Title:
Branded (Sinners #1) by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki
Genre: YA
Dystopian Romance
Goodreads Link:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17402117-branded
Book Trailer: http://video214.com/play/PlssJogkXB4H85hKKomnOA/s/dark
Summary:
Twenty years ago the
Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind,
the seven deadliest sins were the downfall of our society. He created the Hole
where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few
years. At best.
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.
Darkness. Death. Violence.
Pain.
Now, every day is a fight for
survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.
Author Bio:
Abi and Missy met in the
summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since.
After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they
still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they
went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an
enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.
Links:
Website: http://www.abiandmissy.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AbiandMissy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbiandMissy
My Review:
This book was intense! From the first page, there’s non-stop
action in a dystopian setting. Although the pacing was off for me from time to
time, overall this was an incredible book with a unique premise.
The beginning of the novel was a little rough for me and I
think it was because readers are jolted from scene to scene too quickly. Within
the first couple of pages, Lexi tries to commit suicide, runs from authorities,
gets branded and is imprisoned within the Hole. I like fast-paced reads, but
not to the point where I’m unable to grasp the world-building.
However, I kept with the book and I’m really glad I did. The
authors created a terrifying world where “sinners” are separated from the rest
of society and forced to survive in a dangerous prison. The book is very
violent and I was feeling a little squeamish over a few scenes depicted. The
authors definitely have a talent for descriptions.
The story is told from Lexi’s POV and I found her character
interesting. She’s falsely accused of a crime and ostracized by her
high-society family. She’s truly alone as she tries to survive the dangers of
the Hole. Cole is the guard assigned to Lexi and probably the only empathetic guard
working in the establishment.
The romance between Lexi and Cole is fast and passionate,
which worked for the setting. Guards are forbidden from falling in love with a
sinner and the couple must risk their lives in order to be together. Their
relationship blossoms in the middle of an uprising that is simultaneously
occurring inside of the Hole.
I thought I was over dystopians, but Branded was able to
rekindle my enjoyment of the genre. Definitely a series to watch.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
I received a copy of this book as part of the tour from CBL
Book Tours.
