Book Review: Island of Ruin by Marti M. McNair

 

Good Morning Bookaholics. Today I bring you a slightly different review as I am approaching this book with my editorial hat on. Yes, I edited the book and what a pleasure it was to do so. If I tell you, I am not really a dystopian fiction fan, and yet this book held me enthralled from the get go. I will tell you why in a moment but, first, I am sure you want to know what it is about. 

Blurb

In the wake of an apocalyptic End of Days, a totalitarian regime emerges. New-born belong to the state and are transported to the island of Ruin. Deprived of love and nurturing, children eke out an existence with a grim reality. Amidst the bleakness, Jasmine and Coral stumble upon a mysterious old woman washed ashore. Defying the regime’s grip, they secretly shelter her within the depths of the Black Cave. The girls soon unravel the regime’s web of deception. Jasmine is betrayed, the old woman is found, and a momentous trial begins. Will Jasmine be able to reclaim her stolen life? Be sentenced to death, or spend the remainder of days toiling in the mines?

Review

This was a difficult book to edit, not because it was awful, quite the opposite in fact. It was so enthralling I found myself approaching it as a reader rather than an editor. In the end, I allowed myself to read the whole thing and then approach it once again with an editor's eye. In any book one needs the three pillars of character, plot and setting. The author has got each of these spot on, however I believe character may take the edge. She has the ability to go inside the mind of young adults and has portrayed each of them in ways which are different, this despite the fact no one is supposed to be different. Jasmine, the main character is strong and determined to save the world and find a different way of life. I love her. Other characters are equally strongly drawn. They are written so skilfully that at times it is difficult to tell who are the goodies and who are the baddies - in a good way. The plot had me all over the place and my heart racing. Just when I thought I had a handle on it a twist would arrive that had me gasping. 

McNair uses words to good effect to draw the reader in to a different world but one in which they become immersed. This book is the first in a trilogy and I am genuinely looking forward to reading - and editing - the second book in the series. 

This would make a fantastic Christmas present for any lovers of Dystopian Fiction. I can highly recommend it. 

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I would urge you to buy this book my Bookaholic friends, you will not regret it. I will see you soon with another blog, until then, keep reading and keep writing.