#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!