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helensbookshelf's review
3.0
Hits the ground running and just doesn't stop!
A unique and original story, like nothing I've read before. The usual Sci-Fi cliches are avoided and it kept surprising me, I found that I couldn't predict anything that was going to happen.
Unfortunately that was partly because it gives no answers to the many questions it raises. What the hunt is for, who controls it, why the runners can recover from major injuries, why they are not really human - none of these are explained. If the answers were there in the book I didn't pick up on them.
It never fully explains the hunt - the story focuses around the 'ascension' of Henry and it doesn't show us much of the hunter and runner's world. I would have liked to see more of this, more of their society and their lives in it as I didn't really get a feel for what 'normal' is in this world.
The characters are likeable, and it's worth a read for how original the story is, but if you work out what it's all about please clue me in!
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
A unique and original story, like nothing I've read before. The usual Sci-Fi cliches are avoided and it kept surprising me, I found that I couldn't predict anything that was going to happen.
Unfortunately that was partly because it gives no answers to the many questions it raises. What the hunt is for, who controls it, why the runners can recover from major injuries, why they are not really human - none of these are explained. If the answers were there in the book I didn't pick up on them.
It never fully explains the hunt - the story focuses around the 'ascension' of Henry and it doesn't show us much of the hunter and runner's world. I would have liked to see more of this, more of their society and their lives in it as I didn't really get a feel for what 'normal' is in this world.
The characters are likeable, and it's worth a read for how original the story is, but if you work out what it's all about please clue me in!
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
silelda's review
2.0
*Free copy for an honest review.
This book, short as is it is, had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, I don't feel it met that, and fell far short of my expectations for it. Maybe I was asking too much of it, but I was disappointed by this book.
The author does make me feel emotionally connected to the three main characters, he's done a great job of getting me interested in their story. I was genuinely concerned for Henry's sanity and Milo's sake. I was happy to read this book out of interest in these few characters.
My biggest problem with this book is the world it takes place in. Clearly it's our world, but with this subset of people that, if we were to encounter them, we'd never remember. But what is it that causes people to forget? What is it that allows the Runners to physically take on bullets? What is it that takes the loved ones of Runners who don't run? Why was one little girl, ghost character, the only one with any actual answers, forgotten almost immediately after her introduction? No one, not even the elders of the Hunters and Runners, have answers to any of these questions.
And maybe I'm missing the point of the book. Maybe the focus was supposed to be on these characters, but I feel like, if I knew more about the world and its laws, I could've felt more. I could've been more interested in what was going on. As it was, when the book ended, I felt nothing. There was so much that this book could have been, but wasn't.
This book, short as is it is, had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, I don't feel it met that, and fell far short of my expectations for it. Maybe I was asking too much of it, but I was disappointed by this book.
The author does make me feel emotionally connected to the three main characters, he's done a great job of getting me interested in their story. I was genuinely concerned for Henry's sanity and Milo's sake. I was happy to read this book out of interest in these few characters.
My biggest problem with this book is the world it takes place in. Clearly it's our world, but with this subset of people that, if we were to encounter them, we'd never remember. But what is it that causes people to forget? What is it that allows the Runners to physically take on bullets? What is it that takes the loved ones of Runners who don't run? Why was one little girl, ghost character, the only one with any actual answers, forgotten almost immediately after her introduction? No one, not even the elders of the Hunters and Runners, have answers to any of these questions.
And maybe I'm missing the point of the book. Maybe the focus was supposed to be on these characters, but I feel like, if I knew more about the world and its laws, I could've felt more. I could've been more interested in what was going on. As it was, when the book ended, I felt nothing. There was so much that this book could have been, but wasn't.
sof's review
5.0
Netgalley copy in exchange for an honest review.
A fair warning: be prepared to get sucked into this story from the moment you start reading, because you won’t be able to put your book down. This is what happened to me.
This book is incredibly good, on every level, in my opinion.
Plot __ The plot is very original, and I found the main idea behind the story to be very different and innovative, which is always a good thing for me. If you love science-fiction, this book will be right up your ally. The wolrdbuilding is extremely well written, and the action is mastered very well.
Another thing I found interesting was the pace. Often in SF, you tend to rush things to get to the point, but this novel is extremely well balanced, so that it is paced to the right rhythm, and it makes it even more enjoyable to read as it is neither too fast nor too slow.
Characters __ All the characters now have a special place in my heart. Henry definitely needs a hug or two, in my opinion, and I felt bad for him the whole time I’ve been reading. I also loved the way Brett Savory handled the “status”/”state” of Milo and Adelina, and how important they are to the story despite said state. Faye is another of my favourite characters - I found her brave, strong and loyal, which are always good qualities to find in heroes.
The relationship between the four of them is, to me, so great. They are dedicated and loving friends, and it sounds realistic when you read about them as they go on in the story.
Style __ The style is one of the strong points, for me, as it’s what really lured me into the story and didn’t let me put the book down - the descriptions are beautiful, and overall it is very raw and poetic at the same time.
It’s straight to the point and efficient, with snappy and sharp dialogues. To me, it’s a tale of revenge and violence, and humanity.
I feel like this novel broke some boundaries in my readings of SF, and it made me think a lot about our own life as it is in 2016, and the fact that I could see some parallels is scary, yet unsurprising. I love novels that make me think. The whole story is a puzzle the reader needs to put together, to paint one terrifying yet fascinating picture.
A fair warning: be prepared to get sucked into this story from the moment you start reading, because you won’t be able to put your book down. This is what happened to me.
This book is incredibly good, on every level, in my opinion.
Plot __ The plot is very original, and I found the main idea behind the story to be very different and innovative, which is always a good thing for me. If you love science-fiction, this book will be right up your ally. The wolrdbuilding is extremely well written, and the action is mastered very well.
Another thing I found interesting was the pace. Often in SF, you tend to rush things to get to the point, but this novel is extremely well balanced, so that it is paced to the right rhythm, and it makes it even more enjoyable to read as it is neither too fast nor too slow.
Characters __ All the characters now have a special place in my heart. Henry definitely needs a hug or two, in my opinion, and I felt bad for him the whole time I’ve been reading. I also loved the way Brett Savory handled the “status”/”state” of Milo and Adelina, and how important they are to the story despite said state. Faye is another of my favourite characters - I found her brave, strong and loyal, which are always good qualities to find in heroes.
The relationship between the four of them is, to me, so great. They are dedicated and loving friends, and it sounds realistic when you read about them as they go on in the story.
Style __ The style is one of the strong points, for me, as it’s what really lured me into the story and didn’t let me put the book down - the descriptions are beautiful, and overall it is very raw and poetic at the same time.
It’s straight to the point and efficient, with snappy and sharp dialogues. To me, it’s a tale of revenge and violence, and humanity.
I feel like this novel broke some boundaries in my readings of SF, and it made me think a lot about our own life as it is in 2016, and the fact that I could see some parallels is scary, yet unsurprising. I love novels that make me think. The whole story is a puzzle the reader needs to put together, to paint one terrifying yet fascinating picture.
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