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Shell
Imagine a world where fresh air and natural light are distant memories. Where a claustrophobic city lies along the seabed, built to protect humanity from disaster. For the last decade, this is what Red has called home.
After the rebellious 19-year-old's father mysteriously died when she was a child, she was heartbroken. Then, when her mother was accidentally left behind in the Old World, Red began to question President Ivan Spencer and his regime. Now she's prepared to do whatever it takes to finally escape the bleakness of The Shell. But if she does, what will be left of the world outside?
Suspense-filled, shocking and impossible to put down, Shell is a rare pearl in today's ocean of dystopian science fiction.
Are you ready to enter The Shell?
After the rebellious 19-year-old's father mysteriously died when she was a child, she was heartbroken. Then, when her mother was accidentally left behind in the Old World, Red began to question President Ivan Spencer and his regime. Now she's prepared to do whatever it takes to finally escape the bleakness of The Shell. But if she does, what will be left of the world outside?
Suspense-filled, shocking and impossible to put down, Shell is a rare pearl in today's ocean of dystopian science fiction.
Are you ready to enter The Shell?
270 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2015
2 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 29, 2017
BLOG REVIEW
https://passthefeels.wordpress.com/20...
** I received this book from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review**
This is a fantastic and unique debut. I predict a bright future in the writing world for Gill, this is only the beginning.
The most impressive aspect of this novel, especially for being a debut, is the uniqueness of it. These days it's hard to write a book that is completely unique and is unlike another book of its genre, and seeing as this is a dystopian that's impressive.
I was initially intrigued about the whole 'world underwater' thing, and that aspect made the book what it was. The ideas of the United Underworld, The Shell, Old World, etc. were so, again, unique, and interesting to read about.
The writing style in this novel was quite different, we often changed views between characters in the middle of a page (never first person though), and I quite liked that because it kept the books pace up and kept it intriguing. The descriptions like 'young woman', 'the women', etc. got annoying at times, because they were so repetitive, but that's probably just my personal preference.
In terms of characters, I didn't really care much for them, but I did care enough to appreciate their places within the novel. Red, our main girl, was ruthless and I admired that about her, she took pity where it was needed but also knew where enough was enough.
The only thing that may have been a bit of a downfall for this book is that I found myself getting bored throughout various parts of the novel, it just didn't completely grip me. This could also be due to major christmas festivities and room renovations which left me with basically zero time to read throughout the past 2 weeks...uh
All in all, I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy a good dystopian, and also those willing to try a new kind-of novel that is both riveting and unique.
I wish all the best of luck to Chris Gill in the future!
https://passthefeels.wordpress.com/20...
** I received this book from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review**
This is a fantastic and unique debut. I predict a bright future in the writing world for Gill, this is only the beginning.
The most impressive aspect of this novel, especially for being a debut, is the uniqueness of it. These days it's hard to write a book that is completely unique and is unlike another book of its genre, and seeing as this is a dystopian that's impressive.
I was initially intrigued about the whole 'world underwater' thing, and that aspect made the book what it was. The ideas of the United Underworld, The Shell, Old World, etc. were so, again, unique, and interesting to read about.
The writing style in this novel was quite different, we often changed views between characters in the middle of a page (never first person though), and I quite liked that because it kept the books pace up and kept it intriguing. The descriptions like 'young woman', 'the women', etc. got annoying at times, because they were so repetitive, but that's probably just my personal preference.
In terms of characters, I didn't really care much for them, but I did care enough to appreciate their places within the novel. Red, our main girl, was ruthless and I admired that about her, she took pity where it was needed but also knew where enough was enough.
The only thing that may have been a bit of a downfall for this book is that I found myself getting bored throughout various parts of the novel, it just didn't completely grip me. This could also be due to major christmas festivities and room renovations which left me with basically zero time to read throughout the past 2 weeks...uh
All in all, I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy a good dystopian, and also those willing to try a new kind-of novel that is both riveting and unique.
I wish all the best of luck to Chris Gill in the future!
October 11, 2016
Shell focuses on an ensemble cast who find themselves on the fringe of society as they question the government’s level of transparency and motives. Given the setting (humanity was forced to evacuate into sub-ocean cities when an asteroid destroyed all surface life Earth), the reader can’t help but question whether these characters are growing paranoid or going stir crazy. On the other hand, author Chris Gill also plays on current socio-political trends, which feed into our natural distrust toward those in power and causes us to empathize with the questions these characters pose.
Red, our protagonist, is a woman who, in real life, few would probably get along with, and that’s just the way she likes it. This is not to say she is “unlikeable,” but rather, Chris has shaped her to be an individual, not the reader’s avatar. Her strong will and free-thinking mind become a double-edged sword: You like her because she doesn’t take any crap from anyone, but she also pushes good people away. Her unyielding desire to uncover the truth is the driving force that sets off novel.
Those with a taste for conspiracy theories, multiple points of view, prose that highlight concepts and topical points, and of course, fiery women with a penchant for leather jackets, should definitely check out Shell: a breath of fresh air in the dystopian genre!
Red, our protagonist, is a woman who, in real life, few would probably get along with, and that’s just the way she likes it. This is not to say she is “unlikeable,” but rather, Chris has shaped her to be an individual, not the reader’s avatar. Her strong will and free-thinking mind become a double-edged sword: You like her because she doesn’t take any crap from anyone, but she also pushes good people away. Her unyielding desire to uncover the truth is the driving force that sets off novel.
Those with a taste for conspiracy theories, multiple points of view, prose that highlight concepts and topical points, and of course, fiery women with a penchant for leather jackets, should definitely check out Shell: a breath of fresh air in the dystopian genre!
January 5, 2016
I highly recommend this book to any fan of dystopian science fiction. If you like books like The Hunger Games, Divergent, Maze Runner, you're going to love this book's refreshing take on the genre. Full of twists with a character for everyone, you will not be able to put it down! Every chapter leaves you wanting more. Can't wait for his next novel.
July 12, 2019
This is Chris's debut novel, and it took me completely by surprise. Having only known Chris's work via the expression of Poetry, in his book VERSES, I honestly had no idea what to expect in regards to a full length story, but this work explored a whole wealth of important personal, societal, economical and environmental issues, and it blew my mind a little if I'm completely honest.
We live in a world defined by, and threatened by, war, climate change, corruption, greed, and a societal hierarchy that pushes us all into place with its condescending adverts; piling up the neuroses and binding us to the fear of who we are, and who we should be.
All set in a dystopian landscape, watched over by an Orwellian-esque government, battling the threat of man-made, terminal, climatic disasters, this story follows the narrative of a young and feisty woman named Red, as she tries to adapt to this new regime, in a virgin, foreign world.
The adventure takes so many visceral and emotive turns, and reflects upon the aching nostalgia of the old world, as it takes on this strong theme, in a way that rarely achieves such poignancy.
We live in a world defined by, and threatened by, war, climate change, corruption, greed, and a societal hierarchy that pushes us all into place with its condescending adverts; piling up the neuroses and binding us to the fear of who we are, and who we should be.
All set in a dystopian landscape, watched over by an Orwellian-esque government, battling the threat of man-made, terminal, climatic disasters, this story follows the narrative of a young and feisty woman named Red, as she tries to adapt to this new regime, in a virgin, foreign world.
The adventure takes so many visceral and emotive turns, and reflects upon the aching nostalgia of the old world, as it takes on this strong theme, in a way that rarely achieves such poignancy.
October 11, 2016
Shell is a dystopia, set in the future where a natural catastrophe happens and the whole population moves underground beneath the ocean in order to survive as a species. All of them are ruled by Lord Ivan Spencer, who is mostly loved and adored but there is a fringe group who plans to overthrow the current government and find out the truth of what is really on the surface.
There's a central cast of characters, the main protagonist being Red, who by her name has fiery red hair and believes that the people living underground in seacitites (also called The Shell by the locals) are being lied to by their leader.
I liked Red. She was an antisocial, grumpy dissenter on the surface, but wasn't a one-note character. She felt real and three dimensional and I liked that her background was explained with flashbacks and I understood her motivation for doing the things she did. She's a fantastic lead character.
The world building was superb without there being infodump in the first twenty pages and it all unfolded seamlessly as the story went along. The cliffhanger is fantastic and the plot moves fast without losing its pace or having unnecessary scenes that slow it down.
Overall, a really enjoyable story!
There's a central cast of characters, the main protagonist being Red, who by her name has fiery red hair and believes that the people living underground in seacitites (also called The Shell by the locals) are being lied to by their leader.
I liked Red. She was an antisocial, grumpy dissenter on the surface, but wasn't a one-note character. She felt real and three dimensional and I liked that her background was explained with flashbacks and I understood her motivation for doing the things she did. She's a fantastic lead character.
The world building was superb without there being infodump in the first twenty pages and it all unfolded seamlessly as the story went along. The cliffhanger is fantastic and the plot moves fast without losing its pace or having unnecessary scenes that slow it down.
Overall, a really enjoyable story!
October 9, 2016
Admittedly, I only read the first chapter available as a free sample, but it didn't entice me to read more.
A main character with guts who isn't afraid to fight back, yet waits until she's assaulted to do so is not only unrealistic, but also unrelatable. Surely carrying a switchblade aims to prevent attacks, not stop them from continuing once they've already begun?!
The writing is filled with cliches, and the author tells us what to think and understand, rather than showing readers details and leaving it up to them to connect the dots.
The setting and premise seem intriguing, so it's a pity the style is so juvenile.
A main character with guts who isn't afraid to fight back, yet waits until she's assaulted to do so is not only unrealistic, but also unrelatable. Surely carrying a switchblade aims to prevent attacks, not stop them from continuing once they've already begun?!
The writing is filled with cliches, and the author tells us what to think and understand, rather than showing readers details and leaving it up to them to connect the dots.
The setting and premise seem intriguing, so it's a pity the style is so juvenile.
October 11, 2016
It did not take me long to read this book cover to cover. Not because of it's page count but I just couldn't put it down. The dystopian future almost feels like a prediction and the lead character is easy to connect with throughout her journey. I'm easily bored so need a book to keep me on the edge, which this book did! So worth a read, you won't be disappointed!
December 17, 2015
One of the very first books I've read in the dystopian genre, and I must say, it has drawn me right in. Loved the entire plot line, the characters and the tactful way it drew me into life in The Shell. A must-read for those who love sci-fi, and those who thought they didn't (like me)! AAAA++++++
October 11, 2016
This story kept moving and the main character, Red, had good development. Her motivations are believable. I like the intensity and pace of this story. The premise of the story was explained well and I can empathize with Red in her dislike of the antagonist.
May 13, 2020
So first off major trigger warning for the first like 10 pages in regards to a rape.
I loved the premise of this book and the execution is beautifully done. Serious Gill could write Cereal boxes and I would read them. His writing is so pretty it hurts.
Review to come soon
I loved the premise of this book and the execution is beautifully done. Serious Gill could write Cereal boxes and I would read them. His writing is so pretty it hurts.
Review to come soon
December 18, 2015
This book was a complete whirlwind. Action and suspense at every page – this is one heck of a story you surely wouldn’t want to miss. Review is up on my blog!
December 28, 2015
This was a great story with a fresh spin on a dystopian theme. Hopefully we get more from Chris soon!
January 29, 2023
A good quick read. Unlocking the complexities and the ever increasing corruption of the new world through the rebellious 19 year old Red.
October 11, 2016
This book is right up my alley. I have a tendency to lean towards dystopian/post apocalyptic books so when I read the synopsis I figured that it would be worth a read. I'm so glad I did! I love the main character, Red – her attitude, her friendships/relationships with those around her. I thought the fact that the citizens were underwater instead of on the surface was a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre and that they are cut off from what is really going on above ground, being lead by an untrustworthy government. Lots of refreshing elements to this book. A must-read for all fans of the dystopian genre!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews