Review: We Are All That's Left

We Are All That's Left
by Carrie Arcos

Publisher: Philomel
Publication Date: May 15, 2018

WE ARE ALL THAT’S LEFT by Carrie Arcos is an unflinching look at the terror of war and in contrast, the lasting power of love. The story switches back and forth between the life of Zara in present-day Rhode Island and the childhood of her mom, Nadja, in the midst of the Bosnian War two decades prior. After a terror attack at a local farmer’s market leaves Zara injured and her mom in a coma, Zara races to find out more about her mom’s hidden past and to rebuild her life on an unstable foundation. 

In WE ARE ALL THAT’S LEFT, Arcos has intricately woven together two unique but related storylines. The characters are believable and the plot is set at an excitingly rapid pace, keeping the story going while still advancing the character development. The story and writing of WE ARE ALL THAT’S LEFT make it into a thrilling, remarkable novel with a powerful message of love and all of the forms it can come in. I recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction, gripping storylines, or strong heroines.

Review: Divided We Fall

Divided We Fall by Trent Reedy
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine
Publishing date: January 28, 2014

DIVIDED WE FALL is a great story about Private First Class Daniel Wright. On his first ever mission, he is sent to control a riot in Boise where he is hit with a rock, and because of the surprise, he shoots the bullet that starts a war between Idaho and America. This story is slow throughout but I would expect this is a set up to future sequels. The end of the book throws an intense plot twist that will have your jaw drop. I would recommend this book to ages fourteen and up due to alcohol, language, violence, and sexual references. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see if there is a sequel.