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West
After her world was turned upside down by the death of her twin and a new alliance forged through an unexpected friendship, Lucy Campbell left West determined to return to her old life. It took four years and a natural disaster for her to admit that was impossible. Hatched from a lie devised to keep them both safe, the conflict with East has affected Lucy and Tal Bauman in different ways. It's left Lucy engulfed in a bitter power struggle with her war-hungry brother. It's forced Tal to align himself with Campbell, despite questioning their motivations in continuing to attack East, when peace seems attainable. He's also left to sort out the mess left behind by his predecessor and best friend, Connor Wilde. Reunited by a tragedy, Lucy and Tal are forced to question where their loyalties lie, and how far they would go for one another, and the futures of those around them.
346 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2014
270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 21, 2016
Before I get into my review of West, the sequel to Campbell, there’s something you should know. Author C.S. Starr and I have been friends for a while. And while we’re not talking about current events and the shameful lack of Mountie romance written (you probably don’t want to know), we get to read each other’s books before they're published. Which is why I’m woooooefully late on this review. I read West months ago and planned something closer to the actual publication date, then promptly forgot about it. Because I’m a forgetful doofus.
The good news is, I loved West! Even more than I liked Campbell. So it was easy to remember all the stuff I liked about it for this review.
West returns to the post-apocalyptic world of the Campbell Trilogy a few years after the close of the first book. The teenagers who were running the world after everyone over the age of thirteen died off at the beginning of Campbell are now in their 20s. They’ve matured. They're trading. Traveling. Continuing to maintain civilization for the younger members of society. Some are becoming parents. Society has limped forward and Starr does a great job transitioning the reader into the time change.
Tal Bauman has returned to Los Angeles to take over the reins of leadership, while Lucy Campbell has returned to the Midwest to oversee the vast and sprawling territory that is Campbell. Their relationship can best be describes as... complicated. The war between Campbell and East has continued after the provocations in the first book, and while we don’t see any of the direct conflict, by the time West opens, you can tell both Tal and Lucy are weary. They were dragged into a conflict that neither wanted, and years later, no one seems to know how to end it.
Lucy and Tal are older in this book, both in life experience and in years. Both characters continue to be a provocative mix of naiveté and cynicism. They’ve both experienced things by their 20s that have hardened them. They both have few reference points for the future. If the question of Campbell was “Who should lead?” then the question of West is “How should one lead?”
By pushing those questions forward and exploring them, the premise of the series really shines. It’s not all violence and action (though there is a lot of action) but it’s the political maneuvering, the relationships, that keep you reading well past your bedtime.
Starr has expanded her point of view characters in this book, and while I’m not a fan of too much head-hopping, she balances it well here. She’s chosen intriguing supporting characters from the first book, like Rika and Bull, so I loved the multiple viewpoints. The book jumps almost immediately into a crisis situation that tests Tal’s new leadership, while Lucy is embroiled in a political climate that is slowly becoming more and more toxic.
The politics are intriguing. The action is compelling, but it’s the relationship between Tal and Lucy that remains the heart of the series. Both leaders. Both incredibly strong personalities. They’re also incredibly different. You can see why they’re drawn to each other, and yet the obstacles seem insurmountable through most of the book.
The ending left me breathless. I had shivers, it was so well done. I cannot wait to read East and find out what’s been going on in that very shadowy corner of Starr’s world. East territory, so far, has been a big mystery. I can’t wait for more.
So, my recommendation is, if you liked Campbell, or even if you were just intrigued by the world, read West. I don’t think you’ll be sorry.
The good news is, I loved West! Even more than I liked Campbell. So it was easy to remember all the stuff I liked about it for this review.
West returns to the post-apocalyptic world of the Campbell Trilogy a few years after the close of the first book. The teenagers who were running the world after everyone over the age of thirteen died off at the beginning of Campbell are now in their 20s. They’ve matured. They're trading. Traveling. Continuing to maintain civilization for the younger members of society. Some are becoming parents. Society has limped forward and Starr does a great job transitioning the reader into the time change.
Tal Bauman has returned to Los Angeles to take over the reins of leadership, while Lucy Campbell has returned to the Midwest to oversee the vast and sprawling territory that is Campbell. Their relationship can best be describes as... complicated. The war between Campbell and East has continued after the provocations in the first book, and while we don’t see any of the direct conflict, by the time West opens, you can tell both Tal and Lucy are weary. They were dragged into a conflict that neither wanted, and years later, no one seems to know how to end it.
Lucy and Tal are older in this book, both in life experience and in years. Both characters continue to be a provocative mix of naiveté and cynicism. They’ve both experienced things by their 20s that have hardened them. They both have few reference points for the future. If the question of Campbell was “Who should lead?” then the question of West is “How should one lead?”
By pushing those questions forward and exploring them, the premise of the series really shines. It’s not all violence and action (though there is a lot of action) but it’s the political maneuvering, the relationships, that keep you reading well past your bedtime.
Starr has expanded her point of view characters in this book, and while I’m not a fan of too much head-hopping, she balances it well here. She’s chosen intriguing supporting characters from the first book, like Rika and Bull, so I loved the multiple viewpoints. The book jumps almost immediately into a crisis situation that tests Tal’s new leadership, while Lucy is embroiled in a political climate that is slowly becoming more and more toxic.
The politics are intriguing. The action is compelling, but it’s the relationship between Tal and Lucy that remains the heart of the series. Both leaders. Both incredibly strong personalities. They’re also incredibly different. You can see why they’re drawn to each other, and yet the obstacles seem insurmountable through most of the book.
The ending left me breathless. I had shivers, it was so well done. I cannot wait to read East and find out what’s been going on in that very shadowy corner of Starr’s world. East territory, so far, has been a big mystery. I can’t wait for more.
So, my recommendation is, if you liked Campbell, or even if you were just intrigued by the world, read West. I don’t think you’ll be sorry.
May 29, 2014
4.5 stars
Ecopy thanks to author
* * *
I came across the Campbell trilogy last year when upon a recommendation I decided to give it a try and the rest… well, you know how that story goes. (You can check my review of Campbell here by the way).
I was surprised and even taken aback by the story, yet fascinated; it left me curious and wanting more. So when the second book arrived earlier this year and C.S. Starr asked me to read and review it, I leapt at the opportunity. And let me say that West is a great read, well-written and unique among the myriad of post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels crowding the shelves of bookstores these days. What set it apart are its raw honesty, unapologetic nature, brutality, and gritty details. It is a roller-coaster of emotions and as the story progresses C.S. Starr continues to explore a variety of subjects including power/control, politics, sexuality, and character identity -- all under the scope of this harsh, post-apocalyptic world.
This novel picks up several years after Campbell, the first novel. As things have settled a bit in the West territory, Tal emerged as a true leader, responsible and caring. He has proven himself and even garnered support and respect. And I’ve come to admire his character quite a bit this time around.
Lucy on the other hand, appears more vulnerable than ever. Her indomitable façade slowly begins to chip away and all the barriers she has built to protect herself are crumbling under the pressure and weight of her responsibilities. The war with East rages on and those around Lucy are starting to get uneasy over her relation with Tal, the leniency given to West, and other aspects of her leadership.
It is as if we meet a “different” Lucy this time around, but while I struggled to connect with her character before I felt that her vulnerability plays in her favor here. She is hurt and broken, she doesn’t have as much control over her emotions and situations, and suddenly she is that much more accessible. But as soon as things start looking up for her and Tal, professionally and otherwise, the unexpected events threaten to compromise everything they worked so hard to achieve. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell and I can’t wait to read all about it!
West is a thrilling ride. It explores psychological imprint left by the need to control, survive, live; the stress and challenges of the new order, the weight of responsibilities. It is refreshing and different and I enjoyed reading this novel even better than the first. So if you are looking for something new, or have a taste for post-apocalyptic fiction I recommend you give this series a try, it is certainly worth it.
* * *
For this and other reviews please visit Nocturnal Book Reviews.
Ecopy thanks to author
* * *
I came across the Campbell trilogy last year when upon a recommendation I decided to give it a try and the rest… well, you know how that story goes. (You can check my review of Campbell here by the way).
I was surprised and even taken aback by the story, yet fascinated; it left me curious and wanting more. So when the second book arrived earlier this year and C.S. Starr asked me to read and review it, I leapt at the opportunity. And let me say that West is a great read, well-written and unique among the myriad of post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels crowding the shelves of bookstores these days. What set it apart are its raw honesty, unapologetic nature, brutality, and gritty details. It is a roller-coaster of emotions and as the story progresses C.S. Starr continues to explore a variety of subjects including power/control, politics, sexuality, and character identity -- all under the scope of this harsh, post-apocalyptic world.
This novel picks up several years after Campbell, the first novel. As things have settled a bit in the West territory, Tal emerged as a true leader, responsible and caring. He has proven himself and even garnered support and respect. And I’ve come to admire his character quite a bit this time around.
Lucy on the other hand, appears more vulnerable than ever. Her indomitable façade slowly begins to chip away and all the barriers she has built to protect herself are crumbling under the pressure and weight of her responsibilities. The war with East rages on and those around Lucy are starting to get uneasy over her relation with Tal, the leniency given to West, and other aspects of her leadership.
It is as if we meet a “different” Lucy this time around, but while I struggled to connect with her character before I felt that her vulnerability plays in her favor here. She is hurt and broken, she doesn’t have as much control over her emotions and situations, and suddenly she is that much more accessible. But as soon as things start looking up for her and Tal, professionally and otherwise, the unexpected events threaten to compromise everything they worked so hard to achieve. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell and I can’t wait to read all about it!
West is a thrilling ride. It explores psychological imprint left by the need to control, survive, live; the stress and challenges of the new order, the weight of responsibilities. It is refreshing and different and I enjoyed reading this novel even better than the first. So if you are looking for something new, or have a taste for post-apocalyptic fiction I recommend you give this series a try, it is certainly worth it.
* * *
For this and other reviews please visit Nocturnal Book Reviews.
April 25, 2014
I read an ARC in June of last year, so there would obviously have been a few changes since then, but this is another fantastic offering from my good friend C.S. Starr. Again, I don't normally read this kind of book, so it's a different experience for me to deal with than it would be for lovers of the genre.
Fans of her work will know that C writes realistic, unapologetic, gutsy characters who, while sometimes strange and shocking, manage to work their way into your heart, and wish them a HEA somewhere. She also provides some truly hateful ones, and this story is no different.
West picks up shortly after the end of Campbell. Lucy is profoundly damaged and pretending not to be, she's almost completely different to the Lucy we met in Campbell, and honestly I had a hard time with her completely understandable behaviour and mood swings. Think of how you would feel in her shoes, then add on the knowledge that you have NO-ONE to trust or take comfort from.
Tal dealt with Connor and associated ramifications then took over leadership of West. He chose some good support people and seems to be handling things well after his education in Campbell. He still makes some stupid decisions, but who doesn't, I just hope it doesn't come back to haunt him later.
Then comes the curve ball...
Natural disasters bring out the best and worst in people, and West provides us with proof of both. The resilience and bravery shown by this fledgling civilisation and some of our characters is inspiring. Tal goes from strength to strength, and I think his experience in Campbell and pre-plague upbringing have helped him to become a great leader and a better friend.
My heart hurt so much for Lucy during this story. She not only had to deal with losing her twin in such a horrific way, but then a natural disaster in an area where other people she cared about were in danger, followed by problems in her personal life and in Campbell that truly frightened me.
West is a definite roller-coaster of a read, I swore, laughed, gasped and cried my way through this book. I loved seeing further character development, I dreaded some outcomes and celebrated others. The epilogue left me hopeful but concerned as to how this series will continue. Now I'm waiting... mostly patiently... for the next instalment.
Fans of her work will know that C writes realistic, unapologetic, gutsy characters who, while sometimes strange and shocking, manage to work their way into your heart, and wish them a HEA somewhere. She also provides some truly hateful ones, and this story is no different.
West picks up shortly after the end of Campbell. Lucy is profoundly damaged and pretending not to be, she's almost completely different to the Lucy we met in Campbell, and honestly I had a hard time with her completely understandable behaviour and mood swings. Think of how you would feel in her shoes, then add on the knowledge that you have NO-ONE to trust or take comfort from.
Tal dealt with Connor and associated ramifications then took over leadership of West. He chose some good support people and seems to be handling things well after his education in Campbell. He still makes some stupid decisions, but who doesn't, I just hope it doesn't come back to haunt him later.
Then comes the curve ball...
Natural disasters bring out the best and worst in people, and West provides us with proof of both. The resilience and bravery shown by this fledgling civilisation and some of our characters is inspiring. Tal goes from strength to strength, and I think his experience in Campbell and pre-plague upbringing have helped him to become a great leader and a better friend.
My heart hurt so much for Lucy during this story. She not only had to deal with losing her twin in such a horrific way, but then a natural disaster in an area where other people she cared about were in danger, followed by problems in her personal life and in Campbell that truly frightened me.
West is a definite roller-coaster of a read, I swore, laughed, gasped and cried my way through this book. I loved seeing further character development, I dreaded some outcomes and celebrated others. The epilogue left me hopeful but concerned as to how this series will continue. Now I'm waiting... mostly patiently... for the next instalment.
June 12, 2014
A strong sequel to Campbell, and I probably enjoyed more because I was more prepared to set aside some of my disbelief. We pick up when our teenage leaders are a little bt more grown up, but still battling with how to recreate their society, in addition to getting on with th ebusiness of living. Some interesting plot devices to raise questions about our collective knowledge and memory, and how society works when that is gone, and shows that once the battle for survival is one, it does seem to be human nature to battle each other.
April 3, 2015
In the second book in the trilogy, C.S. Starr does a great job of really delving into the characters. You can't help but fall in love with them and root for them, and really care about what is happening.
I can't wait for the last installment to find out what happens between West, East and Campbell in this dystopian reality.
I can't wait for the last installment to find out what happens between West, East and Campbell in this dystopian reality.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews