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Blood Brothers
A Winnipeg Free Press Bestseller! • In the Margins Book Award, Top Ten Selection • CCBC’s Best Books for Kids Teens (Fall 2017) Selection
Close as brothers, Jakub’s and Lincoln’s lives diverge when Jakub gets a private school scholarship and Lincoln is lured into a gang.
Fifteen-year-old Jakub Kaminsky is the son of Polish immigrants, a good Catholic boy, and a graffiti artist. While his father sleeps, Jakub and his best friend, Lincoln, sneak out with spray paint to make their mark as Morf and Skar.
When Jakub gets a scholarship to an elite private school, he knows it’s his chance for a better life. But it means leaving Lincoln and the neighbourhood he calls home.
While Jakub’s future is looking bright, Lincoln’s gets shady as he is lured into his brother’s gang. Jakub watches helplessly as Lincoln gets pulled deeper into the violent world of the Red Bloodz. The Red Bloodz find out Jakub knows more than he should about a murder and want him silenced — for good. Lincoln has to either save his friend, or embrace life as one of the Red Bloodz.
Close as brothers, Jakub’s and Lincoln’s lives diverge when Jakub gets a private school scholarship and Lincoln is lured into a gang.
Fifteen-year-old Jakub Kaminsky is the son of Polish immigrants, a good Catholic boy, and a graffiti artist. While his father sleeps, Jakub and his best friend, Lincoln, sneak out with spray paint to make their mark as Morf and Skar.
When Jakub gets a scholarship to an elite private school, he knows it’s his chance for a better life. But it means leaving Lincoln and the neighbourhood he calls home.
While Jakub’s future is looking bright, Lincoln’s gets shady as he is lured into his brother’s gang. Jakub watches helplessly as Lincoln gets pulled deeper into the violent world of the Red Bloodz. The Red Bloodz find out Jakub knows more than he should about a murder and want him silenced — for good. Lincoln has to either save his friend, or embrace life as one of the Red Bloodz.
240 pages, ebook
First published April 25, 2017
5 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Nelson
32 books131 followersColleen Nelson is the author of YA fiction books Finding Hope (2016), 250 Hours (2015), The Fall (2013) and Tori by Design (2011). 'The Fall' and 'Tori by Design' both won the McNally Robinson Book of the Year Award. 'The Fall' was also nominated for the White Pine Award. Currently living in Winnipeg with her husband, two young sons and three grown step-children, Colleen manages to eke out time to write everyday, but usually in the early morning after a strong cup of coffee. A junior high school teacher for ten years before having children, Colleen is familiar and comfortable with the tricky phase of life called 'adolescence'. Now a Teacher-Librarian in Winnipeg, Canada, Colleen is constantly on the look-out for books that will catch the attention of her reading-reluctant sons.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 31, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley, Dubdurn and Colleen Nelson for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
You will find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On Goodreads from today under my name Karen Whittard and on Amazon on publication date under k.e.whittard.
This book is fully of edgy depth of characters with characters you will love and wish the best for. You will be rooting for them to do the right thing when all odds are stacked against them. You will invest lots in the characters and this book is gauranteed to be a rollercoaster of a ride. You will experience the characters highs and lows along the way and you will be cheering them on loudly.
Jakub and Lincoln are best friends and are as close as brothers. But Jakub and Lincolns lives are split in two when Jakub gets a scholarship and Lincoln is lured into a gang.
Jakub is a Polish immigrant a good catholic boy best friend of Lincoln and a renowned griffiti artist.
Jakub gets into an elite private school he is excited as its a new start and a chance for a better life. But he doesn't want to leave Lincoln behind.
Without Jakub there to look after Lincoln. Lincoln gets lured into his brothers gang. When word gets out that Jakob knows more than he should about a crime that has gone on. The gang decide that he must be silenced for good. Lincoln is left with a difficult decision does he protect his friend or join the gang.
A great coming to age story. That reminds you that every decision you make in life has consequences sometimes not for the best.
Happy reading everyone
You will find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On Goodreads from today under my name Karen Whittard and on Amazon on publication date under k.e.whittard.
This book is fully of edgy depth of characters with characters you will love and wish the best for. You will be rooting for them to do the right thing when all odds are stacked against them. You will invest lots in the characters and this book is gauranteed to be a rollercoaster of a ride. You will experience the characters highs and lows along the way and you will be cheering them on loudly.
Jakub and Lincoln are best friends and are as close as brothers. But Jakub and Lincolns lives are split in two when Jakub gets a scholarship and Lincoln is lured into a gang.
Jakub is a Polish immigrant a good catholic boy best friend of Lincoln and a renowned griffiti artist.
Jakub gets into an elite private school he is excited as its a new start and a chance for a better life. But he doesn't want to leave Lincoln behind.
Without Jakub there to look after Lincoln. Lincoln gets lured into his brothers gang. When word gets out that Jakob knows more than he should about a crime that has gone on. The gang decide that he must be silenced for good. Lincoln is left with a difficult decision does he protect his friend or join the gang.
A great coming to age story. That reminds you that every decision you make in life has consequences sometimes not for the best.
Happy reading everyone
December 25, 2016
This is the perfect upgrade to stories like Paul Volponi's or Walter Dean Myers' who want some edge but want depth and characterization to boot. Nelson puts together a meaningful assortment of characters that surround the two narrators of the story, Polish American Jakub (Yakoob) and Lincoln (Link) who have been friends for years and tag together (throw up graffiti because of their artistic talents) in the middle of the night. But now things are strained with Link's brother, Henry, out of jail and asking Link to join him boosting cars and being a part of the Bloodz. And the pull is there for Jakub too, but while Link thinks he's got no other choice, Jakub is trying to show him that he does. Jakub's hard-working father and their supportive priest try to pull Jakub away from Link's life but Jakub's owes Link because he takes the fall when they're out late.
The subsequent story is heartbreaking and painful. It makes readers read and reflect, cringe, and cheer that leads to a roller coaster of emotions that allow investment. Yet, the rounded cast of characters also enhance the story. So with both a strong story and characters, it's an overall winner in the YA world for edgy readers. There is no sugar-coating the decisions that both boys must make and these lessons have consequences for better or worse.
The subsequent story is heartbreaking and painful. It makes readers read and reflect, cringe, and cheer that leads to a roller coaster of emotions that allow investment. Yet, the rounded cast of characters also enhance the story. So with both a strong story and characters, it's an overall winner in the YA world for edgy readers. There is no sugar-coating the decisions that both boys must make and these lessons have consequences for better or worse.
January 24, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my thoughts, or review for this book.
It's been a while since I read a book that I connected to, that I loved, that I read in less than a day. This book was exactly what I needed right now. Not only did it make me think about real issues that are happening today, but it gave me a new perspective on the people who are living the lives like those in this book.
My favorite part of this book had to be our main characters, Jakub and Lincoln. Jakub is the son of a Polish immigrant, who moved to Canada with his late wife to try and live a better life. Jakub is a deeply constructed character. He lives with his father in the only apartment his father can afford. It was interesting to watch Jakub develop through the book. Especially when it came to how he thought about his friendship with Lincoln. Lincoln and Jakub had been friends for as long as they could remember. It was really interesting to see Lincoln change from when his brother got home, to him getting involved in the Red Bloodz, the local gang his brother runs. Both of these characters were so real, and very complex. Their reactions were real and human. They were, quite literally, the kids from across the street.
And I think that that was one of the big things about this book, this really does happen. The people who are being pulled into gangs sit next to your daughter in school, are the kids down the street who are "just little trouble makers." I feel like when we talk about people who are in gangs, we talk about them as if they are not actually people, and they are.
Another really mentionable aspect of this book was the atmosphere Nelson was able to create. Nelson was so descriptive when creating the setting and all the people that showed up throughout the story. I was picturing everything that was happening in my head as I was reading, and it was awesome to have her very well put together writing to help propel the story along.
So overall I'm not doing this story justice. This was a wonderfully written story with a heart breaking story line, and amazingly developed characters. This is the type of book that everyone should read at least one; not only because it shows the heart breaking reality of who is involved with gangs, but because it also shows the horrifying ending that a lot of these people face.
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It's been a while since I read a book that I connected to, that I loved, that I read in less than a day. This book was exactly what I needed right now. Not only did it make me think about real issues that are happening today, but it gave me a new perspective on the people who are living the lives like those in this book.
My favorite part of this book had to be our main characters, Jakub and Lincoln. Jakub is the son of a Polish immigrant, who moved to Canada with his late wife to try and live a better life. Jakub is a deeply constructed character. He lives with his father in the only apartment his father can afford. It was interesting to watch Jakub develop through the book. Especially when it came to how he thought about his friendship with Lincoln. Lincoln and Jakub had been friends for as long as they could remember. It was really interesting to see Lincoln change from when his brother got home, to him getting involved in the Red Bloodz, the local gang his brother runs. Both of these characters were so real, and very complex. Their reactions were real and human. They were, quite literally, the kids from across the street.
And I think that that was one of the big things about this book, this really does happen. The people who are being pulled into gangs sit next to your daughter in school, are the kids down the street who are "just little trouble makers." I feel like when we talk about people who are in gangs, we talk about them as if they are not actually people, and they are.
Another really mentionable aspect of this book was the atmosphere Nelson was able to create. Nelson was so descriptive when creating the setting and all the people that showed up throughout the story. I was picturing everything that was happening in my head as I was reading, and it was awesome to have her very well put together writing to help propel the story along.
So overall I'm not doing this story justice. This was a wonderfully written story with a heart breaking story line, and amazingly developed characters. This is the type of book that everyone should read at least one; not only because it shows the heart breaking reality of who is involved with gangs, but because it also shows the horrifying ending that a lot of these people face.
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February 16, 2017
The story goes with two POV, Jakub and Lincoln, who are best friends since little. When Lincoln’s brother, Henry, got back home, Lincoln tag along with his brother and the gang and Jakub went to a Catholic School. Until then, Lincoln been with his brother and Jakub been busy schooling. Lincoln been part of Red Bloodz where the gang snatch cars and kill anyone who owe them. One tragic gang fight it changes the life of these two person. Their friendship tested, broken trusts, but still yet they know can go back where they used to be.
This is a WOW. I thought this book will be a dull at first since its pretty lame in first chapters of the book. But man, I read this book for only a day because I can’t look away that easily. Every chapter has a thrilling actions and wanders between these two boys. Each scenarios has a designated happenings where you can easily hooked up quickly. The book goes fast-paced in deeper chapters like you don’t want to miss a thing until the end.
The story goes by heartbreaking and painful since this friendship that they totally value but they came into their struggles that it totally tested their friendship. Roller coasters of emotions flooded me while reading this. I really liked it. This is might be a lesson to young boys out there. Man, if you read this book, I hope you found this book quick. This beautifully written by the author and I love every bits of it.
This is a WOW. I thought this book will be a dull at first since its pretty lame in first chapters of the book. But man, I read this book for only a day because I can’t look away that easily. Every chapter has a thrilling actions and wanders between these two boys. Each scenarios has a designated happenings where you can easily hooked up quickly. The book goes fast-paced in deeper chapters like you don’t want to miss a thing until the end.
The story goes by heartbreaking and painful since this friendship that they totally value but they came into their struggles that it totally tested their friendship. Roller coasters of emotions flooded me while reading this. I really liked it. This is might be a lesson to young boys out there. Man, if you read this book, I hope you found this book quick. This beautifully written by the author and I love every bits of it.
May 13, 2017
NOTE: I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my review. (The book has since been published in print.)
Koob and Link are two young boys growing up in the tough West End neighbourhood. The story unfolds through their alternating points of view. Both feel the pressures of gang life, loyalties, and growing up, but their responses are significantly different. Link is drawn into the gang life around him, while Koob attempts to fit in elsewhere.
The characters and their struggles are fairly believable and the reader is drawn in to empathize with both boys. It is a relatively short, but mature YA novel. The violence, profanity, and criminal acts are all handled in a believable, but respectful manner.
Colleen Nelson has done it again!
Koob and Link are two young boys growing up in the tough West End neighbourhood. The story unfolds through their alternating points of view. Both feel the pressures of gang life, loyalties, and growing up, but their responses are significantly different. Link is drawn into the gang life around him, while Koob attempts to fit in elsewhere.
The characters and their struggles are fairly believable and the reader is drawn in to empathize with both boys. It is a relatively short, but mature YA novel. The violence, profanity, and criminal acts are all handled in a believable, but respectful manner.
Colleen Nelson has done it again!
September 25, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.*
Alright so I had a tough time with this one. On the one hand I tore through this book. It took me about 24 hours to get through the whole thing which usually indicates to me that I really liked a book. And to an extent I did. However, something just felt off about this book. After thinking about it for a while I’m still not entirely sure, but I think my issue with it is that it just does not “follow through” in any of the areas that I found interesting. I thought that the Jakub’s graffiti story lines were really interesting and fairly well developed early on, but this was not really explored as much as I would have wanted. Catholicism seemed to play a pretty important part of Jakub’s life, but only when convenient. Lincoln had a really unique relationship with his family, but despite having some conflict he seemed to consistently default to the most simplistic answer (this point I will concede could be somewhat realistic).
I think that at the end of the day this book just felt a little too paint by the numbers young adult/gang story. There were flashes of brilliance. For example, at one point Lincoln’s brother mentions that the system is set up against them unlike Jakub, but this is never explored and I can’t remember if there is even a reference to what their background is throughout the rest of the book. That one wrinkle could have made this book infinitely more interesting. Furthermore, this book seemed to want to have it both ways by being super realistic, but also not wanting to be too harsh. I still cannot fully place why this book stuck in my craw so much, but it did.
I would feel uncomfortable explicitly recommending this book to a student not because I think it is inappropriate in terms of subject matter or it isn’t interesting enough, but because there is such a high volume of cuss words particularly the “F-word”. I have no issue with profanity and while I understand it was used to make some of the characters more “authentic” I found it a bit off putting in a book that otherwise seemed to be written for middle grades/early high school. If I had a good enough relationship with a student and knew they had an interest in the area I would be happy to pass this book along, but that would pretty much be the only situation.
To end on a positive note I can say that despite not taking it the next step to be a truly great book the overall plot is extremely compelling. I found myself just wanting to read one more chapter every time I had to pull myself away. The characters were believable for the most part and Nelson did a nice job writing them as the teenagers they were. I would definitely recommend giving this book a read, I just personally felt like there were a few too many missed opportunities to take it to the next level.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
Alright so I had a tough time with this one. On the one hand I tore through this book. It took me about 24 hours to get through the whole thing which usually indicates to me that I really liked a book. And to an extent I did. However, something just felt off about this book. After thinking about it for a while I’m still not entirely sure, but I think my issue with it is that it just does not “follow through” in any of the areas that I found interesting. I thought that the Jakub’s graffiti story lines were really interesting and fairly well developed early on, but this was not really explored as much as I would have wanted. Catholicism seemed to play a pretty important part of Jakub’s life, but only when convenient. Lincoln had a really unique relationship with his family, but despite having some conflict he seemed to consistently default to the most simplistic answer (this point I will concede could be somewhat realistic).
I think that at the end of the day this book just felt a little too paint by the numbers young adult/gang story. There were flashes of brilliance. For example, at one point Lincoln’s brother mentions that the system is set up against them unlike Jakub, but this is never explored and I can’t remember if there is even a reference to what their background is throughout the rest of the book. That one wrinkle could have made this book infinitely more interesting. Furthermore, this book seemed to want to have it both ways by being super realistic, but also not wanting to be too harsh. I still cannot fully place why this book stuck in my craw so much, but it did.
I would feel uncomfortable explicitly recommending this book to a student not because I think it is inappropriate in terms of subject matter or it isn’t interesting enough, but because there is such a high volume of cuss words particularly the “F-word”. I have no issue with profanity and while I understand it was used to make some of the characters more “authentic” I found it a bit off putting in a book that otherwise seemed to be written for middle grades/early high school. If I had a good enough relationship with a student and knew they had an interest in the area I would be happy to pass this book along, but that would pretty much be the only situation.
To end on a positive note I can say that despite not taking it the next step to be a truly great book the overall plot is extremely compelling. I found myself just wanting to read one more chapter every time I had to pull myself away. The characters were believable for the most part and Nelson did a nice job writing them as the teenagers they were. I would definitely recommend giving this book a read, I just personally felt like there were a few too many missed opportunities to take it to the next level.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
September 25, 2017
Many thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Another version of this review can be found here
Jakub and Lincoln are more than best friends- you could say they were almost brothers. But things get increasingly difficult for them when Jakub gets a scholarship to an elite private school and Lincoln's brother lures him into a gang, and they are each forced to make tough decisions: School or friendship? The gang or Jakub?
Blood Brothers follows the story of these two boys as they struggle to deal with whatever life throws at them, even when things get out of hand. There are many characters here who are portrayed in a raw and gritty way, and you'd find yourself rooting for most of them, most of the time. I say "most" because there are a couple of characters you'd wish the worst for, and certain charcters you'd love, but still question their actions- and the author makes sure everyone gets what they deserve.
The characters are diverse too. Jakub is a Polish immigrant, an obedient Catholic, with a side he works hard to keep a secret- he's a graffitti artist too. Lincoln (Link), his best friend, gets lured into a gang- the Red Bloodz- through his brother Henry, who has just come out of jail. We get Jakub's hardworking father, a priest who looks out for the best for Jakub, and many more characters who are portayed in a very real way. They each undergo strong character arcs, but Jakub's was possibly my most favorite.
The books was perhaps a tab bit predictable- you see where things are heading even from a mile away- but this is hardly the kind of book you'd pick for its suspense factor. This is more a look at the most unique characters and how their actions may at times lead to horrific consequences.
A coming of age story with a compelling story line and characters you'd root for, Blood Brothers is a book to pick up if you feel anything I've said so far appeals to you. I did feel certain areas could have been explored more, and the book definitely could have been longer, but overall, this was an eye-opener of a story about friendship, choices, and life itself.
The story idea: 5/5
The realization of the story: 3/5
The characters: 4/5
The cover: 3/5
Enjoy factor: 5/5
Final Rating: 4/5
Another version of this review can be found here
Jakub and Lincoln are more than best friends- you could say they were almost brothers. But things get increasingly difficult for them when Jakub gets a scholarship to an elite private school and Lincoln's brother lures him into a gang, and they are each forced to make tough decisions: School or friendship? The gang or Jakub?
Blood Brothers follows the story of these two boys as they struggle to deal with whatever life throws at them, even when things get out of hand. There are many characters here who are portrayed in a raw and gritty way, and you'd find yourself rooting for most of them, most of the time. I say "most" because there are a couple of characters you'd wish the worst for, and certain charcters you'd love, but still question their actions- and the author makes sure everyone gets what they deserve.
The characters are diverse too. Jakub is a Polish immigrant, an obedient Catholic, with a side he works hard to keep a secret- he's a graffitti artist too. Lincoln (Link), his best friend, gets lured into a gang- the Red Bloodz- through his brother Henry, who has just come out of jail. We get Jakub's hardworking father, a priest who looks out for the best for Jakub, and many more characters who are portayed in a very real way. They each undergo strong character arcs, but Jakub's was possibly my most favorite.
The books was perhaps a tab bit predictable- you see where things are heading even from a mile away- but this is hardly the kind of book you'd pick for its suspense factor. This is more a look at the most unique characters and how their actions may at times lead to horrific consequences.
A coming of age story with a compelling story line and characters you'd root for, Blood Brothers is a book to pick up if you feel anything I've said so far appeals to you. I did feel certain areas could have been explored more, and the book definitely could have been longer, but overall, this was an eye-opener of a story about friendship, choices, and life itself.
The story idea: 5/5
The realization of the story: 3/5
The characters: 4/5
The cover: 3/5
Enjoy factor: 5/5
Final Rating: 4/5
June 25, 2017
This book was just so meh. The central relationship, the "brotherhood" between Jakub and Link, was so poorly developed I just didn't care. And caring about that was literally the only reason anyone would read this book.
If I wanna read about gangs and teen angst I'm just gonna pick up The Outsiders again.
If I wanna read about gangs and teen angst I'm just gonna pick up The Outsiders again.
February 5, 2017
Jakub and Lincoln are fifteen years old and have been best friends for ten years. Neither comes from an affluent family. Jakub is living in a rooming house with his disabled father, who is a Polish immigrant, and Lincoln lives with his parents and younger brother and is First Nations. At night they sneak out and are talented graffiti artists.
Jakub's priest helps him get a scholarship at an elite private school. He doesn't want to go because he doesn't want to leave Link behind. But once there, he enjoys and appreciates the opportunities. Around this time, Link's brother, Henry, is released from prison and hangs out with his gang buddies. Without the support of Jakub, Link is attracted to the money he can make by being part of the gang. Things get out of hand when Link gets involved in stolen cars and murder.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. It is written in first person perspective in Jakub and Link's voice (the chapters alternate and are labelled). Though it is a story about two fifteen year old boys, I didn't find the story too immature and would recommend it for mature young adults and older. As a head's up, there is swearing and violence.
I look forward to reading others by this author.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/01...
Jakub's priest helps him get a scholarship at an elite private school. He doesn't want to go because he doesn't want to leave Link behind. But once there, he enjoys and appreciates the opportunities. Around this time, Link's brother, Henry, is released from prison and hangs out with his gang buddies. Without the support of Jakub, Link is attracted to the money he can make by being part of the gang. Things get out of hand when Link gets involved in stolen cars and murder.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. It is written in first person perspective in Jakub and Link's voice (the chapters alternate and are labelled). Though it is a story about two fifteen year old boys, I didn't find the story too immature and would recommend it for mature young adults and older. As a head's up, there is swearing and violence.
I look forward to reading others by this author.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/01...
May 12, 2019
I would not choose to give students this book to read. I think it lacks nuance and can easily contribute to stereotypes. I was disappointed to see that the character of Lincoln - the boy that gets wrapped up in his brother's gang - had a First Nations background while glossing over the realities of what his life was like. It was continually hinted at, but again wasn't discussed in depth. So while you might feel sympathy for Lincoln, we don't know much beyond very superficial things. In addition, the story line with the girl that Lincoln meets at the Red Bloodz house could have been handled much better given the amount of indigenous women and girls that go missing from reservations. Once again, that storyline can contribute to stereotypes around these women and girls and their situation. This book illustrates that having caring adults in your life is what can keep you from getting into trouble and joining a gang. And while caring adults are very important, this book does not portray the systemic issues that class, race, and immigration status can have on individuals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2021
This is a book, I believe, that is aimed at young teens. Having read it, it's a good read as an adult too and to me, very current in the subject matter. The two main characters are Jakub (Koob) and Lincoln (Linc). They are best Friends and it's a well written relationship.
It shows how two youngsters, both on the right path, can all of a sudden be separated by one taking the wrong path.
It is something we read about in the papers weekly; gang life and lives being taken. It's very well written and I'd like to think that if a teenager read this it would give them some incite into what happens if you take the wrong path and how lives, yours included, can change. There were some strong characters in this book, and some vulnerable and easily influenced. It's heartbreaking in places.
I found the story very believable, and would like people to share this book with their teens.
It shows how two youngsters, both on the right path, can all of a sudden be separated by one taking the wrong path.
It is something we read about in the papers weekly; gang life and lives being taken. It's very well written and I'd like to think that if a teenager read this it would give them some incite into what happens if you take the wrong path and how lives, yours included, can change. There were some strong characters in this book, and some vulnerable and easily influenced. It's heartbreaking in places.
I found the story very believable, and would like people to share this book with their teens.
February 6, 2017
Blood Brothers is a story that will probably reminds you that your actions will always have consequences. For the best or the worst.
And I deeply liked this book. Of course, it wasn't perfect. For example, I found the beginning a little bit slow. But I ended up loving the characters and the story. Blood brothers is painful but strong and it definitely worth it.
*Thanks to Netgalley/Dundurn for this arc in return for a honest review.*
And I deeply liked this book. Of course, it wasn't perfect. For example, I found the beginning a little bit slow. But I ended up loving the characters and the story. Blood brothers is painful but strong and it definitely worth it.
*Thanks to Netgalley/Dundurn for this arc in return for a honest review.*
March 15, 2017
I feel like the characters were well developed and I was truly interested in their stories. There was never a slow moment because you could sense the danger lurking.
June 23, 2017
I really liked this story, but it was a double perspective. You got to see life through both characters' eyes and the lessons they learned. My only problem with this is that I only liked Jakub, his sections even made Link more likable.
3 stars
3 stars
June 25, 2017
i would read this a thousand times and then some. it was truly amazing, and shows that even though it may not be the happiest ending, it was the right way to end things. defiantly recommend!!
August 26, 2023
Maybe even 3.5.
A solid coming-of-age story of best friends growing up in a tough neighborhood and presented with very different opportunities.
A solid coming-of-age story of best friends growing up in a tough neighborhood and presented with very different opportunities.
February 27, 2017
Quick read. Alternating characters. Ending not surprising but really liked this.
April 17, 2017
This book was alright. It didn't stand out to me, and I found the characters to be very annoying. However the story was very realistic, and displayed the unfortunate situations that children in lower income areas find themselves. The writing was also very simple, but that is what i have come to expect from most young adult literature. Overall, I give the book two out of five stars, with the ease of reading being it's greatest strength, and the insightfulness being it's weakest strength.
April 24, 2017
Blood Brothers is a gritty look into the life of two boys caught up in the events in their gang-infested neighbourhood. Jakub and Lincoln are best friends and love to spend their time making graffiti art on local buildings. However, their love for each other is tested on may levels. Jakub is given an opportunity to attend a high-end private school and Lincoln begins to hang around in the gang house where his older brother is the local boss. Colleen Nelson does a fantastic job of bringing her characters to life by giving the reader what her characters think before they speak; essentially showing the reader what their unspoken thoughts are. Her descriptions are brief, used sparingly but to great effect; the sights, sounds and smells of the locations are brought to life vividly. The trajectory of the story is one of rising tensions to a heartbreaking conclusion. This novel will stay with you long after you read it. Recommended for older teens who love realistic fiction and are not offended by swearing.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews