Thursday, May 3, 2012

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Release Date: 5th June, 2012

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Pages: 294pgs

The Story

In Emmy Laybourne's action-packed debut novel, six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids trapped together in a chain superstore build a refuge for themselves inside. While outstide, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapons spill, seems to be tearing the world - as they know it - apart.

The Review

A big thanks to the publisher on netGalley for accepting my request in reading this book early!

Fourteen children are left to fend for themselves after a severe superstorm and the unleashing of a chemical weapon. They're alone, scared, a little angry for all good reasons and have so little of time left to know what to do with themselves . . . honestly what could possibly go wrong in an abandoned superstore building? Well let's just say . . . everything.

Emmy Laybourne's debut novel MONUMENT 14 was one of those few reads I decided to take a chance on, mostly because I loved the eerie dystopian-like cover and mostly because I really liked the sound of the storyline since it reminded me so much of Lord of the Flies only with a less island feel to it. As much as I wanted to love it, I'll be honest with you guys: it's the kind of book with a love and hate factor to it. The majority of the book was fast-paced, interesting and contained plenty of shocking twists for its readers . . . but I felt as if something was missing from the book. Mostly in the characters.

The storyline rarely had a problem with me but the characters - while the groups of kids were clearly written as stereotypical - didn't particularly interest me what way or another. With a book nerd, an outsider, a tech genius, a jock, a bad boy, a beautiful girl, and a skanky girl . . . I can see many readers of MONUMENT 14 will be able to identify with at least one of those characters alone. However, while I don't mind stereotypical characters but there still wasn't enough drive from the characters' actions and with a possible apocalypse going on in the outside world of this superstore setting, I wanted and expected some of the characters to take action or do something heroic to impress me, but like I mentioned before none of the characters really interested me and it was the main reason why I'm giving this book a lower star rating.

Don't get me wrong here with this review because I still enjoyed the book as a whole book and it was every entertaining and page-turning for all the right reasons. I mean, while no real character shone in the spotlight for me personally, but the storyline and the cliffhanger it unexpectedly delivered will clearly win over fans of any dystopian tale and perhaps satisfy readers of the likes of James Dashner's The Mazer Runner. So if you have the taste for either of those two, then I can definitely guarantee that you're going to love this book without a doubt!

The Rating

3 1/2 / 5 stars

20 comments:

  1. I have a feeling that this book had a somewhat movie-esque feel to it? As in, there's a lot of action going on, but you never really quite delve into any character other than their label or just a general description. I suppose if you're in that mood, that wouldn't bug you.

    At least it's a quick and entertaining read. Thanks for the review!

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    1. Yes, I agree. It does have this movie-esque feel with plenty of action going on . . . especially towards the ending. Anyway thanks!

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  2. Oh my gosh! This is one of the top books in my wishlist - but I didn't get an ARC so I'm reading everyone's reviews! Okay. First things first - I like that you mentioned that majority of the book was fast-paced and okay. Second - Nooo. Why are the characters like that?? Third - glad that you still enjoyed this despite the drawbacks. Great honest review, Erin!

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    1. I'm glad that I still enjoyed too. It does have its appeal and I can see this book being enjoyed by many dystopian readers. Anyway thanks! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this book!

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  3. Its always a bummer when the characters aren't up to par with such a great storyline. Without a good balance the book will tend to disappoint. I'm still anxious to read it, since the story line sounds so epic, but thanks for the forewarning!

    Kristan @ Lost Amongst the Shelves

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    1. I hope you enjoy the book when you get to read it. It still has its appeal for dystopian readers, so hopefully you're one of them. :)

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  4. Aw, I'm sorry it was a bit of a miss for you... Stereotypes bother me. I want to see characters behaving the way they do for a real reason, not because it's how 'that type' of character behaves... and there's a big difference between archetypes and cliches. Mo well... still sounds SUPER interesting! <3

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    1. Stereotypes are okay . . . as long as they are written well. But yes, they do at times bother me.

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  5. That's a shame about the characters but I think it sounds like it's worth the read anyway. Thanks for reminding me that I need to get around to reading my copy of it soon! I just love the premise.

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    1. I loved the sound of the premise too. But despite what I thought of the characters, it was a nice read.

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  6. Hmm...it's always disappointing to just have so-so characters! But I'm glad the storyline was engaging and fast-paced :) I actually just received this from the author so I'm interested to see what I think! Hopefully it falls into the 'love' category for me ;) Thanks for the review!

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    1. Hopefully it enters that 'love' category for you! It's still a great book despite the down sides.

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  7. LOL is it a bad thing that I know EXACTLY what you're talking about when you say that this is one of those books with a love and hate factor to it? x) The stereotypes seem like they wouldn't be as enjoyable as an original cast, but I guess it would be pretty hard to make 14 distinctive teenagers without basing them off of some kind of mold! I don't think I'd mind it too much either :)

    Amazing honest review, Erin! I can't wait to be able to read this book -- I really hope I love it! <3

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    1. I don't mind stereotypical characters as long as they're written right. In this story it's hard to like ALL of the characters I admit, but they still had a small purpose to the story . . . so I hope when you come to read this book you'll love it.

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  8. Great review! I've seen this book around me, but I don't think that I would enjoy it so much. I realized that I don't really like character driven books, so this one probably won't for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  9. While the characters weren't exactly standouts, I'm so happy that the plot still carries this on to be an enjoyable read. I really love the idea - I mean, severe superstorm? Trapped in a supermarket? It's a recipe for a thrillride. I'm especially glad for the shocking twists and fast pace. Will definitely check this out. Thanks for the FANTASTIC review, Erin!

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    1. Thanks Brodie! Hope you enjoy the book when you come to reading it . . . it still had a great dystopian tale to tell.

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  10. Oh it's a shame about the characters. I was really looking forward to this one! Buut I do love dystopian, and I did enjoy The Maze Runner, so I think I might still give this one a try. Great review, thanks! :)

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  11. Oohh not heard of this book but it looks interesting. I love the idea of it. Great review Erin xxx

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