I read this on the recommendation of the same friend as The Winter Prince, but this one wasn't as much of a success. I really liked the first half, with its mysterious urgency and perils, as we struggle, like Callie and West, to understand the rules of this new world and the reason for their journey. Everything through the mysterious castle was marvelous and all of a piece, but once we got to Callie and  West's journey through the desert, the tension dropped, and the allegorical ending was a bit obvious for me. The gender roles sometimes rubbed me the wrong way, but the book and the characters seemed aware of the that.

 

The ending reminded me of a less brutal The Amber Spyglass (a book I love to bits) and I wonder if Seaward influenced that ending.

What were the main relationships explored in this book?

Monty - Vicky; Dave - Angie - Cheryl; Monty - Dave - Robby - Dexter

Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book?

Some parts of the book dragged for me and I know some of the book club members agreed with me. It wasn't entirely a forced read.

How does the setting figure into the book? Does it come to life? Did you feel you were experiencing the time and place in which the book was set?

Most of the settings were situations I wouldn’t want to be part of but I think some people find themselves in situations like these from years of neglected emotions and broken families.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

Were you able to connect with the main character and why?

I think connecting with the characters was a bit difficult because although realistic, their situations seemed so bad and there was no chance of a remedy. Or was there?

Did the book description relate to the story?

The description was accurate and the book was definitely an eye-opener for me.

Would you recommend it?

I would only recommend to someone interested in reading/learning about addiction and the toll it takes on the addict and their families.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

What was the author's purpose or purposes in writing this book?

I think he wanted to focus on the fact that some people are able to get help for their addictions while some can’t.

What motivates a given character’s actions? Do you think those actions are justified or ethical?

Addiction drives them all. The disease takes over in every way.

Cover –

Admittedly, the cover isn’t the best cover but it does depict exactly what the book is about. Reflection, a feeling of being alone.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

Top 3 things I liked about the setting in this book –

The Sanctuary and only this was my favourite setting.

Why would you recommend or not recommend this book?

I don't think I would really recommend this book to anyone, I know. Just not the people, I associate with.

What kind of book is this? List three evidences of this

Fiction - I know it, because the author says it.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.