Scan barcode
eefmaoam's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was a little apprehensive about reading this book, after seeing some negative and pretty critical reviews. Therefore I was a little worried Sand would be a big disappointment after having loved reading the Wool Trilogy and Beacon 23, and it would have a negative influence on my enjoyment of the previous books and Hugh Howey as a writer in general. However, I couldn't have been more wrong, luckily!
The story starts of a little slow and getting into this new 'world' was a little jarring; I wouldn't jump into this book straight after finishing the Wool series, since it would be near impossible not to compare the two and end up disappointed after the first part of this book (the book is again divided into several parts within the book itself, which is the norm for Hugh's books). But despite the slow start, the ending of the first part got me completely hooked! The world itself was not as extensive as some other book's world building, but honestly I didn't mind that too much because the concept of this world it pretty easy to understand (I'll do some speculating about the world though:I do think this world is the same as in the Wool trilogy; some details such as the people not having any clue about how this world came to be, but *still* using names like samsonite for suitcases and calling the non-divers-sand-hallers sissyfoots, reminded me *a lot* of the same phenomenon in Wool. Also the location+setting of this story would make sense with the history of Wool and the use of atomic bombs in this book would also pan out. Very curious if I'll still think they might be in the same universe after the second book, I'll come back to it after reading the next book lol ). The story really ramps up after this and the multiple POV's helped to create an interesting narrative structure with a relatively fast-passed plot. The characters and their different POV's and backstories were a joy to read and at some points deeply emotional (but potentially triggering for some readers).
No, this story is no Wool Trilogy, but damn is this still a really, really, really good book. I can't wait to start reading the second part in the Sand Chronicles and I'm already eyeing the release date of the third in this series. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; if you're looking for some intense, dark, dystopian non-YA stories, Hugh Howey is you're guy!
The story starts of a little slow and getting into this new 'world' was a little jarring; I wouldn't jump into this book straight after finishing the Wool series, since it would be near impossible not to compare the two and end up disappointed after the first part of this book (the book is again divided into several parts within the book itself, which is the norm for Hugh's books). But despite the slow start, the ending of the first part got me completely hooked! The world itself was not as extensive as some other book's world building, but honestly I didn't mind that too much because the concept of this world it pretty easy to understand (I'll do some speculating about the world though:
No, this story is no Wool Trilogy, but damn is this still a really, really, really good book. I can't wait to start reading the second part in the Sand Chronicles and I'm already eyeing the release date of the third in this series. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; if you're looking for some intense, dark, dystopian non-YA stories, Hugh Howey is you're guy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
obtoosegoose's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Cannibalism, and War
miserableflower's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Any interesting concept, but I struggle with the use of atomic weapons and what would be the fallout of its use? Especially in a distance so small from the "town points" but I do enjoy the feel of the madmax/waterworld/earth bending vibes.
This also feels like a YA novel, and some of the concepts reflect that but there are several points that are very dark and feel a little overly detailed.. but maybe that's just my sensitivity to the subjects.
I wish there are more explanation on the sand bending powers thing, because it feels like its not just a tech thing, but a power?
CW: Mentions of sexual assault, rape, graphic details of death or harm.
This also feels like a YA novel, and some of the concepts reflect that but there are several points that are very dark and feel a little overly detailed.. but maybe that's just my sensitivity to the subjects.
I wish there are more explanation on the sand bending powers thing, because it feels like its not just a tech thing, but a power?
CW: Mentions of sexual assault, rape, graphic details of death or harm.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders