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A review by ftlobooks
Eve of Man by Tom Fletcher, Giovanna Fletcher
5.0
Full review and post about meeting Ginand Tom on my blog here: https://ashleighbekkah.wordpress.com/2018/09/07/book-review-meeting-gi-and-tom-eve-of-man-giovanna-and-tom-fletcher/
Overall opinion of the book:
I was completely blown away by how fantastic Eve of Man was, it was everything I thought it would me and SO much more. If you’re not familiar with this book, it’s co-written by Husband and wife Gi and Tom. Giovanna writes from the perspective of Eve and Tom, Bram. During their panel at YALC, they explained that they came up with the overall idea of the story and brief outline of the chapters together, but wrote completely separately. This helped to give Eve and Bram the distinctive voices they had. At first I thought this approach to co-writing may have hindered the process, but it was so successful.
The overall plot was fantastic and so unlike anything I’ve previously read. If you enjoyed the film, The Truman Show, you will probably enjoy this book as it shares some similar elements. There were constant twists and turns throughout that I didn’t expect to happen at all. The world outside of the tower where Eve lives reminded me of one of my all time favourite games Fallout 3, as it had a lot of dystopian vibes. The complete contrast of life inside the tower, compared to outside was so fascinating. Though there are many Sci-Fi elements to Eve of Man, it’s set in a dystopian future, rather than space and is pretty realistic. If you’re not a huge lover of Sci-Fi, you’ll still enjoy this book!
I was a little apprehensive that I wouldn’t enjoy Bram’s chapters as much as Eve’s as I already knew I loved Gi’s writing style, but had yet to read anything written by Tom.I actually loved Tom’s writing style and arguably preferred Bram’s chapters over Eve’s, although both were equally interesting and engaging.
In regards to spelling, punctuation and grammar, it was flawless. Both authors characterisations were brilliant and I really liked Bram. Eve’s character is very naive and oppressed to begin with, but by the end of the novel she embodies female empowerment and becomes a kick ass woman. The other characters I particularly liked were Bram’s work partner and the mothers that take care of Eve in the tower, they all play pivotal roles in the plot.
What I will say is that I didn’t actually realise the book was set in London until around halfway through when Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are mentioned. From other reviews I have read, I know that many people were disappointed by the lack of LGBTQIA+ representation in the book as the notion of Eve being attracted to the same sex wasn’t explored at all.
I did feel as though the book started off a little slowly, but considering all that needed to be explained to readers and given that this is the first book in a trilogy, I didn’t mind. The pace significantly picks up in the second part of the novel and is action packed.
Final thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series. I thought it was a fantastic read and would definitely recommend it. It’s easily of my favourite books of 2018 as it has everything I enjoy in a book; action, suspense, a great story line and romance. The only problem with a great first book in a series is the long wait to read the next books!
You would never be able to tell that this was co-written as it reads flawlessly. The characterisation and world building was brilliant and it’s made me interested in reading more co-written books.
Overall opinion of the book:
I was completely blown away by how fantastic Eve of Man was, it was everything I thought it would me and SO much more. If you’re not familiar with this book, it’s co-written by Husband and wife Gi and Tom. Giovanna writes from the perspective of Eve and Tom, Bram. During their panel at YALC, they explained that they came up with the overall idea of the story and brief outline of the chapters together, but wrote completely separately. This helped to give Eve and Bram the distinctive voices they had. At first I thought this approach to co-writing may have hindered the process, but it was so successful.
The overall plot was fantastic and so unlike anything I’ve previously read. If you enjoyed the film, The Truman Show, you will probably enjoy this book as it shares some similar elements. There were constant twists and turns throughout that I didn’t expect to happen at all. The world outside of the tower where Eve lives reminded me of one of my all time favourite games Fallout 3, as it had a lot of dystopian vibes. The complete contrast of life inside the tower, compared to outside was so fascinating. Though there are many Sci-Fi elements to Eve of Man, it’s set in a dystopian future, rather than space and is pretty realistic. If you’re not a huge lover of Sci-Fi, you’ll still enjoy this book!
I was a little apprehensive that I wouldn’t enjoy Bram’s chapters as much as Eve’s as I already knew I loved Gi’s writing style, but had yet to read anything written by Tom.I actually loved Tom’s writing style and arguably preferred Bram’s chapters over Eve’s, although both were equally interesting and engaging.
In regards to spelling, punctuation and grammar, it was flawless. Both authors characterisations were brilliant and I really liked Bram. Eve’s character is very naive and oppressed to begin with, but by the end of the novel she embodies female empowerment and becomes a kick ass woman. The other characters I particularly liked were Bram’s work partner and the mothers that take care of Eve in the tower, they all play pivotal roles in the plot.
What I will say is that I didn’t actually realise the book was set in London until around halfway through when Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are mentioned. From other reviews I have read, I know that many people were disappointed by the lack of LGBTQIA+ representation in the book as the notion of Eve being attracted to the same sex wasn’t explored at all.
I did feel as though the book started off a little slowly, but considering all that needed to be explained to readers and given that this is the first book in a trilogy, I didn’t mind. The pace significantly picks up in the second part of the novel and is action packed.
Final thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series. I thought it was a fantastic read and would definitely recommend it. It’s easily of my favourite books of 2018 as it has everything I enjoy in a book; action, suspense, a great story line and romance. The only problem with a great first book in a series is the long wait to read the next books!
You would never be able to tell that this was co-written as it reads flawlessly. The characterisation and world building was brilliant and it’s made me interested in reading more co-written books.