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The Roar #1
The Roar
"Our world is gone, it ceased the day the Roars came. It enslaved those it could reach. I was one of those taken, used, and marked as property.
Hope is a luxury I don't allow anymore. The Roar will harvest us down to nothing. The Roar will always want more. Always."
Alex was enslaved by an underground civilization that controls the Roars. Little does she know that people have found a way to survive outside the walls of her compound. Someone out there is interested in finding her.
Alex's journey to freedom is plagued by twists and turns. The new world is cruel. Alex must learn to live in a time when anyone can be an enemy.
With a little help from new friends she may be more valuable than anyone could have imagined. Alex may be able to change everything. The human race depends on it.
Hope is a luxury I don't allow anymore. The Roar will harvest us down to nothing. The Roar will always want more. Always."
Alex was enslaved by an underground civilization that controls the Roars. Little does she know that people have found a way to survive outside the walls of her compound. Someone out there is interested in finding her.
Alex's journey to freedom is plagued by twists and turns. The new world is cruel. Alex must learn to live in a time when anyone can be an enemy.
With a little help from new friends she may be more valuable than anyone could have imagined. Alex may be able to change everything. The human race depends on it.
- GenresYoung Adult
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2016
10 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 5, 2017
I knew from the very first line that I was going to like this book. And I did. A lot. A dystopian tale set in a shattered world, it tells the story of Alex, a girl trying to survive in a work camp after The Roar has destroyed much of the world and killed millions. The author doesn't explain, at first, what precisely the Roar is, so I was left to form my own conclusion of some kind of sound, a vibration emanating from the ground, which kills and controls.
Facing the prospect of working until she is either killed or dies from exhaustion or illness, Alex's life suddenly changes when she is rescued from the camp by the mysterious Timothy and his sister Cara. Possessing superhuman strength and other non-human skills, Alex quickly realises they cannot be human but has to trust them with her life.
The strengths of this novel are the beginning and the end. It does dip in pace slightly in the middle, but most books do, and this in no way detracted from the gripping tale and the quality of the writing, because, boy, can this author write. As an editor, I tend to find myself scanning all the indie books I read for typos, punctuation and grammar errors, and, sadly, this is where many indie books, excellent though the plot and characters may be, let themselves down. However, this book was extremely well edited, and I didn't really find anything to jar the smooth progress of the read. Except. In a few places, there was some very sloppy formatting. I was reading this book on a kindle, and several times a page break had been missed out at the end of the chapter, so there'd be a chapter heading at the bottom of the page. Many times, the lines went awry, abruptly ending and then starting on the next line, or the paragraphs didn't align correctly. These are only tiny niggles and certainly haven't stopped me from awarding this book five stars, but, they were annoying. I would suggest to the author that she amend the kindle version, and give her story that final touch of polish, make its appearance as professional as the writing within. Because it is a shame, that such fine work doesn't completely shine the way it should.
I found the plot intriguing, and as the story went on and Alex herself is revealed as having a secret, I literally could not put the book down - which is the highest compliment you can give an author. The characters were nicely developed and came over as three dimensional and very relatable. The premise of the tale, and the explanation for the Roar, were original and fresh, in that I haven't read anything like it elsewhere before.
All in all, a well written and intelligent read, one that grips and intrigues, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Facing the prospect of working until she is either killed or dies from exhaustion or illness, Alex's life suddenly changes when she is rescued from the camp by the mysterious Timothy and his sister Cara. Possessing superhuman strength and other non-human skills, Alex quickly realises they cannot be human but has to trust them with her life.
The strengths of this novel are the beginning and the end. It does dip in pace slightly in the middle, but most books do, and this in no way detracted from the gripping tale and the quality of the writing, because, boy, can this author write. As an editor, I tend to find myself scanning all the indie books I read for typos, punctuation and grammar errors, and, sadly, this is where many indie books, excellent though the plot and characters may be, let themselves down. However, this book was extremely well edited, and I didn't really find anything to jar the smooth progress of the read. Except. In a few places, there was some very sloppy formatting. I was reading this book on a kindle, and several times a page break had been missed out at the end of the chapter, so there'd be a chapter heading at the bottom of the page. Many times, the lines went awry, abruptly ending and then starting on the next line, or the paragraphs didn't align correctly. These are only tiny niggles and certainly haven't stopped me from awarding this book five stars, but, they were annoying. I would suggest to the author that she amend the kindle version, and give her story that final touch of polish, make its appearance as professional as the writing within. Because it is a shame, that such fine work doesn't completely shine the way it should.
I found the plot intriguing, and as the story went on and Alex herself is revealed as having a secret, I literally could not put the book down - which is the highest compliment you can give an author. The characters were nicely developed and came over as three dimensional and very relatable. The premise of the tale, and the explanation for the Roar, were original and fresh, in that I haven't read anything like it elsewhere before.
All in all, a well written and intelligent read, one that grips and intrigues, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 16, 2016
The Roar is one of those rare Dystopian novels that doesn't make you feel like you have already read the story somewhere before. I found the main idea of this novel to be completely original, and I couldn't put the book down. The protagonist, Alex, was fierce and I enjoyed how rough the setting of this novel was. It wasn't a glamorous setting, and showed what would happen if the world was taken over by this mysterious force called The Roar. I felt that the Earth in this novel was fighting back against the human race, and that is something that we all need to think about in today's times. A.M. White's writing style is also extremely poetic, and reading her novel was a literary treat. One of my favorite examples of her styles from The Roar is as follows:
"With each ram of the shovel, puffs of my breath escaped and floated away. My eyes watched my breath drift from the ditch and get lost in the sky above. I wondered if that is how our soul leaves the body."
This quote alone showed me how deep of a thinker and author she is, to put so much meaning into small things such as puffs of breath. Her style reminds me of classic authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald.
But the only problem I had with this novel was the ending. It was too abrupt for my tastes, and the cliffhanger made the novel seem almost incomplete. I always try to tell authors to steer clear from the cliffhanger ending, due to the fact that many times it can turn the reader off and make them feel that the author is forcing them to buy the sequel. If this ending were more complete and made the novel appear as a standalone, I would have given it an astounding 5/5.
But overall, I loved this novel. I loved how gritty the plot and characters were, and I loved the originality of it. The editing was also perfect, and the interior layout of the book was very professional. I will gladly pick up the rest of the books in this series when they are released, and I do think that this book is perfect for readers who want dystopian novels that aren't similar to anything else in the current market. White is a master of her words, description, and plot and I completely lost myself in this novel. The main character of Alex rings with the same tough personality as Katniss from The Hunger Games, but in my opinion Alex is an even better developed character, and I can proudly say that she is now one of my favorite characters of all time.
Scorecard
Editing: 5/5
Originality: 5/5
Artistic Style: 5/5
Plot Development: 4/5 - due to incomplete ending
Character Development: 5/5
"With each ram of the shovel, puffs of my breath escaped and floated away. My eyes watched my breath drift from the ditch and get lost in the sky above. I wondered if that is how our soul leaves the body."
This quote alone showed me how deep of a thinker and author she is, to put so much meaning into small things such as puffs of breath. Her style reminds me of classic authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald.
But the only problem I had with this novel was the ending. It was too abrupt for my tastes, and the cliffhanger made the novel seem almost incomplete. I always try to tell authors to steer clear from the cliffhanger ending, due to the fact that many times it can turn the reader off and make them feel that the author is forcing them to buy the sequel. If this ending were more complete and made the novel appear as a standalone, I would have given it an astounding 5/5.
But overall, I loved this novel. I loved how gritty the plot and characters were, and I loved the originality of it. The editing was also perfect, and the interior layout of the book was very professional. I will gladly pick up the rest of the books in this series when they are released, and I do think that this book is perfect for readers who want dystopian novels that aren't similar to anything else in the current market. White is a master of her words, description, and plot and I completely lost myself in this novel. The main character of Alex rings with the same tough personality as Katniss from The Hunger Games, but in my opinion Alex is an even better developed character, and I can proudly say that she is now one of my favorite characters of all time.
Scorecard
Editing: 5/5
Originality: 5/5
Artistic Style: 5/5
Plot Development: 4/5 - due to incomplete ending
Character Development: 5/5
September 15, 2017
What an exciting dystopian novel! We've never been so thrilled to discover a book was a trilogy. Have you ever read a book and then instantly jumped up and down screaming because EVERYONE needed to read that book immediately? That's The Roar!
August 21, 2017
I enjoyed reading it very much and would definitely recommend it to anyone who like Hunger Games, and similar novels. I am usually not a big fan of "end of the world" type of stories. However from a unbiased view it was a very unique idea and well executed. The author has a fresh and engaging way about them. I was interested in the outcome of the characters. Good development and plot.
February 26, 2018
Refreshing
It's nice to read something that has me on my toes. I'm excited to read the second book to see what happens!
It's nice to read something that has me on my toes. I'm excited to read the second book to see what happens!
May 21, 2016
I was contacted by the author of this book, Alicia, who offered a free copy of this book for me to read. I heard the words “dystopian” and “YA” and I thought, let’s give this book a go.
This book surrounds the characters Alex, Cara, and Timothy. It sort of reminds me of the Doctor Who episode called ‘The Hungry Earth’. In this book, the world has ended and has been taken over by these people from under the earth.
The reason I gave it three stars was there is some slight insta – love and the grammar was not great. I am not going to start on the grammar because I could go on a really long rant. Instead, I am going to focus on the parts I really enjoyed! Which include all the characters and the plot!
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This cover is really nice! It’s not my favourite cover, but it connects to the story very well! The only problem I have with it is the filter that they’ve applied to the picture. I give this cover ★★★ stars!
This book is from the perspective of the character Alex. She is a pretty good character. Some things that she thought or said I didn’t understand, but we a have very differing personalities if that makes sense? She is really strong minded and she doesn’t always think things through, which I think is good because I love flawed characters.
Timothy was a good character, as well. He is the love interest and does most of the life saving in this book, although Alex and Cara do their fair share too. I don’t always like him because he can be a little untrusting of many, many people. I understand why he does this, but at the same time, I don’t. He is a very strong character and he really holds the group together.
Cara is the third character in this group. Don’t worry. No love triangle here (for reasons you will find out when you read this book)! She is probably my favourite character, even though it’s really hard to choose! She is the healer and makes sure Alex and Timothy get along. That’s all I can really say about her character without spoiling anything.
I give the characters ★★★★ stars.
The plot was pretty good. It was very action packed and had a lot of plot twists. For a dystopian, it was pretty refreshing. The grammar, again, was not very good and there were many mistakes, but if you can get over that I definitely recommend it! ★★★ stars!
Happy Reading!
P.S. Share your thoughts below!
This book surrounds the characters Alex, Cara, and Timothy. It sort of reminds me of the Doctor Who episode called ‘The Hungry Earth’. In this book, the world has ended and has been taken over by these people from under the earth.
The reason I gave it three stars was there is some slight insta – love and the grammar was not great. I am not going to start on the grammar because I could go on a really long rant. Instead, I am going to focus on the parts I really enjoyed! Which include all the characters and the plot!
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This cover is really nice! It’s not my favourite cover, but it connects to the story very well! The only problem I have with it is the filter that they’ve applied to the picture. I give this cover ★★★ stars!
This book is from the perspective of the character Alex. She is a pretty good character. Some things that she thought or said I didn’t understand, but we a have very differing personalities if that makes sense? She is really strong minded and she doesn’t always think things through, which I think is good because I love flawed characters.
Timothy was a good character, as well. He is the love interest and does most of the life saving in this book, although Alex and Cara do their fair share too. I don’t always like him because he can be a little untrusting of many, many people. I understand why he does this, but at the same time, I don’t. He is a very strong character and he really holds the group together.
Cara is the third character in this group. Don’t worry. No love triangle here (for reasons you will find out when you read this book)! She is probably my favourite character, even though it’s really hard to choose! She is the healer and makes sure Alex and Timothy get along. That’s all I can really say about her character without spoiling anything.
I give the characters ★★★★ stars.
The plot was pretty good. It was very action packed and had a lot of plot twists. For a dystopian, it was pretty refreshing. The grammar, again, was not very good and there were many mistakes, but if you can get over that I definitely recommend it! ★★★ stars!
Happy Reading!
P.S. Share your thoughts below!
February 7, 2017
A great start to a new Dystopian novel! I am anticipating its sequel! The writing was engaging, and I enjoyed some of the unique elements that were woven into the story. The actual formatting of the book needed some work, but the story is solid! Worth a read!
February 4, 2019
Unexpected read- I love that about books. Worlds I would never dream of on my own. I'm excited to read the next in the series. If you want an adventurous, fast paced read- this is the book for you.
September 16, 2019
Here is a book to buy! So well written!
Of you like a story that is intriguing and keeps you excited to not put this book down! Then buy this book and be !amazed!
Of you like a story that is intriguing and keeps you excited to not put this book down! Then buy this book and be !amazed!
June 18, 2016
Like all surviving humans, Alex is a slave to The Roar. Those who survived have been placed into compounds and divided into work crews. No one knows where The Roar comes from. All they know is that when it started, it was the end of everything: technology, communication, transport and life as it once was. The Roar controls everyone. Each violent sound signals to them when they start their work digging trenches, when they eat, and when they must retire to their individual shacks for the night, only to start the same process over and over, day after day. Alex hasn’t spoken or touched another human being since the beginning of the Roar, till one day, a mysterious dark eyed man offers her a chance of escape.
At first, Alex is reluctant. No one escapes without The Roar knowing. Does she stay or does she put her trust in this mysterious stranger and run for her life?
The Roar by A M White is the first book in a highly original tale of survival. Set in a dystopian world where humanity is being punished for the way they've abused and destroyed the earth, Alex, Timothy and Cara must outrun The Roar and those who control it - encountering many dangers along the way – and soon Alex discovers that The Roar may not be the only threat they are running from.
Alex, Timothy and Cara are each strong characters on their own. I really enjoyed their dynamic, and though the book wasn’t too descriptive and convoluted, it was filled with good characterization making the story un-put-down-able.
The first few chapters reeled me in as it clearly conveyed Alex’s sense of isolation from humanity, her hopelessness and her ambivalence towards escape. I was eager to discover how the story unfolds, and was quite surprised by some of the directions it branched off into. The Roar earns itself 4/5 stars.
At first, Alex is reluctant. No one escapes without The Roar knowing. Does she stay or does she put her trust in this mysterious stranger and run for her life?
The Roar by A M White is the first book in a highly original tale of survival. Set in a dystopian world where humanity is being punished for the way they've abused and destroyed the earth, Alex, Timothy and Cara must outrun The Roar and those who control it - encountering many dangers along the way – and soon Alex discovers that The Roar may not be the only threat they are running from.
Alex, Timothy and Cara are each strong characters on their own. I really enjoyed their dynamic, and though the book wasn’t too descriptive and convoluted, it was filled with good characterization making the story un-put-down-able.
The first few chapters reeled me in as it clearly conveyed Alex’s sense of isolation from humanity, her hopelessness and her ambivalence towards escape. I was eager to discover how the story unfolds, and was quite surprised by some of the directions it branched off into. The Roar earns itself 4/5 stars.
January 10, 2017
So I talked to the author and asked for a free copy in exchange for a honest review.
It took me a long time to finish this book because I had school and it's taking most of my time lately but I'm so glad and happy that I am able to finish this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5 stars because the plot is so different from other dystopian stories and I totally love how the story progressed. It is by far the best book I've read this month.
Nice work A.M. White
For my full review check my blog: rosebooksblog.wordpress.com
It took me a long time to finish this book because I had school and it's taking most of my time lately but I'm so glad and happy that I am able to finish this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5 stars because the plot is so different from other dystopian stories and I totally love how the story progressed. It is by far the best book I've read this month.
Nice work A.M. White
For my full review check my blog: rosebooksblog.wordpress.com
May 8, 2016
Fantastic!!
Some of the best things you read take you by surprise for this experienced reader. The Roar does not disappoint even the most jaded reader! I loved the story line and felt the connection to the characters right off the bat. I liked Alex especially because she was strong but didn't know how strong until she had to be. I need to read the second soon!!
Some of the best things you read take you by surprise for this experienced reader. The Roar does not disappoint even the most jaded reader! I loved the story line and felt the connection to the characters right off the bat. I liked Alex especially because she was strong but didn't know how strong until she had to be. I need to read the second soon!!
August 20, 2016
The Earth is in a Up Roar
The Earth is in a up Roar when Aliens living beneath Earth surface decides to start living above ground.
Alex is tasked with taking a module from a camp which she is held captive to safety she has a long journey
riddled with danger. Lots and lots of excitement. However the real end will come in the next book.
Into the Roar book 2
The Earth is in a up Roar when Aliens living beneath Earth surface decides to start living above ground.
Alex is tasked with taking a module from a camp which she is held captive to safety she has a long journey
riddled with danger. Lots and lots of excitement. However the real end will come in the next book.
Into the Roar book 2
April 15, 2017
**EDIT: The version of the book I read was an older version. A new version was released later that was updated and edited. So some of my issues might be solved already.**
Originally posted on The Book Unicorn
I’m so conflicted right now. On the one hand, the concept is so cool. I mean, a dystopian world AND there are aliens? That’s two of my favorite things combined together. I wanted to love this book so much. But…then there was the writing. This felt like a a rough draft more than a finished product. So, what to do? I’m honestly not sure. If this were based off concept alone, I’d go with 4 out of 5. And yet, I think I’m going to have to stick with 3.
So let’s look at some of my issues with this book first. Like I said, there were quite a few rough spots. To begin with, the transition between scenes was pretty abrupt and jumpy. Sometimes it felt like things were happening simply because the author wanted them to be that way and not as a natural progression of the story. And there needed to be a lot more world building. I feel like I have a little bit of an idea of how things got to be where they are, but I found myself constantly hoping for more details and information. That would have helped a lot.
The characters were pretty good overall. I really liked Cara a lot, although Timothy occasionally got on my nerves (especially when he went into overprotective mode). Alex was a pretty solid main character, but I would have liked to see a little more of her personality shine through. I also wish we could have learned more about Cara and Timothy’s backstories because I think that could have bulked up their character development even more.
I know I spent a bit talking about all the things I wasn’t as fond of, but despite all my complaints, I really did enjoy this story a lot. And based off that ending, I could see a lot of potential in book number two. So I think I’m going to check out the second book and give this series one more chance.
Originally posted on The Book Unicorn
I’m so conflicted right now. On the one hand, the concept is so cool. I mean, a dystopian world AND there are aliens? That’s two of my favorite things combined together. I wanted to love this book so much. But…then there was the writing. This felt like a a rough draft more than a finished product. So, what to do? I’m honestly not sure. If this were based off concept alone, I’d go with 4 out of 5. And yet, I think I’m going to have to stick with 3.
So let’s look at some of my issues with this book first. Like I said, there were quite a few rough spots. To begin with, the transition between scenes was pretty abrupt and jumpy. Sometimes it felt like things were happening simply because the author wanted them to be that way and not as a natural progression of the story. And there needed to be a lot more world building. I feel like I have a little bit of an idea of how things got to be where they are, but I found myself constantly hoping for more details and information. That would have helped a lot.
The characters were pretty good overall. I really liked Cara a lot, although Timothy occasionally got on my nerves (especially when he went into overprotective mode). Alex was a pretty solid main character, but I would have liked to see a little more of her personality shine through. I also wish we could have learned more about Cara and Timothy’s backstories because I think that could have bulked up their character development even more.
I know I spent a bit talking about all the things I wasn’t as fond of, but despite all my complaints, I really did enjoy this story a lot. And based off that ending, I could see a lot of potential in book number two. So I think I’m going to check out the second book and give this series one more chance.
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