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The Boy with the Tiger's Heart
A girl raised in the wild, a desperate race for freedom and a boy with a fiercely guarded secret...
When Nona's guardian kills himself, she is immediately suspected of murdering him. In a world where nature and darkness are feared, where wild animals are killed or held captive and cities are illuminated by permanent light, who will believe her innocence? Nona must flee with her only friend - a bear who is strangely human.
In their desperate attempt to escape capture, Nona and her bear encounter two strange boys, Caius and Jay. Together, the four of them will hide, and fight, and make the deadliest of enemies in their desperate race to a forbidden place called The Edge - where nature is unrestrained, where there is light and shade, forest and mountain, and where there are no shackles or boundaries.
A poetic, haunting and unforgettable modern fable about nature, society, and what it is that makes us human.
When Nona's guardian kills himself, she is immediately suspected of murdering him. In a world where nature and darkness are feared, where wild animals are killed or held captive and cities are illuminated by permanent light, who will believe her innocence? Nona must flee with her only friend - a bear who is strangely human.
In their desperate attempt to escape capture, Nona and her bear encounter two strange boys, Caius and Jay. Together, the four of them will hide, and fight, and make the deadliest of enemies in their desperate race to a forbidden place called The Edge - where nature is unrestrained, where there is light and shade, forest and mountain, and where there are no shackles or boundaries.
A poetic, haunting and unforgettable modern fable about nature, society, and what it is that makes us human.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 28, 2014
6 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Linda Coggin
8 books22 followersLinda Coggin taught horseback riding in the West Indies before studying mime in Paris and Czechoslovakia and then becoming an actor and television presenter. She is now an author of poetry and books for young people and lives in Wiltshire, England, with her family and many animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 9, 2016
3-3.5
Vahşi doğada büyümüş bir kız ile kaplan yürekli bir çocuğun özgürlük hikayesi.
Nona'nın bakıcısı öldüğünde bütün şüpheler kızın üzerine yoğunlaşır. Kimse onun masum olduğuna inanmayacağını için tek dostu olan ayısıyla birlikte kaçar. Bu kaçış sırasında Nona ile ayısı, Caius ve Jay adında iki tufan çocukla karşılaşır. Bu tuhaf dörtlü tutsaklığa karşı mücadele etmeye ve Kenar ismi verilen yasak bölgeye gitmeye karar verirler.
Kenar denilen bölgede doğa henüz kirletilmemiş, hayvanlar özgürce yaşamamakta, ormanlar alabildiğine uzanmaktadır.
Kaplan Yürekli Çocuk doğa ile insan arasındaki problemleri göz önüne seriyor resmen. Hayvanların doğal yaşam alanını istila edip sonra onları vahşi hayvanlar diyerek katledişimizi hatırlatıyor bize. Sanki hayvanlara başka seçenek bırakmışız gibi. O yüzden ben okurken çok hüzünlendim, çok etkilendim. Hayvanlara yaşama alanı bırakmayan insanlığımızdan utandım.
Korkunun insanlar üzerindeki etkisini de gözler önüne seriyor bu kitap. İnsanları olmayan bir şeyle korkutsanız bile onlar üzerinde bir güç dengesi kuracağınızı görüyorsunuz. Her ne kadar bir çocuk kitabı olarak geçse de bence büyükler için daha çok mesaj vardı bu kitapta.
Kitabın arkasında da dediği gibi bu kitap içimizdeki doğaya dokunan ve bizi insan yapan değerleri hatırlatan bir öykü.
Vahşi doğada büyümüş bir kız ile kaplan yürekli bir çocuğun özgürlük hikayesi.
Nona'nın bakıcısı öldüğünde bütün şüpheler kızın üzerine yoğunlaşır. Kimse onun masum olduğuna inanmayacağını için tek dostu olan ayısıyla birlikte kaçar. Bu kaçış sırasında Nona ile ayısı, Caius ve Jay adında iki tufan çocukla karşılaşır. Bu tuhaf dörtlü tutsaklığa karşı mücadele etmeye ve Kenar ismi verilen yasak bölgeye gitmeye karar verirler.
Kenar denilen bölgede doğa henüz kirletilmemiş, hayvanlar özgürce yaşamamakta, ormanlar alabildiğine uzanmaktadır.
Kaplan Yürekli Çocuk doğa ile insan arasındaki problemleri göz önüne seriyor resmen. Hayvanların doğal yaşam alanını istila edip sonra onları vahşi hayvanlar diyerek katledişimizi hatırlatıyor bize. Sanki hayvanlara başka seçenek bırakmışız gibi. O yüzden ben okurken çok hüzünlendim, çok etkilendim. Hayvanlara yaşama alanı bırakmayan insanlığımızdan utandım.
Korkunun insanlar üzerindeki etkisini de gözler önüne seriyor bu kitap. İnsanları olmayan bir şeyle korkutsanız bile onlar üzerinde bir güç dengesi kuracağınızı görüyorsunuz. Her ne kadar bir çocuk kitabı olarak geçse de bence büyükler için daha çok mesaj vardı bu kitapta.
Kitabın arkasında da dediği gibi bu kitap içimizdeki doğaya dokunan ve bizi insan yapan değerleri hatırlatan bir öykü.
November 5, 2014
The Boy with the Tiger’s Heart immediately caught my attention with its intriguing title and that beautiful cover. Yet from the synopsis I wasn’t really clear on what to expect from the story. Together with the title it was somewhat suggestive of a fairytale, which might be correct but it’s a tale more of the level of an original Grimm story than that of a Disney film. Yet despite its somewhat bleak and sad narrative, overall the novel evokes a sense of escape and hope of a better future and it left me optimistic about Nona, Caius, and Jay’s futures.
The novel is centred around a trio of youngsters, who all come from tragic backgrounds. Nona (short for No Name) was raised as a wolf child, before losing her adoptive, canine family to what is known in her world as the Cull, in which all non-domesticated animals or tamed wild animals were slaughtered. Caius, the boy she first meets after fleeing the compound where she lived after the Cull, is a child from a fractured home, living with an abusive stepfather and an ineffectual mother. And the mysterious Jay, whose strange connection to Nona’s guardian is only slowly revealed to the fullest, is Nona's opposite; raised in a loving home, he set out on his own to live in the wild.
Together these three set out on an adventure, fleeing to The Edge, the world beyond the sphere of influence of Dissville, where people and wild animals can be free. Coggin's world is strangely elusive. It seems to be a far-future version of our own, but whether it's a post-apocalyptic or dystopian version isn't quite clear. What is clear is that there has been a retreat from nature, as evidenced by the Cull and The Edge, and life – or perhaps respectable life – is constrained to the city, known as Dissville. And they don’t flee on their own, they are joined by Abel Dancer, a bear that lived in the same compound as Nona and who is strangely attached to her. Their affection for each other and their mutual trust is wonderful and Abel Dancer is one of my favourite things about the story.
Coggin’s writing style in the novel is interesting. Her use of third person omniscient present creates an immediacy and at once a remove that draws the reader in, yet doesn’t restrict him to a single protagonist’s viewpoint. The writing is beautiful, combining lovely, evocative prose with some challenging ideas. While The Boy with the Tiger’s Heart is officially marketed as a middle grade title, I’d position it at the older side of that scale, perhaps even a very young YA. Yet the story feels timeless due to its fable-like nature. The only problem I had with the narrative was the protagonists’ arc. Even though their story was exciting, it didn’t actually feel as if their was a very pronounced growth in their characters. The only one who seems substantially different in himself is Jay; Nona and Caius may have changed their stars and learned to trust each other, they’re not significantly different.
The Boy with the Tiger’s Heart not only has a lovely title and cover, but has a lovely tale in-between the covers as well. The story is beautiful and haunting. At 229 pages the book is a slim volume, yet tells a complete and satisfying story. I really enjoyed the time I spent with The Boy with the Tiger’s Heart and discovering Linda Coggin’s writing.
This book was provided for review by the publisher.
The novel is centred around a trio of youngsters, who all come from tragic backgrounds. Nona (short for No Name) was raised as a wolf child, before losing her adoptive, canine family to what is known in her world as the Cull, in which all non-domesticated animals or tamed wild animals were slaughtered. Caius, the boy she first meets after fleeing the compound where she lived after the Cull, is a child from a fractured home, living with an abusive stepfather and an ineffectual mother. And the mysterious Jay, whose strange connection to Nona’s guardian is only slowly revealed to the fullest, is Nona's opposite; raised in a loving home, he set out on his own to live in the wild.
Together these three set out on an adventure, fleeing to The Edge, the world beyond the sphere of influence of Dissville, where people and wild animals can be free. Coggin's world is strangely elusive. It seems to be a far-future version of our own, but whether it's a post-apocalyptic or dystopian version isn't quite clear. What is clear is that there has been a retreat from nature, as evidenced by the Cull and The Edge, and life – or perhaps respectable life – is constrained to the city, known as Dissville. And they don’t flee on their own, they are joined by Abel Dancer, a bear that lived in the same compound as Nona and who is strangely attached to her. Their affection for each other and their mutual trust is wonderful and Abel Dancer is one of my favourite things about the story.
Coggin’s writing style in the novel is interesting. Her use of third person omniscient present creates an immediacy and at once a remove that draws the reader in, yet doesn’t restrict him to a single protagonist’s viewpoint. The writing is beautiful, combining lovely, evocative prose with some challenging ideas. While The Boy with the Tiger’s Heart is officially marketed as a middle grade title, I’d position it at the older side of that scale, perhaps even a very young YA. Yet the story feels timeless due to its fable-like nature. The only problem I had with the narrative was the protagonists’ arc. Even though their story was exciting, it didn’t actually feel as if their was a very pronounced growth in their characters. The only one who seems substantially different in himself is Jay; Nona and Caius may have changed their stars and learned to trust each other, they’re not significantly different.
The Boy with the Tiger’s Heart not only has a lovely title and cover, but has a lovely tale in-between the covers as well. The story is beautiful and haunting. At 229 pages the book is a slim volume, yet tells a complete and satisfying story. I really enjoyed the time I spent with The Boy with the Tiger’s Heart and discovering Linda Coggin’s writing.
This book was provided for review by the publisher.
February 21, 2017
Gerçekten hayvanlar tarafından yetiştirilen çocukların hikayesinden ilham alarak yazmış yazar. Kitaba ismini veren kaplan kalpli çocuğa gerektiği kadar yer verilmemiş gibi hissetsem de bu kasvetli dünyada çocuklar üzerinden gerçek sorunlara dikkat çekilmişti. Günden güne doğadan uzaklaşmamız, vahşi yaşamı düşmanımız ilan etmemiz, canlıların yaşama haklarını saygısızca ellerinden alıp onları eğlence malzemesi haline getirmemiz eleştirilmişti. Biraz distopik bir kurguydu ve heyecan dozu yüksekti. Kurgunun ve anlatımın eksikleri vardı, biraz kopuk ve parçalanmış gibiydi ama yine de konuyu ve işleyiş biçimini sevdim. Karakterlerin hikayelerine daha fazla, derinlemesine inilseydi daha da güzel olabilirdi gibi geldi. Heyecanı çok iyiydi kitabın ve sonu da yine nefes nefese bıraktı. Soru işaretleri ve merakla...
December 28, 2017
Vahşi doğada köpekler tarafından büyütülen bir kız, Nona. Bakıcısının intihar etmesi üzerine onu öldürmekle suçlanınca tek dostu olan ayı ile birlikte kaçar. Kaçarken iki çocukla karşılaşır. Gerçekten bir kaplanın yüreğini taşıyan Jay ve üvey babasından eziyet gören Caius. Hep birlikte polisten kaçarak özgür olacaklarını düşündükleri Kenar denen yere gitmeye çalışırlar.
—
Kitapta büyük kıyım diye bahsedilen bir olay var; tüm vahşi hayvanlar ve onların yaşama alanları yok edilmiş, geri kalan hayvanlarsa sirklerde çalıştırılıyor. Yazar bu konuyu daha sonra açacakmış gibi hissettirmesine rağmen pek de üzerinde durmadı. Ayrıca kitaba ismini veren kaplan yürekli çocuğun rolünden çalınmış bence. Gerektiği kadar yer verilmedi. Düşman ilan edilen vahşi doğa ve yalnızca insanların eğlencesi için kullanılan hayvanlar. Fikir güzel olmasına güzeldi fakat anlatımdaki kopukluklar yüzünden kitabı sevemedim. Üstelik altı doldurulmayan şeyler var. Karakterler daha iyi işlenebilirdi, hiçbirini benimseyemeden kitap bitti. Sonu da tatmin etmedi. Hayal kırıklığına uğradım.
—
Kitapta büyük kıyım diye bahsedilen bir olay var; tüm vahşi hayvanlar ve onların yaşama alanları yok edilmiş, geri kalan hayvanlarsa sirklerde çalıştırılıyor. Yazar bu konuyu daha sonra açacakmış gibi hissettirmesine rağmen pek de üzerinde durmadı. Ayrıca kitaba ismini veren kaplan yürekli çocuğun rolünden çalınmış bence. Gerektiği kadar yer verilmedi. Düşman ilan edilen vahşi doğa ve yalnızca insanların eğlencesi için kullanılan hayvanlar. Fikir güzel olmasına güzeldi fakat anlatımdaki kopukluklar yüzünden kitabı sevemedim. Üstelik altı doldurulmayan şeyler var. Karakterler daha iyi işlenebilirdi, hiçbirini benimseyemeden kitap bitti. Sonu da tatmin etmedi. Hayal kırıklığına uğradım.
July 29, 2016
Konu bakımdan harika bir kitaptı ama yazarın dilini ve anlatışını beğenmedim. Önerebileceğim bir kitap değil ama şans vermek isterseniz çekinmeyin.
August 25, 2016
bir solukta okudum, yemek yemeyi bile unuttum, şiddetle tavsiye ediyorum...
May 27, 2020
At the beginning of the book there's a quote from a Canadian environmentalist named R. Yorke Edwards, "When all the dangerous cliffs are fenced off, all the trees that might fall on people are cut down, all the insects that bite have been poisoned and all the grizzlies are dead because they are occasionally dangerous, the wilderness will not be made safe. Rather, the safety will have destroyed the wilderness." This I believe is the inspiration for the general premise of the story and the tagline, "a haunting and unforgettable modern fable about bravery, untamed places, and what it is that makes us human" sums it up perfectly.
Imagine living in a dystopian world where woodland is cut down because it's considered unsafe, where children under the age of seven have to be put on reins, where every creature with the potential to harm is slaughtered? It's a little like health and safety gone mad and I find the concept unique.
The characters certainly help with the unique theme (a girl who grew up with a pack of wild dogs and a boy who was brought back to life using various wild animal body parts!). I really loved how Nona was written and the way the author made her dialogue/vocabulary snippets of conversations that she'd overheard, seeing her learn how to interact with others vocally - that was pretty cool.
However, I wish the author had delved deeper into the dark theme, but then again I do have to remember that this is written for a much younger audience. Even so, a lot of things could have been more fleshed out. I wish we had learned more about what exactly Thomas Bailey's role in this dystopian world was. I wish we got Jay Bailey's perspective of what he was enduring. I wish we got an epilogue, and I usually never want one of those! I would have loved this book more if it was more fleshed out because it has the potential to be.
Despite wanting more, I did enjoy the plot and pacing. I don't necessarily think it needed a "villain" beyond the concept of "the wilderness is unsafe" though. So for me, personally, the story had a strong beginning but unfortunately not so strong a ending. I still really liked the end result though.
I struggled to rate this, but I've settled on 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4). Great concept, great characters, but it just didn't meet it's full potential.
Imagine living in a dystopian world where woodland is cut down because it's considered unsafe, where children under the age of seven have to be put on reins, where every creature with the potential to harm is slaughtered? It's a little like health and safety gone mad and I find the concept unique.
The characters certainly help with the unique theme (a girl who grew up with a pack of wild dogs and a boy who was brought back to life using various wild animal body parts!). I really loved how Nona was written and the way the author made her dialogue/vocabulary snippets of conversations that she'd overheard, seeing her learn how to interact with others vocally - that was pretty cool.
However, I wish the author had delved deeper into the dark theme, but then again I do have to remember that this is written for a much younger audience. Even so, a lot of things could have been more fleshed out. I wish we had learned more about what exactly Thomas Bailey's role in this dystopian world was. I wish we got Jay Bailey's perspective of what he was enduring. I wish we got an epilogue, and I usually never want one of those! I would have loved this book more if it was more fleshed out because it has the potential to be.
Despite wanting more, I did enjoy the plot and pacing. I don't necessarily think it needed a "villain" beyond the concept of "the wilderness is unsafe" though. So for me, personally, the story had a strong beginning but unfortunately not so strong a ending. I still really liked the end result though.
I struggled to rate this, but I've settled on 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4). Great concept, great characters, but it just didn't meet it's full potential.
May 20, 2017
Acayip güzel bir distopya konusu nasıl bu kadar mahvedilebilir sorusuna cevaptı. Ne olup ne bittiğini anlamadım.
February 1, 2015
I call this a warm-blanket-book. It’s a book that you want to read snuggled up somewhere comfortable, undisturbed, so you can enjoy it without interruption.
Beautifully written Nona’s world comes alive around you. I could picture her, Abel Dancer and the new friends she makes perfectly. The contrast between the town and the wild is striking, the town being by far more heart-breaking. The safari and Jay’s home in particular.
I loved Nona’s journey. Linda Coggin has created a character that you feel a strong connection with early one, this on intensifies as the story progresses.
The Boy with the Tiger’s Heart was the beautiful book I hoped it would be.
Beautifully written Nona’s world comes alive around you. I could picture her, Abel Dancer and the new friends she makes perfectly. The contrast between the town and the wild is striking, the town being by far more heart-breaking. The safari and Jay’s home in particular.
I loved Nona’s journey. Linda Coggin has created a character that you feel a strong connection with early one, this on intensifies as the story progresses.
The Boy with the Tiger’s Heart was the beautiful book I hoped it would be.
December 1, 2016
Nasıl bir hayal kırıklığı... 2 yıldızı neye verdim bilmiyorum bile...
August 15, 2018
Great representation of the wild to both man and nature.
October 29, 2025
Dacă mi se permite îndrăzneala, aș compara cartea asta ce “Fram, ursul polar” prin prisma faptului ca și aici există un urs (fost) circar care dansează pentru Cola.
Povestea în sine nu e foarte complicată, dar zic asta din perspectiva unui adolescent care a citit ceva cărți la viața lui, însă e scrisă cu intenția de a fi citită de copii.
Îmi place modul în care e prezentată lumea, segregarea animalelor de oameni și folosirea lor pentru amuzament (circ) sau pentru experimente diverse.
Protagonista, Nona, a fost crescută de lupi până la vârsta de 3 ani. Însă, atunci când autoritățile îi ucid familia adoptivă, Nona este preluată de Thomas Bailey, un om care o învață cum să se comporte în lumea “celor mai deștepte mamifere”.
Tot la început îl întâlnim și pe Abel Dancer, ursul, apoi pe Caius și familia lui disfuncțională, pe Jay cel cu secrete, pe leul alb și pe tigroaica Mimi. Aceste personaje luptă împotriva lui Blovrek.
Mi-a plăcut modul în care cruzimea față de animale a fost portretizată, întrucât consider ca este un mediu foarte bun pentru a pune un copil la curent, într-un mod gentil, cu practicile la care animalele sunt supuse pentru amuzantul oamenilor. De asemenea, motivul libertății este, cu siguranță, unul dintre cele mai puternice lucruri care reies din urmă lecturării acestei cărți, mai ales dacă ne amintim de faptul ca copii sunt înhămați de părinți până la 7 ani ca nu cumva să fugă.
Finalul oferă o urmă de mister, lucru care poate să îți displacă sau nu, iar mie mi-a plăcut.
Farewell, my friends
Povestea în sine nu e foarte complicată, dar zic asta din perspectiva unui adolescent care a citit ceva cărți la viața lui, însă e scrisă cu intenția de a fi citită de copii.
Îmi place modul în care e prezentată lumea, segregarea animalelor de oameni și folosirea lor pentru amuzament (circ) sau pentru experimente diverse.
Protagonista, Nona, a fost crescută de lupi până la vârsta de 3 ani. Însă, atunci când autoritățile îi ucid familia adoptivă, Nona este preluată de Thomas Bailey, un om care o învață cum să se comporte în lumea “celor mai deștepte mamifere”.
Tot la început îl întâlnim și pe Abel Dancer, ursul, apoi pe Caius și familia lui disfuncțională, pe Jay cel cu secrete, pe leul alb și pe tigroaica Mimi. Aceste personaje luptă împotriva lui Blovrek.
Mi-a plăcut modul în care cruzimea față de animale a fost portretizată, întrucât consider ca este un mediu foarte bun pentru a pune un copil la curent, într-un mod gentil, cu practicile la care animalele sunt supuse pentru amuzantul oamenilor. De asemenea, motivul libertății este, cu siguranță, unul dintre cele mai puternice lucruri care reies din urmă lecturării acestei cărți, mai ales dacă ne amintim de faptul ca copii sunt înhămați de părinți până la 7 ani ca nu cumva să fugă.
Finalul oferă o urmă de mister, lucru care poate să îți displacă sau nu, iar mie mi-a plăcut.
Farewell, my friends
May 20, 2022
Looking at other reviews and many of then have stated that the cover was what attracted them to the book. It is a great cover.
As for the story, I feel it has a problem of identity inasmuch as who it is aimed at. It is a little too complicated for a younger reader and possibly too simplistic for an older one.
The plot felt rushed in places where maybe it would have felt more fairytale like if it took a few pauses to allow the reader to become immersed in the world. Then it could have been a modern fairytale in the style of the old ones but with added technology.
The characters go through a fair amount of peril but there isn't much character development for the most part. I also felt that there were far too many sudden disappearances and sudden entrances into the story.
Overall I feel that there were at least four good ideas in the story but none of them were utilised as well as they could have been. It isn't a terrible book but it is something I couldn't recommend as it lacked any satisfaction in reading it.
As for the story, I feel it has a problem of identity inasmuch as who it is aimed at. It is a little too complicated for a younger reader and possibly too simplistic for an older one.
The plot felt rushed in places where maybe it would have felt more fairytale like if it took a few pauses to allow the reader to become immersed in the world. Then it could have been a modern fairytale in the style of the old ones but with added technology.
The characters go through a fair amount of peril but there isn't much character development for the most part. I also felt that there were far too many sudden disappearances and sudden entrances into the story.
Overall I feel that there were at least four good ideas in the story but none of them were utilised as well as they could have been. It isn't a terrible book but it is something I couldn't recommend as it lacked any satisfaction in reading it.
January 14, 2022
First of all, absolutely gorgeous cover! That's the main reason I first got interested about this book. It took months before I finally decided to actually read the book. I loved that one of the main characters was a bear. It was also interesting to read about a main character who was raised by animals, in this case, dogs.
At times the book did feel a little bit boring, but I was interested enough to continue reading. I wanted to know what happens to the characters, so I guess I got attached to them in some way at least. The ending wasn't my favorite, but that seems to be the issue with a lot of books I read, so it's more of a "it's not you, it's me" situation.
All in all, not a bad book but not an amazing book either. 3,25 stars.
At times the book did feel a little bit boring, but I was interested enough to continue reading. I wanted to know what happens to the characters, so I guess I got attached to them in some way at least. The ending wasn't my favorite, but that seems to be the issue with a lot of books I read, so it's more of a "it's not you, it's me" situation.
All in all, not a bad book but not an amazing book either. 3,25 stars.
September 15, 2021
no... i can’t do this... i finished the book but at what cost? this is a real textbook example of the proverb ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. i went in thinking that if it had a beautiful cover and an interesting title, it surely has to be a good book right? at the very least, a mediocre one.
but no... this is a really boring book. i didn’t get attached to any of the characters and i was just very bored and unhappy. im not sure if this was meant for kids because if it is, then maybe three stars??? but if not, then i don’t know, just one star ugh
but no... this is a really boring book. i didn’t get attached to any of the characters and i was just very bored and unhappy. im not sure if this was meant for kids because if it is, then maybe three stars??? but if not, then i don’t know, just one star ugh
August 9, 2022
I think a 3.5 is the most accurate rating for this. Middle grade dystopian is so much fun! And this one is…better than I expected. It’s a twisting tale of escapes, fear, science experiments, and a strange society hiding behind a wall. It’s not what I expected when I picked it up, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Definitely recommend.
April 5, 2024
When her guardian is found dead, a nameless wild girl must run from the authorities with the only people she can trust: a frightened boy called Caius and a mixed-up boy called Jay.
This unique tale is beautifully written. I found it to be an easy ready all about adventure and friendships. Great character building and an easy to follow plot.
This unique tale is beautifully written. I found it to be an easy ready all about adventure and friendships. Great character building and an easy to follow plot.
September 6, 2022
It’s a rather quick read due to its font size,
A story of 3 friends - a girl who was raised by dogs, a hybrid boy, runaway boy, a bear, tiger and wolf-
journey away from a made up world where there is no trees and animals seen as a bad and wild things that can hurt people.
A story of 3 friends - a girl who was raised by dogs, a hybrid boy, runaway boy, a bear, tiger and wolf-
journey away from a made up world where there is no trees and animals seen as a bad and wild things that can hurt people.
March 27, 2018
It was really good, I liked the characters and the story.
October 2, 2021
uhm it is an ok book. Different way to explain our fears from the wilderness and how we, human beings, want to control everything in order to feel security and safety.
May 5, 2022
Absolutely amazing! Honestly one of the best books I've read ever!!
May 6, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
For the fear of saying to much I'm keeping this on the shorter side!
There's actually a longer summary for this book, but I think this one sums it up the best without giving too much away. I believe this is one of the books you have to go into without knowing much - the hauntingly beautiful cover is enough! I mean, look at it, it's truly remarkable.
I was expecting a great book but maybe not something mind-blowing that would be a favorite for the rest of my life - which this book turned out to be. I was definitely not expecting what I received. I found this story to be beautiful, poetic, wonderful, scary, uplifting and all kinds of phenomenal. I loved every character and enjoyed every little bit of it.
We have Nona, who actually starts out as nameless (no name - Nona), Caius and Jay - along with some animals. I liked Nona, she was definitely unlike any other character I've come across. She was raised by dogs and the found by a human called Thomas Bailey. She meets Caius and Jay in the forest while running away because she is wanted for the murder of Thomas Bailey - she have not killed him though (this is a minor spoiler since it happens 5 pages in or so). I loved how the characters want nothing to do with each other and then becomes companions and help each other escape.
Something that really blew my mind was the world. When I first read the synopsis and found out it was a modern fable I was not expecting it to be with a dystopian world thrown in - it creeped me out but left me wanting more. A thing that really chilled me to the bones was the fact that children under the age of 7 have to be harnessed - they are wearing dog collars with chains attached to them due to the fear of them running away. I also think it's horrible that people can be imprisoned for basically anything.
I especially love how this book begins, it is so hauntingly beautiful;
I absolutely loved and adored this book, I originally gave it 4.5 but I have to give it a solid 5 star rating due to the epicness and adventurous story. I loved every bit and I can't recommend it enough. Even though this is quite a short book it doesn't feel short because the story is so "big" - I have no idea how this is only 200 pages long.
For the fear of saying to much I'm keeping this on the shorter side!
There's actually a longer summary for this book, but I think this one sums it up the best without giving too much away. I believe this is one of the books you have to go into without knowing much - the hauntingly beautiful cover is enough! I mean, look at it, it's truly remarkable.
I was expecting a great book but maybe not something mind-blowing that would be a favorite for the rest of my life - which this book turned out to be. I was definitely not expecting what I received. I found this story to be beautiful, poetic, wonderful, scary, uplifting and all kinds of phenomenal. I loved every character and enjoyed every little bit of it.
We have Nona, who actually starts out as nameless (no name - Nona), Caius and Jay - along with some animals. I liked Nona, she was definitely unlike any other character I've come across. She was raised by dogs and the found by a human called Thomas Bailey. She meets Caius and Jay in the forest while running away because she is wanted for the murder of Thomas Bailey - she have not killed him though (this is a minor spoiler since it happens 5 pages in or so). I loved how the characters want nothing to do with each other and then becomes companions and help each other escape.
Something that really blew my mind was the world. When I first read the synopsis and found out it was a modern fable I was not expecting it to be with a dystopian world thrown in - it creeped me out but left me wanting more. A thing that really chilled me to the bones was the fact that children under the age of 7 have to be harnessed - they are wearing dog collars with chains attached to them due to the fear of them running away. I also think it's horrible that people can be imprisoned for basically anything.
I especially love how this book begins, it is so hauntingly beautiful;
The snow falls heavily that night and in the morning lies in deep drifts,
which smooth over the shapes of the jagged rocks and grassy knolls.
It hides the bog holes that lie at the edge of the marshes and covers
the wrecks of the burnt-out cars. It sparkles like crushed diamonds.
It is pure, white and perfect, but to the girl when she
looks out from her hiding place it is a bad omen.
Today the trackers will surely find them.
She pulls her fur-lined hood over her face and scans the horizon.
I absolutely loved and adored this book, I originally gave it 4.5 but I have to give it a solid 5 star rating due to the epicness and adventurous story. I loved every bit and I can't recommend it enough. Even though this is quite a short book it doesn't feel short because the story is so "big" - I have no idea how this is only 200 pages long.
February 6, 2015
2.5 stars!
I really don't know how I feel toward this book. It was completely not what I was expecting yet I wouldn't say I disliked it.
During the time I was reading it, I just felt slightly detached - I wasn't enthralled in the storyline and dying to pick the book up every time I put it down. I also felt like I missed the deeper meaning behind the story and the themes specified in the synopsis that the book was meant to explore. Sure, I hate the idea of a world where nature and animals are viewed as a threat but it wasn't put across in a way that made me overly emotional - which I would have liked, being the nature and animal lover I am. I also didn't really pick up on the theme of what it is that makes us human which is a real pity because that was one of the main reasons I picked the book up.
However, though the story felt a little weak to me, the characters were very intriguing. My favourite character was by far Jay. I loved the idea behind him. I also liked Nona, though I felt she never quite explored her full potential. Caius also added a different dynamic to the story with his background but I couldn't quite shake the fact he more or less just felt there. I also would have liked Nona and Abel Dancer's relationship to have been explored more because, as we know, I love human/animal relationships in books.
Maybe if you read this, you'll understand where I'm coming from. Though it wasn't one of the strongest novels I've read and I didn't particularly enjoy it, there was just something in the story that didn't repel me. It's a pity that I, personally, didn't feel the themes were explored thoroughly in the storyline - as I'm sure that would have been a portion of the book I loved. As it is, I'm really not sure what to make of this book. It was a unique read, but didn't quite reel me in.
I really don't know how I feel toward this book. It was completely not what I was expecting yet I wouldn't say I disliked it.
During the time I was reading it, I just felt slightly detached - I wasn't enthralled in the storyline and dying to pick the book up every time I put it down. I also felt like I missed the deeper meaning behind the story and the themes specified in the synopsis that the book was meant to explore. Sure, I hate the idea of a world where nature and animals are viewed as a threat but it wasn't put across in a way that made me overly emotional - which I would have liked, being the nature and animal lover I am. I also didn't really pick up on the theme of what it is that makes us human which is a real pity because that was one of the main reasons I picked the book up.
However, though the story felt a little weak to me, the characters were very intriguing. My favourite character was by far Jay. I loved the idea behind him. I also liked Nona, though I felt she never quite explored her full potential. Caius also added a different dynamic to the story with his background but I couldn't quite shake the fact he more or less just felt there. I also would have liked Nona and Abel Dancer's relationship to have been explored more because, as we know, I love human/animal relationships in books.
Maybe if you read this, you'll understand where I'm coming from. Though it wasn't one of the strongest novels I've read and I didn't particularly enjoy it, there was just something in the story that didn't repel me. It's a pity that I, personally, didn't feel the themes were explored thoroughly in the storyline - as I'm sure that would have been a portion of the book I loved. As it is, I'm really not sure what to make of this book. It was a unique read, but didn't quite reel me in.
July 26, 2015
This was one of those books that you read that are weird and strange and enjoyable. The cover and the awesome orange pages are what originally drew me to it and with a title like that, I just had to read it.
Now, this isn't a book that will be super memorable or change your life but it keeps you on your toes with the whimsical, dark mood of the book. We get to see friendships made with the dystopian feel of human's fears taking hold and changing the world as we currently know it.
It was a little strange at first because it seems to take place in modern times but everything has been changed. The world isn't quite the world we know it to be.
This review is a mess because I don't really know what to say about it other than, if you have a spare moment, you should read this book.
It's dark and moving and a good read.
Now, this isn't a book that will be super memorable or change your life but it keeps you on your toes with the whimsical, dark mood of the book. We get to see friendships made with the dystopian feel of human's fears taking hold and changing the world as we currently know it.
It was a little strange at first because it seems to take place in modern times but everything has been changed. The world isn't quite the world we know it to be.
This review is a mess because I don't really know what to say about it other than, if you have a spare moment, you should read this book.
It's dark and moving and a good read.
August 23, 2022
If I'm going to be honest, this book was disappointing. I thought this book would be amazing considering how gorgeous the cover is and how the blurb was captivating, but don't judge a book by its cover.
Not many things were explained well in the story. Everything was moving so fast that I couldn't develop any bond with the characters. The use of present tense to tell the story didn't work in this context as it felt like a retelling of another story. I think Coggin should have spent just a bit more time on writing this book and it would have been a lot better. By this, I don't just mean getting other people to read through it, but I mean trying to write the story in such a way that you detach yourself from the story and revisit it to see if all the ideas make sense.
Not many things were explained well in the story. Everything was moving so fast that I couldn't develop any bond with the characters. The use of present tense to tell the story didn't work in this context as it felt like a retelling of another story. I think Coggin should have spent just a bit more time on writing this book and it would have been a lot better. By this, I don't just mean getting other people to read through it, but I mean trying to write the story in such a way that you detach yourself from the story and revisit it to see if all the ideas make sense.
May 1, 2015
This is a lovely story for younger readers, however the content is a bit dark to begin with. I loved how the characters have a strong bond and their journey together sets them free. The link between animals and humans is reflective of our world today and an insight into what we don't want to become!
June 10, 2016
I actually rated this book at 2 1/2 out of 5 stars. I really liked the story but for me it could have been slightly longer and more fleshed out. I do think it is a perfect book for a younger reader.
September 5, 2014
Mixed feelings about this one. Interesting idea but a bit confused and dark. I must confess I did not enjoy it. Beautiful cover art though.
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