Reviews

The Outcast by Elin Peer

safran3's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

lifeinthebooklane's review

3.0

“That’s the thing about culture, isn’t it? You think that the way you grow up is normal until you meet another culture with another normal that’s completely different from yours. In the ideal world you could pick and choose from each culture.”

The Outcast proved to be a thoroughly entertaining read but one that also challenged me. Not in a bad way, it was a book that was incredibly easy to read, great fun at times and sadly shocking at others. A slow-burn romance, though with a strong examination of sexuality and all that entails, this story definitely held my attention.


The above quote sums up the core theme of this book, that our beliefs are not the beliefs of all, but if we can respect and learn from those other beliefs we can create a better future for us all. You can read this book on so many levels, so, so many different levels. From a simple boy meets girl love story, to a tale of cultural differences and compromise, right through to analogies of our own world, it's cultures and politics. Embracing and respecting our differences -even accepting sometimes that our ways are not the best - allows us all to grow and mature into the best people we can be. Like the characters in these books, we won't always be perfect and things won't always be easy, but it is still something we should endeavour towards and strive for. Elin Peer is incredibly talented in her ability to convey these messages and themes within the pages of her books, whilst still producing a wonderful, evocative and compelling love story.

Never had I connected with a female the way I did with Sparrow. She laughed at my jokes and always made me feel appreciated and cared for. She had told me that she was in love with me. No one in the world had ever spoken those words to me. I regretted that the indoctrination from my culture had prevented me from admitting to myself and Sparrow what was so obvious to me in that moment; my feelings were as strong as hers.
The sad expression on her face last night would haunt me until the day I died.

Sparrow and Banni are both quite gentle, softly spoken individuals, whilst also being strong and determined characters. Cultural differences aside, they both seemed to hold similar values and morals. Those few differences did lead to some angst, but the author threw a very dramatic and dark plot twist into the book to add extra depth and excitement. Aubri's actions, as this incident drew to an end, were morally and emotionally very challenging to me. I felt very "Motlander" in my response that here was someone who needed help and support, not judgement and condemnation. At the same time I could theoretically understand her decision but it still pained my heart that it was seen as the right path for her to take.


This was a busy read, with lots of threads being woven and paths being laid, all of which will no doubt build in the next book and reach an amazing crescendo in the final book of this series. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.

Tears formed in her large, dark, expressive eyes.
“You don’t get it, do you?”
“What?”
“Love isn’t about intelligence or beauty. It’s about how you feel in here.” She pushed her hand against my chest. “I feel safe with you and whenever you’re around I get butterflies in my stomach. I’m fascinated with your stories and I find your slight accent arousing. I’ve fantasized and obsessed over you since August, Banni.”
I opened my mouth and closed it again. “Don’t say that.”
“That I’m in love with you?” There was no fear in her eyes, just sadness.
“Yes don’t say it.”
Her hand fell from my chest and she moved back a little. “I won’t be made to feel ashamed of my love for you. It’s the most precious gift I can give.”

traci_booksagram's review

5.0

Another Amazing Book!

First off, if you haven’t read this series yet you absolutely need to start. This is a post apocalyptic world where different surviving cultures are trying to find their way together. It is a great romance series where each book is about a different couple and has their own HEA. Outcast is book 13 of the series, and one of the main characters is the daughter of the couple from book 3 (The Mentor).

Sparrow is trying to find her place in the world, after being rejected from her first two chose professions, she is asked to assist with setting up an Explorer Academy to train others from the Northland to go to Old Europe and assist with cleaning up their land from the Toxic War. Banni has been an Explorer in Old Europe for 10 years and is asked to assist with the Academy to ensure that the Northlanders who come over to Old Europe will fit into the culture. Both countries have very different views on love and sex, Banni is from a cultural of open sex with love and commitment outlawed. Sparrow and the Northlanders culture is one of waiting until love and marriage before having sex with another human. Sparks fly between Sparrow and Banni, but how can they make it work when they are from two different worlds?

This was another great story in the series, I have loved each one before and this one was just as amazing. This one was a bit lighter on sex, but it worked well with where the story went. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

tastone's review

4.0

Great book in the series

I love Elin Peer’s books. I read them as soon as I get them. I’m glad she continued her Men of the North series. It always feels good to be back with the families.

lindas_bookstoread's review

5.0

This was Sparrow and Manni's story.

What can I say, but that I just love this author's work! I escape to the future with amazing love stories! The characters are real! Their hopes, their fears, their growth, their struggles, their friendships, their love!!!

I'm drawn in, and it is so hard to put the story down.

I have been following the Aurelius family and their friends for a long time now, and I have loved every minute!

I cannot wait for Thor's story! I think this is going to be a great one too!!!!!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.