The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
biblioemily's review against another edition
3.0
It's really a 3.5: While I enjoyed this book, I found the ending to be wrapped up too easily. Sara finds a sympathetic park ranger whose father happens to be a lawyer who handles immigration/asylum cases? Emiliano is rescued by a older man who has compassion for him and takes care of him? We are also led to believe that Emiliano is headed to Chicago where he will leave his yearnings for more that led him toward entering the drug trade? And how lucky that Emiliano is well-versed in wilderness survival techniques. The book centers on a timely and important issue, but there are a number of things that make the story go right that are just too coincidental. This could be a good book for a book club where readers can discuss the background of the issues that the book explores.
sc104906's review against another edition
2.0
This book uses alternating perspectives between reporter, Sara, and her younger brother, Emiliano.
Sara's best friend was kidnapped several months ago and she uses her position at the paper to continue shining light on her friend and other girls like. After Sara and her family are threatened, Sara's bosses insist that she stop investigating and work on other things. Sara simply can't and her honor makes her the best person for the job.
Emiliano has his own identity crises, when some bad dudes offer him the ability to make some money in a not so legal way. Emiliano must decide what is most important to him.
This was set up to be a fast crime mystery, but it was a bit dry for me. I did know the characters and I understood their motivations and actions, but it was difficult to connect with the story. I never found myself fully caring to solve the mystery. I feel that this novel gave hope to situations that felt hopeless. It just didn't rock my world.
Sara's best friend was kidnapped several months ago and she uses her position at the paper to continue shining light on her friend and other girls like. After Sara and her family are threatened, Sara's bosses insist that she stop investigating and work on other things. Sara simply can't and her honor makes her the best person for the job.
Emiliano has his own identity crises, when some bad dudes offer him the ability to make some money in a not so legal way. Emiliano must decide what is most important to him.
This was set up to be a fast crime mystery, but it was a bit dry for me. I did know the characters and I understood their motivations and actions, but it was difficult to connect with the story. I never found myself fully caring to solve the mystery. I feel that this novel gave hope to situations that felt hopeless. It just didn't rock my world.
msseviereads's review against another edition
5.0
I was worried because it seemed to take sooooo loooong to get to the action. But -- exceeded expectations and it wasn't rushed at all. Some unanswered questions at the end -- but it was satisfying for me and I seemed to be able to wrap up those loose ends for myself.
Great book! Will go on the middle school book shelf.
Great book! Will go on the middle school book shelf.
bestdressedbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
For me this started very strong, I was caught up in the underbelly of this world. The strong family protection, the honour, the fight and the intrigue behind the girls disappearances. But rather than keeping this story about the main issue it opened with it solved that half way through and became an adventure man hunt which is where I lost a fair bit of interest. Im sorry if this sounds insensitive but the suplimantary stories were not as interesting and they towards the end became the main focus.
Not for me sadly
Not for me sadly
stressed_daisyy's review against another edition
No. Just no. It wasn't particularly harmful or bad, but the writing was just so plain that it was a hassle to get through what could have been an interesting story. Do not waste your time with this one.
kimmie333's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mkuptz's review against another edition
5.0
Good read. Easy to follow. Great story line, looking to get my hands on Illegal, the second book to this!
kbfrantom's review against another edition
4.0
This is a well-timed book that shows the dangerous side of living in countries like Mexico and how even for those who believe in the best for their country, often they are helpless to the criminals in charge. Sara is a young woman living in Juarez, Mexico. She loves her town and country but knows the city is full of criminals. She travels to work everyday with her friend Linda but going home they travel alone. Her friend Linda disappears and Sara is worried about her. As a journalist at a newspaper, Sara writes stories about Linda and the other young women who have disappeared. Sara begins receiving threats and she has to make difficult decisions about helping the missing woman and potentially putting herself and her family in danger. A side story is about her younger brother Emiliano who is trying his best to lead a good life helping others along the way but he is put in a compromising position.
sweet_dee_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Four months ago
Sara Zapata’s best friend disappeared, abducted by the criminals who rule over Juàrez.
Four weeks ago
Her brother, Emiliano, fell in love with Perla Rubi, a girls whose family is as rich as her name.
Four hours ago
Sara received a death threat...and her first clue to her friend’s location.
Four minutes ago
Emiliano was offered a way into Perla Rubi’s world-of he betrays his own.
In the next four days, Sara and Emiliano will each face impossible choices, between life and justice, friends and family, truth and love. But when the criminals come for Sara, only one path remains for both the siblings: the way across the desert to the United States.
Award-winning author Francisco X. Stork delivers his most gripping novel yet in this tense and timely international thriller. (From the jacket cover)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this book took me by complete surprise! When I chose this for my book bingo, I figured I would somewhat enjoy it and move on quickly to the next book. THIS BOOK WAS FANTATSTIC!!!! This story was so well written and kept me wanting to read more! Even though this is a work of fiction, it still hits you in the feels with the reality of what happens everyday at our border with Mexico. So glad I read this book and I hope you’ll enjoy it too!
Sara Zapata’s best friend disappeared, abducted by the criminals who rule over Juàrez.
Four weeks ago
Her brother, Emiliano, fell in love with Perla Rubi, a girls whose family is as rich as her name.
Four hours ago
Sara received a death threat...and her first clue to her friend’s location.
Four minutes ago
Emiliano was offered a way into Perla Rubi’s world-of he betrays his own.
In the next four days, Sara and Emiliano will each face impossible choices, between life and justice, friends and family, truth and love. But when the criminals come for Sara, only one path remains for both the siblings: the way across the desert to the United States.
Award-winning author Francisco X. Stork delivers his most gripping novel yet in this tense and timely international thriller. (From the jacket cover)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this book took me by complete surprise! When I chose this for my book bingo, I figured I would somewhat enjoy it and move on quickly to the next book. THIS BOOK WAS FANTATSTIC!!!! This story was so well written and kept me wanting to read more! Even though this is a work of fiction, it still hits you in the feels with the reality of what happens everyday at our border with Mexico. So glad I read this book and I hope you’ll enjoy it too!