I am so excited to be able to write a GLOWING review for Nil Unlocked.
I've been stoked to read it ever since I finished NIL, and was lucky enough to do a signing with Lynne Matson, who is probably one of the nicest human beings on earth. She sent me this followup novel early (through a book exchange system the YA Valentines authors have) and I devoured it.
I loved book one, NIL. I was a huge fan of LOST growing up, and I was super excited when a book about a mysterious island came out. NIL was awesome...but I had tons of questions about the island itself. I wanted to know MORE!
Nil Unlocked promises answers about the island..and, dudes. It totally delivers. It's told through the perspective of Rives, who was last saw on Nil in book one, and a new badA female heroine, Skye, whose father has been obsessed with finding this mysterious "Nil island" for basically his entire adult life.
This book has lots of spoileriffic parts, so I can't really talk much about the overall plot and characters...but what I can say, is that NIL UNLOCKED totally OWNS NIL. And I really loved book one. I just think THIS book, is the darker counterpart---and it's very, very mysterious, and full of adventure. I loved getting to know the island more, the story behind the island...and some actual real islanders...not just the kids that landed on Nil.
That's all I can say.
Basically, I'm totally satisfied by this follow-up, and all my questions I had about the island were answered. Plus, RIVES. I mean...he's yummy. I loved Thad, in book one, but Rives is my kind of guy. Tough, rugged, but with a sweet side when it really matters. And Skye is a great heroine---tough as nails, and I think lots of girls will be able to relate to her.
Now that I'm done....I'm going to go and beg Macmillan and Lynne Matson to allow a THIRD book...because I just want more :)
Can't wait to get my hardcover copy in May!!