Keira Drake

Okay, so this book was not what I thought it was going to be. 110% this book was not made for me as a reader, which is super unfortunate.

This book is a YA novel that takes us to "The Continent". It's this island that holds two native tribes (The Topi, which sound like Native Americans/Indigenous cultures, and the Aven'ei, which sound like Asian/the Japanese when described) who are constantly at war. These two groups are brutal - leaving murdered people hanging everywhere, raping, pillaging, and the likes. People take literal vacations on giant ships to witness these brutal wars and eyeball these strange people. Of course, it appears to be the highly rich people.

I found the point of view of this book weird. Was our lead from a rich family or royalty? They spoke in a very uppity up fashion and I couldn't quite pin where they were supposed to be in society.

This book made my skin crawl. It felt really bad to read this book, like really, really bad. It seemed kind of racist and it felt very white privilege. I'm not saying it is, but I sure felt wrong reading it. There are quotes in this book about caring for people and not being a racist jerk, but the message felt lost in some of the gore and misrepresentation.

The thing is, I can totally see where Keira was going with this. There's some great ideas and potential plot lines that could be AMAZING, but it just didn't work in this setting. If this was some sort of dystopian book where the groups were not described as thoroughly as they were, this might have worked. It has some things that need to be fixed, but it's a great start to a potential good book.

Keira Drake is a good writer, but this book just didn't bode well with me as a reader. I think there are people out there who will dig it and will love every word, but not me.

Overall, this book is NOT for me.

One out of five stars,

I received an ARC copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.… (meer)

Whilst walking the exhibit hall at ALA Annual, I met a young woman repping Harlequin Teen who could not stop raving about this book. Much of what she loved—a strong, clever heroine with an unusual avocation, a life-changing event, philosophy and new perspectives—appeal to me, but considering the dystopian craze, I wanted assurance that The Continent wasn't just going to be The Next Hunger Games...or The Next Divergent...or The Next Maze Runner.

The Continent is definitely not any of those. A dystopian twist might've had something interesting to offer, but the direction Keira Drake decided to take her story is, I think, more relevant, and readily accessible, to today's world. Because when you live in a country luxurious with plenty and peace, how can you justify ignoring all the countries and peoples fighting to survive elsewhere? Anyone familiar with Star Trek's Prime Directive will know that's not a simple question, but I like that The Continent tries to answer it.

I also like that every character feels distinct and purposeful. And that while the story covers a surprising range of months, it never feels rushed or slapdash. And I loved that the book doesn't end on a cliffhanger: I'm curious to see what happens next in Vaela's world, but I'm not facing the torture of waiting a year or more for the rest of the plot.

Some readers will doubtless nitpick occasional infodumping or the derivative style of the Aven'ei language and names, and I personally look forward to delving more deeply into the world's other cultures, but overall, I quite agree with that Harlequin rep's perspective: The Continent is a compelling, thought-provoking read with a great heroine.… (meer)

i loved this book so completely. the storytelling is rich, and it's so easy to see the worlds of the Spire, Ivanel, and The Continent in your minds eye as you read. Vaela is a wonderful MC, and i loved how her story unfolded from sheltered, spoiled Spirian girl to a tough, sure-of-herself woman. the supporting cast of characters is vivid and fascinating, and the stories of the Xoe and the Aven'ei are heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.

With every fiber of my being I enjoyed this beautiful story, and i can't wait for the next installment!


update 2018 : i loved this book as i did the first time. the changes to the story make no odds. it's FANTASTIC.… (meer)

Vaela lives in the Spire. A land who has outlawed war and violence and has striven to provide its citizens with not only basic needs but comfortable lifestyles. For her birthday, Vaela receives a tour to the continent. The continent is a war ravaged land, where death and destruction is ingrained deep into their society. When their touring aircraft develops engine trouble, Vaela escapes by means of the only escape pod. She watches while the aircraft crashes, killing her entire family. Alone and hungry, Vaela ventures from the escape pod, only to be captured by the natives.

This was a very interesting premise, with a well developed world. The characters were fascinating. I would love to read more based in this world. I see this book branching out and evolving into a multiple series, multiple timelines adventure. Overall, highly recommended.… (meer)