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A review by amynbell
The Roar by Emma Clayton
4.0
In the future, a plague spreads through all the world's animals. To survive, the humans create a northern wall through Canada, England, etc. Every living thing south of the wall is destroyed while all the people in the world move north of the wall into multi-leveled cities with no plants or animals. Their food is produced from chemicals and mold.
Because of the lack of space, it's 30 years before anyone is allowed to have children. 2 of these children are fraternal twins Ellie and Mika. When Ellie disappears, Mika's parents believe that she's dead. But the strong telepathic bond Mika shares with his twin leads him to believe that she's alive, and he'll do anything to find her again. This leads him to follow along with what the government demands of him even when he senses there's some secret the government is trying to hide from everyone. This includes joining his classmates in learning war games on simulators and competing in competitions that can make his family very rich.
This book is an easy read. You keep turning the pages wondering if the twins will be reunited and if the big secret is what you think it is. It's predictable but enjoyable. It reminds me somewhat of [b:Ender's Game|375802|Ender's Game (Ender's Saga, Book 1)|Orson Scott Card|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1214413570s/375802.jpg|2422333] even though Ender's Game is much more compelling. There are also nods to ideas such as twin telepathy across long distances and even into outer space such as in [b:Time for the Stars|10050|Youth in Revolt|C.D. Payne|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1166113300s/10050.jpg|40448]. Also there are versions in this series of the animal companions from [b:The Golden Compass|119322|The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1)|Philip Pullman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255984764s/119322.jpg|1536771] and the rest of the His Dark Materials series (although they're not called "daemons" here). I might pick up the sequel when it comes out if I find it at a good price, but it's not a huge compulsion. I'm sure the next book in the series will merely be a book about a battle, but I might be surprised.
Note: While I critique both purchased and free books in the same way, I'm legally obligated to tell you I received this book free through the Amazon Vine program in return for my review. Blah blah blah.
Because of the lack of space, it's 30 years before anyone is allowed to have children. 2 of these children are fraternal twins Ellie and Mika. When Ellie disappears, Mika's parents believe that she's dead. But the strong telepathic bond Mika shares with his twin leads him to believe that she's alive, and he'll do anything to find her again. This leads him to follow along with what the government demands of him even when he senses there's some secret the government is trying to hide from everyone. This includes joining his classmates in learning war games on simulators and competing in competitions that can make his family very rich.
This book is an easy read. You keep turning the pages wondering if the twins will be reunited and if the big secret is what you think it is. It's predictable but enjoyable. It reminds me somewhat of [b:Ender's Game|375802|Ender's Game (Ender's Saga, Book 1)|Orson Scott Card|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1214413570s/375802.jpg|2422333] even though Ender's Game is much more compelling. There are also nods to ideas such as twin telepathy across long distances and even into outer space such as in [b:Time for the Stars|10050|Youth in Revolt|C.D. Payne|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1166113300s/10050.jpg|40448]. Also there are versions in this series of the animal companions from [b:The Golden Compass|119322|The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1)|Philip Pullman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255984764s/119322.jpg|1536771] and the rest of the His Dark Materials series (although they're not called "daemons" here). I might pick up the sequel when it comes out if I find it at a good price, but it's not a huge compulsion. I'm sure the next book in the series will merely be a book about a battle, but I might be surprised.
Note: While I critique both purchased and free books in the same way, I'm legally obligated to tell you I received this book free through the Amazon Vine program in return for my review. Blah blah blah.