Sorry, I’ve missed some posts, everyone! My mom was in the hospital last week, so things were pretty crazy at my house. She’s on the road t...

Thoughtful Thursday: Book Review: Captives by Jill Williamson

Alexa Mintah

8 Comments

Sorry, I’ve missed some posts, everyone! My mom was in the hospital last week, so things were pretty crazy at my house. She’s on the road to recovery though, so hopefully, I’ll soon return to posting regularly. :)

But to concentrate on my reason for this post...

A couple of weeks ago, I won the entire Safe Lands trilogy in an online giveaway. Whether or not you’ve heard of these books, you know getting free stuff is majorly sweet. But, because I had already read the first one and loved it, it was doubly awesome for me.

I pretty much devoured the last books, finished the series nearly two weeks ago, but because of the aforementioned craziness, I never got around to reviewing the final one. So I decided to do a three-week series on my blog in which I review the whole trilogy, using my reviews from Goodreads and expanding them a bit.

So here’s my review for the first book, Captives, which I actually read in November of last year, but still remember as being pretty darn awesome. Just to be clear, though, my review is actually a slightly edited version of what I posted on Goodreads right after I finished the book. So the review is still fresh. In a way.

Anywho, here’s the back cover summary of Captives by Jill Williamson

When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he’d find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many – including his fiancee, Jem – taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe.

Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Lands have protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago... and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams.

Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only the people of his village, but also possibly find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone within the Safe Lands’ walls.

Will Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Lands’ facade before it’s too late?

Review: 5 stars out of 5. Where do I even start in reviewing this amazing book? Well, first, I loved every one of the main characters. Especially Shaylinn, because I really related to her, and I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that so thoroughly delved into the self-image problem that many girls – myself included – struggle with.

Omar was my other favorite character. Now, if you’ve read the book, don’t hate me. I know what he did and he’s a total moron for it. Still, I feel like his heart is good. Like he’d try if given the chance, if someone just believed in him for once. I can’t say anything more (spoilers!), but I really think this kid has some potential and I hope he gets the chance to unlock it.

Now for the plot: it was awesome. It had so many twists and turns, it kept me glued to my seat, flipping pages, desperate to know what would befall my babies next.

(And you know I love a book if I start referring to the characters as my children.)

I also liked how Mrs. Williamson worked the Christian themes into the book. I mean, they were there – you couldn't miss them – but they also didn’t drown out the story.

Finally, I LOVED how it ended. Perfect, just perfect. And highly recommended.

So have you read the series? If so, whaddya think of it? If not, do you think you’ll check it out?

(Psst. The answer to the last question is a resounding YES.)

BTW, here are pictures of my two favorite babies (Yes, I have favorites among my children), that I found on Jill Williamson’s Pinterest.

Omar

Shaylinn

You may also like