Title: Savage Lands
Author: Stacey Marie Brown
First published October 20, 2020
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.16
Overview
In a world where the line between good and evil is blurred, the city of New York is on the brink of a war. The supernatural beings and humans are at odds with each other, and the tension is reaching its peak.
Amidst all this chaos, 18-year-old Emberlynn has been living a sheltered life. But her entire world turns upside down when she is falsely accused of a crime she didn’t commit and is thrown into the dreaded prison, Savage Lands.
Here, the hierarchy of power is controlled by the ruthless fae, and humans are at the bottom of the food chain. Emberlynn must learn to navigate this brutal world and fight for survival.
In the midst of it all, she meets the notorious and enigmatic fae, Aiden Blackwood – a man feared by all. As they grow closer, Emberlynn discovers a side to Aiden that others have never seen.
But can she trust him? As The Games approach – a fight to the death where only one can emerge victorious – Emberlynn must decide who to trust and what she’s willing to sacrifice to save herself.
About the Author
Stacey Marie Brown has a passion for irresistible fictional rebels and sassy heroines who know how to stand up for themselves. In addition, she relishes reading, traveling, binge-watching TV series, hiking, writing, designing, and practicing archery.
Stacey feels like she has a bit of a nomadic spirit, having been fortunate enough to reside and explore various parts of the globe.
Editoral Review
Stacey Marie Brown’s latest book, Savage Lands, is a thrilling addition to the young adult fantasy genre. Brown is a well-established author, having already published several successful series, including the Darkness series and the Collector series.
Savage Lands, first published in October 2020, is a standalone novel that follows the journey of two teenagers, Tessa and Bastian, as they navigate a world of magic, danger, and forbidden love.
Set in a dystopian future where magic is outlawed and punishable by death, Savage Lands takes place in a world ruled by a corrupt government that seeks to control everything and everyone. Tessa, a skilled witch, is forced to flee her home and seek refuge in the Savage Lands, a lawless territory where magic and freedom still exist.
There she meets Bastian, a rebel fighter, and the two embark on a dangerous mission to overthrow the government and restore justice to their world.
Brown’s writing is captivating, and she skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and rebellion. The characters are complex and well-developed, with Tessa and Bastian’s chemistry being a particular highlight.
The world-building is also impressive, with the Savage Lands being vividly described and brought to life.
However, the pacing of the novel is at times uneven, with some parts feeling rushed while others drag on. Additionally, the plot can be predictable at times, with certain twists and turns being telegraphed well in advance.
Despite these flaws, Savage Lands is a thrilling and engaging read that will delight fans of the young adult fantasy genre.
In terms of cultural significance, Savage Lands touches on themes of authoritarianism, oppression, and the power of resistance. In a world where governments are becoming increasingly authoritarian and individual freedoms are being eroded, Brown’s novel feels all the more relevant and timely.
Overall, Savage Lands is a well-crafted and engaging read that will enchant fans of the young adult fantasy genre. While it may not be perfect, it is still an enjoyable and thought-provoking novel that is well worth a read.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.