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Safe
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00DYJJNY8
Post-apocalypse; Penelope Evans is eighteen, living in the Colony along with her family and other survivors. She finishes a day in the laboratory when her identification card begins flashing. This flash starts an upheaval of events leading further from her normality and towards the epic truth.
James Garak is attending the Academy where he works on achieving a higher rank. Nobody ever expects Penelope and James' relationship to last long. A year later, they're still together.
But when they are forced to run, Penelope's world turns upside down as she discovers the truth that changes her life forever.
With lives at stake and guards on their trail, will they make it to safety? Will the dishonest lies behind the island's bureaucracy shatter her existence or give her the drive to find a sister she never knew existed?
Post-apocalypse; Penelope Evans is eighteen, living in the Colony along with her family and other survivors. She finishes a day in the laboratory when her identification card begins flashing. This flash starts an upheaval of events leading further from her normality and towards the epic truth.
James Garak is attending the Academy where he works on achieving a higher rank. Nobody ever expects Penelope and James' relationship to last long. A year later, they're still together.
But when they are forced to run, Penelope's world turns upside down as she discovers the truth that changes her life forever.
With lives at stake and guards on their trail, will they make it to safety? Will the dishonest lies behind the island's bureaucracy shatter her existence or give her the drive to find a sister she never knew existed?
260 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2013
34 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Husted
8books99followersDawn Husted is the author of young-adult books written with romantic and dark twists. She was nominated as a panelist for Teen BookFest by the Bay V and is a member of SCBWI. Dawn’s written for online publications, such as Mother’s Day Magazine and A Backpacker’s Tale, and print magazines, such as Insite Magazine. When not writing, she's either camping or dreaming about hiking, minus the 100°F heat. She lives in central Texas with her husband, two kids, a feisty black cat, and an adorable golden retriever.
Among her many interests are sweet tea, wall calendars, kayaking on the rare occasion, acquiring another bookshelf that matches her old one, the color gray, and motivational quotes.
Among her many interests are sweet tea, wall calendars, kayaking on the rare occasion, acquiring another bookshelf that matches her old one, the color gray, and motivational quotes.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 24, 2018
First off, yay for indie published authors! This girl was actually a local college student in my town, so WHOOP!!!
This book was really good, I was surprised how original it was, considering that most dystopian/rebellion kind of books usually aren't anymore. It did follow a few of the cliches and tropes, but overall I was pleasantly surprised by a lot of the twists.
Now, I know since it's an indie book some of y'all are wondering if it's one of those typical indie books, I'm happy to say that it wasn't! It did have a few of its moments with purple prose, telling instead of showing, and slightly jilted conversations which are a few more novice mistakes, but overall it was very well written.
I really liked the plot, I'm kind of scared that there will be a love triangle in the second book, but I do like how Penny had eyes only for James the whole book, loyalty is refreshing. That being said, I do hope to read the next book, I'm not necessarily hooked (it's hard to hook me), but I'm interested and curious.
As for content, there is romance but it just has really light, sweet kissing, I was never sold on the romance because I didn't really get to know James, but it was sweet.
There is no swearing, I was thinking about it earlier, because there was no swearing but it got kind of awkward where there normally would be swearing, an example of this is in the book Penny twists her ankle and she literally calls out in pain "FLIPPING ANKLE", so I was torn (and still am torn) between calling this a novice mistake or just saying that it was cute.
I do hope Dawn continues to keep her future works clean, but maybe in a less noticeable form.
Overall, I enjoyed this!
This book was really good, I was surprised how original it was, considering that most dystopian/rebellion kind of books usually aren't anymore. It did follow a few of the cliches and tropes, but overall I was pleasantly surprised by a lot of the twists.
Now, I know since it's an indie book some of y'all are wondering if it's one of those typical indie books, I'm happy to say that it wasn't! It did have a few of its moments with purple prose, telling instead of showing, and slightly jilted conversations which are a few more novice mistakes, but overall it was very well written.
I really liked the plot, I'm kind of scared that there will be a love triangle in the second book, but I do like how Penny had eyes only for James the whole book, loyalty is refreshing. That being said, I do hope to read the next book, I'm not necessarily hooked (it's hard to hook me), but I'm interested and curious.
As for content, there is romance but it just has really light, sweet kissing, I was never sold on the romance because I didn't really get to know James, but it was sweet.
There is no swearing, I was thinking about it earlier, because there was no swearing but it got kind of awkward where there normally would be swearing, an example of this is in the book Penny twists her ankle and she literally calls out in pain "FLIPPING ANKLE", so I was torn (and still am torn) between calling this a novice mistake or just saying that it was cute.
I do hope Dawn continues to keep her future works clean, but maybe in a less noticeable form.
Overall, I enjoyed this!
January 9, 2014
I would have given this book five stars, easy, if I hadn't been heartbroken by the ending. Just an explanation of why I only gave this book 4 stars.
Okay, here we go. I received this book for free from the author (Dawn Husted) in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, this deal favored me, because this book was so good. I loved almost everything about it, from the characters to the plot to the conflict to the characters. Wait, I said characters twice, didn't I? Yes, I did, mainly because I loved the characters so much.
The main character was a girl named Penny. She was FINALLY a strong female protagonist that I had absolutely no problems with. She was strong, but she also didn't have a problem with getting help from the boys when she needed it. She was incredibly smart, and she was also caring and compassionate. Her relationship with James was uncomplicated and sincere on her part. She was also loyal and brave. I have nothing bad to say about Penny. I mean, she was very serious, but this isn't the kind of book where people are cracking jokes and goofing off the whole time. No, our protagonists are mature (except for a little male posturing) and they take their situation as it is and they don't try to make it seem like it is no big deal.
Confession: I was expecting/dreading a love triangle. The set up would have been perfect for one, and I was just WAITING (with a pained expression) for Penny to stray from her boyfriend, James. I mean, there's a girl on a long and dangerous journey with two hot boys, both of whom have their own advantages, and there is no adult supervision. Given that situation, you can imagine my extremely pleasant surprise when the author bucked the hype that that scenario leads to a love triangle. For readers looking for a love triangle, I am afraid they are in the wrong place. :)
The romance wasn't a very large part of this story, although I am aware that this review makes it seem that way. I liked that; it was more realistic. Penny didn't need gooey romance and assurances that she was amazing and wonderful. She stood on her own, and she knew that her love for James was real.
Alrighty, back to the characters. James was Penny's boyfriend, and he was a guard/soldier. I liked him as much as I liked Penny. I thought that he was sweet and brave. He was a soldier, so I was treated to some awesome action sequences. Also, in their post-apocalyptic world, everyone is genetically enhanced with a vaccine of sorts, and it gives some people extra talents, along with lines on their bodies called vines. James is extremely strong, and he can hear very well. One of the major twists of the book involved him, but I didn't care. It just made him more interesting.
The other main character was Lucan. I saved the best for last, because he was my favorite. He was considered as being 'lower' than Penny and James because he lives on the outskirts of their colony and he has smaller vines that he covers with paint. We get to see a different side of the world through him, which was awesome. He was the lightest of the group, and by that I mean that he was the least serious. He had great skill with weapons, and he was amazing with technology and machines. He had more depth than I would have originally anticipated. I could have read a book entirely about him and his past, if I'm being completely honest. I also loved how loyal he was to his family and loved ones.
The ending literally blew me away, as did the climax. I sat up and turned to my sister and I said, "I totally didn't see THAT coming." Then I hyperventilated for a few seconds. I am not going to spoil the wonderfully devastating moment, so I won't say any more.
The only little complaint I had about this book is that the world building could have been better. I understood exactly as much about the world as the characters did, but in the scheme of things, that isn't much.
I would definitely recommend this book, and I can't wait for the sequel. And there had better be a sequel, because I haven't had nearly enough of these characters or this world.
Okay, here we go. I received this book for free from the author (Dawn Husted) in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, this deal favored me, because this book was so good. I loved almost everything about it, from the characters to the plot to the conflict to the characters. Wait, I said characters twice, didn't I? Yes, I did, mainly because I loved the characters so much.
The main character was a girl named Penny. She was FINALLY a strong female protagonist that I had absolutely no problems with. She was strong, but she also didn't have a problem with getting help from the boys when she needed it. She was incredibly smart, and she was also caring and compassionate. Her relationship with James was uncomplicated and sincere on her part. She was also loyal and brave. I have nothing bad to say about Penny. I mean, she was very serious, but this isn't the kind of book where people are cracking jokes and goofing off the whole time. No, our protagonists are mature (except for a little male posturing) and they take their situation as it is and they don't try to make it seem like it is no big deal.
Confession: I was expecting/dreading a love triangle. The set up would have been perfect for one, and I was just WAITING (with a pained expression) for Penny to stray from her boyfriend, James. I mean, there's a girl on a long and dangerous journey with two hot boys, both of whom have their own advantages, and there is no adult supervision. Given that situation, you can imagine my extremely pleasant surprise when the author bucked the hype that that scenario leads to a love triangle. For readers looking for a love triangle, I am afraid they are in the wrong place. :)
The romance wasn't a very large part of this story, although I am aware that this review makes it seem that way. I liked that; it was more realistic. Penny didn't need gooey romance and assurances that she was amazing and wonderful. She stood on her own, and she knew that her love for James was real.
Alrighty, back to the characters. James was Penny's boyfriend, and he was a guard/soldier. I liked him as much as I liked Penny. I thought that he was sweet and brave. He was a soldier, so I was treated to some awesome action sequences. Also, in their post-apocalyptic world, everyone is genetically enhanced with a vaccine of sorts, and it gives some people extra talents, along with lines on their bodies called vines. James is extremely strong, and he can hear very well. One of the major twists of the book involved him, but I didn't care. It just made him more interesting.
The other main character was Lucan. I saved the best for last, because he was my favorite. He was considered as being 'lower' than Penny and James because he lives on the outskirts of their colony and he has smaller vines that he covers with paint. We get to see a different side of the world through him, which was awesome. He was the lightest of the group, and by that I mean that he was the least serious. He had great skill with weapons, and he was amazing with technology and machines. He had more depth than I would have originally anticipated. I could have read a book entirely about him and his past, if I'm being completely honest. I also loved how loyal he was to his family and loved ones.
The ending literally blew me away, as did the climax. I sat up and turned to my sister and I said, "I totally didn't see THAT coming." Then I hyperventilated for a few seconds. I am not going to spoil the wonderfully devastating moment, so I won't say any more.
The only little complaint I had about this book is that the world building could have been better. I understood exactly as much about the world as the characters did, but in the scheme of things, that isn't much.
I would definitely recommend this book, and I can't wait for the sequel. And there had better be a sequel, because I haven't had nearly enough of these characters or this world.
April 11, 2014
(Source: Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk, and the author requested a review.)
18-year-old Penny lives in a dystopian society where most of man-kind has been killed by a virus. Penny now lives in a small community on an island, where everybody has ‘vines� � black markings that grow on their skin to show that they are special and immune to the plague.
When an emergency arises, and Penny’s parents give her a vaccine and tell her to run away to find her sister Madeline (who lives outside the community because she was born without vines), Penny and her friend James leave to search for Madeline.
Can Penny find Madeline? And was everything that she grew up believing a lie?
This was an okay story, but I didn’t love it.
Penny was an okay character, and she obviously cared a lot for her family and friends. I did think she over-reacted at one point, but it was understandable really. Considering what she was facing she was a good person.
The storyline in this was okay, although I did lose interest after a while, I’m not sure why. The world building was okay, the story was okay, I just didn’t really love it, I also felt that there were some big chunks of information in there that were a bit hard to take in all in one go.
There was some romance, which again was okay. I really wanted Penny and James to work out their differences and be happy together though.
The ending was a little odd. Everything seemed to suddenly fast-forward to the end, and I was left a little confused over exactly what happened. If what I think happened actually happened, then it was quite sad, and I was still a little confused over Penny’s sister Madeline.
Overall; okay story, but I didn’t love it,
6 out of 10.
18-year-old Penny lives in a dystopian society where most of man-kind has been killed by a virus. Penny now lives in a small community on an island, where everybody has ‘vines� � black markings that grow on their skin to show that they are special and immune to the plague.
When an emergency arises, and Penny’s parents give her a vaccine and tell her to run away to find her sister Madeline (who lives outside the community because she was born without vines), Penny and her friend James leave to search for Madeline.
Can Penny find Madeline? And was everything that she grew up believing a lie?
This was an okay story, but I didn’t love it.
Penny was an okay character, and she obviously cared a lot for her family and friends. I did think she over-reacted at one point, but it was understandable really. Considering what she was facing she was a good person.
The storyline in this was okay, although I did lose interest after a while, I’m not sure why. The world building was okay, the story was okay, I just didn’t really love it, I also felt that there were some big chunks of information in there that were a bit hard to take in all in one go.
There was some romance, which again was okay. I really wanted Penny and James to work out their differences and be happy together though.
The ending was a little odd. Everything seemed to suddenly fast-forward to the end, and I was left a little confused over exactly what happened. If what I think happened actually happened, then it was quite sad, and I was still a little confused over Penny’s sister Madeline.
Overall; okay story, but I didn’t love it,
6 out of 10.
October 31, 2013
A free copy was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was an okay Dystopian. It had a good story, it just needed some polishing to make it truly shine.
Let's start off with what I liked:
There was no love triangle. I thought Penny and James' relationship was cute, and I especially liked that James did everything he could to help Penny. He was a really good boyfriend.
The storyline: it was an interesting dystopian plot. There were some similarities to other dystopian books I've read, but they weren't huge similarities and the plot in general was pretty original.
What I think could have been improved:
Sometimes paragraphs would have repeated words over and over again. (Not a big problem; it's an easy fix with some editing.) There were some other grammar errors, but they are also easy fixes with editing.
Also, the ending didn't seem very 'final' to me. Not the 'there's a cliffhanger' ending, but an ending that didn't seem like an ending at all. It almost seemed like the book just...stopped.
There were some issues I had with this book, but I liked it more than I disliked it.
This book was an okay Dystopian. It had a good story, it just needed some polishing to make it truly shine.
Let's start off with what I liked:
There was no love triangle. I thought Penny and James' relationship was cute, and I especially liked that James did everything he could to help Penny. He was a really good boyfriend.
The storyline: it was an interesting dystopian plot. There were some similarities to other dystopian books I've read, but they weren't huge similarities and the plot in general was pretty original.
What I think could have been improved:
Sometimes paragraphs would have repeated words over and over again. (Not a big problem; it's an easy fix with some editing.) There were some other grammar errors, but they are also easy fixes with editing.
Also, the ending didn't seem very 'final' to me. Not the 'there's a cliffhanger' ending, but an ending that didn't seem like an ending at all. It almost seemed like the book just...stopped.
There were some issues I had with this book, but I liked it more than I disliked it.
August 5, 2013
The earthquakes that destroyed the world are history to Penny, something to ponder on while she lives in the colony trying to follow the rules and do her part to keep civilization alive. She feels content knowing that her intelligence and her boyfriend James' strength have set them up with good careers. The vaccine now integrated into their DNA keeps them safe from illnesses that wiped out so many lives. Everything changes, though, when Penny is taken from her home on the pretense of being sick and faces either exile or execution. Either option is terrifying, but the secrets Penny uncovers may be even more frightening.
Set after the world has been destroyed by earthquakes, Penny's life in the colony is quite interesting. The society and laws were carefully planned out to give the community a stable, but somewhat eerie feel. This is the life Penny is used to, but readers get the impression that everything isn't as is seems early on. Readers wont be let down by the myriad of lies and half-truths Penny uncovers as she fights to escape the colony before she is killed.
The characters in this book were interesting as well. Penny is a likable character form the start. She is rather naive, but in a believable way, and she has other characters like Lucan to contrast her desire to believe the best about people and the situation they are in. Lucan was a great character as well. I enjoyed his playful attitude, yet serious resourcefulness. He added lightness when it was needed and strength when Penny needed him. James, Penny's boyfriend, was a little harder for me to connect with. He's rather serious and not terrible affectionate, so I think some readers will have a harder time warming up to him. I'm interested to see how his character develops and whether or not Penny stays with him.
The adventure throughout the book was well paced after an initially slow first chapter of introducing readers to Penny's world. The action flowed well from scene to scene, and Husted provided lulls when the characters needed to breathe and contemplate what was happening. The overall idea of the book was very interesting. I suspected from the beginning that there would be something of a twist, and indeed there was. Several. Before Penny leaves the colony, her father tells her that her sister, whom she believed was dead, is still alive. Penny's journey to find her proves quite interesting.
There were a few scenes toward the end where I thought the emotion from the characters didn't reach it's full potential, and the last few chapters seemed a little slow, but overall I enjoyed this book. It was a fast, entertaining read, and aside from some editing errors, was an enjoyable book. I'm interested to see how this series progresses and where Penny ends up in the end.
Check out my other reviews at The Edible Bookshelf
Set after the world has been destroyed by earthquakes, Penny's life in the colony is quite interesting. The society and laws were carefully planned out to give the community a stable, but somewhat eerie feel. This is the life Penny is used to, but readers get the impression that everything isn't as is seems early on. Readers wont be let down by the myriad of lies and half-truths Penny uncovers as she fights to escape the colony before she is killed.
The characters in this book were interesting as well. Penny is a likable character form the start. She is rather naive, but in a believable way, and she has other characters like Lucan to contrast her desire to believe the best about people and the situation they are in. Lucan was a great character as well. I enjoyed his playful attitude, yet serious resourcefulness. He added lightness when it was needed and strength when Penny needed him. James, Penny's boyfriend, was a little harder for me to connect with. He's rather serious and not terrible affectionate, so I think some readers will have a harder time warming up to him. I'm interested to see how his character develops and whether or not Penny stays with him.
The adventure throughout the book was well paced after an initially slow first chapter of introducing readers to Penny's world. The action flowed well from scene to scene, and Husted provided lulls when the characters needed to breathe and contemplate what was happening. The overall idea of the book was very interesting. I suspected from the beginning that there would be something of a twist, and indeed there was. Several. Before Penny leaves the colony, her father tells her that her sister, whom she believed was dead, is still alive. Penny's journey to find her proves quite interesting.
There were a few scenes toward the end where I thought the emotion from the characters didn't reach it's full potential, and the last few chapters seemed a little slow, but overall I enjoyed this book. It was a fast, entertaining read, and aside from some editing errors, was an enjoyable book. I'm interested to see how this series progresses and where Penny ends up in the end.
Check out my other reviews at The Edible Bookshelf
April 18, 2017
I received a copy of Safe from Dawn Husted in exchange for a review.
I quite liked Safe. I had no idea what to expect. To be honest the cover on the edition I received was very simple and left a lot to the imagination. The book description also seemed vague and other than the fact that Penny was our main character in a dystopian society, it did not lead much to what they book would entail.
I gave the book for stars as I am very into to character development and the characters than into a plot line as you can tell if you have read any of my other reviews. I would much rather read a story with well developed characters and the same storyline we have heard again and again then a unique storyline and bland characters. Safe had a nice mix of both the characters could have used a little more depth but were not two dimensional. Each of the main characters Penny, James and Lucan had individual strength and weakness. Penny being my favorite as she was not one of the wimpy characters complaining about being on the run that often times happens with the female characters.
The storyline was also very unique as it had a nice plot twist in the end that I was not expecting. I had the book pegged to go in a different direction. While the ended left me trying to figure out where it came from and how we got there so quickly. I did enjoy it. I just was left with the feeling that there should be more that another book was coming.
In all I really like Safe, it was a nice quick read and I do hope that it has a sequel. That way I am not left with the feeling of needing something more.
I quite liked Safe. I had no idea what to expect. To be honest the cover on the edition I received was very simple and left a lot to the imagination. The book description also seemed vague and other than the fact that Penny was our main character in a dystopian society, it did not lead much to what they book would entail.
I gave the book for stars as I am very into to character development and the characters than into a plot line as you can tell if you have read any of my other reviews. I would much rather read a story with well developed characters and the same storyline we have heard again and again then a unique storyline and bland characters. Safe had a nice mix of both the characters could have used a little more depth but were not two dimensional. Each of the main characters Penny, James and Lucan had individual strength and weakness. Penny being my favorite as she was not one of the wimpy characters complaining about being on the run that often times happens with the female characters.
The storyline was also very unique as it had a nice plot twist in the end that I was not expecting. I had the book pegged to go in a different direction. While the ended left me trying to figure out where it came from and how we got there so quickly. I did enjoy it. I just was left with the feeling that there should be more that another book was coming.
In all I really like Safe, it was a nice quick read and I do hope that it has a sequel. That way I am not left with the feeling of needing something more.
April 14, 2015
A free copy was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The cover of this book is bland and looks pretty weird. The summery of the book seems boring to be honest. But I wanted to read this book anyways and im glad I did. It was really good. A lot better then I thought it would be.
I have read a lot of dystopian books this year but this one was really good. The setting was easy to grasp. The people and what they were like weren't bad. It didn't take a lot to explain things.
I liked how fast things took off, how it was interesting almost right away.
I liked in the end how it recaps a lot but it doesn't bore you with all the details. I mean we learn through the book how our characters would act in situations so it doesn't need to tell you a billion times. So it wasn't repetitive.
The characters were great and I really liked Penny and how she thought.
I wish we could have learned more about Penny's family, It's not really necessary but I don't know might have been interesting. Or learned more about James or the rest of the people on the island that would have been cool to.
I'm really hoping that there will be a second book to be honest cause I just feel like the is big potential for a second book. I feel like learning more about everything would be amazing. Plus some things were a little open ended. I say really good book especially when dystopian books were starting to get boring this one was not boring for me.
February 23, 2016
I received a copy of Safe from Dawn Husted in exchange for a review.
I quite liked Safe. It was an interesting read and it was also a nice quick read for me. Safe is told via the point of view of Penny allowing you to get a slight insight into her character as well as her thoughts and feelings.
I did like the characters, although I wouldn't say it was love as I didn't feel I knew them well enough. The main characters to the story are Penny, James and Lucan and they each had their own individual strengths. James was the strong one and knew how to fight as he had trained as a guard. Lucan knew more about the wilderness (not sure that's the word I was looking for but it does the job) as well as electronics.
I liked Penny mainly because she didn't complain once about being on the run. So many books have whiny female characters and I was worried this would be the same. It wasn't! So major plus!
I also thought I knew where the story was going. But there was a huge twist that had me slightly gobsmacked. I did quite like the direction the story then took as I didn't know what to expect. However, I felt the ending was quite abrupt. It sort of had a that's it feeling to it. I don't know if that's because there will be a sequel but if there is I would definitely read it.
Overall, I liked Safe. It was a nice quick read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes YA dystopia novels.
I quite liked Safe. It was an interesting read and it was also a nice quick read for me. Safe is told via the point of view of Penny allowing you to get a slight insight into her character as well as her thoughts and feelings.
I did like the characters, although I wouldn't say it was love as I didn't feel I knew them well enough. The main characters to the story are Penny, James and Lucan and they each had their own individual strengths. James was the strong one and knew how to fight as he had trained as a guard. Lucan knew more about the wilderness (not sure that's the word I was looking for but it does the job) as well as electronics.
I liked Penny mainly because she didn't complain once about being on the run. So many books have whiny female characters and I was worried this would be the same. It wasn't! So major plus!
I also thought I knew where the story was going. But there was a huge twist that had me slightly gobsmacked. I did quite like the direction the story then took as I didn't know what to expect. However, I felt the ending was quite abrupt. It sort of had a that's it feeling to it. I don't know if that's because there will be a sequel but if there is I would definitely read it.
Overall, I liked Safe. It was a nice quick read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes YA dystopia novels.
April 19, 2015
Definitely an enjoyable read by Husted. I am looking forward to see what book she comes out with next!
Penelope Evans is eighteen years of age and she lives in the Colony with her family and the other survivors. This story is set Post-apocalypse. One day as she finishes up in the lab her ID card begins to flash. This begins a disturbance of affairs that lead further and further away from her normality and closer to the truth.
Penelope and James both wander outside of the Colony in hopes of finding Penelope's sister who was unknown to Penelope previously.
James Garak, who also attends the Academy, has a relationship with Penelope. No one expected their relationship to last, but it has lasted over a year. James and Penelope are the "romantic element" of Safe. :)
It was nice to see a female heroine that was not "girly" and overly whiney. Definitely enjoyed that about Penelope!
"Safe" definitely was not the type of book that I usually read. Saying that Husted's book might have gotten me hooked!
I give "Safe" a 4.5, but I rounded up. There was sometimes a little bit of redundancy, but the plot and storyline was quite compelling. The ending could have also been a little bit more complete.
I was provided with a free copy of this book to review. I was in no way paid or coerced into writing a positive review.
Penelope Evans is eighteen years of age and she lives in the Colony with her family and the other survivors. This story is set Post-apocalypse. One day as she finishes up in the lab her ID card begins to flash. This begins a disturbance of affairs that lead further and further away from her normality and closer to the truth.
Penelope and James both wander outside of the Colony in hopes of finding Penelope's sister who was unknown to Penelope previously.
James Garak, who also attends the Academy, has a relationship with Penelope. No one expected their relationship to last, but it has lasted over a year. James and Penelope are the "romantic element" of Safe. :)
It was nice to see a female heroine that was not "girly" and overly whiney. Definitely enjoyed that about Penelope!
"Safe" definitely was not the type of book that I usually read. Saying that Husted's book might have gotten me hooked!
I give "Safe" a 4.5, but I rounded up. There was sometimes a little bit of redundancy, but the plot and storyline was quite compelling. The ending could have also been a little bit more complete.
I was provided with a free copy of this book to review. I was in no way paid or coerced into writing a positive review.
January 18, 2014
Safe is about the journey of Penny Evans, who grew up in a Colony made by her ancestors after the earthquake that almost destroy the earth. The Colony developed vaccine that combines with their DNA that will protect them from the plague. After a day in her new job, a meeting was called that changes her life forever. With her boyfriend James Garak, they both wander outside the Colony to find Penny's sister who all her life was dead to her knowledge until that meeting.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review. It was a great book with some actions, adventure, disturbing scene and a heart-wrenching part but not in a heavy way that leaves you exhausted just by reading it. The pacing of the story was just right, not too slow that makes it boring and not too fast that leaves you confused in the end. There are twists that I really didnt see coming and it was good. It makes the story more interesting. The characters are easy to connect with. I like that even though its a tough time, Penny doesnt complain about it everytime and tries to be strong.
This book is a good introduction to the second book and I am really looking forward for the next one.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review. It was a great book with some actions, adventure, disturbing scene and a heart-wrenching part but not in a heavy way that leaves you exhausted just by reading it. The pacing of the story was just right, not too slow that makes it boring and not too fast that leaves you confused in the end. There are twists that I really didnt see coming and it was good. It makes the story more interesting. The characters are easy to connect with. I like that even though its a tough time, Penny doesnt complain about it everytime and tries to be strong.
This book is a good introduction to the second book and I am really looking forward for the next one.
May 9, 2014
A free copy was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
When I finished reading this book, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. The book is about a girl named Penny and a boy named James and their journey to find another Land.
I ended up giving this book 3 stars because I feel like it had all the elements of a good story but I felt like there were many parts that needed developing. It was hard for me to connect with the any of the characters because I feel like I didn't know them. As if I knew just enough about them to progress the story. So I would see their actions but many of the actions in the story felt rushed. This may had been because of the shortness of the book or maybe it was only meant to give a overall look at the events in the story .
Even though their wasn't a love triangle, there were times when the relationship between the two main characters weren't believable . Personally, the small glimpses weren't enough and I felt like they may have been more as best friends instead of being in an actual relationship.
Overall, I give this book 2.5 to 3 stars.
When I finished reading this book, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. The book is about a girl named Penny and a boy named James and their journey to find another Land.
I ended up giving this book 3 stars because I feel like it had all the elements of a good story but I felt like there were many parts that needed developing. It was hard for me to connect with the any of the characters because I feel like I didn't know them. As if I knew just enough about them to progress the story. So I would see their actions but many of the actions in the story felt rushed. This may had been because of the shortness of the book or maybe it was only meant to give a overall look at the events in the story .
Even though their wasn't a love triangle, there were times when the relationship between the two main characters weren't believable . Personally, the small glimpses weren't enough and I felt like they may have been more as best friends instead of being in an actual relationship.
Overall, I give this book 2.5 to 3 stars.
January 21, 2014
A free copy was received from the author in exchange for an honest review
When I first started reading I was a little off because of the grammar errors. It was also a bit too much information at once. I think Dawn should work on her writing flow a little bit more.
Once I got to 25% I was hooked. The middle was very good. The only critic I have about it is that she needs to make some events more powerful. A bomb blowing up the whole island... and all we get is "everyone I know is dead. You're the only family I have left" It just wasn't enough. This scene should have been more like the hole. I felt it was just not emotional enough. The poor dog, and all their new and old friends GONE?! I would be hysterical. Instead of falling asleep crying.
I would have given it 4 stars if 90% to the end was different. The weird flash forward and then back again was just strange.
All in all it was a very good plot, I just think it should be worked on a bit to get it to 4 or 5 stars
When I first started reading I was a little off because of the grammar errors. It was also a bit too much information at once. I think Dawn should work on her writing flow a little bit more.
Once I got to 25% I was hooked. The middle was very good. The only critic I have about it is that she needs to make some events more powerful. A bomb blowing up the whole island... and all we get is "everyone I know is dead. You're the only family I have left" It just wasn't enough. This scene should have been more like the hole. I felt it was just not emotional enough. The poor dog, and all their new and old friends GONE?! I would be hysterical. Instead of falling asleep crying.
I would have given it 4 stars if 90% to the end was different. The weird flash forward and then back again was just strange.
All in all it was a very good plot, I just think it should be worked on a bit to get it to 4 or 5 stars
September 7, 2016
Overall this was a great story. I really enjoyed Penny, James and even Lucan. The story offered a different twist on a dystopian society and delved into new ideas I found quite fascinating.
I felt the story ended at an odd point. I'm not sure if this is the first in a series or a stand alone novel, the ending wasn't necessarily a major cliffhanger but it left a question or two. It would've also been nice to see the typical love triangle that stories of this genre usually have.
I really liked Penny's strength, strong heroines really make for a good story in dystopian novels and Penny became likable very quickly. I would have liked to have seen more romantic tension but overall it flowed really well. I was given this book free in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in reading a new twist on YA dystopian novels.
I felt the story ended at an odd point. I'm not sure if this is the first in a series or a stand alone novel, the ending wasn't necessarily a major cliffhanger but it left a question or two. It would've also been nice to see the typical love triangle that stories of this genre usually have.
I really liked Penny's strength, strong heroines really make for a good story in dystopian novels and Penny became likable very quickly. I would have liked to have seen more romantic tension but overall it flowed really well. I was given this book free in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in reading a new twist on YA dystopian novels.
January 20, 2014
A free copy was received from the author in exchange for an honest review
This book was better then i thought it would be. i was pulled in right away and thats hard for a book to do to me. i did feel however that the haracter developement was lacking a bit but it wasn't bad. the one thing i would change about this book is it's cover. It doesn't pull u in and make you wonder "What's that about?" i think if the cover was different and there was more character developement that this book would be awsome. can't wait to read more, and i really ope there is a second book =)
This book was better then i thought it would be. i was pulled in right away and thats hard for a book to do to me. i did feel however that the haracter developement was lacking a bit but it wasn't bad. the one thing i would change about this book is it's cover. It doesn't pull u in and make you wonder "What's that about?" i think if the cover was different and there was more character developement that this book would be awsome. can't wait to read more, and i really ope there is a second book =)
June 13, 2016
This a Young adult novel of a dystopian future, as experienced by two lovers, when their world falls apart. There is intrigue, action, adventure, and a bit of romance as well. The world is full of peril, and they are almost done in numerous times, but in the end, there is a feeling of at least partial closure,even if the hint of a sequel lingers. The cataclysmic final chapter was a surprise. Another devastation to a devastated world.
A good read for the Young Adult.
A good read for the Young Adult.
August 13, 2013
I won this book in a giveaway. I really enjoyed the story, but I wished there had been more character development and intensity. This book is all about the storyline, which I found intriguing. A good read, and a nice set up for a second book.
January 15, 2017
I loved it. I connected to the main character in a certain way. Very intense when the main character finds out her whole life was a lie. I love the book so much that I recommended it to all my friends and they are dying to read it. Dawn Husted is currently my new favorite author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2016
Author Dawn Husted takes us on an incredible ride with plot twists and turns. If you like the Hunger Games, you will LOVE Safe! It is a page turner you won't want to put down.
September 29, 2016
Fun Read!!
Fun story with lots of twists, turns, and unexpected situations! 100% appropriate for the younger, impressionable age groups. Hoping to read a sequel!! :)
Fun story with lots of twists, turns, and unexpected situations! 100% appropriate for the younger, impressionable age groups. Hoping to read a sequel!! :)
September 20, 2018
I can't believe I read this all in one day! I love dystopian and this book did not disappoint. It was fast paced and kept me interested on each page. The three main characters are Penny, James, and Lucan and I loved them all and they are all so different from each other. I truly cared for each character, even when they did something wrong.
One of my favorite things about Safe is the world that Husted crafted. It's very different from our own and at times very scary once Penny learns the true background behind the town she grew up in. I can't wait to read more by this author, I really love her writing style.
One of my favorite things about Safe is the world that Husted crafted. It's very different from our own and at times very scary once Penny learns the true background behind the town she grew up in. I can't wait to read more by this author, I really love her writing style.
June 28, 2022
The ideas are really good in this book - the story has a ton of potential, and I even liked the protagonist. I did feel like most of the book was leading up to a sequel, but then the last couple of chapters felt very rushed - like the author was sick of the story and just wanted to be done with it.
I also think the author's beta readers did her dirty - she's got talent, and with some better beta readers, her work could really shine.
I also think the author's beta readers did her dirty - she's got talent, and with some better beta readers, her work could really shine.
August 5, 2019
Worse as it went along.
I want the hours back that I spent reading this. It started ok, despite the different tenses and editing. There really was no climax, then just disappointment for the last 50 pages. This was advertised as a standalone novel but ends with a "to be continued..." I will not be continuing. Please hire an editor.
I want the hours back that I spent reading this. It started ok, despite the different tenses and editing. There really was no climax, then just disappointment for the last 50 pages. This was advertised as a standalone novel but ends with a "to be continued..." I will not be continuing. Please hire an editor.
December 12, 2018
Excellence
I really loved this book. Couldn’t put it down until i finished. From scary to worse is what happens to Penny. You will love this book. I recommend to love lovers. Great job Dawn. Can’t wait to read other books by you. ❤️
I really loved this book. Couldn’t put it down until i finished. From scary to worse is what happens to Penny. You will love this book. I recommend to love lovers. Great job Dawn. Can’t wait to read other books by you. ❤️
May 22, 2019
It was alright. Gave it an extra star for the ending. Not reading the rest though.
July 22, 2019
This book did not hold my interest at all. Too much "telling" and not enough "showing" ... and the bits in between were rather boring.
May 27, 2014
I received this through First Reads Giveaways.
I've tried several, SEVERAL times, but I just can't get into it. I tried at least three or four times, but I finally had to give up. I'm not saying it is a bad book. It is just NOT my type of book, I suppose.
I've tried several, SEVERAL times, but I just can't get into it. I tried at least three or four times, but I finally had to give up. I'm not saying it is a bad book. It is just NOT my type of book, I suppose.
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