#181 Book Review: Rebel Heart

Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2)
Release Date: November 2012
Author: Moira Young
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks
More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

They call her the Angel of Death. She defeated a tyrant but victory has come at a cost. Haunted by the ghosts of her past, she needs Jack. His moonlight eyes, his reckless courage, his wild heart. But Jack has left, and a ruthless new enemy searches for Saba across the Dustlands....

Cover:
JACK! JACK! JACK! I love the model in the cover. He represents Jack so well. Plus, the barren desert behind the guy captures the atmosphere of the dustlands. LOVE IT!

Story:

There's a price on Saba's head...

After reading Blood Red Road in the middle of 2012, I was fascinated with the intriguing premise and story of survival in the Dustlands. Moira Young's writing and story behind the book are fresh and unique, a new great addition to the world of YA. After loving Blood Red Road, I was worried about the sequel. Would it live up to my expectations? Rest assured, Rebel Heart is an absolutely thrilling book!

The ending of Blood Red Road left me with only one question: What would happen to Saba and Jack now? And the sequel definitely answered my question. Rebel Heart begins from Jack's POV. After a couple of chapters, the story switches back to Saba's POV so that'll be the only taste we get of the story from Jack's POV. Constantly, I was worried whether or not I will enjoy the story because Jack and Saba are separated in the book. However, Moira Young delivered an exciting story as Saba journeys to different places with her brother, Lugh. The book is more action-packed compared to the first book although I have to admit, Jack and Saba's moments together are the ones I've been waiting for while reading this book. The romance was bittersweet. The ending of Rebel Heart is satisfying although the last page before the story ends left me hanging with another question: OH NO, WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW?

Characters:
Saba continues to prove to us that she is an amazing heroine who although is in love with Jack, can fight for herself and the troubles in the desert. She is after all, called the Angel of Death. At first, I really admired Saba but when 'something happened', causing her to lose her trust on Jack, she made a decision which 'changed' her life. I wanted to sympathise with Saba and I did feel sympathy towards her although her choice  in making the decision upsets me. Oh and let me give you a clue about this decision, it involves a guy called 'DeMalo'. DeMalo intrigued me in the beginning but I think the way he acts around Saba is a little bit too creepy. Meanwhile, Jack is still amazing. Sure, he was so 'secretive' in this book but his love for Saba shines and burns bright. Unfortunately, I disliked Lugh, Saba's brother. Also, it is interesting to note that I'm more and more used to the dialect of the book. It's not as strange as I thought when I first read Blood Red Road!

Overall:
Loved Blood Red Road? Then you definitely don't want to miss the exciting sequel, Rebel Heart! In this second book in the Dustlands series, Saba and Jack must journey to find each other, to prove that love is stronger than the Tontons and the evil that lurks in the Dustland. If you haven't read Blood Red Road? What are you waiting for? If you love books packed with action, adventures and romance, you will love the series!

5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Rebel Heart!

Thank you Scholastic Australia for the review copy!

#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!