Friday 4 May 2012

#99 Book Review: Blood Red Road

Blood Red Road (Dust Lands #1)
Release Date: June 2nd 2011
Author: Moira Young
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository
More Info: Goodreads
Summary from Goodreads:
In a lawless future land, where life is cheap and survival is hard, Saba has been brought up in isolated Silverlake. She never sees the dangers of the destructive society outside. When her twin brother is snatched by mysterious black-robed riders, she sets outon an epic quest to rescue him. The story's searing pace, its spare style, the excitement of its fabulously damaged world, its unforgettably vivid characters, its violent action and glorious lovestory make this a truly sensational YA debut novel.
My review:

Cover:
I prefer the US cover (the new edition) of Blood Red Road but the UK cover is pretty cool. I love the crow's image in the cover and the red-coloured splatter of 'blood' behind the title of the book!

Story:

I ain't afeared of nuthin...

Wow, I am truly amazed by Blood Red Road. The concept, the world-building, the story is absolutely brilliant. I was a bit hesitant when I started reading the book because I have read reviews saying that the book has a unique and strange dialect. This book does have a unique dialect that I never encountered before in other books. When I first began reading the book, the dialect bothered me but the further I was into the book, I got used to the dialect and it no longer bothered me. The use of dialect in this book was understandable because Saba, the main character who narrates the story was not an educated character who couldn't read and write. I really loved the story of Blood Red Road. It's a story of survival, loss and hope. The setting of this book was really amazing. I love Moira Young's writing style and how she can vividly describe the dust lands and how the story flowed really well. There were lots of actions in this book yet unexpectedly, there is a touch of romance. The romance is in the perfect portion. It's not love at first sight, it's love that develops after spending time together with someone and it's not sappy at all. Moira wrapped Blood Red Road really well. It is not a cliffhanger but it still made me so anxious to read the sequel, Rebel Heart!
 
Characters:
Saba is an amazing heroine and character. She began as a character who loves her brother so much she is willing to be his 'shadow'. She has a younger sister but she does not care about her. Her life revolves only around her brother. When her brother was taken, Saba journeys to find him with her sister. I truly adore her strength and bravery. I can feel her pain, her loss when her brother was taken away from her and how her father died on the same day. There was this particular scene where her hair had to be shaven and she was bald and I feel so sad. I don't know why I felt so sad but a girl's hair is also a girl's treasure. When Saba meets Jack, I completely fell head over heels for Jack. He was an amazing character. He is a funny, he is strong and he truly loves Saba. Here is a quote to convince you how swoon-worthy Jack is!

“Yer in my blood, Saba, he says. Yer in my head. Yer in my breath, yer in my bones...gawd help me, yer everywhere. You have bin since the first moment I set eyes on you.”

Wow, I think all of the characters in this book are very well-written. Moira voices her characters really well and it just makes them feel so real and alive.

Overall:
Blood Red Road is truly a sensational debut novel. Moira's ability to vividly describe the dust lands and her world-building allow readers to live in the world of Blood Red Road. With a unique dialect and amazing characters, Blood Red Road is a brilliant story of Saba's journey and survival to save her brother. Still not convinced to read this book? Where here's another quote fer ya!

“Ever heard of the rule of three? he shouts as we run.
No!
If you save somebody's life three times, their life belongs to you. You saved my life today, that makes once. Save it twice more an I'm all yers.” 

5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Blood Red Road!
Thank you Scholastic Australia for the review copy!

Check out the book trailer!

19 comments:

  1. I like the final quote you shared with us, Cel! I was umming and uhhing about this book but I've decided I really do want to read it! Great review!

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  2. I also prefer the U.S cover to the U.K one, unfortunately I have the U.K version :( This sounds like a fantastic read! And from the quotes Jack does sound very swoon worthy! fab review Celine! :)

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  3. 5 stars?? Oh my goodness... I don't know why I passed this book up when I did!! I remember seeing this at the library last year and reading the first chapter (as I always do haha) to see whether or not I'd want to continue, but I wasn't so sure about the writing style so I didn't pick this book up... But I'm glad you got used to it! I guess it would make lots of sense if Saba wasn't literate :)

    Amazing review, Celine!! This book is officially re-added to my TBR pile! ;) <3

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  4. God. I still need to review this book! I read it in January... :S Bad, huh? Anyway, OMG I FREAKING LOVED IT! I think it's amazing that I still remember so much of the book even though it's been a while. Saba, her stubbornness and also her compassionate side that slowly creeps to the surface as she gains friendship. How by the end, she's a much better person for it. She goes through so much crap, too.

    I SO agree with you! I think I either had this penned at 4.5 or 5, can't remember but I remember when I finished this book I was just in awe at what I'd just read. Truly what a beautiful and engaging book! Who also cannot wait for Rebel Heart? *raises hand*

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  5. Oh, great review Celine! I got this one from the library (I think it was due back like 4 weeks ago... oops) but haven't gotten around to it yet. The dialect makes me wary (though I loved that kind of dialect in Cormac McCarthy's ''The Road'') but many people have assured me it works well. I'll try to read this week. :D

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  6. I have a copy of this book and I NEED TO READ IT! I heard about the unique dialect too and was slightly iffy about it. Judging from the quotes you posted, it sort of reminds me of the Chaos Walking trilogy where it also had a different dialect! Also, I love hearing that this book ends well. Hooray for no cliffhangers!! Fantastic review, Celine. :)

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  7. I loved this book! Im sooooo happy that you loved it too! I mean not all can really appreciate the kind of writing the author did in this book. so hurray! Great review! and yes that cover is so cool too, I loved Nero so that crow in that cover is awesome. Loved ur review Celine <3

    Ƹ̴Ӂ̴ƷFICBOOKREVIEWSƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ

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  8. I read the first few pages of this book and freaked out because of the strange writing, but now I'm more than willing to read! :) I keep hearing amazing reviews about this book, and the quotes you post just make me melt, Celine! ♥ I also really want to know why Saba doesn't care about her sister although she loves her brother so much. It's just very weird.

    Super brilliant review, Celine! So glad you really enjoyed this book! ♥

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  9. Wow, it's your 99th review!! The dialect makes it sound like a different kind of book to read. Saba sounds like an amazing character and the world building sounds fab! Fantastic review, Celine <33

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  10. I LOVED Blood Red Road too! I completely agree with everything you sai - Jack's totally swoon-worthy and the touch of romance was just perfect, and yes Moira Young did wrap it up nicely, but still leaving me DESPERATE for the sequel! Congratulations on it being your 99th review! (what an awesome number!)
    You can read my review of Blood Red Road here:
    http://thebookparade.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/book-review-blood-red-road.html
    :)

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  11. I really enjoyed this book too and can't wait for Rebel Heart! I was a bit hesitant when it came to the language as well and it took a while for me to get into it, but once I did, I loved it! I kind of sounded a bit like a pirate as I was reading this book in my head. ;) Great review Celine!

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  12. I had quite a few issues with this book, Celine, but truth be told, I read it in a group readalong with about seven other people and the whole thing might have been a bit distracting. I did appreciate the experimenting with language.

    Fantastic review. I'm happy you enjoyed it.

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  13. Looks interesting. Haha, I've always thought the concept of a book trailer was weird, but I kind of like that you put them in. Hmm. Random thought.
    www.dogearedandcoffeestained.blogspot.com

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  14. Love your review!! I have this review copy sitting on my shelf from last year =S I've been afraid to read it because of the strange dialogue but I just may give it a go come November! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book and that you got used to the speech as you went along ;)

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  15. You know, I still have yet to read this book. *hides in shame* Ha! x)
    I prefer to the US cover too. Saba sounds like a awesome mc, and I love the quote from Jack! *swoons* Great review. :)

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  16. Wow, 5 stars! I think I heard about the dialect... But I don't know whether I'd like it in a book. I like that the book revolves around brothers (me and my fascination with family ties in books lol), although sounds a little too dystopian-ish for me (me and my fears of dystopia).

    Nice review! Maybe I'll read this in the future, since it's even been published here :D

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  17. Wow, Celine, this sounds AMAZING. The language sounds seriously unusual, but, uh... I mean, WOW? AMAZING review as always!

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  18. Eeeeee, Celine! I've had this book sitting in my shelves for AGES. I've definitely been intrigued, but I haven't picked it up yet mainly because of the language. I get annoyed even when people say 'ya' in books haha. But I'm really glad to hear you got used to it as the story went on and wow... your review and enthusiasm has totally convinced me to give this a try!!

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  19. Great review. I really want to read this book now :)

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