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robbynjreeve's review
2.0
ORAL PRESENTATION: ELIZABETH SCOTT
This book was quite different from the other two books I read by this author. Most American teenagers would have a harder time relating to it. Grace is an "angel," someone raised to drop a suicide bomb. However, she isn't sure she believes in what she has to do, and moreover, she is too scared to do it. When unable to carry out the plan, Grace finds herself trying to flee the country. Another different thing about this book is that it is left open-ended. We aren't sure how Grace's story will end. The main aspect of this book is trust, and I think that is the aspect that teenagers can relate to.
This book was quite different from the other two books I read by this author. Most American teenagers would have a harder time relating to it. Grace is an "angel," someone raised to drop a suicide bomb. However, she isn't sure she believes in what she has to do, and moreover, she is too scared to do it. When unable to carry out the plan, Grace finds herself trying to flee the country. Another different thing about this book is that it is left open-ended. We aren't sure how Grace's story will end. The main aspect of this book is trust, and I think that is the aspect that teenagers can relate to.
good1kenz's review
4.0
This was NOT my favorite of Elizabeth's books, but it was far from awful. She has yet to write anything that I didn't like.
Grace's story is heart wrenching. To be forced with the decision of either killing yourself for the cause or choosing to live is something I wouldn't be able to deal with if I were in her position.
Her maturity alone is amazing.
This story didn't even need romance. It was great on its own.
Grace's story is heart wrenching. To be forced with the decision of either killing yourself for the cause or choosing to live is something I wouldn't be able to deal with if I were in her position.
Her maturity alone is amazing.
This story didn't even need romance. It was great on its own.
emellis59's review
3.0
Another book that I just couldn't quite grasp the world in which it was set. It would be a wonderful book club book for teens with discussions on fear, power, and destiny. Overall I enjoyed the book and read it in about an hour.
heyjudy's review
4.0
~4/5
This was a really fast, very interesting, read. I was surprised, and I liked it.
This is a really small book, with large spacing, so it went by in, like, two hours. But it was still a really interesting, deep read. I knew what it was about going in, but I was still surprised. Maybe that’s because I don’t read a lot of books on this topic, or even close to it, but still.
Grace’s journey was really interesting. It’s sad, and kind of frustrating, the traditions of where she lives. It’s hard to imagine, and it just seems hard.
This book was very deep, given what Grace has gone through, and what she has decided to do. On her journey to escape, she meets a guy close to her in age, Kerr. His story was also really interesting to read about, and really horrible. It was all kind of horrible, though.
Despite the possible hint of romance in the synopsis, there isn’t any in this book. Her and Kerr, instead, talk. They find out about each other, and talk about what they’ve done and what’s happened to them, even if they’re reluctant and in hiding. And I’m glad that it wasn’t a romance, because I think it worked out better this way. Them just forming a kind-of, maybe bond, I think, worked better for them.
I was surprised by this book, but I really liked it. It was deep and kind of beautiful, but also really sad. It’s definitely worth picking up.
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
This was a really fast, very interesting, read. I was surprised, and I liked it.
This is a really small book, with large spacing, so it went by in, like, two hours. But it was still a really interesting, deep read. I knew what it was about going in, but I was still surprised. Maybe that’s because I don’t read a lot of books on this topic, or even close to it, but still.
Grace’s journey was really interesting. It’s sad, and kind of frustrating, the traditions of where she lives. It’s hard to imagine, and it just seems hard.
This book was very deep, given what Grace has gone through, and what she has decided to do. On her journey to escape, she meets a guy close to her in age, Kerr. His story was also really interesting to read about, and really horrible. It was all kind of horrible, though.
Despite the possible hint of romance in the synopsis, there isn’t any in this book. Her and Kerr, instead, talk. They find out about each other, and talk about what they’ve done and what’s happened to them, even if they’re reluctant and in hiding. And I’m glad that it wasn’t a romance, because I think it worked out better this way. Them just forming a kind-of, maybe bond, I think, worked better for them.
I was surprised by this book, but I really liked it. It was deep and kind of beautiful, but also really sad. It’s definitely worth picking up.
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
ckausch's review
4.0
Haunting; reminiscent of Living Dead Girl with its sparse writing. Elizabeth Scott has crafted a creepy, fascinating dystopian society that could be a county like Pakistan but could also be our own.
asimilarkite's review
4.0
While set in a disturbing dystopian vision of the future, the world of this novel hits close to home. Grace has been raised to be an Angel – one of the People of the Hills whose purpose in life is to die for her beliefs. Grace is a suicide bomber, and when she sets off a bomb to kill one of the followers of the tyrannous ruler Keran Berj, her own death will bring her and her people honor. However, when Grace decides that she would rather live than sacrifice herself, she finds herself on the run with another fugitive with a mysterious past. This novel is largely introspective, and using succinct and philosophical language, Scott leads the reader towards truly understanding Grace, her world, and her struggle with the decision to live. The parallels with our own world are apparent, and Scott does not skimp on violence or moral turmoil. This book would be a perfect companion piece to a social studies lesson on the psychology of suicide bombers.
(Fairly formal review I wrote for a Book Review Council)
(Fairly formal review I wrote for a Book Review Council)
bak8382's review
4.0
Born to be an Angel and die for her cause Grace has always known what she is supposed to do. Yet when the moment comes she turns around and walks away. She then finds herself on a train unsure if she can trust her companion Kerr. As they hurtle towards the border and freedom Grace discovers that some things are truly worth fighting for.
Grace's thought provoking and fast paced story captured me from page 1, and I was hard pressed to put it down. Grace and Kerr are well drawn and realistic characters making difficult choices in this frightening dystopian world.
Grace's thought provoking and fast paced story captured me from page 1, and I was hard pressed to put it down. Grace and Kerr are well drawn and realistic characters making difficult choices in this frightening dystopian world.
trin_ney18's review
4.0
4/5
My friends and I kind of set each other up on a blind date with a book. When they picked me out this book I was really wary. I'm really picky about the look of my books and this one didn't look too appealing. I was wrong. A complete wild ride from start to finish. Well, to be honest the beginning was a little confusing with all the names but as the story unfolded I was dazzled. I'm a little shocked this wasn't more popular but maybe one day it'll have its time to shine.
I would've loved a little longer and more developed story but I do love the short sweetness of it.
My friends and I kind of set each other up on a blind date with a book. When they picked me out this book I was really wary. I'm really picky about the look of my books and this one didn't look too appealing. I was wrong. A complete wild ride from start to finish. Well, to be honest the beginning was a little confusing with all the names but as the story unfolded I was dazzled. I'm a little shocked this wasn't more popular but maybe one day it'll have its time to shine.
I would've loved a little longer and more developed story but I do love the short sweetness of it.
lumos_libros's review
4.0
That cover is what just captured me. You can tell that those eyes hold a numbness but have a tinge of hope. Her face is transparent showing you what she sees: smoke, fire and destruction. She sees what an angel should see but she doesn't visualize triumph at a scene like this, but death. Grace breaks her vow to die serving the People. She wants the unthinkable, she wants to live.
Now, when I first started reading I was confused. I didn't get what the time frame for the events or what exactly was happening. A good third of the book flips back and forth between certain events. We start by seeing her on a train trying to escape. At this point she already failed her mission and is trying to run away. The story goes back to tell us just how she came to this point. Her travel companion is a young man around her age named Kerr. This is real intriguing character and has a big secret and burden he's hiding.
The book was not as suspenseful as I expected, but the fear Grace feels is apparent to the reader. Since the story is told in prose you aren't given way too many details, but just enough to see the world Grace and Kerr live in. It's scary but believable. Towards the end I felt like I was getting banged with the book on my head with the message. Ok ok I get it no need to be so abusive, *rubs head*.
The message is a powerful one and speaks the truth of how we all in some way want to survive and not be alone.
Now, when I first started reading I was confused. I didn't get what the time frame for the events or what exactly was happening. A good third of the book flips back and forth between certain events. We start by seeing her on a train trying to escape. At this point she already failed her mission and is trying to run away. The story goes back to tell us just how she came to this point. Her travel companion is a young man around her age named Kerr. This is real intriguing character and has a big secret and burden he's hiding.
The book was not as suspenseful as I expected, but the fear Grace feels is apparent to the reader. Since the story is told in prose you aren't given way too many details, but just enough to see the world Grace and Kerr live in. It's scary but believable. Towards the end I felt like I was getting banged with the book on my head with the message. Ok ok I get it no need to be so abusive, *rubs head*.
The message is a powerful one and speaks the truth of how we all in some way want to survive and not be alone.
catladylover94's review
4.0
a little strange, I could not figure out who she was talking about half the time, even what country she was from. but a good story