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books_plan_create's review
2.0
Sadly this book did not capture me quite like Elizabeth Scott's others did. I spent part of the time confused, the other part disinterested. I felt no connection to any of the characters, but I think part of that was meant to be.
ninatest's review
1.0
I wasn't impressed with this book at all. The cover drew me in and I was intrigued. The synopsis seemed kick ass. Not much happened in this story and it was a huge let down for me.
I understand this was supposed to be dark and have a message but it just wasn't well written.
The whole book I was waiting for some epic take down.... spoiler it never happened.
I understand this was supposed to be dark and have a message but it just wasn't well written.
The whole book I was waiting for some epic take down.... spoiler it never happened.
abigailbat's review
5.0
Grace was supposed to kill the Minister of Culture by detonating her bomb as she stood in the front of a crowd, listening to him speak. She was supposed to go in a blaze of fire and drift up into the arms of the Saints. But as she looked up at the blue sky that day, she realized that she couldn't die.
So, instead, she runs.
WOW. This book was utterly un-put-down-able. It's intense and surprising and compelling. Highly recommended for fans of edgy YA fiction.
More on the blog: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2010/07/grace-by-elizabeth-scott.html
So, instead, she runs.
WOW. This book was utterly un-put-down-able. It's intense and surprising and compelling. Highly recommended for fans of edgy YA fiction.
More on the blog: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2010/07/grace-by-elizabeth-scott.html
rray_'s review
3.0
I'm really not sure what to think of this one, to the point where I don't know if three stars is giving it too much credit or severely underrating it. Consider it a placeholder rating until...umm, probably forever, really.
Elizabeth Scott (aka Elizabeth Spencer) is one of my most favorite authors ever, especially with YA contemporary or YA Urban fantasy (which I *guess* is what this is?) which are two of my most favorite genres. I really like her writing style and it's certainly present here, and she does a good job building up her characters and doing world-building and yet...it still feels empty and pointless, like I'm still waiting for a resolution. I guess the theme of the book is you should always choose life instead of death? That everyone has a right to live? I mean, I dig those themes but...it just feels like we're getting a very narrow slice here which, I guess is the point. Hence why I'm...not quite sure how to rate it.
Elizabeth Scott (aka Elizabeth Spencer) is one of my most favorite authors ever, especially with YA contemporary or YA Urban fantasy (which I *guess* is what this is?) which are two of my most favorite genres. I really like her writing style and it's certainly present here, and she does a good job building up her characters and doing world-building and yet...it still feels empty and pointless, like I'm still waiting for a resolution. I guess the theme of the book is you should always choose life instead of death? That everyone has a right to live? I mean, I dig those themes but...it just feels like we're getting a very narrow slice here which, I guess is the point. Hence why I'm...not quite sure how to rate it.
sarahpyt's review
3.0
3 or 4 stars. I really liked it, but there were some plot holes that prevent me from giving it a higher rating. One of the largest ones is that Chris intended for Grace to get caught, yet their alibi was that she was Kerr’s/Jerusha’s sister.
ghumpherys's review
3.0
Probably more like 2.5 stars for me, but I'll round it up today. This was a pretty quick read and while it had a good message about the importance of choice and the importance of life, it was a bit too violent and disturbing in parts for my taste.
chwaters's review
4.0
Talk about a hot-button issue. Elizabeth Scott has once again tangled with the provocative in her latest book. This is, however, her first foray into science fiction and it works. The premise is this: Grace has been raised to be an Angel; a suicide bomber for the People. When she gets her mission, she is unable to follow through to her own end. Reviled by her community and family, she is on the run to the border. Accompanying her is a boy known for his ultimate betrayal in the name of Keran Berg, the sworn enemy of the People.
This is a world where it is an honor to die for "freedom", not too unlike communities that exist in our own world. The convictions are just as fervent. Scott invites the reader to think about what we mean by "freedom" and about the collateral damage that fighting for it may cause. This would likely make a great book group read for high-schoolers. Which means I'll probably be rereading it when it comes out in paperback.
This is a world where it is an honor to die for "freedom", not too unlike communities that exist in our own world. The convictions are just as fervent. Scott invites the reader to think about what we mean by "freedom" and about the collateral damage that fighting for it may cause. This would likely make a great book group read for high-schoolers. Which means I'll probably be rereading it when it comes out in paperback.
gemstixs's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
oh this was so disappointing. there is so much in this book that is handled well but so many structural changes would have made it better. we are told things that we aren’t shown, and by the end the message became incredibly heavy handed in comparison to the beginning. the ending itself and the character relationship also felt a bit rushed though i do believe that was purposeful. overall pretty good but so much untapped potential.
readingdate's review
4.0
Set in a bleak world in the near future, Grace has been trained to give her life for the People's cause to oust ruler Keran Berj. Grace has always known this was her path, and she was prepared to die when it was asked of her. However, she always had her doubts, and when the time came she was unable to fulfill her mission. Now Grace is on the run and with a traveling companion who is also running from the past.
This is the second book I have read from this author, the first being Living Dead Girl. Both books are compelling, haunting stories wrapped in a small package. At only 200 pages, this book can be read in one setting. However, the subject matter is weighty, timely and thought provoking. The short chapters and spare writing powerfully convey the character's frame of mind.
The story begins as Grace has hopped a train and is on the run; the details of how she got there are filled in through flashbacks. The whole story had me on edge as I felt Grace's anxiousness and fright as she waited to get caught. She has spent her whole life being told what to do and now is trying to understand and learn what it will be like to be free. She has always felt out of place as she has watched the other Angels go so willingly to complete their suicide missions. With the help of her traveling companion Kerr, Grace is questioning all that she ever knew. Kerr has his own heart breaking story to tell, and I was pulled into his story as much as Grace's.
Most of the action takes place on the train, and the claustrophobic environment contributes to the moody atmosphere of the story. Some of the difficult scenes take place "off camera" and are even more mysterious and disturbing as the reader is left to fill in the blanks. The character of Grace makes hard choices and is brave to go off into the unknown to live life for herself. This haunting character struck a chord with me.
Grace is a powerful dystopian book set in a recognizable near future world. The themes are those that many will relate to with several discussion points that could be explored in a classroom setting.
I'm glad I took a chance on this book, and maybe next time I'll even read one of this author's lighter novels. Elizabeth Scott's next book is called Between Here and Forever and is due out in May 2011.
This is the second book I have read from this author, the first being Living Dead Girl. Both books are compelling, haunting stories wrapped in a small package. At only 200 pages, this book can be read in one setting. However, the subject matter is weighty, timely and thought provoking. The short chapters and spare writing powerfully convey the character's frame of mind.
The story begins as Grace has hopped a train and is on the run; the details of how she got there are filled in through flashbacks. The whole story had me on edge as I felt Grace's anxiousness and fright as she waited to get caught. She has spent her whole life being told what to do and now is trying to understand and learn what it will be like to be free. She has always felt out of place as she has watched the other Angels go so willingly to complete their suicide missions. With the help of her traveling companion Kerr, Grace is questioning all that she ever knew. Kerr has his own heart breaking story to tell, and I was pulled into his story as much as Grace's.
Most of the action takes place on the train, and the claustrophobic environment contributes to the moody atmosphere of the story. Some of the difficult scenes take place "off camera" and are even more mysterious and disturbing as the reader is left to fill in the blanks. The character of Grace makes hard choices and is brave to go off into the unknown to live life for herself. This haunting character struck a chord with me.
Grace is a powerful dystopian book set in a recognizable near future world. The themes are those that many will relate to with several discussion points that could be explored in a classroom setting.
I'm glad I took a chance on this book, and maybe next time I'll even read one of this author's lighter novels. Elizabeth Scott's next book is called Between Here and Forever and is due out in May 2011.