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paragraphsandpages's review
4.0
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley!
Stars (Out of 10): 8/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: Since this was a fairly short novella, I didn’t necessarily expect the author to be able to craft too fantastical of a story, but what this author was able to create in 80 pages ended up really surprising me! It was a quick but great read, and exceeded my expectations in every way! While the end wasn’t a twist, it definitely wasn’t expected, and that was one of my favorite parts! Overall an enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend! (Also love the new cover!)
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Good: The ending really surprised me, and the society they were in seemed really interesting! I was super intrigued from the start, and the novella continued to keep me hooked the whole time!
The Bad: There was very little closure at the ending, even for the short story it was. We saw the city explode, and then Leah leave, but with absolutely no hint as to “what’s next?” I wish there was a bit more, but I understand the lack of it, since it was a short story. I also felt a bit more personality could’ve been added to Leah.
The Characters: We didn’t really have enough places to explore both this and the plot, but I still enjoyed the characters we were given for the short time we read about them.
The Plot: It was simple and short, but actually did not happen according to my expectations. I assumed all would be fine and everyone would be saved, including Isaac and her father, but the ending definitely did not have that mind! Instead everything went completely wrong except for the fact that Leah survived, now lost in the wilderness, as well as lost in what to do. Definitely the complete opposite direction most stories like this end up taking.
The World Building: This novella actually did a pretty good job of explaining the basics in the very few pages it had. We didn’t necessarily learn the “whys” of everything, but more about the present and the facts of the now.
Buy it, Borrow it, or Bin it: Buy it!
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
Stars (Out of 10): 8/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: Since this was a fairly short novella, I didn’t necessarily expect the author to be able to craft too fantastical of a story, but what this author was able to create in 80 pages ended up really surprising me! It was a quick but great read, and exceeded my expectations in every way! While the end wasn’t a twist, it definitely wasn’t expected, and that was one of my favorite parts! Overall an enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend! (Also love the new cover!)
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Good: The ending really surprised me, and the society they were in seemed really interesting! I was super intrigued from the start, and the novella continued to keep me hooked the whole time!
The Bad: There was very little closure at the ending, even for the short story it was. We saw the city explode, and then Leah leave, but with absolutely no hint as to “what’s next?” I wish there was a bit more, but I understand the lack of it, since it was a short story. I also felt a bit more personality could’ve been added to Leah.
The Characters: We didn’t really have enough places to explore both this and the plot, but I still enjoyed the characters we were given for the short time we read about them.
The Plot: It was simple and short, but actually did not happen according to my expectations. I assumed all would be fine and everyone would be saved, including Isaac and her father, but the ending definitely did not have that mind! Instead everything went completely wrong except for the fact that Leah survived, now lost in the wilderness, as well as lost in what to do. Definitely the complete opposite direction most stories like this end up taking.
The World Building: This novella actually did a pretty good job of explaining the basics in the very few pages it had. We didn’t necessarily learn the “whys” of everything, but more about the present and the facts of the now.
Buy it, Borrow it, or Bin it: Buy it!
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
urlphantomhive's review
2.0
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
I'm very picky when it comes to novellas. I've often been disappointed with them, as they either seem too long for what they try to convey, but most of the time because due to the short length of the novella, I miss the details that make me care for a story.
The girl in the City also suffered from this phenomenon. Before reading, I didn't know it was based on the world from a book, Pennsylvania, by another author, Michael Bunker. Being unfamiliar with said book and world, I felt like I was missing something. On the other hand, what I did get from it was a pretty straightforward and standard dystopian tale, where once again there is a governmental system that no one would even consider to be not bad and another mysterious threat that keeps everyone in the city.
Maybe, if the story had been longer, there would have been more detail and the events would have felt less rushed, I think I still would have liked it. Now, unfortunately, it disappointed me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I'm very picky when it comes to novellas. I've often been disappointed with them, as they either seem too long for what they try to convey, but most of the time because due to the short length of the novella, I miss the details that make me care for a story.
The girl in the City also suffered from this phenomenon. Before reading, I didn't know it was based on the world from a book, Pennsylvania, by another author, Michael Bunker. Being unfamiliar with said book and world, I felt like I was missing something. On the other hand, what I did get from it was a pretty straightforward and standard dystopian tale, where once again there is a governmental system that no one would even consider to be not bad and another mysterious threat that keeps everyone in the city.
Maybe, if the story had been longer, there would have been more detail and the events would have felt less rushed, I think I still would have liked it. Now, unfortunately, it disappointed me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
ericashei's review
3.0
I really liked it. It was very well written, even though I think it would have been even better as a fully fleshed out novel that took the time to develop. The ending was sort of depressing and, everything considered, rather anti-climatic. Still a well written piece and a really good way to spend an hour.
jeanz's review
3.0
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I was struggling reading another book when I cam across this one. I needed something to lift me from my "possible reading slump" so I reverted to something from both genres I love, post apocalyptic & dystopian. As this is set in the world of Michael Bunker's Pennsylvania I am hoping I may have discovered a great new series to read.
THOUGHTS WHILST READING
There weren't any really as it was a fairly quick read novella.
REVIEW
I received an e-arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I then looked the title up on Amazon so I could add the links to this review post and discovered I had actually bought this novella in December 2015! So it's been sat waiting for me to get around to reading it! I wish there were more reading hours in the day, or even an extra day in the week just for reading! I could use either the extra hours or both the extra hours and the extra day!!
The cover has a green hue to it which adds a feeling of darkness and the possibility of possible danger. You later realise it could represent one the latter scenes in the novella. There are two depictions of the same female on the cover, in the top section is a profile silhouette within smoke . . .and there is also a female figure in a street scene. I think the cover represents the novella very well. I should also add that there is a different cover shown on Goodreads for this book. Which one do I prefer? The one I have featured above as it suits the feel, genre, and plot of the book much better.Would the cover make me pick this book up from the shelf in a bookstore? I think I would pick it up to read the blurb due to the curiosity the cover makes me feel about the female on it.
So because I didn't really read that this book was based on another authors books, I initially expected this to be a prequel to a series. . .I know my bad . .should have read the description better. The book starts with the main female character of Leah out on a salvage scouting mission for salvage as that is the currency that is used to barter with for food etc. as the "city" is in ruins really and is being governed by the harsh regime of the "Transport Police" who seem to literally make up their own rules on what is right and wrong. These "mission" of searching for salvage are becoming increasingly difficult as the good salvage has already been taken and those that live outside the city and are referred to as the "Wild Ones" . There are many rumours about the Wild One such as they capture people, torture, and murder them. The most gruesome fact or rumour is that the Wild Ones are cannibals! So it's understandable that Leah should be scared of them and ends up losing a whole nights salvage to escape them. Salvage that was to be bartered for food.
It's a chance meeting in an alleyway that ends up drastically changing her life. M man is being chased and is shot and the last thing he does is hand Leah a bag with a mysterious package. Initially Leah thinks the contents of the bag will be something she can barter for food. . . but when she shows her father, it becomes apparent it is something of a much higher value.
There's plenty of twists and turns within this novella. I found it quite a gripping read. The whole post apocalyptic part of the world that those in the city and surrounding are having to live. The dystopian aspect is well covered with the tyrannical governing body called the "transport police" and their heavy handed techniques, and the rebel force known as TRACE fighting the government.
The characters, Leah, her father, Isaac (an Amish man) are all great, and in my opinion could have been developed even more giving a lengthier novella. I liked the way Leah's mum was referenced and spoken about even though she had previously passed, it helped to give an insight into why Leah was the way she is. I loved the relationship between Leah and her father. Her father feeling the need to attempt to shelter Leah and how Leah returns this feeling of protectiveness. The only downside is that ideally I'd have wanted there to be more, at least a series of novella's. I felt frustrated we didn't get the chance to know what sort of life Leah would have, and how she would cope.
So did I enjoy the novella? Yes, though I did want more! I think the novella could have been filled out, maybe even made into a novel length, the society created and characters were already there.
Would I recommend reading this novella?Yes, it's a great one or two sitting read.
Would I want to read more? If this novella were ever filled out into a full length novel, or more novella's were added and this made into a series I would be interested in reading more, so yes! Also reading this novella has made me take a look at the author of the world it is set in.
Would I want to read more by this author? I have already purchased another novella (Curfew) by this author to read.
FINIAL THOUGHTS
Great novella with brilliant society creation, and some potentially brilliant characters. . . I was just left wanting more.
I was struggling reading another book when I cam across this one. I needed something to lift me from my "possible reading slump" so I reverted to something from both genres I love, post apocalyptic & dystopian. As this is set in the world of Michael Bunker's Pennsylvania I am hoping I may have discovered a great new series to read.
THOUGHTS WHILST READING
There weren't any really as it was a fairly quick read novella.
REVIEW
I received an e-arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I then looked the title up on Amazon so I could add the links to this review post and discovered I had actually bought this novella in December 2015! So it's been sat waiting for me to get around to reading it! I wish there were more reading hours in the day, or even an extra day in the week just for reading! I could use either the extra hours or both the extra hours and the extra day!!
The cover has a green hue to it which adds a feeling of darkness and the possibility of possible danger. You later realise it could represent one the latter scenes in the novella. There are two depictions of the same female on the cover, in the top section is a profile silhouette within smoke . . .and there is also a female figure in a street scene. I think the cover represents the novella very well. I should also add that there is a different cover shown on Goodreads for this book. Which one do I prefer? The one I have featured above as it suits the feel, genre, and plot of the book much better.Would the cover make me pick this book up from the shelf in a bookstore? I think I would pick it up to read the blurb due to the curiosity the cover makes me feel about the female on it.
So because I didn't really read that this book was based on another authors books, I initially expected this to be a prequel to a series. . .I know my bad . .should have read the description better. The book starts with the main female character of Leah out on a salvage scouting mission for salvage as that is the currency that is used to barter with for food etc. as the "city" is in ruins really and is being governed by the harsh regime of the "Transport Police" who seem to literally make up their own rules on what is right and wrong. These "mission" of searching for salvage are becoming increasingly difficult as the good salvage has already been taken and those that live outside the city and are referred to as the "Wild Ones" . There are many rumours about the Wild One such as they capture people, torture, and murder them. The most gruesome fact or rumour is that the Wild Ones are cannibals! So it's understandable that Leah should be scared of them and ends up losing a whole nights salvage to escape them. Salvage that was to be bartered for food.
It's a chance meeting in an alleyway that ends up drastically changing her life. M man is being chased and is shot and the last thing he does is hand Leah a bag with a mysterious package. Initially Leah thinks the contents of the bag will be something she can barter for food. . . but when she shows her father, it becomes apparent it is something of a much higher value.
There's plenty of twists and turns within this novella. I found it quite a gripping read. The whole post apocalyptic part of the world that those in the city and surrounding are having to live. The dystopian aspect is well covered with the tyrannical governing body called the "transport police" and their heavy handed techniques, and the rebel force known as TRACE fighting the government.
The characters, Leah, her father, Isaac (an Amish man) are all great, and in my opinion could have been developed even more giving a lengthier novella. I liked the way Leah's mum was referenced and spoken about even though she had previously passed, it helped to give an insight into why Leah was the way she is. I loved the relationship between Leah and her father. Her father feeling the need to attempt to shelter Leah and how Leah returns this feeling of protectiveness. The only downside is that ideally I'd have wanted there to be more, at least a series of novella's. I felt frustrated we didn't get the chance to know what sort of life Leah would have, and how she would cope.
So did I enjoy the novella? Yes, though I did want more! I think the novella could have been filled out, maybe even made into a novel length, the society created and characters were already there.
Would I recommend reading this novella?Yes, it's a great one or two sitting read.
Would I want to read more? If this novella were ever filled out into a full length novel, or more novella's were added and this made into a series I would be interested in reading more, so yes! Also reading this novella has made me take a look at the author of the world it is set in.
Would I want to read more by this author? I have already purchased another novella (Curfew) by this author to read.
FINIAL THOUGHTS
Great novella with brilliant society creation, and some potentially brilliant characters. . . I was just left wanting more.
constantine2020's review
3.0
Rating: 3.0/5.0
A good short Dystopian story. Would have been better if this was longer. I understand that this is a part of a series and that this novella is just there to give you a taste of the series, but still, I feel if it was longer it could have stood out more.
The main character Leah is the protagonist of the story and is trying to survive in this cruel dystopian world where different parties are in conflict. She needs to know who is good and who is bad. The cost she pays is very high. At the beginning of the story, it was more like an action adventure which gave me the vibes of a Tomb Raider story. But after that, it became very suspenseful.
Overall, this was a good story. I might continue with the remaining books sometime soon.
A good short Dystopian story. Would have been better if this was longer. I understand that this is a part of a series and that this novella is just there to give you a taste of the series, but still, I feel if it was longer it could have stood out more.
The main character Leah is the protagonist of the story and is trying to survive in this cruel dystopian world where different parties are in conflict. She needs to know who is good and who is bad. The cost she pays is very high. At the beginning of the story, it was more like an action adventure which gave me the vibes of a Tomb Raider story. But after that, it became very suspenseful.
Overall, this was a good story. I might continue with the remaining books sometime soon.
gorjessina17's review
4.0
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.**
Well, I was going to spend this review enthusiastically telling you about the amazing world-building that Harris was able to accomplish in less than 100 pages...and then I found out that this story is basically an add-on for another author's work (Pennsylvania by Michael Bunker). So that review is out. ;)
This little story is still very good however. The characters don't have a huge amount of background (which is to be expected in such a short novel), but what you do get is really interesting. You come to honestly care about what happens to them, especially the main character Leah.
The story stops in a good spot, at the end of the immediate action and before you get too much into the aftermath. I would have loved to learn more about what happened to Leah afterwards, though.
I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil things, so I'll just say that this was a good little novella that made me want to read the original work.
Well, I was going to spend this review enthusiastically telling you about the amazing world-building that Harris was able to accomplish in less than 100 pages...and then I found out that this story is basically an add-on for another author's work (Pennsylvania by Michael Bunker). So that review is out. ;)
This little story is still very good however. The characters don't have a huge amount of background (which is to be expected in such a short novel), but what you do get is really interesting. You come to honestly care about what happens to them, especially the main character Leah.
The story stops in a good spot, at the end of the immediate action and before you get too much into the aftermath. I would have loved to learn more about what happened to Leah afterwards, though.
I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil things, so I'll just say that this was a good little novella that made me want to read the original work.
jjcrafts's review
3.0
The world building in this is great, even though it's only a novella I could still picture the world clearly. Unfortunately, I didn't really identify with the main character. I didn't think her motivations for doing certain things made sense, it felt like the author needed her to do something so she did. Maybe that's because this is a really short novella and so we didn't really have enough time to really get in her head and understand why she was acting a certain way. The story could have been a bit longer while still staying a novella and that way it could have developed her character a little more.
mfletcher's review
4.0
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley*
So let me start off by saying that this novella is basically an official fanfiction for ‘Pennsylvania’ by Michael Bunker. At 62 pages this was a really quick read and as I am yet to read ‘Pennsylvania’ I am probably not the best person to review this novella but I found that the world was explained relatively well. I don’t think that you need to read Pennsylvania first but it would probably be a good idea as the timeline of the story and how it fits into everything would actually be something you would know. Overall though, I enjoyed this novella and it has definitely spiked my interest in reading Pennsylvania.
For a more detailed review click here
So let me start off by saying that this novella is basically an official fanfiction for ‘Pennsylvania’ by Michael Bunker. At 62 pages this was a really quick read and as I am yet to read ‘Pennsylvania’ I am probably not the best person to review this novella but I found that the world was explained relatively well. I don’t think that you need to read Pennsylvania first but it would probably be a good idea as the timeline of the story and how it fits into everything would actually be something you would know. Overall though, I enjoyed this novella and it has definitely spiked my interest in reading Pennsylvania.
For a more detailed review click here
amia's review
4.0
While this novella is only 80 pages it has quite a bit of struggle and emotion crammed into it. I am left many several questions but I almost always am when I've read the first book in a series. Otherwise, what would be the point of more books, right;-). I definitely plan to read book 2 as I feel there are many struggles that the protagonist will have to endure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift and am voluntarily post this honest review.
Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift and am voluntarily post this honest review.
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