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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
I was reading this book for a new local book club, so it was not something I'd necessarily choose for myself. That said, it's a good adventure story for older children with a strong message about doing what's right. It's set in a fictional country, which gives it, for me at least, a bit of an otherworldly vibe and the characters have a larger than life, almost caricature-like quality. A fun read, notwithstanding the bleakness of some of the storyline.
4.75 stars
This has to be one of the most bizzare but brilliant books I’ve read in a while. I’ve been reading, albeit sparingly, the remaining books from Book Box Club that I have left and since the audiobook was available from my library I went for it.
The world is somewhere around 1920s but it isn’t a country that exists in our reality. And it feels like an almost exaggerated and whimsical place turned dark to start with. The more it goes on, however, the more believable and real the people and characters feel.
I can’t quite give it 5 stars but it deserves more than even 4.5. I can see this being a good read for older children, YA and up. As an adult reading it it is easier to work out most of the lies and having the main charcaters as a 16 year old girl and a dog makes a lot of sense for how they see the world. It feels believable and their mistakes honest and real.
Much better than I expected. And about as bizzare.
This has to be one of the most bizzare but brilliant books I’ve read in a while. I’ve been reading, albeit sparingly, the remaining books from Book Box Club that I have left and since the audiobook was available from my library I went for it.
The world is somewhere around 1920s but it isn’t a country that exists in our reality. And it feels like an almost exaggerated and whimsical place turned dark to start with. The more it goes on, however, the more believable and real the people and characters feel.
I can’t quite give it 5 stars but it deserves more than even 4.5. I can see this being a good read for older children, YA and up. As an adult reading it it is easier to work out most of the lies and having the main charcaters as a 16 year old girl and a dog makes a lot of sense for how they see the world. It feels believable and their mistakes honest and real.
Much better than I expected. And about as bizzare.
Found this a really interesting ‘teen’ read as I haven’t read many things in that age bracket. Found the premise really interesting and it was well-written and well-plotted. I liked the main character but found the rest of the characters could have been a bit more developed, particularly the story of the people in the factories and up North. Wasn’t such a fan of the dog sections.
adventurous
tense
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
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.
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!
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
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.
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
[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.