OMG I WANT EVERYONE TO READ THIS kind of feel to it. I should note that I have not actually read any of the Game of Thrones books, but they are on my "I'll eventually get around to reading these" list. I have, however, binge-watched all six seasons. Managed to get through 60 episodes in 27 days. Pretty proud of that accomplishment.
Anyway, back to my review. The plot is definitely something that will pull you in, mostly out of curiosity, but will hold your attention and keep you hooked because of the fantastic writing, world-building, characters, and overall "feel" of the story. It's definitely one heck of a ride, that's for sure. And once you get closer to the end, that's when, in my opinion, it starts to seem more like a dystopian story rather than an epic fantasy.
Character-wise, you've got those you love and those you hate. There were a couple that I disliked so much, I actually felt an intense rage every time they appeared in a scene. That's a good thing, by the way. I enjoy characters who make me feel strong emotions, whether they're good ones or not so good ones. The main character, Aaliss, is pretty bad-ass. She's strong, fiesty, and protective of her quiet, strange little brother, Wilky. He's a sweet character, and you just kinda want to hug him and take care of him.
On the other end of the spectrum, you've got the High Priest, who, when you first meet him, thinks he is doing good things for Eden. Unfortunately, he's one of those awful characters who made me see red. Another one of those characters is The Viper. He's vicious and lethal. Not a very nice man at all. And in-between, you've got an array of intriguing characters who make the story fun, exciting, and very much enjoyable. They also give the book the Game of Thrones feel.
Red Death has some really awesome settings, too. Eden is the main location where Aaliss, Wilky, and the High Priest live. They seem to be the only ones who are safe from the disease the book is named after. Eden is meant only for the pure, and the "Soulless" people are kept out by the Guardians who patrol the area around Eden. There is also the Kingdom of the Painted Ones, the Kingdom of the Butcher Tribe, and even a place known as the City of Bones. Each location has its own unique features, and you can picture yourself visiting each one based on the imagery derived from the writing. It's wonderful and exhilarating to imagine yourself in these far-off places. I quite liked reading about the various locations in the book.
Overall, Red Death is a thrilling, unique, and crazy story perfect for lovers of young adult dystopian, and even lovers of fantasy. It's a book that will appeal to teens, young adults, and older adults alike. There's magic, mystery, and mayhem abound. It's not something you want to miss out on. By the time you finish, you'll be left eager and anxious for more, with your curiosity piqued and your emotions running amok. It's that good. I highly recommend it! 4.5 stars from me!
Red Death is a young adult dystopian-esque novel, but to me, it has a very Game of Thrones, epic fantasy, OMG I WANT EVERYONE TO READ THIS kind of feel to it. I should note that I have not actually read any of the Game of Thrones books, but they are on my "I'll eventually get around to reading these" list. I have, however, binge-watched all six seasons. Managed to get through 60 episodes in 27 days. Pretty proud of that accomplishment.
Anyway, back to my review. The plot is definitely something that will pull you in, mostly out of curiosity, but will hold your attention and keep you hooked because of the fantastic writing, world-building, characters, and overall "feel" of the story. It's definitely one heck of a ride, that's for sure. And once you get closer to the end, that's when, in my opinion, it starts to seem more like a dystopian story rather than an epic fantasy.
Character-wise, you've got those you love and those you hate. There were a couple that I disliked so much, I actually felt an intense rage every time they appeared in a scene. That's a good thing, by the way. I enjoy characters who make me feel strong emotions, whether they're good ones or not so good ones. The main character, Aaliss, is pretty bad-ass. She's strong, fiesty, and protective of her quiet, strange little brother, Wilky. He's a sweet character, and you just kinda want to hug him and take care of him.
On the other end of the spectrum, you've got the High Priest, who, when you first meet him, thinks he is doing good things for Eden. Unfortunately, he's one of those awful characters who made me see red. Another one of those characters is The Viper. He's vicious and lethal. Not a very nice man at all. And in-between, you've got an array of intriguing characters who make the story fun, exciting, and very much enjoyable. They also give the book the Game of Thrones feel.
Red Death has some really awesome settings, too. Eden is the main location where Aaliss, Wilky, and the High Priest live. They seem to be the only ones who are safe from the disease the book is named after. Eden is meant only for the pure, and the "Soulless" people are kept out by the Guardians who patrol the area around Eden. There is also the Kingdom of the Painted Ones, the Kingdom of the Butcher Tribe, and even a place known as the City of Bones. Each location has its own unique features, and you can picture yourself visiting each one based on the imagery derived from the writing. It's wonderful and exhilarating to imagine yourself in these far-off places. I quite liked reading about the various locations in the book.
Overall, Red Death is a thrilling, unique, and crazy story perfect for lovers of young adult dystopian, and even lovers of fantasy. It's a book that will appeal to teens, young adults, and older adults alike. There's magic, mystery, and mayhem abound. It's not something you want to miss out on. By the time you finish, you'll be left eager and anxious for more, with your curiosity piqued and your emotions running amok. It's that good. I highly recommend it! 4.5 stars from me!
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