tyrean's review against another edition
4.0
Tallas is a gripping tale of family on the run from the "protection" of their post-apocalyptic civilization. Pulled in right away by the plight of the characters, I enjoyed the lush, world-building and the character-driven plot. When Fabal, Doogan and Keeyla's son, is given an assignment as a mole, they flee the supposedly safe refuge of their city and run into the wilds where they hope to meet Doogan's father.
(Possibly spoiler alert ahead)
Moles have difficult and dangerous jobs, but even Doogan and Keeyla don't realize just what Moles do and it's worse than anything they imagine. Although they know that their society is more of a dictatorship than a safe refuge, Doogan, Keeyla, and Fabal uncover frightening facts about the founder's quest for a cure from mutations.
Personally, one of the things I enjoyed about this book is the way that family relationships are portrayed. Love is real, and it's not just romantic love that's show, but familial love, and the love of friends.
I also really loved the world-building and the way that Constantine handles the mutations of both humans and animals.
(Possibly spoiler alert ahead)
Moles have difficult and dangerous jobs, but even Doogan and Keeyla don't realize just what Moles do and it's worse than anything they imagine. Although they know that their society is more of a dictatorship than a safe refuge, Doogan, Keeyla, and Fabal uncover frightening facts about the founder's quest for a cure from mutations.
Personally, one of the things I enjoyed about this book is the way that family relationships are portrayed. Love is real, and it's not just romantic love that's show, but familial love, and the love of friends.
I also really loved the world-building and the way that Constantine handles the mutations of both humans and animals.
chrisistrangerthanu's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
In my opinion, this book could have been spectacular. It had a bit of [b:Unwind|764347|Unwind (Unwind, #1)|Neal Shusterman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1297677706s/764347.jpg|750423] about it, mixed with a bit of X-men attitude surrounding evolutionary differences. I loved the unique perspective of following an entire family too, rather than just one person. It was nice to see the love Doogan and Keeyla had for each other and their son Fabal. Fabal had just the right amount of fear and brashness that is characteristic of a boy his age too, which I found refreshing. Tibbles was easily my favorite character though and I adored the interaction between him and Fabal.
Now, where I felt that the book let itself down was mostly in the execution of the plot, plus the inclusion of so many detailed characters and side stories. While the plot was good, the POV moving constantly and without any particular reason was distracting to the story. I don't mind multiple POVs but I prefer them to be organised and for there to be a good reason for inclusion. Having so many POVs leaves no room for the interpretation of different character's motivations and allegiances. I think having Keeyla, Doogan and Fabal as the only character perspectives would have worked better, or maybe even Fabal, Basta and Fulvio. The problem that I had with all the detailed characters meant that it was hard to remember them all and care about all their stories. For example, Paniess has a very compelling tale, but it was mostly ruined for me as it felt like an unnecessary addition to the larger story, and the resolution wasn't fully dealt with. Doogan's reaction to Keeyla's death also seemed extremely strange, and I found myself disliking him on multiple occasions. To be clear, it was just too much packed into one story.
Having said all that, the book showed a great deal of promise and I did enjoy it. The originality of a family dystopian perspective is one that I appreciated and I felt that those three characters were a true family unit. I do wish we had more of Keeyla's perspective though.
In my opinion, this book could have been spectacular. It had a bit of [b:Unwind|764347|Unwind (Unwind, #1)|Neal Shusterman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1297677706s/764347.jpg|750423] about it, mixed with a bit of X-men attitude surrounding evolutionary differences. I loved the unique perspective of following an entire family too, rather than just one person. It was nice to see the love Doogan and Keeyla had for each other and their son Fabal. Fabal had just the right amount of fear and brashness that is characteristic of a boy his age too, which I found refreshing. Tibbles was easily my favorite character though and I adored the interaction between him and Fabal.
Now, where I felt that the book let itself down was mostly in the execution of the plot, plus the inclusion of so many detailed characters and side stories. While the plot was good, the POV moving constantly and without any particular reason was distracting to the story. I don't mind multiple POVs but I prefer them to be organised and for there to be a good reason for inclusion. Having so many POVs leaves no room for the interpretation of different character's motivations and allegiances. I think having Keeyla, Doogan and Fabal as the only character perspectives would have worked better, or maybe even Fabal, Basta and Fulvio. The problem that I had with all the detailed characters meant that it was hard to remember them all and care about all their stories. For example, Paniess has a very compelling tale, but it was mostly ruined for me as it felt like an unnecessary addition to the larger story, and the resolution wasn't fully dealt with. Doogan's reaction to Keeyla's death also seemed extremely strange, and I found myself disliking him on multiple occasions. To be clear, it was just too much packed into one story.
Having said all that, the book showed a great deal of promise and I did enjoy it. The originality of a family dystopian perspective is one that I appreciated and I felt that those three characters were a true family unit. I do wish we had more of Keeyla's perspective though.
ciannareider's review against another edition
4.0
**This review is done in conjunction with NerdGirl. If you'd like more information on their services, please visit them on FB at https://www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG **
Wow!! What a ride! I owe this author an apology for how long it took me to get this book on my list, but I'm so glad I did! This dystopian tale is gripping, well written and detailed. The author has developed such a lush vivid world that you can't help but sinking into it, and getting lost.
The back of the book begins,"In a decimated world, setting foot outside the protected village of Tallas is certain death—or so they say. Mutations caused by those in the wilderness have plagued Tallas’s citizens—or so they say…"
That hooked me! I love to see how authors imagine our world in the future. Constantine effectively manages the heavy action sequences, and the genetic mutations with grace. It's well written, believable, and intriguing. All the characters lift from the page, and the plot twists are unexpected and gripping.
It really makes us face the thought of how far we would go to protect those we love? I love dystopian stories for that reason, for the fact that the plot challenges you, and if it's a good story, it changes you just a little bit. You never look to the future in the same way.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed this book. I felt the family dynamic was strong and the writing is intelligent and focused. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in YA or NA SciFi, and looking for a book that will not only entertain but seriously keep them guessing until the end!
**I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
Wow!! What a ride! I owe this author an apology for how long it took me to get this book on my list, but I'm so glad I did! This dystopian tale is gripping, well written and detailed. The author has developed such a lush vivid world that you can't help but sinking into it, and getting lost.
The back of the book begins,"In a decimated world, setting foot outside the protected village of Tallas is certain death—or so they say. Mutations caused by those in the wilderness have plagued Tallas’s citizens—or so they say…"
That hooked me! I love to see how authors imagine our world in the future. Constantine effectively manages the heavy action sequences, and the genetic mutations with grace. It's well written, believable, and intriguing. All the characters lift from the page, and the plot twists are unexpected and gripping.
It really makes us face the thought of how far we would go to protect those we love? I love dystopian stories for that reason, for the fact that the plot challenges you, and if it's a good story, it changes you just a little bit. You never look to the future in the same way.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed this book. I felt the family dynamic was strong and the writing is intelligent and focused. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in YA or NA SciFi, and looking for a book that will not only entertain but seriously keep them guessing until the end!
**I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
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