Friday, 31 May 2013

Book Review: Captives by Jill Williamson



This review is super late,
as my internet has been terribly wonky.
I think it has been finally sorted out so you should see much more of me in the next little while.
Lucky you. :)

Back cover copy for Captives (The Safe Lands, Book 1 of 3)
YA Dystopian novel
When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he’d find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many—including his fiancée, Jem—taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe.
Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Lands has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago … and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams.
Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only the people of his village, but also possibly find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone within the Safe Lands’ walls.
Will Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Lands’ façade before it’s too late?

My thoughts:
Wow.
Just Wow.
You all must know by now that I am a big fan of Jill Williamson's work. But this book is truly a great read that will add to your life. No. Really. Williamson has crafted a futuristic world rich in details but which also vaguely echoes the reality we live in today. She also manages to twine in the themes from the biblical story of the exile of Daniel and his friends.
The characters are believable and you care about their plight. And the plot line is rich and fulfilling. 
Although it is an entertaining page turning read it also has a lot of depth to it. What really struck me after I finished reading it was how much the book made me think. How I would catch myself stopping my activity during the day and asking--am I compromising my belief, my faith, for the sake of being entertained?
The book was amazing. And for that reason I give it the highest marks I can:  

                  5 Glorious That means leave supper to cook itself and pick up this book.

Bravo Jill, bravo! I look forward to the next installment.
You can check out Jill Williamson's other books here.
Check out info about this book series here
You can pick up the book at any online store and, most likely, in your own Christian bookstore (I know I saw it up here in Canada).
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Zondervan for the purpose of reviewing. This, however, has not swayed my personal opinion of this product.