quippe | Entries tagged with nick lake

The Blurb On The Back:

Leo’s going to a place he’s never been before: home

Leo has never set foot on Earth.

Born and raised with twins Orion and Libra on the Moon 2 Space Station, they have grown up together in the most extraordinary of ways.

Now, they are preparing to make their first trip home – their first journey to Earth.

But Leo, Orion and Libra cannot possibly imagine the irreversible consequences that their return will set into motion …

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Nick Lake’s YA SF novel is like GRAVITY meets AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH as the story basically hinges on Leo’s experiences in having to adjust both to gravity and to life with his mother and grandfather for the first time but while the science research is great, the use of a text speak-style narration will alienate some while I felt that some of the plot was a little underdeveloped so while it’s an interesting read, I don’t think it’s a classic.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

In darkness. I count my blessings like manman taught me.
One: I am alive.
Two: there is no two.

In the aftermath of an earthquake, Shorty lies in the wreckage of a hospital and tries to make sense of everything that has happened.

His experiences as a small-time gangster in Haiti have given him plenty to think about.

But when his thoughts are interrupted by someone long dead, Shorty’s battle for survival takes him to places he could never have imagined.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Nick Lake’s YA novel is a thoughtful, fascinating tale that draws parallels between the struggles of modern Haiti and the struggle of the slaves to win their freedom and a nation of their own. It’s an unflinching read, both in terms of the violence and poverty that surrounds Shorty and the bleakness of both his and Haiti’s situation while the liberal use of the f-bomb may put off parents of younger readers. However it also deserves its critical acclaim and it’s easy to see why it’s been on so many award shortlists.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the free copy of this book.