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nika_nix's review
5.0
I found The Before on Wattpad accidently and I thought it could be a fun read so I gave it a shot and I was not disappointed. I haven’t read The Farm yet but I’m planning to.
Emily McKay writes really good, she doesn’t exaggerate in anything and book is not boring at all. I especially liked Mel’s POV, I liked being inside her head and her ‘riddles’ were awesome, they made sense. Even though this novella is not very long (about 60 pages), I didn’t have to be longer because we had to find out only what happened Before and the real plot is going to start in The Farm. This book was really a pleasant surprise and I’ll definitely continue with the series.
Emily McKay writes really good, she doesn’t exaggerate in anything and book is not boring at all. I especially liked Mel’s POV, I liked being inside her head and her ‘riddles’ were awesome, they made sense. Even though this novella is not very long (about 60 pages), I didn’t have to be longer because we had to find out only what happened Before and the real plot is going to start in The Farm. This book was really a pleasant surprise and I’ll definitely continue with the series.
geo_ix's review
5.0
Really excited to read this series now, and I’m glad I got to this series after it was all over so I could read this first and see how it all started. Really well written and the characters and plot were great, really interested in the sister on the spectrum I’ve never seen that POV before.
chrissymcbooknerd's review
3.0
(3.5 stars)
I guess I didn't realize, when I started THE BEFORE, that it is a prequel of sorts to McKay's novel, THE FARM (which I haven't yet read). So, in reviewing THE BEFORE, I guess I should say that I went into this totally blindly, not having any preconceived ideas about the characters or the plotline of the next book at all.
THE BEFORE opens with a terrifying telephone call to 17 year old Lily Price, from her beloved Uncle who was warning her of a dangerous situation that was spiraling out of control around them -- one that was currently being broadcast on every single channel on Lily's television, much to her surprise. From what she can gather, a widespread disorder of some type has been spreading between humans, starting at the alleged epicenter in Texas (where Lily lives) -- one that seems to turn people into monsters -- almost zombies, although people are strictly urged not to use such scary terms for fear of creating mass hysteria (further than what was already happening, of course). The Tick (the slang name for the zombie-like beings) appear to be targeting teenagers, for unknown reasons at this point, and the government has set up sites called Farms, where certain teenagers may be taken (often by force) to seek protection against immediate danger.
Lily wants nothing more than to keep herself and her twin sister Mel -- who lives in her own world of music and riddles due to symptoms of an autistic disorder -- out of the Farms, although all attempts to escape seem to lead to disastrous ends. Will Lily and Mel succumb to the law and allow themselves to be escorted to The Farm, leaving their mother alone in the midst of world chaos? Or, will Lily take matters into her own hands, risking her own life and that of her twin sister in a universe that seems to have gone mad?
THE BEFORE was a quick prequel, really giving readers of THE FARM enough back story to make things feel nicely pieced together -- at least, this is what I gather from the brief descriptions of THE FARM that I read after finishing this story (because, of course, now I need to continue with the story -- right?) From what I gather, THE FARM, whereas THE BEFORE allows readers the opportunity to see how the Tick started out and where the epidemic actually begun before becoming the chaotic nightmare that we see at the end of this story.
I think THE BEFORE was pretty well written, with descriptions being pretty quick and to-the-point, which kept things paced pretty well without overdoing it on unnecessary details. The passage of time was a little odd in places, but I give the benefit of the doubt here because, after all, this *is* a prequel and technically isn't intended to tell a full story.
The constant chanting of riddles on Mel's part got a tiny bit tiring to me, although I get that they were intended to develop Mel's character as being one on the autistic spectrum. Also, Lily tended to be irritating at times, especially in the way that she lectured her mother and regurgitated parental sayings when taking control of a situation, but again I presume that these tidbits were mostly to contrast Lily's overt strength versus the perceived helplessness of her twin.
THE BEFORE was interesting enough that I do plan to continue with THE FARM -- especially since there were so many (blatant) hints that the Farms may be up to much more malicious things than merely protecting the teenagers. So, look for that review coming up soon, I expect!
I guess I didn't realize, when I started THE BEFORE, that it is a prequel of sorts to McKay's novel, THE FARM (which I haven't yet read). So, in reviewing THE BEFORE, I guess I should say that I went into this totally blindly, not having any preconceived ideas about the characters or the plotline of the next book at all.
THE BEFORE opens with a terrifying telephone call to 17 year old Lily Price, from her beloved Uncle who was warning her of a dangerous situation that was spiraling out of control around them -- one that was currently being broadcast on every single channel on Lily's television, much to her surprise. From what she can gather, a widespread disorder of some type has been spreading between humans, starting at the alleged epicenter in Texas (where Lily lives) -- one that seems to turn people into monsters -- almost zombies, although people are strictly urged not to use such scary terms for fear of creating mass hysteria (further than what was already happening, of course). The Tick (the slang name for the zombie-like beings) appear to be targeting teenagers, for unknown reasons at this point, and the government has set up sites called Farms, where certain teenagers may be taken (often by force) to seek protection against immediate danger.
Lily wants nothing more than to keep herself and her twin sister Mel -- who lives in her own world of music and riddles due to symptoms of an autistic disorder -- out of the Farms, although all attempts to escape seem to lead to disastrous ends. Will Lily and Mel succumb to the law and allow themselves to be escorted to The Farm, leaving their mother alone in the midst of world chaos? Or, will Lily take matters into her own hands, risking her own life and that of her twin sister in a universe that seems to have gone mad?
THE BEFORE was a quick prequel, really giving readers of THE FARM enough back story to make things feel nicely pieced together -- at least, this is what I gather from the brief descriptions of THE FARM that I read after finishing this story (because, of course, now I need to continue with the story -- right?) From what I gather, THE FARM
Spoiler
immediately begins with Lily and Mel already at The Farm and focuses heavily upon their attempts to escape dangerI think THE BEFORE was pretty well written, with descriptions being pretty quick and to-the-point, which kept things paced pretty well without overdoing it on unnecessary details. The passage of time was a little odd in places, but I give the benefit of the doubt here because, after all, this *is* a prequel and technically isn't intended to tell a full story.
The constant chanting of riddles on Mel's part got a tiny bit tiring to me, although I get that they were intended to develop Mel's character as being one on the autistic spectrum. Also, Lily tended to be irritating at times, especially in the way that she lectured her mother and regurgitated parental sayings when taking control of a situation, but again I presume that these tidbits were mostly to contrast Lily's overt strength versus the perceived helplessness of her twin.
THE BEFORE was interesting enough that I do plan to continue with THE FARM -- especially since there were so many (blatant) hints that the Farms may be up to much more malicious things than merely protecting the teenagers. So, look for that review coming up soon, I expect!
rylol's review
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
kameo9's review
5.0
I loved this! It is everything a prequel novella should be. This series remains one of my favorites. Emily McKay pulls the reader in and doesn't let them go... Even after they are done reading.
jeanz's review
5.0
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Having already read Bk#1 & Bk#2 of The Farm I really wanted to know about "The Before" that is where and how Lily and Mel had lived before the virus and the Ticks came.
MY REVIEW
I downloaded this one free from Amazon.co.uk. The cover features the twins, Mel & Lily back to back which gives the impression they are prepared to take on the world, or rather take on the "ticks". I also love the byline for this novella "Even the dead has a beginning" it fits this book perfectly.
The virus and the Ticks suddenly appear, it's all over the news. There's nothing but the news all over every TV channel and Radio channel. Mel, & Lily's mum is usually so organised, strong and decisive but the news seems to just make her crumble.
They are running out of food, they need to make a decision what to do and if they are going anywhere they need to go soon. Mel & Lily's mum is so desperate that she even calls her ex husband , the girls father. The father that one day just upped and left them. His best suggestion is that he will send a car for them. Both the girls disagree with this and finally get their point across to their mum. The place Lily wants to go is to their Uncle Rodney's rural home. Uncle Rodney is they type of guy who will be prepared for this attack. Uncle Rodney has his own stock of food and has guns etc. Only by the time they decide to go to Uncle Rodney's, Marshall law has been declared. All teenagers are to be relocated to "Farms" to "protect" them from the Ticks. As Ticks are attracted to teenagers and their blood.
Mel is autistic and has resorted to speaking in rhymes. She disappears at one point, and is actually more "together" than people give her credit for.
The police are turning into gun toting aggressors, it's getting to the point that they will shoot anyone who disobeys what they tell them to do.
This prequel is well written and has lots packed into it. there's more background information on Mel & Lily as well as Joe Mateo, and Carter Olson. I admit to reading this after reading BK#1 & Bk#2 but I think this can be read prior to the books or after. this prequels still gives valuable and relevant information that fit in with what happens in the other books.
So did I enjoy the novella? Really enjoyed it. Great insight into the series Would I recommend the novella? Yes, its a great read either prior to reading the books of after/during reading them. Also if you are unsure as to whether you will like the books this novella is a good way to get a taster of the forthcoming plot and the authors great writing style. Would I read more of this series? I already have and want even more! Would I read other titles by this Author? Yes I intend too.
Having already read Bk#1 & Bk#2 of The Farm I really wanted to know about "The Before" that is where and how Lily and Mel had lived before the virus and the Ticks came.
MY REVIEW
I downloaded this one free from Amazon.co.uk. The cover features the twins, Mel & Lily back to back which gives the impression they are prepared to take on the world, or rather take on the "ticks". I also love the byline for this novella "Even the dead has a beginning" it fits this book perfectly.
The virus and the Ticks suddenly appear, it's all over the news. There's nothing but the news all over every TV channel and Radio channel. Mel, & Lily's mum is usually so organised, strong and decisive but the news seems to just make her crumble.
They are running out of food, they need to make a decision what to do and if they are going anywhere they need to go soon. Mel & Lily's mum is so desperate that she even calls her ex husband , the girls father. The father that one day just upped and left them. His best suggestion is that he will send a car for them. Both the girls disagree with this and finally get their point across to their mum. The place Lily wants to go is to their Uncle Rodney's rural home. Uncle Rodney is they type of guy who will be prepared for this attack. Uncle Rodney has his own stock of food and has guns etc. Only by the time they decide to go to Uncle Rodney's, Marshall law has been declared. All teenagers are to be relocated to "Farms" to "protect" them from the Ticks. As Ticks are attracted to teenagers and their blood.
Mel is autistic and has resorted to speaking in rhymes. She disappears at one point, and is actually more "together" than people give her credit for.
The police are turning into gun toting aggressors, it's getting to the point that they will shoot anyone who disobeys what they tell them to do.
This prequel is well written and has lots packed into it. there's more background information on Mel & Lily as well as Joe Mateo, and Carter Olson. I admit to reading this after reading BK#1 & Bk#2 but I think this can be read prior to the books or after. this prequels still gives valuable and relevant information that fit in with what happens in the other books.
So did I enjoy the novella? Really enjoyed it. Great insight into the series Would I recommend the novella? Yes, its a great read either prior to reading the books of after/during reading them. Also if you are unsure as to whether you will like the books this novella is a good way to get a taster of the forthcoming plot and the authors great writing style. Would I read more of this series? I already have and want even more! Would I read other titles by this Author? Yes I intend too.
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