What do you think?
Rate this book
Outside #1
Outside
The future is divided by Perimeters: high-security gated communities where life goes on as normal. If you’re inside you’re lucky. If you’re outside, life expectancy takes a nose dive.
Riley is fortunate to have been born on the right side of the fence. But her life of privilege comes crashing down when someone breaks through and murders her sister.
She forsakes her own safety to go in search of the killer. Luc decides to go with her otherwise she’ll be dead before she’s past the security gate. But what awaits her outside is more unbelievable than she ever expected.
Cut to the present day, where Eleanor's world is falling apart. This time next year, civilisation won't be quite so civilised...
Riley is fortunate to have been born on the right side of the fence. But her life of privilege comes crashing down when someone breaks through and murders her sister.
She forsakes her own safety to go in search of the killer. Luc decides to go with her otherwise she’ll be dead before she’s past the security gate. But what awaits her outside is more unbelievable than she ever expected.
Cut to the present day, where Eleanor's world is falling apart. This time next year, civilisation won't be quite so civilised...
300 pages, ebook
First published July 21, 2011
942 people are currently reading
5320 people want to read
About the author
Shalini Boland
41 books3,429 followersShalini Boland is the USA-Today bestselling author of twenty psychological thrillers. With three million copies sold, her titles are published by Amazon Publishing, Audible, Bookouture, and Grand Central Publishing.
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
June 5, 2015
OUTSIDE is somewhat on the light side of the post-apocalypse genre. It's not by any means a funny or carefree approach to the material but it's far less dysfunctional than most stories set in this premise. In short - no mutant biker gangs or oppressive governments but some people do have it cushier than others.
The novel is told in two parts - the main events/conflict and everything that lead up to it. These run parallel until converging together at the end and I won't spoil either storyline but it crashed together in a way that makes you appreciate how when things get set into motion it can put lives on a collision course decades in the making. Shalini Boland really has a flare for telling dual stories, which genuinely shines in this instance to full-effect.
OUTSIDE honestly has lots of action as well as bold breaks in tropes and traditions typical to the genre with a little mystery thrown in. It keeps moving, manages to surprise and even leaves you guessing here and there.
I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a story in the post-apocalypse but doesn't dwell on the setting so much as make use of it's dangerous backdrop for a tragic, too-human story.
The novel is told in two parts - the main events/conflict and everything that lead up to it. These run parallel until converging together at the end and I won't spoil either storyline but it crashed together in a way that makes you appreciate how when things get set into motion it can put lives on a collision course decades in the making. Shalini Boland really has a flare for telling dual stories, which genuinely shines in this instance to full-effect.
OUTSIDE honestly has lots of action as well as bold breaks in tropes and traditions typical to the genre with a little mystery thrown in. It keeps moving, manages to surprise and even leaves you guessing here and there.
I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a story in the post-apocalypse but doesn't dwell on the setting so much as make use of it's dangerous backdrop for a tragic, too-human story.
![Profile Image for [ J o ].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1673171874i%2F4639825._UY200_CR4%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 11, 2019
A dystopian story of two young people setting out to avenge the death of a 15 year old girl, leaving behind the safety of their privileged lives inside their fenced-off community.
Two stars because its written nicely and had me hooked for the first couple of chapters, but I was waiting for the plot to tighten up, and I was waiting for the world-building and the character development and it never came.
Aside from atrocious dialogue and unrealistic conversations, the main problem is there is zero world-building: absolutely no world description. These people live in fenced-off perimeters, but what do they look like? How does it feel to live in them? You have to guess all these things because as soon as we've landed there we're leaving: following the protagonists as they set off to find an escaped murderer.
But, hold on. This is a dystopian story, so what's the world like outside their closed homes? No idea. There were some riots, and the roads aren't really used much and... That's it. Some sparse trees, the odd bunch of zealots but the danger is obvious and easy to get out of.
The plot should thicken, but instead it grinds to a halt and random events occur that lead to nothing. The female protagonist is supposed to be a "kick-ass fiery female" like all YA female leads, but like all the rest she's just bland. Just because it's her own story and she's making her own decisions doesn't make her a feminist icon. Plus making her fancy her dead sister's crush without so much as a cute build-up is a sure fire way to impress the naive Twitter generation who like that kind of thing. It's feminist to like and sleep with whoever you damn well like.
A disappointment. I liked the writing for the most part and thought it would improve, but it only receded into an oblivion of terrible storytelling and lacklustre characters. Goes to show that it's not just good writing that makes a good book.
Two stars because its written nicely and had me hooked for the first couple of chapters, but I was waiting for the plot to tighten up, and I was waiting for the world-building and the character development and it never came.
Aside from atrocious dialogue and unrealistic conversations, the main problem is there is zero world-building: absolutely no world description. These people live in fenced-off perimeters, but what do they look like? How does it feel to live in them? You have to guess all these things because as soon as we've landed there we're leaving: following the protagonists as they set off to find an escaped murderer.
But, hold on. This is a dystopian story, so what's the world like outside their closed homes? No idea. There were some riots, and the roads aren't really used much and... That's it. Some sparse trees, the odd bunch of zealots but the danger is obvious and easy to get out of.
The plot should thicken, but instead it grinds to a halt and random events occur that lead to nothing. The female protagonist is supposed to be a "kick-ass fiery female" like all YA female leads, but like all the rest she's just bland. Just because it's her own story and she's making her own decisions doesn't make her a feminist icon. Plus making her fancy her dead sister's crush without so much as a cute build-up is a sure fire way to impress the naive Twitter generation who like that kind of thing. It's feminist to like and sleep with whoever you damn well like.
A disappointment. I liked the writing for the most part and thought it would improve, but it only receded into an oblivion of terrible storytelling and lacklustre characters. Goes to show that it's not just good writing that makes a good book.
October 20, 2012
I'm really sorry Shalini, I wanted to like this book. I read to the end hoping it would be better, but it wasn't. The premise was good, but the execution struggled.
I couldn't sympathise with the Riley, Luc or Riley's Mum, nor understand their motivations to do what they did. I didn't feel that the world was adequately developed, or explained why suddenly "everyone" was rioting or what they were rioting about.
I don't understand how the character cried once about her sister and then moved on with Luc, who her sister had liked, with minimal implications to her conscience. I didn't like how in young adult fiction, which usually builds up to a kiss or a hand hold, that all of a sudden, Riley just had sex with Luc, with nothing to build it up or explain it except she liked him. I didn't like that the plot pretty much comprised of a few incidents where the rich kids got into trouble by taking Mummy's car and going round the bad neighbourhood, and at the end they get picked up by Mummy and returned safe. No climax to the story and there no change in the protagonist. The main character, Riley, learned nothing from this and is determined to continue on her 'quest' to find her sister's murderer, although she found close to nothing the first time.
What was the point of all this? A sequel. It is all set up for another book in the second last chapter but then in the next chapter goes and tells us exactly how the sister died in a tragic accident. What is the point of a sequel or ending the book like this?
I wanted to like OUTSIDE but the lack of structure, character and world development, really made it difficult for me.
I couldn't sympathise with the Riley, Luc or Riley's Mum, nor understand their motivations to do what they did. I didn't feel that the world was adequately developed, or explained why suddenly "everyone" was rioting or what they were rioting about.
I don't understand how the character cried once about her sister and then moved on with Luc, who her sister had liked, with minimal implications to her conscience. I didn't like how in young adult fiction, which usually builds up to a kiss or a hand hold, that all of a sudden, Riley just had sex with Luc, with nothing to build it up or explain it except she liked him. I didn't like that the plot pretty much comprised of a few incidents where the rich kids got into trouble by taking Mummy's car and going round the bad neighbourhood, and at the end they get picked up by Mummy and returned safe. No climax to the story and there no change in the protagonist. The main character, Riley, learned nothing from this and is determined to continue on her 'quest' to find her sister's murderer, although she found close to nothing the first time.
What was the point of all this? A sequel. It is all set up for another book in the second last chapter but then in the next chapter goes and tells us exactly how the sister died in a tragic accident. What is the point of a sequel or ending the book like this?
I wanted to like OUTSIDE but the lack of structure, character and world development, really made it difficult for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2011
I'm a big fan of post-apocolyptic novels, but what set this apart for me is that the setting for Outside could actually happen in the next 20 years if things continue the way they are. And that made it far more terrifying. I loved the intelligent plotting and intertwining storylines - all is not quite what it seems. Riley, the main character, is spot on, she's both brave and terrified in equal measure. Loved it.
March 3, 2015
Outside by Shalini Boland is a distopian look of England after a mass outbreak of terrorist attacks bombing everywhere. The government called the army back to handle domestic violence. Certain villagers built up perimiters cordoning off blocks of homes with armed guards.Riley is 17. She has a sister Skye who is 15. Someone broke into her perimeter and murdered her sister. Rileys dad takes it very bad as Skye was his favorite. Her mother takes to drinking and staying in her bedroom. Riley decides to take matters in her own hands and Lug her neighbor who found Skye's body goes along with Rileys plans to keep her from getting hurt. What will they discover on their journey?
May 27, 2012
The world has been changed by a series of terror attacks, causing riots and subsequently segregation of the population into Perimeters for those who are lucky enough to have money and connections, or isolated trading posts where large parts of the population live in close quarters on the knifes edge of poverty. Religious nuts, raiders and scavengers roam the landscape looking for converts or victims.
Most of the focus is on the two main characters, Riley and Luc, as they leave the safety of the Perimeter and cross the country in search of the man who murdered Riley's sister. As they grow closer along their journey, able to rely only on each other, Riley struggles with her feelings for Luc and her loyalty towards her sister.
There's a lot I can't tell you about this book without giving away large parts of the story, but I was completely taken by surprise by some of the events in Outside - which make it a memorable, thrilling read, with emotions running high all the way through.
Outside is written in a way that kept me flipping through the pages, biting my fingernails and that good old 'one more chapter' feeling was ever-present. For an independently published book, I didn't notice a single error and the quality of the writing is exceedingly good.
Read more of my reviews at The Aussie Zombie
Most of the focus is on the two main characters, Riley and Luc, as they leave the safety of the Perimeter and cross the country in search of the man who murdered Riley's sister. As they grow closer along their journey, able to rely only on each other, Riley struggles with her feelings for Luc and her loyalty towards her sister.
There's a lot I can't tell you about this book without giving away large parts of the story, but I was completely taken by surprise by some of the events in Outside - which make it a memorable, thrilling read, with emotions running high all the way through.
Outside is written in a way that kept me flipping through the pages, biting my fingernails and that good old 'one more chapter' feeling was ever-present. For an independently published book, I didn't notice a single error and the quality of the writing is exceedingly good.
Read more of my reviews at The Aussie Zombie
July 29, 2014
came across Outside on a recommendation from Amazon. I have kind of a love-hate relationship with those Kindle store recommendations; sometimes they’re fantastic, and I get sucked into a whole series based on a lovely little suggestion.
Other times, they are crap.
We’ve been going through a bit of a crap phase lately, and I’ve had some samples I couldn’t even get through. I had to approach Outside with extreme caution, but it wasn’t horrible. In the end, I felt this one had real undeveloped potential.
...Read more of this review at fefferbooks.com.
Other times, they are crap.
We’ve been going through a bit of a crap phase lately, and I’ve had some samples I couldn’t even get through. I had to approach Outside with extreme caution, but it wasn’t horrible. In the end, I felt this one had real undeveloped potential.
...Read more of this review at fefferbooks.com.
September 11, 2023
on my way to block the friend who recommended this to me.
August 20, 2011
This book was such a wonderful surprise. I purchased this Kindle ebook edition off Amazon recently for only $2.99 and so was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be a great read. From the first page I could not put it down. The book was tagged as a "post-apocalyptic romance thriller," but it is so much more than that. This truly believable future world is divided by Perimeters: high-security gated communities for the privileged, where life goes on as normal. The strong female lead Riley, is a seventeen year old girl who was lucky enough to be born on the right side of the fence. But when someone breaks through the Perimeter and murders her younger sister Skye, she talks her seventeen-year-old neighbour Luc into helping her go in search of the killer. I was intrigued with Shalini Boland's unique writing style as she weaved a mysterious secondary storyline throughout Riley's first person account of the main story. There were lots of twists and turns and nonstop action and this book will keep you guessing right up to the last page. Finally mixed in with all the mystery and action is a wonderful tender young romance. This book ranks right up there with my all time favourite books. I give 'Outside' five big stars.*****
October 25, 2011
Over a year ago I had the privilege of reading what has now become one of my
all-time favourite YA vampire books. The book was called Hidden and it was written by fellow indie author, Shalini Boland.
Since then, I have been eagerly awaiting her to release more. Imagine my delight, therefore, when I noticed she'd released a book entitled Outside. Initially I thought it was the long awaited sequel to Hidden. I was completely wrong about that, of course, but it didn't matter. I soon discovered that Outside was not about vampires or the supernatural, but about a dystopian society in south western England. I was hooked. Ever since childhood when I read a book called Z for Zachariah, I've loved dystopian novels, post apocalyptic novels, anything set in a world gone wrong.
Outside is exactly the kind of story I love, about a young couple who embark on a journey through potential terrifying locations to try and avenge something horrifying that happens in the beginning of the book. I'm not saying any more because I'd hate to give anything away. What I will say, though, is that Outside is simply brilliant. Shalini's writing just flows beautifully and I can't wait to read more from her. I wonder if Outside is the first in a series too? I hope so... I can certainly see the potential for many more!
But I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I need to be patient!
All in all, a fabulous read.
all-time favourite YA vampire books. The book was called Hidden and it was written by fellow indie author, Shalini Boland.
Since then, I have been eagerly awaiting her to release more. Imagine my delight, therefore, when I noticed she'd released a book entitled Outside. Initially I thought it was the long awaited sequel to Hidden. I was completely wrong about that, of course, but it didn't matter. I soon discovered that Outside was not about vampires or the supernatural, but about a dystopian society in south western England. I was hooked. Ever since childhood when I read a book called Z for Zachariah, I've loved dystopian novels, post apocalyptic novels, anything set in a world gone wrong.
Outside is exactly the kind of story I love, about a young couple who embark on a journey through potential terrifying locations to try and avenge something horrifying that happens in the beginning of the book. I'm not saying any more because I'd hate to give anything away. What I will say, though, is that Outside is simply brilliant. Shalini's writing just flows beautifully and I can't wait to read more from her. I wonder if Outside is the first in a series too? I hope so... I can certainly see the potential for many more!
But I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I need to be patient!
All in all, a fabulous read.
April 1, 2016
I finished this last night. It was a very exciting and fast paced read. The story is set in England at a time when bombings, riots and chaos have overtaken the world and law and order has collapsed. The well off have set up small communities with walls and private guards to protect them while the rest of the world fends for themselves outside the walls. The story shifts back and forth between a time just before the chaos told by Eleanor and the present time told by Riley. I liked this book so much that I have already started, "The Clearing" which is book 2 in the series.
August 21, 2023
2.5 stars
Outside By Shalini Boland is the first in a YA dystopian series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Second Sky and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Information:
World-wide terrorist attacks have changed the world. There is no government, and the military are no longer in charge. In England, compounds spring up, some with high-security.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Riley Culpepper lives in a high-security compound built by her father. She and her younger sister Skye have never known anything beyond the walls of The Perimeter. The Outside is unknown, but rumours of violence and endless miles of rugged terrain abound..
When a man breaches the security of the fence next-door, Skye ends up dead. Initially, they thought the neighbour's son Luc was responsible, but Luc was their friend, and he would never harm them. Soon the name of an electrician, Ron Chambers, becomes the prime suspect, but he has escaped. Riley's mom start drinking, and her dad is devastated.
Riley and Luc decide to find Skye's murderer. They set off in the middle of the night, and she soon realizes that the rumours of the Outside world were true. The roads are rough, and most of the people they encounter mean them harm.
Meanwhile, Riley realizes that she has feelings for Luc, and he for her. But she refuses to accept those feelings, because Skye was the one with the crush on Luc.
When their trip is brought to an abrupt end, Riley learns more about her family than she wanted to know, and is still on the hunt for her sister's killer.
My Opinions:
Well, I really wanted to love this book (especially since I already have Books 2 and 3).
Unfortunately, I couldn't relate to any of the characters. This was NOT because the book is directed at the YA crowd. I couldn't respect Eleanor's decisions, and both Skye ad Riley acted like the spoiled children that they were, but more so. Riley's decisions were as stupid as their mothers. I kept saying "idiot" in my mind. I mean if you pack all this ammo, food and clothing, etc, you would think you'd wear something more on your feet than flip-flops to hunt down a killer. Okay, that is just one example. I can come up with a lot more.
The story jumped back and forth between two perspectives, and it took me longer than it should have to be able to connect them. After I figured that out, the twist was a given.
The actual plot was quite good, and some of the adventures that Luc and Riley got caught up in were interesting, It was also a fairly fast read.
I am hoping that Book 2 shows some improvement.
For a more complete review of this book and others, (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 13, 2011
This is a post-apocalyptic romance tale. The World in the future is separated by Perimeters that are high security gated communities , where life goes on as normal. if you're inside you are lucky, if you're outside your survival rate is not looking so good.
Riley is born on the inside, so lives a good privileged life, but it all comes crashing down around her when the perimeter is broken and her sister is murdered. Riley forsakes her safety and goes on a search for the killer. Luc decides to go with her , as if not, Riley wouldn't make it past the security gates. What awaits Riley on the Outside is more unbelievable than she could ever have imagined.
I really enjoyed reading this dystopian novel There was a little romance, plenty of action, suspense,drama and of course a few twists thrown in. I will not give away spoilers but will say it didn't end how I expected. I initially didn't join the two time zones together but at the end it all becomes clear. In places its really sad and it shows how one person's actions can have a knock on effect on everyone else. The whole idea of the rioters and having to build perimeters was actually made even more believable by the awful riots going on in the UK whilst I was reading this not so far fetched novel. If you love dystopian you will love this, in fact I would call it a must read for dystopian fans!
Riley is born on the inside, so lives a good privileged life, but it all comes crashing down around her when the perimeter is broken and her sister is murdered. Riley forsakes her safety and goes on a search for the killer. Luc decides to go with her , as if not, Riley wouldn't make it past the security gates. What awaits Riley on the Outside is more unbelievable than she could ever have imagined.
I really enjoyed reading this dystopian novel There was a little romance, plenty of action, suspense,drama and of course a few twists thrown in. I will not give away spoilers but will say it didn't end how I expected. I initially didn't join the two time zones together but at the end it all becomes clear. In places its really sad and it shows how one person's actions can have a knock on effect on everyone else. The whole idea of the rioters and having to build perimeters was actually made even more believable by the awful riots going on in the UK whilst I was reading this not so far fetched novel. If you love dystopian you will love this, in fact I would call it a must read for dystopian fans!
March 24, 2012
This is a copy of the review I left on Amazon.
Shalini Boland has given us a realistic backdrop to her post-collapse YA love-story. I was particularly impressed by the way she used two different, interwoven timelines to give perspective on both the social breakdown and rise of the perimeters, and her story--managing to bring both these threads together in her conclusion. Nicely done. I enjoyed this drive through an English landscape changed by societal collapse, as much as I did the tale of two impetuous teenagers who set off on their own on a hopeless and ill-considered quest. All in all, this story is good value, and would appeal to YA market in particular and anyone who is interested in envisaging near-future scenarios.
Shalini Boland has given us a realistic backdrop to her post-collapse YA love-story. I was particularly impressed by the way she used two different, interwoven timelines to give perspective on both the social breakdown and rise of the perimeters, and her story--managing to bring both these threads together in her conclusion. Nicely done. I enjoyed this drive through an English landscape changed by societal collapse, as much as I did the tale of two impetuous teenagers who set off on their own on a hopeless and ill-considered quest. All in all, this story is good value, and would appeal to YA market in particular and anyone who is interested in envisaging near-future scenarios.
July 22, 2011
This hooked me straight away. Firstly because the set-up is so good and believable. I could imagine ‘Perimeters’ springing up, keeping the rich people separate from everyone else. I really liked Riley. She’s vulnerable but has the guts to go ‘outside’ and find her sister’s killer. In fact, all the characters are strong in this and some are downright terrifying. There’s a wicked twist and a smart secondary story that runs along alternately with Riley’s. For me, Outside quite happily sits alongside the Hunger Games on the bookshelf.
August 17, 2015
I've just reread this book for the second time and it's as brilliant as it was the first time round. Outside is a page-turning dystopian novel that weaves in and out of two characters lives - Riley and Eleanor - I won't spoil it, but both perspectives are equally gripping and masterfully come together at the end. Highly recommended.
May 14, 2012
I felt like this story could have been so much better than it was, i mean it has a great concept but no real explanation. The thrill of PA novels is understanding the world and its implication but to me it just fell flat.
September 13, 2013
A decent dystopian story, I just didn't feel any attachment to the characters...
February 13, 2013
I give up.
September 21, 2017
Couldn't really follow. Not enough to keep me interested.
May 10, 2018
Meh
Meh. I wouldn't spend my money on it - and I got this copy for free. And it was not engaging.
Meh. I wouldn't spend my money on it - and I got this copy for free. And it was not engaging.
August 9, 2023
received from netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
this book was simply alright. if i’m being honest, the story seemed like it would be really interesting from how it started, but was kind of underwhelming when it came down to it.
for a good portion of the story, i was SUPER lost with the dual pov, idk if i just missed something or what but i had no idea who eleanor was until finally something clicked and it made sense to me. i also think the characters really lacked depth, like who are they really as people? i have no clue.
the main character, riley, is super naive. that’s all i really know about her. she thinks as a kid that they’re gonna be able to go on some crazy goose chase to find the guy they think murdered her sister and honestly, it was crazy to think they’d make it on such little information to go off of.
the only thing i really liked about this was how i kind of did get surprised by some of the revelations. oh and i liked luc, he seemed chill and just wants to be cared for but riley is afraid so she pushes him away *sighs*
i will be reading the second book because i’m curious to know what happens next but yeah, this one had potential but didn’t really perform.
this book was simply alright. if i’m being honest, the story seemed like it would be really interesting from how it started, but was kind of underwhelming when it came down to it.
for a good portion of the story, i was SUPER lost with the dual pov, idk if i just missed something or what but i had no idea who eleanor was until finally something clicked and it made sense to me. i also think the characters really lacked depth, like who are they really as people? i have no clue.
the main character, riley, is super naive. that’s all i really know about her. she thinks as a kid that they’re gonna be able to go on some crazy goose chase to find the guy they think murdered her sister and honestly, it was crazy to think they’d make it on such little information to go off of.
the only thing i really liked about this was how i kind of did get surprised by some of the revelations. oh and i liked luc, he seemed chill and just wants to be cared for but riley is afraid so she pushes him away *sighs*
i will be reading the second book because i’m curious to know what happens next but yeah, this one had potential but didn’t really perform.
June 29, 2012
Shalini Boland weaves a story of ‘Perimeters’ and devastation in a post-apocalyptic world. This story is told from two different character point of views, from different times in their history. Riley, a sixteen year old girl, who grew up inside the Perimeter walls, born after the terror attacks and devastation that happened to the world, and Eleanor, another teenage girl before the attacks. The ‘Perimeters’ are closed communities of people who are lucky, and rich, enough to buy safety. Others are not so lucky as poverty rampages the world, and it is a fend for yourself mentality.
Riley’s story starts off with the death of her fourteen year old sister Skye. Riley decides to go after the killer, taking along her neighbor Luc. They set off on a journey outside of the Perimeter walls that takes them through all sorts of scary and thrilling adventures. Riley, who comes to realize she has feelings for Luc, feels guilty because Skye had a major crush on him. Both Luc and Riley seem strong and reliable, though sometimes Luc seems a bit angry with Riley and Riley breaks down and has nervous episodes. I would say that it seems like character inconsistenties, but they are teenagers and ups and downs go with that ride. Their journey is one that will have you biting your fingernails and wondering what’s next. It was amazingly sweet watching them grow and learn together. The brilliance of all their plans, even when they failed, had me rooting for them through every page.
The second main character is Eleanor. Her story starts off with her as a teenager. The world seems to still be intact and you really do not follow what her role is. It becomes clear later on, though her story is interesting and enjoyable, when it clicks in your head and you are like, “Oh my God, duh!” It is amazingly complex and at once impossibly simple, and it makes you feel for her character in a split kind of way when you come to the jaw-dropping conclusion. You do not know whether to pity her, dislike her, or empathize with her. I came away with all three feelings.
Shalini Boland did a bang up job of weaving a tale of a realistic post-apocalyptic world. I would have liked to known a bit more about what happened to cause the terror attacks because that did not stand out as explained really well. Besides that, the two concurrent storylines weaved together brilliantly, taking you on a ride of twists and turns, that had you confused and speculating about what was coming next. I mean that in a good way. Books that I can figure out the plot and twists before I finish reading them are not as good as ones that leave me guessing until the bitter end. I was completely shocked at how all the events unfolded at the end. I really did not see it coming.
I did think that the epilogue gave off too much information, especially since this is the first book in a series. I think I would have been left wanting a little more than I do now without the epilogue, as it seemed to tie up most of the loose ends. Though, there is plenty of more left to make me want to read the second book, as Shalini Boland makes you curious about new characters in the epilogue.
All-in-all, I thought this book was definitely worth reading. The realness of it makes me hope that nothing like that ever happens in mine or my children’s lifetimes. If you like post-apocalyptic books, this story is for you. I love post-apocalyptic books and thought this one deserved 4 stars. Great Read!
For more reviews of Great Books, please check out my blog at:
http://cynthiashepp.wordpress.com
Riley’s story starts off with the death of her fourteen year old sister Skye. Riley decides to go after the killer, taking along her neighbor Luc. They set off on a journey outside of the Perimeter walls that takes them through all sorts of scary and thrilling adventures. Riley, who comes to realize she has feelings for Luc, feels guilty because Skye had a major crush on him. Both Luc and Riley seem strong and reliable, though sometimes Luc seems a bit angry with Riley and Riley breaks down and has nervous episodes. I would say that it seems like character inconsistenties, but they are teenagers and ups and downs go with that ride. Their journey is one that will have you biting your fingernails and wondering what’s next. It was amazingly sweet watching them grow and learn together. The brilliance of all their plans, even when they failed, had me rooting for them through every page.
The second main character is Eleanor. Her story starts off with her as a teenager. The world seems to still be intact and you really do not follow what her role is. It becomes clear later on, though her story is interesting and enjoyable, when it clicks in your head and you are like, “Oh my God, duh!” It is amazingly complex and at once impossibly simple, and it makes you feel for her character in a split kind of way when you come to the jaw-dropping conclusion. You do not know whether to pity her, dislike her, or empathize with her. I came away with all three feelings.
Shalini Boland did a bang up job of weaving a tale of a realistic post-apocalyptic world. I would have liked to known a bit more about what happened to cause the terror attacks because that did not stand out as explained really well. Besides that, the two concurrent storylines weaved together brilliantly, taking you on a ride of twists and turns, that had you confused and speculating about what was coming next. I mean that in a good way. Books that I can figure out the plot and twists before I finish reading them are not as good as ones that leave me guessing until the bitter end. I was completely shocked at how all the events unfolded at the end. I really did not see it coming.
I did think that the epilogue gave off too much information, especially since this is the first book in a series. I think I would have been left wanting a little more than I do now without the epilogue, as it seemed to tie up most of the loose ends. Though, there is plenty of more left to make me want to read the second book, as Shalini Boland makes you curious about new characters in the epilogue.
All-in-all, I thought this book was definitely worth reading. The realness of it makes me hope that nothing like that ever happens in mine or my children’s lifetimes. If you like post-apocalyptic books, this story is for you. I love post-apocalyptic books and thought this one deserved 4 stars. Great Read!
For more reviews of Great Books, please check out my blog at:
http://cynthiashepp.wordpress.com
May 24, 2012
I had higher hopes for this book.
It starts out slow.
Too slow.
Living secluded and secure, as the characters do, inside the perimeter didn’t help my liking of the book any either.
It made the main character, Riley, seem too sheltered and vulnerable.
She was subtle and vague and didn't really do much of anything worthy of noting other than laughing at her sisters death and getting herself and Luc into trouble.
Yeah.
Uhhh...okay.
Really!?
WTF!
Laughing at someones death, especially in your family, is so not right on so many levels.
There's definitely something morbid and twisted about that.
This gave me an instant dislike of the little bitch.
Not to mention, she almost immediately started mooning over the same guy her sis was crushing on.
Then, they both totally forget about why they started their journey or quest in the first place and start fooling around.
Is this how you avenge someones death nowadays?
If so, then may God have mercy on us all!
Also, the setting didn’t really seem dystopian much at all.
Most towns and people within the pages appeared more organized and self proficient than I think would be the case in such a setting.
The book had it's good points and bad points, but at most it was just okay.
There was however a few (very few) phrases or passages within the book that I liked, but that's about it.
The story was lacking and unable to catch and hold my interest but for short amounts of time.
Other than that, the storyline flips and flops back and forth, from one character and timeline to another, like a fish out of water.
A dead fish or something repulsive that you want to toss away from you and forget about.
Yuck!
What you end up with is a tangled mess of a story that doesn't get sorted out until the end.
Ultimately the only reason that I finished the book is that I was cast out, drawn in and wanted to know WTF was going on.
SURPRISE!
This book sucks!
In the end I was still left disappointed.
It starts out slow.
Too slow.
Living secluded and secure, as the characters do, inside the perimeter didn’t help my liking of the book any either.
It made the main character, Riley, seem too sheltered and vulnerable.
She was subtle and vague and didn't really do much of anything worthy of noting other than laughing at her sisters death and getting herself and Luc into trouble.
Yeah.
Uhhh...okay.
Really!?
WTF!
Laughing at someones death, especially in your family, is so not right on so many levels.
There's definitely something morbid and twisted about that.
This gave me an instant dislike of the little bitch.
Not to mention, she almost immediately started mooning over the same guy her sis was crushing on.
Then, they both totally forget about why they started their journey or quest in the first place and start fooling around.
Is this how you avenge someones death nowadays?
If so, then may God have mercy on us all!
Also, the setting didn’t really seem dystopian much at all.
Most towns and people within the pages appeared more organized and self proficient than I think would be the case in such a setting.
The book had it's good points and bad points, but at most it was just okay.
There was however a few (very few) phrases or passages within the book that I liked, but that's about it.
The story was lacking and unable to catch and hold my interest but for short amounts of time.
Other than that, the storyline flips and flops back and forth, from one character and timeline to another, like a fish out of water.
A dead fish or something repulsive that you want to toss away from you and forget about.
Yuck!
What you end up with is a tangled mess of a story that doesn't get sorted out until the end.
Ultimately the only reason that I finished the book is that I was cast out, drawn in and wanted to know WTF was going on.
SURPRISE!
This book sucks!
In the end I was still left disappointed.
March 27, 2013
Outside is set in a post apocalyptic Britain, where groups of residents have set up secure enclaves to shelter from the lawless un-predictable world outside. Following the story of two girls in different era’s, both have to make tough decisions which will have ramifications for their families.
Riley, traumatised by the death of her sister is determined to seek revenge and ventures out into the “real” world in search of the murderer, but her privileged, sheltered life means there is no way she could do this on her own. Eleanor’s story begins by giving a background to the breakdown in society, but choices she makes when her own settled life starts to come undone forced by events, develop into a crucial story line and Shalini merges these brilliantly towards the conclusion.
Living in the town from where Riley begins her adventure allowed me to picture some of the scenes quoted and immediately made me feel at home with this novel. The characterisation is strong and I really felt the emotions driving the characters and story onwards.
Shalini explores the different ways in which people have adapted and coped with the “new society” and if such a disaster should ever visit Britain, and you were one of the “lucky” ones to survive, you would surely meet and recognise some of the characters in this book.
There is enough action and twists to keep an adult reader happy, but is also ideal for a young adult reader. Really well written and thoroughly enjoyed. I would read again.
Reviewed by Peds
Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Riley, traumatised by the death of her sister is determined to seek revenge and ventures out into the “real” world in search of the murderer, but her privileged, sheltered life means there is no way she could do this on her own. Eleanor’s story begins by giving a background to the breakdown in society, but choices she makes when her own settled life starts to come undone forced by events, develop into a crucial story line and Shalini merges these brilliantly towards the conclusion.
Living in the town from where Riley begins her adventure allowed me to picture some of the scenes quoted and immediately made me feel at home with this novel. The characterisation is strong and I really felt the emotions driving the characters and story onwards.
Shalini explores the different ways in which people have adapted and coped with the “new society” and if such a disaster should ever visit Britain, and you were one of the “lucky” ones to survive, you would surely meet and recognise some of the characters in this book.
There is enough action and twists to keep an adult reader happy, but is also ideal for a young adult reader. Really well written and thoroughly enjoyed. I would read again.
Reviewed by Peds
Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2011
Although the setting of this novel would be considered post-apocalyptic that really is not what the story is about. I would place it more as a coming of age drama. I was hoping for something different with this one. It was an inventive idea in a unique setting, but the story mostly revolved around Riley going through and ordeal, and I did not get the resolution I was hoping for at the end. The was a closure, but no real resolution. Also I was dissapointed in the romance.
*Spoiler to follow*
There was a slight build up of romantic interest in the two tunes that moved slowly with out a lot of headway and then sped up and slammed into a brick wall. I guess for me when I think romance I think about the anticipation of the first kiss, the first passionate kiss, a bit of build-up to the physical climax, but in this one their first kiss is immediately followed by them having sex. Especially considering the age of the characters it left me rather dissatisfied.
*Spoiler to follow*
There was a slight build up of romantic interest in the two tunes that moved slowly with out a lot of headway and then sped up and slammed into a brick wall. I guess for me when I think romance I think about the anticipation of the first kiss, the first passionate kiss, a bit of build-up to the physical climax, but in this one their first kiss is immediately followed by them having sex. Especially considering the age of the characters it left me rather dissatisfied.
February 16, 2012
4.5 stars.
Society has collapsed, and the lucky ones live in gated communities armed by private guards. Outside of these communities, there are no laws. This story is set in England. Riley's 14-year-old sister has been murdered, so she leaves her Perimeter to search for the killer. The story also has a second POV, which I won't say much about because it's meant to be a surprise, but it really added to the overall story, and I loved the not knowing for sure what it was all about until close to the end. I like that everything got resolved and there were no holes or loose ends. The description calls it a romantic thriller, but it's more adventure with a dash of romance. There's nothing explicit about it. It's fine for young adults to read. I really enjoyed it.
Society has collapsed, and the lucky ones live in gated communities armed by private guards. Outside of these communities, there are no laws. This story is set in England. Riley's 14-year-old sister has been murdered, so she leaves her Perimeter to search for the killer. The story also has a second POV, which I won't say much about because it's meant to be a surprise, but it really added to the overall story, and I loved the not knowing for sure what it was all about until close to the end. I like that everything got resolved and there were no holes or loose ends. The description calls it a romantic thriller, but it's more adventure with a dash of romance. There's nothing explicit about it. It's fine for young adults to read. I really enjoyed it.
September 23, 2012
This is a great, entertaining read.
The world has been plunged into war and governments have disintegrated due to terrorism and this is the story of a girl in Britain, living with the consequences. After her sister is killed she decides to travel outside of her safe compound into an unknown and dangerous world.
The author weaves the tale of Riley in with the story of Eleanor, a young girl living through the terrorism as it happens which gives you backstory without it clogging up the action. Both stories are just as gripping and you will never be bored.
There is a lot of plot and action, but at the same time there is a lot of character driven elements and the revelations along the way will shock and surprise the reader. Highly recommended.
The world has been plunged into war and governments have disintegrated due to terrorism and this is the story of a girl in Britain, living with the consequences. After her sister is killed she decides to travel outside of her safe compound into an unknown and dangerous world.
The author weaves the tale of Riley in with the story of Eleanor, a young girl living through the terrorism as it happens which gives you backstory without it clogging up the action. Both stories are just as gripping and you will never be bored.
There is a lot of plot and action, but at the same time there is a lot of character driven elements and the revelations along the way will shock and surprise the reader. Highly recommended.
January 13, 2016
This book was in need of a bit more emotion than it had. It also needed a little more back story. There was also a tendency to jump to other times and characters without warning. You find out after a page or two you’re in a completely new scene.
While that did add some back story it had little to with what I felt was important for this book which is what brought about the downfall of society. It sure could have used a lot more of that.
All in all these things marred what would have been a great story otherwise. I have to give it two stars.
While that did add some back story it had little to with what I felt was important for this book which is what brought about the downfall of society. It sure could have used a lot more of that.
All in all these things marred what would have been a great story otherwise. I have to give it two stars.
February 16, 2013
I actually couldn't bring myself to finish this novel. If she rerelease an edited version with proper punctuation and dropping the annoying Pa a dozen or so times on a page I may reread it. But as it stands now I literally read 1% and I was just quite frankly disgusted. I have read some bad books but I just couldn't make it through this. I don't know if this is self published or by a publisher or what. But just no...no.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews