Good Plot, Well-Developed Story
594307
Another great post-apocalyptic book from Ms. Atwood.  The basis for the story is a unfortunately-not-implausible projection of the world as we know it today.  I really enjoyed the writer's skill in slowly revealing the plot as the story progresses, while keeping the writing interesting enough to keep it from becoming a page-turner.
3359216
I like a story with well-drawn characters and clearly defined good guys and bad guys. I also appreciated the lack of foul language in this book and others like it ('he cursed' works for me). I felt that the main characters were likeable and relatable. The soul-searching was prevalent. There were plot twists, action, and tension, so the story drew me in and kept me turning pages. The characters were still in process of resolving their issues at the end, but both Brinna and Jack were well on their way. Their progress was a good lead-in for the next book in the series. It was edited superbly, and I liked the ending.
1530873
Good mystery plot, very nicely written and paced. Got into the story really quickly, even with the differences between the English and American legal system (the latter's what I'm familiar with) which did not prove to be a hurdle at all - there's just enough of it to notice, maybe even learn from, and definitely not something that gets in the way at all of a good read.
3043820
This book has an interesting plot with well-developed characters.  There is very little violence or mention of sex.  I enjoyed reading it very much.
2181954
several twists in the well developed plot; good characterizations and good ear for dialogue
1413563
First thing  I would say is that I hated knowing there was a book 2 which kinda predicted a positive outcome for this one.  It wasn't as suspenseful because I knew everything would work out all right.....and it did.
It was an enjoyable read with a good plot and nicely worked-out characters.  I knew right away that Dawn Murphy would play a role in the story, and that she and Rick would have something going.  Tom McMurtrie, the professor, has taught law at Alabama for 40 years, ever since Bear Bryant asked him to join the faculty.  By a series of incidents he is forced to retire, and  learns he has a medical problem all on the same day.  He gives up and then comes back to take a case from an old girlfriend whose son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter were killed when their car was struck by a truck hauling gasoline.  The owner of the trucking company is a real villain; hard to imagine he hasn't been outed before as a blackmailer and criminal.  He isn't just devious; he is evil, and has a really awful henchman who is unspeakably cruel.  A lot of people are involved as well as some crucial evidence.  It will hold your attention.  The author makes his characters real, and I felt their plight.  He knows about Alabama and the law.
3956147
Well written, with very well developed characters.
2930464
Moves well, has good character development, and an excellent plot. Enough mystery to keep you guessing, but not over done.
4636618
Great story,interesting plot, move along at a good pace.
196872
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy ready, like-able characters with a good plot which includes unique twists I haven't read before. I've already decided to get the 2nd book when it comes out.

I thought the author was well polished considering the number of books he's published. I think he has potential and as he continues to develop his craft, I'd probably enjoy his story telling even more.
3183360
The plot develops beautifully, with sharply drawn characters, some new ones as well. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
1012451
This is an extremely well written, well plotted story, with excellent character development.  The mystery elements are engrossing, and watching the plot unfold kept my interest until the very last word.  In addition, this author has a very sensitive ear for natural dialog, so her characters speak (and act) in entirely plausible ways.  There are sever simultaneous stories being told here, mostly concerning relationships, and each of them is interesting.  These things make this, essentially, a very good book ..but there are some things that seriously detract from it.

First, this author uses the story rather obviously as a platform to allow him to express his own personal views on various topics.  I have seen other authors do this, and my reaction is the same in all cases.  If I want to read an editorial or an opinion piece, Ill read the appropriate section of any good newspaper or magazine.  I am always left with a feeling of being deceived when an author wraps his or her personal views on politics, society or morality in a layer of story.  I, the reader am drawn into the story, and, if I don't want to be lectured, I must either try to skip those parts, or stop reading what had been, up to that point, a satisfying book.

In addition, some of the motivations of at least one of the villains is trite, and, at least to my mind, rather shabbily managed.  It explains the actions of 1 of the main characters, but again, given the quality of much of this book, it came across to me as shallow clichd and obvious.

One thing I very much liked about this book, though, was that we see a strong, capable and powerful black female heroine, who is never used to make a point.  Her attitudes to what she must deal with as a minority in what can be a hostile society are on point, sensible, and, from my experience both as a woman and a physically handicapped individual, healthy and positive.

The narration was also excellent.  The narrator was particularly good at voicing very young girls, making them both mature and girlish at the same time, just as girls just coming into adulthood usually are.

Im not sorry I read this book at all, despite the things I disliked, the writing and the story were well worth it.

I give the book 3 out of 5 stars, and the narrator 5 out of 5 stars.  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this unbiased review from AudioBookBlast dot com.
2729625
This book captures your attention right at the beginning, and continues to have enough twists and turns to keep you reading until the conclusion. While the premise is a bit far fetched (don't want to give too much away), the plot development is solid, the writing tight and interesting. The book is a fairly easy read, has minimal profanity (which I appreciated), and no sexual vulgarity. The ending was the weakest part of the book; for me, several questions were left unanswered. I recommend it.
3326520
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of this series; I suppose, to be consistent with what I've done in the past, I ought to dock it one star for not having a major plotline that actually begins and ends in the same book, but rather just being a continuation of all subplots without any real closure. But somehow, in this case, that didn't seem to be a problem; I'm not sure why, but I suppose it's because, while no subplot actually concluded, they were all left at reasonable break points. In any case, the book was well-written; an enjoyable read with excellent characterizations, good pacing and interesting plot twists. I'll definitely be continuing with this series.
3454142
Though for me the plot was a bit too superficial for the extend of the storyline, i feel that will be corrected in the second book. The story is very nicely prepared, with a lot of in depth knowledge and character build-up. Will definitely read the second book.
2832648
It took me a few days to sort out my opinion of this book, a sure sign it made me think. The characters are intriguing and well-developed, the plot is interesting, the action is consistent in its application, and the story offered all-around satisfaction. It offers a good start, middle, and end with a clear path to the next book.

Indigo's relationship with Jayce confused me somewhat, mostly because the social pressures for her to stay with him seemed artificial. Part of the problem came from my not quite grasping her social status situation, which felt more complex than the explanations suggested. Her minor title seems to be derived purely from her engagement to Jayce, and the only thing that allows her to receive training as a healer. Perhaps I'm ascribing my own, modern understanding of "engagement" to the situation when I say this makes no sense, but I was offered no other explanation. Beyond that, I'm at a loss to understand why any ruler, regardless of superstitions or cultural taboos, would allow the waste of magical talent by restricting its training to only those who are titled.

Despite that rather minor setting-related quibble, I enjoyed the story a great deal. The ascard take on magic works, its limitations are reasonable and satisfying, and I was able to follow and accept the arc of Indigo's power growth. Her character growth is well done, and she's strong enough to carry the mantle of protagonist with ease.

I recommend this story for anyone who enjoys high fantasy.
2567789
I got this book through an EReader recommendation, and was surprised to enjoy it as much as I did.  The story is good, despite the obvious parallels to various real-world religions and cultures, and the characters are well-developed, to the point where the reader will actually find himself caring what happens to them.  The details of the various cultures and settings in the story add to it and for me were the best part of the story.  I sometimes actually found myself wishing the author would go into a little more depth and give more background about some of the cultural references that were only lightly touched on, but hinted at a deeper background story.

The weakest part of the story was the fairly predictable plot and almost obligatory occurrences that advanced the storyline.  But even when you know your destination, the journey can be enjoyable if the scenery along the way is good.  I would recommend this book to fantasy fans.  It's worth the read.