Review: Simon Mayo – Blame

Blame
Simon Mayo

Ant and her brother Mattie have been incarcerated for crimes they never committed – it’s called heritage crime, and because the authorities couldn’t catch their parents, Ant and Mattie have to serve the time. There’s certain perks that the neighbouring crime jails don’t have, but also other dangers.

28248382Ok, so another reviewer has pointed out that the novel is filled with predictable character types. I think that’s certainly true – plucky heroine protecting her too kind brother and tolerating the hatred of a foster brother who blames her for his parents’ fates. However, I didn’t find it offputting. It gave me more space to think about the implications of the novel, rather than having to do too much thinking about the characters.

That being said, there were a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming. Amos, you idiot! Ant, how did you think that was a good idea? Mattie, were you even thinking at all? Completely clueless.

I’m not sure how I felt about the ending. Why would a big piece of information like that be stored in that particular inaccessible place. Surely there are safer places to keep it? Anyway, just suspend your disbelief and be carried along anyway.

Now this novel knocked my socks off. I couldn’t wait to keep reading it, and see where they went. Unlike Cell 7, I liked the characters are there was plenty of action to keep me entertained and worried – particularly as it seemed as if some of my favourite characters would die. 4 stars from me.

4star

Penguin Random House | 29 August 2016 | AU $19.99 | Paperback

I’m not actually sure if I received this novel from the publisher, or a new collaboration I am working on with SocialBookCo.

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