The Bombs that Brought Us Together by Brian Conaghan
Review by Lauren
source: copy from publisher; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Fourteen-year-old Charlie Law has lived in Little Town, on the border with Old Country, all his life. He knows the rules: no going out after dark; no drinking; no litter; no fighting. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of the people who run Little Town. When he meets Pavel Duda, a refugee from Old Country, the rules start to get broken. Then the bombs come, and the soldiers from Old Country, and Little Town changes for ever.
Sometimes, to keep the people you love safe, you have to do bad things. As Little Town’s rules crumble, Charlie is sucked into a dangerous game. There’s a gun, and a bad man, and his closest friend, and his dearest enemy.
Charlie Law wants to keep everyone happy, even if it kills him. And maybe it will… But he’s got to kill someone else first.
Review:
| I thought I’d switch up my reviewing style a bit and share the likes and dislikes of this book for you all:
LIKES- 1. It takes place in Europe. Now, the main character lives in New Town and they are against the neighboring town, Old Country. Despite this, the book is obviously supposed to be set in Europe and I like books outside the United States. 2. Charlie Law. He’s fourteen, almost fifteen, and not quite like a lot of boys in books. He’s infatuated with a girl from school, yet he’s a good person all around. He knows to do the right thing and he wants to be a teacher when he grows up. He even befriends Pavel Duda, a refugee from Old Country, when a lot of people wouldn’t. 3. The fight between New Town and Old Country seemed very realistic, especially in today’s time. New Town isn’t run by the best people, but they are taught that Old Country is awful, and even people from Old Country agree, like the Duda family. However, Old Country eventually invades New Town and the question is: Is it better now, or was it better then? Can it get better now? DISLIKES: 1. I suppose my main dislike is how quick the ending seemed to go. There is a lot going on in Charlie’s life and there are some serious stakes. However, it just seemed like things were worked out too quickly or too unrealistically, even, with everything that had been shown or stated before. Overall, this was an interesting YA novel. I appreciated the way the friendship between Pav and Charlie was shown, without too much romance overtaking the plot. There is a lot of realistic overtones to these made-up towns. If the end had played out a bit different, I would definitely have loved this one. Regardless, I’d still recommend. |
Ohh I am so glad to read a review of this one! It sounded quite interesting to me, but I have found so few reviews of it, I didn't know if it would be worth it. But I like the sounds of it, though I am a little iffy about the ending. BUt YAY for Europe, that is refreshing for a change! And Charlie sounds like such a great character! I will definitely hold onto this one and give it a chance. Great review 😀
So are the towns fictional then? I'm curious!
This looks different from what I usually read. I'd pick it up.
It's nice sometimes to change and well it's nice it's settle in Europe too. I didn't know about it so well maybe. It look interesting
This one sounds intriguing – I may have to give it a looksee.
xx
It is fun to switch things up a bit for sure. Great review!
I have this one coming up soon. Nice review Lauren.
Karen @For What It's Worth
Oh no. I hate when the ending just works out quickly and perfectly and it does't seem realisitc, kind of ruins the read.
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one Lauren, I tried reading it a few months ago and unfortunately didn't have much luck. I loved the premise and the storyline, but I found it hard to read past the actual writing. The themes and characters were young adult, but the writing felt more so middle grade. I might give this one another read, seeing how much you enjoyed it Lauren. Wonderful review! <3
I like the premise of this one but it's too bad that things get resolved so quickly. Regardless, it sounds like something I might give a try.
Ah I hate a quick ending when it feels like there should be more. Glad you enjoyed it overall though!
Those almost too neat and tidy endings get me every time, well those kind of endings and the ones where they totally leave me hanging! Don't like those either…Thanks for the review!
The premise does sound intriguing, but I'm not sure I would want to invest in a story arc that doesn't quite resolve things in a timely way. Thanks for your honest thoughts!