The Wall by Lauren Nicolle Taylor
Clean Teen Publishing © 2013
Book 2 in The Woodlands Series
Kindle Edition
Dystopian
Reviewed by Leah
First of all, I am going to shamelessly endorse the first book in this series, The Woodlands, and urge everyone to go read that wonderful story. Then be prepared to have this little beast very close by.
Secondly, I have to give major props to any book series for one thing, and one thing only: the relationship built between the reader and the main character. For stand-alones, you must make the MC immediately relatable, because their entire story encompasses three hundred pages. Yet, in the terms of a series, you have so much longer to know a being, watch their growth, experience their heartache as well as their triumphs. Each book provokes a feeling of friendship and the budding kinship between two worlds. That, above everything else, is why I will almost never say no to a series when it is offered to me. And this book helped me to see the truth of it.
Summary:
With Joseph still unconscious, Rosa is facing the one obstacle she never thought would really be hers: being a parent. With a newborn in constant need of feeding, changing, and affection, it all becomes her responsibility. She even has the power to give him a name.
It is a new role for her. Fitting enough for the new world she has entered into. With the quick rescue of their dysfunctional family, the Survivors have revealed their existence to The Woodlands troops and are now in just as much danger. Yet, Rosa fears there is a price for their aid.
Once fully enfolded into the community behind The Wall, however, Rosa begins to realize what it means to have a home and a family. In the back of her mind, however, the memories linger and something else whispers warnings against getting too comfortable.
When one of the Survivors' best kept secrets causes a trauma like no other, the image is shattered. In the broken shards, Rosa pieces together what fragments she can and makes the hardest decision of her life. One that could tear apart the tenuous relationships she has, and destroy the family she so recently formed.
A decision like this depends on what's right and wrong. In times like these, Rosa can barely tell the difference.
Initial Thoughts:
Jumping right into this one shortly after reading "The Woodlands" I thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong. For one brief, heart-stopping moment I even thought the author would commit the ultimate violation of adding a love triangle. It turned out to be something far more dangerous and way less inviting. Which made me LOVE HER! And Rosa. My goodness, I don't think I've ever quite connected with a character so fully as I have done with Rosa. And it makes me feel so good.
Though, again, since this was an e-book, I found that I was not to be primarily invested in this one bit of reading material and actually finished two (or three) other paperbacks prior to reaching the end of "The Wall". That says nothing for the story, however, as I have loved this novel from beginning to end, and the message it sends about empowerment of self is truly victorious.
Characters:
Rosa lives up to her tough as nails, but with a heart that melts like butter, usual self. She's tough when she needs to be. Fierce when it calls for it. And tender and vulnerable when she leasts expects it. All traits of a very realistic and relatable heroine. Nothing more could be asked of her.
I feel like I can't go into detail about anyone else here without giving away spoilers. Rest assured, however, that they all feel like real people. Even the most minor characters have some sense of personality surrounding them. And the not-so-minor ones can sometimes get right in your face. Wonderful cast on this one!
Plot & Setting:
Well, in my last review, I stated that the beautiful and steady world building would easily continue into this book. I was not disappointed. From secret tunnels to a patched-together town, it was all painted easily and without excessive description to bog it down.
Considering plot, however, I'm sort-of confused as to which plot to take into account. For, you see, it does not seem so much as if this book was placed on a real plot arc where everything had a beginning, rising action, climax, and falling action. Being part of a series, I expected this. However, it felt like I had a full plot arc for the first half of the book. Then it took off on another half-finished plot. In the end, you have more beginning, more rising, and you're just about to touch climax again by the time it cuts you off. (OH! CTP authors and their bloody cliffhangers!)
Really, if you don't mind a plot and a half in a book, this is one to really look for. And the fact that the second half doesn't play out like a normal plot, that's what made it so refreshing to read. It's not your normal dystopian. Of course, this series has never been normal dystopia. For that, I am beyond grateful.
Writing Style:
Lauren has mastered the art of coming up with lines so beautiful, they're printed on t-shirts. (I actually mean that quite literally and will actually be looking to get myself one of said shirts. Search her name, find her page, and think about getting yourselves a taste, mmkay?)
The writing flows so easily and comes straight from the mind of Rosa in first person. Loving Rosa as I do, it can only because Lauren has transcribed her words so well for the rest of us. Bless this woman!
Overall Opinion:
The Wall is filled with a lot of emotion and a great showcase of willpower. In constantly questioning what is right and wrong in the ties of family, the struggle Rosa faces is relatable and heartbreaking. Which leaves a powerful portrayal of desperation, strength, and a willingness to do what must be done. No matter the cost.
Equally traumatic and daunting as its predecessor, The Wall is easily a read for those who don't mind being emotionally damaged by the end of this book. The world of a dystopian is a violent and desperate place, and this novel does not down-grade that in any form. This is why its realism is so poignant, and will have every reader reacting in some way to Rosa's strife.
A very fitting successor to The Woodlands.
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