Blood Red Road

Highly Recommended-you must check it out!!

I love Dystopian novels, and Blood Red Road didn't disappoint me. This book was way more than I expected. The characters, the world, and plot were totally amazing. The different way they talk was a big plus, and it quickly pulled me into their world and made me believe it was real. Saba and her twin brother Lugh are 18. They live in Silverlake with their Pa and little sister Emmi, who is 9. Saba has never seen more than two people in her life, so when the four horseman, which are the Tonton, show up and take Lugh away, she knows she's the only one who can save him. Saba has to grow up fast and become someone she never she dreamed of becoming to save her brother. She meets Jack, who helps her find Lugh. Jack is cocky, slick, and a fast talker who's falling for Saba. The relationship that grows between Saba and Jack is a difficult and beautiful one. It stole my heart .What I also love about this book was the maturity of the characters. The story plot was strong, and I believed everything that was happening was real. I really enjoyed Blood Red Road and can say it's one of my favorite books. It's definitely going to be one of the best books of the year. I'll be counting down the days till the second book in Moira Young Dustland's series is released.

12 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

An Excellent New Voice in Dystopian Genre

Blood Red Road is the upcoming debut release from the author Moira Young.
In the future there is a land covered in dust and who ever controls the chaal fields owns the people. Where the water can mean your death, and a dust storm can cover your home in seconds and swallow a city is your future dystopian hell hole.
A family that has been shrouded in isolation along a dwindling lake, meets up with a hidden world of death and destruction in these amazing pages by Moira Young.
We are introduced to the main character Saba, and her twin brother Lugh, just in time for their family to break up and their world views to crumble.
The sands just got a whole lot bigger.
Blood Red Road was amazing. The book is written as the characters talk, and it is amazing to experience the world building and character growth in Saba. Young has created something truly beautiful in this book, and I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author.

9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

One of my top 5 for 2011!

You know those books that you find and after you read them you keep thinking about them and find that you're really anxious for the next one to come out? Thankfully, thankfully, Blood Red Road was like that for me.

Saba comes from a dysfunctional yet close family. Her mom passed away giving birth to her little sister and Saba hates the sister for it. The dad's gone a little loopy since the mom passed. The sister is a pretty normal winey little kid. But Lugh is perfect in Saba's eyes. He means everything to her. So when he's taken away, it pushes Saba to grow up and go after him.

In the reviews I've seen of Blood Red Road, people talked about the rough way Saba talks. And it is rough, jarring, and now what you're used to reading in a novel. But I LOVED it! I found myself thinking in the language Saba used for days after I finished. It was just a raw, no nonsense way of thinking.

Saba's growth in the book was wonderful. In the beginning she wasn't much more than her twin brother's shadow, always looking to him to do the right thing. And as she goes after him, she becomes a tough, quick thinking warrior. I have to say, I loved how she became known as "The Angel of Death" without giving away any spoilers. It was just great.

I did have a few hang-ups with this book. The fact that there were no quotation marks around any of the dialogue drove me CRAZY! It made me pay very close attention but when I'm reading I don't want it to have to be work. There were a few twists that seemed predictable to me. And I was having really high hopes that this might be a standalone novel but the last three pages made that not possible. Now I have to wait for the next one. sigh.

Overall, I really did like Blood Red Road. I would place it in my top 5 favorite books I've read in 2011 so far. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Great book!

One thing that really grabs me about this book is dialect in it. I thought it was completely and totally unique. For me, it was the first I've seen in young adult book.

The storyline of this book is great! It reminded me of Gladiator but with a girl instead. I admired Saba's strength to find her brother and fight. I loved her fighting. It showed cased not only her strength, but her angry and will to find her brother. She is a survivor. A true survivor. I loved the way her feelings were. I understood them completely. I get the same way when it comes to fighting for something you love. You don't want anything or anyone to stand in your way. And when they do, you can't fully do want to you want to do cause you are weighed down.

While Saba was alone most of her life, I like that she found someone who she can not only confide in but someone to match her strength. Jack is a guy like no other. He knew how she was right from the start. He knew her weak spots and her strength. I like that when she was weak, he was strong for her and vice versa. I admire their time together. When they were together all time stopped. It was just them. Simply wonderful!

The title of this book matches it exactly. It was a very bloody road that Saba had to go through in order to find her brother. Saba is truly a strong person. I rooted for her to make it all the way. It was written so good that you see everything. Feelings, the characters... even I can feel the dust blowing into my face with the hot scorching sun. Simply fantastic! *There was some cursing.*

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is one of those books where you either hate it, or you love

This is one of those books where you either hate it, or you love it. I was anticipating for this book to be alright, but what I didn't expect was to love it as much as I did.

Reasons to Read:

1. Saba
Saba is actually a really interesting person to read about. She's rude, callous, and incredibly strong. Usually, people like that tend to turn me off. But for Saba, it really worked. While I said that she was fairly insensitive, I could really tell just how much she loved Lugh. From page one, he is mentioned in only the highest regards. When he was taken, I felt her pain. I could tell that the amount that because she loved Lugh so much, losing him was making her go mad. Maybe it was just me, but I when I was reading some times, she really seemed to be losing her grip on her sanity. She's completely disinterested in helping anybody else but herself, but I found that I couldn't help but like her. I mean, she had every single reason to be as hard and bitter as she was. She was a completely realistic character that I thoroughly enjoyed.

2. The Post-Apocalyptic World

The world that Saba and all the other characters live in I found to be thoroughly enjoyable. After the apocalypse happens, the world is basically one big wasteland. Unlike some other novels set in the future, there wasn't really any amazing technology. Some things were different, such as a sand-surfing ship, but nothing too out of the ordinary. I really liked the way that it was explained, too. The world is really, really messed up, which I found to be a cool take. You can't really trust anyone in this world, and nobody has a reason to trust you. Everyone in this world wants something, and is working purely for themselves.

3. The Adventure

If you couldn't tell from the title, Blood Red Road, this novel's main focus is Saba's journey to find her brother Lugh. While there were some delays in this journey, I thought that it was thoroughly enjoyable. There are a full range of characters out, all with unique personalities. Aside from that, the action was awesome! There were tons of battles, and fights, and chase scenes that I found to be exhilerating. I was excited, scared, and just plain frustrated throughout the entire adventure. The adventure was thoroughly enjoyable.

4. The Language

This is probably the most controversial part of the book. Saba has a very thick southern-style accent, and the book is written that way. While I found it disorienting at first, I got used to it by the end of the novel. I actually really liked it, and thought it fit in really well to the story. If you don't mind reading a little bit of broken English, then I don't think that you will mind to much.

Although I did love this book, the one thing that I didn't like was how there were no quotation marks around the characters' dialogues. This was a bit disorienting at times, when I thought Saba would be saying something, but it would actually just be in her thoughts. Overall though, I think that this book was really well done and exceeded by expectations.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Solid Four Stars

Not the typical 'tear out my heart and stomp on it' that i have grown to love in my YA novels but a great, fresh story line nonetheless. Plus the female lead has a kick ass pet bird! Might boost it to 4 1/2 just for that! Rock on, Saba!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Eh

It was a good plot but where are the " its confusing because i never know when she starts or stops talkig
I think the author tried to right it like the hunger games too much

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Amazing book- definitely recommend!

Like most dystopian society books, when you read Blood Red Road you have to get used to the future slang and society, but in this book it isn't difficult at all. The characters were strong and the plot was fast-paced, making it hard to put down. I liked the way the central plot of her finding her brother was still more important than the developing romance between Saba and Jack, which is good because in most teen books, the romance overshadows the main plot. I would recommend this book to all of my friends, and anyone who enjoys dystopian society books. The only part that slightly bothered me in Blood Red Road was the lack of quotation, which made understanding who spoke a little difficult. Besides that, which you get used to fast, this book is stunning!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Guess who has a new favorite book

This book was frikkin amazing!!!! I loved the storyline and most of the charactors!!!! Im hoping there is a sequell to it or something because i want MORE!!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Surprises, obstacles, and romance...oh my!

Really 4.5 stars

It's been a long time since I've read a dystopian novel, but Blood Red Road made for a great return to the genre. Full of surprises, obstacles to overcome, and a bit of romance, I was quickly drawn into the story and kept turning pages until the end.

Saba lives in Silverlake with her twin brother Lugh, her sister Emmi, and her father. Her mother died giving birth to Emmi, and Saba has always resented that fact. Because of this, Saba has clung to Lugh, following him wherever he goes and ignoring her younger sister. When Lugh is suddenly captured by four unknown horsemen, Saba vows to stop at nothing to get him back. This quest takes her far away from Silverlake, through the Dustlands and old Wrecker settlements. Saba finds herself facing obstacles and situations she never imagined, having to fight for both what she wants and for her life. In addition, she is forced to accept help from unlikely and unwanted sources and to confront her own nature and emotions. By doing so, she will learn a great deal about life, finding her heart's desire, friendship, and love.

Blood Red Road is very different from many other books I have read in its style; it is told in sparse prose, with all of the writing in dialect and no quotation marks for speech. At first I was taken aback by this, but I quickly adjusted, and I think that this style really enhanced the story. I loved watching Saba grow over the course of the story. Her initial resistance to help and anything that defied logic made for quite an interesting journey, both physically and emotionally. I also enjoyed seeing the ingenuity and resourcefulness that all of the characters displayed. The situations they face in their journey are tough, but these characters are determined to be tougher. And then there was the great tension between Saba and Jack. Their banter and increasing attraction was a wonderful addition to the story.

Though there were times of slow action, this book was certainly never dull. Even though a big thread of the plot is resolved at the end of the book, there is still more of Saba's story to be told. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her, her world, and her relationship with Jack. I'm also hoping that some of the characters we come to know in this book, such as the Free Hawks and DeMalo, will come back in the sequel.

Blood Red Road might be a dystopian novel, but there is much more to the book than overthrowing a corrupt government. Moira Young has written a fabulous debut novel, and I am looking forward to reading more!

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great Action-packed adventure

Flooded with action-packed adventure, BLOOD RED ROAD had me gripping the pages for more dangerous goodies. This book is unlike any book I've ever read. The writing style is so different that I was hesitant about reading it at first. Boy, am I glad I didn't let it hinder me from missing out on a great dystopian novel.

To understand Saba's POV is to imagine someone who's always been secluded from the outside world and the dangers beyond Silverlake. Because of her seclusion, I assumed her illiteracy accounted for the way she talked. The way the characters talk reminds me of the olden days with words like, "fer" instead of "for," and "jest" instead of "just." Once I got assimilated with their way of speaking, I had no problems flying through the pages. Saba represents what I like in my heroines, she's strong and she's willing to do whatever it takes to save her loved ones.

I can only imagine what's to come in the next installment. BLOOD RED ROAD had just about everything - action, romance, suspense, and hints of paranormal elements. This series can go in so many directions and hopefully the next one is just as good.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I thought this book was excellent. I feel the Moira Young did pr

I thought this book was excellent. I feel the Moira Young did prolong the beginning but it eventually picked up. I do believe that if you liked the Hunger Games Series then you will also enjoy this book. I feel this is an exciting new perspective of one way the world would turn out in the future. It includes all the themes of adventure, strength, familial importance, romance, suspense and more. Although Moira Young used a southern slang which was unique but sometimes tedious, you eventually adapt to it. I feel this is a great read for higher level junior high and high school readers.

Wow. Sooooo good!!

My first impression of this book was, "I will not be able to read this." I was soooo wrong! Mainly, I thought I wouldn't be able to get past the... err... spelling/grammar. But in the end, that's one of the many things I loved. It gave the book a more personal feel.
I love the characters. Saba is cynical and spunky, a good combonation. Jack was cocky when he needed to be and caring also. Emmi was not who you expected, in a good way.
The story flows well and has a great storyline, full of action. An awesome dystopian novel. Great job Moira!! Definitely a new favorite.

Decided this book was not for me after the first 10 pages. I sug

Decided this book was not for me after the first 10 pages. I suggest people read a sample of this book before spending the money.

Easily one of the best dystopian novels I've read. I loved the w

Easily one of the best dystopian novels I've read. I loved the world, I loved the story, but most of all I loved the main character Saba. She was willing to take on the world to find and save her brother, no matter what it cost her. I'm looking forward to whatever the author has in store for us next.

Amazing!

This book is the best book i have ever read! Sorry to all hunger games fans but this book is better than it. I love this book so much! The romance, the action, and great characters, i really really LOVE this book.

I dare you to read it.

I dare everyone to read this. Then I dare everyone, who is reading it, to try putting it down. You can't can you? Because Blood Red Road is a addicting piece of literature. It sucks you in and won't let go. Of course it is a dystopian novel with romance and adventure. There is so many, these days, dystopian novels and in all of the ones I have read in the past year and half this is by far the best. It is a really unique story and the author isn't afraid or cautious to go deep, gritty and truthful about how evil and dangerous the world she created is with it's kidnappings and cage fights. I definitely would be to scared to live in this world.

Saba is the heroine of the story. She loves her brother to death and she finds her little sister a constant reminder of her mother's death. When her brother is kidnapped her world is turned upside down and now it up to her and the new acquaintances she meets along the way to save him. I must admit that Saba is the most determined character I have ever met and I love that about her. She has a goal and she won't stop until she accomplishes it. However because she is so determine she comes off as a bit rude, un-thankful and selfish. Also she doesn't really let people into her personal life or realize her faults. She is kind of like a porcupine who lets out it spikes when people are to near. As a reader you see all of this through the eyes of her friends (as if your alongside them on the adventure to) and I won't lie it can be quite annoying. There was times when I really hated Saba and then really loved her. However her character develops majorly along the way.

The writing style was different. Saba, who is telling the story, speaks in broken English. Which shows her personality and roots. I like that that because you get a better understanding of her characteristics and it easier to imagine how she speaks.

Their was some scenes that could of been cut out. I felt they were unnecessary and random. However the version I read was an ARC so it could be different in the final version.

There wasn't a single character I hated. I love them all with their different personalities. I especially loved Jack's cockiness and how a single crow could be used a character/important part of the story. I really didn't feel the connection because Saba and Jack but this is a trilogy so they have two more books to grow closer (or maybe father apart). I wish Saba's brother had more of a appearance in this.

The ending resolved all my questions. It was very fast past. The end of the book wasn't a cliffhanger. It left me wanting more, but not be anxious as to what would happen next (since there was no cliffhanger).

Overall it was a great novel. I look forward to seeing what Moira Young does next in the trilogy. Also Ridley Scott has optioned Blood Red Road for the screen. I can't wait to see the adaptation.

Soooooooo goood!!!!!!!!

What a ride!

D

I loved this book. I could not put irlt down so i read it in one day. I have looked all over, but i cant find out when the sequal comes out can someone please tell me? In all this is anamazing book and I recomend it to anyone and everyone.

Skip it

I'm a big fan of the Hunger Games series and bought this, not expecting it to equal the Hunger Games, but at least to be somewhere in the ballpark. It's not even close. The heroine (like HG this is written in the first person) is thoroughly annoying. The whole book is written in hillbilly dialect or what the author imagines to be hillbilly dialect. The ambiance and plot (such as it is) is lifted from the Mad Max movies. There are apparently at least two more books planned for this series, but you won't catch me reading them.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.