REVIEW for Ashes, Ashes

Thank you to the wonderful people at Scholastic Canada for sending me this book.

TITLE:              Ashes, Ashes

AUTHOR:         Jo Treggiari

GENRE:            YA

RATING:          4 Stars

When I was a YA (a few years ago LOL), books about the end of the world were kept away from us, in fact, most of the tragedies of life were kept from us, at least when it comes to us in a literary way.


This is one of the reasons I am so amazed at the sheer number of books that tackle this subject and are aimed at YA.  I am not sure if this is progress or not, but like it or not, dystopia has invaded the writing/reading world.


Having said this, I have to admit that reading Ashes Ashes was a bit of a guilty pleasure.  I don't normally read this type of storyline, preferring to read more upbeat type novels.  However, Ashes Ashes was compelling from its first few sentences and I found myself wanting to read on and on.


The main character Lucy was very likeable and I also thought the author did a great job of creating a strong YA who is now facing, without a doubt, some of the harshest challenges of her young life.  However, nobody can ever claim that Lucy can't take care of herself and this is the prevalent theme that follows through the book - one which I loved.  I found myself cheering her on and, when she eventually meets up with Aiden, I thought they made an even stronger combination.


The story was creepy in itself, with great descriptions and details of what New York has now become.  I found myself cringing at times and actually pondering what would really happen to all of our big cities if something like this ever came to pass.

Too much to consider I think.

Good read.