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lifeinthebooklane's review
5.0
I'd give this more than 5 stars if I could.
Wow .... I'm experiencing that speechless, blown away state that a truly amazing book leaves you in. The main characters of this book are all teenagers trying to survive the aftermath of an apocalypse. However at no point did this feel like a young adult book , just a very good one.
The author very cleverly chose realistic backgrounds for the characters so that the challenges they encounter and their 'adventures' are generally believable. The twists and turns of the plot, the mystery and suspense and the quality of writing had me gripped until the end.
As with stories of this genre the group suffer heartache and loses, more than one part of this story tore at my heart. Micah's secret, boy that one knocked me sideways. Bits of information, warnings and overheard conversations all tie together to deepen the mystery and add to the suspense, whilst also giving us a clue as to what might be the truth of the catastrophe.
Whilst Liv (Olivia) is the main character, since the book is written from her POV, the whole group of teenagers are important throughout the book and play their part in finding their way to salvation.
The story concludes in book 2, this one thankfully doesn't end on a biting your nails cliffhanger, but rather at a natural break point. I can't wait to read book 2!
Arc provided on behalf of The Wandering Bookaholic in exchange of an honest review
Wow .... I'm experiencing that speechless, blown away state that a truly amazing book leaves you in. The main characters of this book are all teenagers trying to survive the aftermath of an apocalypse. However at no point did this feel like a young adult book , just a very good one.
The author very cleverly chose realistic backgrounds for the characters so that the challenges they encounter and their 'adventures' are generally believable. The twists and turns of the plot, the mystery and suspense and the quality of writing had me gripped until the end.
As with stories of this genre the group suffer heartache and loses, more than one part of this story tore at my heart. Micah's secret, boy that one knocked me sideways. Bits of information, warnings and overheard conversations all tie together to deepen the mystery and add to the suspense, whilst also giving us a clue as to what might be the truth of the catastrophe.
Whilst Liv (Olivia) is the main character, since the book is written from her POV, the whole group of teenagers are important throughout the book and play their part in finding their way to salvation.
The story concludes in book 2, this one thankfully doesn't end on a biting your nails cliffhanger, but rather at a natural break point. I can't wait to read book 2!
Arc provided on behalf of The Wandering Bookaholic in exchange of an honest review
linaru's review against another edition
5.0
Copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Once I started the book I wasn't able to put it down. I was actually really mad at myself that I have not just started it earlier during the day but before the bed time. And I was mad at myself cause I had to stop and go to sleep. But next day I woke up and read it on my way to work, on my lunch, short breaks, on my way home, during cooking and before bed. At 45% I was really mad at myself that I haven't read it earlier. But anyway...the book...
The first scene broke my heart. I hate when siblings are separated and I cried. Hard. I had to stop reading and make myself cup of tea. After the story got more and more interesting. I'm not saying that it was less emotional. Far from it. Liv is trying her hardest to keep her promise she gave to her little brother. And she is not aware that her final words: even if the sky is falling will come true.
The adventures she will face with her friends are amazing and makes you have so many adrenaline rushes that you will think you are part of them and you are facing the same danger they do.
I really enjoyed this story and I will read the next parts as I cannot wait to see what will happen next!
5 heavenly kickass stars!
Once I started the book I wasn't able to put it down. I was actually really mad at myself that I have not just started it earlier during the day but before the bed time. And I was mad at myself cause I had to stop and go to sleep. But next day I woke up and read it on my way to work, on my lunch, short breaks, on my way home, during cooking and before bed. At 45% I was really mad at myself that I haven't read it earlier. But anyway...the book...
The first scene broke my heart. I hate when siblings are separated and I cried. Hard. I had to stop reading and make myself cup of tea. After the story got more and more interesting. I'm not saying that it was less emotional. Far from it. Liv is trying her hardest to keep her promise she gave to her little brother. And she is not aware that her final words: even if the sky is falling will come true.
The adventures she will face with her friends are amazing and makes you have so many adrenaline rushes that you will think you are part of them and you are facing the same danger they do.
I really enjoyed this story and I will read the next parts as I cannot wait to see what will happen next!
5 heavenly kickass stars!
sabaashjaee's review against another edition
5.0
I won this book free in the giveaway. It is a really detailed books. I personally loved it
chemistreadingonthejob's review
5.0
Cover Thoughts-
I love how the the text reminds you of the fiery orange color of solar flares. The cover really gives off the desolate aftermath expected from this dystopian novel. Although I wouldn't expect Liv to look so flawless in the situation.
First Thought-
I expect Liv and her friends go on a huge adventure to save the world and brother and fall in love on the way. I have never had the chance to read a dystopian with a solar storm so I was pretty anxious to get started reading. Immediately I was sucked into Liv's story.
Review-
Right away I was intrigued by Liv's life. All she wants is to fulfill her promise to her brother and you have to admire that in a character. She has an amazing amount of determination and bravery. In the beginning I was a bit confused about Liv. She seems extremely shy as she lives the life of a wall flower, then BAM solar storm, her personality switches from invisible to the leader of a ragtag group of teenage survivors. The character development of every person is so easy to follow and love. I began to really enjoy the banter between Falisha and Jake, the budding romance between Zander and Liv, the light Riley brings into the dark situation, and the 3-legged furry friend the group adopts. The story seemed less like a mission to save the world and more like how to survive in such a dire situation. The author was not afraid to describe some of the horrible details of death from Icarus. I got goosebumps because I felt like I was there, seeing what Liv is seeing. I could not imagine being as put together as Liv is after seeing people get burned alive, attacked, and seeing the hideous creatures evolving from the storm. Part of the side effects of the storm is a virus that affects certain people and gives paranormal like abilities. Even with this, the story was very realistic. If Icarus were to actually happen I imagine it would be just like this author wrote. Many nights after reading this I had vivid dreams of Killshot. This novel is more than just your average dystopian. It utilizes details and setting so well. My imagination became a beautiful mess survival and fire. Sometimes I felt thirsty like the dehydrated characters, and I felt the need to get my own water. Killshot could be a great movie in real life just as it was in my head.
Overall Readability-
Killshot is a very original dystopian. I recommend it if you enjoy novels such as Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, etc... If you love a good survival story from any type of apocalypse, then give Killshot a chance. You won't regret it.
My Final Thought-
A little sad that Liv hasn't reached her brother yet, but I guess I'll just find out in the second installment how this group of brave survivors fares in the aftermath of the virus quickly spreading. Now, how soon can I get my hands on it?
5 out of 5 Haunted Roses
http://thehauntedrose.blogspot.com/2014/12/killshot-by-aria-michaels-book-review.html
I love how the the text reminds you of the fiery orange color of solar flares. The cover really gives off the desolate aftermath expected from this dystopian novel. Although I wouldn't expect Liv to look so flawless in the situation.
First Thought-
I expect Liv and her friends go on a huge adventure to save the world and brother and fall in love on the way. I have never had the chance to read a dystopian with a solar storm so I was pretty anxious to get started reading. Immediately I was sucked into Liv's story.
Review-
Right away I was intrigued by Liv's life. All she wants is to fulfill her promise to her brother and you have to admire that in a character. She has an amazing amount of determination and bravery. In the beginning I was a bit confused about Liv. She seems extremely shy as she lives the life of a wall flower, then BAM solar storm, her personality switches from invisible to the leader of a ragtag group of teenage survivors. The character development of every person is so easy to follow and love. I began to really enjoy the banter between Falisha and Jake, the budding romance between Zander and Liv, the light Riley brings into the dark situation, and the 3-legged furry friend the group adopts. The story seemed less like a mission to save the world and more like how to survive in such a dire situation. The author was not afraid to describe some of the horrible details of death from Icarus. I got goosebumps because I felt like I was there, seeing what Liv is seeing. I could not imagine being as put together as Liv is after seeing people get burned alive, attacked, and seeing the hideous creatures evolving from the storm. Part of the side effects of the storm is a virus that affects certain people and gives paranormal like abilities. Even with this, the story was very realistic. If Icarus were to actually happen I imagine it would be just like this author wrote. Many nights after reading this I had vivid dreams of Killshot. This novel is more than just your average dystopian. It utilizes details and setting so well. My imagination became a beautiful mess survival and fire. Sometimes I felt thirsty like the dehydrated characters, and I felt the need to get my own water. Killshot could be a great movie in real life just as it was in my head.
Overall Readability-
Killshot is a very original dystopian. I recommend it if you enjoy novels such as Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, etc... If you love a good survival story from any type of apocalypse, then give Killshot a chance. You won't regret it.
My Final Thought-
A little sad that Liv hasn't reached her brother yet, but I guess I'll just find out in the second installment how this group of brave survivors fares in the aftermath of the virus quickly spreading. Now, how soon can I get my hands on it?
5 out of 5 Haunted Roses
http://thehauntedrose.blogspot.com/2014/12/killshot-by-aria-michaels-book-review.html
nicspears's review against another edition
5.0
***** (but worth so much more)
‘Killshot’ is the amazing debut by Aria Michaels, and let me tell you it is one hell of debut at that. This book will have you engrossed and on the edge of your seat throughout its entirety. I was hooked, and fell in love with the story as well as the characters.
I don’t want to go in to too much detail on this book as there are so many aspects and layers to it that I don’t want to ruin it for everyone. But, what I will say is the synopsis for this book really does not do this book justice. It may not sound like your cup of tea, but believe me...You Will NOT be disappointed.
Olivia ‘Liv’ Larson has got to be one of the strongest characters I have come across in a while. She is strong, brave and takes charge when the shit hits the fan. Everyone looks to her for guidance and she takes it in her stride, all the while trying not to show just how terrified she is.
“Listen to me, Liv Larson. You are, by far, the most stubborn, exhausting girl I have ever met in my life. You insist on doing everything the hard way, you constantly put yourself in danger, and you have absolutely no sense of self-preservation....but you are also the smartest, strongest, most brave person I have ever known. You have this energy about you that feeds the courage of those around you. I know you have your doubts, but the rest of us do not share your opinion. Like it or not, you are a natural born leader...and we would follow you over a cliff.” ~ Zander
Zander, is hot. Really hot, and the moment Liv meets his eyes, there is an inexplicable pull towards him, one which she doesn’t understand nor like.
“Despite my fervent resistance, this boy I had known for less than twenty-four hours, had managed to awaken a part of me I had forgotten existed. From the moment Zander walked into the diner, I had found myself inexplicably, and undeniably, drawn to him. I could not explain it, but there was something about him, and I had no idea what that something was, just that it made sense. The connection, however confounding, felt right to me, and no matter how hard I tried to deny it, I knew I could not walk away from it—from him.” ~ Liv
Aria does an amazing job at helping the reader understand everything that is happening and why. You can tell that it’s very well researched and you really get a feel and picture of what everything much look like.
And, although this is a Dystopian genre novel, full of suspense, and anguish, there’s also a bit of romance...Now you really can’t go wrong with that.
The characters are very well developed and very loveable. Although you have the two main characters, Liv and Zander, the secondary characters play just as an important role. They each bring a specific attribute to the group in the fight to survive. The way they stick together and deal with what’s happening is commendable and inspiring.
The emotions are very much believable and relatable to the situation and are dealt with a kind of maturity you don’t expect to see that of people at that age.
I was intrigued to learn about the solar flare itself and why it ended in the way it did. It’s gripping but very believable at the same time. It’s the type of situation that you can actually see happening in real life.
This is a story of survival, friendship and the road to salvation.
With dangers along the way and betrayal among the people you believe are there to help, Liv, Zander and the rest of the group must stick together if they want to survive.
I loved the writing. I loved the plot, and I loved the characters.
Bravo Ms. Michaels. Bravo, for this truly remarkable book. I look forward to the next book and every other book you release in the future.
I very highly recommend this book, and will not be disappointed at all.
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