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The Build-up Season
Seventeen-year-old Iliad Piper – Ily for short – is named after war and angry at the world. Growing up with a violent father and abused mother, she doesn’t know how to do relationships, family or friends. Her love-hate friendship with Max turns into a prank war and she nearly destroys her first true friendship with misfit Mia. She takes off her armour for nobody, until she meets Jared, a local actor and someone who's as complicated as she is.
From the author of Yellow comes a powerful exploration of family and identity set against the humid build-up to the wet season in Darwin.
From the author of Yellow comes a powerful exploration of family and identity set against the humid build-up to the wet season in Darwin.
266 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2017
17 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Megan Jacobson
5 books81 followersMegan Jacobson grew up in Darwin and the far north coast of NSW but now lives in Brisbane with her family. Her short stories have been published in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Review of Australian Fiction, aired on ABC radio, and appeared in the UTS Writers Anthology. She has a degree in journalism and has also worked as an in-house script story-liner for several Australian television dramas.
Works:
Yellow (Penguin Random House Australia, 2016) Shortlisted, 2018 YABBA for Fiction Years 7-9, 2017 Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards, 2017 Davitt Award Best Young Adult Book, 2017 Davitt Award Best Debut.
The Build-up Season (Penguin Random House Australia, 2017) Joint Winner, 2018 Australian Family Therapists' Award for Children's Literature for Older Readers; Shortlisted, 2019 YABBA for Fiction Years 7-9, 2018 New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature.
Big Love illustrated by Beck Feiner (Walker Studio Australia, 2021)
Works:
Yellow (Penguin Random House Australia, 2016) Shortlisted, 2018 YABBA for Fiction Years 7-9, 2017 Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards, 2017 Davitt Award Best Young Adult Book, 2017 Davitt Award Best Debut.
The Build-up Season (Penguin Random House Australia, 2017) Joint Winner, 2018 Australian Family Therapists' Award for Children's Literature for Older Readers; Shortlisted, 2019 YABBA for Fiction Years 7-9, 2018 New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature.
Big Love illustrated by Beck Feiner (Walker Studio Australia, 2021)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 3, 2018
3.5 out of 5 stars!
T/W- Domestic Violence, Abuse, Tensions in family relationships
This is a LoveOzYA novel that I discovered one day last year and received as a Christmas present. Set in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, the story follows a troubled seventeen year old girl called Iliad who has been expelled from multiple boarding schools in Melbourne and now is living again with her Mum and Nan. Iliad's parents were involved in an abusive relationship with Iliad's Dad being sent to prison for assault. Due to her personal experiences, Iliad struggles to create bonds with anyone: classmates and neighbours alike. When she does strike up two unlikely friendships, the first one with Max becomes a prank war and the other with Mia a confusing bond. It isn't until she meets Jared, the son of her high school's principal when everything starts to change.
I really liked the writing style and the way that such difficult topics were handled throughout. It was a quick read that had a good ending to it. Some of the scenes involving Iliad and her past family life were graphic and hard to read at various points. I wasn't keen on the connection between Iliad and Jared. I would like to read Yellow which is written by the same author. I'm happy I did read this one, the surroundings of Darwin were interesting to read about since I know very little about the Northern Territory. I liked that Iliad had an interest in art and still wanted to work for her dreams studying at a top art school in Sydney. This aspect reminded me of another YA novel Starfish, as the main character in that novel comes from a troubled family background but still has dreams of studying art. Overall, I would read this again but would bare in mind regarding the content noted in my trigger warnings.
T/W- Domestic Violence, Abuse, Tensions in family relationships
This is a LoveOzYA novel that I discovered one day last year and received as a Christmas present. Set in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, the story follows a troubled seventeen year old girl called Iliad who has been expelled from multiple boarding schools in Melbourne and now is living again with her Mum and Nan. Iliad's parents were involved in an abusive relationship with Iliad's Dad being sent to prison for assault. Due to her personal experiences, Iliad struggles to create bonds with anyone: classmates and neighbours alike. When she does strike up two unlikely friendships, the first one with Max becomes a prank war and the other with Mia a confusing bond. It isn't until she meets Jared, the son of her high school's principal when everything starts to change.
I really liked the writing style and the way that such difficult topics were handled throughout. It was a quick read that had a good ending to it. Some of the scenes involving Iliad and her past family life were graphic and hard to read at various points. I wasn't keen on the connection between Iliad and Jared. I would like to read Yellow which is written by the same author. I'm happy I did read this one, the surroundings of Darwin were interesting to read about since I know very little about the Northern Territory. I liked that Iliad had an interest in art and still wanted to work for her dreams studying at a top art school in Sydney. This aspect reminded me of another YA novel Starfish, as the main character in that novel comes from a troubled family background but still has dreams of studying art. Overall, I would read this again but would bare in mind regarding the content noted in my trigger warnings.
October 7, 2017
love, real love, comes with three conditions - respect, kindness and trust. It isn't, and should never be, unconditional.
This book was a very enjoyable read and i love Megan's writing style and i got through this book pretty quickly.
so many issues were presented and written extremely well and i am happy that an author can write a book with so many hard topic issues and write it so well.
This book was a very enjoyable read and i love Megan's writing style and i got through this book pretty quickly.
so many issues were presented and written extremely well and i am happy that an author can write a book with so many hard topic issues and write it so well.
January 5, 2018
Spousal and family violence is predominant throughout our communities. Aggressors are habitually husbands and fathers, wives and children persecuted by noxious, patriarchal male dominance exasperated by alcohol or substance abuse.
The Build Up Season narrative accompanies seventeen year old Iliad Piper on her journey, a tormented and indignant young woman. Although Iliad was educated at boarding school after her mother and father separated, she now lives in Darwin with her surly grandmother and mother, a new age healer specialising in spiritual wellness. Iliad's narrative is one that resonates profoundly, confrontational and resembling my own childhood experiences.
Iliad is a family violence survivor. Family violence and abuse is a confronting narrative, Iliad is a young woman who harbours animosity towards her mother for raising her in a violent environment, her mother a woman who endured years of physical and emotional spousal abuse. Her husband is possessive, manipulating Iliad to degrade her mother with contempt.
Iliad's fear is palpable, the unease of her father pursuing them to Darwin where her mother is a small business owner specialising in spiritual health. The trepidation of leaving everything behind to begin a new life is daunting and while Iliad and her mother were fortunate to have the financial assistance of Iliad's grandmother, funding Iliad's private school education, many women escaping violence are placed in shared housing for family violence survivors, a haven for women and children who otherwise were not afforded the same assistance.
Jared is a character of contrasts. He appears to be a charismatic young man but underneath he's manipulative and noxious. He's easily angered, jealous and possessive of Iliad. It was reminiscent of the relationship between her parents and although often Iliad felt nervous of Jared's behaviour similar to many victims of violence, believed she was responsible for Jared's actions.
Throughout the narration, Iliad has a long running rivalry with Max. I adored Max. He's an intelligent and aspirational Indigenous young man of Bininj and Anmatyerre heritage from the Northern Territory. Max faces his own adversity and as the two call a truce, develop a wonderfully caring friendship. Iliad's friendship with Max was a positive experience, his family welcomed Iliad into their home with Max a testament to his loving and close knit family.
The essence of The Build Up Season is new beginnings and learning to forgive, reiterating the importance of holding perpetrators of violence accountable. The narrative although confrontational, are incredibly important for adolescents. If you haven't experienced family violence, it's likely you unknowingly know someone who has. The Build Up Season is the book I wish I'd had as a teen, an important discussion as a community in support of those family violence has touched.
For more information for help available to victims of family violence and domestic abuse in Australia
1800 Respect is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services to provide support for people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, sexual assault, domestic or family violence, their friends and family, workers and professionals supporting someone experiencing, or at risk of experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence. This is a confidential service available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
Lifeline Australia is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to twenty four hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential twenty four hours, seven days a week phone and online counselling service for young people aged five to twenty five.
The Build Up Season narrative accompanies seventeen year old Iliad Piper on her journey, a tormented and indignant young woman. Although Iliad was educated at boarding school after her mother and father separated, she now lives in Darwin with her surly grandmother and mother, a new age healer specialising in spiritual wellness. Iliad's narrative is one that resonates profoundly, confrontational and resembling my own childhood experiences.
Iliad is a family violence survivor. Family violence and abuse is a confronting narrative, Iliad is a young woman who harbours animosity towards her mother for raising her in a violent environment, her mother a woman who endured years of physical and emotional spousal abuse. Her husband is possessive, manipulating Iliad to degrade her mother with contempt.
Iliad's fear is palpable, the unease of her father pursuing them to Darwin where her mother is a small business owner specialising in spiritual health. The trepidation of leaving everything behind to begin a new life is daunting and while Iliad and her mother were fortunate to have the financial assistance of Iliad's grandmother, funding Iliad's private school education, many women escaping violence are placed in shared housing for family violence survivors, a haven for women and children who otherwise were not afforded the same assistance.
Jared is a character of contrasts. He appears to be a charismatic young man but underneath he's manipulative and noxious. He's easily angered, jealous and possessive of Iliad. It was reminiscent of the relationship between her parents and although often Iliad felt nervous of Jared's behaviour similar to many victims of violence, believed she was responsible for Jared's actions.
Throughout the narration, Iliad has a long running rivalry with Max. I adored Max. He's an intelligent and aspirational Indigenous young man of Bininj and Anmatyerre heritage from the Northern Territory. Max faces his own adversity and as the two call a truce, develop a wonderfully caring friendship. Iliad's friendship with Max was a positive experience, his family welcomed Iliad into their home with Max a testament to his loving and close knit family.
The essence of The Build Up Season is new beginnings and learning to forgive, reiterating the importance of holding perpetrators of violence accountable. The narrative although confrontational, are incredibly important for adolescents. If you haven't experienced family violence, it's likely you unknowingly know someone who has. The Build Up Season is the book I wish I'd had as a teen, an important discussion as a community in support of those family violence has touched.
For more information for help available to victims of family violence and domestic abuse in Australia
1800 Respect is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services to provide support for people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, sexual assault, domestic or family violence, their friends and family, workers and professionals supporting someone experiencing, or at risk of experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence. This is a confidential service available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
Lifeline Australia is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to twenty four hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential twenty four hours, seven days a week phone and online counselling service for young people aged five to twenty five.
August 6, 2017
This book mad me smile, it made me angry, it made me sad. Aka it gave me all the feels and I really enjoyed it despite finding it a little predictable.
May 15, 2021
Trigger warnings for domestic violence (emotional, physical abuse)
October 16, 2017
4.5*
Just before I tell you the one hundred reasons I loved this book, I just want you to know that this novel does discuss some dark topics such as domestic violence and toxic relationships.
I can’t believe how much I loved this novel. The Build-Up Season only took me a few days to read and I’m so happy I decided to pick this one off my shelf instead of ignoring it along with my other 217 unread books. *cries internally while still ignoring them* I really think Megan Jacobson covered the themes with respect and sensitivity, which can be a challenge.
When I first met Jacobson, she’d only just published her absolutely gorgeous novel Yellow, which follows a fourteen year old girl struggling with school, friendship and a little ghost problem. Sadly however, I just couldn’t immerse myself into the world like some of my good friends could, my tiny feet didn’t fit the shoes of a 14-year-old girl. AND THAT’S OK! Sometimes some worlds just can’t coax you in, even though the home a brilliant story.
I WOULDN’T GIVE UP ON MEG, though, and decided to pick up The Build-Up Season one lazy Sunday, and could immediately see me walking a mile or two in Iliad’s shoes. She’s sassy and sarcastic and has a unique way of seeing things, and it just made her really easy to fall in step with. She feels like a friend I’ve known my whole life, and trust me, I’ve had a LOT of friends *eyes bookshelf* and by friends I mean real life people . . . obviously.
I really appreciated the themes integrated into the novel, they carried on naturally throughout the story and didn’t seemed forced. I love seeing important topics such as domestic violence in the novels I read, and we need more of it. I don’t usually tab or highlight or underline my books, or fold the corners of the page, but every so often a quote or paragraph really stood out and caught my attention. I would have a small break from the novel while eating dinner, and a conversation between two characters would stay on my mind, it was just so real and authentic.
I also really loved the relationships throughout the novel, save for one, and the natural progress and development of them. I also adored the growth of the side characters, from not standing up for themselves to gradually standing tall and proud for what they believe in. Development like that just makes me so happy, smiley and warm on the inside.
All in all, I loved this gorgeous novel. I rated it a smashing four and a half well deserved stars on Goodreads, and am definitely going to grab a copy of Jacobson’s novels in the future, as I’m sure there will be more, and who knows – maybe I’ll even pick up Yellow sometime soon?
Just before I tell you the one hundred reasons I loved this book, I just want you to know that this novel does discuss some dark topics such as domestic violence and toxic relationships.
I can’t believe how much I loved this novel. The Build-Up Season only took me a few days to read and I’m so happy I decided to pick this one off my shelf instead of ignoring it along with my other 217 unread books. *cries internally while still ignoring them* I really think Megan Jacobson covered the themes with respect and sensitivity, which can be a challenge.
When I first met Jacobson, she’d only just published her absolutely gorgeous novel Yellow, which follows a fourteen year old girl struggling with school, friendship and a little ghost problem. Sadly however, I just couldn’t immerse myself into the world like some of my good friends could, my tiny feet didn’t fit the shoes of a 14-year-old girl. AND THAT’S OK! Sometimes some worlds just can’t coax you in, even though the home a brilliant story.
I WOULDN’T GIVE UP ON MEG, though, and decided to pick up The Build-Up Season one lazy Sunday, and could immediately see me walking a mile or two in Iliad’s shoes. She’s sassy and sarcastic and has a unique way of seeing things, and it just made her really easy to fall in step with. She feels like a friend I’ve known my whole life, and trust me, I’ve had a LOT of friends *eyes bookshelf* and by friends I mean real life people . . . obviously.
I really appreciated the themes integrated into the novel, they carried on naturally throughout the story and didn’t seemed forced. I love seeing important topics such as domestic violence in the novels I read, and we need more of it. I don’t usually tab or highlight or underline my books, or fold the corners of the page, but every so often a quote or paragraph really stood out and caught my attention. I would have a small break from the novel while eating dinner, and a conversation between two characters would stay on my mind, it was just so real and authentic.
I also really loved the relationships throughout the novel, save for one, and the natural progress and development of them. I also adored the growth of the side characters, from not standing up for themselves to gradually standing tall and proud for what they believe in. Development like that just makes me so happy, smiley and warm on the inside.
All in all, I loved this gorgeous novel. I rated it a smashing four and a half well deserved stars on Goodreads, and am definitely going to grab a copy of Jacobson’s novels in the future, as I’m sure there will be more, and who knows – maybe I’ll even pick up Yellow sometime soon?
December 1, 2020
Firstly. This book needs a trigger warning. It is confronting.
Secondly. What a great read. Iliad is such a complex and interesting character. She is gritty and raw and adds so much authenticity to the story that Jacobson has written.
I loved the Australian-ness of this book, how the heat was described, the scenery, the people.
This was a good read, it felt real. As much as it was confronting and hard to read in places, I'm glad I read it.
Secondly. What a great read. Iliad is such a complex and interesting character. She is gritty and raw and adds so much authenticity to the story that Jacobson has written.
I loved the Australian-ness of this book, how the heat was described, the scenery, the people.
This was a good read, it felt real. As much as it was confronting and hard to read in places, I'm glad I read it.
July 7, 2017
I have kind of mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I couldn't STAND the main character Iliad, and her bf Jared. Ily acts like a complete brat towards her family, and even though there are (obviously) reasons for that, I've never been able to relate to characters like her.
What I did like was the open discussion about sex, domestic violence and not feeling wanted. I loved Max, who is an Indigenous character and so soft and kind, while at the same time really excellent at pranks. I loved the setting of Darwin, which is where my mum grew up (and she was actually there during Cyclone Tracy, so there you go). Lots of things to like here :)
What I did like was the open discussion about sex, domestic violence and not feeling wanted. I loved Max, who is an Indigenous character and so soft and kind, while at the same time really excellent at pranks. I loved the setting of Darwin, which is where my mum grew up (and she was actually there during Cyclone Tracy, so there you go). Lots of things to like here :)
July 26, 2017
actual rating: 4.5 stars
one of the most glorious books i have ever read! so well written and engaging from page one. i loved how it tackled such important issues, the plot was fast paced and engaging and the characters were so masterfully created!
ily was such an incredible and complex character i loved how she had anti-hero elements to her because those are my favourite type of characters!
for more, read my no spoiler book review: https://sprinkledpages.blogspot.com.a...
one of the most glorious books i have ever read! so well written and engaging from page one. i loved how it tackled such important issues, the plot was fast paced and engaging and the characters were so masterfully created!
ily was such an incredible and complex character i loved how she had anti-hero elements to her because those are my favourite type of characters!
for more, read my no spoiler book review: https://sprinkledpages.blogspot.com.a...
July 4, 2018
4.5. I love the way Meg writes, and that was a big factor for me connecting to this book. Ily was a bit unlikeable but I like that in a protagonist, and though confronting the issues of DV that were prominent in the book were well addressed.
December 15, 2022
I never thought I would read a book about domestic violence, not because it's a serious topic to talk about but because it's hard to write write about it but overall I enjoyed it. Set in Australia Iliad Piper lives with her abused mother and NaN, Iliad is a tough, angry person who doesn't take crap from anybody until she meets Jarred. Jarred has pressures from his parents on being successful but wants to become an actor, but he has a darker side to him. But towards the end where Iliad's abusive father comes into the picture again and abuses his mother for the second time, where things take a turn for the worse.
It was a 4 stars 🌟 for me
It was a 4 stars 🌟 for me
October 7, 2017
I can't even deal. This book is perfection. There are so many good elements that I want to comment on, but I'll do that tomorrow. For now I'm just going to bask in the glow of awesomeness that is this book!
OK so I've slept on it and i'll be honest, my dreams last night were angry and sad and very much a reflection of the book i had just read. The Build-up Season is a compelling read, i could not put it down. I finished it in one sitting.
The writing is superb. The vivid descriptions of Darwin made me miss it, the little touches of history throughout were a really nice touch, especially as i only found out about the bombing of Darwin several years ago. Its such a little known fact.
The dialogue is so well done and authentic. Combine that with characters that are so real they practically pop off the page and it will make your heart bleed for your teenage self. The characters are flawed, broken, trying their hardest and so fucking real that i found it impossible not to see myself in them. Especially Ily. She is a hard character to like, but her anger and hurt are so freaking understandable and so relatable. I was so angry all the time, i had no self worth and its amazing how quickly people can take advantage of you when you are like that. Much like Jared did with Ily. I wish my mum was as tuned in as Ily's mum was or even my dad. Maybe i would have been OK a lot earlier. Its funny the things this book has brought to the front of my thoughts. My dad has said on more than one occasion how he never had to worry about me as a teenager, how i would stand up for myself and would be ok. I don't think i ever felt more alone than i did in that moment. It was the realisation that he and my mum did not know me at all, they didn't see my pain, they didn't have a fucking clue. I'm honestly not a great actor, how the fuck did they miss everything. At least Ily's mum tried.
Anyways back on topic. The subject matter is tough and i think the author does a great job of maybe helping people understand how victims end up staying in a cycle of abuse. And its not just physical abuse, the mental abuse is what really destroys you.
There were so many truth-bombs dropped throughout this book, that i honestly can't choose my favourite.
I recommend this to all.
OK so I've slept on it and i'll be honest, my dreams last night were angry and sad and very much a reflection of the book i had just read. The Build-up Season is a compelling read, i could not put it down. I finished it in one sitting.
The writing is superb. The vivid descriptions of Darwin made me miss it, the little touches of history throughout were a really nice touch, especially as i only found out about the bombing of Darwin several years ago. Its such a little known fact.
The dialogue is so well done and authentic. Combine that with characters that are so real they practically pop off the page and it will make your heart bleed for your teenage self. The characters are flawed, broken, trying their hardest and so fucking real that i found it impossible not to see myself in them. Especially Ily. She is a hard character to like, but her anger and hurt are so freaking understandable and so relatable. I was so angry all the time, i had no self worth and its amazing how quickly people can take advantage of you when you are like that. Much like Jared did with Ily. I wish my mum was as tuned in as Ily's mum was or even my dad. Maybe i would have been OK a lot earlier. Its funny the things this book has brought to the front of my thoughts. My dad has said on more than one occasion how he never had to worry about me as a teenager, how i would stand up for myself and would be ok. I don't think i ever felt more alone than i did in that moment. It was the realisation that he and my mum did not know me at all, they didn't see my pain, they didn't have a fucking clue. I'm honestly not a great actor, how the fuck did they miss everything. At least Ily's mum tried.
Anyways back on topic. The subject matter is tough and i think the author does a great job of maybe helping people understand how victims end up staying in a cycle of abuse. And its not just physical abuse, the mental abuse is what really destroys you.
There were so many truth-bombs dropped throughout this book, that i honestly can't choose my favourite.
I recommend this to all.
February 27, 2018
I have no idea what to rate this novel (Edit: I've decided on a 1.5 star rating)
I hated it so much more than I liked it. I'm not trying to take anything away from the discussion on domestic & family violence it provided. I really appreciate the messages and themes 'The Build-Up Season' relays. I just don't like the way it was written and I really, really hate most of the characters.
The writing was so repetitive and the language was irksome. I've lived in Australia for 3 years and I've never heard anyone say "hey" so many times after almost every sentence. I can understand that it's supposed to be a dialect of Darwin but I felt that it was the main reason I was disengaged from the story.
It was an important story to raise awareness of this horrible yet very present problem and I'm glad I read it but I didn't have a great reading experience. It left me angry and I don't want that. But I don't want deter anybody from picking this novel up. I've been feeling guilty for not liking this novel and I'm trying not to.
I hated it so much more than I liked it. I'm not trying to take anything away from the discussion on domestic & family violence it provided. I really appreciate the messages and themes 'The Build-Up Season' relays. I just don't like the way it was written and I really, really hate most of the characters.
The writing was so repetitive and the language was irksome. I've lived in Australia for 3 years and I've never heard anyone say "hey" so many times after almost every sentence. I can understand that it's supposed to be a dialect of Darwin but I felt that it was the main reason I was disengaged from the story.
It was an important story to raise awareness of this horrible yet very present problem and I'm glad I read it but I didn't have a great reading experience. It left me angry and I don't want that. But I don't want deter anybody from picking this novel up. I've been feeling guilty for not liking this novel and I'm trying not to.
August 20, 2018
This was definitely a step up from Yellow.
Read
October 25, 2018The ‘Build-Up-Season’ by Megan Jacobson, is fiction, and is about bildungsroman and love.
Seventeen-year-old Iliad Piper is named after war and she is angry at the world. Growing up with a violent father and abused mother, she doesn’t know how about healthy relationships, family or friends. Iliad takes off her armour for nobody, until she meets Jared, someone who’s as complicated as she is.
The main character is Iliad Piper, she is rebellious, has only one friend and loves nothing else but art. She had a tough up bringing with an abusive father and a hippie for a mother. Max goes to the same school as Iliad. Iliad’s love-hate relationship with Max turns into a prank war. Max is into photography and his mum is fighting cancer. Jared wants to become a famous actor, however, his dramatic mood swings from nice to abusive make that very difficult for him. Jared only thinks about himself and he becomes abusive towards Iliad just like her father did with her mother.
The story is set in Darwin. The setting doesn’t have a major effect on the main character, nor does it make the story any more exiting. One of the life lessons the author is trying to explore is that abusive relationships are real and fairly common. I believe the author is trying to make people more aware of these kinds of situations. I also believe the author is trying to show love within a family and love in a relationship. She is also showing through the main character someone who has little experience with love and doesn’t understand what a healthy relationship is. I think that this is very relatable for many teenagers. This story is about the importance of family and love, and this shown through Iliad’s journey. The book opened my eyes and showed me how real and common abusive relationships are, and that they can go unnoticed.
I would recommend the ‘Build-Up-Season’ because it makes people aware of other people’s situations, what they could be going through and what it may be like for them. The story was easy to follow and understand. The story was predictable, I knew that the father would find them when he was released from jail and I knew that Iliad and Max would form a relationship. The story was believable because abusive relationships are real and are a big problem in our society. At the beginning of the book Iliad didn’t understand what love was, she didn’t realise that she was in an unhealthy relationship. At the end of the book she understands what love is like in a relationship and with her mother.
Seventeen-year-old Iliad Piper is named after war and she is angry at the world. Growing up with a violent father and abused mother, she doesn’t know how about healthy relationships, family or friends. Iliad takes off her armour for nobody, until she meets Jared, someone who’s as complicated as she is.
The main character is Iliad Piper, she is rebellious, has only one friend and loves nothing else but art. She had a tough up bringing with an abusive father and a hippie for a mother. Max goes to the same school as Iliad. Iliad’s love-hate relationship with Max turns into a prank war. Max is into photography and his mum is fighting cancer. Jared wants to become a famous actor, however, his dramatic mood swings from nice to abusive make that very difficult for him. Jared only thinks about himself and he becomes abusive towards Iliad just like her father did with her mother.
The story is set in Darwin. The setting doesn’t have a major effect on the main character, nor does it make the story any more exiting. One of the life lessons the author is trying to explore is that abusive relationships are real and fairly common. I believe the author is trying to make people more aware of these kinds of situations. I also believe the author is trying to show love within a family and love in a relationship. She is also showing through the main character someone who has little experience with love and doesn’t understand what a healthy relationship is. I think that this is very relatable for many teenagers. This story is about the importance of family and love, and this shown through Iliad’s journey. The book opened my eyes and showed me how real and common abusive relationships are, and that they can go unnoticed.
I would recommend the ‘Build-Up-Season’ because it makes people aware of other people’s situations, what they could be going through and what it may be like for them. The story was easy to follow and understand. The story was predictable, I knew that the father would find them when he was released from jail and I knew that Iliad and Max would form a relationship. The story was believable because abusive relationships are real and are a big problem in our society. At the beginning of the book Iliad didn’t understand what love was, she didn’t realise that she was in an unhealthy relationship. At the end of the book she understands what love is like in a relationship and with her mother.
July 15, 2017
NOTE: I was sent an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Penguin Teen Australia. All thoughts and opinions I have for this book are 100% honest and entirely my own.
Actual Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
I'm crying. This book is a lot more powerful than I expected it to be. This is initially one of my most anticipated #LoveOzYA releases of this year because it was written by one of my favourite Australian Young Adult authors. I think I read the synopsis once and then completely forgot about it. As I was reading this, it was like everything was unfolding as the story went on. I was wondering why some things happened very quickly as if it was by mistake, but as you keep reading you realise you've been put in someone else's shoes. You see all the bad signs, but the protagonist is oblivious to it all, because it's all masked as something different.
If anything, I found this to be realistic. Heart-breaking. Haunting. Raw. Eye-opening.
As much as this book was those things, it also had an amazing message about self-worth. It was touching. It was honest.
From reading Megan Jacobson's debut last year to reading The Build-Up Season this year, I can definitely see how her writing has developed, and it has in the best way possible.
This is definitely one of the best #LoveOzYA books I've ever read! This book is very important and I think everyone should read it!
Actual Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
I'm crying. This book is a lot more powerful than I expected it to be. This is initially one of my most anticipated #LoveOzYA releases of this year because it was written by one of my favourite Australian Young Adult authors. I think I read the synopsis once and then completely forgot about it. As I was reading this, it was like everything was unfolding as the story went on. I was wondering why some things happened very quickly as if it was by mistake, but as you keep reading you realise you've been put in someone else's shoes. You see all the bad signs, but the protagonist is oblivious to it all, because it's all masked as something different.
If anything, I found this to be realistic. Heart-breaking. Haunting. Raw. Eye-opening.
As much as this book was those things, it also had an amazing message about self-worth. It was touching. It was honest.
From reading Megan Jacobson's debut last year to reading The Build-Up Season this year, I can definitely see how her writing has developed, and it has in the best way possible.
This is definitely one of the best #LoveOzYA books I've ever read! This book is very important and I think everyone should read it!
September 2, 2017
"FULL REVIEW TO COME!"
WHAT! I'm... speechless. When reading this book TW// for Domestic Violence, Family Violence & Emotional Abuse. I am very on the fence with this one... very. The ending has me messed up. The family dynamic was new to me. Iliad's character being fleshed out was very hard to read because of how raw emotion was weaved into her story. The story has so many good lines. However the story also lacked some authenticity in where it was set and mislabelled Aboriginal English as slang. I also wish there was more Max... or Max gets his own book. His family dynamic was utterly authentic to Indigenous families and saw my own in it. Max deserves the world and so does his family. In summary of my immediate thoughts after finishing, Megan's done it again, made me feel all the feels and beautifully writes the story of a teen Family Violence survivor.
"FULL REVIEW TO COME!"
WHAT! I'm... speechless. When reading this book TW// for Domestic Violence, Family Violence & Emotional Abuse. I am very on the fence with this one... very. The ending has me messed up. The family dynamic was new to me. Iliad's character being fleshed out was very hard to read because of how raw emotion was weaved into her story. The story has so many good lines. However the story also lacked some authenticity in where it was set and mislabelled Aboriginal English as slang. I also wish there was more Max... or Max gets his own book. His family dynamic was utterly authentic to Indigenous families and saw my own in it. Max deserves the world and so does his family. In summary of my immediate thoughts after finishing, Megan's done it again, made me feel all the feels and beautifully writes the story of a teen Family Violence survivor.
"FULL REVIEW TO COME!"
April 9, 2018
I wish I could write like this. I definitely want to read more by this author.
This book was wonderfully raw, truthful and engaging. It represented different groups of people respectfully and was recognisably Australian. Iliad Piper is not a likeable girl but the author succeeds in making the reader care about her.
Claps for Megan Jacobson.
This book was wonderfully raw, truthful and engaging. It represented different groups of people respectfully and was recognisably Australian. Iliad Piper is not a likeable girl but the author succeeds in making the reader care about her.
Claps for Megan Jacobson.
August 29, 2020
2.5 stars - it really wasn’t that great, unfortunately. I really enjoyed Jacobson’s debut, Yellow, in spite of the slightly “obvious” style, but this one went too far in that direction. The main character, Ily, I get was supposed to be a petulant teenager, but seriously?! She was just brash and angry for anger’s sake. The ending was predictable and I didn’t find the writing style that great. Points for setting and some important subject matter discussed, but not my favourite, sadly.
March 25, 2024
trash :]
June 27, 2017
The Build Up Season was heartbreaking, addicting and filled with a large range of unique characters that all went through a journey of self discovery. Iliad was also a very inspiring character to read about and I truly loved watching her grow from a scared child to a grown up fearless woman. While reading this I couldn’t help compare this to one of my all time fave books ever, Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow as the main character in that Charlie also goes on a huge self discovery journey much like Iliad does
FULL REVIEW HERE: https://molliethereader.wordpress.com...
FULL REVIEW HERE: https://molliethereader.wordpress.com...
September 13, 2018
review coming to my blog soon;
alwaysandforeverreading.wordpress.com
alwaysandforeverreading.wordpress.com
August 4, 2017
The Build-Up season is a young adult contemporary story that gave me the “feels”, literally and figuratively. I have always been cautious and feeling off whenever I review a book that contains sensitive topic like violence against women and children. I hate it, I just so despise the fact that this thing exists not just today but even before we were all aware of its modern term. I remember when I reviewed Colleen Hoover’s novel entitled “It Ends with Us” (check my review HERE)r , it was very delicate and I even revised my draft a few times just to make sure that I did not offend anyone or opened up a very controversial stuff. It’s hard if you know someone who’s a victim, but it’s even harder if you are the victim itself.
I would like to thank Penguin Teen Australia for providing me an advance copy in exchange for an honest and fair book review. This, however, does not change my view and opinion about the book.
First and foremost, let’s start talking about the setting. The story took place in Darwin (Australia), I actually do not have a vast amount of knowledge regarding the place but because it was here in the land down under, it made me appreciate the story more. The story and setting matches, it is a perfect place for someone who’s hiding from someone and wants to start over. I am guessing that some people in Darwin like the main character herself dreams of taking up a college degree in Sydney or in a more modernised state and it was perfectly portrayed in the story. Some simple high school students aspire to become popular in Sydney and excel in their chosen careers. I have nothing to say regarding the setting aside from the fact that the author chose the perfect place.
Moving on, I will discuss the characters briefly one by one. Iliad is the young female character in this novel that is named from the famous poem itself about war. She is fierce, loyal, and free-spirited. I love how Ily expresses herself without the fear of being judged and rejected. She does things that will satisfy her without giving a crap about other people’s opinion. The negative thing about Ily is that I hated the way she treated her mother. I don’t want to spoil anything but it’s one of the main reasons why you should pick up this book and dive in her story. The next character is Jared; he is ambitious, handsome, but has a temper. He could have been a perfect partner for anyone but I was so disappointed when I discovered his true identity. I love his chemistry with Ily but at the same time, I was afraid of him as well. There is a love triangle in the story (which I always enjoy! Ha!) and my ship has always been with the bad guy, and this time it is Max. He is Ily’s neighbour who happens to be her mortal enemy at the same time. I enjoyed their prank war and the way their story and characters developed. It may sound cliché but I find the love hate relationship highly entertaining especially at first. The last character that I want to discuss is Ily’s mother. I pity the woman so much. She loves Iliad unconditionally that she almost gave up everything and pretended to be the bad person just so she could protect her daughter. I personally felt her battles and feelings because I am also a mother. I find the heroic act of standing up and fighting for your child as the best action of all.
The writing style is superb. I already liked it just by skim reading the first page. Iliad’s name already caught my interest and curiosity and I wasn’t disappointed. I love how delicate the topic was and how the author gave justification to it. I cringed a couple of times and it also made my heart skip a beat. Everything was so intense and beautiful. I could never wish for a better ending. Everything went the way they should have ended and I could not ask for more. I love how the problem with her father was figured out. I am impressed with how the author made Ily realise all her shortcomings and how she made some amends to all the people that she unintentionally hurt. And of course, my OTP (one true pair) ship made it! Yay!
Overall, I highly recommend this story to YA readers who enjoy books that will give those bits and pieces of life and love advice. This is one hell of a book that one should read because it is an eye-opener and it is phenomenal. Plenty of women or family are suffering from this kind of crisis and immediate help must be sought. Please, wherever you are in the world, please be aware that you are not alone in this battle and there is help available. Do not be afraid to walk the path alone, being abused is not something to be ignored or be given a justification. Nobody has the right to hurt you, not even your spouse. We care, I care.
~JaNnA
I would like to thank Penguin Teen Australia for providing me an advance copy in exchange for an honest and fair book review. This, however, does not change my view and opinion about the book.
First and foremost, let’s start talking about the setting. The story took place in Darwin (Australia), I actually do not have a vast amount of knowledge regarding the place but because it was here in the land down under, it made me appreciate the story more. The story and setting matches, it is a perfect place for someone who’s hiding from someone and wants to start over. I am guessing that some people in Darwin like the main character herself dreams of taking up a college degree in Sydney or in a more modernised state and it was perfectly portrayed in the story. Some simple high school students aspire to become popular in Sydney and excel in their chosen careers. I have nothing to say regarding the setting aside from the fact that the author chose the perfect place.
Moving on, I will discuss the characters briefly one by one. Iliad is the young female character in this novel that is named from the famous poem itself about war. She is fierce, loyal, and free-spirited. I love how Ily expresses herself without the fear of being judged and rejected. She does things that will satisfy her without giving a crap about other people’s opinion. The negative thing about Ily is that I hated the way she treated her mother. I don’t want to spoil anything but it’s one of the main reasons why you should pick up this book and dive in her story. The next character is Jared; he is ambitious, handsome, but has a temper. He could have been a perfect partner for anyone but I was so disappointed when I discovered his true identity. I love his chemistry with Ily but at the same time, I was afraid of him as well. There is a love triangle in the story (which I always enjoy! Ha!) and my ship has always been with the bad guy, and this time it is Max. He is Ily’s neighbour who happens to be her mortal enemy at the same time. I enjoyed their prank war and the way their story and characters developed. It may sound cliché but I find the love hate relationship highly entertaining especially at first. The last character that I want to discuss is Ily’s mother. I pity the woman so much. She loves Iliad unconditionally that she almost gave up everything and pretended to be the bad person just so she could protect her daughter. I personally felt her battles and feelings because I am also a mother. I find the heroic act of standing up and fighting for your child as the best action of all.
The writing style is superb. I already liked it just by skim reading the first page. Iliad’s name already caught my interest and curiosity and I wasn’t disappointed. I love how delicate the topic was and how the author gave justification to it. I cringed a couple of times and it also made my heart skip a beat. Everything was so intense and beautiful. I could never wish for a better ending. Everything went the way they should have ended and I could not ask for more. I love how the problem with her father was figured out. I am impressed with how the author made Ily realise all her shortcomings and how she made some amends to all the people that she unintentionally hurt. And of course, my OTP (one true pair) ship made it! Yay!
Overall, I highly recommend this story to YA readers who enjoy books that will give those bits and pieces of life and love advice. This is one hell of a book that one should read because it is an eye-opener and it is phenomenal. Plenty of women or family are suffering from this kind of crisis and immediate help must be sought. Please, wherever you are in the world, please be aware that you are not alone in this battle and there is help available. Do not be afraid to walk the path alone, being abused is not something to be ignored or be given a justification. Nobody has the right to hurt you, not even your spouse. We care, I care.
~JaNnA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2018
Aside from all the eye rolling, stomping, and scowling that Ily took part in (I’m pretty sure she rolled her eyes once a page and ... it got on my nerves) this is a very good novel with a very important message. While yes it has its flaws, I still found myself enjoying the story and the characters that Jacobson created.
I loved the strength of the Australian voice, and how that drew me into hot and humid Darwin with its own subculture of words - and offended, as any Melbournian would be, at the way Melbourne was written of so dismissively. The inclusion of Indigenous characters also another important part of this novel. Both historically and in the modern world Aborignial Australians are downtrodden and forgotten by most of Australian culture, so Max as a three dimensional and well written Indigenous character with ties to his history, is not one you often come across in the landscape or Australian fiction, ESPECIALLY not YA Aussie fiction.
The domestic abuse that Ily was exposed to throughout the story broke my heart, no one should have to go through that. However I disliked the way that she dismissed and excused her own abusive actions - throwing plates and glasses, yelling abusive things at her family, bullying her own best friend - due to the things she’s experienced. Something I’ll always remember, despite not remembering where I heard it, is that “A tragic backstory might explain behaviour but never excuses it.” I think Ily’s character development was too little too late, and would’ve love to have seen her properly rebuild the relationships with those around her.
All in all I enjoyed ‘The Build Up Season’ and think that it brings forward important messages not often explored in Young Adult fiction, especially by Australian authors.
(If goodreads did half stars this would have 4 1/2 stats from me)
I loved the strength of the Australian voice, and how that drew me into hot and humid Darwin with its own subculture of words - and offended, as any Melbournian would be, at the way Melbourne was written of so dismissively. The inclusion of Indigenous characters also another important part of this novel. Both historically and in the modern world Aborignial Australians are downtrodden and forgotten by most of Australian culture, so Max as a three dimensional and well written Indigenous character with ties to his history, is not one you often come across in the landscape or Australian fiction, ESPECIALLY not YA Aussie fiction.
The domestic abuse that Ily was exposed to throughout the story broke my heart, no one should have to go through that. However I disliked the way that she dismissed and excused her own abusive actions - throwing plates and glasses, yelling abusive things at her family, bullying her own best friend - due to the things she’s experienced. Something I’ll always remember, despite not remembering where I heard it, is that “A tragic backstory might explain behaviour but never excuses it.” I think Ily’s character development was too little too late, and would’ve love to have seen her properly rebuild the relationships with those around her.
All in all I enjoyed ‘The Build Up Season’ and think that it brings forward important messages not often explored in Young Adult fiction, especially by Australian authors.
(If goodreads did half stars this would have 4 1/2 stats from me)
October 22, 2017
The Build-Up Season follows Iliad Piper. Seventeen, angry and at war with the world, as her name suggests. Living with her mother and grandmother hiding from her violent father Iliad struggles with personal relationships and letting people in, until she meets Jared, the principal's son.
Full disclosure: overall I did not like this book. I forced my way through it although part of me did not want to continue. I do feel guilty at my harsh rating of this book but I can't help the way I feel. I will tell you straight up that this is no criticism on this book or the writing, in fact I do want to read Jacobsen's debut novel Yellow, my dislike comes from my personal reaction to the story. I did enjoy the character immensely. Mum, Nan, Mia and Max. They were all great, exuberant, memorable characters that I feel in love with. For the most part I enjoyed Ily too. Unique, defiant, not afraid to stand up for herself. I just disliked how much of an asshole she was. Personally I found the flaws of her character difficult to reconcile with, especially with the extremes she took it too. I mean, I get the misdirected anger don't get me wrong but she was awful and took it way too far. I actually found Jared repulsive to read about. He was awful from pretty much the beginning and I just could not understand how Ily could not see it. Personally, for me to believe it more I would have liked to see a little more subtlety and intricacy in their relationship.
What I did love was that Jacobsen took on such a taboo and important subject in domestic violence. We need novels like this, particularly in YA, getting people talking about these issues and the general response to this novel was that it was done well. There are a plethora of positive reviews out there for this book and if you think it is something you will like I do urge you to give it a go. I wish I could have given it more but sadly it wasn't a fit for me. I give The Build-Up Season two flowers, that Illy detests so much.
Full disclosure: overall I did not like this book. I forced my way through it although part of me did not want to continue. I do feel guilty at my harsh rating of this book but I can't help the way I feel. I will tell you straight up that this is no criticism on this book or the writing, in fact I do want to read Jacobsen's debut novel Yellow, my dislike comes from my personal reaction to the story. I did enjoy the character immensely. Mum, Nan, Mia and Max. They were all great, exuberant, memorable characters that I feel in love with. For the most part I enjoyed Ily too. Unique, defiant, not afraid to stand up for herself. I just disliked how much of an asshole she was. Personally I found the flaws of her character difficult to reconcile with, especially with the extremes she took it too. I mean, I get the misdirected anger don't get me wrong but she was awful and took it way too far. I actually found Jared repulsive to read about. He was awful from pretty much the beginning and I just could not understand how Ily could not see it. Personally, for me to believe it more I would have liked to see a little more subtlety and intricacy in their relationship.
What I did love was that Jacobsen took on such a taboo and important subject in domestic violence. We need novels like this, particularly in YA, getting people talking about these issues and the general response to this novel was that it was done well. There are a plethora of positive reviews out there for this book and if you think it is something you will like I do urge you to give it a go. I wish I could have given it more but sadly it wasn't a fit for me. I give The Build-Up Season two flowers, that Illy detests so much.
January 15, 2020
"The Build-up Season" was hardcore from the very start. Readers are quickly thrown into the PTSD of Iliad Piper after her family's escape from their abusive father. We see Iliad 'Ily' use anger against her family and peers at school as she has moved in and out of boarding schools and we see her attempt to conjure feelings of love vs. lust as she crushes on the principal's son.
The underlying message of this book appears to be how we are defined by our parents and how we can "hate and love someone at the same time." It's understandable that Ily is angry and nasty and falls into a similar pattern to her mother, Jacobson begins to point out cycles of trauma and their effects.
I found Ily to be quite an unlikeable narrator, at times the "I'm not like other girls" message was too much for me to handle, especially alongside her best friend, Mia. But I don't think the point is for her to be likeable, it's to showcase trauma. Jacobson has done an excellent job of pointing out the traumatised teen unable to see what's happening, and I say that as someone who had almost identical experiences to Ily in my final years of high school.
What I love about this book was how Australian it was. Australian YA Fiction is essential to our readership and this is a perfect start especially for big topics like abuse in families and relationships. Sometimes you need a mother, sometimes you need a friend. Jacobson understands this perfectly.
The underlying message of this book appears to be how we are defined by our parents and how we can "hate and love someone at the same time." It's understandable that Ily is angry and nasty and falls into a similar pattern to her mother, Jacobson begins to point out cycles of trauma and their effects.
I found Ily to be quite an unlikeable narrator, at times the "I'm not like other girls" message was too much for me to handle, especially alongside her best friend, Mia. But I don't think the point is for her to be likeable, it's to showcase trauma. Jacobson has done an excellent job of pointing out the traumatised teen unable to see what's happening, and I say that as someone who had almost identical experiences to Ily in my final years of high school.
What I love about this book was how Australian it was. Australian YA Fiction is essential to our readership and this is a perfect start especially for big topics like abuse in families and relationships. Sometimes you need a mother, sometimes you need a friend. Jacobson understands this perfectly.
February 1, 2021
“I worry about her sometimes, how she doesn’t mind being trampled on. She just springs right back up again from where she’s been crushed” – Ilaiad
What a truly amazing book this is! A young adult book that is truly spectacular. The build-up season covered a hard to write about topic, Abuse. This book could be triggering for people, I honestly thought it would be for me too when the topic begun; but the way it was written made it so very readable, the fact that it was written with so much justice for the topic made it immersible but not triggering for me personally.
This book was written very well. I could not put it down. The way it was written to love and hated so many characters in this book was fantastic. The fact that the characters were all so unique. This is not your stock standard YA book with the main topic and the characters all being so mature, it didn’t feel like I was reading a YA book or a older book, somehow, it felt like neither and both at the same time.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a confronting book that talks about confronting topics and twisted relationships. A purely beautiful book.
August 24, 2017
The one word that comes to mind when I think of "The Build-up-season" is … conflicted. Yep.
It pained me deeply how Iliya, the female protagonist too, how she assumed the doormat patterns of her own mother who had been domestically abused for years before being able to tear herself away from all this shit through Ily's Nan.
She despises her mother for the hurt she sustained through their father, because her father sapped away all strength when he belittled her and violently got her to do what he wanted. Iliya despises her mother as it forced her to verbally abuse her mother so she could protect her from her father's fists.
And it made me as a reader, despise Iliya. Though I know, her putting on a front and lashing out at everything and everyone was a desparate attempt at protecting herself. But hell and damnation … I feel affection and hate for the girl and the rapidly changing emotional landscape she made me feel.
"The Build-up Season" is an unflinching book about toxic and healthily evolving relationships and what it means to love someone else. Let me use Iliya's words to conclude the review: "real love, comes with three conditions - respect, kindness and trust. It isn't, and should never be, unconditional".
It pained me deeply how Iliya, the female protagonist too, how she assumed the doormat patterns of her own mother who had been domestically abused for years before being able to tear herself away from all this shit through Ily's Nan.
She despises her mother for the hurt she sustained through their father, because her father sapped away all strength when he belittled her and violently got her to do what he wanted. Iliya despises her mother as it forced her to verbally abuse her mother so she could protect her from her father's fists.
And it made me as a reader, despise Iliya. Though I know, her putting on a front and lashing out at everything and everyone was a desparate attempt at protecting herself. But hell and damnation … I feel affection and hate for the girl and the rapidly changing emotional landscape she made me feel.
"The Build-up Season" is an unflinching book about toxic and healthily evolving relationships and what it means to love someone else. Let me use Iliya's words to conclude the review: "real love, comes with three conditions - respect, kindness and trust. It isn't, and should never be, unconditional".
July 25, 2018
Such an important topic to write about, but the voice of the main character was annoying. Characterising a teen by having them roll their eyes and say 'duh' all the time is not only insulting, it's a thoroughly outdated stereotype. Plus there was inexplicably a paragraph thrown in that was almost completely and unashamedly stolen from Pride and Prejudice which was so out of place. I was disappointed on the whole. Anyone who reads this please keep a tally of all the times she rolls her eyes, pokes out her tongue, says 'duh' or scowls. I wish I had done so from the beginning - I'd have been more engaged as a reader if I'd had an outlet for my irritation.
August 6, 2017
At first I didn't want to read The Build Up Season for its themes on domestic violence but Megan Jacobson has a way of writing and pulls you in.
Iliad is a brat who doesn't appreciate what her nan and mother does for her to keep her safe from her violent father or her boyfriend Jared.
I love the characters Max and Mia who are both there for Iliad when she comes to their needs. That was beautiful.
Iliad is a brat who doesn't appreciate what her nan and mother does for her to keep her safe from her violent father or her boyfriend Jared.
I love the characters Max and Mia who are both there for Iliad when she comes to their needs. That was beautiful.
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