Best of the Month: June 2015 Blood Red Road by Moira Young (Dust Lands #1)

In the dystopian world that Saba and her family inhabit, survival is everything. Her family works to protect each other and their lifelong home, and while they wouldn't dream of attacking their neighbors, not everyone is the same. When Saba is attacked and her twin brother is taken by a band of strange horsemen, Saba is determined to do everything in her power to save her sibling. Setting out into the strange and unpredictable world of the Dust Lands, Saba is determined to bring her brother home safe at all costs. Along the way, she encounters a ship that sails over the desert, a cage, and a band of fierce warriors who call themselves the Free Hawks.

Saba is not a girl I would recommend messing with. She's very driven with a stubborn streak and isn't afraid to rub the rules in the face of anyone she dislikes. Saba has a strong will to survive and is unfailingly loyal to her twin. However, Saba also holds a grudge, and she resents her younger sister because her mother died giving birth to her. I enjoyed Saba's development. In the beginning of the story, she struck me as a quiet girl who is content to follow her older twin's lead. However, once he was taken, Saba assumed a more vicious demeanor and set out for him herself.

One unusual thing about Blood Red Road I thought was interesting was the grammar. Authors do all sorts of things to help the reader learn about their characters. Young uses grammar to express Saba's rough, gritty personality. I think it's interesting and creative!

"I start up the ladder, a piece of rusty metal in my hand, but I ain't gone more'n three rungs before she takes hold an starts shakin it. I grab on to stop myself from fallin. Nero squawks an flaps off in a flurry of feathers. I glare down at Em.

Cut that out! I says. What're you tryin to do, break my neck?"

Blood Red Road was dark and fiery with powerful characters and an intriguing plot against the background of a bleak post-apocalyptic world that reminded me a bit of Mad Max. The plot took several fascinating turns, and there was plenty of action. I loved exploring Young and Saba's world and hope very much to revisit it soon in the sequel, Rebel Heart. 4.5/5 stars.

I apologize for the long wait. Summers are usually a bit unpredictable for me, and I haven’t been able to find a good time slot to write. To conserve reviews, I'll be posting one on Wednesday starting next wee. Thanks for being patient with me!

#seriesstartandstandalones #bestofthemonth #survival #scifi