Review of Lord of the Flies by William Golding (Paperback)

Having studied this book at GCSE I've been wanting to read it again. The story, I assume, is set around the time of World War II, sees a plane crash leaving a group of school boys stranded on a desert island.

It's an interesting concept to see how children will act when left to their own devices, and this book looks at just that; from the initial care-free lifestyle, to creating community, as well as battles for leadership and power. However the deeper, darker, underlying theme to this book looks at the innate ability for all of us, even children, to do evil.

After a short while on the island, it is decided that they should vote for a leader to ensure the fun continues, whilst ensuring they survive. One of the older boys named Ralph is voted in, with his sidekick, a boy with glasses nicknamed 'Piggy'. Piggy is practical and overly cautious, but in reality, knows what is best for the boys - to keep a fire going so they might get rescued.

The boys build shelters, find fruit to eat, create a meeting place where decision are made through the use of the Conch, a shall that gives the holder the authority to speak freely. Twins, Sam 'n Eric are set the task of keeping the fire lit, while another leader among the group - Jack, heads up a hunting pack with his choir boys.

What could be better than life on an island without the constant nagging from adults? Ralph certainly revels in this, spending plenty of time lazing around in the water and having fun, however as time goes on, we see the struggle for power between Ralph and Jack, with the boys beginning to hate each other. Soon, the peaceful paradise develops into something much more sinister.

As the thirst for blood raises with the hunters, and the craving for meat increases things begin to get out of hand. We see the once care-free leader Ralph begin to mature and realise that island life is not all about having friends, being popular and having fun.

William Golding's writing keeps the reader gripped throughout, with the subtle hints of the darker undertones to the story making this a book you can't put down. 

I remember enjoying studying Lord of the Flies as a teenager, and enjoyed it again as an adult, and as such I would recommend it to young and old alike, anyone who enjoys adventure and mystery. A real classic leaving you wondering just how thin the line between good and evil really is.

Review of Afloat by Erin Healy (digital)

This story is set on floating residential unit, the pioneering creation of Architect Vance Nolan. Not far off being complete and disaster strikes - torrential rains begin to fall, leading to sink holes and floods causing the unit to be completely cut-off from the rest of the world. 

A diverse group of people - builders, residents and investors are stranded and divisions form as to what to do next. Vance Nolan insists they should sit tight and wait for rescue. Developer Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single mum Danielle Clement, desperate to protect her young son, Simeon, struggles to hold their motley band together.

Power failure, unnatural daytime darkness, explosions, then murder bring tensions to boiling point. But young Simeon has spotted something strange under the water - beautiful, shifting lights in the dark water below. Then there's the mysterious Ranier Smith who keeps appearing.

In this watery world where everyone's secrets will eventually come to light, salvation may mean more than just getting out alive.

It took me a few chapters to really get into this read...the descriptions of the residential unit and its surroundings along with the character introduction seemed a little tricky to follow...or that may just be me?! But I persisted and it really didn't take much to get into this gripping story, filled with suspense, almost apocalyptic action and supernatural elements. 

As I learnt more and more about the characters I began to feel a connection with them, with hints of comedy and romance in there to keep the story flowing. The back-story of Vance and how he came to know Zeke, a blind man who occasionally has prophetic visions, really help to give you a fuller picture of the subtle undertones that run throughout. 

I honestly struggled to put this book down and raced through it faster than I do most books, the mentions of God and references to scripture didn't seem out of place and worked well with the story. 

I'd definitely recommend this as a read to anyone, and look forward to reading more by Erin Healy.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsementsand Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins

This is the third time I've sat down to read the Left Behind series (but I'm yet to complete it!). I remember the first time, our church received a whole batch of book one for free - a very clever marketing strategy from the publishers - I was so psyched!!

These books are incredibly well written with excellent character development and edge-of-the-seat story lines, however I can't help but feel a little frustrated with the authors.

When the series came to completion there were a total of 12 books....oh wait, then there was the 3 prequels, oh and the sequel, and the kids series (40 books!), oh and a few movies....AND a flippin video game - are you kidding me?!

There's writing an awesome Christian fiction series...and there's selling out. I'll let you figure out which way I'm leaning!

Anyway, I decided to write a review now because I've made it further in the series than ever before - just completed Desecration (book 9).

Literally could not put this book down! The story continues following the Tribulation Force, a core group of post-rapture believers.

We meet a few new characters in this installment, and have some heartache as we inevitably lose some.

I really felt for Chloe, being stuck behind while the others go off on their various missions, but we see the extent of the efforts she is putting in to commodity co-op, allowing people to trade without the mark of the beast.

David's technical genius continues to play a vital part in the Trib Force being one up on Nicolae and co.

However, the extents to which Nicolae, the Antichrist, goes to enforce worship of himself as the risen lord and saviour of the world are sickening.

Disregarding my frustrations about the authors / publishers (for dragging it out and totally selling out)...I seriously love these books and the cliff hanger at the end of this one makes me incredibly glad the next installment is sat on my shelf!

If you're a fan of the series - you'll LOVE this book, if you've not enjoyed the earlier ones...chances are you won't!

As an aside, but related, it seems pretty likely there'll be another attempt at turning this series into movie, however this time with actors you may have heard of...!

Nicholas Cage as Rayford Steele

Chad Michael Murray (off of One Tree Hill) as Buck Williams

Ashley Tisdale (off of High School Musical) as Chloe Steele

I'd defo be interested in watching that!