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Into the Unknown
Out of Print.
- GenresDystopiaYoung Adult
Kindle Edition
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About the author
Alice Reeds
6Ìýbooks119ÌýfollowersAlice Reeds was born in a small town in Germany but spent her first eight years in Florida, USA. Later on, she moved back to Europe, where her family moved around a lot. She was raised trilingual and has a basic understanding of Russian, read and spoken. After getting her International Baccalaureate Diploma, Alice is studying English Language and Literature at University. In her free time Alice mostly writes, reads, figure and/or roller skates, or watches countless let's plays and figure skating videos.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 8, 2013
Great dystopian story! I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read more!
December 23, 2014
Noooo! Why does it end there?!?! I now have to wait until Alice Reeds writes the next one but I don't think I'll be able to bear it that long!
This book is fantastic. Totally gripping, a brilliant world which at first reminded me of The Hunger Games but turned out totally different! The main character Bexx Kajan is crafted well, as if an alien and I love the details like she doesn't know what a pencil is because she's never needed one, she doesn't know what music is because she's never heard it, she doesn't understand why you would go to the cinema!
I love it! The world created is nothing I've ever read about before, like c'mon secret tunnels linked to the Berlin Wall, how clever can you get?
The only negative point I have about this book is that the ending has just left me totally hanging! I will most definitely invest in the next book! Great job Alice!
This book is fantastic. Totally gripping, a brilliant world which at first reminded me of The Hunger Games but turned out totally different! The main character Bexx Kajan is crafted well, as if an alien and I love the details like she doesn't know what a pencil is because she's never needed one, she doesn't know what music is because she's never heard it, she doesn't understand why you would go to the cinema!
I love it! The world created is nothing I've ever read about before, like c'mon secret tunnels linked to the Berlin Wall, how clever can you get?
The only negative point I have about this book is that the ending has just left me totally hanging! I will most definitely invest in the next book! Great job Alice!
January 16, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Into the Unknown is a story about Bexx, a kickass heroine that's always been faster and stronger than everyone else. After nearly being blown up as she went on a mission alone, she was locked out of her headquarters. Bexx had to find another way to survive and live on her own. After a couple of life saving procedures for Bexx, she comes to realize it was the rebels that saved her life. Bexx begins questioning all that she knew and who the real enemy is.
Overall, the concept of this story was great. I loved how original some of the plot lines were and why Bexx was the way she was. However, I felt it could've used another editing session, and I felt it should've been longer. It seemed to move to quickly, but there was such great detail in some parts that didn't really need the detail. And the sentences didn't flow very well and wasn't always worded very well.
The love interest was a very minor part in this story. It didn't really go anywhere, but it's expected to in the next book. It's rather refreshing it didn't escalate so quickly between the two. There are so many books that are like 'insta-love' and it's nice how this relationship will gradually come together.
In the description, it talks about how Bexx starts questioning the death of her sister but that wasn't even a part of the story hardly. It was kind of thrown in there a couple of times and it didn't show when Bexx really started questioning it.
The end conflict really confused me. I didn't understand who the bad guys were, but that was probably because Bexx didn't understand who they were.
Bexx was a pretty likeable character. There was a reason why she was the way she was and the reactions she had to new things were realistic. Her emotions were realistic.
Thank you to the author and I can't wait to read the next one!
Into the Unknown is a story about Bexx, a kickass heroine that's always been faster and stronger than everyone else. After nearly being blown up as she went on a mission alone, she was locked out of her headquarters. Bexx had to find another way to survive and live on her own. After a couple of life saving procedures for Bexx, she comes to realize it was the rebels that saved her life. Bexx begins questioning all that she knew and who the real enemy is.
Overall, the concept of this story was great. I loved how original some of the plot lines were and why Bexx was the way she was. However, I felt it could've used another editing session, and I felt it should've been longer. It seemed to move to quickly, but there was such great detail in some parts that didn't really need the detail. And the sentences didn't flow very well and wasn't always worded very well.
The love interest was a very minor part in this story. It didn't really go anywhere, but it's expected to in the next book. It's rather refreshing it didn't escalate so quickly between the two. There are so many books that are like 'insta-love' and it's nice how this relationship will gradually come together.
In the description, it talks about how Bexx starts questioning the death of her sister but that wasn't even a part of the story hardly. It was kind of thrown in there a couple of times and it didn't show when Bexx really started questioning it.
The end conflict really confused me. I didn't understand who the bad guys were, but that was probably because Bexx didn't understand who they were.
Bexx was a pretty likeable character. There was a reason why she was the way she was and the reactions she had to new things were realistic. Her emotions were realistic.
Thank you to the author and I can't wait to read the next one!
February 14, 2014
*I read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own*
I began reading this book with very high expectations. All the 4 and 5 stars it received made me believe that it was an exceptional dystopian story. It was just okay and it took me longer to read than most dystopian books because I wasn't as intrigued as I thought I would be.
THE STORY:
The story had promise; a likable main character who realizes that the world she lives in isn't at all what it's made out to be. However, this is a common theme in dystopian work and it is often times repeated in many different novels. I felt like I needed a bit more to keep this story original yet different. There were several parts that I didn't really understand how they fit in with the overall story, especially the prologue and epilogue. I feel like that could have been explained more. Towards the middle and again at the end, the author threw in a couple of twists which made reading it better than the first half of the book. The cliffhanger ending made me interested enough to want to read the next book when it releases as long as the ideas presented in Into the Unknown are explained.
MY RATING:
I'm giving this 3 stars out of 5--it was a decent first attempt at writing a YA dystopian but overall, it could have been better. I disregarded all the spelling and grammar errors in my rating because I knew beforehand that it needed edited; however, I strongly recommend that it gets thoroughly edited before releasing a second book to this series. The errors were putting me off as I was reading since it sounded amateurish and choppy. Yet, once this book is edited, I believe it will be much better and I imagine that the second installment will be a much smoother read.
I began reading this book with very high expectations. All the 4 and 5 stars it received made me believe that it was an exceptional dystopian story. It was just okay and it took me longer to read than most dystopian books because I wasn't as intrigued as I thought I would be.
THE STORY:
The story had promise; a likable main character who realizes that the world she lives in isn't at all what it's made out to be. However, this is a common theme in dystopian work and it is often times repeated in many different novels. I felt like I needed a bit more to keep this story original yet different. There were several parts that I didn't really understand how they fit in with the overall story, especially the prologue and epilogue. I feel like that could have been explained more. Towards the middle and again at the end, the author threw in a couple of twists which made reading it better than the first half of the book. The cliffhanger ending made me interested enough to want to read the next book when it releases as long as the ideas presented in Into the Unknown are explained.
MY RATING:
I'm giving this 3 stars out of 5--it was a decent first attempt at writing a YA dystopian but overall, it could have been better. I disregarded all the spelling and grammar errors in my rating because I knew beforehand that it needed edited; however, I strongly recommend that it gets thoroughly edited before releasing a second book to this series. The errors were putting me off as I was reading since it sounded amateurish and choppy. Yet, once this book is edited, I believe it will be much better and I imagine that the second installment will be a much smoother read.
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January 6, 2014I was given the book to read and review it, so here I am, writing and sharing my opinion with you guys. :)
What seems important for me to tell you is that its my first dystopian book and so I can't really compare it with any others of this genere. I had no particular expectations, there was just me and the book.
I have to admit I liked the story itself. It was cliffhanging and even though I didn't have much free time to read, I really was intrigued with the plot. What also seems to me as a great advantage of the book is the main character, Bexx. At first I didn't get to like her, she appeared to be too perfect and with her superhuman strength and abilities just annoyingly the best at almost everything. However, as we slowly and carefully read the story we can see that she's actually a great young girl. The author managed to show really well her feelings when she's lost and alone without anybody and without any plans of what to do. I enjoyed reading about her getting to know this different, new word to her, I especially liked the episode with drawing. Detailed description of her new experiences is definitely a great advantage.
I see that most of the readers point out the fact that the book seems to be written by an amateur. I agree as there are quite a few typos and other shortcomings, however, Im quite sure those are the things that can easily be changed and improved. Whats really vital is the story, and the story is definitely an interesting one. We may only hope that with time and a bit more work, the style of writing will improve. And Im sure it will as I can see a great potential in here. :)
What seems important for me to tell you is that its my first dystopian book and so I can't really compare it with any others of this genere. I had no particular expectations, there was just me and the book.
I have to admit I liked the story itself. It was cliffhanging and even though I didn't have much free time to read, I really was intrigued with the plot. What also seems to me as a great advantage of the book is the main character, Bexx. At first I didn't get to like her, she appeared to be too perfect and with her superhuman strength and abilities just annoyingly the best at almost everything. However, as we slowly and carefully read the story we can see that she's actually a great young girl. The author managed to show really well her feelings when she's lost and alone without anybody and without any plans of what to do. I enjoyed reading about her getting to know this different, new word to her, I especially liked the episode with drawing. Detailed description of her new experiences is definitely a great advantage.
I see that most of the readers point out the fact that the book seems to be written by an amateur. I agree as there are quite a few typos and other shortcomings, however, Im quite sure those are the things that can easily be changed and improved. Whats really vital is the story, and the story is definitely an interesting one. We may only hope that with time and a bit more work, the style of writing will improve. And Im sure it will as I can see a great potential in here. :)
January 5, 2014
I got a free copy from the author for a honest review.
Firstly, what do I have to say? The book follows Bexx, she's a kick ass chick at the first scenes, she trains her students and all and she seems very strong. But then I got to see that she's not that perfect, her weakness and emotion shows.
Well I like the story idea, sure it isn't new, with dystopian world, a mean governor and rebels. I kinda hope she's staying inside the governor longer so I could learn more. And to be honest, I don't really understand why she want to leave at the first place. There's an explosion, she got hurt, got saved by stranger, can't enter HQ, wandering around, and I can't believe how smoothly things goes. Dresses in closet, tin food in kitchen, a bed and a blanket? Isn't it supposed to be a abandon world?
But well at least the story goes better after that.
And the writing, the positive thing is it's detail. I can easily picture it as a movie scene. But I can't shake off the feeling that it looks like an amateur writing. I'm sorry I don't mean to offend and I know the author has try her best, and it's okay, only okay for me. And it could be better I believe.
In the end, it's an okay book for me. I like it enough but don't really fond of it, and I don't hate it either. It's just another dystopian stories.
Firstly, what do I have to say? The book follows Bexx, she's a kick ass chick at the first scenes, she trains her students and all and she seems very strong. But then I got to see that she's not that perfect, her weakness and emotion shows.
Well I like the story idea, sure it isn't new, with dystopian world, a mean governor and rebels. I kinda hope she's staying inside the governor longer so I could learn more. And to be honest, I don't really understand why she want to leave at the first place. There's an explosion, she got hurt, got saved by stranger, can't enter HQ, wandering around, and I can't believe how smoothly things goes. Dresses in closet, tin food in kitchen, a bed and a blanket? Isn't it supposed to be a abandon world?
But well at least the story goes better after that.
And the writing, the positive thing is it's detail. I can easily picture it as a movie scene. But I can't shake off the feeling that it looks like an amateur writing. I'm sorry I don't mean to offend and I know the author has try her best, and it's okay, only okay for me. And it could be better I believe.
In the end, it's an okay book for me. I like it enough but don't really fond of it, and I don't hate it either. It's just another dystopian stories.
June 4, 2015
*I got a free copy of the book for a honest review.*
First of all the writing, it's very detailed, I felt almost like reading a film script.
Not bad, but maybe a bit too much. Instead of saying: „Now I'll explain how it was....� just tell me what it was like. Book need more description ( city, state, year) and less unnecessary details.
The author has tried to explain and demonstrate too much.
I like the heroine,(she's almost to perfect) but it's okey.
I love the idea that by the end she was the one who rescued “her man�. It is rarely things in YA.
There no insta-love and that good thing, but there no chemistry between them, not at all. The romance is simply lacking. I hope it will be better in book two. (When they understand what they are feeling.)
Only when I finished the book, I saw that it was writing by teenag girl and It explained a lot. For a few years I think her book will be excellent. Definitely try this book if you are young, love dystopian and YA fiction. I will read book two because the first ended ???????????. I have more questions than answers.
Finally, I have to admit that the book is really not bad but I expected more.
First of all the writing, it's very detailed, I felt almost like reading a film script.
Not bad, but maybe a bit too much. Instead of saying: „Now I'll explain how it was....� just tell me what it was like. Book need more description ( city, state, year) and less unnecessary details.
The author has tried to explain and demonstrate too much.
I like the heroine,(she's almost to perfect) but it's okey.
I love the idea that by the end she was the one who rescued “her man�. It is rarely things in YA.
There no insta-love and that good thing, but there no chemistry between them, not at all. The romance is simply lacking. I hope it will be better in book two. (When they understand what they are feeling.)
Only when I finished the book, I saw that it was writing by teenag girl and It explained a lot. For a few years I think her book will be excellent. Definitely try this book if you are young, love dystopian and YA fiction. I will read book two because the first ended ???????????. I have more questions than answers.
Finally, I have to admit that the book is really not bad but I expected more.
October 10, 2013
This book is absolutely terrific! I love the story and the cover is simply superb! And I love the fact that the eye, which is very important for the story, also plays a major role on the book cover!
I have to admit that while reading the book I sometimes imagined how it might look like as a movie, of course I know that most times movies based on books are total f*** ups, but I think that this book is great movie material. And I could really imagine Jared Leto, the singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, in the role of Shannon. I mean seriously, he would fit perfectly.
I really enjoyed the way the whole story played out, the way the characters act around each other and the way the world is described. There are a few moments in the book that are total aww moments but there are also moments where you shiver due to the tension of the scenes and all.
I'm anxiously awaiting the next parts because I really want to know that will happen next, how the characters will develop and all that!
I definitely recommend this book to everybody!
I have to admit that while reading the book I sometimes imagined how it might look like as a movie, of course I know that most times movies based on books are total f*** ups, but I think that this book is great movie material. And I could really imagine Jared Leto, the singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, in the role of Shannon. I mean seriously, he would fit perfectly.
I really enjoyed the way the whole story played out, the way the characters act around each other and the way the world is described. There are a few moments in the book that are total aww moments but there are also moments where you shiver due to the tension of the scenes and all.
I'm anxiously awaiting the next parts because I really want to know that will happen next, how the characters will develop and all that!
I definitely recommend this book to everybody!
June 30, 2015
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. It had fantastic description, amazing dystopian concepts and characters. However i found it difficult to get into the story in the beginning, the story jumped around a lot and i struggled to move further than the first two chapters.
The story had quite a few gaps where concepts were not explained adequately leaving a lot more questions than answers. The story ending was a little disappointing as it didn't come to any conclusion but left you hanging. I understand the sequel concept but normally the books can be self contained to a point.
Even with these difficulties I would be happy to read the next book and hopefully answer some of the questions from the first book. I would like to see the development of the author and how experience with writing effects her work.
I enjoyed this book. It had fantastic description, amazing dystopian concepts and characters. However i found it difficult to get into the story in the beginning, the story jumped around a lot and i struggled to move further than the first two chapters.
The story had quite a few gaps where concepts were not explained adequately leaving a lot more questions than answers. The story ending was a little disappointing as it didn't come to any conclusion but left you hanging. I understand the sequel concept but normally the books can be self contained to a point.
Even with these difficulties I would be happy to read the next book and hopefully answer some of the questions from the first book. I would like to see the development of the author and how experience with writing effects her work.
July 15, 2014
Into the Unknown, a very exciting and interesting book! I can't wait for the next one to find out what will happen next and what will happen to the main character. It's written in a very interesting way that captures you and won't let you go till you're done, where you start regretting that you are already done cause you know that now you will have to wait for the next one.
The main idea of Into the Unknown is brilliant and exciting. The characters are very believable and really bring the story to live. The way the characers are described makes you want to know more about them, about their story and what they were doing before Bexx got to know them.
I very much recommend this novel to anyone who loves a strong and captivating story and great characers and character development.
The main idea of Into the Unknown is brilliant and exciting. The characters are very believable and really bring the story to live. The way the characers are described makes you want to know more about them, about their story and what they were doing before Bexx got to know them.
I very much recommend this novel to anyone who loves a strong and captivating story and great characers and character development.
July 19, 2014
Into the Unknown was an awesome read. A classic mash of action and pizzazz as well as a little bit of heart wrenching romance. I really look forward to reading the next books since the author's witty writing style kept me on edge throughout the book. So if you are looking for an unpredictable read definitely try this book.
December 25, 2013
I was given this book for an honest review. I have to say as a writers first book this was a great book. There's action, with some thrill and a great plot. I can't wait to find out what happens in book two. Thank you again for letting me read & review your wonderful book.
December 11, 2015
Promising start to an intense new series!
December 13, 2013
A free copy was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I hate to say bad things about a book cause I know the author took a lot of time and effort to write a book for others to enjoy but this book was kind of bad.
The writing in this book is a main reason I disliked most of it, there where a lot of typos first off. I think it should have been edited at little better. Secondly it didn't flow, it felt awkward to read cause it was just kind of didn't flow right. Most of the sentences where long sentences it seemed. There should have been a mixture of short and long sentences. All long makes it boring, and it's just better to write with all different kinds of sentence lengths. Also the wording in this book, the right words make all the difference. Like if you say 'I was lying down then sat down' it just doesn't sound right. It also doesn't help you see in your mind what's going on. Also that way things where described it was hard to picture what was going on, something that should have been done was the author should have used all 5 senses to describe a scene. The way it look is one thing but how it smelled or felt, or sounded things like that would have helped out a lot.
Now I stuck through this whole book and read the whole thing. 2 things that never really made much sense were: 1 the prologue and the Epilogue and 2 Bexx sister thing. Let me do Bexx's sister really fast, I don't get this cause I'm unsure why Bexx cares about her or wants to figure out what's wrong. I guess maybe it's done that way so the next story can play out because it has something to do with that? I'm not sure maybe I will find out. The epilogue and prologue didn't make much sense. Half way threw the book we sort of get what the prologue is about, but still it's weird cause I feel like the prologue is unnecessary. It could have been taken out and I think the effect would have been the same. The Epilogue is like the prologue but just slightly different and I have no clue what it has to do with anything at all either. Other then to maybe reinforce a small part of the story? Who knows.
Now I don't have just bad things to say about this book I have some good things to say too.
I liked the idea of the story it was very cool. I think it could have been done a little better but it was a good idea.
I liked Bexx character at first I didn't like her and felt she was too perfect, but if you stick with the book you find out why you also find out she knows nothing and she isn't perfect. She was a neat character and seemed to be exactly what the author wanted her to be at all times.
I liked how Bexx believed in the Rose even after a lot of evidence pointed away from it. I liked how she also slowly turned against the Rose. It wasn't all at once which made it feel real.
A lot of this book seemed more realistic then most books the way parts feel flat and how Bexx thought through things. At least for me it felt real at times and I liked that.
That's about all I have to say.
September 24, 2014
Title: Into the Unknown
Author: Alice Reeds
Genre: Dystopian, Action, Adventure, Romance, Science Fiction, and YA fiction
Note: This is a RaR I received.
Premise:
(Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ)
In a city without a name, ruled by the government of the Rose that came to save the citizens after the Collapse � an international war that ended forty-four years ago in a society meltdown � young Bexx Kajan was born into a working class family. She soon decides that she wants to join the army to fight for good. She’s a prodigy, a Captain, and leader of her own crew at age twenty-one. One month after Bexx receives the news that her sister Arihanne was killed, she’s sent on an almost-fatal solo mission that finally wakes her up.
After dancing with death one too many times, Bexx finds herself amongst her former enemies, the rebels, and starts to uncover secrets about her own and the city’s past. Meanwhile, her doubts that Arihanne was killed accidentally during combat grow stronger, and Bexx decides she has to find the one who’s responsible for the murder.
Into the Unknown, a journey full of truth, mysteries and action.
Plot: The plot is very dull in the beginning. I was lost on why we were learning about her past. It doesn't help until the middle of the book.
Let me tell you something. This book doesn't give you much action until Bexx goes on a mission. Even then, there are the dull moments. The plot is less action and more dull descriptions.
I feel like the plot is slow. There are many useless points. The story really starts in the last few chapters. I felt like the story didn't actually start until very late in the story.
Character Development:
Bexx. I don't like her. At all. She's annoying to say the least. And she is one of those immortal characters. She is emotionless and an amazing soldier in the beginning. Okay. I get that. We add in emotions and complicated genetics. No. She can 'hear' a knife. That's fantastic hearing. I don't like how she describes the things she doesn't know. She acts like they hold her interest only for a moment. What about music? Drawing? I also don't believe she's an amazing artist at first try. No one is. Everyone has to practice. I don't like that. I can't say I like her at all. She has no good points. Not even the 'romance' with Shannon. That is weak and has no chemistry.
Problems: There are many problems. Let me list a few.
The romance is simply lacking. What is with Shannon? Where is the chemistry? I can see that Bexx likes her. Just why is that there? I don't get it. It has no purpose.
The plot is dull. There is no action. It has its moments, but it isn't fully action. It isn't much. The story starts moving in the last chapters.
The world building is lacking. I don't know where they are. It seems like Germany. But it seems like the US. Where are they? What about the sections? What section is for what? What is the purpose?
Good points: I'm sorry...but this is one of those times where I don't have many good points. The ending was mysterious.
This premise was amazing. But the story was...lackluster. I expected more.
Score: 5/10
Recommended: If you like action. If you like dystopian.
Author: Alice Reeds
Genre: Dystopian, Action, Adventure, Romance, Science Fiction, and YA fiction
Note: This is a RaR I received.
Premise:
(Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ)
In a city without a name, ruled by the government of the Rose that came to save the citizens after the Collapse � an international war that ended forty-four years ago in a society meltdown � young Bexx Kajan was born into a working class family. She soon decides that she wants to join the army to fight for good. She’s a prodigy, a Captain, and leader of her own crew at age twenty-one. One month after Bexx receives the news that her sister Arihanne was killed, she’s sent on an almost-fatal solo mission that finally wakes her up.
After dancing with death one too many times, Bexx finds herself amongst her former enemies, the rebels, and starts to uncover secrets about her own and the city’s past. Meanwhile, her doubts that Arihanne was killed accidentally during combat grow stronger, and Bexx decides she has to find the one who’s responsible for the murder.
Into the Unknown, a journey full of truth, mysteries and action.
Plot: The plot is very dull in the beginning. I was lost on why we were learning about her past. It doesn't help until the middle of the book.
Let me tell you something. This book doesn't give you much action until Bexx goes on a mission. Even then, there are the dull moments. The plot is less action and more dull descriptions.
I feel like the plot is slow. There are many useless points. The story really starts in the last few chapters. I felt like the story didn't actually start until very late in the story.
Character Development:
Bexx. I don't like her. At all. She's annoying to say the least. And she is one of those immortal characters. She is emotionless and an amazing soldier in the beginning. Okay. I get that. We add in emotions and complicated genetics. No. She can 'hear' a knife. That's fantastic hearing. I don't like how she describes the things she doesn't know. She acts like they hold her interest only for a moment. What about music? Drawing? I also don't believe she's an amazing artist at first try. No one is. Everyone has to practice. I don't like that. I can't say I like her at all. She has no good points. Not even the 'romance' with Shannon. That is weak and has no chemistry.
Problems: There are many problems. Let me list a few.
The romance is simply lacking. What is with Shannon? Where is the chemistry? I can see that Bexx likes her. Just why is that there? I don't get it. It has no purpose.
The plot is dull. There is no action. It has its moments, but it isn't fully action. It isn't much. The story starts moving in the last chapters.
The world building is lacking. I don't know where they are. It seems like Germany. But it seems like the US. Where are they? What about the sections? What section is for what? What is the purpose?
Good points: I'm sorry...but this is one of those times where I don't have many good points. The ending was mysterious.
This premise was amazing. But the story was...lackluster. I expected more.
Score: 5/10
Recommended: If you like action. If you like dystopian.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2015
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I've been mulling over for the past few days what I would say in this review. For one, the book itself took me a really long time to read, which is odd for me. I found that after I got through a chapter (sometimes half a chapter) I'd put it down and go do something else, completely forgetting about it. That's not to say that the author's writing is forgettable, it's not, there was real promise there and the idea for this story is great. The main character, Bexx, is a badass which I love. I'm also quite partial to the name. It's not that I disliked being in her head all the time, it was just that it seemed a bit...rushed? Maybe even confused. I know that she doesn't understand everything that goes on in her society, but there's a point where she describes her computer as made of glass and flat metal, or something like that. I have absolutely no idea how my computer functions, it seriously baffles me, however I know the materials used to make it. This seems like a little detail, yes, but I feel it's the best example to describe the rest of the book. Lot's of the time, people tell Bexx about the Rose's history, and about other soldiers, but none of it really made me feel this awe or need to defend it. She listens to someone say, "there was this great soldier. Who died" and suddenly she's like star struck and certain she made the right choice in becoming a soldier. Wasn't she certain before? Wasn't that the point of the flashbacks which made up the first two chapters? Also, I'm not really clear why she needs to be so good as school in order to become a soldier...seems like they needs soldiers whether or not they can do math. What other jobs are there? What other options does she have? This is so vague from the get go that I was left wondering why everyone didn't just want to be a soldier. I won't go into further ramblings, but leave off with saying that had this story been knit tighter, with more substance to back up Bexx's wants from the beginning, I would have been a lot more interested from the get go.
There are a lot of differing opinions on this one however, so if it sounds interesting to you, I'd still check it out. Like I said, aside from not understanding why she wanted to be a soldier so badly in the beginning, Bexx was still an interesting strong female lead, which is always enjoyable.
I've been mulling over for the past few days what I would say in this review. For one, the book itself took me a really long time to read, which is odd for me. I found that after I got through a chapter (sometimes half a chapter) I'd put it down and go do something else, completely forgetting about it. That's not to say that the author's writing is forgettable, it's not, there was real promise there and the idea for this story is great. The main character, Bexx, is a badass which I love. I'm also quite partial to the name. It's not that I disliked being in her head all the time, it was just that it seemed a bit...rushed? Maybe even confused. I know that she doesn't understand everything that goes on in her society, but there's a point where she describes her computer as made of glass and flat metal, or something like that. I have absolutely no idea how my computer functions, it seriously baffles me, however I know the materials used to make it. This seems like a little detail, yes, but I feel it's the best example to describe the rest of the book. Lot's of the time, people tell Bexx about the Rose's history, and about other soldiers, but none of it really made me feel this awe or need to defend it. She listens to someone say, "there was this great soldier. Who died" and suddenly she's like star struck and certain she made the right choice in becoming a soldier. Wasn't she certain before? Wasn't that the point of the flashbacks which made up the first two chapters? Also, I'm not really clear why she needs to be so good as school in order to become a soldier...seems like they needs soldiers whether or not they can do math. What other jobs are there? What other options does she have? This is so vague from the get go that I was left wondering why everyone didn't just want to be a soldier. I won't go into further ramblings, but leave off with saying that had this story been knit tighter, with more substance to back up Bexx's wants from the beginning, I would have been a lot more interested from the get go.
There are a lot of differing opinions on this one however, so if it sounds interesting to you, I'd still check it out. Like I said, aside from not understanding why she wanted to be a soldier so badly in the beginning, Bexx was still an interesting strong female lead, which is always enjoyable.
June 9, 2015
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
The book is written from the perspective of the lead character, Bexx Kajan. She describes everything she does, and feels, and sees, but it is badly written, with too much focus on the ‘I�. the book is also in the present time, and the combination is... weird. Actually, the writing in the whole book is flawed, as if the author is not an English native speaker. Because of this, it took me a VERY long time to get into the story. It only gets interesting, exciting and (a bit more) fluently written after three quarters of the book, and then� it suddenly stops. OK, I get it, there is a sequel, but most of the time, when two (or more) books are connected, there is some kind of an ending to each book. Now it only leaves open a lot more questions than I already had in the beginning.
The summary focuses on Bexx� sister, but the book does not really, not until the very end. Yes, the sister is mentioned a few times, but the reader knows hardly anything about her. And then at the very end, when she (very suddenly) remembers her promise to find out who killed her sister, the book ends. With the epilogue the book ends where it began, with a woman who is happy to be finally pregnant, but is forced into surgery. But where is her husband, who was with her in the beginning? And what happened to the baby? And OK, I know who the woman is at the end, but what does she have to do with everything else? Really, I couldn’t possibly be more disappointed by the end of the book.
[Spoiler alert]
The questions keep piling up throughout the book. What was the Collapse, exactly? Where did the Rose come from? Why do they govern the city the way they do? Why do the rebels keep fighting the Rose? Do they have infiltrators in the city, and how do they connect with them? If the world is so technologically advanced, why didn’t the army provide Bexx with a (cell) phone on her mission? Why was Bexx genetically altered? Who are the ‘Top Secret� children? Why does she love her sister the way she does, and not her parents? Why is the rebel group attacked in the city, and by whom? Why are Shannon and Bexx the only two who survive? What happens to Shannon, is he still alive? Do they reaccept her in the rebel group? Really, I could go on forever. So many questions, so few answers.
The book is written from the perspective of the lead character, Bexx Kajan. She describes everything she does, and feels, and sees, but it is badly written, with too much focus on the ‘I�. the book is also in the present time, and the combination is... weird. Actually, the writing in the whole book is flawed, as if the author is not an English native speaker. Because of this, it took me a VERY long time to get into the story. It only gets interesting, exciting and (a bit more) fluently written after three quarters of the book, and then� it suddenly stops. OK, I get it, there is a sequel, but most of the time, when two (or more) books are connected, there is some kind of an ending to each book. Now it only leaves open a lot more questions than I already had in the beginning.
The summary focuses on Bexx� sister, but the book does not really, not until the very end. Yes, the sister is mentioned a few times, but the reader knows hardly anything about her. And then at the very end, when she (very suddenly) remembers her promise to find out who killed her sister, the book ends. With the epilogue the book ends where it began, with a woman who is happy to be finally pregnant, but is forced into surgery. But where is her husband, who was with her in the beginning? And what happened to the baby? And OK, I know who the woman is at the end, but what does she have to do with everything else? Really, I couldn’t possibly be more disappointed by the end of the book.
[Spoiler alert]
The questions keep piling up throughout the book. What was the Collapse, exactly? Where did the Rose come from? Why do they govern the city the way they do? Why do the rebels keep fighting the Rose? Do they have infiltrators in the city, and how do they connect with them? If the world is so technologically advanced, why didn’t the army provide Bexx with a (cell) phone on her mission? Why was Bexx genetically altered? Who are the ‘Top Secret� children? Why does she love her sister the way she does, and not her parents? Why is the rebel group attacked in the city, and by whom? Why are Shannon and Bexx the only two who survive? What happens to Shannon, is he still alive? Do they reaccept her in the rebel group? Really, I could go on forever. So many questions, so few answers.
June 11, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
This is another book I have some very mixed feelings about. The premise suggested mystery undertones... but Bexx's sister wasn't really mentioned enough to have it make sense that her death was included on the blurb and indicated to be a major part of the book.
The first chapter of this book was fairly interesting to read, but I found it didn't work so well to keep jumping backwards in time. I felt that the book came across as quite disjointed... particularly when it came to the switching of tenses.
I did find Bexx to be an interesting character, but I felt that she evolved far too quickly. I would have liked to see more of her journey and how she decided to switch sides. There wasn't really any satisfactory realisation that she was on the wrong side.
I did find it interesting to learn about Bexx's past and as more was revealed about her, some of her original attitudes did make sense.
I did think there wasn't enough detail provided about the world Bexx inhabited. I didn't quite understand the government's motivations and they just seemed to be putting the seeds in place for their own destruction.
I thought it was good to see Bexx try to survive after she no longer had her home, but when she went to live with the rebels, I felt that her independence and what could have made her an interesting character was gone. It would have been much more interesting to see her properly evolve and change her ideals... and then work to gain the rebels' trust properly.
There were some quite disturbing scenes and characters towards the end of the book. I did find that the storyline became that bit more intense to read by then. And I was intrigued by the cliff-hanger ending of the book.
I don't know if I'd read the sequel to this. There were hints of a 'love at first sight' thing with Bexx and Shannon, but I'm hoping there'll be something else involved. I did find this a fairly quick read, though I'm not sure I'd read it again.
(This review may contain spoilers).
This is another book I have some very mixed feelings about. The premise suggested mystery undertones... but Bexx's sister wasn't really mentioned enough to have it make sense that her death was included on the blurb and indicated to be a major part of the book.
The first chapter of this book was fairly interesting to read, but I found it didn't work so well to keep jumping backwards in time. I felt that the book came across as quite disjointed... particularly when it came to the switching of tenses.
I did find Bexx to be an interesting character, but I felt that she evolved far too quickly. I would have liked to see more of her journey and how she decided to switch sides. There wasn't really any satisfactory realisation that she was on the wrong side.
I did find it interesting to learn about Bexx's past and as more was revealed about her, some of her original attitudes did make sense.
I did think there wasn't enough detail provided about the world Bexx inhabited. I didn't quite understand the government's motivations and they just seemed to be putting the seeds in place for their own destruction.
I thought it was good to see Bexx try to survive after she no longer had her home, but when she went to live with the rebels, I felt that her independence and what could have made her an interesting character was gone. It would have been much more interesting to see her properly evolve and change her ideals... and then work to gain the rebels' trust properly.
There were some quite disturbing scenes and characters towards the end of the book. I did find that the storyline became that bit more intense to read by then. And I was intrigued by the cliff-hanger ending of the book.
I don't know if I'd read the sequel to this. There were hints of a 'love at first sight' thing with Bexx and Shannon, but I'm hoping there'll be something else involved. I did find this a fairly quick read, though I'm not sure I'd read it again.
August 16, 2015
I want to give this book 5 full stars, don't ask me why. If I could give it more stars, I would do it as this book is really amazing. Its author, Alice Reeds, brings a new vision on the whole dystopian world scenario. Throughout this whole great journey she explores so many (and different) important things, like music or art. This is what I consider the kind of book that makes you feel that you should cherish what you have and simply leaves you craving for more.
And the ending is very surprising, seriously. Now I really have to wait for the next one to come out. I really appreciated and enjoyed the characters and the way I got to know them in the story, especially the main protagonist, Bexx Kajan, who, sometimes, almost seemed like a young and lost girl in this big and unknown world. Moreover, I enjoyed the other characters like Shannon or Katjoscha, whom I'm really interested in getting to know more about their stories and lifes. I also really liked the way this unnamed city and the secret code that has been used for the city sectors. A really interesting, original and creative idea.
Anyway, there is another thing that I find very interesting: the series name "Hunting Freedom". Why? Because those two words are very contrary. "Hunting" is something I associate with killing animals or other beings, so something negative, whereas "Freedom" is a positive word. Putting them together creates some contrast, but yet just very interesting idea. I like it and its originality. Alice Reeds, even though this seems to be her first book, has done a great job on creating a working and truly captivating story with just the right amount of action, thrill and moments that make you smile. A great book, which I'll definitely recommend to all of you, as it's worth a try. I'm very much looking forward to the next book, which I hope will come as soon as possible, as I'm craving to know what will happen next in this..."hunting (for) freedom"!
And the ending is very surprising, seriously. Now I really have to wait for the next one to come out. I really appreciated and enjoyed the characters and the way I got to know them in the story, especially the main protagonist, Bexx Kajan, who, sometimes, almost seemed like a young and lost girl in this big and unknown world. Moreover, I enjoyed the other characters like Shannon or Katjoscha, whom I'm really interested in getting to know more about their stories and lifes. I also really liked the way this unnamed city and the secret code that has been used for the city sectors. A really interesting, original and creative idea.
Anyway, there is another thing that I find very interesting: the series name "Hunting Freedom". Why? Because those two words are very contrary. "Hunting" is something I associate with killing animals or other beings, so something negative, whereas "Freedom" is a positive word. Putting them together creates some contrast, but yet just very interesting idea. I like it and its originality. Alice Reeds, even though this seems to be her first book, has done a great job on creating a working and truly captivating story with just the right amount of action, thrill and moments that make you smile. A great book, which I'll definitely recommend to all of you, as it's worth a try. I'm very much looking forward to the next book, which I hope will come as soon as possible, as I'm craving to know what will happen next in this..."hunting (for) freedom"!
June 5, 2015
OK - I read this book in anticipation of getting the 2nd book. This book is strange to say the least. The writing was choppy and skipped around a lot. Not sure if the 2nd book will clarify anything, but the overall tone was strange. I lost track of a few things along the way and it just really kinda lost me. Sorry - but wasn't a huge fan here =(
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