An Act of Love

Alan Gibbons

Summary:

Seven-year-old Chris and Imran are sworn blood brothers.

Ten years on they are treading separate paths. The spectre of terrorism has wrecked their friendship. It has changed their lives and could even end them.

A story of two ordinary boys growing up in an extraordinary time - our time. A time of terror, when atrocities don’t just happen in TV reports about people in far away places.

Rioting, fighting, maiming and killing are happening here, on our doorstep.

Plot:

This is a very good story. It offers perspectives from all walks of life, religions and races on the same events, and teaches a simple lesson: that we’re all human. It has its tense moments, moments that make you smile, and some that are pretty sad. There is some mystery, and you’re not always sure which of the characters to trust, but it never gets confusing. The writing is simple, yet beautiful and very realistic.

Characters:

This is probably the best part of the book. I really enjoyed reading about the two main characters. They grew up together, but because of their different beliefs grow apart. However, once you get to the end of the book you realise that, even though they weren’t exactly speaking to one another, their stories still share similarities and parallels. All the characters are flawed, but they’re all pretty relatable.

Who should read this:

13+, this story is about war, so obviously there are some violent scenes. There’s very little sexual content, but some language. If you like historical fiction, but want something that’s easy to read this is a good choice. If you’re looking for a happy story, this is not the one for you.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t bored once, I liked the characters and I feel like this is a better-than-average piece of fiction. The only reason I won’t add this to my favourites is because it’s not my favourite genre or type of story. 4/5

Quote:

‘What breaks inside the child that makes the man so flawed?’

Left Behind

Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins

Left Behind #1

Summary:

In one cataclysmic moment, millions around the globe disappear.

Vehicles, suddenly unmanned, careen out of control. People are terror stricken as loved ones vanish before their eyes.

In the midst of global chaos, airline captain Rayford Steele must search for his family, for answers, for truth. As devastating as the disappearances have been, the darkest days may lie ahead.

Plot:

This is definitely an interesting novel. Referencing the Bible-book Revelations, it tells the story of the end of the world. The setting of this novel makes it very believable, it’s set in the future, obviously, although it doesn’t give a specific date, and the world is much like we know it to be right now, except for some political differences. Some of the political parts were a bit hard for me to understand, but the basic story is very easy to follow and read. It’s not the best-written book in the world and I would’ve liked some more twists and turns instead of just the straight-forward story, but it kept me interested enough.

Characters:

The characters are all extremely believable and relatable. The main characters are pretty likable (the ones that are supposed to be) and the villain is extremely scary in a non-threatening, peace-loving kind of way (it makes sense if you’ve read the book). Except for the villain the characters are mostly just normal people in extreme circumstances, and I definitely liked them. The story is more important, I think, in this case, than the characters, and so I like that they’re not too complicated.

Who should read this:

10+, the violence is not overly graphic and there’s almost no sexual content and zero language. I don’t think this would interest very young people, as the story might get a little complicated for them, and also because it might be scary, since it is set in a world similar to ours, and is written as a sort of retelling of a book that I personally don’t consider fiction. If you like Christian fiction, and are interested in the end-times this is a quick and easy read that makes it a little more real and easy to imagine.

My rating:

I enjoyed reading this book. I won’t add it to my favourites because I wasn’t blown away by it. But it kept me interested. 4/5

Quote:

“I’m not crazy! See for yourself! All over the plane people have disappeared.

First Among Equals

Jeffrey Archer

Summary: 
In the 1960's four ambitious new MPs take their seats at Westminster. Over three decades they share the turbulent passions of the race for power with their wives and families, men and women caught up in a dramatic game for the highest stakes of all. But only one man can gain the ultimate goal - the office of Prime Minister.

Plot: 
This is essentially a political story, which usually means I'm bored and I don't understand. While most of the happenings in this story didn't make any sense to me whatsoever, it still didn't bore me, which is really weird. I think this is a very good story, mainly because of Archer's track record and also because it didn't bore me, but I really can't say much about it as i had no idea what was happening most of the time.

Characters:
As I've said before, Archer's characters are never his main focus. In this novel, however, they are very important. This story revolves around different male characters with one shared political goal.  I really liked some of them, while others weren't as likable. I did find it a little hard to remember which wife fitted with which husband and which man fitted with which past, but it didn't really bother me. Archer manages to remind you in some way without sounding like he is repeating himself.

Who should read this:
13+, like I said before, I didn't understand this book, so if you want to know exactly what's going on, don't read this. Fans of politically motivated novels, as well as historical fiction should like this. There is very mild mature content.

My rating:
I think I might read this book again, just to see if I understand it better. It wasn't boring, but I didn't get it. 3/5

Honour Among Thieves

Jeffrey Archer

Summary:

Who would pay a billion dollars to humiliate America?

The time, 1993. The place, Washington DC. Of the adversaries in the Gulf War, the sole survivor is Saddam Hussein. And Saddam is planning a revenge so diabolical that the United States will be left with no choice but to retaliate.

Plot:

As anyone who’s read an Archer novel knows, he is a master storyteller. This book started off a little slow, but picked up the pace quite early in the story. And what a story! It will terrify and amaze you. I loved the action and the suspense in this book. Also, Archer almost always adds a twist to his endings so expect the unexpected! The story of this book was fascinating and thrilling.

Characters:

Archer rarely writes a story about characters, but rather uses characters to make the story work. His plot always comes first. This book contains a lot of characters, each important to the story as a whole. Although they aren’t the main focus Archer manages to make them human and unique, earn our sympathy, dislike and even hate. The fact that some of these people were/are real makes it all the more interesting. It gives a sense of authenticity to the story.

Who should read this?

13+, not because of the content, although there are some mature content and violence, but younger readers will probably find this book boring and hard to understand, since it is quite complex. Also, if you prefer simple, light reading this is not the book for you. Any fans of Archer’s should definitely read this, as well as fans of John Grisham and Robert Ludlum.

My rating:

This was a very good book with an excellent ending, but a little confusing here and there. I’ll give it a 4/5.