Demons. Monsters. The s'orne are known by these names. Spreading a fever that drives humans insane, they have never been defeated in battle. Now, after a century of peace, the s'orne have returned to wreak havoc upon the cities of humanity. Bellona has spent the last eight months in the wilderness following the Great Migration. When she returns to civilization to enjoy a festival with her friends, rumors of s'orne attacks across the country begin spreading throughout the crowds. As the festival swells in blind celebration, an unlikely twist of fate reveals the true purpose of the s'orne to Bellona, challenging everything she has been taught about them. While she struggles to accept the unknowable secrets she has learned, the city's bell towers begin tolling the alarm for lockdown, signaling that a s'orne attack has already started. As the local defenses mobilize to fight the s'orne invasion, Bellona scrambles to save her loved ones from the impending onslaught. Pushed to the limits of their strength and endurance, they know they must escape the city before a contagion of insanity erupts.
I received this book from the author via OnlineBookClub.org in exchange for an honest review.
Despite its slow build, I liked this book and recommend it to young adult adventure/science fiction fans. I immediately selected this book due to the cover. The beautiful scenery surrounded by warm colors reminded me of a hot savannah adventure; quiet feminine strength radiated through the mysteriously cloaked figure and the small girl facing a herd of large animals. Not sure what to expect, I dove in and expected to be instantly transported. Sadly, this was where I ran into my first block.
I did not warm up to the storytelling style; it needed to be more cohesive and varied. The first few chapters were packed with the promised adventure. And although there were almost too many personalities to track, I started to warm up to the narrative. All at once, the tale I thought I was investing in was ripped away, and I was presented with facts that made me question everything.
