Scan barcode
strawberrysunset's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
first time reading a plot based book in a while, their journey was really enticing although sad and reminiscent of everything going on in Gaza at the moment. Zain being queer and coming out at the end was a nice touch for me personally but I get how it might seem like a rushed ending
sarahs_bookish_life's review
4.0
The cover and blurb really intrigued me with this book so when the opportunity arose to read it, I jumped at the chance.
The story starts off with two brothers taking a leap of faith, not knowing what the future holds or whether they will even make the hard journey that is ahead of them. I couldn’t wait to read on just to see what exactly life did have in store for these two.
As a parent, I could never imagine sending my children out into the big wide world, not to embark on the journey that Mohammed and Zain are about to embark on anyway, even though they are of similar age to the characters. Then again I count my blessings every day that I live in a country that I should never have to do that. I totally understood the reasoning’s why, not that it makes in any easier to stomach. I really felt for these two brothers as well as the parents that they bravely leave behind.
The author takes us on an informative journey of just how someone would flee a country and how they get around border controls. Also what life is like in the camps that the boys find themselves in as well as the huge risks they undertake. Alongside this though, we see the pair make an unlikely friendship with another refugee, Jesus and a bond grows between the three.
Jesus is a bit of an underdog in this story. Whilst Mohammed is the main character in the story, the more I got to know about Jesus, the more I was intrigued and the more I grew to like him. At first he comes across as some crazy alcoholic but by the end I have to admit he stole a bit of my heart.
The End Of Time was an informative and in part, emotional read. It did take me a little while for the story to fully grab hold of me but when it did, I was well and truly captivated. It certainly gives the reader food for thought and hopefully will make people more understanding of the plights of refugees. A story of hope, brotherly bonds and an unlikely friendship that will pull on the heart strings.
My thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story starts off with two brothers taking a leap of faith, not knowing what the future holds or whether they will even make the hard journey that is ahead of them. I couldn’t wait to read on just to see what exactly life did have in store for these two.
As a parent, I could never imagine sending my children out into the big wide world, not to embark on the journey that Mohammed and Zain are about to embark on anyway, even though they are of similar age to the characters. Then again I count my blessings every day that I live in a country that I should never have to do that. I totally understood the reasoning’s why, not that it makes in any easier to stomach. I really felt for these two brothers as well as the parents that they bravely leave behind.
The author takes us on an informative journey of just how someone would flee a country and how they get around border controls. Also what life is like in the camps that the boys find themselves in as well as the huge risks they undertake. Alongside this though, we see the pair make an unlikely friendship with another refugee, Jesus and a bond grows between the three.
Jesus is a bit of an underdog in this story. Whilst Mohammed is the main character in the story, the more I got to know about Jesus, the more I was intrigued and the more I grew to like him. At first he comes across as some crazy alcoholic but by the end I have to admit he stole a bit of my heart.
The End Of Time was an informative and in part, emotional read. It did take me a little while for the story to fully grab hold of me but when it did, I was well and truly captivated. It certainly gives the reader food for thought and hopefully will make people more understanding of the plights of refugees. A story of hope, brotherly bonds and an unlikely friendship that will pull on the heart strings.
My thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
hannahash's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was an amazing read. The way it was written was easy to read and kept you interested in reading.
I don’t know how, but Gavin Extence fulfilled his ‘higher purpose’ because after reading this book, if it didn’t already, your compassion will grow.
The main characters are very loveable and making it easy to sympathize.
Definitely recommend this book.
I don’t know how, but Gavin Extence fulfilled his ‘higher purpose’ because after reading this book, if it didn’t already, your compassion will grow.
The main characters are very loveable and making it easy to sympathize.
Definitely recommend this book.
debsd's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
haydenjweal's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
A touching story with charming characters about a refugee's plight to escape Syria and enter the UK.
Gavin Extence is great. I've enjoyed all of his books because they always get me choked up. This book was harder to find and buy than his others, so I'm hoping that his next book gets a publishing deal with more heft.
Gavin Extence is great. I've enjoyed all of his books because they always get me choked up. This book was harder to find and buy than his others, so I'm hoping that his next book gets a publishing deal with more heft.
banh89's review
5.0
If you make me cry, you get 5 stars. Another great read to hit you in the feels from Gavin.
lucsbooks's review
4.0
Gavin Extence is an undiscovered treasure. That is important for my review because the moment I saw his name on the cover I didn't really care for it or the synopsis before requesting it. That's how I got slapped in the face with this book's theme.
The book is still very funny in a Gavin Extence kind of way and there are plenty of heartwarming moments, the entire book fueled by fear but mostly by an undercurrent of love. Zain's love for his brother. The book doesn't pull any punches though.
At the same time, this book speaks to the West's hypocrisy and lack of empathy it also makes sure to notice how there are kind people everywhere, brave people that sometimes defy their government's rules to aid those in need. The reader still ends up feeling put on the spot because of the way the book is written, with Zain speaking to us in the first person and stopping once in a while to break the fourth wall.
One of the things I loved the most about this book was Zain. Zain has a secret, a very important, heavy secret but the author only reveals it midway through the book, making sure that it was too late for that to influence our opinion of Zain.
Gavin Extence's books are always imbued with a sense of magic that always make me feel that they are a portal to Fairyland. This book was no different. Although it wasn't as showy as The Universe vs Alex Woods, it's a pretty solid piece of writing that provides us with a window to a situation that most of us are only marginally aware of. My first reaction after finishing it was just looking around to all the things I make use of every day without a second thought.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.
The book is still very funny in a Gavin Extence kind of way and there are plenty of heartwarming moments, the entire book fueled by fear but mostly by an undercurrent of love. Zain's love for his brother. The book doesn't pull any punches though.
At the same time, this book speaks to the West's hypocrisy and lack of empathy it also makes sure to notice how there are kind people everywhere, brave people that sometimes defy their government's rules to aid those in need. The reader still ends up feeling put on the spot because of the way the book is written, with Zain speaking to us in the first person and stopping once in a while to break the fourth wall.
One of the things I loved the most about this book was Zain. Zain has a secret, a very important, heavy secret but the author only reveals it midway through the book, making sure that it was too late for that to influence our opinion of Zain.
Gavin Extence's books are always imbued with a sense of magic that always make me feel that they are a portal to Fairyland. This book was no different. Although it wasn't as showy as The Universe vs Alex Woods, it's a pretty solid piece of writing that provides us with a window to a situation that most of us are only marginally aware of. My first reaction after finishing it was just looking around to all the things I make use of every day without a second thought.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.
morgansandrae's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? No
5.0
eloisebell's review
4.0
This book is a thought-provoking yet humorous look at important world issues such as race and religion.
It is a fiction book but reads although it could definitely be nonfiction and shines a light on the desperation it takes to leave your home behind to try and find a life else where.
It is a fiction book but reads although it could definitely be nonfiction and shines a light on the desperation it takes to leave your home behind to try and find a life else where.
flowerbob's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
3.5