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Rayn Mirago Saga #1
Sojourn: The Wildlands
Rayn Mirago's seventeenth birthday is tomorrow, but there will be no party, no gifts, and no celebration. Like every other child in this world where humanity is on the brink of extinction and resources are at a premium, she must make her Sojourn across the former United States to prove her worth. The human race has nearly been wiped due to overpopulation, global warming, and our own ignorance and conceit. The coastal cities of the U.S. have been reclaimed by the ocean and the Midwest is now a vast desert wasteland known as the Deadlands. The remaining fifty thousand or so survivors in the old United States now live in one of five walled cities, called Enclaves where they eek out a meager existence.
Rayn's Sojourn begins when she steps through the gates of the Vegas Enclave and into the vast wilderness between the old city and Deadlands, an area known as the Wildlands. She will face many struggles and dangers that will challenge her, make her doubt herself, and force her to realize that she is stronger than she ever imagined.
But first, she must overcome the burden of leaving her old life, everything and everyone she has ever known and loved behind.
Rayn's Sojourn begins when she steps through the gates of the Vegas Enclave and into the vast wilderness between the old city and Deadlands, an area known as the Wildlands. She will face many struggles and dangers that will challenge her, make her doubt herself, and force her to realize that she is stronger than she ever imagined.
But first, she must overcome the burden of leaving her old life, everything and everyone she has ever known and loved behind.
- GenresDystopia
410 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2013
2 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
B.D. Messick
10 books48 followersI live in the Pittsburgh area, enduring the seemingly endless winters, and the sometimes brutally hot summers.
If I'm not writing...which is almost never, I love hiking and movies.
Best Place to Read and Write: The Park
Favorite Movie: Avatar (When I saw that movie the first time, it lit something inside me and I came home and started seriously writing for the first time.)
If I'm not writing...which is almost never, I love hiking and movies.
Best Place to Read and Write: The Park
Favorite Movie: Avatar (When I saw that movie the first time, it lit something inside me and I came home and started seriously writing for the first time.)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 22, 2013
“Sojourn - The Wildlands” by BD Messick starts with a post-apocalyptic premise. In a future United States, the combined forces of climate change, pollution and disease overwhelm mankind, reducing population dramatically and forcing us away from the coasts and into five Enclaves: the former cities of Dallas, Chicago, Spokane, Las Vegas and Atlanta. Realizing the gene pool of each Enclave would suffer over time, the remaining leaders create a rite of passage called Sojourning. When a child reaches the age of 17, he (or she) is randomly assigned a new Enclave. The Sojourner must leave the safety of their home Enclave and transit the Wildlands to their new home. As you might expect, the Wildlands are filled with nasty creatures of the two- and four-legged variety, and many Sojourners never make their new destination.
We meet the female protagonist, Rayn Mirago, on the eve of her 17th birthday and the start of her Sojourn. She is preoccupied with Luk, an almost boyfriend and a few months younger. Rayn is a tomboy and well-equipped to deal with her Sojourn, but not so skillful in matters of the heart.
When Rayn departs on her Sojourn, she leaves her relationship with Luk so on the fence that Luk leaves on his Sojourn early just to be with her. What follows is “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy crossed with a teenage love story. (For those of you who might worry about the nocturnal goings-on of two unsupervised teenage lovers in a stressful life situation, Messick keeps it PG.)
Messick has thought through the setting in great detail, almost turning the landscape into another character. He puts a lot of effort into the development of Rayn and Luk as well. The book clocks in at over 400 pages and (spoiler alert) that leaves them on the edge of the Deadlands, only half-way to Altanta.
I’ll be waiting for the sequel.
We meet the female protagonist, Rayn Mirago, on the eve of her 17th birthday and the start of her Sojourn. She is preoccupied with Luk, an almost boyfriend and a few months younger. Rayn is a tomboy and well-equipped to deal with her Sojourn, but not so skillful in matters of the heart.
When Rayn departs on her Sojourn, she leaves her relationship with Luk so on the fence that Luk leaves on his Sojourn early just to be with her. What follows is “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy crossed with a teenage love story. (For those of you who might worry about the nocturnal goings-on of two unsupervised teenage lovers in a stressful life situation, Messick keeps it PG.)
Messick has thought through the setting in great detail, almost turning the landscape into another character. He puts a lot of effort into the development of Rayn and Luk as well. The book clocks in at over 400 pages and (spoiler alert) that leaves them on the edge of the Deadlands, only half-way to Altanta.
I’ll be waiting for the sequel.
September 18, 2016
I loved this book. Rayn, 17, is the main character in this post-apocalyptic thriller. I love that we have a strong female telling us the story. Her story. She sets off to walk across the country. Not because she wants to but because when you turn 17 you are sent out on your sojourn. It is most likely the last time you will see your loved ones. No one knows if you will make it or not, including you. The first few chapters had me running out of Kleenex! All I could imagine is that happening to my daughter. Terrifying! I like Rayn and Luc, (her love interest). I care way too much about them. So much so that I had to call my brother after midnight to express my worries and fears for Rayn. He started to comfort me and dry my tears long distance when all of a sudden he said, "wait. Is this a book?" I responded affirmatively. He then asked, "you do know that Rayn lives inside the authors mind?" Wretched man! I still don't know if I will remain his sister. I tried to explain how she was going off on her own in a world that had been destroyed and who knew what, (or who!), she was going to come across. I didn't even know if she would have enough food and water! He responded, " should I call 911 or will you be able to make the trek to the mental ward by yourself? Do you have food and water?" Horrid man! I thought it best to just say good bye. I needed to go check on Rayn anyway.
As you can tell, this was a hard book to put down. While away from it, thoughts of what was happening kept wandering through my mind. I held back from calling my brother though. Let him suffer not knowing her fate! Okay I did send a text to let him know she was alive at the end of the book but who knows for how long because she was entering The Deadlands. He texted back asking if the walls were really padded in the mental hospital. I have a good mind to leave him in the dark about her fate in the Deadlands! That will teach him.
Most of my post-apocalyptic reads involve zombies. This book had none of those but there were other creatures. Those scenes are not often nor long but they were intense. I was picturing everything as I read which probably helped with the intensity. There is a romance going on. Normally I am bothered by that, (unless it truly fits the story, I just don't understand). This is one of those rare books where it fits. So far there has been no sex. I like the relationship between Rayn and Luc. It gives each chances at being the strong and weak one. The message I kept getting was that teamwork was important for survival. I would say it is good for teens and up. I have already been telling people to get this book.
I would like to thank BookTasters on Twitter for introducing me to this book. I would like to thank the author for providing me an ebook for review purposes. All opinions and experiences were mine.
As you can tell, this was a hard book to put down. While away from it, thoughts of what was happening kept wandering through my mind. I held back from calling my brother though. Let him suffer not knowing her fate! Okay I did send a text to let him know she was alive at the end of the book but who knows for how long because she was entering The Deadlands. He texted back asking if the walls were really padded in the mental hospital. I have a good mind to leave him in the dark about her fate in the Deadlands! That will teach him.
Most of my post-apocalyptic reads involve zombies. This book had none of those but there were other creatures. Those scenes are not often nor long but they were intense. I was picturing everything as I read which probably helped with the intensity. There is a romance going on. Normally I am bothered by that, (unless it truly fits the story, I just don't understand). This is one of those rare books where it fits. So far there has been no sex. I like the relationship between Rayn and Luc. It gives each chances at being the strong and weak one. The message I kept getting was that teamwork was important for survival. I would say it is good for teens and up. I have already been telling people to get this book.
I would like to thank BookTasters on Twitter for introducing me to this book. I would like to thank the author for providing me an ebook for review purposes. All opinions and experiences were mine.
August 19, 2013
Would def recommend for my teen age niece to read - strong female lead character and a good story line. looking forward to book 2 and seeing what happens next!
November 28, 2017
I had never heard of this series until I met the author at a library talk. This is the first book in a dystopian series set in the future- a United States that has been destroyed by war, internal strife, carelessness, and global warming. Only a few cities still exist and they are called Enclaves. The population that still exists mostly lives in one of these cities. When a child reaches the age of 17 that child must leave the Enclave where he or she resides and travel to another one. This ensures that the Enclaves always has new blood.
I was blown away with the story. There is a lot of romance in the story. My only criticism is that if Rayn, the protagonist, is traveling to a new Enclave with her boyfriend, Luk, why do they need to go away at all? They are obviously going to be together and are from the same Enclave. Regardless, I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I couldn't put this one down!
I was blown away with the story. There is a lot of romance in the story. My only criticism is that if Rayn, the protagonist, is traveling to a new Enclave with her boyfriend, Luk, why do they need to go away at all? They are obviously going to be together and are from the same Enclave. Regardless, I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I couldn't put this one down!
November 13, 2013
All children must come of age eventually. Whether it is quietly without causing attention, or through a fantastical story of action and adventure, coming-of-age stories are enjoyed by readers of all ages and offer something everyone can relate to. This coming-of-age story is no exception.
Sojourn-The Wildlands is B.D. Messick’s first science-fiction book for young adults. Set in the post-apocalyptic United States, the main character, Rayn Mirago, prepares for her seventeenth birthday, and her Sojourn. The United States now consists of just five cities, called Enclaves: Vegas, Spokane, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas. On every citizen’s seventeenth birthday they must leave their city and journey to another one across what is left of America. The journey serves a dual purpose: first, it is dangerous and only the strongest survive and second, it allows “new blood” to enter the isolated enclaves.
Rayn has been taught for this her whole life by her father and the community school. She leaves all those she loves behind, including her best-friend and secret crush, Luk Teeral, in a heartbreaking goodbye, “A few moments later I turn one final time and look back at my parents framed in the small opening” and then begins her journey. She faces multiple, if not predictable, obstacles, not the least being alone for the first time and no longer protected by the enclave. The reader journeys along with Rayn through the wildlands of America on her way to her new destination, and life in Atlanta.
The story follows a conventional route of other post-apocalyptic novels with each chapter ending at the end of the day, leaving no space for cliffhangers or edge-of-your-seat suspense. Each obstacle is met and then overcome in expected fashion. There are a few twists, but even those can be foreseen by the subtle foreshadowing throughout the book. The dialogue is easy to follow and the plot is clear for the reader to understand. Young-adult readers will be able to relate to the first love and emotions portrayed by both Rayn and Luk throughout the story. While the writing style is simplistic, the story line makes for great adventure and can be enjoyed by all. It is a good first book from a new writer and I look forward to reading more from him.
Sojourn-The Wildlands is B.D. Messick’s first science-fiction book for young adults. Set in the post-apocalyptic United States, the main character, Rayn Mirago, prepares for her seventeenth birthday, and her Sojourn. The United States now consists of just five cities, called Enclaves: Vegas, Spokane, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas. On every citizen’s seventeenth birthday they must leave their city and journey to another one across what is left of America. The journey serves a dual purpose: first, it is dangerous and only the strongest survive and second, it allows “new blood” to enter the isolated enclaves.
Rayn has been taught for this her whole life by her father and the community school. She leaves all those she loves behind, including her best-friend and secret crush, Luk Teeral, in a heartbreaking goodbye, “A few moments later I turn one final time and look back at my parents framed in the small opening” and then begins her journey. She faces multiple, if not predictable, obstacles, not the least being alone for the first time and no longer protected by the enclave. The reader journeys along with Rayn through the wildlands of America on her way to her new destination, and life in Atlanta.
The story follows a conventional route of other post-apocalyptic novels with each chapter ending at the end of the day, leaving no space for cliffhangers or edge-of-your-seat suspense. Each obstacle is met and then overcome in expected fashion. There are a few twists, but even those can be foreseen by the subtle foreshadowing throughout the book. The dialogue is easy to follow and the plot is clear for the reader to understand. Young-adult readers will be able to relate to the first love and emotions portrayed by both Rayn and Luk throughout the story. While the writing style is simplistic, the story line makes for great adventure and can be enjoyed by all. It is a good first book from a new writer and I look forward to reading more from him.
October 11, 2013
'Sojourn - The Wildlands: A Rayn Mirago Novel' by B.D. Messick has got to be one of the best debut novels I have read in a very long time and an author I look forward to following book by book.
While I have read several apocalyptic style novels, this one has several twists that make it an original take on the kind of world we may well be headed toward ourselves.
The descriptions of the effects of the apocalypse on the United States are enough to get a good idea what has happened, but also leave out just enough detail to keep you reading. It leaves the frighteningly wide open as for how we, the victims, managed to destroy the planet.
Mr Messick has given some very creative names to the characters, which suggest that the earth and it's resources are not the only things to be pared down to a minimum.
With the Deadlands dividing the nation, and only 5 Enclaves remaining as a safehold for the survivors, the need to share the "genetic resources" of the strongest survivors has led to all seventeen year olds being forced to commit to a sojourn. A journey that the new schooling system has done it's best to prepare them for, and their parents sacrifice greatly for, to better the teens as they leave the only home they have ever known.
The first book, in what I hope will be far more than a trilogy, begin's with Rayn finishing her schooling, wondering about her friend Luk, and leaving her family as prepared for the sojourn as one can expect.
What follows her departure is a stark look into a world that is unforgiving at the same time as it is giving to those who use their wits and resources responsibly. (There is a huge lesson for readers in this.) We follow along as Rayn and a small cast of unexpected characters, make their way to a favored Enclave, so far away that the walk is daunting even to the reader.
There is only one element I would like to see added to this novel - a hand drawn map of the United States, with some detail where prudent and Rayn's route suggested in some mysterious way.
Mr Messick keep on writing! You have a gift for it!
While I have read several apocalyptic style novels, this one has several twists that make it an original take on the kind of world we may well be headed toward ourselves.
The descriptions of the effects of the apocalypse on the United States are enough to get a good idea what has happened, but also leave out just enough detail to keep you reading. It leaves the frighteningly wide open as for how we, the victims, managed to destroy the planet.
Mr Messick has given some very creative names to the characters, which suggest that the earth and it's resources are not the only things to be pared down to a minimum.
With the Deadlands dividing the nation, and only 5 Enclaves remaining as a safehold for the survivors, the need to share the "genetic resources" of the strongest survivors has led to all seventeen year olds being forced to commit to a sojourn. A journey that the new schooling system has done it's best to prepare them for, and their parents sacrifice greatly for, to better the teens as they leave the only home they have ever known.
The first book, in what I hope will be far more than a trilogy, begin's with Rayn finishing her schooling, wondering about her friend Luk, and leaving her family as prepared for the sojourn as one can expect.
What follows her departure is a stark look into a world that is unforgiving at the same time as it is giving to those who use their wits and resources responsibly. (There is a huge lesson for readers in this.) We follow along as Rayn and a small cast of unexpected characters, make their way to a favored Enclave, so far away that the walk is daunting even to the reader.
There is only one element I would like to see added to this novel - a hand drawn map of the United States, with some detail where prudent and Rayn's route suggested in some mysterious way.
Mr Messick keep on writing! You have a gift for it!
October 5, 2015
The summary does lead us to believe that Rayn goes on her Sojourn alone. Only after a few days of traveling, Rayn is joined by her best friend and love interest for the rest of the book. There is more romance to the story that I expected going in and for a survival story it is a very tame read.
As the story progresses the two always seem to have enough to keep them comfortable. The struggles they do have with encounters with others are very short scenes. They overcome the majority of their situations with more ease than I was hoping for in the story. The book is pretty tame read and more romance than survival story in my opinion.
Throughout the story the two seem to be in a honeymoon mode. They are always admiring each other, both physically as well as abilities. Food, shelter and medicine are all easily gained at the time of need. Making this story tamer than most and good for young readers. Especially those that enjoy romance stories.
As the story progresses the two always seem to have enough to keep them comfortable. The struggles they do have with encounters with others are very short scenes. They overcome the majority of their situations with more ease than I was hoping for in the story. The book is pretty tame read and more romance than survival story in my opinion.
Throughout the story the two seem to be in a honeymoon mode. They are always admiring each other, both physically as well as abilities. Food, shelter and medicine are all easily gained at the time of need. Making this story tamer than most and good for young readers. Especially those that enjoy romance stories.
November 22, 2013
I loved those book,I picked it up and read over half before I stopped.can you imagine kids now a days going through what those kids did when they turned 17.this book is awesome,you gotta read it,would make a great movie.I received this book through goodreads give a way program.thank you so much for giving me the chance to read.
October 22, 2015
Very good dystopian fiction novel mainly due to the fact that the apocalyptic world that is described seems like it could possibly happen. The survivors came up with an, although slightly cruel, mainly logical way to continue civilization in these new circumstances. I highly recommend this novel to those who like to read post apocalypse novels.
September 23, 2013
Awesome book!! The characters are endearing and the story is compelling.
August 18, 2016
Love this book.... What an adventure!
October 3, 2013
Very well written. Engaging story, I just wish it had less liberal propaganda.
May 3, 2016
WHAT a great book. Couldn't put it down. Suspense fill and what an ending. Can't wait to read the next book. I could picture every character and every scene.
August 22, 2017
OK. I marked this book as finished but honestly, I just could not handle any more past chapter 23. Should have stopped at chapter 6!. Sorry, but anyone who thinks that Ryan is a "Strong" character should re-read this book. Poor kid can't get past 3 paragraphs with out crying. And if she is not crying she is constantly touching, kissing, holding Luk. How they ever made is out of Nevada is beyond me. Sorry for the poor review, but not as sorry as I am that I tried to finish this book.
February 6, 2016
Survival or Death
This is a YA genre and the story does center around Rayn and her boyfriend, Luk, who are both seventeen years old, but the challenges they face and struggle to survive are the same as those faced by adults, which makes the story interesting to adults also.
The scenario is that the United States has collapsed and humanity is on the edge of extinction and resources are at a premium due to abuse through global warming, general abuse and over-population. There are about fifty thousand survivors in the US who live in about five walled cities called Enclaves where they eke out a meagre existence. These enclaves are located at Spokane, Denver, Las Vegas, and a couple in the southern areas.
When each child reaches the age of seventeen, s/he must leave the enclave and enter the vast wilderness, including the Deadlands, of which little is known about except that it is deadly and exists. If the teenager can reach another enclave alive, then s/he has proved s/he is strong enough to survive for s/he can never go back and will never see their parents again.
Rayn Mirago has just reached age seventeen and her father has been preparing her for this trip with the unknown dangers. He has taught her to shoot accurately using either a pistol or rifle and her mother has taught her that certain plants can be used for healing purposes. Rayn has a quick temper and a seventeen year old lad whom she has known for year, has been a companion of Rayn’s until her quick temper drives him off. When Rayn leaves, there are parties to bid her good-bye, but Luk doesn’t show up because she recently drove him off with a temper tantrum.
When she leaves, her father gives her his old leather coat, a pistol and rifle, ammunition and her mother gives her a few bandaids and healing ointments, plus they have tried to teach her everything they can about survival. When she leaves, she carries on her back a sixty pound pack filled with a little food, a blanket, one change of clothing and water. She has no map, but she has memorized the old highways, which she hopes still exist, as she wants to go south where it is warmer than the northern enclaves.
Later in the day, she finds that Luk is following her and they make a team together. Without each other, neither would probably survived this trip and certainly Rayn wouldn’t have. Luk has a bow with several arrows and a big knife for defense. And the story continues as they face one danger after another, and also feel the closeness and sweetness of love, yet keep it under control. There is a lot of descriptive kissing and youthful petting, which would appeal to the YA genre, but not adults, but I just skipped through it so I could get to their next life challenge. The story ends with a cliff hanger preparing the reader to read the second book in this series, “The Deadlands.”
I was given a complimentary copy of the e-book for an honest review and I did enjoy this story. I could hardly put it down.
This is a YA genre and the story does center around Rayn and her boyfriend, Luk, who are both seventeen years old, but the challenges they face and struggle to survive are the same as those faced by adults, which makes the story interesting to adults also.
The scenario is that the United States has collapsed and humanity is on the edge of extinction and resources are at a premium due to abuse through global warming, general abuse and over-population. There are about fifty thousand survivors in the US who live in about five walled cities called Enclaves where they eke out a meagre existence. These enclaves are located at Spokane, Denver, Las Vegas, and a couple in the southern areas.
When each child reaches the age of seventeen, s/he must leave the enclave and enter the vast wilderness, including the Deadlands, of which little is known about except that it is deadly and exists. If the teenager can reach another enclave alive, then s/he has proved s/he is strong enough to survive for s/he can never go back and will never see their parents again.
Rayn Mirago has just reached age seventeen and her father has been preparing her for this trip with the unknown dangers. He has taught her to shoot accurately using either a pistol or rifle and her mother has taught her that certain plants can be used for healing purposes. Rayn has a quick temper and a seventeen year old lad whom she has known for year, has been a companion of Rayn’s until her quick temper drives him off. When Rayn leaves, there are parties to bid her good-bye, but Luk doesn’t show up because she recently drove him off with a temper tantrum.
When she leaves, her father gives her his old leather coat, a pistol and rifle, ammunition and her mother gives her a few bandaids and healing ointments, plus they have tried to teach her everything they can about survival. When she leaves, she carries on her back a sixty pound pack filled with a little food, a blanket, one change of clothing and water. She has no map, but she has memorized the old highways, which she hopes still exist, as she wants to go south where it is warmer than the northern enclaves.
Later in the day, she finds that Luk is following her and they make a team together. Without each other, neither would probably survived this trip and certainly Rayn wouldn’t have. Luk has a bow with several arrows and a big knife for defense. And the story continues as they face one danger after another, and also feel the closeness and sweetness of love, yet keep it under control. There is a lot of descriptive kissing and youthful petting, which would appeal to the YA genre, but not adults, but I just skipped through it so I could get to their next life challenge. The story ends with a cliff hanger preparing the reader to read the second book in this series, “The Deadlands.”
I was given a complimentary copy of the e-book for an honest review and I did enjoy this story. I could hardly put it down.
October 29, 2016
Not my favorite book I've read, but it was entertaining enough to keep me engaged.
First the writing itself: the book is written in the first person present tense from Rayn's view. I personally find this type of narration difficult to read as it is. So that swayed my opinion from the start. However, putting this aside, the book was filled with grammatical (and some spelling) errors. It seemed like it was written carelessly and quickly and just sort of made up along the way without review afterward.
The book started off with a strong premise and hope of a really good independent girl as our main character. However, later in the book it seems she becomes very dependent, and even says it herself (narrator) a few times.
Possible spoilers below:
Rayn is a very strong minded, smart character. When she takes off out of the enclave alone, she is able to survive with most of her preparation. She can defeat a wolf and has enough knowledge to map out her plan and ration her food.
Suddenly, Luk joins her and now she's a completely different person. She gets shot, she's careless, and she needs his support for so much. She tells him time and time again she never would've made it this far without him, etc. and truly thinks it throughout the book.
The majority of the story after the first few chapters is repetition of walking, luk and rayn gazing lovingly at each other, and making camp and miraculously finding deer and rabbits everywhere for food -- even though it's supposed to be a wasteland -- and then water every time they mention they need it.
Whenever they come across any sign of danger, it is immediately taken care of within a page of meeting it. Whether it's Luk saving her from a man, or Rayn shooting a wolf conveniently right between its eyes, etc.
I felt there was no REAL danger, even after Rayn was shot in her hip and Luk was clawed. They seemed to only be hurt when the other was perfectly capable of protecting or taking care of them. They were conveniently able to find first aid kits in places that were supposedly abandoned and ransacked years ago. They found a full case of water bottles that others must have conveniently looked over.
In places where there is no life, they suddenly find an Apple tree. Most of the book just seemed to be filled with too many convenient things. It was very hard to believe they were in any real danger. Any time they'd mentioned needing new supplies, food or water, I already knew they'd be finding it on the next page. The most exciting part of the book was the abrupt ending.
The plot seemed to focus more on Luk and Rayn's hands touching each other than the actual journey itself. All in all, it was more of a long, drawn out, slow romance story. As much as I love to read a series in full, I just don't feel the need to reach out for any further books.
Disclaimer: I received this novel in exchange for an honest review.
First the writing itself: the book is written in the first person present tense from Rayn's view. I personally find this type of narration difficult to read as it is. So that swayed my opinion from the start. However, putting this aside, the book was filled with grammatical (and some spelling) errors. It seemed like it was written carelessly and quickly and just sort of made up along the way without review afterward.
The book started off with a strong premise and hope of a really good independent girl as our main character. However, later in the book it seems she becomes very dependent, and even says it herself (narrator) a few times.
Possible spoilers below:
Rayn is a very strong minded, smart character. When she takes off out of the enclave alone, she is able to survive with most of her preparation. She can defeat a wolf and has enough knowledge to map out her plan and ration her food.
Suddenly, Luk joins her and now she's a completely different person. She gets shot, she's careless, and she needs his support for so much. She tells him time and time again she never would've made it this far without him, etc. and truly thinks it throughout the book.
The majority of the story after the first few chapters is repetition of walking, luk and rayn gazing lovingly at each other, and making camp and miraculously finding deer and rabbits everywhere for food -- even though it's supposed to be a wasteland -- and then water every time they mention they need it.
Whenever they come across any sign of danger, it is immediately taken care of within a page of meeting it. Whether it's Luk saving her from a man, or Rayn shooting a wolf conveniently right between its eyes, etc.
I felt there was no REAL danger, even after Rayn was shot in her hip and Luk was clawed. They seemed to only be hurt when the other was perfectly capable of protecting or taking care of them. They were conveniently able to find first aid kits in places that were supposedly abandoned and ransacked years ago. They found a full case of water bottles that others must have conveniently looked over.
In places where there is no life, they suddenly find an Apple tree. Most of the book just seemed to be filled with too many convenient things. It was very hard to believe they were in any real danger. Any time they'd mentioned needing new supplies, food or water, I already knew they'd be finding it on the next page. The most exciting part of the book was the abrupt ending.
The plot seemed to focus more on Luk and Rayn's hands touching each other than the actual journey itself. All in all, it was more of a long, drawn out, slow romance story. As much as I love to read a series in full, I just don't feel the need to reach out for any further books.
Disclaimer: I received this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2015
Sojourn: The Wildlands *I received an ARC of this book. I did not receive any compensation for this review and it constitutes my honest and unbiased opinion.*
I would definitely qualify this as a Romance. Not overly cheese but grin inducing for sure. There is a fairly rapid relationship development, but its believable given the circumstances. It is certainly more romance than action. It has enough action sprinkled in to keep you interested. But not quite as action packed as say a Hunger Games.
Rayn Mirago is a great main character. She's tough as nails and struggles with not wanting to be seen as weak or always needing a man to rescue her. This proves to be a fairly constant point of contention between her and the main male character.
The male lead is moderately swoon-worth. He is completely head over heels for Rayn, sweet and romantic while at the same time playing the protector role. He struggles with his own insecurities making him super realistic and relatable.
The ending isn't what I'd call a cliff hanger, but it leaves you with a situation that makes you want to get the next book to see how its resolved. Is that the definition of a cliff hanger? Maybe? But its not a frustrating cliff hanger I guess is what I mean to say.
My only complaint is that there doesn't seem to be enough conflict, be it relationship conflict or just dangerous situations. Its all very mild and fairly easily resolved. The background (dystopian setting) makes you expect more conflict and action and that to me is at odds with the romance emphasis. I just think there needs to be a better balance.
All in all a good book, well written dialogue with a cute romance and a touch of action to spice things up. I would definitely pick up the next book to continue the story.
Cheers!
I would definitely qualify this as a Romance. Not overly cheese but grin inducing for sure. There is a fairly rapid relationship development, but its believable given the circumstances. It is certainly more romance than action. It has enough action sprinkled in to keep you interested. But not quite as action packed as say a Hunger Games.
Rayn Mirago is a great main character. She's tough as nails and struggles with not wanting to be seen as weak or always needing a man to rescue her. This proves to be a fairly constant point of contention between her and the main male character.
The male lead is moderately swoon-worth. He is completely head over heels for Rayn, sweet and romantic while at the same time playing the protector role. He struggles with his own insecurities making him super realistic and relatable.
The ending isn't what I'd call a cliff hanger, but it leaves you with a situation that makes you want to get the next book to see how its resolved. Is that the definition of a cliff hanger? Maybe? But its not a frustrating cliff hanger I guess is what I mean to say.
My only complaint is that there doesn't seem to be enough conflict, be it relationship conflict or just dangerous situations. Its all very mild and fairly easily resolved. The background (dystopian setting) makes you expect more conflict and action and that to me is at odds with the romance emphasis. I just think there needs to be a better balance.
All in all a good book, well written dialogue with a cute romance and a touch of action to spice things up. I would definitely pick up the next book to continue the story.
Cheers!
February 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I obviously had to give the book 5 stars. And I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I generally enjoy YA, dystopian novels and this happens to be one of them. It seems to have elements of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Maze Runner. So if you enjoyed those books, then the Sojourn: The Wildlands, will be the book for you.
Just a little background before getting into this book. After natural disasters hit the coasts of the United States and swept through most of the country, society has put itself back together. It has formed five enclaves, or cities, where people live together and survive. Humanity is just trying to survive. And there are the Wildlands surround each enclaves and then there is the Deadlands which divides the enclaves from East and West. There is Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Spokane and some other ones. Fuels and gas seem to not exist anymore. Society ran out of them decades ago. Each seventeen year old has to make this “sojourn” to their assigned enclaves. Some of these kids make it and some do not. Each journey is vastly different from the next. In the schooling system of the enclave, they try and prepare each person for this journey.
This is the first book of the series. We meet Rayn, a seventeen year old from the Las Vegas enclave. She is about to embark on her journey to Atlanta. A couple of days into her journey she is joined by her boyfriend, Luk. There is obviously some drama before she leaves for her Sojourn, but it is eventually resolved. They are embarking on this journey together to get to Atlanta. You see them face wild animals, people who prey on the sojourners, and other hardships throughout this book. The story leaves you wanting more and to find out what happens to Rayn and Luk.
I honestly cannot recommend this book enough to my friends and family.
Just a little background before getting into this book. After natural disasters hit the coasts of the United States and swept through most of the country, society has put itself back together. It has formed five enclaves, or cities, where people live together and survive. Humanity is just trying to survive. And there are the Wildlands surround each enclaves and then there is the Deadlands which divides the enclaves from East and West. There is Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Spokane and some other ones. Fuels and gas seem to not exist anymore. Society ran out of them decades ago. Each seventeen year old has to make this “sojourn” to their assigned enclaves. Some of these kids make it and some do not. Each journey is vastly different from the next. In the schooling system of the enclave, they try and prepare each person for this journey.
This is the first book of the series. We meet Rayn, a seventeen year old from the Las Vegas enclave. She is about to embark on her journey to Atlanta. A couple of days into her journey she is joined by her boyfriend, Luk. There is obviously some drama before she leaves for her Sojourn, but it is eventually resolved. They are embarking on this journey together to get to Atlanta. You see them face wild animals, people who prey on the sojourners, and other hardships throughout this book. The story leaves you wanting more and to find out what happens to Rayn and Luk.
I honestly cannot recommend this book enough to my friends and family.
May 21, 2016
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. Seriously, I couldn't put it down.
Honestly, I could leave the review there, and you've got more than enough information to make a decision on, but a good book deserves a good review, so here we go.
The story is a teeny-bopper post-apocalypse thing. If you've enjoyed 'The Hunger Games', 'Maze Runner' or 'Divergent' - you'll love this. It has a well thought out story, full of little details that bring the tale together, and the characters are thoroughly fleshed out and sympathetic to the reader - you feel like you know these people and are struggling with them! I haven't read a book of this quality in a while, and I was thrilled with it.
Now, most books have a few little problems, and this is no exception. I found that there were a few minor plot holes, such as several provisions being found on the trek that would have been long gone in a situation like theirs. And those poor horses never seem to drink at all (personally, I would have butchered them for meat anyway)! I think the most trouble I had was with the life-threatening wounds, though. They seem such a wonderful addition to the hardships, and then get abruptly forgotten about a short while later. Who, for example, removed Luk's stitches? They went from weeping pus to handsome scars in a matter of three or four days. I would have liked to have seen them struggling with their hardships for a while longer.
These little issues could be fixed well enough, but frankly I'm picking on nothing much here. I'm nitpicking. I'm being persnickety. I really can't fault it too much because it was so good.
The book was excellent, the problems are easily overlooked, and I simply cannot wait for the next one!
Highly recommended for fans of 'The Hunger Games', 'Maze Runner', 'Divergent', etc.
I loved this book. Seriously, I couldn't put it down.
Honestly, I could leave the review there, and you've got more than enough information to make a decision on, but a good book deserves a good review, so here we go.
The story is a teeny-bopper post-apocalypse thing. If you've enjoyed 'The Hunger Games', 'Maze Runner' or 'Divergent' - you'll love this. It has a well thought out story, full of little details that bring the tale together, and the characters are thoroughly fleshed out and sympathetic to the reader - you feel like you know these people and are struggling with them! I haven't read a book of this quality in a while, and I was thrilled with it.
Now, most books have a few little problems, and this is no exception. I found that there were a few minor plot holes, such as several provisions being found on the trek that would have been long gone in a situation like theirs. And those poor horses never seem to drink at all (personally, I would have butchered them for meat anyway)! I think the most trouble I had was with the life-threatening wounds, though. They seem such a wonderful addition to the hardships, and then get abruptly forgotten about a short while later. Who, for example, removed Luk's stitches? They went from weeping pus to handsome scars in a matter of three or four days. I would have liked to have seen them struggling with their hardships for a while longer.
These little issues could be fixed well enough, but frankly I'm picking on nothing much here. I'm nitpicking. I'm being persnickety. I really can't fault it too much because it was so good.
The book was excellent, the problems are easily overlooked, and I simply cannot wait for the next one!
Highly recommended for fans of 'The Hunger Games', 'Maze Runner', 'Divergent', etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2016
I was given a copy of Sojourn: The Wildlands in return for an honest review.
The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where everything beyond the small cities, called Enclaves, is wasteland. However, when a person turns eighteen they must travel to a new Enclave, chosen at random, to start their new life.
Rayn is a seventeen year old girl looking at facing her future while dealing with the typical struggles of a teenage girl. Her best friend, Luk, is a little younger than her and his Sojourn to the new Enclave won't start until a few months after her so she is facing a long trek across the wildlands on her own.
However, a couple of days in and her best friend Luk is there to find her. He can't stand not being with her and they share their first kiss in a run-down camper van.
The story moves forward from there, taking the reader day to day through the struggles the pair face including hunting for food, searching for water and making tough decisions. They have some luck on their way as well as some bad times but come through it together.
I love Rayn as a character. She's strong and independent. She is the one doing most of the leading throughout their Sojourn although she doesn't believe it (and knows that without Luk she might not have survived). She has studied well and the time spent with her father before her Sojourn is always coming back in some way in terms of map-reading or shooting. She's a smart girl.
Their relationship is just budding throughout this book and we watch as she goes from unsure to bashful to confident still in this honeymoon phase.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader to wonder what will happen in the next book. It's a great read and I would recommend this to anyone who likes YA and post-apocalyptic.
The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where everything beyond the small cities, called Enclaves, is wasteland. However, when a person turns eighteen they must travel to a new Enclave, chosen at random, to start their new life.
Rayn is a seventeen year old girl looking at facing her future while dealing with the typical struggles of a teenage girl. Her best friend, Luk, is a little younger than her and his Sojourn to the new Enclave won't start until a few months after her so she is facing a long trek across the wildlands on her own.
However, a couple of days in and her best friend Luk is there to find her. He can't stand not being with her and they share their first kiss in a run-down camper van.
The story moves forward from there, taking the reader day to day through the struggles the pair face including hunting for food, searching for water and making tough decisions. They have some luck on their way as well as some bad times but come through it together.
I love Rayn as a character. She's strong and independent. She is the one doing most of the leading throughout their Sojourn although she doesn't believe it (and knows that without Luk she might not have survived). She has studied well and the time spent with her father before her Sojourn is always coming back in some way in terms of map-reading or shooting. She's a smart girl.
Their relationship is just budding throughout this book and we watch as she goes from unsure to bashful to confident still in this honeymoon phase.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader to wonder what will happen in the next book. It's a great read and I would recommend this to anyone who likes YA and post-apocalyptic.
September 16, 2016
Gut-wrenching, heart-stopping, fantastic, realistic, and terrifying. These are just some of the words I can use to describe this book. Humanity is slowly dying out and there are 5 Enclaves, or safe cities, where people have managed to survive. At the age of 17, they all have to leave their Enclave, their families, everyone they know and love, and make a journey to one of the other Enclaves where, if they make it, that will then be their home. Rayn's 17th birthday is fast approaching and so she has to walk across a barren landscape full of dangers with no promise of safety. Shortly after she leaves, she is joined by Luk, who is not 17 for 2 more months, but has chosen to leave anyway to be with her. In this book they come across so many dangers and they have limited provisions. This book gives an almost realistic view of what COULD happen in a post-apocalyptic world, and that makes the emotions more real, it makes the characters more real, and it makes the terror just that much more real. I couldn't put it down, and I guarantee you won't be able to either...
September 29, 2016
*I received this book from the author via BookTasters, in exchange for an honest review*
Rayne Miragos lives in one of five walled cities, known as 'Enclaves' in a post apocalyptic America. Every child who reaches the age of seventeen has to set forth on a life changing journey known as the 'Sojourn' which allows only the strongest individuals to survive. After leaving Vegas Enclave, and her friends and family behind, Rayne begins her Sojourn into the wilderness soon to be joined by her best friend and crush 'Luk'.
I was completely engrossed by the book at the beginning and enjoyed the suspense the author created. We learn that Rayne has been training for her challenge, and her father has passed on a lot of knowledge to her. She's a strong and smart girl, and personally, I felt Luk held her back. I would've loved to see Rayne make her journey alone. The story became a little repetitive halfway through, but some of the action was interesting, I also adored Grit so much!
Overall, It was an enjoyable read, I'd recommend it to those who like reading Dystopian Romance novels.
Rayne Miragos lives in one of five walled cities, known as 'Enclaves' in a post apocalyptic America. Every child who reaches the age of seventeen has to set forth on a life changing journey known as the 'Sojourn' which allows only the strongest individuals to survive. After leaving Vegas Enclave, and her friends and family behind, Rayne begins her Sojourn into the wilderness soon to be joined by her best friend and crush 'Luk'.
I was completely engrossed by the book at the beginning and enjoyed the suspense the author created. We learn that Rayne has been training for her challenge, and her father has passed on a lot of knowledge to her. She's a strong and smart girl, and personally, I felt Luk held her back. I would've loved to see Rayne make her journey alone. The story became a little repetitive halfway through, but some of the action was interesting, I also adored Grit so much!
Overall, It was an enjoyable read, I'd recommend it to those who like reading Dystopian Romance novels.
February 28, 2016
This book had me from page one.
If you like dystopian novels full of action and danger, you'll probably love this. There's even a little romance.
All kids in the future, upon their seventeenth birthday, must travel across the country to a randomly selected city - one of the ONLY remaining cities in the entire United States of America. The biggest problem? Most of the US is a wasteland and when Rayn undergoes her own sojourn, there are countless dangers she must face before she can even hope to reach her destination.
This is the first in a series of four books. I've had the privileged of reading an unedited copy of book 2, Sojourn: The Deadlands as well, and it's even better!
Disclaimer: I work for the publisher of this book, however, I receive no monetary compensation for sales of this book. All opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.
If you like dystopian novels full of action and danger, you'll probably love this. There's even a little romance.
All kids in the future, upon their seventeenth birthday, must travel across the country to a randomly selected city - one of the ONLY remaining cities in the entire United States of America. The biggest problem? Most of the US is a wasteland and when Rayn undergoes her own sojourn, there are countless dangers she must face before she can even hope to reach her destination.
This is the first in a series of four books. I've had the privileged of reading an unedited copy of book 2, Sojourn: The Deadlands as well, and it's even better!
Disclaimer: I work for the publisher of this book, however, I receive no monetary compensation for sales of this book. All opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.
February 20, 2016
I received a copy of “Sojourn- The Wildlands” from Story Cartel, in exchange for an honest review. This is a dystopian YA fiction. I am a fan of dystopian and read a lot of young adult books and this one looked promising. Unfortunately it fell short of my expectations. The characters were a little shallow and the whole story mostly consists of uneventful travel, un-convincing survivor skills ( for example they butchered two deer and put it all in their loaded backpacks and in the very next scene they are stuffing twenty apples in the same packs), and teenage hormones and emotions. There is some mild swearing, violence, and non-graphic sexual content. So my final verdict is that it is OK. I give it two stars.
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