What do you think?
Rate this book
Ellie Quin #2
The World According to Ellie Quin
Ellie Quin has escaped the tedium of life on her father's farm to the domed main city of her home world - New Haven. A noisy, colourful, over-crowded city filled with ditto-heads and limp-chiks, the dregs of society watching day-time sopa-drams on the toob. A place where crime is rife and a naive young woman can too easily become a victim and a statistic.
But with the help of her new found friend and fellow cube-chik, Jez - street-smart, head strong and incredibly fregging foul-mouthed - there's a hope of a chance the pair can find a way off world.
But will they find a way off world before a ruthless killer - hired by 'the Administration' to track down Ellie - finally zeroes in on her?
But with the help of her new found friend and fellow cube-chik, Jez - street-smart, head strong and incredibly fregging foul-mouthed - there's a hope of a chance the pair can find a way off world.
But will they find a way off world before a ruthless killer - hired by 'the Administration' to track down Ellie - finally zeroes in on her?
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2012
12 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Alex Scarrow
63 books1,049 followersI live a nomadic existence with my wife Frances, and son Jacob. For now we're living in Norwich. I spent the first 10 years out of college in the music business chasing record deals and the next 12 years in the computer games business as a graphic artist and eventually a games designer. For those of you who like their computer games, here's some of the titles I've worked on:
Waterworld, Evolva, The Thing, Spartan, Gates of Troy, Legion Arena
Since signing up as an author with Orion, I seem to spend most of my time hunched over my laptop in various cafes and coffee bars sipping lattes, tapping keys and watching the ebb and flow of shoppers outside on the street. As I write this, I'm awaiting the launch of my next book - the sequel to , LAST LIGHT, and getting ready to find a publisher for the first book in a separate series, ELLIE QUIN. Ahead of me, lies research work for my next thriller, and also some screenplays I'm looking forward to writing. Although I'm glad to be where I am now, I do occasionally kick myself for not having succumbed to the writing bug much earlier. But then we all just muddle along through life, don't we? There's rarely a plan.
-Source: http://www.scarrow.co.uk/page9.html
Waterworld, Evolva, The Thing, Spartan, Gates of Troy, Legion Arena
Since signing up as an author with Orion, I seem to spend most of my time hunched over my laptop in various cafes and coffee bars sipping lattes, tapping keys and watching the ebb and flow of shoppers outside on the street. As I write this, I'm awaiting the launch of my next book - the sequel to , LAST LIGHT, and getting ready to find a publisher for the first book in a separate series, ELLIE QUIN. Ahead of me, lies research work for my next thriller, and also some screenplays I'm looking forward to writing. Although I'm glad to be where I am now, I do occasionally kick myself for not having succumbed to the writing bug much earlier. But then we all just muddle along through life, don't we? There's rarely a plan.
-Source: http://www.scarrow.co.uk/page9.html
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 11, 2017
Re-Read 2017
I don't like this second instalment in the Ellie Quin series as much as the first book. It's very much a character and plot development. While necessary, it feels a bit plodding.
It follows Ellie and Jez as they attempt to save money in order to make it off of New Haven. They have multiple different jobs including a burger bar, a pyramid scheme and a recycling plant. As a statement of the type of work available to young adults in the real world, it works, but as entertaining reading, not as much.
That being said, I did love the character development of Ellie and Jez. More so Jez, as she was only in a couple chapters at the end of book 1, she's explored in much more detail in this book. She's head strong, confident and the complete opposite of Ellie. It's very interesting to see the dichotomy between Aaron and Jez as Ellie's two friends.
Scarrow's world building is, as usual, pretty spectacular, especially for a short book. I did have trouble imagining the Boojam that Jez and Ellie visit, but I'm not sure if that was the description (which amounted to a person that looks like an elephant?) or my ability to imagine.
The more I read this series, the more I adore the Wikipedia style excerpts included occasionally. It gives you a sense of destination as they talk about 'the legend of Ellie Quin' and her effect on the human universe.
I don't like this second instalment in the Ellie Quin series as much as the first book. It's very much a character and plot development. While necessary, it feels a bit plodding.
It follows Ellie and Jez as they attempt to save money in order to make it off of New Haven. They have multiple different jobs including a burger bar, a pyramid scheme and a recycling plant. As a statement of the type of work available to young adults in the real world, it works, but as entertaining reading, not as much.
That being said, I did love the character development of Ellie and Jez. More so Jez, as she was only in a couple chapters at the end of book 1, she's explored in much more detail in this book. She's head strong, confident and the complete opposite of Ellie. It's very interesting to see the dichotomy between Aaron and Jez as Ellie's two friends.
Scarrow's world building is, as usual, pretty spectacular, especially for a short book. I did have trouble imagining the Boojam that Jez and Ellie visit, but I'm not sure if that was the description (which amounted to a person that looks like an elephant?) or my ability to imagine.
The more I read this series, the more I adore the Wikipedia style excerpts included occasionally. It gives you a sense of destination as they talk about 'the legend of Ellie Quin' and her effect on the human universe.
June 15, 2024
"The World According to Ellie Quin" by Alex Scarrow is a captivating and imaginative journey into a well crafted science fiction universe that very different to anything I've ever read before. It's not overly complicated plot, with a lot of futuristic ideas and words to wrap your head around shoved in there.
This novella transports you on the Lisa - starship to a planet like our own (but freakish)
Ellie Quin, a young woman was living on a distant farm planet in the far future. Ellie's life is mundane and repetitive, but she dreams of something more, something beyond the fields and routine. Now she has it, she wants more.
Alex has created a universe filled with vibrant characters (I just wanna give Ellie a cuddle, she's like a little sister) intricate politics (the rich get richer and all that) and advanced technology. The setting feels both futuristic and at the same time relatable.
I HIGHLY ADVISE YOU TO READ BOOK 1 BEFORE THIS!
Ellie has a tough journey in this one, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, which I very much relate to at this period of my life (even though Ellie is much younger than me).
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of themes such as freedom, identity, and the search for meaning in a vast, often indifferent universe. Ellie's struggles and triumphs resonate on a deeper level, making her story not just an adventure but also a poignant refection on our desire to do and be more than what we are. To craft a more meaningful existence for ourselves. Little does Ellie know, that this desire has been implanted inside of her.
However, the book isn't without its flaws. At times, the pacing can be uneven, with some sections feeling too worldly, dull and not much going on, others can be exciting and reminded me what I love about this series besides the characters. My biggest issue is the 'futuristic' language the characters use. They are the garbled nonsense of a five year old that has just discovered E-numbers.
Examples: "froob-head, crud, toob (TV), calling everyone Chik, and literally everything is abbreviations - habicube, yumbiotic, cube-chik. There's so many I can't include them all)
Despite the cringe-factor of these phrases, the story is intriguing. I want Ellie, Jez and now Aaron!? To succeed. Plus, we are left on a cliffhanger! I will be reading the rest of this series, I love Ellie and need to see her again soon.
This novella transports you on the Lisa - starship to a planet like our own (but freakish)
Ellie Quin, a young woman was living on a distant farm planet in the far future. Ellie's life is mundane and repetitive, but she dreams of something more, something beyond the fields and routine. Now she has it, she wants more.
Alex has created a universe filled with vibrant characters (I just wanna give Ellie a cuddle, she's like a little sister) intricate politics (the rich get richer and all that) and advanced technology. The setting feels both futuristic and at the same time relatable.
I HIGHLY ADVISE YOU TO READ BOOK 1 BEFORE THIS!
Ellie has a tough journey in this one, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, which I very much relate to at this period of my life (even though Ellie is much younger than me).
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of themes such as freedom, identity, and the search for meaning in a vast, often indifferent universe. Ellie's struggles and triumphs resonate on a deeper level, making her story not just an adventure but also a poignant refection on our desire to do and be more than what we are. To craft a more meaningful existence for ourselves. Little does Ellie know, that this desire has been implanted inside of her.
However, the book isn't without its flaws. At times, the pacing can be uneven, with some sections feeling too worldly, dull and not much going on, others can be exciting and reminded me what I love about this series besides the characters. My biggest issue is the 'futuristic' language the characters use. They are the garbled nonsense of a five year old that has just discovered E-numbers.
Examples: "froob-head, crud, toob (TV), calling everyone Chik, and literally everything is abbreviations - habicube, yumbiotic, cube-chik. There's so many I can't include them all)
Despite the cringe-factor of these phrases, the story is intriguing. I want Ellie, Jez and now Aaron!? To succeed. Plus, we are left on a cliffhanger! I will be reading the rest of this series, I love Ellie and need to see her again soon.
December 26, 2012
Alex scarrow best known for his TimeRiders (Book 1) series, and also for his adult thrillers A Thousand Suns, The Candle Man, Last LightAfterlightOctober Skies. The one thing that Alex has been consistent with is his great characters.
Each person is brought to life very quickly, with a very honest human quality, never given an ability or set of circumstances that the every day person could not deal with.
Its this approach that makes all his books grab you from the first page to the last.
Ellie Quin is no exception, i have to say that i draw some comparisons with "The Ballad of Halo Jones" the 2000ad classic tale, but don't let that put you off, its not a classic for no reason, its one of their iconic tales. But Alex does take the concept in a different direction.
Some might wonder if this is a tale for teens? or just girls. But I'm a 40 year old man and i enjoyed it very much....(does that say more about me or the book...i leave that to you).
I give you none of the story, as its too easy to give spoilers... but suffice to say its worth a download (its free for the next few days, and then still only £1.99 after that..parts 2 & 3 are already on amazon to download as well, so get stuck in and immersed in the new Iconic story of a young Woman's travels in a highly imaginative future world. a thriller set against and extraordinary Universe
Buy it
(Parm)
Each person is brought to life very quickly, with a very honest human quality, never given an ability or set of circumstances that the every day person could not deal with.
Its this approach that makes all his books grab you from the first page to the last.
Ellie Quin is no exception, i have to say that i draw some comparisons with "The Ballad of Halo Jones" the 2000ad classic tale, but don't let that put you off, its not a classic for no reason, its one of their iconic tales. But Alex does take the concept in a different direction.
Some might wonder if this is a tale for teens? or just girls. But I'm a 40 year old man and i enjoyed it very much....(does that say more about me or the book...i leave that to you).
I give you none of the story, as its too easy to give spoilers... but suffice to say its worth a download (its free for the next few days, and then still only £1.99 after that..parts 2 & 3 are already on amazon to download as well, so get stuck in and immersed in the new Iconic story of a young Woman's travels in a highly imaginative future world. a thriller set against and extraordinary Universe
Buy it
(Parm)
October 21, 2022
Vote: 3,25
Class: L-B3 (FP)
(second of the Ellie Quin books)
I've read and appreciated the Time Riders Series by Alex Scarrow and while I found his writing style and imagination quite amazing I've also found some debatable views about religion in general, the christian faith and some moral issues.
This book is also well written and original and the story is quite catching as are the characters
Ellie is now in New Heaven and is now trying survive in this difficult city, while somewhere in the Universe the hunt as begun.
I enjoyed the story but I can't recommend this series to young readers.
Class: L-B3 (FP)
(second of the Ellie Quin books)
I've read and appreciated the Time Riders Series by Alex Scarrow and while I found his writing style and imagination quite amazing I've also found some debatable views about religion in general, the christian faith and some moral issues.
This book is also well written and original and the story is quite catching as are the characters
Ellie is now in New Heaven and is now trying survive in this difficult city, while somewhere in the Universe the hunt as begun.
I enjoyed the story but I can't recommend this series to young readers.
September 3, 2016
Thank you and bye bye.
I did enjoy the first instalment (The Legend of Ellie Quin) of this series despite its flaw – it's just the first part of the opening chapter – and now read the 2nd, also eminently readable, only to decide I will not read this series any longer. Why? I'm afraid that at the current pace it will be 20 parts or more and even at 79p each that is way more than I'm willing to pay for any novel.
I did enjoy the first instalment (The Legend of Ellie Quin) of this series despite its flaw – it's just the first part of the opening chapter – and now read the 2nd, also eminently readable, only to decide I will not read this series any longer. Why? I'm afraid that at the current pace it will be 20 parts or more and even at 79p each that is way more than I'm willing to pay for any novel.
April 20, 2014
I'm not sure I have ever read a book quite so quickly, thoroughly enjoyed and looking forward to the next two in the series.
Alex paints a picture of a bleak future world in which you are willing Ellie (and Jez) to succeed in. There is also the unfolding threat of her capture and 'removal' due to her apparent threat to civilization.
And although a vast improvement on the first, still too short!
Alex paints a picture of a bleak future world in which you are willing Ellie (and Jez) to succeed in. There is also the unfolding threat of her capture and 'removal' due to her apparent threat to civilization.
And although a vast improvement on the first, still too short!
December 30, 2012
Picking off a few weeks from Ellie quin 1, you instantly gravitate to theis book. You see the changes in many of the characters and the tough life of new haven. It is specatacular to say the least.
April 25, 2013
Great, but I think he had one book and divided it into three so he could sell them individually.
May 27, 2014
I'm enjoying the story - but so far it could easily be just one book. I just hope he knows where this is going!
May 9, 2022
The story just gets better, loving it 5***** all day
January 4, 2016
More of the same. If you liked book 1, read this too.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews