BLOOD RED ROAD by Moira Young

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1442429984
Source: AUDIOBOOK
Rating: YYYY

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by
her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

My Thoughts:

I had been told that BLOOD RED ROAD was amazing and that if I craved adventure and enjoyed distopian novels that this would be a perfect read for me. As much as I enjoy a good pitch I also realize that it can be a slippery slope and that it can set me up for all kinds of disappointment, but I am happy to report that this was not the case with this novel. Yet, I will admit that I could not read this novel. I have had it in my hands for months and I would pick it up and read a few pages but the vocabulary was frustrating and off putting. So, I would put it down and promise myself to return to it and eventually I did but only via audiobook and I am so glad that I did because BLOOD READ ROAD is epic storytelling at it's best.



This novel showcases one of the most interesting and stubborn protagonists that I have had the pleasure to read about in a while. When you first meet Saba you see an dependent young woman whose whole existence is powered by her adoration for her twin brother Lugh. It is as if she does not live or breath for anyone else, not even her younger sister emmie whom she is heartless with for reasons that are irrational. Then Saba's whole world is shattered when Lugh is taken away, but she promises him the she will find him and bring him back and thus Saba embarks on a journey that will forever change her.

Although I found the vocabulary a bit annoying on the written page it is what I enjoyed listening to the most on my Ipod. Strange, I know but oddly true and as I witnessed Saba struggle in her journey to find her brother I also found that her character grow and strengthen. No longer was she the dependent girl but a force to be reckoned with. This force that she had about her is what draws others to her, especially Jack; a mysterious man that Saba will constantly argue with but only to hide stronger feelings that lie just underneath the surface. I have to admit that their interractions are some of my favorite bits in the book especially when Jack calls Saba on her bad behavior and sets her straight.

The writing in BLOOD RED ROAD is simiple yet verily effective with some of the most memorable characters to come forth on the written page. You will keep thinking about them long after you are done and want for more of Saba and her adventures because the ending to this book was not what I considered a satisfactory and I hope it will be remedied soon.