A review by babyleo
Revenge and Retribution by Anna Belfrage
5.0
Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review.
I definitely thought I was at a disadvantage when reading this book by not realising it was the sixth in the series, but Belfrage writes in such a way that if you pay close attention you do get told the key moments in their story that you have missed. By piecing together references and casual remarks the story and events of the previous books are made clear. Granted this isn’t in any detailed or complicated way, but it is enough, enabling you to enjoy and understand the current one.
As a result, even if you haven’t read the others, you still get intensely involved in the story and being so far into the series it could almost be a novel on its own, with only a more detailed back story required. As a continuation on the other hand, I can see it as a great addition to the saga, continuing the story of Alex and her family with real situations, events, continuity, and consequences.
There are great, complicated, and detailed characters that bring this story to life. Each character has their own story to tell and their own life to lead but they are all connected together so well. Belfrage manages to be detailed but not overbearing with information and despite the numerous characters, there is no confusion and it is fairly easy to keep track of who everyone is and what their role is.
From the beginning of the book there is a feeling of something big developing and it grows steadily, snowballing to a gripping end through a narrative that is engaging, fast-paced, and at times emotional for numerous reasons. There are shocks and harsh realities, and some things that are very adult, brutal, and violent, something that may not appeal to everyone, but it is not without purpose and all of varying degrees. The characters are tough though and you see their strength and determination shine through with every obstacle that is thrown at them, no matter the size or severity. I don’t think you need to have been invested in these characters for five books beforehand to understand who they are, Belfrage demonstrates their strength and vulnerability so well, whether it is for simple things, the brutal, or the heartbreaking.
The historical aspects are well researched, and while I know little of American history, especially colonial times, there are minute details that bring this story together and add realism to the time travelling aspect. With so much happening there is never any real certainty of what will happen next, and with so many characters, each with their own troubles it means that surprises are always in store.
Belfrage has created a fascinating and captivating story filled with characters that you come to know, admire, and love. It is definitely a story that makes me want to go back to the start of the series and be introduced to Alex from the very beginning. From what is hinted at and mentioned in this book it is certainly a unique and mysterious journey but with an added danger as well, and one that is never truly forgotten.
A longer version of this review was posted on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2014/10/02/revenge-and-retribution-6-by-anna-belfrage/
I definitely thought I was at a disadvantage when reading this book by not realising it was the sixth in the series, but Belfrage writes in such a way that if you pay close attention you do get told the key moments in their story that you have missed. By piecing together references and casual remarks the story and events of the previous books are made clear. Granted this isn’t in any detailed or complicated way, but it is enough, enabling you to enjoy and understand the current one.
As a result, even if you haven’t read the others, you still get intensely involved in the story and being so far into the series it could almost be a novel on its own, with only a more detailed back story required. As a continuation on the other hand, I can see it as a great addition to the saga, continuing the story of Alex and her family with real situations, events, continuity, and consequences.
There are great, complicated, and detailed characters that bring this story to life. Each character has their own story to tell and their own life to lead but they are all connected together so well. Belfrage manages to be detailed but not overbearing with information and despite the numerous characters, there is no confusion and it is fairly easy to keep track of who everyone is and what their role is.
From the beginning of the book there is a feeling of something big developing and it grows steadily, snowballing to a gripping end through a narrative that is engaging, fast-paced, and at times emotional for numerous reasons. There are shocks and harsh realities, and some things that are very adult, brutal, and violent, something that may not appeal to everyone, but it is not without purpose and all of varying degrees. The characters are tough though and you see their strength and determination shine through with every obstacle that is thrown at them, no matter the size or severity. I don’t think you need to have been invested in these characters for five books beforehand to understand who they are, Belfrage demonstrates their strength and vulnerability so well, whether it is for simple things, the brutal, or the heartbreaking.
The historical aspects are well researched, and while I know little of American history, especially colonial times, there are minute details that bring this story together and add realism to the time travelling aspect. With so much happening there is never any real certainty of what will happen next, and with so many characters, each with their own troubles it means that surprises are always in store.
Belfrage has created a fascinating and captivating story filled with characters that you come to know, admire, and love. It is definitely a story that makes me want to go back to the start of the series and be introduced to Alex from the very beginning. From what is hinted at and mentioned in this book it is certainly a unique and mysterious journey but with an added danger as well, and one that is never truly forgotten.
A longer version of this review was posted on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2014/10/02/revenge-and-retribution-6-by-anna-belfrage/