Book Review - The Chain by Adrian McKinty

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It started like every other day, Rachel Klein drops her daughter, Kylie at the bus stop and then starts her day. But when Rachel receives a call from an unknown number her entire world comes crumbling down. The woman who called informed Rachel that she has Kylie bound and gagged. The only way Rachel will ever see her again is if she follows the instructions exactly. 

Rachel will have to pay a ransom and then she will have to find another child to kidnap. The caller tells Rachel that this is no ordinary kidnapping and that her son has also been taken. If Rachel fails to follow the instructions both Kylie and the caller's son will perish. Rachel is now a part of the chain that makes victims turn into criminals while making someone very rich in the process. Will Rachel be able to put her morals aside and commit a horrible act to save her daughter?

The novel had an interesting idea of making distraught parents kidnap someone's kid to save their own. It shows the lengths that a parent would go to save their child's life. I thought the novel was a good read but, it was quite predictable. I thought some of the characters were a bit oblivious and didn't care for any of them.  I look forward to reading other novels by the author.

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Book Review - A Thousand Fires by Shannon Price + Giveaway

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Valerie Simons will stop at nothing to know the truth behind her brother's murder. Theo was killed by the Boars two years ago.  Valerie joins the dangerous Wars to find her brother's killer. She wants to join the Herons with her boyfriend, Matthew Weston.  However, when Jax, the volatile leader of the Stags promises her revenge, Valerie must choose which path she will follow.

I thought the novel had an interesting premise. I have not read the Iliad or the Outsiders so, any character or plot similarities were lost to me. I felt like the story moved a bit slow for my liking and the ending seemed rushed. I did like the characters came together for a common cause. I would have liked more character developments for Jax and the other gang members. However, I did like Micah and Valerie's friendship and the bond they shared. Overall, the novel was an interesting read especially for fans of the original books.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

 

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen (November 5, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250301998
ISBN-13: 978-1250301994304 Pages , Ages 13-18

Praise for A THOUSAND FIRES

"A Thousand Fires pulls you in close and shows you the essence of what it means to keep fighting. Shannon Price is one to watch." ―Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds

"Brutal and beautiful, A THOUSAND FIRES broke my heart. A fast-paced tragedy of love, betrayal, and vengeance." ―Heidi Heilig, author of FOR A MUSE OF FIRE

"Modern, unflinching and filled with haunting, lingering imagery, A Thousand Fires gives the story of the Iliad the bare-knuckled update it deserves." ―Colleen Oakes, author of The Black Coats

"Fast-paced... Vivid descriptions and intricate details bring San Francisco to life ... A promising debut." ―Kirkus

"A heart-wrenching tale... action-packed and intense... A fantastic read." ―School Library Journal

Shannon Price's A Thousand Fires is a breakout contemporary debut―think The Outsiders meets The Iliad―that's perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Veronica Roth.

10 Years. 3 Gangs. 1 Girl’s Epic Quest…

Valerie Simons knows the city's gang wars are dangerous—her own brother was killed by the Boars two years ago. But nothing will sway her from joining the elite and beautiful Herons to avenge his death—a death she feels responsible for.

But when Valerie is recruited by the mysterious Stags, their charismatic and volatile leader Jax promises to help her get revenge. Torn between old love and new loyalty, Valerie fights to stay alive as she races across the streets of San Francisco to finish the mission that got her into the gangs.

You can purchase A Thousand Fires at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Shannon Price

SHANNON PRICE is a proud Filipina-American and Bay Area native. She once led an a cappella group for three years despite not knowing how to read music, and she carries that same level of confidence in every area of her life. When not writing, she can be found watching baking shows, exploring old bookstores, and going to the beach as often as she can. 

Her debut novel A Thousand Fires is a YA reimagining of the Iliad set in modern day San Francisco. She is represented by Elana Roth Parker of Laura Dail Literary Agency and thanks her lucky stars that she is.

        

PART ONE

NOVEMBER 5th TUESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

NOVEMBER 6th WEDNESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT 

NOVEMBER 7th THURSDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 8th FRIDAY bookishaestha REVIEW

NOVEMBER 8th FRIDAY Booknerdchelcie REVIEW

NOVEMBER 9th SATURDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

NOVEMBER 9th SATURDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW 

PART TWO

NOVEMBER 10th SUNDAY A Bookish Dream REVIEW

NOVEMBER 10th SUNDAY On My Bookshelf REVIEW & INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 11th MONDAY Kait Plus Books FILL IN THE BLANKS 

NOVEMBER 11th MONDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

NOVEMBER 12th TUESDAY Wishful Endings INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 13th WEDNESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

NOVEMBER 14th THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Book Review - A Time to Stand by Robert Whitlow

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Adisa Johnson, a young African American woman is living her dream. She is an aspiring lawyer in a prestigious firm in downtown Atlanta with a promising career.  However, a simple makes changes the trajectory of her career and causes her to lose the job she loves. Around the same time, her dearly beloved aunt became ill and Adisa to move to be closer to her aunt and looks for a new job. A few days earlier a Caucasian police offer had shot an unarmed African American team who is fighting for his life in the hospital. With racial tensions high, Adisa wants to be bought on as a special prosecutor on the case. Although, when she speaks with a fellow mentor and victim's grandmother, she is left with conflicting feelings on the case. Which side will Adisa choose? What happened during that faithful of the shooting?

I like that the novel took on racial topics that are very prevalent this day. However, I felt the story lacked depth and suspense. The story seemed to drag on and on, filled with details that just cloud the story. Sadly, I also couldn't find myself liking the any of the characters. As a WOC, I loved seeing a fellow WOC in charge, smart and engaging. But I felt like Adisa fell flat and act impulsively/emotional. For example, when she was let go of her job she didn't want to steal her former employer's clients. But when she asked her mentor for a job, she had no problem becoming a special prosecutor on the same case her mentor was defending on.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**