Scan barcode
alexctelander's review
4.0
The second book in The Change quartet, after Stranger, does a lot of things the second book in the series should: opening the world further, adding some new and interesting characters, and raising the stakes to a whole new level that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
The sheltered town of Las Anclas is still licking its many wounds from the attack by King Voske of Gold Point. They expect another possible attack but have no idea when, but as Ross Juarez is out on a routine mission with some friends, a team has been sent out by Voske and captures him. He is brought back to Gold Point and shown a world where the changed are respected and at times revered. But this is also a harsh place run by the iron first of Voske; for those who do not follow these ways, they are crushed and ended without question. Las Anclas returns the favor by kidnapping the Voske’s daughter, Kerry, who learns of the very different world and place that is Las Anclas.
Will either side be willing to make an even exchange for the two? Not likely. So the hostage situation will have to be resolved in some other way, that will likely involve bloodshed. But each side has their own people with their own special powers that can be put to use. The final decision will ultimately rest on Kerry’s shoulders: after seeing the good and bad in both Las Anclas and Gold Point, she will have to make her choice and choose a side.
Originally written on March 25th, 2015 ©Alex C. Telander.
For more reviews, check out the BookBanter site.
The sheltered town of Las Anclas is still licking its many wounds from the attack by King Voske of Gold Point. They expect another possible attack but have no idea when, but as Ross Juarez is out on a routine mission with some friends, a team has been sent out by Voske and captures him. He is brought back to Gold Point and shown a world where the changed are respected and at times revered. But this is also a harsh place run by the iron first of Voske; for those who do not follow these ways, they are crushed and ended without question. Las Anclas returns the favor by kidnapping the Voske’s daughter, Kerry, who learns of the very different world and place that is Las Anclas.
Will either side be willing to make an even exchange for the two? Not likely. So the hostage situation will have to be resolved in some other way, that will likely involve bloodshed. But each side has their own people with their own special powers that can be put to use. The final decision will ultimately rest on Kerry’s shoulders: after seeing the good and bad in both Las Anclas and Gold Point, she will have to make her choice and choose a side.
Originally written on March 25th, 2015 ©Alex C. Telander.
For more reviews, check out the BookBanter site.
cjgillen's review against another edition
5.0
Once again I have been blown away by the absolutely stunning writing and storytelling, and transported back into the wonderful and terrifying world of Las Anclas.
If I could, I would do nothing but sit here and sing praises for this series. About the characters who have wormed their way into my heart and become as familiar and important as friends and family. About the breathtaking world and heart-wrenching conflicts. Unfortunately, try as I might the words just refuse to come.
This book is possibly the best thing to happen to me this year and I am beyond excited for the next ones in the series.
If I could, I would do nothing but sit here and sing praises for this series. About the characters who have wormed their way into my heart and become as familiar and important as friends and family. About the breathtaking world and heart-wrenching conflicts. Unfortunately, try as I might the words just refuse to come.
This book is possibly the best thing to happen to me this year and I am beyond excited for the next ones in the series.
naye's review
5.0
Sometime last week I came across the concept of "hopepunk". I just saw it in passing - the idea of a genre of post-apocalyptic type fiction but instead of everything being grimdark it celebrated human resilience and kindness in the face of adversity and danger. This is exactly what The Change books feel like to me, and I love it! The world isn't an utopia, but even in the most dangerous and dystopian corners there is still compassion and bravery. And in the less dystopian, people not only survive but thrive through cooperation and community-building, and it's so incredibly lovely to be shown a world where everything an apocalypse has happened without it being the end of good.
These books are a pure delight to me - the complicated, lovable characters; beautiful and dangerous world and thrilling plot are the perfect mix of adventure and emotion and excitement at all the amazing details the writers let you explore in their rich world. Raccoons that build cities, adorable messenger rats, rabbits that cast really bad illusions and squirrels that can snatch food from humans using teleportation make up just a fraction of the vivid backdrop to the characters' adventures, and I love them all.
These books are a pure delight to me - the complicated, lovable characters; beautiful and dangerous world and thrilling plot are the perfect mix of adventure and emotion and excitement at all the amazing details the writers let you explore in their rich world. Raccoons that build cities, adorable messenger rats, rabbits that cast really bad illusions and squirrels that can snatch food from humans using teleportation make up just a fraction of the vivid backdrop to the characters' adventures, and I love them all.
quietgalaxy's review
5.0
I'm not sure how much intelligent commentary I can come with past this: Hostage was just as good as I wanted it to be. I loved the last book, and was super excited to finally get this one, and it didn't disappoint. It's surprising for most adventure-type stories to really deal with the aftermath and trauma of the intense things that occur, but that's what happens here—all while in the midst of an equally-intense fresh plot. The world-building continues to wow me. As does, unrelatedly, the amount of diversity in characters. The character arcs were followed through in a way I found satisfying (and, man, do I just love these characters).
...I think that's all I have to say that's not just babbling about how much this book series.
...I think that's all I have to say that's not just babbling about how much this book series.
More...