#BookReview: Blackthorn by Terry Tyler @TerryTyler4
Hi everyone. Today, I have a book review for you for a book I first came accross on Sally Cronin’s online Cafe and Bookstore. If you’d like to see more of her posts, you can check them out HERE.
About the Book:
One hundred and fifteen years ago, a mysterious virus wiped out ninety-five per cent of humanity.
Blackthorn, the largest settlement in England, rose from the ashes of the devastated old world. It is a troubled city, where the workers live in crude shacks, and make do with the worst of everything.
It is a city of violent divisions, crime, and an over-populated jail blockβuntil a charismatic traveller has a miraculous vision and promises to bring hope back to the people’s lives.
Blackthorn falls under Ryder Swift’s spell, and the most devoted of all is the governor’s loyal servant, Lieutenant August Hemsley.
Twenty-one-year-old Evie has lived her whole life in the shacks. She and disillusioned guard Byron Lewis are two of a minority who have doubts about Ryder’s message. Can they stand against the beliefs of an entire city?
My Review:
Blackthorn is the first book of Terry Tyler’s that I’ve read, and I enjoyed the read immensely. I came accross this story on a book blog and am so glad I decided to give it a go. Despite my wanting to avoid this type of tale right now due to all that’s going on in the world today, I soon found myself hooked.
The year is 2139, and we see a new Britain after ‘The Fall’, and a world largely reclaimed by nature. The city of Blackthorn is one of only a few power bases remaining or surviving. Its social structure is a rigid one and not too well balanced. As ever, a vast gap lies between the haves and have-nots.
At a time of particular social unrest, a traveller arrives with a message of love and light, but not all is as it may seem, and political manipulation and manouvring change the lives of many.
The story is told in first-person voice and in the present tense. Usually, I find this style difficult to read, but the author wrote so well, I hardly noticed the narrative. This is a book you live rather than read, as you become totally immersed in the world created and walk alongside the superbly drawn characters.
I will be reading more books by this author. Blackthorn gets a resounding five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! β Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER β Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! β An okay read. Didnβt love it. Didnβt hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS βLacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA βLots of issues with this book.
A wonderful review, Harmony – Blackthorn sounds amazing. Toni x
Itβs one of my best reads lately. Thanks, Toni π
I’ve only read one book by this author but thought it was excellent. I have a lot of her books on my TBR pile. The one I read is Patient Zero, a short story collection with each chapter a different character from the author’s Project Renova series. Highly recommend that one.
(I actually love first person, present tense. A lot of YA books use that and I’m a YA fan.) Great review, Harmony.
That’s a great recommendation for Terry’s books. I could grow to love that style too if it’s written this well.
I plan to read all of her books at some point.
Thanks, Sarah π
Sounds like a timely read, Harmony. I will have to add it to my reading list for later reading.
Uncannily timely. Iβm sure youβll enjoy it. Thanks, Denise π
Excellent review, Harmony. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed the review. Thanks, John π
A 5-Star review from you, Harmony, is a great reference! I will check this book out! Thanks for sharing.
Iβm sure youβll enjoy it. Thanks, Jan π
I feel the same way about first person present. If you barely noticed it, it must be well written. Thanks for sharing, Harmony.
Excellent writing in this case. Thanks, Staci π
Delighted you have read Blackthorn Harmony and great review… thanks for the mention.. x
Thanks for introducing me to Terry and her books, Sally. Hugs xx π
I’ve seen good reviews of this book elsewhere as well. Sounds like the author did an excellent job. And I’ve really grown to appreciate first person, present tense narrative.
With the way Terry writes, I could get used to this style too. Thanks, Mae π
HI Harmony, I have not read any of Terry Tyler’s books either, but I plan too. She certainly does get excellent reviews.
Sheβs now on my list of fave authors for 2020. Thanks, Robbie π
Interesting. In light of what’s happening in our world today.
It sure is. So much fiction, including one of my own books, is proving so relevant at the moment despite being written much earlier, lols. Thanks, Joan π
Hi Harmony
How are you?
You should review for Readers’ Favorite. Your values are their values.
I shall check out this 5 stat book!
Love, Sarah xx
Hi Sarah, I’m doing okay with various ailments at the moment. I hope you’re doing well with everything.
So glad you like the review and the sound of the book.
hugs and love xx
Harmony, thanks so much for putting this on your blog – and I’m especially appreciative of your 5* rating now I’ve read your criteria. THANK YOU! x
You’re more than welcome,Terry. I enjoyed this read so much, so thank you for that! All the best π