"In this addictively readable futuristic Christian dystopia, Brouwer (The Last Disciple) takes readers inside a state run by literalistic, controlling fundamentalists. There, reading is a serious crime; citizens are drugged into submission; and those who break rules are either sent to slave labor factories or stoned to death. Occasionally, a few brave souls try to escape to “Outside.” At the center of this novel is Caitlyn, a disfigured but graceful and brave young woman whose father essentially orders her to make a run for it. For reasons not revealed (even to Caitlyn) until the very end, she is chased by a variety of people who want her dead or alive. While trying to escape, Caitlin meets up with two traveling companions who have their own reasons for fleeing, and she is aided by a sort of underground railroad. Its leaders believe the fundamentalist government has distorted true Christianity, so they risk everything to help people get Outside to freedom. The terrific pacing is surpassed only by the character development; the many supporting characters are extremely well-drawn. Brouwer adds even more suspense by regularly revealing that some of these characters are not who they appear to be." - Publisher's WeeklyHere's my review of this interesting novel:
Sigmund Brouwer’s “Broken Angel” is the story of Caitlyn, a very different young woman, who must escape the clutches of those who pursue her and make it to the Outside in order to survive. This story of extremely close knit culture was like a roller coaster ride.
Its mixture of futuristic and primitive images a la “Planet of the Apes” keeps the reader off-balance and constantly guessing where the next line of the book will lead. The sinister tone of the story makes you attentive, watching for any little detail that may give away the ending. I enjoyed the techniques employed by the author to keep the reader interested in the story. This included very short chapters and weaving back and forth between plot points in each chapter. With surprising and unpredictable characters, this novel does not disappoint. The song at the end of the book was also a nice touch.
Please be sure to visit these other blog tour participants:
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CSFF Blog Tour
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Comments
I wish I could do that. I'm generally too vague, but if I give away plot, it's usually a major SPOILER.
Becky
thanks for mentioning Broken Angel, especially the video at the end of the book. you probably know the girls in the video are my daughters, so I have a very soft spot for it.
:)
sigmund