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Blackbrooke II: The Guardian (2013)

by Emma Silver(Favorite Author)

4.63 of 5 Votes: 1

languge

English

genre

Young Adult Fiction

publisher

Crooked Cat Publishing

series

Blackbrooke Trilogy

review 1: The Quick ReviewLet me start by saying, this book blew me away. I mean like shotgun to the chest/ twister in Kansas kind of power. The first chapter of Blackbrooke II was so strong, I put the book down after reading it so I could catch my breath and calm down a little. I would dare say it was the best first chapter I ever read.Blackbrooke II took horror to a different level than the first novel. Emma Silver’s writing was stronger and much more polished for this book. I was impressed by the amount of improvement, and I gave the first book 4.5 stars. If you have not read the first, I strongly suggest starting it now to catch up with the series in time for Blackbrooke II, out later this year (2014.)The Longer Review:I stated that Blackbrooke II took horror to a different le... morevel. I do not mean to say that Emma added more, rather she changed the type of horror. The first book contained more suspense and theatrical horror. The kind that is supernatural and mysterious, with many gruesome scenes. This kind of horror does not always scare my when it is coming from a page. The horror in Blackbrooke II scared me much more. Emma Silver used much more emotional horror this time around. Her first chapter was so gut wrenching, on an emotional level, that I actually felt angry and terrified after reading it.The rest of the book does not disappoint either. There is more action from start to finish. Book I had more of a suspense-mystery feel, while Book II felt more like an action-suspense. This read will appeal more to male audiences than the first one did.The book took unexpected plot twists at two major points that I did not see coming. There was a complete redirect in the middle of the story that makes you question the entire story from Liberty’s point of view up until this point. The change was an excellent literary move to keep the reader aware, and gave the book added depth.I had two almost critiques while reading, but Liberty’s actions resolved them. First, the book bordered on having too many dream sequences in the first half. I’m not a fan of dream sequences, they happen in too many YA fictions, but Emma threw Liberty into a situation that blurred the lines. I was not sure if some of Liberty’s dreams were really dreams at all. That was well done, I enjoyed the uniqueness of it.The second critique almost came at the end. There was a pivotal scene where…..VAGUE SPOILER COMING……someone killed another someone. I almost thought that the would-be-dead person was going to escape. If they did, I would have been so disappointed. But, I was elated to see said person get a magnificent gouging. And the scene was very good since it ended the “right” way.………END VAGUE SPOILERThe Story:Liberty’s fight continues.After she had discovered the truth behind ‘walk outs’ in her hometown of Blackbrooke and forced to sacrifice her best friend, Liberty Connor thought she was finally free.But her nightmare was only just beginning.Taken to the Institute, a research facility dedicated to Blackbrooke, Liberty finds herself under the watchful eye of sinister Blackbrooke guardian, Mr Jones. Things aren’t as they seem. Familiar faces provide little comfort, and she soon realises the Crits aren’t the only specimens under the microscope.Determined to escape, Liberty is once again plunged into a world beyond her comprehension. The one thing she knows for certain is: trust no one.Friends become strangers, but help is at hand from unexpected quarters. Forced to confront her real enemy, Liberty is left with one familiar choice.FightThe Writing:Blackbrooke again is in the first person, no surprise there. The book as a whole just read better and more polished. I critiqued the last book for having a few confusing dialogues and, needing some more editing at a few places as well as having a lull somewhere in the middle. Blackbrooke II suffered from none of this. I was very impressed.The Characters:Liberty Connor really changed from the last book. She has come more to terms with her life and the situation she is in. She has embraced her role as a rogue bad-ass. She still makes irrational and emotional decisions, but with more of a goal in mind than the last bookMr. Jones.- I think this has been one of the easiest villains to hate. He really is an atrocious person. I think he is more villainous than big names like Voldemort and Sauron because he is entirely human. At some level that makes him more comparable and even feasible to the imagination. His character walks a fine line between conceivable and being too one-sided, but he is well written so it worked for the story.Denzil- I was happy to see Denzil had a more significant role in this book. Emma must have had fun writing him into the book more, since he is one of her favorite characters ;)Cassius- There was less of him from start to finish than one would expect after he escaped death. He appears in this book about the same amount as the last, prominent at times and then gone again. It’s safe to say his role will be more significant in the final installment.Gemma Jones, Noah Harman- Being that they are deceased, these characters are only mentioned from time to time.Gabriel- comes back in this novel and has a significant role through most of the book. His relation to Libby is a rollercoaster the entire way.Conclusion:This book solidifies the trilogy as a must read. Anyone who reads any genre of fiction will love Blackbrooke II as long as they can stomach the horror genre. I’m not icing and cake when I say how much I liked this book. It is an impressive sequel. The second book in a trilogy does not always show up the first, but in this case it did.
review 2: I loved Blackbrooke when I read it and I didn't think that the sequel could live up to the first book. But, was I wrong or what? If possible this book is even better. There is more mystery, more thrill. It's a page-turner and will have you on the edge of your seat, biting your nail and praying that there are no crits behind you. There are so many horrifying scenes in the book like Liberty's nightmare. That was just plain disgusting and disturbing. I had to keep my kindle away then and focus on happy thoughts. It really freaked me out and so did the scene when Liberty and Denzil are in the Queen's tunnel and they find out what the queen does to her prey. That actually gave me goosebumps. But the real villain of the book are not the crits but selfish humans who are worse than monsters. I hated Mr. Jones from the very first scene. He was cruel, evil and just sick. We learn all the rules that govern Blackbrooke and they are barbaric and I can't believe that nobody had revolted against it before Liberty and gang.There is less romance in the book but that didn't bother me much. I was distracted by all that was happening. About halfway through the book Lib finds herself in a situation which is strange and challenges her reality. I was as confused as she was and it completely blew my mind. The ending was not what I expected. The book is well written and extremely entertaining with twists and turns. The characters show more depth and have more layers. They are also darker which is natural since they have all been through a hell lot. The mystery is applause-worthy. Kudos to Emma was creating an amazing novel. I hope that this series finds more readers because it really deserves that. Overall I definitely recommend the book. I want the third book now, if possible. I'm so worried about everyone. I hope Cassius doesn't do what he is going to do because that would just end all possibility of any romance. I hope Gabriel and Denzil survive this. I hope Liberty finds her happy ending. less

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