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The Chronicles of 2020 #1
Amongst the Ruins
This title was previously published by Noble Romance. Rights to this work now belong to the author.
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In the year 2220, only about 15% of Earth's population have survived and thrived after the Nuclear Disaster of 2020.
With the collapse of modern society, the population has regressed into eight clans. Amongst these clans, an unusual girl grows from child to adult.
Raised on the run and in hiding, Shilo wants to be free of the expectations of women.
But in a ruined world where anyone could be an enemy, only the radiation-twisted mutants are clearly identifiable. A fertile female is a precious treasure, and any lapse in caution can mean a loss of the freedom she longs for.
Training as hard as a soldier would, in order to free herself from social constraints, she finds herself faced with an offer from a new clan--an offer that provides her with what she desires. But her recently found independence brings discovery, and discovery brings two very different men from her past—and each of them is determined to claim her.
One is obsessed with owning her, the other desires her as the only person who can make him love again.
*********************************************************************************
In the year 2220, only about 15% of Earth's population have survived and thrived after the Nuclear Disaster of 2020.
With the collapse of modern society, the population has regressed into eight clans. Amongst these clans, an unusual girl grows from child to adult.
Raised on the run and in hiding, Shilo wants to be free of the expectations of women.
But in a ruined world where anyone could be an enemy, only the radiation-twisted mutants are clearly identifiable. A fertile female is a precious treasure, and any lapse in caution can mean a loss of the freedom she longs for.
Training as hard as a soldier would, in order to free herself from social constraints, she finds herself faced with an offer from a new clan--an offer that provides her with what she desires. But her recently found independence brings discovery, and discovery brings two very different men from her past—and each of them is determined to claim her.
One is obsessed with owning her, the other desires her as the only person who can make him love again.
376 pages, ebook
First published September 12, 2011
About the author
Saewod Tice
2 books55 followersCurrently residing in Central Pennsylvania with my husband and two children - Writing as Saewod Tice (Y/A), VS Tice (Contemporary Romance), & Sadie Green (Romantica - Adult Romance).
I’m a self-proclaimed foul mouthed, book nerd who loves reading genres ranging from Young Adult to Romance to Horror to Erotica, and works fulltime saving spreadsheets and marketing materials one click at a time.
To escape the structured, methodical confines of the day job, I delve into my overzealous imagination producing dystopian worlds and romances.
Having started my ‘public’ writing career through fanfiction, it took awhile before I was pushed, shoved, and cattle prodded into writing my very own works of fiction. I told everyone I was never going to be good enough to stand alone and that they would see how wrong they were. Needless to say, I’ve been eating my words and my husband is the leader shoveling them in quicker than I can swallow. Thanks hubs!
Interests:
When not writing or spending time with my family, I embrace my Computer Geekdom through the internet. Including being a member of Writing.com, co-administrator to Y/A Booklover on facebook, TextNovel writing forums, and RWC group.
You can find me online:
Tweeting @saewodtice
Blogging at www.saewod.webs.com
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i...
When I actually take the time to pry my carpal tunnel wrists and cramped fingers from my laptop, you can find me at a playground with my children – because me being there by myself just creeps out the parents. Or you can often find me in my ‘cake room’ creating multi-layered custom cakes for family and friends.
I’m a self-proclaimed foul mouthed, book nerd who loves reading genres ranging from Young Adult to Romance to Horror to Erotica, and works fulltime saving spreadsheets and marketing materials one click at a time.
To escape the structured, methodical confines of the day job, I delve into my overzealous imagination producing dystopian worlds and romances.
Having started my ‘public’ writing career through fanfiction, it took awhile before I was pushed, shoved, and cattle prodded into writing my very own works of fiction. I told everyone I was never going to be good enough to stand alone and that they would see how wrong they were. Needless to say, I’ve been eating my words and my husband is the leader shoveling them in quicker than I can swallow. Thanks hubs!
Interests:
When not writing or spending time with my family, I embrace my Computer Geekdom through the internet. Including being a member of Writing.com, co-administrator to Y/A Booklover on facebook, TextNovel writing forums, and RWC group.
You can find me online:
Tweeting @saewodtice
Blogging at www.saewod.webs.com
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i...
When I actually take the time to pry my carpal tunnel wrists and cramped fingers from my laptop, you can find me at a playground with my children – because me being there by myself just creeps out the parents. Or you can often find me in my ‘cake room’ creating multi-layered custom cakes for family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 17, 2012
The story of Kain and Shilo conquered my heart in a way that it will be difficult for me to let it go. Unlike most dystopian novels, whose plots sound promising but fail to deliver, this story really struck me. The book flows rapidly, and I found yours truly reading so quickly that I had to force myself to slow down. From the very first moment, I felt invested in the characters. There was not a single one that I regretted coming into the story. Not even the Nigredo. (Adored Bethie!) I realize that I am going to sound like a whiny virgin who just saw her first *coughs* and figured out that there is no way that is fitting in there!- ..Anywho.. I could not help but feel the emotions that ran through Shilo's head the moment she understood that Kain was not 'claiming' her so much as becoming one with her. In all honesty? I had to stop on that chapter and take a breather - bask in the awe inspiring moment! .. Yep. That desperately sounded like a whiny virgin.
Shilo's transformation from an adolescent girl in hiding to a young woman who will stand her ground is compelling and dangerous. Everything she does is to survive. Nothing else matters but survival in this world, but for Shilo, survival isn't enough. She wants freedom from the trap she's fallen into, from the expectations of women in this monster of a world. Until Kain came along, it was her family that kept her from falling pray to it. Let me be the one to say that I was jealous of the relationship she had with them.(I want Adley as one of my many 'Fictional-Book-Brothers'!)
What is it with me and men that are complete assholes?.. their short tempers..*sigh*.. they get to me, they make me smile, they sometimes give me shivers.. they're sexy as hell and I'm a total sucker for a man who will use his fists before his words.. especially when I'm totally crushing on them and I was totally crushing on Kain! There is just something about a bad boy that just pulls at my heart, they always have these reasons for remaining emotionally detached from not only women but from everyone.. it's the dream of wanting to be that girl that makes a bad boy WANT to change his ways.. WANT to become a better man because of her. It always sucks me in and has me cheering for them both, cheering for their happily ever after! He was blind at first like most men of course and could not see what he wanted until he believed it was too late. (Same goes for Shilo but I'm to deep in Kain time to turn back now!) I was instantly overwhelmed with his proclamations of love to Shilo. You can tell by the way Kain puts up with and uses their disagreements to his advantage that when he loves - he loves with everything he has. And that is exactly what Shilo needed in a world where men did not look at women with love, but with primal need.
I was immediately on team Kain (Obviously.) from page one of the book, however, there were a few men who caught my eye and definitely deserve an honorable mention. First and foremost, Taven. Though we do not get many encounters with him throughout the story - I found him to be a genuine sweetheart. He wanted to claim Shilo as his own, yet he put his feelings a side knowing that she wanted to become a Vigile. Second, (Don't judge me.) Haden. Obviously it was wrong of him to take advantage of Shilo, as he is married, but I found their 'swimming lessons' to be pretty damn hot! Last, and sure as hell not least, Elrik. Is it bad that I found it heroic of Elrik to go after Jorin for touching Shilo? He may of been an obsessive douche, but at least he had some sense of morality.
An admirable protagonist. A panty dropping man. Plus compelling plot? This story will consume you. I definitely need to thank Sadie for giving me the chance to read such an amazing story. :) I'm anxious to see what will happen with these characters that have come to engross my every thought!
Shilo's transformation from an adolescent girl in hiding to a young woman who will stand her ground is compelling and dangerous. Everything she does is to survive. Nothing else matters but survival in this world, but for Shilo, survival isn't enough. She wants freedom from the trap she's fallen into, from the expectations of women in this monster of a world. Until Kain came along, it was her family that kept her from falling pray to it. Let me be the one to say that I was jealous of the relationship she had with them.(I want Adley as one of my many 'Fictional-Book-Brothers'!)
What is it with me and men that are complete assholes?.. their short tempers..*sigh*.. they get to me, they make me smile, they sometimes give me shivers.. they're sexy as hell and I'm a total sucker for a man who will use his fists before his words.. especially when I'm totally crushing on them and I was totally crushing on Kain! There is just something about a bad boy that just pulls at my heart, they always have these reasons for remaining emotionally detached from not only women but from everyone.. it's the dream of wanting to be that girl that makes a bad boy WANT to change his ways.. WANT to become a better man because of her. It always sucks me in and has me cheering for them both, cheering for their happily ever after! He was blind at first like most men of course and could not see what he wanted until he believed it was too late. (Same goes for Shilo but I'm to deep in Kain time to turn back now!) I was instantly overwhelmed with his proclamations of love to Shilo. You can tell by the way Kain puts up with and uses their disagreements to his advantage that when he loves - he loves with everything he has. And that is exactly what Shilo needed in a world where men did not look at women with love, but with primal need.
I was immediately on team Kain (Obviously.) from page one of the book, however, there were a few men who caught my eye and definitely deserve an honorable mention. First and foremost, Taven. Though we do not get many encounters with him throughout the story - I found him to be a genuine sweetheart. He wanted to claim Shilo as his own, yet he put his feelings a side knowing that she wanted to become a Vigile. Second, (Don't judge me.) Haden. Obviously it was wrong of him to take advantage of Shilo, as he is married, but I found their 'swimming lessons' to be pretty damn hot! Last, and sure as hell not least, Elrik. Is it bad that I found it heroic of Elrik to go after Jorin for touching Shilo? He may of been an obsessive douche, but at least he had some sense of morality.
An admirable protagonist. A panty dropping man. Plus compelling plot? This story will consume you. I definitely need to thank Sadie for giving me the chance to read such an amazing story. :) I'm anxious to see what will happen with these characters that have come to engross my every thought!
February 17, 2012
*Received ebook from author on Goodreads for an honest review; also posted on Amazon.com under Leanne Goon
Amongst the Ruins by Saewod Tice opens up with a chilling scene where Shilo’s mother helps bring a new baby into the world, with the threat of failure being her death and the sexual slavery of her elder daughter, Mazy. From this first chapter, the reader understands the desperate aftermath the world has disintegrated into, especially the dire circumstances of being a woman or young female child in that world. The story is told through our protagonist, Shilo, aged fourteen and onward, who witnesses the dependence of her family on strangers as they roam the land time and again for a safe haven. With the lack of healthy children, she sees that the role of a woman has reverted back to being property and being only valuable for the children she can breed. In addition, Shilo has to contend with hiding her looks as her blonde hair, pale skin, and blue eyes are rare enough to produce unwanted male interest.
It is very easy to identify with Shilo’s desire to be free and self-sufficient and I became supportive of her to maintain her independence and even her distance from her love interests – I thought Tice was rather faithful to Shilo’s nature and avoided turning her into a two-dimensional character found in other novels where the main character can fall in love so quickly and easily. I was impressed with Tice’s ability to unravel her confusion about love and male relationships (even extending it to her older sister) in a well-written, well-paced manner, and left me eager to find out how she matured from a child into a young woman.
Another impressive element of the story was Tice’s detailed depiction of the different clans Shilo comes into contact with, as well as people that influence her life. Tice is able to skillfully bring in multiple characters with realistic clarity and provoked both feelings of disgust and acceptance with this new world that emerges from the ruins of nuclear war. I believe it is always a sign of great writing when I find myself imagining what I would do in the heroine’s situation and questioning whether I would be the same person that I am now in that world.
Overall, Amongst the Ruins was a stimulating, thought-provoking read, and I was quite surprised how much I liked this book with its depth and emotion. This story was much more developed than other dystopian novels out there, where the romance can be more dominant than the actual world-building. I definitely plan on reading the sequel once it is out, especially with the end leaving off at a dramatic turn. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of dystopian novels with a touch of romance.
Amongst the Ruins by Saewod Tice opens up with a chilling scene where Shilo’s mother helps bring a new baby into the world, with the threat of failure being her death and the sexual slavery of her elder daughter, Mazy. From this first chapter, the reader understands the desperate aftermath the world has disintegrated into, especially the dire circumstances of being a woman or young female child in that world. The story is told through our protagonist, Shilo, aged fourteen and onward, who witnesses the dependence of her family on strangers as they roam the land time and again for a safe haven. With the lack of healthy children, she sees that the role of a woman has reverted back to being property and being only valuable for the children she can breed. In addition, Shilo has to contend with hiding her looks as her blonde hair, pale skin, and blue eyes are rare enough to produce unwanted male interest.
It is very easy to identify with Shilo’s desire to be free and self-sufficient and I became supportive of her to maintain her independence and even her distance from her love interests – I thought Tice was rather faithful to Shilo’s nature and avoided turning her into a two-dimensional character found in other novels where the main character can fall in love so quickly and easily. I was impressed with Tice’s ability to unravel her confusion about love and male relationships (even extending it to her older sister) in a well-written, well-paced manner, and left me eager to find out how she matured from a child into a young woman.
Another impressive element of the story was Tice’s detailed depiction of the different clans Shilo comes into contact with, as well as people that influence her life. Tice is able to skillfully bring in multiple characters with realistic clarity and provoked both feelings of disgust and acceptance with this new world that emerges from the ruins of nuclear war. I believe it is always a sign of great writing when I find myself imagining what I would do in the heroine’s situation and questioning whether I would be the same person that I am now in that world.
Overall, Amongst the Ruins was a stimulating, thought-provoking read, and I was quite surprised how much I liked this book with its depth and emotion. This story was much more developed than other dystopian novels out there, where the romance can be more dominant than the actual world-building. I definitely plan on reading the sequel once it is out, especially with the end leaving off at a dramatic turn. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of dystopian novels with a touch of romance.
November 10, 2011
Eight clans now rule the land; their only purpose is to re-establish themselves amongst the survivors of the earth’s collapse. Breeding any, and every, woman is the only way this can ensured within each clan. Yet there are those who do not agree with this decree.
Shilo yearns to free herself of the stigma surrounding her origins. Her pale skin and hair set her apart from those around her, a fact that her mother does her best to keep from everyone else. Try as she might, she doesn’t quite understand as to why she must keep her differences hidden. Yet hide them, she must, for her family’s survival depends on it.
Traveling with a group of nomads who intend to find their own place within the world as they now know it, she and her family encounter hardships along the way – hardships that seem to follow their every wake no matter where they go.
Presented with the opportunity to better herself, Shilo decides to take the chance and train herself into becoming a soldier for the new clan that she and her family have inadvertently stepped into. A sudden attack throws her into the hands of another clan where women are nothing but a means for which to breed, something that she refuses to allow. Fighting for her life, she makes her escape at the cost of alienating her family. While this is not a choice she makes willingly, she knows that it’s the only way that she’ll ensure that they’ll remain safe from harm.
As she learns to assert and defend herself, she begins to make peace with who, and what, she is. Yet she can never forget those that have always meant the world to her. When she’s given the chance, albeit reluctantly, to reunite with her loved ones, she’s thrust into a decision that will completely change life as she knows it. While everything inside cries for her to reject what she must do, she knows that it’s the only way for her to obtain both her safety and that of her family. Even if it means that she must give up her freedom in order to achieve it.
This was such an amazing book. I loved every minute of it. Saewod is able to paint such a vivid picture that gives us a glimpse of what the world would be like if it were to completely collapse. While the ending was left in a cliffhanger, of sorts, it makes way for what’s next to come. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when the time comes.
Shilo yearns to free herself of the stigma surrounding her origins. Her pale skin and hair set her apart from those around her, a fact that her mother does her best to keep from everyone else. Try as she might, she doesn’t quite understand as to why she must keep her differences hidden. Yet hide them, she must, for her family’s survival depends on it.
Traveling with a group of nomads who intend to find their own place within the world as they now know it, she and her family encounter hardships along the way – hardships that seem to follow their every wake no matter where they go.
Presented with the opportunity to better herself, Shilo decides to take the chance and train herself into becoming a soldier for the new clan that she and her family have inadvertently stepped into. A sudden attack throws her into the hands of another clan where women are nothing but a means for which to breed, something that she refuses to allow. Fighting for her life, she makes her escape at the cost of alienating her family. While this is not a choice she makes willingly, she knows that it’s the only way that she’ll ensure that they’ll remain safe from harm.
As she learns to assert and defend herself, she begins to make peace with who, and what, she is. Yet she can never forget those that have always meant the world to her. When she’s given the chance, albeit reluctantly, to reunite with her loved ones, she’s thrust into a decision that will completely change life as she knows it. While everything inside cries for her to reject what she must do, she knows that it’s the only way for her to obtain both her safety and that of her family. Even if it means that she must give up her freedom in order to achieve it.
This was such an amazing book. I loved every minute of it. Saewod is able to paint such a vivid picture that gives us a glimpse of what the world would be like if it were to completely collapse. While the ending was left in a cliffhanger, of sorts, it makes way for what’s next to come. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when the time comes.
August 25, 2012
I absolutely loved this book and read it in 1 day! However I will admit that I am disappointed in the ending of this book!
No, I don't always need a happy ending but seriously.... What is the author's reasons for ending this book this way? Did she want to stay away from predictability? In this case I would of loved the predictable ending I assumed was going to happen, but didn't, over the real ending...
Is the possibility there that in Book 2 we find out that the ending of Book 1 really didn't happen the way we think it did?
Since finishing this book yesterday I have calmed down a bit and stopped throwing my kindle muttering 4 letter words directed at the author. This was a fantastic read, even with the ending and possibly, POSSIBLY, Book 2 will be just as good and I will forgive the author for the ending of Book 1. Shiloh, the strong female lead, is fantastic! Love strong females and she is definitely that!
Saewood Tice - Give us the predictability we wished so much for at the end of Book 1 in Book 2 - anything is possible right?
No, I don't always need a happy ending but seriously.... What is the author's reasons for ending this book this way? Did she want to stay away from predictability? In this case I would of loved the predictable ending I assumed was going to happen, but didn't, over the real ending...
Is the possibility there that in Book 2 we find out that the ending of Book 1 really didn't happen the way we think it did?
Since finishing this book yesterday I have calmed down a bit and stopped throwing my kindle muttering 4 letter words directed at the author. This was a fantastic read, even with the ending and possibly, POSSIBLY, Book 2 will be just as good and I will forgive the author for the ending of Book 1. Shiloh, the strong female lead, is fantastic! Love strong females and she is definitely that!
Saewood Tice - Give us the predictability we wished so much for at the end of Book 1 in Book 2 - anything is possible right?
September 19, 2012
I dont often give books higher than a 3. Only when I can't put one down do the stars go higher. I enjoyed this one. Loved Shilo, even though there were a couple of places she annoyed me being so stubborn.. loved Kain even more ;)
March 18, 2012
It's the year of 2220 and Earth is trying to repopulate. Ever since she was very young, Shilo has seen for herself what happens to women in this new world, and she promises herself she will never be used as breeding stock or as a man's tool for pleasure. In this new society, anything that takes to repopulate the world is acceptable. Men taking women against their wishes, polygamous marriages, murder if a woman tries to escape... and Shilo is the best example of it. Her mother was raped by a man after she was unable to save his wife and son after childbirth. He raped her so she could give him the son she supposedly 'killed'. But she managed to escape with Shilo.
After a lot of wandering her family reaches the Magnus' clan, where Shilo and her brother start to receive guard training. And that's when her life starts to change. Gone is fearful, hidden and sheltered girl. She is now stronger, braver and able to defend herself as best she can, if need be. But sometimes even that isn't enough, as she soons find out. When the Nigredo, radiation-twisted mutants, attack her guard party during patrol duty, breeders take advantage of the chance and kidnap her. As a virgin pale-skinned, blue-eyed and blond-haired young woman, Shilo makes a great prize. And her unexpected 'savior' promises to make her future even worse than the breeders...
Shilo soons discovers that not all clans are like the ones she's used to. Some are matriarchal, with very powerful female guards. Unfortunately, just as Shilo believes to have found her place in life, her past comes back to haunt her. But is marriage such a terrible thing? Can love make things better? Or is freedom and independance more important than everything? She needs to make her choice... and whatever she chooses may decide the future of all clans.
This was such a crazy book! To think that things would regress like that, that a woman would return to be worth almost nothing, to be seen as nothing more than a womb after so much hard work by the feminists only a couple hundred years before... O.o Jeez. Shiloh was fantastic. I could really see myself in her. Strong, rebellious, independent, always wanting her freedom, always wanting/needing to prove her worth. She was a really great character. Kain pissed me off quite a bit, but there were moments I really came to like him. But not for too long. LOL. He was just too demanding, too bossy. And good-looks only go so far.
The story had such a nice, pleasing pace, never a boring moment! The writing was fluid and just delightful. I actually enjoyed the fighting scenes (and I usually skip all of those), the sexual tension (it takes forever for her to finally be 'ravished', but it was written in such a graceful, tasteful and romantic way it was very worth waiting for) and just loved to see how she resisted and just wouldn't accept being degraded or treated as an object like all the men seemed to want to treat her. I really didn't like the ending, but I guess that's what had to happen for her to have her freedom.
If you like your YA dystopia with very strong, kick-ass heroines, lots of action, adventure and 'unexpected' romance, you'll really enjoy Amongst the Ruins.
After a lot of wandering her family reaches the Magnus' clan, where Shilo and her brother start to receive guard training. And that's when her life starts to change. Gone is fearful, hidden and sheltered girl. She is now stronger, braver and able to defend herself as best she can, if need be. But sometimes even that isn't enough, as she soons find out. When the Nigredo, radiation-twisted mutants, attack her guard party during patrol duty, breeders take advantage of the chance and kidnap her. As a virgin pale-skinned, blue-eyed and blond-haired young woman, Shilo makes a great prize. And her unexpected 'savior' promises to make her future even worse than the breeders...
Shilo soons discovers that not all clans are like the ones she's used to. Some are matriarchal, with very powerful female guards. Unfortunately, just as Shilo believes to have found her place in life, her past comes back to haunt her. But is marriage such a terrible thing? Can love make things better? Or is freedom and independance more important than everything? She needs to make her choice... and whatever she chooses may decide the future of all clans.
This was such a crazy book! To think that things would regress like that, that a woman would return to be worth almost nothing, to be seen as nothing more than a womb after so much hard work by the feminists only a couple hundred years before... O.o Jeez. Shiloh was fantastic. I could really see myself in her. Strong, rebellious, independent, always wanting her freedom, always wanting/needing to prove her worth. She was a really great character. Kain pissed me off quite a bit, but there were moments I really came to like him. But not for too long. LOL. He was just too demanding, too bossy. And good-looks only go so far.
The story had such a nice, pleasing pace, never a boring moment! The writing was fluid and just delightful. I actually enjoyed the fighting scenes (and I usually skip all of those), the sexual tension (it takes forever for her to finally be 'ravished', but it was written in such a graceful, tasteful and romantic way it was very worth waiting for) and just loved to see how she resisted and just wouldn't accept being degraded or treated as an object like all the men seemed to want to treat her. I really didn't like the ending, but I guess that's what had to happen for her to have her freedom.
If you like your YA dystopia with very strong, kick-ass heroines, lots of action, adventure and 'unexpected' romance, you'll really enjoy Amongst the Ruins.
August 6, 2012
So, uhhhh, I read this like really amazing book, it’s called “Amongst the ruins” and if you don’t read it then, uhhhh, I guess it’s your loss.
This book was truly amazing! I received this book from the author for an honest review in return. It's the first novel in the promising 2020 chronicles. When I finished reading ‘Amongst the ruins’ I completely fangirled to the author and she hasn’t replied yet so I think I scared her? Maybe the part where I told her I “loved” her did it?
Ok, so onto the more serious part of the review... Heck, this is going to be hard to write, I’m still so HYPER about the book!
I genuinely don’t know where to start or what to say to prove how phenomenal this novel was. It’s hard to sum up awesomeness in a few paragraphs.
Unlike most dystopian novels, whose plots sound promising but fail to deliver, this story really struck me and is now one of my favourites of all time.
The plot was basic yet seemed so complex at the same time. In the future the remaining 15% of the population live in clans due to the collapse in society after a nuclear disaster devastated mankind. The ‘Nigredo’ are savage radiation-twisted mutants, almost human-like if it weren't for their lack of empathy, who threaten to ruin the life mankind has managed to salvage from their past failures; but they’re not all that endanger Shilo’s life, her freedom and future.
Young Shilo’s transformation from a young girl in hiding to a young woman who will stand her own ground is compelling and dangerous. Everything she does is to survive. Nothing else matters but survival in this world, but for young Shilo, survival isn't enough. She wants freedom from the trap she's fallen into, from the expectations of women in this monster of a world.
The characters are what make the story. The characterization was beautiful and ever so real. The heartless men fuelled me with adrenaline and her friends and family enveloped me in warmth. I felt everything she experienced as if I were her, but at the same time I felt as though I was sat on the side line, unable to help her when my heart was screaming at me to do so.
The relationships between characters, whether they were enemies, friends, family or lovers were indecisive, believable and emotional. The feelings characters developed towards one another and the words they wished they’d had a chance to say make you realise just how valuable life is.
I really can’t strain enough how prodigious this novel was. The plot was simple yet layered, the characters all too human and beautiful.
A compelling read. An admirable protagonist. Her story will consume you.
*Recommended for 15+ due to mature content*
Leave feedback of my review on my blog - http://eponareviews.blogspot.co.uk/p/...
This book was truly amazing! I received this book from the author for an honest review in return. It's the first novel in the promising 2020 chronicles. When I finished reading ‘Amongst the ruins’ I completely fangirled to the author and she hasn’t replied yet so I think I scared her? Maybe the part where I told her I “loved” her did it?
Ok, so onto the more serious part of the review... Heck, this is going to be hard to write, I’m still so HYPER about the book!
I genuinely don’t know where to start or what to say to prove how phenomenal this novel was. It’s hard to sum up awesomeness in a few paragraphs.
Unlike most dystopian novels, whose plots sound promising but fail to deliver, this story really struck me and is now one of my favourites of all time.
The plot was basic yet seemed so complex at the same time. In the future the remaining 15% of the population live in clans due to the collapse in society after a nuclear disaster devastated mankind. The ‘Nigredo’ are savage radiation-twisted mutants, almost human-like if it weren't for their lack of empathy, who threaten to ruin the life mankind has managed to salvage from their past failures; but they’re not all that endanger Shilo’s life, her freedom and future.
Young Shilo’s transformation from a young girl in hiding to a young woman who will stand her own ground is compelling and dangerous. Everything she does is to survive. Nothing else matters but survival in this world, but for young Shilo, survival isn't enough. She wants freedom from the trap she's fallen into, from the expectations of women in this monster of a world.
The characters are what make the story. The characterization was beautiful and ever so real. The heartless men fuelled me with adrenaline and her friends and family enveloped me in warmth. I felt everything she experienced as if I were her, but at the same time I felt as though I was sat on the side line, unable to help her when my heart was screaming at me to do so.
The relationships between characters, whether they were enemies, friends, family or lovers were indecisive, believable and emotional. The feelings characters developed towards one another and the words they wished they’d had a chance to say make you realise just how valuable life is.
I really can’t strain enough how prodigious this novel was. The plot was simple yet layered, the characters all too human and beautiful.
A compelling read. An admirable protagonist. Her story will consume you.
*Recommended for 15+ due to mature content*
Leave feedback of my review on my blog - http://eponareviews.blogspot.co.uk/p/...
September 6, 2012
In a world after nuclear war, where only 15% of the worlds population remains, what happens to women? This book explores the complexities of a woman's place in a world where the main goal is re population.
This follows one girl and her journey through this world and how she comes to find out how things are not always black and white.
It took me less than 8 hours to read this book. I could NOT put it down. I honestly cannot believe that this has not been picked up by a big publisher. I will say that there are several typo's and misprints, but hey! That's what an editor is for!
I will say that I HATED the ending. It was so abrupt and annoying. However, since this is supposed to be a series I do think it ended in an appropriate place. I cannot wait for the next one!
This follows one girl and her journey through this world and how she comes to find out how things are not always black and white.
It took me less than 8 hours to read this book. I could NOT put it down. I honestly cannot believe that this has not been picked up by a big publisher. I will say that there are several typo's and misprints, but hey! That's what an editor is for!
I will say that I HATED the ending. It was so abrupt and annoying. However, since this is supposed to be a series I do think it ended in an appropriate place. I cannot wait for the next one!
October 23, 2012
I loved this story, i couldnt get enough, really different but kept you within the story the whole time. I will say that shillo annoyed me to begin with, she was so dence towards kain then towards the end i was left devastated.
please tell me theres going to be another book soon? i must know what happens.
Well done saewod, a much deserved 5 *, please hurry up with the next one lol
please tell me theres going to be another book soon? i must know what happens.
Well done saewod, a much deserved 5 *, please hurry up with the next one lol
January 27, 2012
A great story, very well written and i just couldn't put it down. Soo good!!!
Read
November 27, 2011Not a romance, but it still has great writing that kept me drawn to the story to find out what happened next. A dystopian novel in its truest form.
June 12, 2012
A friend recommended this book and it is very good. Especially if you like strong women characters.
August 8, 2012
Another one I couldn't put down....now I need a part II.
October 21, 2012
Amazing........ I just finished reading this book, and I just have no words. Do yourself a favor, and read this book!!
November 22, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This is the first book in a post-apocalyptic dystopian series. I really enjoyed it!
Shiloh is a young girl of 12 when we first meet her. The story follows her life until she reaches the age of 14, when her life changes forever. By the time she is 17 things get even more interesting. Her life is not an easy one, but I found her to be very resourceful and brave, as well as incredibly stubborn. I liked her very much, but on the odd occasion, I wanted to shake her (or slap her) for being such a hardheaded, stubborn-as-a-mule woman, who couldn't see what was in front of her eyes until it was too late! Her "I am woman, hear me roar" attitude did grate on me at times. I admired her independent streak, but as the saying goes "pride goes before a fall"; a little humility from her wouldn't have come amiss.
This is a very interesting story. I started to read the book and was quickly pulled in. I didn't put the book down until I had finished it, and then sat for a bit, trying to process all that had happened.
This story is set in 2220 and is full of twists and turns. A apocalyptic event in the past has decimated the human population, and the nuclear fall out has created mutations and infertility. The remaining humans have banded together into eight clans, each with their own rules. The girls in the clan that Shiloh and her family are camping with are destined to become wives or concubines and mothers by age 13. Life is not easy by any means, but when Shiloh and her mother, Kahrn, her brother, Adley and her sister, Mazy are taken in by General Vahn from another clan, things begin to look up.
The story is a real roller coaster ride from beginning to end. This is a unique take on a dystopian society. There are some really fantastic characters. I loved Adley. He is very protective of his family and has a wonderful personality. But, I think my heart belongs to Kain, the general's son. He is very intense and brooding, but he also has a huge heart. He can be a bit domineering, but I think Shiloh needs someone like Kain to temper her impetuousness. I loved watching the relationship between them grow. They are well suited, I also liked Jin, the martial arts teacher at the camp of the general's. He is wise and extremely kind. However, there is one character whom I didn't like. His name is Elrik. He is not the most likable person; he is the possessive and jealous type. He actually made my skin crawl. There are some other interesting characters, which brought the story to life. The descriptions of the places and people were quite vivid, and I could "see" the scenes very clearly in my mind's eye. The story crescendos with a huge battle, and I found myself in tears. I will not say why, you will just have to read the book for yourself to find out. However, I will say that this story ends on a cliffhanger. I have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers, but I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Saewood Tice has written a compelling, totally absorbing and thrilling post-apocalyptic dystopian novel. I loved her fast paced writing style. I did feel that some scenes were not as fluid as they could have been, but overall the flow was wonderful.
Due to violence, and some scenes of a sensual nature which are a little on the explicit side, I do not recommend this book to younger readers under 17, or those of a sensitive nature. However, I do recommend this book if you love post-apocalyptic or dystopian genres. - Lynn Worton
This is the first book in a post-apocalyptic dystopian series. I really enjoyed it!
Shiloh is a young girl of 12 when we first meet her. The story follows her life until she reaches the age of 14, when her life changes forever. By the time she is 17 things get even more interesting. Her life is not an easy one, but I found her to be very resourceful and brave, as well as incredibly stubborn. I liked her very much, but on the odd occasion, I wanted to shake her (or slap her) for being such a hardheaded, stubborn-as-a-mule woman, who couldn't see what was in front of her eyes until it was too late! Her "I am woman, hear me roar" attitude did grate on me at times. I admired her independent streak, but as the saying goes "pride goes before a fall"; a little humility from her wouldn't have come amiss.
This is a very interesting story. I started to read the book and was quickly pulled in. I didn't put the book down until I had finished it, and then sat for a bit, trying to process all that had happened.
This story is set in 2220 and is full of twists and turns. A apocalyptic event in the past has decimated the human population, and the nuclear fall out has created mutations and infertility. The remaining humans have banded together into eight clans, each with their own rules. The girls in the clan that Shiloh and her family are camping with are destined to become wives or concubines and mothers by age 13. Life is not easy by any means, but when Shiloh and her mother, Kahrn, her brother, Adley and her sister, Mazy are taken in by General Vahn from another clan, things begin to look up.
The story is a real roller coaster ride from beginning to end. This is a unique take on a dystopian society. There are some really fantastic characters. I loved Adley. He is very protective of his family and has a wonderful personality. But, I think my heart belongs to Kain, the general's son. He is very intense and brooding, but he also has a huge heart. He can be a bit domineering, but I think Shiloh needs someone like Kain to temper her impetuousness. I loved watching the relationship between them grow. They are well suited, I also liked Jin, the martial arts teacher at the camp of the general's. He is wise and extremely kind. However, there is one character whom I didn't like. His name is Elrik. He is not the most likable person; he is the possessive and jealous type. He actually made my skin crawl. There are some other interesting characters, which brought the story to life. The descriptions of the places and people were quite vivid, and I could "see" the scenes very clearly in my mind's eye. The story crescendos with a huge battle, and I found myself in tears. I will not say why, you will just have to read the book for yourself to find out. However, I will say that this story ends on a cliffhanger. I have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers, but I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Saewood Tice has written a compelling, totally absorbing and thrilling post-apocalyptic dystopian novel. I loved her fast paced writing style. I did feel that some scenes were not as fluid as they could have been, but overall the flow was wonderful.
Due to violence, and some scenes of a sensual nature which are a little on the explicit side, I do not recommend this book to younger readers under 17, or those of a sensitive nature. However, I do recommend this book if you love post-apocalyptic or dystopian genres. - Lynn Worton
February 12, 2012
From the very beginning of this story, during a delivery performed at knife point, I was hooked. This story was a non stop adventure through one girl's life in a world that is trying to recover from nuclear disaster.
Shilo is different and that is something that her family tries very hard to hide from everyone. Shilo and her family live in a world that is trying to recover from the Nuclear Disaster of 2020. Few people still populate the world, and all that do have formed 8 clans. It is a world where, for the most part, men rule everything. Men decide who live and die, men decide where everyone will go, men decide what a person's job will be, and men decide who the women will belong to. Women seem to have just two jobs, and that is to serve the men and repopulate the world. This is why Shilo is hidden. She is very rare in this new world.
We get to follow Shilo's journey through this world as she grows and discovers herself. She makes a very important decision to never let a man own or dictate her. So many things happen to Shilo. Shilo trains as a soldier, and she moves, not usually willingly, through many different Clans' regions. Her escapades are many and at times I felt so sorry for her that so many things could happen to one girl. Eventually Shilo has to make a very important choice. She can be with a man who she knows only views her as property, or she can be with a man who truly loves her, although Shilo seems to not know this.
The characters were amazing. They were all explained so well, everyone from Shilo's mother Kahrn to the twisted mutants, the Nigredo. This post nuclear world was explained beautifully. In my mind I could clearly picture these people and places thanks to all the descriptions.
I loved so much about this book. I only had a few problems. One is that every once in a while there were weird punctuation problems, or spaces missing between words. These were small issues though, and they did not take away from the book for me at all. My other problem is where is the next book? I want to know what else happens to Shilo. I want to know what happens to this world and all of it's people. Saewod Tice will definitely be on my authors to watch list. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
Shilo is different and that is something that her family tries very hard to hide from everyone. Shilo and her family live in a world that is trying to recover from the Nuclear Disaster of 2020. Few people still populate the world, and all that do have formed 8 clans. It is a world where, for the most part, men rule everything. Men decide who live and die, men decide where everyone will go, men decide what a person's job will be, and men decide who the women will belong to. Women seem to have just two jobs, and that is to serve the men and repopulate the world. This is why Shilo is hidden. She is very rare in this new world.
We get to follow Shilo's journey through this world as she grows and discovers herself. She makes a very important decision to never let a man own or dictate her. So many things happen to Shilo. Shilo trains as a soldier, and she moves, not usually willingly, through many different Clans' regions. Her escapades are many and at times I felt so sorry for her that so many things could happen to one girl. Eventually Shilo has to make a very important choice. She can be with a man who she knows only views her as property, or she can be with a man who truly loves her, although Shilo seems to not know this.
The characters were amazing. They were all explained so well, everyone from Shilo's mother Kahrn to the twisted mutants, the Nigredo. This post nuclear world was explained beautifully. In my mind I could clearly picture these people and places thanks to all the descriptions.
I loved so much about this book. I only had a few problems. One is that every once in a while there were weird punctuation problems, or spaces missing between words. These were small issues though, and they did not take away from the book for me at all. My other problem is where is the next book? I want to know what else happens to Shilo. I want to know what happens to this world and all of it's people. Saewod Tice will definitely be on my authors to watch list. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
January 10, 2013
A great, fast-paced dystopian romance, with a strong female heroine who has to battle the expectations set on women's roles in society. The author's vision of a post-apocalyptic society where repopulation is the major goal is especially vivid and detailed. The story moves quickly as Shilo and her family go from one clan to another, in an effort to survive since the military state of society doesn't really give her many choices. I loved how fierce and spiky Shilo is despite her feminine beauty, and how many times she gets to kick major butt in her sparrings and battles. I also felt her confusion over her sexual attraction to men when she really wasn't interested in becoming a man's property was an intriguing angle to work the romance, especially with Kain who is interested in her, but has trouble showing that.
The story takes many twists and turns as Shilo learns to fight and realizes her need to be independent. The author explores many different clans, and I was impressed by how well all the information was worked into the story - with a pace that never flagged. The many different characters that Shilo met, that shaped her personality were well-delineated and believable. The romance wasn't as strong - it really only kicks in during the last third of the book, and I would have liked it to have seen more of it. But the story is more about Shilo's journey. But the cliffhanger though! I don't know what to think!
Although I felt at rare times, the writing had awkward moments and some typos, I really enjoyed this story for the action and the romance, and I hope to continue reading the series sometime. This is highly recommended!
The story takes many twists and turns as Shilo learns to fight and realizes her need to be independent. The author explores many different clans, and I was impressed by how well all the information was worked into the story - with a pace that never flagged. The many different characters that Shilo met, that shaped her personality were well-delineated and believable. The romance wasn't as strong - it really only kicks in during the last third of the book, and I would have liked it to have seen more of it. But the story is more about Shilo's journey. But the cliffhanger though! I don't know what to think!
Although I felt at rare times, the writing had awkward moments and some typos, I really enjoyed this story for the action and the romance, and I hope to continue reading the series sometime. This is highly recommended!
June 17, 2013
3.5 Stars.
At some points I probably would have rated this book 4 or even 4.5 stars, but the infuriating main character Shiloh brought it down. At times she was great and likeable. The first 1/3 and last 1/4 were really enjoyable. But the middle wasn't as good (with the whole female clan, gone for over a year thing). Primarily because of Shiloh. I hate it when authors try too hard to go against the female stereotype in these predominantly-male worlds. Yes we get it, women are not just baby makers, they can train as soldiers and fight, they can best a man, or as Shiloh CONSTANTLY declares "I can take care of myself". We hear you Tice Saewood, Girl Power. That gets incredibly annoying very quickly for me. Shiloh was so against marriage and family she just acted like a selfish brat. The way she treated Kain at times was awful. She was too stubborn for my liking, for no reason. Why couldn't she just accept Kain's love or Vaugn's concern and protection?
This book moves quite quickly, taking place over years. It doesn't feel remotely dystopian to me. The only mention of anything that separates it from a fantasy/medieval feel is the mention of jeans, and a few trucks toward the end.
Despite the negatives, I really did enjoy the story and I want to read a second book. There were lovely relationships in there (some took a while to form). There is a certain character that I feel will return in the second book; well I hope they do.
At some points I probably would have rated this book 4 or even 4.5 stars, but the infuriating main character Shiloh brought it down. At times she was great and likeable. The first 1/3 and last 1/4 were really enjoyable. But the middle wasn't as good (with the whole female clan, gone for over a year thing). Primarily because of Shiloh. I hate it when authors try too hard to go against the female stereotype in these predominantly-male worlds. Yes we get it, women are not just baby makers, they can train as soldiers and fight, they can best a man, or as Shiloh CONSTANTLY declares "I can take care of myself". We hear you Tice Saewood, Girl Power. That gets incredibly annoying very quickly for me. Shiloh was so against marriage and family she just acted like a selfish brat. The way she treated Kain at times was awful. She was too stubborn for my liking, for no reason. Why couldn't she just accept Kain's love or Vaugn's concern and protection?
This book moves quite quickly, taking place over years. It doesn't feel remotely dystopian to me. The only mention of anything that separates it from a fantasy/medieval feel is the mention of jeans, and a few trucks toward the end.
Despite the negatives, I really did enjoy the story and I want to read a second book. There were lovely relationships in there (some took a while to form). There is a certain character that I feel will return in the second book; well I hope they do.
April 20, 2013
When approached by the author to review this book, I was intrigued with the premise. With all the dystopia-themed books out there, this seemed a genuine contender based on the framework of the story. But what started out promisingly ended disappointingly.
With ebooks, I've come to expect a level of typos but the sheer number of grammatical and mechanical errors was distracting and impeded understanding at times. There were instances where reading a sentence two or three times was necessary in order to get the intended meaning. Add to that an oddly paced timeline where sometimes hours creep by in clumps of pages or years can race past in a paragraph. There's little setting provided and it is difficult to tell seasons or geography. The Nigredo are never really identified and I had a hard time determining if this was a zombie faction or just a deformed and mutated portion of the populace sprung from world destruction. The book is set in the year 2220 but while reading it feels medieval at times. Technology has been mostly destroyed but one sees very little of its remains. The language the characters use is much more formal than how even we speak. I kept picturing more Game of Thrones with all the clans and primitive weapons than Revolution.
The romance itself is somewhat predictable: headstrong girl and seemingly angry guy fight their feelings for each other, etc. Shilo is not headstrong when she first appears. She is meek and mild and shy and hides behind her family. Then, BOOM, several weeks of training and she's all grit and go. And while this is billed as a romance, because it is a "YA romance", I was shocked by the graphic nature of the intimate scenes. It is on par with some adult romances and I would think long and hard before recommending it to even juniors or seniors. I would not recommend it to anyone younger than that. I would definitely classify it as New Adult rather than Young Adult. There is an unexpected twist toward the end of the book between Shilo and Kain but it seems easy to predict how that twist might be resolved in the next books. I hope that Tice isn't quite that predictable.
The disappointments outweigh the interesting elements of the book but there are nuggets of a good story here. Once Shilo comes into her own she is a strong, almost formidable heroine. The idea of a world ravaged by the after-effects of a near annihilation and trying to rebuild not only civilization but the world's population is interesting. The existence of the Mehdia clan is a welcome addition where power is negotiated in the hands of the women. Shilo finds her true identity as Dita while with Mehdia and Dita's strength puts her in a position to advocate for herself when she returns to the Magnus clan. Ultimately, Shilo's story was interesting enough and provocative enough to finish but I'm not sure I'll be checking out the next installment.
With ebooks, I've come to expect a level of typos but the sheer number of grammatical and mechanical errors was distracting and impeded understanding at times. There were instances where reading a sentence two or three times was necessary in order to get the intended meaning. Add to that an oddly paced timeline where sometimes hours creep by in clumps of pages or years can race past in a paragraph. There's little setting provided and it is difficult to tell seasons or geography. The Nigredo are never really identified and I had a hard time determining if this was a zombie faction or just a deformed and mutated portion of the populace sprung from world destruction. The book is set in the year 2220 but while reading it feels medieval at times. Technology has been mostly destroyed but one sees very little of its remains. The language the characters use is much more formal than how even we speak. I kept picturing more Game of Thrones with all the clans and primitive weapons than Revolution.
The romance itself is somewhat predictable: headstrong girl and seemingly angry guy fight their feelings for each other, etc. Shilo is not headstrong when she first appears. She is meek and mild and shy and hides behind her family. Then, BOOM, several weeks of training and she's all grit and go. And while this is billed as a romance, because it is a "YA romance", I was shocked by the graphic nature of the intimate scenes. It is on par with some adult romances and I would think long and hard before recommending it to even juniors or seniors. I would not recommend it to anyone younger than that. I would definitely classify it as New Adult rather than Young Adult. There is an unexpected twist toward the end of the book between Shilo and Kain but it seems easy to predict how that twist might be resolved in the next books. I hope that Tice isn't quite that predictable.
The disappointments outweigh the interesting elements of the book but there are nuggets of a good story here. Once Shilo comes into her own she is a strong, almost formidable heroine. The idea of a world ravaged by the after-effects of a near annihilation and trying to rebuild not only civilization but the world's population is interesting. The existence of the Mehdia clan is a welcome addition where power is negotiated in the hands of the women. Shilo finds her true identity as Dita while with Mehdia and Dita's strength puts her in a position to advocate for herself when she returns to the Magnus clan. Ultimately, Shilo's story was interesting enough and provocative enough to finish but I'm not sure I'll be checking out the next installment.
January 17, 2016
I love reading sci-fis focused on “the end of the world”. How would the possible survivors live? What would be the cultural effect and what would change due to the circumstances? Here we see the story of Shilo, and accompany her growing up to adulthood. She’s the only POV we see through the story and her journey starts when she’s still only 12 – and right from the start we face the numerous issues her family has to go through. I won’t say much not to spoil the book, but the romance was straightforward in some places and, at other times, it lacked emotion and didn’t succeed to show the bond and feelings between the characters.
In my opinion, I wouldn’t consider this read a YA book mainly because of the way the author chose to approach sexuality. I’m not sure I would think that a few situations would be 100% believable, but for that we’d have to see where the series will take us. I could find a few homophones and missing words, and that’s something that bothered me a few times. However, it was a very enjoyable read and I loved the setting and the groups we got to see, I can’t wait to read the next book! I believe this series will be a trilogy, exploring the other members of her family that were so important to the protagonist. The development of the main character was great and I found it very clever the elements the author used for that. The dialogues and the sex scenes could improve a lot, and I’ll expect that when I read the following title. Amongst the Ruins is a story full of action with a hint of mystery and romance that won’t get out of your head for days after you read it. Let’s wait and see what Saewod Tice will present to us next time…
In my opinion, I wouldn’t consider this read a YA book mainly because of the way the author chose to approach sexuality. I’m not sure I would think that a few situations would be 100% believable, but for that we’d have to see where the series will take us. I could find a few homophones and missing words, and that’s something that bothered me a few times. However, it was a very enjoyable read and I loved the setting and the groups we got to see, I can’t wait to read the next book! I believe this series will be a trilogy, exploring the other members of her family that were so important to the protagonist. The development of the main character was great and I found it very clever the elements the author used for that. The dialogues and the sex scenes could improve a lot, and I’ll expect that when I read the following title. Amongst the Ruins is a story full of action with a hint of mystery and romance that won’t get out of your head for days after you read it. Let’s wait and see what Saewod Tice will present to us next time…
June 12, 2014
I enjoyed this book a lot. I loved growing up with the character, hated how stubborn she became lol but loved how she discovers more about herself and lightens up when she gets to know Kain, her husband. This book takes you on a large journey, from child to woman and surving no matter where life seems to take you.
the only down fall, I never read any of the reviews as most reviewers tell me just a more detailed synopsis of the book, making it not even necessary to read the book....anyway, im not sure I would've read the book if I had known there might not be a book 2. The end is left open, with really no wrap up to it, and the reader gaping and thinking "WHAT????NOOOOOO it cant end like this." So then the reader, aka, me, goes on a stalking vengeance to only discover that publishers are being "douches" and there probably won't be a book 2 (the earliest I could find on that coment was a year ago, so its not looking hopeful)!!!!???? So you fall in love with a story and characters and never know what hapoens to the rest of their story. Booooooo!
the only down fall, I never read any of the reviews as most reviewers tell me just a more detailed synopsis of the book, making it not even necessary to read the book....anyway, im not sure I would've read the book if I had known there might not be a book 2. The end is left open, with really no wrap up to it, and the reader gaping and thinking "WHAT????NOOOOOO it cant end like this." So then the reader, aka, me, goes on a stalking vengeance to only discover that publishers are being "douches" and there probably won't be a book 2 (the earliest I could find on that coment was a year ago, so its not looking hopeful)!!!!???? So you fall in love with a story and characters and never know what hapoens to the rest of their story. Booooooo!
March 27, 2013
I can't understand all the five star reviews for this book. The grammatical errors alone wouldn't allow me to give it more than 3 stars. It was just okay. Underdeveloped. Overly long. At times choppy. Intensely, graphically violent and sexual. Not sure how it can be considered young adult with the plethora of sex and sexual assault scenes, not to mention the drinking, the blood, the gore. My biggest complaint besides the lack of editing is that it's only half a story. I'm tired of wasting my time on stories that with decent writing and proper editing could make a solid standalone read but instead are dragged out, underdeveloped, stuffed with filler to stretch them into sequels and trilogies. I won't be waiting for, buying, or reading the next book in this series. I recommend you don't waste your time on it either. There are much better novels in this genre worth your attention.
August 7, 2014
You guys... I am obsessed. I am so completely, irrevocably and undeniably obsessed with this book! What an amazing read! This book is an absolute gem, and I was really surprised at how this book just managed to hook me from the start- because so many authors just don't get the dystopian/breeding/warrior- woman/overbearing-men thing right, and instead the characters just become annoying and predictable. But NOT Amongst the Ruins! This book had so many elements to it that I really loved.
But that cliffhanger... Oh, I just hope that Saewod Tice releases the second book soon because I feel like I may just be living in Shilo and Kain's world for a while after this. This book has certainly left an imprint on me- a certifiable book hangover!
But that cliffhanger... Oh, I just hope that Saewod Tice releases the second book soon because I feel like I may just be living in Shilo and Kain's world for a while after this. This book has certainly left an imprint on me- a certifiable book hangover!
March 2, 2016
I was very surprised by this book. I loved it!! Wish there was a continued series. I won this e-book on All Romance ebook site. The author did a very good job, in my opinion. writing this story. Very well written with very good details!! If you like a bit of futuristic story line with a touch of love/romance and a strong female character. This is a book for anyone.
August 20, 2017
Intense. I was wanting more the second I started reading.
July 30, 2013
The book needs way more editing and proofing. I really liked the book, though. I am looking for book number 2.
September 2, 2013
So happy to have this book back and able to make some edits to the manuscript.
March 15, 2014
worst ending ever :(
September 19, 2015
Very unique dystopian world. Gritty and entertaining, loved the heroine. I can't wait to read the next one.
Want to read
February 21, 2012I'd like to read this book, but it is not available for the nook.
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