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The Feral Sentence Complete #1
The Feral Sentence
Eighteen-year-old Lydia Brone never imagined she’d be convicted of first-degree murder.
But when her mom’s drunken boyfriend becomes abusive, she does what any protective daughter would do—she gets involved.
Killing him wasn’t part of her plan.
With handcuffs around her small wrists, Lydia stares out through the helicopter’s window as Kormace Island—the Island of Killers—comes into view. She’s read about the penal island online… she just never thought she’d be sentenced to serve three years on it.
Learn how to build a fire? She can do that. Learn how to hunt? She’ll figure it out. But how can anyone survive an island full of convicted murderers? That’s a death sentence. If Lydia hopes to ever return home, she’ll have to forget who she is and become someone else… someone capable of choosing survival over humanity.
But when her mom’s drunken boyfriend becomes abusive, she does what any protective daughter would do—she gets involved.
Killing him wasn’t part of her plan.
With handcuffs around her small wrists, Lydia stares out through the helicopter’s window as Kormace Island—the Island of Killers—comes into view. She’s read about the penal island online… she just never thought she’d be sentenced to serve three years on it.
Learn how to build a fire? She can do that. Learn how to hunt? She’ll figure it out. But how can anyone survive an island full of convicted murderers? That’s a death sentence. If Lydia hopes to ever return home, she’ll have to forget who she is and become someone else… someone capable of choosing survival over humanity.
270 pages, Paperback
Published July 30, 2019
702 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 17, 2017
The year is 2087, and a new system has been put into place to combat the overcrowding of the prisons. The last words Lydia Brone hear are "swim fast", as she is thrown from a moving helicopter into the vast ocean. In the far off distance, Kormance Island: the Island of Killers, awaits. Wrongly convicted of first degree murder during an accidental manslaughter, Brone has been subjected to this island of savage killers. Death is the only true certainty. Brone must choose: her desire to maintain her humanity, or her will to survive. G.C. Julien has added a refreshing twist on the genre of dystopia. Comparable to LORD OF THE FLIES and THE MAZE RUNNER, this read is frighteningly realistic of what happens when no rules apply. The evolution of Brone, from wide-eyed innocence, to what she became, was nicely executed, as was the characterizations of all the women. Due to course language and violence, this is better suited for ages seventeen and up; nevertheless, both is understandable due to the subject matter. Grim and suspenseful, THE FERAL SENTENCE will keep readers up long into the night to read just one more page.
~ I received this book directly from the author under no obligation to review. My review was not influenced by anything other than my own opinion.
~ I received this book directly from the author under no obligation to review. My review was not influenced by anything other than my own opinion.
May 27, 2020
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/feral-sente...
It’s an interesting, if somewhat uneven, character arc for Brone (she abandons use of her own first name quickly), as she evolves, mostly out of necessity, from scared teenager to battle-hardened warrior for the tribe. I say “uneven”, because it feels slightly inconsistent. At one point, she appears to say she was almost obsessive-compulsive about cleanliness, hygiene, etc. yet this is rapidly discarded, and he has few apparent problems adapting to a primitive lifestyle. I’d also have welcomed background information about the outside world: what brought us to the point where this solution was adopted? It has been running for decades, going by how long Murk has been there, and the apparent one-way nature of the place would seem to raise obvious questions. Do none of the women have friends or relatives on the outside waiting for them?
It’s an interesting, if somewhat uneven, character arc for Brone (she abandons use of her own first name quickly), as she evolves, mostly out of necessity, from scared teenager to battle-hardened warrior for the tribe. I say “uneven”, because it feels slightly inconsistent. At one point, she appears to say she was almost obsessive-compulsive about cleanliness, hygiene, etc. yet this is rapidly discarded, and he has few apparent problems adapting to a primitive lifestyle. I’d also have welcomed background information about the outside world: what brought us to the point where this solution was adopted? It has been running for decades, going by how long Murk has been there, and the apparent one-way nature of the place would seem to raise obvious questions. Do none of the women have friends or relatives on the outside waiting for them?
September 21, 2017
Thank you to G.C. Julien for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Actual rating 4.5/5 stars
This book takes place in a future where the government has implemented a new system where criminals convicted of first degree murder are sentenced to Kormace Island and forced to fend for themselves. We follow Lydia Brone who was convicted to three years on the island. She dropped into the ocean and forced to swim to reach the "safety" of land. When she reaches the island, she's met with these tough looking women in paint and leather handmade clothing. In order to survive she finds out she has to remain useful to the community of fellow women convicts. But she finds out that the hierarchy of the island is more complicated than she thought and creepy crawlies and wild animals are the least of her worries.
This book completely blew me away and I fell in love with it and "Brone" as well.
Lydia "Brone" is an incredible character and absolutely relate-able with how she handles and learns to adapt on this island. Her character development is strong and very well done.
The other women we get acquainted with and come to love/hate are just as well done and well thought out. I love that we get an in depth view of these women. We're always reminded that they are murderers but that doesn't mean that they are cold blooded or evil. We really get to see the humanity behind the convicts and it's something I really loved about this book.
The main plot of this book is very fast paced and it just draws you in and swallows you up. It's by no means an "edge of your seat" for the most part, but it still captivates you and is very well done. It's a very unique concept and I really enjoyed it.
The writing is wonderful, Julien did such an amazing job with making things flow nicely and smoothly, I can't wait to read more from her.
I can't wait to read the next installment of this series, I know it's going to be just as fantastic as this one. If you're wanting an exciting and thrilling read in a world that just swallows you up, I recommend this wonderful book!
Actual rating 4.5/5 stars
This book takes place in a future where the government has implemented a new system where criminals convicted of first degree murder are sentenced to Kormace Island and forced to fend for themselves. We follow Lydia Brone who was convicted to three years on the island. She dropped into the ocean and forced to swim to reach the "safety" of land. When she reaches the island, she's met with these tough looking women in paint and leather handmade clothing. In order to survive she finds out she has to remain useful to the community of fellow women convicts. But she finds out that the hierarchy of the island is more complicated than she thought and creepy crawlies and wild animals are the least of her worries.
This book completely blew me away and I fell in love with it and "Brone" as well.
Lydia "Brone" is an incredible character and absolutely relate-able with how she handles and learns to adapt on this island. Her character development is strong and very well done.
The other women we get acquainted with and come to love/hate are just as well done and well thought out. I love that we get an in depth view of these women. We're always reminded that they are murderers but that doesn't mean that they are cold blooded or evil. We really get to see the humanity behind the convicts and it's something I really loved about this book.
The main plot of this book is very fast paced and it just draws you in and swallows you up. It's by no means an "edge of your seat" for the most part, but it still captivates you and is very well done. It's a very unique concept and I really enjoyed it.
The writing is wonderful, Julien did such an amazing job with making things flow nicely and smoothly, I can't wait to read more from her.
I can't wait to read the next installment of this series, I know it's going to be just as fantastic as this one. If you're wanting an exciting and thrilling read in a world that just swallows you up, I recommend this wonderful book!
October 4, 2017
A thrilling story of perseverance in the face of horrific circumstances, 'The Feral Sentence' follows a young woman named Brone through her evolution from apartment-dwelling city kid to fierce hunter and valuable member of her community. Dumped on an isolated tropical island as punishment for an act of self-defense, Brone must quickly adapt to a violent world where her fellow prisoners are just as dangerous as the things that lurk in the surrounding jungle.
G.C. Julien excels at writing believable conflicts and complex, well-rounded characters, and I grew fond of Brone and her band of tough, battle-scarred women as the story progressed. I wanted to see them succeed, and I was crushed by the brutal attack on their village later in the story. I cheered as the heroine gradually found the strength to stand up for herself, fought back against her attackers, and rose to a position of leadership.
'The Feral Sentence' is a truly enjoyable read, fast paced enough to keep you on the edge of your seat but not lacking in detail or characterization. The ending strikes just the right balance between reaching a heartwarming conclusion to the immediate conflict and making the reader want to find out what happens next. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this series!
G.C. Julien excels at writing believable conflicts and complex, well-rounded characters, and I grew fond of Brone and her band of tough, battle-scarred women as the story progressed. I wanted to see them succeed, and I was crushed by the brutal attack on their village later in the story. I cheered as the heroine gradually found the strength to stand up for herself, fought back against her attackers, and rose to a position of leadership.
'The Feral Sentence' is a truly enjoyable read, fast paced enough to keep you on the edge of your seat but not lacking in detail or characterization. The ending strikes just the right balance between reaching a heartwarming conclusion to the immediate conflict and making the reader want to find out what happens next. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this series!
October 27, 2017
From the outset, I would have compared this book to "Hunger Games" and the TV show "Lost."
People who do criminal stuff are sent to an island in this four-part series, and when someone who isn't a criminal gets sent there, naturally, negative hijinks ensue.
"Feral Sentence" is equal parts survival horror mixed with hardcore action. The unexpected thing is that there is an underlying sense of hope. It's refreshing and cathartic.
Getting the chapters individually is fun like watching one episode of a show every week is fun. But getting it this way -- the whole "Feral Sentence" series in one collection-- is exactly like binge-watching a whole TV series. It's so good, it's exhausting.
(review from an early review copy.)
People who do criminal stuff are sent to an island in this four-part series, and when someone who isn't a criminal gets sent there, naturally, negative hijinks ensue.
"Feral Sentence" is equal parts survival horror mixed with hardcore action. The unexpected thing is that there is an underlying sense of hope. It's refreshing and cathartic.
Getting the chapters individually is fun like watching one episode of a show every week is fun. But getting it this way -- the whole "Feral Sentence" series in one collection-- is exactly like binge-watching a whole TV series. It's so good, it's exhausting.
(review from an early review copy.)
August 23, 2017
Engrossing book... A cross between The Lord of the Flies and Divergent. Love the characters... I'm dying to know more about what makes them tick. Interesting to see how civilization might break down on a remote prison island... All I could think about is how I would survive like that! Needs some editing, but it didn't distract me too much from the story. I highly recommend The Feral Sentence. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
November 7, 2017
Very exciting!
I gave this book 5 stars because it grabbed me from the first page. I read it in one evening and though it has no cliffhanger I definitely want to read the next book, which I have already ordered. The characters are so real and the story so gripping that I couldn't put it down. I heartily recommend this book for people 18 and over.
I gave this book 5 stars because it grabbed me from the first page. I read it in one evening and though it has no cliffhanger I definitely want to read the next book, which I have already ordered. The characters are so real and the story so gripping that I couldn't put it down. I heartily recommend this book for people 18 and over.
December 22, 2017
This story was amazing. It's a cross between "Lost" the TV series, "The Walking Dead" the TV series, and "Lord of the Flies". Three of my favorites. It ended way too soon for me. I NEED to read more!!!!! The characters were awesome. I could picture the scenery in my head. I almost wish I was there..........almost. LOL
November 13, 2017
New twist and loved it
This book was so different that is what made it awesome.Loved the whole idea of feral women loose on a island with tribes.the comrades they formed with each other,their strengths and weaknesses.Will read the others for sure.brone really shines
This book was so different that is what made it awesome.Loved the whole idea of feral women loose on a island with tribes.the comrades they formed with each other,their strengths and weaknesses.Will read the others for sure.brone really shines
December 28, 2017
This book succeeded in grabbing me right from the start. The characters were easy to picture & the story line was one of something that really is not hard to see Taking place. Or at least the form of punishment.
November 5, 2017
Surprising Good
Was just looking for a quick read and consumed it all in one night. Wish it was longer but looking forward to reading more. Keep up the good work.
Was just looking for a quick read and consumed it all in one night. Wish it was longer but looking forward to reading more. Keep up the good work.
November 10, 2017
Great read
Going on to the next book. Really enjoyed this book. Not my usual type but entertaining and full of action.
Going on to the next book. Really enjoyed this book. Not my usual type but entertaining and full of action.
November 12, 2017
Fun read
Fans of the Clan of the Cave Bear series will enjoy this twist on today's women having to survive in the wild with only their wits.
Fans of the Clan of the Cave Bear series will enjoy this twist on today's women having to survive in the wild with only their wits.
March 9, 2025
4.5 I really love this author. Fast pace, gripping story, you just can’t put the book down.
August 8, 2023
5 Stars
The Feral Sentence Serie is truly a MUST-READ for anyone who loves really fantastic dystopian adventures. But this isn’t a light and fluffy read- be warned! This is gritty, raw, violent, emotive, and a ‘hang on to your seat’ and brace yourselves because this is going to get INTENSE. There are potential triggers contain throughout the series such as violence, murder, abuse/domestic abuse, manipulation, and more. So keep that in mind if you are sensitive to any of these subjects.
I stumbled on this series purely by accident, and I am soooo glad that I did because I was so hooked on the story within the first few pages that I practically inhaled the entire series in only a couple of sittings. It is entirely addictive- the characters, the ‘world’, the story makes for completely riveting reading.
Shade Owens world building skills are sheer perfection. I was transported into the story, struggling to survive right alongside Lydia and the rest of the cast. Ms. Owens writing is immersive, captivating, vividly exciting, and entirely addictive. I am hooked and will happily devour anything she ever produces, because WOW.
This is a heart-stopping, action-packed, intense, dystopian thriller- with adventure, danger, violence, a fight for survival, friendship, battles, dramatic developments, savagery, fantasy, a remote island prison, jungle, no escape, politics, corruption, brutality, futuristic sci-fi, factions, war, games of cat and mouse/mind games, challenges, risk, betrayal, and SO, SO, SO MUCH MORE.
The Feral Sentence introduces (and follows) eighteen-year-old Lydia Brone who has been sentenced to Kormace Island- a penal colony for the worst of the worst inmates and is known as the Island of Killers. She is transported to the island after killing her mother’s violent boyfriend accidently while trying protect her mother- but the helicopter doesn’t ever ‘land’ on the island, instead Lydia is thrown from the airborne helicopter into the ocean, where she has to swim to the ‘safety’ of land. But this is only the start of her survival adventure, as just because she finally reaches land, doesn’t mean she’s ever really ‘safe’- at all. And so, the intensity and adventure begins.
Lydia, and the rest of the cast of characters are so well-developed with their own unique individual personalities, quirks, and flaws. Shade Owens has a bold, dynamic, and very vivid writing style that easily brings her story to life- it was like watching a movie play out before my eyes, The descriptions are quite detailed and vivid- painting a powerful picture of Lydia, the island environment, and the quest for daily survival. Right down to the living conditions, camp, ‘native’ clothing, tools, food, jungle, animals, hunting, scouting, battle scenes, intensity, suspense, the ’feral’ vibes, and every other engrossing detail. Just brilliant!
The series contains:
-The Feral Sentence: A Dystopian Survival Thriller (The Feral Sentence Book #1)
-Beasts of Prey: A Dystopian Survival Thriller (The Feral Sentence #2)
-Primal Instincts: A Dystopian Survival Thriller (The Feral Sentence Book #3)
-Reign of Blood (The Feral Sentence #4)
-Game of Death (The Feral Sentence #5)
This would definitely make a fantastic movie or television series!
Highly Recommended Reading!!!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Shade Owens!
The Feral Sentence Serie is truly a MUST-READ for anyone who loves really fantastic dystopian adventures. But this isn’t a light and fluffy read- be warned! This is gritty, raw, violent, emotive, and a ‘hang on to your seat’ and brace yourselves because this is going to get INTENSE. There are potential triggers contain throughout the series such as violence, murder, abuse/domestic abuse, manipulation, and more. So keep that in mind if you are sensitive to any of these subjects.
I stumbled on this series purely by accident, and I am soooo glad that I did because I was so hooked on the story within the first few pages that I practically inhaled the entire series in only a couple of sittings. It is entirely addictive- the characters, the ‘world’, the story makes for completely riveting reading.
Shade Owens world building skills are sheer perfection. I was transported into the story, struggling to survive right alongside Lydia and the rest of the cast. Ms. Owens writing is immersive, captivating, vividly exciting, and entirely addictive. I am hooked and will happily devour anything she ever produces, because WOW.
This is a heart-stopping, action-packed, intense, dystopian thriller- with adventure, danger, violence, a fight for survival, friendship, battles, dramatic developments, savagery, fantasy, a remote island prison, jungle, no escape, politics, corruption, brutality, futuristic sci-fi, factions, war, games of cat and mouse/mind games, challenges, risk, betrayal, and SO, SO, SO MUCH MORE.
The Feral Sentence introduces (and follows) eighteen-year-old Lydia Brone who has been sentenced to Kormace Island- a penal colony for the worst of the worst inmates and is known as the Island of Killers. She is transported to the island after killing her mother’s violent boyfriend accidently while trying protect her mother- but the helicopter doesn’t ever ‘land’ on the island, instead Lydia is thrown from the airborne helicopter into the ocean, where she has to swim to the ‘safety’ of land. But this is only the start of her survival adventure, as just because she finally reaches land, doesn’t mean she’s ever really ‘safe’- at all. And so, the intensity and adventure begins.
Lydia, and the rest of the cast of characters are so well-developed with their own unique individual personalities, quirks, and flaws. Shade Owens has a bold, dynamic, and very vivid writing style that easily brings her story to life- it was like watching a movie play out before my eyes, The descriptions are quite detailed and vivid- painting a powerful picture of Lydia, the island environment, and the quest for daily survival. Right down to the living conditions, camp, ‘native’ clothing, tools, food, jungle, animals, hunting, scouting, battle scenes, intensity, suspense, the ’feral’ vibes, and every other engrossing detail. Just brilliant!
The series contains:
-The Feral Sentence: A Dystopian Survival Thriller (The Feral Sentence Book #1)
-Beasts of Prey: A Dystopian Survival Thriller (The Feral Sentence #2)
-Primal Instincts: A Dystopian Survival Thriller (The Feral Sentence Book #3)
-Reign of Blood (The Feral Sentence #4)
-Game of Death (The Feral Sentence #5)
This would definitely make a fantastic movie or television series!
Highly Recommended Reading!!!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Shade Owens!
August 9, 2022
How to start this review? Well, I guess I will start by saying that I loved the world that was created for The Feral Sentence. I love dystopian books and end-of-the-world stories. While The Feral Sentence is not an end-of-the-world type story exactly I would imagine that it is how the characters felt. I would imagine that they feel as if their world has just ended or at least the world they once knew.
The Feral Sentence tells the story of eighteen-year-old Lydia Brone and how she came to be on Kormace Island—the Island of Killers. It starts off as Lydia is being taken to the island in a helicopter. I can just imagine what she may have been thinking as she sits there in the helicopter. I think she may have been thinking about the very day and the reason she is sitting in that helicopter.
The day she killed her mother’s boyfriend. I imagine that she is playing that one scene over and over in her head. I would imagine it never quite goes away. It is always there in the back of her mind haunting her daily life. Lydia never meant to kill anyone. She only meant to stop him from hurting or maybe even killing her mom. She never expected that she would be sent to the place that she had read about on the internet – the Island of Killers.
The Island of Killers what a scary thought. An island full of killers. Imagine living on an island filled with killers with no prison guards or prison cells. Living off the land. Counting on the land to feed and clothe you for the time you are living on this island.
The descriptions were so vividly written I could see all the characters in their native clothing and the tools that they made for themselves. I could see the land and the trees. I could see them as they were walking through the jungle on their hunts.
I can’t wait to read more in this world. I would recommend The Feral Sentence to anyone looking for their next great read! Grab your copy of The Feral Sentence today for a great adventure and a great start to a new world filled with action and suspense!
The Feral Sentence tells the story of eighteen-year-old Lydia Brone and how she came to be on Kormace Island—the Island of Killers. It starts off as Lydia is being taken to the island in a helicopter. I can just imagine what she may have been thinking as she sits there in the helicopter. I think she may have been thinking about the very day and the reason she is sitting in that helicopter.
The day she killed her mother’s boyfriend. I imagine that she is playing that one scene over and over in her head. I would imagine it never quite goes away. It is always there in the back of her mind haunting her daily life. Lydia never meant to kill anyone. She only meant to stop him from hurting or maybe even killing her mom. She never expected that she would be sent to the place that she had read about on the internet – the Island of Killers.
The Island of Killers what a scary thought. An island full of killers. Imagine living on an island filled with killers with no prison guards or prison cells. Living off the land. Counting on the land to feed and clothe you for the time you are living on this island.
The descriptions were so vividly written I could see all the characters in their native clothing and the tools that they made for themselves. I could see the land and the trees. I could see them as they were walking through the jungle on their hunts.
I can’t wait to read more in this world. I would recommend The Feral Sentence to anyone looking for their next great read! Grab your copy of The Feral Sentence today for a great adventure and a great start to a new world filled with action and suspense!
April 7, 2023
The Feral Sentence
The Feral Sentence #1
Survival Thriller, Dystopian, YA
Shade Owens
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book was a great start to a new series. The world building was well done without using info dumps, the pacing was just right and I finished reading in about 3 hours.
The characters are relatable and likeable, even the side characters have their own qualities. Shade Owens has a great writing style that keeps me engaged the whole time and I can’t help but think "one more chapter" - except it's never just one more chapter 😂.
I liked how much tension was woven throughout the plot as all of the women are trying to survive. Brone's past and story is slowly revealed through confessions to her new friends and memories and we learn about the guilt and regret some of the other characters still harbour.
There's danger at every turn and the constant struggle to try and live a life as close to normal as they can, while protecting each other from various outside threats. I enjoyed the plot progression but I wasn't keen on the ending.
That being said, I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
The Feral Sentence #1
Survival Thriller, Dystopian, YA
Shade Owens
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book was a great start to a new series. The world building was well done without using info dumps, the pacing was just right and I finished reading in about 3 hours.
The characters are relatable and likeable, even the side characters have their own qualities. Shade Owens has a great writing style that keeps me engaged the whole time and I can’t help but think "one more chapter" - except it's never just one more chapter 😂.
I liked how much tension was woven throughout the plot as all of the women are trying to survive. Brone's past and story is slowly revealed through confessions to her new friends and memories and we learn about the guilt and regret some of the other characters still harbour.
There's danger at every turn and the constant struggle to try and live a life as close to normal as they can, while protecting each other from various outside threats. I enjoyed the plot progression but I wasn't keen on the ending.
That being said, I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
September 10, 2023
After months and months of reading only psychological thrillers and horrors I decided it was time for a change. Described as a survival thriller and set in a dystopian future where to save taxpayers money the government sentences convicted killers to time on a penal island known as The island of Killers, the book follows Lydia who is sentenced to 3 years for accidentally killing her moms boyfriend. Upon finishing the first book it was obvious why this book comes as part of a complete boxset. It doesn’t seem to have a natural “ending” where it finishes. I actually really enjoyed this one, haven’t decided yet if I’ll carry on reading this series next, or dip in and out, I did want to keep reading, but concerned I might get bored halfway through, this is why I don’t read the same author twice in a row often. This book was easy to read (it’s YA which I like to read sometimes for a change) and I was sucked right into the storyline. I’ve not read Lord of The Flies for years and years, but this book has very similar themes, although Kormace is full of only women. I would recommend it if you like this kind of read.
April 1, 2023
You hear it all the time, “They should just take all the (insert persons crime) and put them on a deserted island to fend for themselves,” but have you ever thought of what that island might be like. I can’t believe I haven’t read a book like this yet. Shade has taken us to that very island full of women that have purposely or accidentally murdered someone and shown us exactly what it could be like with a little added scare factor of ogres. When all the luxuries that we take for granted are gone, when food must be hunted, and survival is all that matters anymore things can turn primal. I’m having some difficulty keeping the characters straight because there are so many, but their stories are slowly unfolding to build a one of a kind story with painted pasts and uncertain futures. It’s not your feel good story so if that’s what you’re looking for, this book isn’t for you. If you want to know what an island of female criminals do to survive and just how far they’ll go to stay alive…this book is for you.
September 10, 2019
Amazing concept. Hated the mistakes. Lung cancer doesn't equal pancreatic cancer. 9 yrs old doesn't suddenly equal 11. Etc. I enjoyed the stories immensely but then found myself skipping over recaps and repetition of various parts. I think I'll probably read the next one just cuz I wanna know what happens. But haven't really decided cuz the last part really irritated me. Like come on, you were so sure and assertive. Why suddenly weak and whiny and submissive. You escaped torture and ogres and saved countless lives. Now you're sleeping on sand and starving and letting bullies run your life? No just no.
February 7, 2023
great story
I am really into the story and the characters. The twists and turns as you find out more about Brone and the island are intriguing. I will say that I don’t like the descriptions of some of the characters. It seems any non white characters are described in ugly ways but I don’t remember the author going into as much detail with white characters. There is also a lot of use of the word “savage” which I under is a good descriptive word for people living off the land on an island but the use of that word is racist. I doubt the author did this on purpose but just reading it repeatedly made me a bit squeamish about continuing on.
I am really into the story and the characters. The twists and turns as you find out more about Brone and the island are intriguing. I will say that I don’t like the descriptions of some of the characters. It seems any non white characters are described in ugly ways but I don’t remember the author going into as much detail with white characters. There is also a lot of use of the word “savage” which I under is a good descriptive word for people living off the land on an island but the use of that word is racist. I doubt the author did this on purpose but just reading it repeatedly made me a bit squeamish about continuing on.
August 27, 2022
Another awesome story from Shade Owens, the first of a series. This is my fourth book of hers and I've loved every one of them.
The fantasy world and characters that Shade Owens created in The Feral Sentence were well described and I really love the easy writing style of Shade Owens. I find her books effortless to read – no thinking required, just living in the story – and I’m always excited when I find a new book by her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The fantasy world and characters that Shade Owens created in The Feral Sentence were well described and I really love the easy writing style of Shade Owens. I find her books effortless to read – no thinking required, just living in the story – and I’m always excited when I find a new book by her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2022
Crazy good! The story grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let go! A crazy pénal system that drops you off on a deserted island. Life distills down to one goal: survival. Brone is a strong and, mostly humane, character. She doesn’t see herself as strong but she is a quick learner. Her “family” fights other groups and animals in order to survive.
I can’t even begin to express how much I loved this story. This story does end on a cliffhanger.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can’t even begin to express how much I loved this story. This story does end on a cliffhanger.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2023
great survival adventure series
I’ve had chills reading this book imagining myself in the position of the main character Brone. The book reads so well I was shocked to see I was at the end. Now I’m rushing off to get my hands on the next book because I’m not stopping there. The title says it all. A survival thriller that keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.
I’ve had chills reading this book imagining myself in the position of the main character Brone. The book reads so well I was shocked to see I was at the end. Now I’m rushing off to get my hands on the next book because I’m not stopping there. The title says it all. A survival thriller that keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.
November 2, 2024
It was hard for me to get into this book. However, once I got the pace, it was easy to follow. The first book is divided into four parts, and every time a part starts, we get a recap of what happened previously. I understand recaps are important, but they are between books—not the same book. Still, the story is interesting enough, the plot is well-thought, and I like how Lydia grows throughout the different situations she experiences. I will continue with the series.
November 2, 2024
An island full of killers? Just the thought of it is terrifying. This book is full of brilliant descriptions that’s make imagining being there way too easy! I don’t read many dystopian books but this one has made me want to read so many more, what a ride! A brilliant read that truly holds your attention.
September 14, 2025
Not Lord of the Flies, or Hunger Games
At least those had a chance of returning home. Dropped off on an isolated island to fend for themselves prisoners must reform a society to survive. What rings true in civilization still rings true in the wild, humans are their own worst enemy.
At least those had a chance of returning home. Dropped off on an isolated island to fend for themselves prisoners must reform a society to survive. What rings true in civilization still rings true in the wild, humans are their own worst enemy.
May 28, 2020
This is just the women's island after a corrupt government abandons its victimd
Grimly horrific.
End results of government corruption and abandonment.
More brutal than Hunger Games, more morbid than The Maze Runner.
Grimly horrific.
End results of government corruption and abandonment.
More brutal than Hunger Games, more morbid than The Maze Runner.
December 23, 2020
A book that makes you hope the world never ends
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book, but, I did. Normally I would not read this type of book but I’m glad I did. A book that could be a true story but I’m very glad it’s not.
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book, but, I did. Normally I would not read this type of book but I’m glad I did. A book that could be a true story but I’m very glad it’s not.
June 1, 2021
Cant wait to read the rest
Loving this series so far! I just wish the main character (Brone) wasn’t so stuck up at first. I’m beginning to like her feral side though and I’m enjoying her crew.
Loving this series so far! I just wish the main character (Brone) wasn’t so stuck up at first. I’m beginning to like her feral side though and I’m enjoying her crew.
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