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The Separation Trilogy #1
The Separation
In a world where men and women live on separate sides of a massive wall, seventeen-year-old misfit Eroyn Fairchild has always been too busy with her broken family to wonder why they live the way they do.
When a man from the other side breaks through, Ero holds him hostage, hoping for a ransom large enough to pay for her Elder Grace’s treatment. Things get more complicated as the man is followed by two others who make Ero question everything she’s ever known about her life.
As Ero searches for the truth, the lines between right and wrong blur, leaving her to choose between saving her city and saving herself.
When a man from the other side breaks through, Ero holds him hostage, hoping for a ransom large enough to pay for her Elder Grace’s treatment. Things get more complicated as the man is followed by two others who make Ero question everything she’s ever known about her life.
As Ero searches for the truth, the lines between right and wrong blur, leaving her to choose between saving her city and saving herself.
- GenresYoung AdultDystopia
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2016
5 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Stormy Corrin Russell
4 books48 followersStormy Corrin Russell is an author from Pennsylvania who loves writing just about as much as she likes eating entire pizzas. When she’s not writing, she’s teaching 8th grade and loving (almost) every second of it! She loves hearing from readers, so come say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 18, 2017
The Separation is a must read and my favorite book of 2017 so far! Full Review - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
January 8, 2018
Ever taken the term Gender War literally? In a dystopian futuristic world where men and women live separately, Eroyn Fairchild struggles to take care of her Elder and to fit in. Then, a man breaks into the female part of the compound. The Separation is a young adult novel promoted as something between The Handmaid’s Tale, The Hunger Games, and Divergent, and the first of a trilogy. This story will thrill you and leave you wanting for more.
The Story
It’s almost a century since men and women started living apart. Eroyn Fairchild is taking the best of care of her Elder; Grace. At the age of 102, Grace is one of the few women who has lived alongside of men and knows about the war. Or could know about it, if she didn’t suffer from Dementia - an illness that can be remedied if one has the money for the treatment.
The reader is introduced to these characters at the passing of Carolyn, Grace’s best friend. During the ceremony, Grace refers to a man in her speech. It’s a mistake that gets Eroyn chastised. With a threat from the Council, Eroyn needs to either find a way to pay for Grace’s treatments, or accept that the Council pays the treatments for her and that she will lose everything she’s entitled to. To hear that all she’s been working for and has grown used to will be taken from her - including Grace - Eroyn boldly claims she will find a way to pay for the medical treatments herself.
Her job in security at the border of the compound might not earn her enough to pay for the medical care Grace needs, but perhaps she’s found another opportunity when a man manages to break into the female part of the compound.
Family
Promoted as a Dystopian Future tale, the opening scene to The Separation is refreshing and kind. The relationship between Grace and Eroyn is endearing and will have the reader smitten from the start. Our female protagonist takes care of the lady of 102 years of age. It’s an unlikely start to any dystopian story and original as well as surprising. The friendship and love between the two is heartwarming, as Eroyn will do anything in her power to help the old lady who is more like a mother to her than her own mother ever was.
Family ties are described throughout the tale and a leading motive for the actions taken by our protagonist Eroyn. Eroyn’s mother, for instance, is one of the main catalysts for Eroyn to do - or not to do- certain things. In her quest for recognition she wants to make her mother proud, and her mother’s reactions propel her to undertake her next actions.
Nothing in this story could take place without the help of Eroyn’s best friend Luna. Another heartwarming friendship that gives the reader a nice warm tingling feeling in the tummy. Because friendships bring the warmth in this book, in this world that is in shatters.
Gender
One of the things that influences Eroyn is the attitude of the inhabitants of the female compound and the things she’s been taught. Although she is a female she has more of a boyish appearance to her. She tries to make amends for this by growing her hair long, for instance, but she feels she’s being judged for her not feminine enough looks.
In Compound A, also called Genesis, women grow up to become Elders. And Elders choose Youths who then care for them. Once the Elder passes away the Youth inherits everything from her Elder. That is the structure of the society Eroyn grows up in. Boys are brought to the male part of the compound, and people are supposed to fit in the prescribed roles for them. It is nice that Stormy addresses some of the consequences of people ‘not fitting in’, referring to sexual abuse as well as being looked down upon. But although the issues can be severe, the tone with which they are referred to, or sometimes hinted at, is as expected from a young adult tale - not too graphic but not sweet-talking or denying it either. But if males are in one part and the females in the other, it does raise the question where the trans people are. Perhaps in another compound?
Compounds
While friendships and other relationships bring warmth to the story, the world created gives a different vibe. It’s a world from after a huge war. The description of the compounds give an almost claustrophobic feel, enhanced by the way Eroyn is taught by her teachers and the way Grace is hushed about the past.
As a reader, you’ll get the sense soon enough that there’s something terribly wrong in the world Stormy has created. Are there more compounds? And how many? How come there are still weapons made and shipped? Have the women truly won the war? Or did the men win? Or are they being played? What else have they been lying about and what is the truth?
Although much of the story takes place in houses within the compound, a homely setting, there’s also a short journey outside of the compound. As a reader you feel the difference; you feel the dangers of the outside world compared to the relative safety of the compound. And you’re left with new questions.
Hope
There are several heavy themes addressed in this novel, one of which is the disease Grace is suffering from. Among the dark atmosphere of a world, almost claustrophobic compared to ours, the theme of hope is one that prevails. There are medical remedies, much more advanced than what we have now, and there is hope for Grace and hope for Eryon.
But there are also topics breached and tiny bits of knowledge dropped throughout the tale that (unintentionally?) bring us hope and leave us wondering. If there is an invention to bring back a younger version of a person, could it be used for Grace? Will she be united with the man she loved?
The Next Compound?
This is a proper fantasy, young adult story. The teenage heroine has hardships to conquer, but there’s a sense of hope throughout the tale that is characteristic for the genre of young adult tales. There’s a bit of sci fi, a bit of technology, a bit of good looking men and a lot of friendships and trust. But there’s also betrayal, jealousy and, in the end, warfare.
If you like what you’ve read so far, then keep in mind that this is a stand alone story. The ending will not leave you satisfied. If you start, you’d better continue by reading the next two parts.
It is not another Hunger Games, but it is another journey for survival. It is not another Divergent, but it does focus nicely on social structures in a post-apocalyptic setting and what happens when someone doesn’t fit in. It is a story with a dark tone, with a heroine who tries her best for the people she loves, who is helped by friends and who is on a journey of discovery. If you’d like to explore that same world along with her, then pick up the book, either paperback or digitally, and accompany Eryon as she stumbles from one discovery to another and tries to find the truth about the history of humankind and the society she lives in.
The Story
It’s almost a century since men and women started living apart. Eroyn Fairchild is taking the best of care of her Elder; Grace. At the age of 102, Grace is one of the few women who has lived alongside of men and knows about the war. Or could know about it, if she didn’t suffer from Dementia - an illness that can be remedied if one has the money for the treatment.
The reader is introduced to these characters at the passing of Carolyn, Grace’s best friend. During the ceremony, Grace refers to a man in her speech. It’s a mistake that gets Eroyn chastised. With a threat from the Council, Eroyn needs to either find a way to pay for Grace’s treatments, or accept that the Council pays the treatments for her and that she will lose everything she’s entitled to. To hear that all she’s been working for and has grown used to will be taken from her - including Grace - Eroyn boldly claims she will find a way to pay for the medical treatments herself.
Her job in security at the border of the compound might not earn her enough to pay for the medical care Grace needs, but perhaps she’s found another opportunity when a man manages to break into the female part of the compound.
Family
Promoted as a Dystopian Future tale, the opening scene to The Separation is refreshing and kind. The relationship between Grace and Eroyn is endearing and will have the reader smitten from the start. Our female protagonist takes care of the lady of 102 years of age. It’s an unlikely start to any dystopian story and original as well as surprising. The friendship and love between the two is heartwarming, as Eroyn will do anything in her power to help the old lady who is more like a mother to her than her own mother ever was.
Family ties are described throughout the tale and a leading motive for the actions taken by our protagonist Eroyn. Eroyn’s mother, for instance, is one of the main catalysts for Eroyn to do - or not to do- certain things. In her quest for recognition she wants to make her mother proud, and her mother’s reactions propel her to undertake her next actions.
Nothing in this story could take place without the help of Eroyn’s best friend Luna. Another heartwarming friendship that gives the reader a nice warm tingling feeling in the tummy. Because friendships bring the warmth in this book, in this world that is in shatters.
Gender
One of the things that influences Eroyn is the attitude of the inhabitants of the female compound and the things she’s been taught. Although she is a female she has more of a boyish appearance to her. She tries to make amends for this by growing her hair long, for instance, but she feels she’s being judged for her not feminine enough looks.
In Compound A, also called Genesis, women grow up to become Elders. And Elders choose Youths who then care for them. Once the Elder passes away the Youth inherits everything from her Elder. That is the structure of the society Eroyn grows up in. Boys are brought to the male part of the compound, and people are supposed to fit in the prescribed roles for them. It is nice that Stormy addresses some of the consequences of people ‘not fitting in’, referring to sexual abuse as well as being looked down upon. But although the issues can be severe, the tone with which they are referred to, or sometimes hinted at, is as expected from a young adult tale - not too graphic but not sweet-talking or denying it either. But if males are in one part and the females in the other, it does raise the question where the trans people are. Perhaps in another compound?
Compounds
While friendships and other relationships bring warmth to the story, the world created gives a different vibe. It’s a world from after a huge war. The description of the compounds give an almost claustrophobic feel, enhanced by the way Eroyn is taught by her teachers and the way Grace is hushed about the past.
As a reader, you’ll get the sense soon enough that there’s something terribly wrong in the world Stormy has created. Are there more compounds? And how many? How come there are still weapons made and shipped? Have the women truly won the war? Or did the men win? Or are they being played? What else have they been lying about and what is the truth?
Although much of the story takes place in houses within the compound, a homely setting, there’s also a short journey outside of the compound. As a reader you feel the difference; you feel the dangers of the outside world compared to the relative safety of the compound. And you’re left with new questions.
Hope
There are several heavy themes addressed in this novel, one of which is the disease Grace is suffering from. Among the dark atmosphere of a world, almost claustrophobic compared to ours, the theme of hope is one that prevails. There are medical remedies, much more advanced than what we have now, and there is hope for Grace and hope for Eryon.
But there are also topics breached and tiny bits of knowledge dropped throughout the tale that (unintentionally?) bring us hope and leave us wondering. If there is an invention to bring back a younger version of a person, could it be used for Grace? Will she be united with the man she loved?
The Next Compound?
This is a proper fantasy, young adult story. The teenage heroine has hardships to conquer, but there’s a sense of hope throughout the tale that is characteristic for the genre of young adult tales. There’s a bit of sci fi, a bit of technology, a bit of good looking men and a lot of friendships and trust. But there’s also betrayal, jealousy and, in the end, warfare.
If you like what you’ve read so far, then keep in mind that this is a stand alone story. The ending will not leave you satisfied. If you start, you’d better continue by reading the next two parts.
It is not another Hunger Games, but it is another journey for survival. It is not another Divergent, but it does focus nicely on social structures in a post-apocalyptic setting and what happens when someone doesn’t fit in. It is a story with a dark tone, with a heroine who tries her best for the people she loves, who is helped by friends and who is on a journey of discovery. If you’d like to explore that same world along with her, then pick up the book, either paperback or digitally, and accompany Eryon as she stumbles from one discovery to another and tries to find the truth about the history of humankind and the society she lives in.
January 2, 2018
I received the ebook for this one from the author, took me a while to finish reading but I wanted to give it a fair chance.
A gender-divided world/literal gender war is a pretty hard sell to begin with and I think the first book of the series didn't quite manage it. It's a shame because the writing was nice and whenever I managed to forget the book's premise, it was easy to get engrossed in the story and its characters. In the end though, the whole book is peppered with the tropes you can expect from this kind of setup; characters who don't quite know what sex is (and I mean any kind of sex because for some reason a world divided by gender frowns down on homosexuality), the inevitable first contact with the alien creature that is "dudes" making the MC look a touch dumb, discussions about whether or not PMS makes women inferior etc. Couple that with the fact the whole war at the root of the divide isn't really explained or rationalised in anyway and it kind of killed it for me.
Generally an okay book but not one I'd recommend
A gender-divided world/literal gender war is a pretty hard sell to begin with and I think the first book of the series didn't quite manage it. It's a shame because the writing was nice and whenever I managed to forget the book's premise, it was easy to get engrossed in the story and its characters. In the end though, the whole book is peppered with the tropes you can expect from this kind of setup; characters who don't quite know what sex is (and I mean any kind of sex because for some reason a world divided by gender frowns down on homosexuality), the inevitable first contact with the alien creature that is "dudes" making the MC look a touch dumb, discussions about whether or not PMS makes women inferior etc. Couple that with the fact the whole war at the root of the divide isn't really explained or rationalised in anyway and it kind of killed it for me.
Generally an okay book but not one I'd recommend
December 1, 2017
What an interesting story! I love the whole idea and really loved the characters. I'm so glad I gave this book a try!
July 15, 2016
The Separation
By Stormy Corrin Russell
2016
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
After the Gender War, the Council in Genesis decreed that the men and women would now live in segregated areas.
“I’m not old enough to remember a time when love existed, a time before The Separation. Women and men have lived apart for almost a century now, and most people who could remember otherwise are dead and gone. But not Grace.”
With this beginning of the first chapter, Eroyn, and her 102 years old Elder, start the journey in the female half of Compound A in Genesis, under the Council rule enforced by the Matriarch. Grace chose Eroyn when it was time as an Elder to choose the Youth who will be her caregiver. Readers will find the two of them not so easily compliant in accepting the norm, and this uniqueness will keep interest and empathy high.
Excellent dialogue and realistic characterizations makes this world come alive.
Reminiscent of the writing of George Orwell, who propelled us into 1984, believing the unbelievable as if we lived through it, so too, the author gives a believable world and plot that keeps readers engulfed in the story, turning pages quickly so as not to miss anything.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. http://www.angiemangino.com
By Stormy Corrin Russell
2016
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
After the Gender War, the Council in Genesis decreed that the men and women would now live in segregated areas.
“I’m not old enough to remember a time when love existed, a time before The Separation. Women and men have lived apart for almost a century now, and most people who could remember otherwise are dead and gone. But not Grace.”
With this beginning of the first chapter, Eroyn, and her 102 years old Elder, start the journey in the female half of Compound A in Genesis, under the Council rule enforced by the Matriarch. Grace chose Eroyn when it was time as an Elder to choose the Youth who will be her caregiver. Readers will find the two of them not so easily compliant in accepting the norm, and this uniqueness will keep interest and empathy high.
Excellent dialogue and realistic characterizations makes this world come alive.
Reminiscent of the writing of George Orwell, who propelled us into 1984, believing the unbelievable as if we lived through it, so too, the author gives a believable world and plot that keeps readers engulfed in the story, turning pages quickly so as not to miss anything.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. http://www.angiemangino.com
March 3, 2017
I gave this book 5 stars, but I wish with all my heart that I could rate it even higher! This book deserves to be a movie, and I can’t wait to see it when it comes out. This sci-fi/thriller takes us into Ero’s world, a world where men and women are segregated, living in compounds separated by a wall for 80 years after the end of a gender war. When a man slips into the women’s half of the compound, Ero’s world is turned upside down. All her life she’s been taught men are the enemy, when really, the men are plagued by the same demons that she is.
The Separation is a story of strength, bravery, and snap decisions. I absolutely loved the book. It’s one of my new favorites. All the characters are well-rounded and the world created in this story left me craving more. I immediately began reading book two nearly as soon as the first one was finished.
Amazing job, Stormy! I look forward to reading more of your work!
The Separation is a story of strength, bravery, and snap decisions. I absolutely loved the book. It’s one of my new favorites. All the characters are well-rounded and the world created in this story left me craving more. I immediately began reading book two nearly as soon as the first one was finished.
Amazing job, Stormy! I look forward to reading more of your work!
February 6, 2017
The Separation is a unique addition to the YA dystopian genre that avoids many of the obnoxious standards (instant love, boys that smell like weird things such as autumn and sunlight, & illogical characters who can't stop making bad decisions) that tend to plague other YA books.
The story is well paced and the world and characters are fully fleshed out. I could really picture who these people were and what their world looked like. The main character displayed a realistic capacity for change and growth. Another strong point was the fact that the platonic relationships between characters were beautifully written and really rang true.
I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
The story is well paced and the world and characters are fully fleshed out. I could really picture who these people were and what their world looked like. The main character displayed a realistic capacity for change and growth. Another strong point was the fact that the platonic relationships between characters were beautifully written and really rang true.
I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
December 28, 2017
I received The Separation as part of the Voracious Readers program. It is unusual for me to be interested in this genre. However, I read it as a possible addition to a young person's reading program, for example as part of an English course for young adult students. The book did not disappoint.
The premise that the valid concerns women express through feminism has led to a war resulting in separation of women and men is one theme. As far as Eroyn and Luna, best friends, know, men are mutants and to be feared. Grace's knowledge as an Elder and woman who experienced life before the war and an unlawful love affair is different. Wes, Archer and Jay also have different perspectives on the outcome of the war. However, one matter they have in common is the belief that, although there are various compounds, each is separated on the basis of gender. When Eroyn and Luna meet Ryder and find out more about Myra, they realise that questions must be raised about the world they know.
Read on a simplistic level it could appear that Stormy Corrin Russell is questioning the value of feminist ideas and the validity of women's experience in a patriarchal world. It would be a pity if this were to be the case. Her use of Ms for Elders and Miss for their attendants suggests that she is giving value to the title a mature woman, married or unmarried, might take for herself. The title Ms values the older women, and suits the matriarchal society in which Eryon lives.
One area in which Corrin Russell excels is in her understanding and validation of the value of love. She values equality in loving relationships, giving Grace status in her acceptance of the end of her love affair and thoughtfulness in the development of the brother sister relationship. Her reference to gay relationships and the value of homosexual as well as heterosexual love resonates with current political action in Australia to legalise same sex marriage. One of the major themes in the marriage equality debate was the right of people to love. In The Separation this is a major theme and raises all the issues that feminists face when dealing with relationships with men, although lesbian relationships are also not simple. Eroyn's readiness to fall in with Ryder's sympathetic treatment, her relationship with her family and with her Elder, Grace as well as Archer are all complex. If used as a text for an English class these relationships would provide great discussions and debate.
The use of violence is another issue. Eroyn's paid work is in security, but her introduction to a weapon for her safety is new and one she does not totally welcome.
An entrenched hierarchy based on wealth suggests that the woman only society is imperfect and needs changing. But what form this will take is not apparent at the end of this part of the trilogy.
The end of the novel is clearly not the end of the story and the others in the trilogy need to be purchased to find a conclusion. However, I was not left feeling that I had been left adrift, despite the inconclusive ending. The Separation is full of ideas, well considered by interesting characters and some exciting sequences.
Read
December 29, 2018An intriguing, powerful story that kept me up late reading. Meet Eroyn of Compound A, where women rule and men exist only in Biology books. Eighty years ago a terrible war had permanently separated the sexes. At least, that's the story Eroyn and her best friend Luna were told by their teachers and elders to believe. As teens they are naturally curious, but when three men, two of whom appear to be their age, sneek into the compound, the girls are instantly afraid. Where did they come from? Do they intend to hurt them? The two girls manage to gain control and lock the men in a room until they can figure out what to do. Meanwhile the girls learn from the men about the world outside the compound and realize they've been sold a lie. Trust is slow to develop, however, but when it does, Eroyn is surprised at the deep feelings she has for one of them. Could this be falling love? Only the elderly talk of such happenings. But then life intervenes. Eroyn makes an alarming discovery that not only changes her perspective, it threatens the existence of her own people. She is compelled to make a risky decision. She watches with horror as an evil male regime led by Ryker violently bombards Compound A. Filled with remorse and guilt over the decision she's made, Eroyn embarks on a vengeful search for Ryker, but with a heavy heart. She's not only lost people near and dear to her, she fears she may have lost the one man she loves. He is nowhere to be found in the rubble.
May 21, 2019
This book wasn't anything super special to me. It didn't offer anything spectacular or particularly unique that hasn't already been done in any of the other YA dystopians that I've read. The worldbuilding was pretty standard. It never offered more than it had to for you to understand. The details were just specific enough that you could sort of feel what life was like in Genesis. It wasn't like Divergent though were I could picture myself living in that space.
The only real thing that The Separation does better than any other dystopian I've read is love. I don't mean romance either, but to be fair, there is no love triangle here or immediate and stupid attraction to a guy. Ero always maintains a good head on her shoulders when it comes to boys. No, the kind of love I'm referencing is familial.
Ero does not receive the love she needs from her mother. The two of them barely interact, but she still has a family for herself. Grace and Ero are rather sweet together. They have a good understanding of one another. Then Luna is basically like her sister; they're almost never apart. The relationships there feel genuine. Russell did a good job there.
The only real thing that The Separation does better than any other dystopian I've read is love. I don't mean romance either, but to be fair, there is no love triangle here or immediate and stupid attraction to a guy. Ero always maintains a good head on her shoulders when it comes to boys. No, the kind of love I'm referencing is familial.
Ero does not receive the love she needs from her mother. The two of them barely interact, but she still has a family for herself. Grace and Ero are rather sweet together. They have a good understanding of one another. Then Luna is basically like her sister; they're almost never apart. The relationships there feel genuine. Russell did a good job there.
December 10, 2017
Aargh this book! It took me a few days to recover from that ending and gather my thoughts before I could write my review.
A world where males and females are separated by a wall following the end of a war between the genders? Genius!
The concept alone was enough to get me interested but it was the cast of characters that kept me reading. Ero is a great main character. She's accepted her lot in life and isn't overly ambitious but when it comes to her elder Grace and her best friend Luna she would do everything in her power to help them. Even if that means going against everything she believes and joining forces with the males that breach the wall. Wes is a sweetheart and Archer is awesome!
The last third of the book had me on the edge of my seat and I won't lie, there was a moment that had me bawling my eyes out. If you've read it you know what part I'm talking about! I've already bought book 2 and can't wait to get stuck in and see what happens next.
Thank you Stormy Corrin Russell for creating such an intriguing world!
A world where males and females are separated by a wall following the end of a war between the genders? Genius!
The concept alone was enough to get me interested but it was the cast of characters that kept me reading. Ero is a great main character. She's accepted her lot in life and isn't overly ambitious but when it comes to her elder Grace and her best friend Luna she would do everything in her power to help them. Even if that means going against everything she believes and joining forces with the males that breach the wall. Wes is a sweetheart and Archer is awesome!
The last third of the book had me on the edge of my seat and I won't lie, there was a moment that had me bawling my eyes out. If you've read it you know what part I'm talking about! I've already bought book 2 and can't wait to get stuck in and see what happens next.
Thank you Stormy Corrin Russell for creating such an intriguing world!
February 25, 2018
Maybe I've read too many YA Dystopian books, but this one just felt like a rehash of other books that I have read.
The writing is very good, the characters believable and there is enough action to keep your interest. However, there are a lot of things about the book that aren't explained enough to have the whole story make sense.
Ero Fairchild is a non-achieving Youth paired with an outspoken elder named Grace. Unfortunately, Grace has dementia and Ero doesn't have enough money to pay for the cure. Ero works Security, watching a wall that separates the women from the men. Supposedly, a war occurred and the Separation began.
I never really found out what the War was all about, who determined that the genders would be separated and a number of other things that distracted me from the storyline. Since this is the first book of a trilogy, I imagine that my questions might be answered in the other books. However, the characters and the story just didn't really grab me enough to seek out those answers.
The writing is very good, the characters believable and there is enough action to keep your interest. However, there are a lot of things about the book that aren't explained enough to have the whole story make sense.
Ero Fairchild is a non-achieving Youth paired with an outspoken elder named Grace. Unfortunately, Grace has dementia and Ero doesn't have enough money to pay for the cure. Ero works Security, watching a wall that separates the women from the men. Supposedly, a war occurred and the Separation began.
I never really found out what the War was all about, who determined that the genders would be separated and a number of other things that distracted me from the storyline. Since this is the first book of a trilogy, I imagine that my questions might be answered in the other books. However, the characters and the story just didn't really grab me enough to seek out those answers.
April 23, 2018
I received this book from Voracious Readers for an honest review. It started with an interesting concept. The genders have been separated for almost a century after a gender war previously. As the book goes on Ero is seen as more and more conflicted both with herself and what she wants for herself and where she fits into her world. Her Elder Grace is failing and she is faced with an impossible decision. It's at this decision point that things really start to pick up. I loved the course of the book and Ero's journey. I did have moments of heartbreak but there were uplifting moments as well that truly moved things along. I am fascinated with the story and look forward to seeing where it goes from here.
February 19, 2018
I became aware of this author in an opportunity for a read-a-long on Facebook and I'm so glad I did. I love finding new to me authors that have the capability of drawing me into their world. A detailed world full of new and exciting characters where conventional time and place has no meaning.
The Separation is the first book in a trilogy so there's a bit of a cliffhanger ending. A dystopian YA read.
I loved the story. Beautifully told. Heart-wrenching.
A few other issues that are relevant today in our society brought in, as well.
Segregation never works...and the price we pay to take a stand for what is right can be devastating.
The Separation is the first book in a trilogy so there's a bit of a cliffhanger ending. A dystopian YA read.
I loved the story. Beautifully told. Heart-wrenching.
A few other issues that are relevant today in our society brought in, as well.
Segregation never works...and the price we pay to take a stand for what is right can be devastating.
November 23, 2017
An exciting and intriguing beginning to a series. The world Ero lives in is fascinating and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series to uncover the truth about this society’s history and the lies it has fed to its people. I really liked that everything about this world was not revealed upfront, but was drip-fed through the novel as it was relevant to the action.
While very clearly setting up a series, this story has a satisfying arc on its own, even if it does leave loose ends to follow into book 2.
While very clearly setting up a series, this story has a satisfying arc on its own, even if it does leave loose ends to follow into book 2.
January 10, 2018
"An adventure that will keep you reading through the night."
Wow. A wall separating males and females because of a gender war is a really interesting idea I thoroughly enjoyed reading! I love Ero and Westlyn's characters (also love how different their names are), and their personalities are on point. The two show how different siblings can be, even when they look similar. The balance with characters like Archer, Phoenix, and Myra helped the story's progression. As for what happens next... I cannot wait to find out. I am still reeling from that ending. Nice job, Stormy!
Wow. A wall separating males and females because of a gender war is a really interesting idea I thoroughly enjoyed reading! I love Ero and Westlyn's characters (also love how different their names are), and their personalities are on point. The two show how different siblings can be, even when they look similar. The balance with characters like Archer, Phoenix, and Myra helped the story's progression. As for what happens next... I cannot wait to find out. I am still reeling from that ending. Nice job, Stormy!
March 26, 2020
Gripping
I have so many questions about the characters and the world and the plot but the story was written with such an exciting through line that I'm okay with having those questions, and I'm looking forward to their answers!
I have so many questions about the characters and the world and the plot but the story was written with such an exciting through line that I'm okay with having those questions, and I'm looking forward to their answers!
August 5, 2017
Stormy Corrin Russel drew me into this alternate world from the first chapter. Her creation reminds me of the worlds of the Hunger Games and the Divergent series - which I loved. It is a quick read and the end leaves you wanting more - good thing it's a trilogy!
February 6, 2017
The Separation is a very quick read. There isn't much time spent developing and explaining the world at the beginning, rather the author gives the reader a quick overview and occasionally adds details throughout the course of the novel. While the premise isn't entirely unique you're drawn in pretty quickly and wonder what the plot is going to be.
The main characters Ero and Luna have grown up in a society where men and women have been separated. There was a war between the sexes and it was decided that they shouldn't have contact. The women are taught that men are terrifying, wrong and the broken sex. Ero works as a security guard when she is not attending school or taking care of her Elder, Grace. Grace is 102 years old and was alive before the war. She even was in love with a man named James. Although she is sick during the novel, I wish we had gotten more stories from her. It's a fascinating bit of history and world building that we miss out on. (Perhaps this could be addressed in a short novella?)
What is Ero to think when she finds a man inside the fence surrounding the compound? She quickly captures him and brings him home, although she is not sure why. Receiving help from Luna who is training in medicine, they stitch the man up and attempt to go back to their normal schedules. That plan doesn't work out when Ero discovers two more men inside the compound.
We don't end up seeing much of the first man, but the other two become supporting characters. I wish that the relationships between the four characters were developed a little more, because it felt like some just had "instant" connections with one another. While that's lovely, it's not believable and I'm a big fan of seeing that develop throughout a novel.
The book is very enjoyable, but could have been so much better with a really thorough editor's run-through to help develop it better. There are a few illogical plot points or overused tropes that pull the reader out of the narrative. Don't get me wrong, I definitely enjoyed the book but it had the potential to be better.
For example, Ero and Luna pack two day's worth of food for their travels and although they try to ration the food they don't have enough. The journey takes longer than expected and by day three they have run out. It is immediately portrayed as a life or death, they are on their death beds situation. Yes, it is less food than they are used to and I can understand the fatigue, but your body cannot go into starvation mode in less than one day. To make it more unbelievable the author has zero notice on more than one occasion the significant weight they've each lost. I understand wanting to raise the stakes and have the reader more emotionally invested, but it just made me want to put the book down due to my frustration.
Ero is also portrayed as the unwilling chosen one. Lacking qualifications, leadership skills or even a friendly disposition - people immediately look to her for everything. Not only does she leader her little ragtag band, which is at least mildly believable but in a time of tribulation she is looked to as the leader of Genesis. The same women who openly scorned Ero her entire life are now supposed to realistically follow her every word without question? Unlikely.
The final trope that makes the plot-line predictable is the constantly fighting future love interest angle. You're not invested and fighting for their potential relationship because you know it's going to happen. I wish that it built more realistically over the course of the novel, rather than being instalove. My hope is that it is explored better in the next novel.
Overall the idea of the novel is fascinating and I want to see where it goes. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. Unfortunately the book is not as well fleshed out as it should have been. There isn't a whole lot of world building or character development. Again I hope that these are addressed in the second book. I would recommend this book to young adult/teen readers who enjoy dystopian and are fans of series like Delirium.
The main characters Ero and Luna have grown up in a society where men and women have been separated. There was a war between the sexes and it was decided that they shouldn't have contact. The women are taught that men are terrifying, wrong and the broken sex. Ero works as a security guard when she is not attending school or taking care of her Elder, Grace. Grace is 102 years old and was alive before the war. She even was in love with a man named James. Although she is sick during the novel, I wish we had gotten more stories from her. It's a fascinating bit of history and world building that we miss out on. (Perhaps this could be addressed in a short novella?)
What is Ero to think when she finds a man inside the fence surrounding the compound? She quickly captures him and brings him home, although she is not sure why. Receiving help from Luna who is training in medicine, they stitch the man up and attempt to go back to their normal schedules. That plan doesn't work out when Ero discovers two more men inside the compound.
We don't end up seeing much of the first man, but the other two become supporting characters. I wish that the relationships between the four characters were developed a little more, because it felt like some just had "instant" connections with one another. While that's lovely, it's not believable and I'm a big fan of seeing that develop throughout a novel.
The book is very enjoyable, but could have been so much better with a really thorough editor's run-through to help develop it better. There are a few illogical plot points or overused tropes that pull the reader out of the narrative. Don't get me wrong, I definitely enjoyed the book but it had the potential to be better.
For example, Ero and Luna pack two day's worth of food for their travels and although they try to ration the food they don't have enough. The journey takes longer than expected and by day three they have run out. It is immediately portrayed as a life or death, they are on their death beds situation. Yes, it is less food than they are used to and I can understand the fatigue, but your body cannot go into starvation mode in less than one day. To make it more unbelievable the author has zero notice on more than one occasion the significant weight they've each lost. I understand wanting to raise the stakes and have the reader more emotionally invested, but it just made me want to put the book down due to my frustration.
Ero is also portrayed as the unwilling chosen one. Lacking qualifications, leadership skills or even a friendly disposition - people immediately look to her for everything. Not only does she leader her little ragtag band, which is at least mildly believable but in a time of tribulation she is looked to as the leader of Genesis. The same women who openly scorned Ero her entire life are now supposed to realistically follow her every word without question? Unlikely.
The final trope that makes the plot-line predictable is the constantly fighting future love interest angle. You're not invested and fighting for their potential relationship because you know it's going to happen. I wish that it built more realistically over the course of the novel, rather than being instalove. My hope is that it is explored better in the next novel.
Overall the idea of the novel is fascinating and I want to see where it goes. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. Unfortunately the book is not as well fleshed out as it should have been. There isn't a whole lot of world building or character development. Again I hope that these are addressed in the second book. I would recommend this book to young adult/teen readers who enjoy dystopian and are fans of series like Delirium.
January 1, 2017
Uncaged Book Reviews
This is not a book that really hooked me from the go, it crept up on me slowly, and by the time I was to the middle, I was completely invested. The writing is terrific, with nice world building and character development. The idea that emotion and love breaks through the decades of suppression, is uplifting. Even though the book ends on a mild cliffhanger, it ends where it probably should end for this one, and I’ll look forward to the next one.
Reviewed by Cyrene
See the full review at UncagedBooks.com
This is not a book that really hooked me from the go, it crept up on me slowly, and by the time I was to the middle, I was completely invested. The writing is terrific, with nice world building and character development. The idea that emotion and love breaks through the decades of suppression, is uplifting. Even though the book ends on a mild cliffhanger, it ends where it probably should end for this one, and I’ll look forward to the next one.
Reviewed by Cyrene
See the full review at UncagedBooks.com
August 9, 2016
Stormy Corrin Russell has created a science fiction, dystopian masterpiece by building a wall between male and female societies. This great divide has all of the ingredients for impending disaster as misunderstanding and mistrust had grown between the genders for generations.
When the heroine, Eroyn Fairchild, captures a boy and holds him hostage, she and her friend, Luna must learn about this boy and the ones who consequently try to save him. As the two sides interact, many questions evolve. Had their elders told the told the truth about the other species? Who had really won the war? Who was superior gender?
Ultimately, the only questions that matter revolve around who are the real enemies and how do they survive the attacks?
This novel will have the reader wanting more answers as it is easy to get attached to the characters and their trials. Tearing down the physical wall would not be enough without dispelling the myths and uncovering the truths found in both societies. Hurry up with the second book in the trilogy, Stormy!
When the heroine, Eroyn Fairchild, captures a boy and holds him hostage, she and her friend, Luna must learn about this boy and the ones who consequently try to save him. As the two sides interact, many questions evolve. Had their elders told the told the truth about the other species? Who had really won the war? Who was superior gender?
Ultimately, the only questions that matter revolve around who are the real enemies and how do they survive the attacks?
This novel will have the reader wanting more answers as it is easy to get attached to the characters and their trials. Tearing down the physical wall would not be enough without dispelling the myths and uncovering the truths found in both societies. Hurry up with the second book in the trilogy, Stormy!
January 3, 2017
i wanted to like it. i really did. interesting premise but soooo boring. i got about 70 percent in and nothing had happened and the main protagonist is completely unlikable, not powerful at all like the author wants up to believe. i think all the author was interested in was setting up a multiple book series. everything felt borrowed and forced. i returned it without finishing it.
September 4, 2018
This is a real page turner. I couldn’t put it down. If it weren’t for work and sleep I would have read it in a day. I thoroughly enjoyed this take on gender wars and am really excited to hunt down a copy of the second book. I’ve already recommended it to someone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via Voracious Readers Only.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via Voracious Readers Only.
March 21, 2017
Amazing!
A must read. I couldn't put it down. We are thrown into a dystopian world where men and women are separated by a wall and nobody really questions why, until Ero meets 3 men on her side with a very interesting story to tell.
A must read. I couldn't put it down. We are thrown into a dystopian world where men and women are separated by a wall and nobody really questions why, until Ero meets 3 men on her side with a very interesting story to tell.
June 9, 2016
Excellent! Can't wait for the next book!
April 16, 2017
Genre: Dystopian/Coming of Age
Rating: 5/5
Less than a century ago, the differences between men and women grew so great that a war was fought, and they began living apart. Now actual walls separate them and there is no contact between regular citizens. Communication between men and women is restricted to the leadership and even then, only the most necessary and important issues require interaction. Eroyn lives with her elder, Grace, and has no major ambitions other than to have a happy life, make Grace comfortable, and do her job as a security officer well. She has been taught to despise men. One day she captures one. She drags him home to interrogate him and plans to turn him over. But then, she meets several more, including someone she never thought she would see. Her interactions with them cause her to question her whole society.
I found this book very interesting, especially in light of the extreme feminism that we see today. It was an interesting exploration of what our lives might be like if we lived in a female-only culture. I really LOVED the setup where a girl would be chosen by an older woman to be her companion, and then the younger girl would go on to inherit what the older woman had. The elders were taken care of and respected in such an amazing way and Eroyn loved Grace as a mother. I am eager to hear more about the rest of the world in books to come, since they were very isolated in this book. Everything was quite controlled (as it is in most dystopian novels) so we got just a small glimpse of the world.
Overall, a great read that definitely stirs some questions! It was quite creative and enjoyable!
Grammar/Editing: Good - There were some grammatical and punctuation errors here and there but nothing excessive. There was nothing that detracted from the story too much.
Profanity: Mild- Almost no curse words.
Violence: Medium- A man implies rape at one point. SPOILERS: A town is bombed at one point and there is quite a lot of bloodshed and death. This is really quite traumatic.
Sexuality: Mild- Rape is implied at one point, but other than that, there isn't any sexuality.
Rating: 5/5
Less than a century ago, the differences between men and women grew so great that a war was fought, and they began living apart. Now actual walls separate them and there is no contact between regular citizens. Communication between men and women is restricted to the leadership and even then, only the most necessary and important issues require interaction. Eroyn lives with her elder, Grace, and has no major ambitions other than to have a happy life, make Grace comfortable, and do her job as a security officer well. She has been taught to despise men. One day she captures one. She drags him home to interrogate him and plans to turn him over. But then, she meets several more, including someone she never thought she would see. Her interactions with them cause her to question her whole society.
I found this book very interesting, especially in light of the extreme feminism that we see today. It was an interesting exploration of what our lives might be like if we lived in a female-only culture. I really LOVED the setup where a girl would be chosen by an older woman to be her companion, and then the younger girl would go on to inherit what the older woman had. The elders were taken care of and respected in such an amazing way and Eroyn loved Grace as a mother. I am eager to hear more about the rest of the world in books to come, since they were very isolated in this book. Everything was quite controlled (as it is in most dystopian novels) so we got just a small glimpse of the world.
Overall, a great read that definitely stirs some questions! It was quite creative and enjoyable!
Grammar/Editing: Good - There were some grammatical and punctuation errors here and there but nothing excessive. There was nothing that detracted from the story too much.
Profanity: Mild- Almost no curse words.
Violence: Medium- A man implies rape at one point. SPOILERS: A town is bombed at one point and there is quite a lot of bloodshed and death. This is really quite traumatic.
Sexuality: Mild- Rape is implied at one point, but other than that, there isn't any sexuality.
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