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ineslts's review
3.0
This was a book a enjoyed reading despite the occasional whiplash effect of the POV. It was nice read that had me guessing every step of the way and the bits of news paper in between chapters really gave it an extra life.
Definetly a book to think about when comes down to it, so pick up your umbrellas and get ready for the flood.
Definetly a book to think about when comes down to it, so pick up your umbrellas and get ready for the flood.
katykelly's review
5.0
Pertinent political dystopia.
So relevant, a young person's critique of society in the midst of natural disaster.
A country where the rain just won't stop. A city where the water needs to be kept out. A population who need leadership - and information.
Gloria works in the house of the ruler of Afalia, the Suprema. She presides over the politicians from behind a veil, her husband and dogs part of the background to her power and persona. Gloria observes the reaction of her mistress to the weather experts' predictions on the never-ending rain, and the Suprema's sudden decision to leave on the train out of the city.
But what about the factories? The workers? The water is relentless outside Praesto's walls, news from the countryside has stopped. Yet the newspapers continue to roll off the presses... And someone must continue to be in charge...
This becomes a very mature theme for young readers. The context keeps it relatable, with Gloria and other young people (and dogs) at the forefront of the story, observing the potential collapse of a society from the inside and even inside the seat of power. It's an insight into political machinations, into manipulation of language and the masses. It's almost a Junior 1984 at times.
I enjoyed the relationship that develops between Gloria and the Suprema's husband, readers won't know if they can trust him, what his intentions for his country are, or who to trust around them. An important lesson in critical thinking and considering intentions of those with power over us.
This gives readers a dark and sometimes sad look at what can happen in a national emergency, how some will step up and take charge, thinking of others, how others are unable to do this or even work against the common good for their own selfish ends.
I was honestly quite surprised at the level of maturity the author is requiring of her readers, having to watch quite disturbing and upsetting scenes - expect to see some child (labour) exploitation and scenes involving death (nothing graphic).
This will be best placed in the hands of a reader who has experience of persuasive language and who is able to understand that humans are not always well-intentioned.
For ages 10 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
So relevant, a young person's critique of society in the midst of natural disaster.
A country where the rain just won't stop. A city where the water needs to be kept out. A population who need leadership - and information.
Gloria works in the house of the ruler of Afalia, the Suprema. She presides over the politicians from behind a veil, her husband and dogs part of the background to her power and persona. Gloria observes the reaction of her mistress to the weather experts' predictions on the never-ending rain, and the Suprema's sudden decision to leave on the train out of the city.
But what about the factories? The workers? The water is relentless outside Praesto's walls, news from the countryside has stopped. Yet the newspapers continue to roll off the presses... And someone must continue to be in charge...
This becomes a very mature theme for young readers. The context keeps it relatable, with Gloria and other young people (and dogs) at the forefront of the story, observing the potential collapse of a society from the inside and even inside the seat of power. It's an insight into political machinations, into manipulation of language and the masses. It's almost a Junior 1984 at times.
I enjoyed the relationship that develops between Gloria and the Suprema's husband, readers won't know if they can trust him, what his intentions for his country are, or who to trust around them. An important lesson in critical thinking and considering intentions of those with power over us.
This gives readers a dark and sometimes sad look at what can happen in a national emergency, how some will step up and take charge, thinking of others, how others are unable to do this or even work against the common good for their own selfish ends.
I was honestly quite surprised at the level of maturity the author is requiring of her readers, having to watch quite disturbing and upsetting scenes - expect to see some child (labour) exploitation and scenes involving death (nothing graphic).
This will be best placed in the hands of a reader who has experience of persuasive language and who is able to understand that humans are not always well-intentioned.
For ages 10 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
I've been reading a lot of middle grades lately. I've also been reading a lot of New Adult lately. However, the young adults actually written for the young young adults, that has been a while. One could even argue if this is a young adult. Yes, the main character (one of the) is 15 going on 16, but a lot of typical young adult themes, like first love and first kisses and stuff like that, are not explored. However, I would say that's a positive. I'm very happy Book Box Club picked this book!
Mostly because the book does an amazing job portraying everything that happens to a country when disaster knocks on the door. Of course there's politics in this book, in its most ugly form, but the book is actually focussing mostly on human behavior when the worst happens. What do people do when there are ways to profit, to lie, to riot, to steal and to kill? And what do people do who are trapped in that game with everything to lose and nothing to win?
I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but I can say that McCaughrean doesn't shy away from the darker topics either. Without there being many details, which means that the book never becomes too heavy for the target audience, it does mention and show a lot of cruel things. Innocent animals are being killed, not all the people, and even the children, in this story make it and there are a few sickening moments that will leave a lasting impression for sure.
However, in between all that we have Gloria, the girl being 15 going on 16 who all of a sudden has to fake being the Suprema even though she knows nothing about politics and little about the ugly games people play. And we have a few amazing dogs, who tell us what's going on through their eyes. And especially Gloria grows so much in this story and learns so much! It's quite a joy, especially because she has such a beautiful heart.
A nice book with a few very valuable lessons too!
Mostly because the book does an amazing job portraying everything that happens to a country when disaster knocks on the door. Of course there's politics in this book, in its most ugly form, but the book is actually focussing mostly on human behavior when the worst happens. What do people do when there are ways to profit, to lie, to riot, to steal and to kill? And what do people do who are trapped in that game with everything to lose and nothing to win?
I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but I can say that McCaughrean doesn't shy away from the darker topics either. Without there being many details, which means that the book never becomes too heavy for the target audience, it does mention and show a lot of cruel things. Innocent animals are being killed, not all the people, and even the children, in this story make it and there are a few sickening moments that will leave a lasting impression for sure.
However, in between all that we have Gloria, the girl being 15 going on 16 who all of a sudden has to fake being the Suprema even though she knows nothing about politics and little about the ugly games people play. And we have a few amazing dogs, who tell us what's going on through their eyes. And especially Gloria grows so much in this story and learns so much! It's quite a joy, especially because she has such a beautiful heart.
A nice book with a few very valuable lessons too!
secre's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I really enjoyed The Supreme Lie, it was funny, entertaining and has an engaging narrative that carried me along. Plus there's the dog point of view was an immediate hook. It's a bit silly. It toys with darker themes, but never takes them too seriously and so you're reading with a smile on your face. It's absolutely YA, but it's an excellently done YA piece and has enough going for it that even this somewhat older reader really enjoyed it.
In the wake of disaster hitting the area with rain that just keeps on coming, the state of Afalia is in chaos. Madame Suprema makes an early bid to escape and avoid the political storm that is about to drop along with the rain and somehow her maid Gloria ends up faking it til she makes it. The fact that Gloria is only fifteen, completely naïve to politics and as low born as you can come is going to make this one hell of a ride for her. Along the way you have a handful of side stories, including that of our faithful dog looking for his boy in a world make unrecognisable by flood waters.
What The Supreme Lie does exceptionally well is showcase just how badly human beings behave when crisis hits; or some of them anyway. Not all of them, but even a virulent minority can make life exceedingly unpleasant for the majority. It brings the characters - good, bad and ugly - to life. Whilst many of the elements of it are fantastical - I mean, the entire city is dedicated to making cutlery and hangs all it's importance on that fact - it also veers into the corruption of politics and the chaos of natural disasters.
This is great fun to read, but it's also touching at points and show cases how power can corrupt for the intended younger audience. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of the authors work.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy of this title.
In the wake of disaster hitting the area with rain that just keeps on coming, the state of Afalia is in chaos. Madame Suprema makes an early bid to escape and avoid the political storm that is about to drop along with the rain and somehow her maid Gloria ends up faking it til she makes it. The fact that Gloria is only fifteen, completely naïve to politics and as low born as you can come is going to make this one hell of a ride for her. Along the way you have a handful of side stories, including that of our faithful dog looking for his boy in a world make unrecognisable by flood waters.
What The Supreme Lie does exceptionally well is showcase just how badly human beings behave when crisis hits; or some of them anyway. Not all of them, but even a virulent minority can make life exceedingly unpleasant for the majority. It brings the characters - good, bad and ugly - to life. Whilst many of the elements of it are fantastical - I mean, the entire city is dedicated to making cutlery and hangs all it's importance on that fact - it also veers into the corruption of politics and the chaos of natural disasters.
This is great fun to read, but it's also touching at points and show cases how power can corrupt for the intended younger audience. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of the authors work.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy of this title.
c_harrison86's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
beth_joey's review
3.0
[b:The Supreme Lie|56049940|The Supreme Lie|Geraldine McCaughrean|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1606387292l/56049940._SY75_.jpg|87304473] hurt me.
Having now read the Author's Note at the end, I get that it's kind of supposed to be educational - all about how people show their true colours in times of crisis and how corrupt certain institutions can become.
But when I picked this up, I was hoping for a dystopian novel filled with scandal and political intrigue that had a feel-good message at the end.
Instead what I got was nightmares about floods and constant anxiety over the animals in this book.
It's a fact everyone knows about me - whilst I love the human characters in the books I read, nothing gets me thoroughly invested in a positive outcome to a negative situation like animals in trouble. I connected so intensely to Daisy and Heinz that, when certain characters died, I didn't care about the person.
I only cared about the effect it would have on the dog. Maybe that's why I only gave this three stars.
The complete dystopia that was Praesto City was intense and enthralling, and the total corruption of their government had me cursing at Senator Kovet.
The twist that came towards the end of the book completely threw me for a loop because I had really grown to like the character that lead the twist.
I loved the inclusion of newspaper articles throughout as it was not only a different medium to read the story in, it also demonstrated the absolute corruption of certain characters and allowed me to see, rather than just read about, the clues dropped by other characters.
Obviously [b:The Supreme Lie|56049940|The Supreme Lie|Geraldine McCaughrean|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1606387292l/56049940._SY75_.jpg|87304473] wasn't realistic at all in terms of a 15 year-old girl being 'chosen' to lead the city, but there were other elements, like the treatment of the workers and their descent into something of a mob, that I could definitely envision happening today if something of that magnitude occurred.
[a:Geraldine McCaughrean|1631|Geraldine McCaughrean|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1296256453p2/1631.jpg] is here to give anyone who believes their people in power to be free from corruption and selfishness a harsh, but firm, wake-up call.
Having now read the Author's Note at the end, I get that it's kind of supposed to be educational - all about how people show their true colours in times of crisis and how corrupt certain institutions can become.
But when I picked this up, I was hoping for a dystopian novel filled with scandal and political intrigue that had a feel-good message at the end.
Instead what I got was nightmares about floods and constant anxiety over the animals in this book.
It's a fact everyone knows about me - whilst I love the human characters in the books I read, nothing gets me thoroughly invested in a positive outcome to a negative situation like animals in trouble. I connected so intensely to Daisy and Heinz that, when certain characters died, I didn't care about the person.
I only cared about the effect it would have on the dog. Maybe that's why I only gave this three stars.
The complete dystopia that was Praesto City was intense and enthralling, and the total corruption of their government had me cursing at Senator Kovet.
The twist that came towards the end of the book completely threw me for a loop because I had really grown to like the character that lead the twist.
I loved the inclusion of newspaper articles throughout as it was not only a different medium to read the story in, it also demonstrated the absolute corruption of certain characters and allowed me to see, rather than just read about, the clues dropped by other characters.
Obviously [b:The Supreme Lie|56049940|The Supreme Lie|Geraldine McCaughrean|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1606387292l/56049940._SY75_.jpg|87304473] wasn't realistic at all in terms of a 15 year-old girl being 'chosen' to lead the city, but there were other elements, like the treatment of the workers and their descent into something of a mob, that I could definitely envision happening today if something of that magnitude occurred.
[a:Geraldine McCaughrean|1631|Geraldine McCaughrean|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1296256453p2/1631.jpg] is here to give anyone who believes their people in power to be free from corruption and selfishness a harsh, but firm, wake-up call.
kaim's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
johanna_b's review
5.0
The waters of Afalia are rising and the rain still isn't stopping. Gloria was just a housemaid when her employer, Madame Suprema, the Head of State, runs off for fear of being blamed for the crisis. Now it's up to Gloria and Timor, the Suprema's husband, to embark on a dangerous path of deception to cover up the Suprema's cowardliness. But Gloria will soon learn that the world of politics is more complicated than she could ever have dreamed and her choices now affect the lives of thousands.
This book was so creative and I loved everything about it! I was skeptical at first whether the author would be able to convincingly pull off having Gloria as the stand-in leader of a country at fifteen but it all worked out really well! I loved how Gloria was so naive to the world of politics. It made her better and worse for the people of Afalia because you could tell she really cared about them but she also approached issues head on instead of looking at the long term affect which could make things worse for the nation in the long run.
The plot was structured in a really fun way and I loved the incorporation of the newspapers. I have to admit I gave up on the anagrams after the second one because they got way to hard. I loved the part they played in the story though! The dogs were a great addition as well and they brought a nice relief when other parts of the story were growing tense. I honestly had no idea where the story was going to end up as I was reading the final chapters and I was starting to get worried that the ending wouldn't feel very complete but the resolution did a good job of leaving me satisfied.
This book also brought to life the issue of fake news and the importance of being on your guard and to not believe everything you read. This was a really good book and it was great to have a chance to chat with the author after reading as I received this from Book Box Club. Happy Reading :)
Buy your copy of The Supreme Lie here⤵️
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Supreme-Lie-by-Geraldine-McCaughrean-author-Keith-Robinson-illustrator/9781474970686?a_aid=josbooks
This book was so creative and I loved everything about it! I was skeptical at first whether the author would be able to convincingly pull off having Gloria as the stand-in leader of a country at fifteen but it all worked out really well! I loved how Gloria was so naive to the world of politics. It made her better and worse for the people of Afalia because you could tell she really cared about them but she also approached issues head on instead of looking at the long term affect which could make things worse for the nation in the long run.
The plot was structured in a really fun way and I loved the incorporation of the newspapers. I have to admit I gave up on the anagrams after the second one because they got way to hard. I loved the part they played in the story though! The dogs were a great addition as well and they brought a nice relief when other parts of the story were growing tense. I honestly had no idea where the story was going to end up as I was reading the final chapters and I was starting to get worried that the ending wouldn't feel very complete but the resolution did a good job of leaving me satisfied.
This book also brought to life the issue of fake news and the importance of being on your guard and to not believe everything you read. This was a really good book and it was great to have a chance to chat with the author after reading as I received this from Book Box Club. Happy Reading :)
Buy your copy of The Supreme Lie here⤵️
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Supreme-Lie-by-Geraldine-McCaughrean-author-Keith-Robinson-illustrator/9781474970686?a_aid=josbooks
ivaisreading's review
3.0
This just seemed more like an upper end middle grade book instead of a young adult one? I didn’t see anything that would class this as a teen book and I think the chapters from the dog’s point of view lost me.
(I only realised after buying this that there were dogs on the cover which should have warned me)
I don’t think it’s a bad book though, just not for me right now - I absolutely adored Where the World Ends and this ended up quite different to that writing style.
(I only realised after buying this that there were dogs on the cover which should have warned me)
I don’t think it’s a bad book though, just not for me right now - I absolutely adored Where the World Ends and this ended up quite different to that writing style.
rachel_fig's review against another edition
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5