Ashes, Ashes

:My random thoughts:

Dystopian has really skyrocketed after The Hunger Games came out. It seems that's all people want to read, to write, and talk about. And the mass of Dystopian has seem like a cheap cut off of THG. But, Ashes, Ashes was different. While it still fit into the category, it was different. A breath of rather pleasant air.

:Publisher's Description:

A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.

Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.

:info to know:

Author: Jo Treggiari

  My recommended age: 12+

Their recommended age: 12+

Publisher: Scholastic Book Publishers

Number of Pages: 352

Characters: Oh my goodness, they were so real. While not stellar and they wont become classics, Ashes, Ashes' characters will stick with me, at least, forever. My biggest qualm was Sammy/Aiden. Aiden was just to perfect. He was every body's (except mine) perfect picture of a guy. Cute, strong, adoring. He had it all. And then, His brother Sammy (who is MY type of guy), Ugly, soft spoken, quiet, and always a shadow. It was almost like we were being made to like Aiden better. But, I have special powers, and didn't fall for it. Sammy For the World!

Plot:

It was fast without being confusing, and it was timely without dragging.

Writing Style:

Mrs. Treggiara is a stellar writer. I'm hoping to see more from her! Her writing was pristine, her action clearly written, and her characters love able. One thing, was her Villain. Just so evil. Its easy to pull the insane villain card, and be done with it. But I would've liked more background behind the Doctor then we got.

Cover:

What can grab your attention quicker then New York in shambles? My regards to the designer.

Ending: Worst part of the book for me. Ashes, Ashes really needs a sequel. I can't believe the Doc would just give up searching for Lucy that easily, especially since she knows where Lucy lives. And Sammy and Del just leave? poof? never heard from again? eh hem no, We need a sequel Mrs. Treggiari.

World Building: She could've made the flu been the Zombie thing, she couldn've just have fallen back on cliches. But Mrs. Treggiari didn't. It was really wonderful. She made a world where everything was falling apart, yet did it differently then everybody else is doing it.  

Color: Misty Grey with sunrise orange behind it.

Language: None to my remembrance. There might have been a 'crap' or 'darn'.

Drugs and Drink: none.

Romance and sexual content: Aiden and Lucy start feeling for each other (though Lucy wont admit it) pretty early. But, there is a problem. Aiden has a girlfriend already. So, we get some girl/girl drama from Del before she follows where her heart really yearns for. And then, we have Henry hitting on Lucy whenever he gets the chance. But, you can tell it is all in jest.

Violence:

There are three scuffles with the Sweepers, but it's all quickly written. Nothing I wouldn't be afraid to watch on tv.

Ratings

Ashes, Ashes is a wonderful book. Fun to read, and spell bounding. But it doesn't have the same power, lets say, The Hunger Games or other populars have. Jo Treggiari has a lot going for her, and I'm excited to see what else she comes out with!

*I got this book free of charge from Scholastic Press. I was not paid for my review. All thoughts are mine, and mine alone*