The Recently Read posts are not typical book reviews. As a writer, I do not believe I should be reviewing the hard work of other writers. These posts are simply books I have recently read and enjoyed and will share with you. They will not always be crime books as I am trying to widen my reading selection. I hope you enjoy some of these with me.
Runners by Sharon Sant
Elijah is nothing special. He’s just a skinny kid doing his best to stay one step ahead of starvation and the people who would have him locked away in a labour camp – just another Runner. But what he stumbles upon in a forest in Hampshire shows him that the harsh world he knows will become an even more sinister place, unless he can stop it. As past and present and parallel dimensions collide, freedom becomes the last thing on his mind as he is suddenly faced with a battle to save his world from extinction. But before Elijah can find the courage to be the hero the world needs, he must banish his own demons and learn to trust his friends. And all the while, the sinister figure of Maxwell Braithwaite looms, his path inextricably bound to Elijah’s by a long dead physicist, and hell bent on stopping Elijah, whatever the cost.
My Thoughts;
I absolutely loved this book! I was expecting some kind of bleak dystopian novel, and though it is classed as dystopian, it wasn’t what I expected. I completely missed the part in the description about colliding worlds and missing physicists, as this would have definitely piqued my interest. Instead I was left to my own devices, or should I say, Sant’s devices as she wove the story about a group of kids, in a future world, running from something they are unsure of, but at the same time afraid of. The group and dynamics feel real and though they are afraid, they are determined. The characterisation is strong as the fight for leadership and survival plays out. But what really got my attention in the book was the colliding worlds theme and seeing Sant cleverly keep all her knowledge and timelines flowing smoothly without a flicker of doubt in her mind. The denouement was smoothly executed with everything tying up into an understandable format for the reader. It was a brilliant and emotional read for Sant’s readers as she delivered a brilliant YA read.
Yes, after crime, YA and contemporary fiction seem to be my go-to reads.
DJ Kirkby says
Oh, I haven’t had a chance to read this book yet but I have enjoyed all of Sharon Sant’s previous novels and I am so pleased to hear this one sounds as good as, if not better.
Rebecca Bradley says
Sharon has another one coming out soon – I don’t know how she does it! – and that is fabulous as well. I really like her style.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – I always think it’s amazing how good some YA fiction can be. And this one sounds like quite an effective blend of dystopia, science, a look at human nature, and a solid setting too. I’m very glad you enjoyed it.
Rebecca Bradley says
The thing with YA is it covers all the other genres! It can be as wide ranging and free as it wants to be and I’m finding that’s what I love about it. That and the easy read of it. I’ve found it a great combination.
cheriereich says
Ooo, this book sound fantastic! I do love reading YA. 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
YA is a genre I’m really starting to pick up and enjoy now. I’m starting to see what all the fuss is about 🙂
Kirsten says
I really like your take on highlighting books that you enjoyed, rather than reviewing whatever comes your way. It’s such a positive approach and I heartily agree that great books should receive some buzz on their own merit.
And you had me at ‘long dead physicist’ 🙂 Parallel dimensions are one of my favorite sandboxes to play in, that and time travel. Thanks for the recommendation!
Jane Isaac says
Sounds wonderful, Rebecca. Another book to put on the list. Thanks for sharing:)