The Scourge

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

When a plague isn’t all that kills…

As a lethal plague sweeps through the land, Ani Mells is shocked when she is unexpectedly captured by the governor’s wardens and forced to submit to a test for the deadly Scourge. She is even more surprised when the test results come back positive, and she is sent to Attic Island, a former prison turned refuge—and quarantine colony—for the ill. The Scourge’s victims, Ani now among them, can only expect to live out short, painful lives there.

However, Ani quickly discovers that she doesn’t know the whole truth about the Scourge or the Colony. She’s been caught in a devious plot, and, with the help of her best friend, Weevil, Ani means to uncover just what is actually going on. But will she and Weevil survive the Scourge—and the gorvernor’s wardens—long enough to make their escape and expose the cruel plan?

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fiction, Adventure, Dystopia, Mystery

368 pages, Hardcover

First published August 30, 2016

About the author

Jennifer lives at the base of a very tall mountain in Northern Utah with her husband, three children, and a naughty puppy. She loves the smell of rainy days, hot chocolate, and old books, preferably all at once. She is a former speech teacher, theater director, and enjoyed a brief but disastrous career as a door-to-door pollster. In her spare time, Jennifer tends to panic, wondering what she has forgotten to do that has allowed her any spare time.

Reviews

[Jennifer Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay yes, I'm biased.

But I am so proud of this book, and I hope it's one you'll enjoy!

The idea began in a most unusual place - a fascination with leprosy in the 20th Century. We knew what it was AND how to cure it, yet because of the stigma associated with it, in many places, it was still legal to pull a leprosy victim away from their home and send them to an isolation colony permanently. There are still some colonies in the world where survivors remain, voluntarily now. And I thought, if a government wanted to take advantage of that fear, it could do serious damage.

The two main characters of this story, Ani and Weevil, have a friendship that I absolutely adore! It is largely based on the song, "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers - a song you'll hear referenced in the text. Ani's personality comes directly from the song, "Breaking the Habit" by Linkin Park.

I hope you will enjoy this book!

[jv poore · Rating 4 out of 5]

River people are derogatorily referred to as “grubs” and in retaliation, they only address townspeople as “pinchworms”. It is true that the folks outside of town prefer their own company and way of life. It is also accurate to say they’ve been ostracized, blamed for being the source and spreaders of the Scourge, stealing so many lives hundreds of years ago.

Ani Mells is a proud river person known to create a touch of trouble wherever she goes. Perhaps a bit stubborn and quite possibly prejudiced against pinchworms; she is also intuitively kind, driven to do the right thing and ferociously loyal. When she and her best bud, Weevil, are essentially abducted and hauled into town, she is too furious to question the reasoning.

Told that they needed to be tested for the recently resurrected Scourge, Ani was initially wary and so she asked questions. Answers, if provided at all, were vague and almost illogical. Not only does Ani doubt the townspeople’s truth about the plague, but she suspects something sinister afoot. She is determined to get the bottom of it, but Governor Felling and her guards have to stop her. Weevil wants what Ani wants and the two together may just have a chance to end the heinous political plan that is so horrific I won’t even hint about it here.

This fantastical, action-packed adventure also shows personal growth and change, along with some quick wit and humorous banter. I’m completely charmed and in awe of characters that possess admirable and attainable attributes while still being wholly human and making silly mistakes and an occasional dumb decision along the way. Ms. Nielsen must keep in the company of wizards because there’s way too much magic in her writing for it to made of only hard work and mad skills.

This review was written for Buried Under Books by jv poore.

[Reyhaneh.r · Rating 3 out of 5]

『هو النور』
این کتاب راجع به بیماری‌ای به اسم اسکورجه که توی کشور شایع شده و هیچ درمانی براش نیست.

تنها کاری که می‌کنن اینه که افراد بیمار رو به "کلونی" می‌برن تا لحظات آخر عمرشون رو اونجا سپری کنند.

شخصیت‌های اصلی یعنی "آنی" و "ویول" هم بخاطر اتفاقاتی پاشون به کلونی باز میشه و می‌فهمند واقعیت ماجرا چیز دیگریه...

شیوه‌ی نگارش کتاب اول شخص بود و از زبان آنی گفته می‌شد.

به نظرم جذابیت داستان بیشتر بر دوش شخصیت‌های قوی و شجاعش بود با این حال شخصیت‌ها سفید مطلق نبودند و ضعف‌ها و اشتباهات خودشون رو داشتند.

دوستیِ بین آنی و ویول و فداکاری‌های بسیارشون برای هم واقعا زیبا بود.

فقط آخرش یک‌مقدار همه چیز سریع و الکی جمع و جور شد اما خب در کل کتاب قابل قبولی بود.
-شنبه ۳ اردیبهشت ۱۴۰۱

[Sana · Rating 3 out of 5]

ماجرا از جایی شروع می‌شه که بیماری مرموزی به اسم اسکورج پخش شده و هر کسی که مشکوک به ابتلا باشه، مستقیم می‌فرستنش جزیره‌ای دورافتاده به اسم اتیک؛ جایی که قراره بیماران توش «مراقبت» بشن، اما در عمل بیشتر شبیه یه زندانه.
شخصیت اصلی ما، آنی ملز، دختری سرسخته که ناخواسته گیر این قرنطینه می‌افته. اون و دوستش ویول خیلی زود می‌فهمن که پشت این بیماری و جزیره، چیزهایی هست که به مردم گفته نشده... و همین، ماجراجویی واقعی‌شون رو شروع می‌کنه.
شخصیت‌هاش سرزنده و واقعی‌ان؛ مخصوصاً آنی که با زبون تیز و جسارتش.
فضا پر از تعلیق و معماست، ولی در عین حال هم پر از امید و دوستی هم هست.
در کل کتاب قرنطینه ترکیبی از ماجراجویی، هیجان و یه دنیای خیالی نزدیک به واقعیت است.

[lydia ‧ ia · Rating 5 out of 5]

**super minor spoilers ig?**

WoOw. Whattttt. That was SO GOOD!! Why is it over??? WHY??

*petitions author to write a sequel*

Okay but seriously, that was amazing. The entire plot was so intricately formed and developed and those twists 😱🙊💀 I did guess the main twist about the Scourge, or at least some of it, but that doesn't mean it was predictable I'm just smart 😏✌😘

It did contain the superslight cheesiness that I noticed in the Ascendance Series at some points, but it's less actually cringy and me just cringing because I'm me. The parts are actually really sweet but I just got awkward 😪.... seriously, though, am I just a sucker for characters who hold grudges or did aNyOnE eLsE get a little peeved when Ani started feeling bad for Della??? I loved the rivalry -it was so fun to read- up until Ani started being nice. Because honestly there was nothing likeable about Della's character for me 😭 she was a b r a t.

However, I found all that easy to overlook when you consider the complex plot, amazing characters, and the cutest romance EVER *tears up* can we just TALK ABOUT THAT ROMANCE??!??!!!? It was sooo sweet and wholesome!! As soon as Weevil tried to take the punishment for Ani I just started 😍😭💖 I was convinced that I'd be over here in the corner with my blankets and tissues shipping this almost NoNeXiStEnT ship where they were just bEsT fRiEnDs and nEvEr thought of each other as aNyThiNg mOrE (eye roll). And then when Ani thought that she kind of wanted Weevil to kiss her, I was like, "okay, I can rest in peace knowing that it hints they end up together."

And then.

That.

Kiss.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

I literally sat there with my mouth open so wide my jaw hurt, staring at the wall, frozen, for at least a minute. I don't think I've EVER shipped two people that hard in the course of a single novel. EVER. It was even sweeter because I wasn't expecting it in the slightest.

Alright, enough about the romance (I can't do it justice just by talking about it, go read the book!). Those characters! I never liked Della, which was a bummer, but the rest of them! ❤ WhY was I not surprised when Ani was "that troublemaker"? I don't think Jennifer A. Nielsen is capable of writing a book where at least ONE of the main characters isn't a headstrong, troublemaking sass mouth 😂.

I thought Weevil was going to be annoying but by the middle of the book I loved him! Also, he is Peeta's TWIN and I'll fight you if you disagree-- only he's a little smarter and more headstrong (Sorry Peeta, I like you but you're a dope). He even accidentally does something -I won't say what bc spoilers- that Peeta does almost exactly the same!! If you're a THG fan, then if you read this book see if you can spot what I'm talking about 😉

The writing, though! I absolutely love Jennifer A. Nisland's style! It feels just a little more... maybe formal then some other books, which I appreciate -- but it 's never dull! She just used more words like "indeed", "for", ect.. I actually really like it.

Okay, so, thanks for enduring my rant and go read this book (now!!) I promise you won't regret it!!

~God Bless and Happy Reading ❤~

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, new favorite! That was fantastic! Oh my word...I don't know how to describe how much I love this book! So, first...things you should know.

Language: Clean

Romance: one mention of a kiss and one kiss but nothing too detailed...

Magic: no magic

Wow! I loved Ani! She's kind of like a female Sage from the Asendence Series...okay, she is a female Sage...and Weevil is sort of a young version of Mott/sort of like a boy Imogen...I loved them both! Ack! They were great!
The side characters were nice...Della and I'm not gonna name this character but I liked him too!
The story premise was so good! Eerily similar to today's circumstances...like, really creepy. But also cool! I like how everything was resolved and the message that we should never blindly trust that the government has our best interest at heart...because they probably don't. I'm not a hundred percent sure that's what the author wanted to come across...but it's what I got out of it. Power and money are dangerous things....anyway...I loved this! Like soooooo much! Highly recommend!

[mary liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread March/April 2020:

Lowering my rating by a star because I noticed the pacing was a bit off this time around. Still, it's such a fun book and I'm glad I reread it!

I just haven't been myself lately so I'm in a HECKIN AWFUL reading slump and took over a month to read this. someone pls send help.

4 stars

. . . . . . . .

I think I'm gonna need about ten years to catch my breath. GOOD GRIEF, THIS BOOK WAS INTENSE. It kept me on the edge of my seat, white-knuckled in some parts. (Whether that was from the excitement of the book or trying to beat Jonny remains to be decided. XP)

It was also uproariously funny...like seriously, the sass levels? WAY OFF THE CHARTS. I think I'm officially in love with Jennifer Nielsen's books. Just like The Ascendance Trilogy, I laughed out loud more than I can remember. This author just creates the sassiest characters ever, which is awesome.

AND WEEVIL AND ANI?! They were precious little muffins AND I LOVED THEM. Gahhhhh, I just really want a friend like Weevil, okay?

The Scourge far exceeded my anticipations once again. Minus the plot twists which I guessed into (a little disappointing, but still awesome) and the slightly anticlimactic ending, it was a rollicking good time. SO GO. READ THIS BOOK, PEOPLE. *pushes you toward the library*

4.5 stars

[Farnaz Farid · Rating 3 out of 5]

کتاب کوتاه و بامزه ای بود . ببشتر به رده ی سنی نوجوان می خورد .
بیماری مرموزی به نام اسکورج که مترجم طاعون ترجمه گرده در کشوری همه گیر شده . و فرماندار دستور داده که مردم رو در جزیره ای دورافتاده قرنطینه کنن.
جایی که مردم باید لحظات پایانی عمرشون رو سپری کنن.
دختری نوجوان به نام آنی هم تحت آزمایش قرار می گیره و‌ متوجه میشه که طاعون داره .
مردم در اون شهر به دو دسته تقسیم میشدن افراد شهر که متمدن بودن و افراد رودخانه که فقیر و مثرد طلم بودن .
مردم شهر به مردم رودخانه کرم می گفتن و رودخانه ای ها به مردم شهر زالو!

آنی در قرنطینه احساس می کنه که چیزی درست نبست و با سماحت به حقیقتی پی میبره که زندگی همه رو تحت تاثیر قرار میده . ‌

در کل بد نبود.٫و ایده ی جالبی داشت هر چند ساده

امتیازم ۳
ترجمه: سانسور داشت

پ.ن : صوتی ش رو می تونید با صدای مبیناچیت سازان گوش کنید.


۳۵

[Mouzhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

اين كتاب راجع يه بيماري ساختگي هسش كه از تخيلات پادشاه سرچشمه گرفته براي فروختن مردمانش!
فارغ از داستان دلم خواست يكي مثل اقاي سوسكچه تو زندگيم داشته باشم

[R.F. Gammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plague stuff all hit WAY close to home on this one right now...yikes.

[Colleen Houck]

A really cool concept. Those in power manufacture a disease to get rid of people who might cause trouble. The cage was an interesting punishment. It would definitely work on me. Loved the beginning when the heroine is hanging upside down with a vine wrapped around her leg. =)

[Libby May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but it was like a more sci-fi, none-religion based rebellion in almost exactly the same plot theme as Counted Worthy that I just read XDD
Anyway, besides that it was clean in regards to language, witchcraft, romance, and such. There wasn't any violence but definitely some cruel mind games and threats to manipulate people into doing what the antagonists wanted done. I didn't think it was bad but if that sort of thing bothers you then that's probably not the best idea for you.
All in all, I enjoyed the MCs Ani and Weevil, both were developed and they worked really well together. I loved their friendship and the strength and their arguing who was the worse friend and the way they stuck through it all. I loved Ani's passion and stand for her River people and I enjoyed the plotline. Would I read it again? Probably not. I've read better dystopia/outcast people's books. But I am glad I read this one. Thanks for the rec. Kate.

[Shadi · Rating 3 out of 5]

امتیاز اصلیم: ۲.۵ ستاره.
هممم. از کجا شروع کنم؟
شخصیت‌ها. شخصیت‌ها بزرگ‌تر از سنشون رفتار می‌کردن. خیلی خیلی خیلی بزرگتر.
آنی، شخصیت اصلی که چیزی رو برکنار می‌کنه، چیزی رو چیز می‌کنه، چیزی رو به سر انجام می‌رسونه و عاشق چیزی هم می‌شه و تقریبا انقلاب می‌کنه!(آخرین تلاش‌ها برای جلوگیری از اسپویلT-T) و این در حالیه که فقط ۱۳ سالشه!
منِ سیزده ساله‌ای که اوج حماسه آفرینیم چس‌فیل درست کردن و کتاب خوندن بود: 👁👄👁
ویول، دوستِ آنی. خیلی احمقه. واقعا احمقه و رفتارهای بچگونه‌ای داره. در اين حد که تو یکی از صحنه‌ها طرف با شلاق داره شکنجه‌ش می‌کنه اما دست از یکه بدو کردن و بحث‌های بچگونه و دغدغه‌های سطحی بر نمی‌داره. بسه دیگه پسر.
شخصیت‌های منفی داستان؛ آبکی بودن و ضعیف. انگار که فقط خلق شده بوده‌ن تا بیان و یه نقشی ایفا کنن تا ما اون آخر به پیام اخلاقی داستان پی ببریم. راحت سیاست‌هاشون رو لو می‌دادن و معلوم نبود با خود چند چندن.
راجع به دلا، چیزی نمی‌گم واقعا. خودتون باید بخونید.

یکی از مهم ترین عناصر این داستان، نشون دادن اختلافات محلی‌ــه
سرزمینی که داستان توش رخ می‌ده، به دو قسمت شهر و کنار رودخانه تقسیم می‌شه. این دو گروه به دلایلی که به ۳۰۰ سال پیش بر می‌گردن و بلا بلا بلا سرتون رو درد نیارم باهم اختلافاتی دارن. و هم رو با صفت‌های کرم و زالو صدا می زنن. این اختلاف محلی یا به گونه ای قوم پرستی توی این کتاب صریح نشون داده شده. می‌تونست از روش‌های مختلف‌تری نیز استفاده بشه.
پایان داستان هم از اون پایان‌های خوبِ خوشِ قصه‌ ما به سر رسید کلاغه به خونه‌ش رسید بود. که خب مشخصه برای بچه‌های کوچیک تر نوشته شده. از سن شخصیت‌ها هم قابل تشخیصه.
خب دیگه. غرغرهام رو کردم. سخنی نیست.
ماچ بر تویی که تا اینجا ادامه دادی.

[Kate Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since my Goodreads friends are such big fans of Jennifer Nielsen, I decided it was high time I tried one of her books. I chose this standalone because 1) the cover and interior formatting <3 and 2) the concept looked interesting. ;)

It was good. :D

I always love me a good medieval setting, and this book had it all. Dungeons, trees, primitive medicine, hardy rural folk…

Speaking of hardy rural folk, while Ani wasn’t my favorite character ever, this was one thing I liked about her. She could have tended to be the classic belligerent “strong female character” who saw things no else did, started a revolution, etc., but instead--while she definitely had some of those classic things going on--I got the idea that she was mostly a product of her culture. (Though she was definitely a troublemaker even at home.) The more I heard about the River People, the more they reminded me of people I knew back when I lived in the country. ;)

Okay, so this book made me feel what the characters were feeling. Which is huge. I was honestly blown away by how real Ani’s fear of the Scourge was. I really felt it. The same with how hungry--starving practically--the characters were at times. Masterful.

Plotwise, this book was like a way better version of a short story I once wrote and a cool-looking but no good dystopian book I DNFed earlier this year. That said, I called 93% of it, but the super surprising 7% was awesome. Plus banter. *is still blown away* *like an autumn leaf*

Speaking of BANTER, my weakness, by the way… Boy, was it in this book! I wish I could type some in here for you, but I’m afraid this review would get waaaay too long. ;) Broken needles, Ani’s singing, Weevil’s unique greetings to her… And let’s not forget that clever argument about who was the worse friend that suddenly turned too real and cruel and heartbreaking. *cries* Ani and Weevil’s friendship was one of my favorites I’ve read about in a long time. Balancing each other, working together, loyalty, occasionally arguing, hard truths, sweet moments. Let’s just say Ani’s lock picking metaphor was perfect. When I read the author’s note and found out how she’d based their friendship on the song “500 Miles”, I just about squealed. <3 <3

I also liked some of the side characters, and the personal challenge Della posed to Ani was quite interesting.

Just a note, rebellious attitudes and stealing are redefined (i.e. “stealing” as “borrowing”, though someone called that out for what it was once). There were also some medical details, but fortunately, these were not described very much. Also, one very sweet kiss between teenagers.
Altogether, this was an enjoyable read! I look forward to trying more from this author. ;)

(And I might grab you all a couple quotes later. ;) )

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow!!! Another AMAZING book from Jennifer A. Nielsen!!!

[Kailyn Kausen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jennifer A Nielson is one of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite, authors. I have to admit though that I was not impressed with this book.

I had difficulty identifying the age of the characters because the writing seemed targeted at middle grade kids, but some content signaled a YA audience. So maybe a transition age? But then I also had some other problems with this book, including there was still a lot of information being handed to me up past page 100 and Nielson would point out things the reader would feel excited to figure out for something later in the book. I wasn't surprised by anything, but I am older than the age group so maybe someone younger would have been shocked by something that happened.

I loved Weevil, but I didn't care for Ani, Della, or any of the other characters. Perhaps I would have liked Ani more if the story started elsewhere - if we got a taste of her family and home life, her pranks with Weevil - before she was capture and accused of having the Scourge.

I mean, I did enjoy it and read it in, like, three days. It was not a bad book, I just expected more from Nielson.

[Rikke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story really grows on you as you follow Ani and Weevil, (who are great friends by the way,) as they are forced to uncover the vile truth behind the scourge firsthand. The story is fairly fast paced and rather entertaining, but also a little to obvious in regards to plot twists; possibly because they are hinted at numerous times beforehand. Yet, I would happily recommend it to middle graders, although it won't likely be the first novel to spring to mind. Still, it's a decent read, and entertaining enough to be worthwhile, even if you're older. Also it has a nice take on friendship, and on fighting for what you believe in.

[Bookaviz · Rating 4 out of 5]

خیلی زیاد آنی و شجاعتشو دوست داشتم خیلی ویول و دوستی پاکش رو دوست داشتم و خیلی هم ممنونم از نویسنده که با آفریدن دلا گفت آدما قابل تغییرن و همه اون چیزی که نشون میدن نیستن...
با این کتاب ترس، شگفتی، هیجان و حس های زیادی رو تجربه کردم و خوندنش رو به شما هم پیشنهاد میدم😍

پ ن: لینک نسخه الکترونیکش
https://taaghche.com/book/77949

[Angie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay, I really, really enjoyed this story. :) The concept was really unique--sort of dystopian crossed with kingdom adventure/non-magical fantasy. The conflict between the townsfolk and the River People was set up really well, and even though it took a while to figure out everything that was happening, the feeling that something wasn't quite right was strong from the first.

I loved Ani's narrator voice--her dry, understated humor, her habit of glossing over the the truth, and the way she always came back with the real truth after she'd glossed things over. She was definitely a pistol, but she didn't feel like the type of "strong female lead" that usually annoys me. She's reckless, stubborn, and snarky, but she's got a very caring spirit under all that toughness, and she's not afraid to let it show.

The friendship between Ani and Weevil was absolutely my favorite part of the book! The obvious care and concern for each other that they don't try to hide, the adorable banter that I feel funny calling banter because it's so gentle and precious, their way of keeping each other strong and balancing each other's strengths and weaknesses--it does not get any better. <3<3<3 And I was so, so glad that all the potentially-friendship-threatening drama and honesty happened near the beginning! Also, that scene just about had me in tears, and the following one was probably the sweetest in the book. <3

The other supporting characters were well-done and diverse, and I liked the glimpses of depth we had in many of them. The plot was full of twists and turns, and nothing was ever as easy as it was supposed to be (which wasn't easy in the first place), but without making me want to scream from the suspense. ;)

I did notice a few small inconsistencies (but I'm rather more of a stickler for inconsistencies than most). At one point, we're told that the former Scourge survivors who tried to return were sent back to the island, but then Ani and the governor say they were executed? Maybe they were executed on the island, but if so, that's not explained and seems at odds with some of the other details. Some of the talk about how Weevil's dad was taken away seems contradictory in different places. And in the final scene, Marjorie shows up in the crowd, when she was left on the ship. Like I said, tiny stuff. The only other things that bugged me were never being told Ani and Weevil's ages (or anyone's, for that matter) and the constant use of "amongst", which felt oddly old-fashioned compared to the rest of the style.

4.5 stars

Content--insults and name-calling; mentions of stealing and picking locks; a few mentions of cursing (no words); one use of "may the gods help me"; mentions of kissing (not descriptive); mentions of beatings and other punishments; disgusting food compared to animal droppings

[Nastaran Masoomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

جایی از کتاب نوشته بود:
"زیر لب گفتم: چرا اون‌ها اینقدر از ما متنفرند؟
گفت: چون ما را نمی‌شناسند و ما اون‌ها را نمی‌شناسیم. متنفر بودن از چیزی که نمی‌شناسیش آسونه..."


دیشب شروعش کردم و امروز تموم شد.
داستانی بود که خستگی رو از تن آدم در می‌کرد. روان پیش می‌رفت و روایت جذابی داشت. از طرفی خوندنش سریع پیش می‌رفت...یعنی خیلی جایی برای بیشتر فکر کردن و غرق شدن و زندگی کردن توی دیالوگ‌هاش نبود...
شخصیت پردازی اونقدرا برای من باب دل نبود... نقش‌های اصلی خیلی بزرگ‌تر از نوجوان‌های سیزده ساله حرکت می‌کردند... نمی‌دونم...شاید هم مشکل از این بود که من گروه سنی مخاطب این کتاب نبودم و دیدگاهم سخت‌گیرانه شکل گرفت برای این کتاب ولی همش حس می‌کردم این داستان یه داستان خوبه که انگار یه چیزی کم داره و نمی‌دونم اون چیز چیه!...ولی در کل خوندنش، اصلا وقت تلف کردن نبود... برای یه بار خوندن و برای یه مطالعه‌ی سبک خوب بود.
راستی، کتاب سانسور داشت...اگه می‌تونید نسخه‌ی اصلی رو بخونید.

[BooksNCrannies · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The pain in my stomach hit me next.... I clutched my side and tried to swallow my scream....
[M]y vision was blurring and I couldn't really see....
I had the Scourge.
My life, in effect, had just ended."

✏️ Review ✏️

It took me a lot longer to finish reading The Scourge than I had expected. This wasn't entirely the story's fault, though, I will admit that this story didn't seem to have much driving action or intrigue as Nielsen's other fantasy stories (i.e., the Ascendance Series).

While I found the main storyline and its concept of a plague sweeping across the land to be a solid plot foundation, especially the political interconnectedness, there isn't much world-building at all... besides for a few plants of special interest. And so because of this, the story is left with a generic backdrop. Yes, there's two named countries and a smidgen of the land's history recounted occasionally, but that's about it. So, the story's world could've definitely used some more vibrancy.

And yes, I did say that The Scourge doesn't have much intrigue or action... when compared to Nielsen's other fantasy tales. But when considered on its own merits, The Scourge's plot is pretty good. A plague snaking its way across the land, a government which demands that those exhibiting symptoms to be tested and put into quarantine on an isolated island, a faction of citizens who claim that the last national election was a fraud (kinda sounds like Nielsen accurately predicted the major events of the Covid-stricken year of 2020, doesn't it?), a political system that's hiding much more than it seems — that's a pretty good plot if you ask me. 😊

The main characters: a girl and boy thrust into the very midst of a deadly plague and the dangerous plotting of a political conspiracy. Overall, the two MCs worked well with this story. After a while, though, the FMC's overly confident nature did get kind of annoying, especially with how many times she got into trouble. 😵‍💫 But for the most part, the FMC and MMC made a great team.

While The Scourge wasn't as good as some of Nielsen's other fantasy adventures, it nonetheless provided an enjoyable story.

"[T]here was no looking back now for any of us. We could not stop until everyone knew the truth about the Scourge."

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📊 A Quick Overview 📊

👍🏼 What I Liked:
• Most of the plot — it's pretty enjoyable overall.
• The MC pair — they make a workable team that goes great with the story.

👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• The mostly generic backdrop — this is a result of minimal world-building.
• The way in which the FMC's actions got too predictable after a while (she's always getting into trouble).

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❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓

— Would I recommend this book? Yes.*

— To whom? To those who enjoy clean, intriguing middle grade fantasy stories that might bring back nostalgia from the Covid era.

*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)

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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 3/5
— 👥 Characters: 3/5

~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)

— 🤬 Language: 0/5

— ⚔️ Violence: 0/5

— ⚠️ Sexual: 1/5

• One brief mention of a male and a female character kissing (slightly detailed; one sentence); one other very brief, nondescript mention of a male and female character kissing.

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📣 Random Comments 📣

• (None)

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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬

• "Sometimes friendship is doing what's right for a person, even if it's not what they want." (p. 137-138)

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

HOW HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF THIS BOOK UNTIL NOW?

The Scourge was bittersweet to me. Yes, I enjoyed the heck out of this book, the plot, and the characters. YET, I'm so sad that it is a standalone. Ugh, WHY?!? Especially with that ending I was hoping for another book. Like, come on - I need another book (or two) to satisfy me!

That being said, I still enjoyed this. I loved the adventure and the world building throughout the book. Plus, the characters were written so freaking well. If I could, I would recommend the audio because I loved the narrators so much! Mostly because I know if I read the book I would be mispronouncing every little thing throughout this book.

Now onto the flaws - yes, this book had some. I just feel like not a whole lot was explained.. for example, the herbs found in various parts of the two countries. It was hard to believe that something would only grow in one little plant.. in one place.. and then never be found again. Then some of the conflicts didn't make a whole lot of sense to me.. but I just went with it.

Again, these are some of the reasons as to why I thought I was going to get another book. In the end, I enjoyed it and can't wait for my next adventure!

[Sara_loves_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

من نسخه صچتی این کتاب رو گوش دادم و کاملاً طبق انتظارم دوست داشتنی بود. یهرمان نوجوان پر از ماجراجویی‌های جالب و بالا و پایین ها توییست های داستانی جالب. خیلی دوست دارم این مدل کتابارو بخونم بهم حس پاکی و سادگی افکار بچگیم رو می‌ده. داستان درمورد خیلی از چیزا بحث می‌کنه و راه حل‌های منطقی وبچگونه براشون ارائه میکنه و حلشون می‌کنه. فکر می‌کنم ماهم باید زندگی رو همنقد آسون بگیریم:))

[Love is Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

من قبلا "نجات" رو از همین نویسنده خونده بودم. اون کتاب رو خیلی دوست داشتم ولی قرنطینه نه، انتظاراتم رو برآورده نکرد😔
ولی خب این نظر من به عنوان یه بزرگساله، حس میکنم برای مخاطب نوجوون جذابیت‌های خودش را داره.

[Pranta Dastider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beware of the land
Where enemy is bright,
For townspeople and river-folks
The Scourge has come alike.

When I started this book, I was sure I was going to like it. Since, Jeni Neilsen has never let me down, this was a must. The question was how much was I going to enjoy it? And to be honest, I wish I could enjoy it more. But, the amount of joy I got was alright.

The story starts with all of her books, with a mischievous character, a good supporting friend and villain. Here on top of all these there was an extra foe, and that is the Scourge. The Scourge is a disease, which spread 300 years back, was vanished mysteriously and now since very recently came back again. And it's supposedly incurable. All of the Scourge effected person goes to the isolated land (read prison) in the middle of nowhere. And what happens there is a mystery, but no one ever comes back. So people assume they die out eventually.

At the very beginning of the story our main protagonist Ani, gets caught and taken forcefully for the test which shall determine her future, whether she is infected by Scourge or not. Her best friend Weevil willingly tags along trying to rescue her. One things turns to another and they are in for the biggest adventure of their life!

I don't honestly know why people call this book a fantasy? Why? This has no fantasy element. None did Jeni Neilsen's Ascendance Trilogy. But I think even the author calls it fantasy! I am really puzzled. Personally I don't feel calling it fantasy, since nothing was imaginary besides the lands (which can't be counted since there was nothing out of ordinary in these lands). Oh and there were two weeds/leafs that were invented. And that's where fantasy end. It's complete drama and adventure. And even without being a fantasy it's great as The Ascendance trilogy was.

The greatest thing about this book was the friendship between Weevil and Ani. It so perfectly described and portrayed that it became one of my favorite friendships in the world of fiction. Yes I have read the friendship between Potter and Ron, I have also read the friendship between Grover and Percy; but Weevil and Ani was better, I think.

The villain was bad, as villains should be, but worst was one of her wardens. It's like the baddest bad has been beaten by her underling.

For a while the story did seem a little bit dragged, but it was always fun to read. even if I could guess many things overall I couldn't guess how it will end. Until the last one fourth of the story it felt impossible to finish in one book, but Jeni made miracle possible.

Overall I would say, it doesn't matter if you can guess the twists or not. For me what matters most if you enjoy a book or not. If you enjoy a book and can read it again and again, then it's better than the obscure book you can read once and discover all the mysteries and never have to read again.

If you enjoy reading about great characters and want to have fun even out of a dire situation, this is a perfect book for you.

[Issabelle Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this is DEFINITELY going on my list of favorites from Jennifer Nielsen. Which to be honest, is quite a long list, cuz I have a REALLY hard time NOT enjoying something from her!! BUT this story, y'all, it was just AMAZING!!! The message really tugged at my heart and seemed to fit SO WELL for the times we're living in. (And I'm not just saying that because of the Scourge being this whole disease thing and people being quarantine thing... I mean if I were to describe this story in one sentence, I would describe it as if 2020 happened in a medieval setting in a fantasy world and we had people as awesome as Ani and Weevil, well, then you would have The Scourge. And this book was written in 2016, so, seriously, HOW DID NIELSEN DO THAT?????!!!!) Full review to come. (*cough* hopefully.)

[Chadi Raheb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terribly boring.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uncle bought me a copy of this at Barnes & Noble when it first came out and 10 year old me was thrilled. This was one of my favorite books that year. Can’t believe I haven’t marked it as read yet

[Liliana (Jesus’s version✝️) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me forever to finish. I’ve read it before, but it’s not as good as I remember it.
The book is interesting but a little slow to get going, even though the plot is really good, I found it slightly boring. The ending is by far the best part of the whole thing.

Overall, this book is pretty good and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a romance/fantasy, thriller ish book

[Nour (FREE PALESTINE) Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
BIGGEST ANI AND WEEVIL SHIPPER 🙋‍♀️