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Tessa Dark Trilogy #1
Stilts
From Tim O’Rourke, the #1 bestselling author of the Kiera Hudson series, comes Stilts, the first book in a new dystopian trilogy.
While eighteen-year-old, Tessa Dark was serving her prison sentence for murder, the world beyond her cell walls changed forever. The thunder came and destroyed the world she had once known.
Trapped inside the prison and faced with no future, Tessa’s only glimmer of hope is her friendship with fellow inmate Joe McBride.
Despite Tessa’s fear, Joe decides to go beyond the prison walls to seek help. But when he fails to return, Tessa is determined to go and search for him.
To gain her freedom, Tessa must first learn to walk, run, and fight on stilts if she is to survive the new and terrifying world on the other side of the prison walls.
Stilts is the first book in a new dystopian trilogy by #1 bestselling author Tim O’Rourke.
“…’Stilts’ is like ‘The Hunger Games’ meets ‘World War Z’…” C.J. Pinard, author of the bestselling ‘Enchanted Immortals’ series.
"…Stilts is a magically delicious, edge-of-your seat, kind of book. Tim has once again amazed me with his talent of weaving a world in which I don't want to leave…" Bookworm Betties Reviews
While eighteen-year-old, Tessa Dark was serving her prison sentence for murder, the world beyond her cell walls changed forever. The thunder came and destroyed the world she had once known.
Trapped inside the prison and faced with no future, Tessa’s only glimmer of hope is her friendship with fellow inmate Joe McBride.
Despite Tessa’s fear, Joe decides to go beyond the prison walls to seek help. But when he fails to return, Tessa is determined to go and search for him.
To gain her freedom, Tessa must first learn to walk, run, and fight on stilts if she is to survive the new and terrifying world on the other side of the prison walls.
Stilts is the first book in a new dystopian trilogy by #1 bestselling author Tim O’Rourke.
“…’Stilts’ is like ‘The Hunger Games’ meets ‘World War Z’…” C.J. Pinard, author of the bestselling ‘Enchanted Immortals’ series.
"…Stilts is a magically delicious, edge-of-your seat, kind of book. Tim has once again amazed me with his talent of weaving a world in which I don't want to leave…" Bookworm Betties Reviews
ebook
First published November 30, 2013
About the author
Tim O'Rourke
220 books1,047 followersTim is the author of over sixty books including the No 1 bestselling 'Kiera Hudson Series', 'Samantha Carter - Vampire Seeker Series', 'The Sydney Hart Mysteries', 'The Moon Trilogy, and 'The Mechanic' among other titles.
Tim is currently working on new Kiera Hudson books and other works.
Don't be shy; feel free to contact Tim at any of the following:
Email: Kierahudson91@aol.com
Website: www.timorourkeauthor.com
Tim O'Rourke Fan club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/offic...
Tim is currently working on new Kiera Hudson books and other works.
Don't be shy; feel free to contact Tim at any of the following:
Email: Kierahudson91@aol.com
Website: www.timorourkeauthor.com
Tim O'Rourke Fan club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/offic...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 25, 2015
I love this dystopian book and I love the setting. Tessa Dark is a brilliant lead character. She is feisty and has guts. The prison is so well described I could see it clearly. Plenty of action, mystery and some love and lets not forget the Scorchers - I would run a mile if I saw one of them coming for me lol! The second book is also out (Zip) and this is just as good. What are you waiting for? Go in search for Joe and the mysterious island with Tessa Dark - you wont be disappointed! x
November 30, 2013
***** 5 Scorching Stars
I had been brought to this place just before my thirteenth birthday.
The thunder came six months later and I hadn’t left the prison since.
Well, that was just....WOW. Tim O'Rourke never fails to amaze me and books like this one are the reason why he will forever remain at the top of my favorites list. All of his books have a completely unique feel to them, there's just nothing else like it. But what I love and find truly intriguing is, no matter what book or series your reading (and there are plenty to choose from) they all interweave in some way, shape, or form. Be it a character crossing over from another series or a town you know you've read about before, they all have some connection to each other and to me, that is some genius writing.
All sense of time had been swallowed up by the thunder.
Then the lightning came, followed by the rain.
The sky looked as if it was being torn apart as streaks of black lightning crackled
and fizzed overhead. The rain came down so hard that it flooded the yard, mini waves sloshing against the prison walls.
'Stilts' is Book #1 in the Tessa Dark Trilogy.
At eighteen years old, Tessa has spent the last five years in prison for murder. During that time, the world outside the prison walls has been irrevocably changed and destroyed by the thunder. The location of the prison and it's towering walls is all that keep Tessa, her fellow inmates and guards safe from the world beyond. Like it or not, she's trapped there.
“This is no longer a prison,” he had said. “This place is now your home. The sooner you accept that, the easier life will become. There will still be rules; every home has rules that need to be respected and obeyed. But a good home is somewhere you can be free, but most importantly, be safe.”
The only light in her dark world is the friendship she forms with fellow inmate, Joe McBride. But when Joe decides to venture outside the prison walls in search of help and the hope of others still alive, he leaves Tessa behind. Her only chances of survival on the outside depends on her ability to learn how to walk, run, and fight on stilts. She will do whatever it takes to find Joe again.
From start to finish this book had me in it's clutches. Non-stop action, gore, surprises, and the fight to survive. From chapter 14 til the very end, I was on the edge of my seat-I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and the ending just left me gasping for more. I can never get enough of Tim O'Rourke's writing. If you've never picked up one of his books I STRONGLY urge you to do so, it will be a ride you won't soon forget.
Our crimes, however brutal they had been, had now been wiped out by the thunder.
They seemed insignificant to the destruction and death the thunder had bought with it.
November 30, 2013
Lisa's Review:
"You look like a cross between Robo-cop and Handy Mandy." - Beau
"I couldn't help but wonder why he was in prison. What had been his crime? Bullshitting his victims to death?" - Tessa
Stilts is a magically delicious, edge of your seat, kind of book. Tim has once again amazed me with his talent at weaving a world in which I don't want to leave. I was immediately enthralled with Stilts from the first page. This book is about survival and reaching a common goal. A goal in which the characters have no idea what will be there once they reach it. Hope is what keeps them going..it is all they have left. Hope that there is a future for the human race and a chance to be saved from the world which has changed into a burning nightmare. This book had my heart racing the whole way through. I became a silent and unseen character in the story...that is when you know how phenomenal a book is. When your own reality is replaced with the one the author has created. You become part of the book, but it is as if you are under a protective spell. You can not be seen, heard, or harmed. And thank God for that, otherwise I would probably be one of those nasty Scorchers, from Stilts, reaching through the computer trying to get you! The only thing that disappoints me about this first book in the series is that it is part of a trilogy. ONLY A TRILOGY!! TSK.TSK. That can not be. I have a strong feeling that Tim's fans will beg him to continue past the third book, myself included. I foresee this thrillogy ( I meant to write trilogy, but I think thrillogy is more fitting, so I am going to leave it) going onto a second series. It just has to. Stilts was freaking amazing an I am sad it is over... at least for now.
Jenn's Review:
I had been brought to this place just before my thirteenth birthday.
The thunder came six months later and I hadn’t left the prison since.
Well, that was just....WOW. Tim O'Rourke never fails to amaze me and books like this one are the reason why he will forever remain at the top of my favorites list. All of his books have a completely unique feel to them, there's just nothing else like it. But what I love and find truly intriguing is, no matter what book or series your reading (and there are plenty to choose from) they all interweave in some way, shape, or form. Be it a character crossing over from another series or a town you know you've read about before, they all have some connection to each other and to me, that is some genius writing.
All sense of time had been swallowed up by the thunder.
Then the lightning came, followed by the rain.
The sky looked as if it was being torn apart as streaks of black lightning crackled and fizzed overhead. The rain came down so hard that it flooded the yard, mini waves sloshing against the prison walls.
'Stilts' is Book #1 in the Tessa Dark Trilogy.
At eighteen years old, Tessa has spent the last five years in prison for murder. During that time, the world outside the prison walls has been irrevocably changed and destroyed by the thunder. The location of the prison and it's towering walls is all that keep Tessa, her fellow inmates and guards safe from the world beyond. Like it or not, she's trapped there.
“This is no longer a prison,” he had said. “This place is now your home. The sooner you accept that, the easier life will become. There will still be rules; every home has rules that need to be respected and obeyed. But a good home is somewhere you can be free, but most importantly, be safe.”
The only light in her dark world is the friendship she forms with fellow inmate, Joe McBride. But when Joe decides to venture outside the prison walls in search of help and the hope of others still alive, he leaves Tessa behind. Her only chances of survival on the outside depends on her ability to learn how to walk, run, and fight on stilts. She will do whatever it takes to find Joe again.
From start to finish this book had me in it's clutches. Non-stop action, gore, surprises, and the fight to survive. From chapter 14 til the very end, I was on the edge of my seat-I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and the ending just left me gasping for more. I can never get enough of Tim O'Rourke's writing. If you've never picked up one of his books I STRONGLY urge you to do so, it will be a ride you won't soon forget.
Our crimes, however brutal they had been, had now been wiped out by the thunder. They seemed insignificant to the destruction and death the thunder had bought with it.
"You look like a cross between Robo-cop and Handy Mandy." - Beau
"I couldn't help but wonder why he was in prison. What had been his crime? Bullshitting his victims to death?" - Tessa
Stilts is a magically delicious, edge of your seat, kind of book. Tim has once again amazed me with his talent at weaving a world in which I don't want to leave. I was immediately enthralled with Stilts from the first page. This book is about survival and reaching a common goal. A goal in which the characters have no idea what will be there once they reach it. Hope is what keeps them going..it is all they have left. Hope that there is a future for the human race and a chance to be saved from the world which has changed into a burning nightmare. This book had my heart racing the whole way through. I became a silent and unseen character in the story...that is when you know how phenomenal a book is. When your own reality is replaced with the one the author has created. You become part of the book, but it is as if you are under a protective spell. You can not be seen, heard, or harmed. And thank God for that, otherwise I would probably be one of those nasty Scorchers, from Stilts, reaching through the computer trying to get you! The only thing that disappoints me about this first book in the series is that it is part of a trilogy. ONLY A TRILOGY!! TSK.TSK. That can not be. I have a strong feeling that Tim's fans will beg him to continue past the third book, myself included. I foresee this thrillogy ( I meant to write trilogy, but I think thrillogy is more fitting, so I am going to leave it) going onto a second series. It just has to. Stilts was freaking amazing an I am sad it is over... at least for now.
Jenn's Review:
I had been brought to this place just before my thirteenth birthday.
The thunder came six months later and I hadn’t left the prison since.
Well, that was just....WOW. Tim O'Rourke never fails to amaze me and books like this one are the reason why he will forever remain at the top of my favorites list. All of his books have a completely unique feel to them, there's just nothing else like it. But what I love and find truly intriguing is, no matter what book or series your reading (and there are plenty to choose from) they all interweave in some way, shape, or form. Be it a character crossing over from another series or a town you know you've read about before, they all have some connection to each other and to me, that is some genius writing.
All sense of time had been swallowed up by the thunder.
Then the lightning came, followed by the rain.
The sky looked as if it was being torn apart as streaks of black lightning crackled and fizzed overhead. The rain came down so hard that it flooded the yard, mini waves sloshing against the prison walls.
'Stilts' is Book #1 in the Tessa Dark Trilogy.
At eighteen years old, Tessa has spent the last five years in prison for murder. During that time, the world outside the prison walls has been irrevocably changed and destroyed by the thunder. The location of the prison and it's towering walls is all that keep Tessa, her fellow inmates and guards safe from the world beyond. Like it or not, she's trapped there.
“This is no longer a prison,” he had said. “This place is now your home. The sooner you accept that, the easier life will become. There will still be rules; every home has rules that need to be respected and obeyed. But a good home is somewhere you can be free, but most importantly, be safe.”
The only light in her dark world is the friendship she forms with fellow inmate, Joe McBride. But when Joe decides to venture outside the prison walls in search of help and the hope of others still alive, he leaves Tessa behind. Her only chances of survival on the outside depends on her ability to learn how to walk, run, and fight on stilts. She will do whatever it takes to find Joe again.
From start to finish this book had me in it's clutches. Non-stop action, gore, surprises, and the fight to survive. From chapter 14 til the very end, I was on the edge of my seat-I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and the ending just left me gasping for more. I can never get enough of Tim O'Rourke's writing. If you've never picked up one of his books I STRONGLY urge you to do so, it will be a ride you won't soon forget.
Our crimes, however brutal they had been, had now been wiped out by the thunder. They seemed insignificant to the destruction and death the thunder had bought with it.
November 30, 2013
Stilts is a magically delicious, edge of your seat, kind of book. Tim has once again amazed me with his talent at weaving a world in which I don't want to leave. I was immediately enthralled with Stilts from the first page. This book is about survival and reaching a common goal. A goal in which the characters have no idea what will be there once they reach it. Hope is what keeps them going..it is all they have left. Hope that there is a future for the human race and a chance to be saved from the world which has changed into a burning nightmare. This book had my heart racing the whole way through. I became a silent and unseen character in the story...that is when you know how phenomenal a book is. When your own reality is replaced with the one the author has created. You become part of the book, but it is as if you are under a protective spell. You can not be seen, heard, or harmed. And thank God for that, otherwise I would probably be one of those nasty Scorchers, from Stilts, reaching through the computer trying to get you! The only thing that disappoints me about this first book in the series is that it is part of a trilogy. ONLY A TRILOGY!! TSK.TSK. That can not be. I have a strong feeling that Tim's fans will beg him to continue past the third book, myself included. I foresee this thrillogy ( I meant to write trilogy, but I think thrillogy is more fitting, so I am going to leave it) going onto a second series. It just has to. Stilts was freaking amazing an I am sad it is over... at least for now.
Excerpt:
The male Scorcher wore a faded and torn pair of dungarees. The soles of his boots had been fused to his feet with heat. His white beard was splattered with blood and looked like he had dropped gravy from his puckered mouth. His eyes were yellow and looked like two broken egg yolks. Just like the others, his skin was raw-looking and covered in multiple blisters.
Excerpt:
The male Scorcher wore a faded and torn pair of dungarees. The soles of his boots had been fused to his feet with heat. His white beard was splattered with blood and looked like he had dropped gravy from his puckered mouth. His eyes were yellow and looked like two broken egg yolks. Just like the others, his skin was raw-looking and covered in multiple blisters.
December 8, 2013
Just when I think I've made up my mind about which Tim O'Rourke book is my favorite, another comes along and blows my mind! Stilts is an amazing adventure! You're drawn into the story the moment you start reading. It's a quick read because you just can't wait to see what's going to happen next. I'm eagerly awaiting the remaining books in the trilogy!
February 5, 2014
Well what can I say about this book, I loved it.
In a world where its survival of the fittest at a prison camp for teenagers but are they really the prisoners? The world as they know has changed for the worse, unsure of what happened, thunder? War? No one knows.
Every year one male and female get to leave the prison. A race is held on stilts as this is the only way to leave the prison or get burned alive if the scorchers get you. Tessa didn't want to leave until her more than friend Joe entered. Then after he left she knew she had to follow.
The characters were so well written you just loved them straight away.
Tessa is so badass, she certainly shows the scorchers who's boss, and Joe who we really didn't see much of in this book but hopefully well see more of him later.
I didn't think I could love any of Tims other series as much as I do The Kiera Hudson series but I've got to say this comes pretty close.
As usual Tim leaves us with a whammy of a cliffhanger that I know will drive me crazy waiting for the next book.
In a world where its survival of the fittest at a prison camp for teenagers but are they really the prisoners? The world as they know has changed for the worse, unsure of what happened, thunder? War? No one knows.
Every year one male and female get to leave the prison. A race is held on stilts as this is the only way to leave the prison or get burned alive if the scorchers get you. Tessa didn't want to leave until her more than friend Joe entered. Then after he left she knew she had to follow.
The characters were so well written you just loved them straight away.
Tessa is so badass, she certainly shows the scorchers who's boss, and Joe who we really didn't see much of in this book but hopefully well see more of him later.
I didn't think I could love any of Tims other series as much as I do The Kiera Hudson series but I've got to say this comes pretty close.
As usual Tim leaves us with a whammy of a cliffhanger that I know will drive me crazy waiting for the next book.
December 6, 2013
STILTS = ORIGINAL + FUN + FASCINATING
Oh wow! Stilts has blown my mind!!! Such an original idea combined with the need to survive in this great dystopian adventure and not without the conflicts of character, along with a sweet romantic element. Needless to say, I absolutely LOVED this story from beginning to end! Yes, Tim O'Rourke has done it again with his fascinating imagination for story and characters as well as his ability to keep the reader constantly surprised!
When I looked at the words 'Chapter One' and read the first sentence “My elbow crunched into his face” it had me straight away. And that is a great example of Tim's writing, direct, to the point and providing plenty of curiosity for the reader to want (and have) to read on!
The concept of the stilts is a very original idea. Before reading the book I was a little unsure of how this idea could be used in a believable way but I have to say it does work and it works brilliantly! The stilts are used to help the prisoners to survive. And the main focus of 'Stilts' is the need to survive for the sake of mankind. Trapped in a prison, it isn't too long before supplies run out and in order to leave for more they need some way to try and avoid being attacked by Scorchers. Elements of the story early on reminded me a little of 'The Walking Dead' tv series. However, instead of zombies here we have Scorchers who have an easy ability to melt/scorch anything they touch.
The turning point is certainly when Joe leaves the prison in the hope of bringing back help. When he doesn't return hope seems lost. The reader really experiences the rawness of Tessa's determination to be able to find Joe and help for all of the inmates. These are desperate times and Tessa will do anything for a chance to find Joe. During Tessa's adventure the reader is not hidden from the destruction and horror in which the thunderstorm has created. Many of the scenes involving the Scorchers are edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting, excruciating excitement. All of the action scenes are intense, dramatic and gory at times.
Tessa is a great heroine and, for me, not too unlike Keira Hudson from Tim's Keira Hudson series. Tessa is a strong, decisive, young woman who, when challenged in some pretty terrifying ordeals, she rises above with her head held high and gives it what she's got. I love her energy, her practicality and her drive. However, unlike Keira, Tessa has been on the wrong side of the law and trouble has come to her. 'Stilts' is told from Tessa's point of view and reads like a narrative, allowing the reader to always be with Tessa and understand all of her thoughts and feelings.
Joe is adorable. Although very much a character to keep himself to himself, especially after past experiences, he almost has no option but to try and fit in after realising there are only those within the prison walls that have been unaffected by the change of the world. It isn't too long before he finds a friend in Tessa and as their relationship blossoms so do the romantic gestures and dialogue. The writing is truly beautiful, so sweet and heartwarming. It certainly pulls on the heartstrings and the reader could lose a tear or two!
An example of a romantic moment between Tessa and Joe is when Tessa realised Joe had been keeping a CD player in secret:-
'“Why didn't you show it to me sooner?” I asked, my face just inches from his.
“Because I preferred to listen to you hum,” he smiled, leaning in and kissing me gently on the cheek.
Closing my eyes, I kissed him back. We danced together cheek to cheek in the workshop while the music played softly all around us.'
One of my favourite areas of Tim's writing is the describing of the scenery. Tim always makes it so intensifying and exciting, allowing the reader to understand where the characters are and how they deal with their surroundings and the weather. However, whilst some authors can be a little too descriptive Tim writes in such a way that it is incorporated with the characters and their actions, whilst allowing the reader to imagine it for themselves. In 'Stilts' the world as we know it becomes cracked, smoking, and even the sky is a constant shade of red. It is absolutely fascinating stuff!
Already 'Stilts', being the first of a trilogy, is making me a little sad to think that after the next two books it will be over. I didn't want to stop reading about these characters. The only dislike I had was having to finish it. I'll certainly be looking forward to the sequel, due for release in 2014!
A copy of 'Stilts' was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
Oh wow! Stilts has blown my mind!!! Such an original idea combined with the need to survive in this great dystopian adventure and not without the conflicts of character, along with a sweet romantic element. Needless to say, I absolutely LOVED this story from beginning to end! Yes, Tim O'Rourke has done it again with his fascinating imagination for story and characters as well as his ability to keep the reader constantly surprised!
When I looked at the words 'Chapter One' and read the first sentence “My elbow crunched into his face” it had me straight away. And that is a great example of Tim's writing, direct, to the point and providing plenty of curiosity for the reader to want (and have) to read on!
The concept of the stilts is a very original idea. Before reading the book I was a little unsure of how this idea could be used in a believable way but I have to say it does work and it works brilliantly! The stilts are used to help the prisoners to survive. And the main focus of 'Stilts' is the need to survive for the sake of mankind. Trapped in a prison, it isn't too long before supplies run out and in order to leave for more they need some way to try and avoid being attacked by Scorchers. Elements of the story early on reminded me a little of 'The Walking Dead' tv series. However, instead of zombies here we have Scorchers who have an easy ability to melt/scorch anything they touch.
The turning point is certainly when Joe leaves the prison in the hope of bringing back help. When he doesn't return hope seems lost. The reader really experiences the rawness of Tessa's determination to be able to find Joe and help for all of the inmates. These are desperate times and Tessa will do anything for a chance to find Joe. During Tessa's adventure the reader is not hidden from the destruction and horror in which the thunderstorm has created. Many of the scenes involving the Scorchers are edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting, excruciating excitement. All of the action scenes are intense, dramatic and gory at times.
Tessa is a great heroine and, for me, not too unlike Keira Hudson from Tim's Keira Hudson series. Tessa is a strong, decisive, young woman who, when challenged in some pretty terrifying ordeals, she rises above with her head held high and gives it what she's got. I love her energy, her practicality and her drive. However, unlike Keira, Tessa has been on the wrong side of the law and trouble has come to her. 'Stilts' is told from Tessa's point of view and reads like a narrative, allowing the reader to always be with Tessa and understand all of her thoughts and feelings.
Joe is adorable. Although very much a character to keep himself to himself, especially after past experiences, he almost has no option but to try and fit in after realising there are only those within the prison walls that have been unaffected by the change of the world. It isn't too long before he finds a friend in Tessa and as their relationship blossoms so do the romantic gestures and dialogue. The writing is truly beautiful, so sweet and heartwarming. It certainly pulls on the heartstrings and the reader could lose a tear or two!
An example of a romantic moment between Tessa and Joe is when Tessa realised Joe had been keeping a CD player in secret:-
'“Why didn't you show it to me sooner?” I asked, my face just inches from his.
“Because I preferred to listen to you hum,” he smiled, leaning in and kissing me gently on the cheek.
Closing my eyes, I kissed him back. We danced together cheek to cheek in the workshop while the music played softly all around us.'
One of my favourite areas of Tim's writing is the describing of the scenery. Tim always makes it so intensifying and exciting, allowing the reader to understand where the characters are and how they deal with their surroundings and the weather. However, whilst some authors can be a little too descriptive Tim writes in such a way that it is incorporated with the characters and their actions, whilst allowing the reader to imagine it for themselves. In 'Stilts' the world as we know it becomes cracked, smoking, and even the sky is a constant shade of red. It is absolutely fascinating stuff!
Already 'Stilts', being the first of a trilogy, is making me a little sad to think that after the next two books it will be over. I didn't want to stop reading about these characters. The only dislike I had was having to finish it. I'll certainly be looking forward to the sequel, due for release in 2014!
A copy of 'Stilts' was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
December 6, 2013
To see my full review (and enter a signed paperback giveaway!!):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Imagine a world without music. Without moms or dads. Without a home to call your own. Imagine a world lacking beauty. Safety. Medicine. Imagine you were given the opportunity to leave it all behind, to fight your way across a desolate land filled with peril in order to obtain the truth. To obtain freedom. To obtain help. To possibly perish in agony along the way. What would you do?
Tessa Dark chooses to fight. Sent to prison at age 13 for murder, Tessa lost everything when the thunder came six months later. She hasn’t heard real music in five years. She hasn’t heard from her family in that long, either. Not since the thunder desolated the earth and charred the remains of all those outside the safety of the prison walls. She doesn’t know what happened. She doesn’t know why. But she does know that if she doesn’t bring back help, everyone who’s left will die. She does know that her one true love left to get help, and never returned. She does know that her attempt to find “the island” is virtually a suicide mission. But she doesn’t care. She has to try. She has to hope.
O’Rourke’s latest release, Stilts, is a riveting novel that takes a unique concept and brings it to life. In a world where walking along the earth is much too dangerous, Tessa and her comrades must learn to utilize stilts in hopes of surviving, of reaching the “island,” a place they aren’t certain really exists, in hopes of helping those who are left. Those who survived.
From the very first page, O’Rourke sweeps on the scene with an epic battle on stilts; captivating readers immediately and not releasing them until long after the final page. And it’s extremely well done. Tessa is a believable character, and so is that of Beau, her foil and companion along the trek across the ruined earth to find the rendezvous point. But with a timely appearances of the mysterious hooded figure, the zombified scorchers, and the erratic behavior of Beau, the going is anything but easy or forthright. Forced to make split second decisions and haunted by the fate of her love, Joe, Tessa, and readers alike, are in for a wild ride.
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of this novel, for me, is that is takes place in one of O’Rourke’s intricate “pushed” worlds, seamlessly extending itself into the riveting Kiera Hudson and Jack Seth series by default, two series I absolutely adore. Although it doesn’t directly reference any events within the previously mentioned series, O’Rourke reveals the location of the world through his use of surrounding towns, which clues readers in that Tessa’s story might, just maybe, eventually intersect with that of Jack Seth, and possibly with that of Kiera Hudson as well… an enticing thought.
For those new to O’Rourke’s writing, pushed worlds are parallel worlds to the one we know. In other words, an alternate plane in which we also exist and experience different outcomes on our paths of life. In the world you and I know, humans rule and a world recession is in our midst. In Tessa’s world, there is no recession and humans don’t rule anymore because a great thunder, perhaps a war, has torn apart the world as we know it, and zombie like creatures called scorchers roam the desolate earth—a type of goopified zombie whose touch causes one’s body to incinerate.
Sound intriguing? It is. And if I lost you with my attempted explanation of a pushed world, no worries. You actually don’t need to know anything about pushed worlds or have read any other O’Rourke novels to follow this latest release. And Stilts is a great novel to begin with if you’re new to O’Rouke’s tales. He is one of my all-time favorite authors, and Stilts does not disappoint.
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Imagine a world without music. Without moms or dads. Without a home to call your own. Imagine a world lacking beauty. Safety. Medicine. Imagine you were given the opportunity to leave it all behind, to fight your way across a desolate land filled with peril in order to obtain the truth. To obtain freedom. To obtain help. To possibly perish in agony along the way. What would you do?
Tessa Dark chooses to fight. Sent to prison at age 13 for murder, Tessa lost everything when the thunder came six months later. She hasn’t heard real music in five years. She hasn’t heard from her family in that long, either. Not since the thunder desolated the earth and charred the remains of all those outside the safety of the prison walls. She doesn’t know what happened. She doesn’t know why. But she does know that if she doesn’t bring back help, everyone who’s left will die. She does know that her one true love left to get help, and never returned. She does know that her attempt to find “the island” is virtually a suicide mission. But she doesn’t care. She has to try. She has to hope.
O’Rourke’s latest release, Stilts, is a riveting novel that takes a unique concept and brings it to life. In a world where walking along the earth is much too dangerous, Tessa and her comrades must learn to utilize stilts in hopes of surviving, of reaching the “island,” a place they aren’t certain really exists, in hopes of helping those who are left. Those who survived.
From the very first page, O’Rourke sweeps on the scene with an epic battle on stilts; captivating readers immediately and not releasing them until long after the final page. And it’s extremely well done. Tessa is a believable character, and so is that of Beau, her foil and companion along the trek across the ruined earth to find the rendezvous point. But with a timely appearances of the mysterious hooded figure, the zombified scorchers, and the erratic behavior of Beau, the going is anything but easy or forthright. Forced to make split second decisions and haunted by the fate of her love, Joe, Tessa, and readers alike, are in for a wild ride.
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of this novel, for me, is that is takes place in one of O’Rourke’s intricate “pushed” worlds, seamlessly extending itself into the riveting Kiera Hudson and Jack Seth series by default, two series I absolutely adore. Although it doesn’t directly reference any events within the previously mentioned series, O’Rourke reveals the location of the world through his use of surrounding towns, which clues readers in that Tessa’s story might, just maybe, eventually intersect with that of Jack Seth, and possibly with that of Kiera Hudson as well… an enticing thought.
For those new to O’Rourke’s writing, pushed worlds are parallel worlds to the one we know. In other words, an alternate plane in which we also exist and experience different outcomes on our paths of life. In the world you and I know, humans rule and a world recession is in our midst. In Tessa’s world, there is no recession and humans don’t rule anymore because a great thunder, perhaps a war, has torn apart the world as we know it, and zombie like creatures called scorchers roam the desolate earth—a type of goopified zombie whose touch causes one’s body to incinerate.
Sound intriguing? It is. And if I lost you with my attempted explanation of a pushed world, no worries. You actually don’t need to know anything about pushed worlds or have read any other O’Rourke novels to follow this latest release. And Stilts is a great novel to begin with if you’re new to O’Rouke’s tales. He is one of my all-time favorite authors, and Stilts does not disappoint.
December 1, 2013
Five well deserved stars. Wow... Just WOW! I've been in a reading funk. I hate when this happens, and I hate the fact that I have started over five books in a two week time period and have finished none of them. So needless to say, I was waiting as patiently as I could for the release of STILTS. I mean, I know Tim's a super busy guy, and has a lot on his plate, but I just KNEW I needed something new from him to get me out of this funk. As a long time fan of Tim's writing, I've watched him grow as an author, not only in his writing technique but also in branching out, giving readers something unoriginal to read. Tim can take something so basic and turn it into something amazing. ie: STILTS. Seriously, who would of EVER thought someone would write a book about stilts, not to mention it come out to be utterly amazing! Tim's BLACK HILL FARM and his Kiera Hudson series are my favs but now I will be adding STILTS to that list. Just a few short hours is all it took for me to start and finish this read, and there is nothing about it I didn't enjoy. I was left wanting to read book two as soon as I finished the last sentence. If you have never read any of Tim's books, go now. GO! Go! Go! You will be doing yourself a favor. Then, when you are finished, don't forget to share the awesomeness with your book loving friends!
Well done, Tim. I loved every page!
Well done, Tim. I loved every page!
March 26, 2014
4.5 stars.
I loved the world building and the stilt walking. Very imaginative.
This is my third book by the author, the others being Vampire Seeker and Witch, which were both brilliant. This was no different.
The author has this way of writing a good romance mixed with paranormal elements that are sometimes a little creepy. This was a little less on the romance but it was still amazing and has left me wanting the next book NOW!
I need to know what's going to happen when they get to the Island!
If you haven't read a Tim O'Rourke book yet, you totally should!
I loved the world building and the stilt walking. Very imaginative.
This is my third book by the author, the others being Vampire Seeker and Witch, which were both brilliant. This was no different.
The author has this way of writing a good romance mixed with paranormal elements that are sometimes a little creepy. This was a little less on the romance but it was still amazing and has left me wanting the next book NOW!
I need to know what's going to happen when they get to the Island!
If you haven't read a Tim O'Rourke book yet, you totally should!
December 9, 2013
Tim O'Rourke you sod... Just finished Stilts!!! I cannot believe you left us hanging... LITERALLY, right out of that bloody helicopter!!!
I thought those yummy edible maggots freaked me out... The descriptions of the Scorchers came a close second. You sicko!!!
Really, REALLY loving this new series! Thank you Mr Tim!!!!
I thought those yummy edible maggots freaked me out... The descriptions of the Scorchers came a close second. You sicko!!!
Really, REALLY loving this new series! Thank you Mr Tim!!!!
December 26, 2013
Yet another brilliant book by Tim O'rourke. Finished in one setting as usual, which goes to say how good this Authors books are. I am always gutted when i reach the end of any of Tims books as he has a knack of making you want more. Looking forward to the next book in the Stilts series.
May 15, 2015
Wow tim does it again! Although this is book 1 in the series it all felt very familiar with the places and the scorchers. Kinda reminded me of the hunger games, survival of the fittest. Looking forward to seeing how this new series and Tessa Dark unfolds.
December 23, 2013
fantastic book once again from Tim. hooked and couldn't put down from page 1. must read by all.
January 25, 2014
Well what can I say. Another awesome read by Tim O'rourke.
This book had me gripped from the start and I couldn't put it down.
Bring on the next Tessa Dark book!
This book had me gripped from the start and I couldn't put it down.
Bring on the next Tessa Dark book!
January 4, 2016
Stilts was fast paced, unique, and entertaining. -Will add to this review later
June 24, 2019
Though the story is slow to start, it does pick up speed once Tessa escapes the walls of the prison. I loved everything about this story. From all of the characters, each one having their own separate personality, with Tessa being a wonderfully strong female, to the post-apocalyptic wasteland with all of its crumbling cities with colorful names, to the whimsy and innovation and originality of the stilts as a mode of travel, to the nightmarish zombie creatures that the population had become. I loved the imagination that refused to let them be run-of-the-mill zombies, but creatures with saliva that melted normal flesh, turning them into more creatures, screaming in pain the entire way. I even loved the enclosed world of the prison. Everything is tense, with plenty of action, a good balance of romance, and lots of drama. Fans of Mad Max and The Walking Dead would like this. And I am definitely itching to get my hands on book 2.
July 11, 2019
Loved it. Onto book 2. Satisfied my dystopian need... For a day at least.
January 9, 2014
This is really an interesting read and I liked the idea of the storyline especially with the stilts idea and the competition for freedom though I am not sure if I would want to escape after knowing what is out there. Such a different style of writing but captivating nonetheless and Tessa has those endearing qualities of a good heart though she can be ruthless at times and tough on the outside. A loner as his heroines seem to be and with so many layers to unravel this series will just keep getting better. I am not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings but it certainly adds to the uncertainty of whether the grass is greener after all.
August 1, 2014
An interesting enough plot, if a bit predictable at times, but it was marred by numerous editing mistakes in the Kindle edition. Missing quotation marks, using "him" instead of "he", and a number of other such issues seriously detracted from the reading experience.
It's also worth noting that this book is VERY short: it can be finished in well under two hours. Which is fine for a £.77 ebook, but it does leave it feeling as if it lacks some depth.
It's also worth noting that this book is VERY short: it can be finished in well under two hours. Which is fine for a £.77 ebook, but it does leave it feeling as if it lacks some depth.
January 4, 2015
The world is burnt and humans are transformed into zombies with an acid touch. One remaining outpost is a gaol where a race by couples on stilts decides who gets to 'escape' to an island. Tessa 18 finally makes it and eventually joins up with Richard and Joe (lost love) and make it to the rendezvous. Part 1. Rather teen stuff, but different.
December 16, 2013
Really loved it however it was far too short, read it in 2 hours. The problem is that because I am waiting for the next book in do many different series I have forgotten where we are with some of them
December 27, 2013
Like many people I have to say, yes he did it again.
I don't know what else I can say for a review.
I love this book and I can't wait till the next one, so please hurry Tim.
Thanks for again a awesome book.
I don't know what else I can say for a review.
I love this book and I can't wait till the next one, so please hurry Tim.
Thanks for again a awesome book.
June 12, 2015
Tim has a way of writing about new interesting worlds/dimensions (that are so unique to this author) throughout all his sets of series so far published. This was a good read as per usual for Tim O'Rourke. I will be starting the next book soon.
March 27, 2020
loved this book. a world where everything is destroyed and the only safe place is an island where everyone wants to go. read about the book in my blog http://thebookworm85.blogspot.gr/2014...
June 4, 2014
I was surprised by how much I liked this book, only due the fact that this is not my typical genre.
Was non stop and interesting and fun!
Was non stop and interesting and fun!
January 5, 2015
I really was not too sure what to expect when I bought this book. I must I am impressed. This is a very original story with interesting characters. I dived into thew sequel immediately afterwards :)
January 2, 2015
I love the worlds that Tim creates. He is so descriptive and his stories suck you in. As always they end with a famous cliffhanger...(sigh) loved this book. Now I need to read Zip...
January 3, 2017
An easy entertaining read - what more can you ask for?
I like Tim's writing ideas and style
I like Tim's writing ideas and style
wishlist
December 8, 2013I want this book! :P
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