Wednesday, November 14, 2012

REVIEW: Another Life by Keren David

This series by Keren David which began with When I Was Joe and followed by Almost True is amazing, one of my favourite series of recent times.  I think Keren David writes wonderfully, bringing us this contemporary story of knife crime and its effects on characters and families.  These three books have all be written in a really engaging way, bringing up this hard topic, asking these questions and making me re-think my opinions.  But they are also just hugely entertaining!  Once I started reading this book, I didn't want to put it down for everything!  I loved returning to Ty's story and seeing how events unfolded.  Another Life is an emotional rollercoaster though! I was constantly on edge, worrying about these characters, panicking a bit that things could so easily all end up very wrong! 

I was really excited to hear about this third book about Ty/Joe's story, though I did feel a little bit nervous at the beginning in the change in narrator from Ty to his cousin Archie.  That nervousness crops up every time that a narrator change happens during one series, but I think it really worked in Another Life.  Archie as a narrator brought a great perspective on the events of Ty's life.  I love how questioning Archie is, I loved witnessing the doubt and uncertainty of how Ty ends up in the position that he is. 

And I just wanted to know that Ty was going to be okay.  I wanted that for him.  At the end of Almost True, Ty is able to finally tell the truth about what happened when a boy was killed and as Another Life begins, we see that Ty is now in court being held responsible for his part in it.  Carrying a knife is a serious offense and Ty has to face those consequences.  Ty has been through some really rough things, with a crime family out to get him, the deaths of those close to him and spending time in prison creates even more issues and things to deal with.  My heart broke for Ty, I really wanted to give him a big hug throughout. 

The majority of this book is told from Archie's perspective - and as Archie and Ty don't know each other very well, Archie takes it upon himself to do a little research of his own with some terrible consequences.  And while it sounds as though this book could become very heavy and serious with weighty issues, it's Archie that brings some much needed humour back to the story.  I couldn't help but laugh at Archie's girl troubles and his confusion over them.  And while Ty is the main focus of the story, it was also really interesting getting to know Archie better, to see how he struggled with the inattention of his parents and trying to find his place amongst his friends and family.  

This book was amazing.  I loved returning to Ty's story and seeing how things end up.  It's not an easy journey and at times, my heart was pounding with excitement and worry as these boys get into yet more danger!  I really cannot recommend this series enough.  

6 comments:

  1. Ooh, I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this series! Fab review :)

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  2. Fantastic review! I have considered picking this series up a few times but have never gotten around to it - I think I'll have to change that after reading your reviews :)

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  3. Great review - thanks! I've only read the first in the series, as my teen spirited away the second. Must get that back and grab myself Another Life. I almost didn't read your review, fearing spoilers, but I'm glad to hear it stays fab throughout.

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    1. I did try to stay with all spoilers, but I know what you mean. I love this series so much! I'd definitely say grab Almost True back from your teen :)

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