Book Review - Furnace: Execution

Title: Furnace - Execution
Author: Alexander Gordon Smith
Series: Escape From Furnace
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Release Date: 3 Mar 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0571259403

Synopsis
The whole world has become a prison, and Alfred Furnace is its master. Monsters rule the streets, beasts of pure fury that leave nothing but murder and madness in their wake. Those who do not die are turned, becoming slaves to Furnace’s reign of cruelty. It is a war to end all wars, one that will leave the planet in ruins. I am a monster too. I am one of Alfred Furnace’s children. And I am the only one who can stop him. I have to find a way to use my powers to destroy Furnace, but in doing so I risk becoming the very force that kills us all. I don’t know if I am the executed or the executioner. I don’t know who will die: me, Furnace or the entire human race. All I know is that one way or another, it all ends today.
 
My Review
I absolutely love this series, it is one of those that you sit down with and cannot leave, It has so much in it, horror, gore, friendship, action, adventure, love, trust, mystery and anything else you could want from a book.
I was waiting for this book to arrive for a while and when it did, I actually scared a customer in the library, as I saw it in the box and did the loudest squeal and jump and grabbed the book in excitement. She looked at me like I was deranged. hehe, I explained that it was one I had been looking forward to reading ever since I read the previous parts and was so excited I finally had it.
Alex and his friends have escaped from Furnace, or so they thought, now Furnace's creatures are running lose round the world and creating more monsters, soon the whole country is in full scale war. Alex vows to find Alfred Furnace himself and finally put an end to it all. But Monsters and Furnace aren't his only enemies, and in the thick of the fight it's hard to know who to trust.
Alex has developed as such a great character, now more monster than human, but still willing to cling on to his memories and protect the friends he has found. His internal struggle is fascinating and totally gripping. Even when he is in his darkest moments, you can't help but like him.
Zee, Alex's fellow escapee is still so great, a bit of a wimp at times, but always willing to rally Alex on and do what it takes to get through alive. His quick wit and sense of humour never fails to make me laugh.
Simon is one of my favourite characters, and the constant presence of Furnace in all their thoughts and minds is truly terrifying. You get to learn more of his back story in this book and it is more terrifying than I could of imagined, but I couldn't look away.
There is a lot of violence and gore in this book, but not bad enough to put me off, I'm normally a total wimp, but there is something about the way it's written that keeps me hanging on. Just enough of an 'eww gross' moment that is then diverted by some more action or a funny quip from Zee.
I think this is the last book in the series and I was very satisfied with how it ends.And even though it has ended it's still making me think about it, and the cast has stayed with me. Also excitedly in the back of the book it says that there will be an epilogue available online soon. I can't wait to get more! Will let you know when it's available.
Overall this book had me spellbound, gobsmacked, amazed and hooked. Truly awesome work and I thank Alexander Gordon Smith for such a gripping read.
If you haven't read any of the books I  strongly urge you to pick up book one 'Furnace: Lockdown' as soon as you can and get started.


My Rating
I would give this book 10/10, so mind blowing it's unbelievable, and considering I never thought I would like them from looking at the cover of book 1, I am stunned, Pure genius!


-I met the author at Book Day at work last year, he was very friendly, funny and really nice. I emailed him earlier with a question and got a very quick response. He has also offered to do an interview here on my blog. It will be my first author interview and I am so psyched. So keep an eye out for it in the near future. :D