Summer is coming in one day and I decided to reread a book I loved. It’s Branded by the lovely Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki. I cannot emphasise enough how much I love this book. I cannot add anything to my original review without being too repetitive. Branded is Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki’s dark, dystopian novel which is, for me, one of the best books of 2014.

This is the first book in the Sinners series which takes place, around the branded with lust, Lexi Hamilton.

Summary:

Fifty years ago The Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. 

BLUE – LUST

ORANGE – GLUTTONY

To punish the guilty, he created the Hole, a place where sinners are branded according to their sins. Sinners are forced to live a less than human existence in deplorable conditions, under the watchful eye of guards who are ready to kill anyone who steps out of line. Now, LUST wraps around my neck like thick, blue fingers, threatening to choke the life out of me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and the Hole is my new home. 

Review:

At first I did not know what to expect of this novel. I knew it was sort of a dystopian novel but nothing more than that.  I was genuinely surprised by how good this book is. It has all the qualities of a gripping read. 

The story grabs you from the first page and really takes you on this adventure in the Hole. It shows this dark and depressing world where people get branded according to their sin. The plot is very captivating and  well thought-out. There is a stong, emotional impact at certain point that made me feel uncomfortable reading it on the train due to some sort of rushing feelings. I did sense some revolution, propaganda and war  themes. Also what I liked is the fact the story isn’t based off  the romance. It is well-done and is unobtrusive.

You can really relate to the main characters, specifically, Lexi. She is also the most developed one. She starts with being this weak personage who then becomes this strong, young woman willing to fight. I really enjoyed that change.

The writing style in Branded is unique and seamless. The two authors have blended without any problems, whatsoever. They are descriptive and have created this not so exuberant world. They have done their job.

Branded is an appealing and exhilarating red which will make you feel unsure of what is going and will keep you on the edge of your seat and just when things can’t get more intense you fall of the chair. The writers have done a terrific job at explaining the plot and in small, but needed details.

Did you like the book? Are you excited for the next one? Makes ure to let me know in the comments down below. 

The second book in the series – Hunted is out now. Currently waiting for it to arrive.