Today I am very excited to review Nadine Brandes’ book, A Time to Die. I had my eye on it for quite some time (that cover, though!) and after hearing many good things about it, I decided I had to give it a try.
Synopsis: How would you live if you knew the day you’d die? Parvin Blackwater has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside. In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the crooked justice system. But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall — her people’s death sentence. What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her Clock is running out.
My thoughts:
The plot was tight and fast paced, and the futuristic elements were very unique without distracting from the plot. There were several surprises where the author did something I truly did not expect her to do. However, there were other things Parvin did not see coming that I saw a mile away.
My favorite character was Parvin’s brother Reid. He was kind, well-behaved, and a good example. Like Tadashi from “Big Hero Six”. Second to him, I liked Hawke. And Skelley Chase. He was one of my favorite characters simply for how he was written (definitely not for who he was). He was interesting, strange, and sometimes you hated him, but he was so himself. I found Parvin to be a nice young lady, though a tad quick-tongued. Her impetuous nature got her into quite a lot of trouble. I didn’t relate to her much—that might just be me, though.
I did not enjoy the end the way I had hoped. The main character *minor spoiler* is not feeling well, *end of spoiler* and I found that it overwhelmed the plot at the end for me. However, that’s just what comes sometimes from reading books in first person present tense. There were a couple graphic descriptions, for the weak of stomach, but nothing that felt assaulting.
One thing I really appreciate is the author’s voice. It’s clear, it doesn’t tangle you in too much description or too little, and it stays out of the way of the story. I think for that alone I would enjoy reading anything written by Nadine Brandes.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed the book, and I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
Emily Hayse 
Now that you’ve finished am I allowed to read it? Please! =)
LikeLike
I’ve never read it, but you got me pretty interested! Thanks for the review! 😀
-Esther
LikeLike
Aack!!! I loveloveloveloveloveloveLOVE A Time To Die! I was laughing and crying and enthralled and utterly mesmerized! I would have finished A Time To Speak by now, too, if it hadn’t been for the fact that I’m in the middle of reading other books. Hopefully after I finish Inferno, but if not that, probably after Faust. 😀
LikeLike
It was great!! 😀 I haven’t gotten a chance to read A Time to Speak yet, but I am hoping to soon!
-Emily
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I’m partway into it, and LOVING it! Although one of my friends is saying that I’ll cry in this one, too… Oh well. The pain is worth it. 😛
LikeLike
I am glad to hear you’re liking it so far! I can’t wait to get my hands on it, though I’ll have to buy it, which means saving up to get a nice copy…. Yes. I totally agree that if the book’s good, the pain’s worth it. 😉
-Emily
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yeah, definitely save up for a nice copy! I love having the book in-hand instead of on a kindle. And knowing Nadine, it’ll be very worth it. 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person