Saturday 28 May 2011

Book Review - Released

Title: Released
Author: Megan Duncan
Publisher: Createspace
Release Date: 22 Mar 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1461017721

Synopsis
After a demon apocalypse kills their parents and everyone they know, 17-year old Abby Phillips, her brother, Carter, and friend, Max flee their home to travel through what has become the wastelands of America.  When radio transmissions of a resistance offering shelter and safety cease, Abby is tempted to give up.  Struggling to overcome life-threatening obstacles in their dangerous journey, Abby and her companions quickly discover there are much worse things lurking in the dark than they could have ever imagined.


My Review
I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Demon Apocalypse's aren't usually my sort of thing, but this book sounded really good and something about it drew me in. The cover is amazing and looks really good.
Abby, her brother Carter and their friend Max have so far survived the demon attacks, when they hear a transmission offering help and safety, they decide to risk the journey to New Mexico. The world has been turned upside down, shops have been ransacked, multitudes have been killed, and demons prowl lose. The group must fight hard to survive and do all they can to help each other.
I really liked Abby and felt almost like I knew her straight away, a bit of a tomboy and not afraid to stick up for herself she is a strong character, but also shows she is human like the rest of us in her moments of doubt. Carter was great, a really geek always jotting things down and having to think everything through. He really helped move the story on and keep the group balanced. Max is the teenage heart-throb, in line for a great future before the apocalypse hit, but he's also kind and caring and really looks after the group. I felt like I was almost a part of their little group and I felt myself cheering them on throughout the book.
The idea for the plot was well done and the pacing of the story was great, the words really flowed off the page and I had finished the book in one sitting. For one I couldn't put it down and the other was that I just seemed to be pulled in and time passed without me realising. 
There were a few gruesome moments in the book as the group come across dead bodies and other things that I won't mention here, but it all added to the atmosphere and wasn't at all unnecessary. I am really squeamish but I could handle it, so you should be ok.
I liked the characters relationships with each other and the way they grew as the story progressed.
There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book other than it doesn't come to a full conclusion, it is clearly set for a sequel, and the only problem I have with that is that I don't have the next book and I really want it. :D


I got really lucky when Megan sent me a copy of this book. It is great and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish her every success with her writing.


My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10. An excellent read, captivating and exciting this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and glued to the pages. Watch out, the Demons are coming! 

4 comments:

Megan Duncan said...

Thanks for the wonderful review! You are awesome!

barmybex said...

you're very welcome, and totally deserve it :D

Anonymous said...

This was a huge surprise for me too! I didn't know I was going to enjoy it so much. Great review!
-Katelyn

barmybex said...

Katelyn - I know, so good! Can't wait for more.