The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen – Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway

The Ark
By: Laura Liddell Nolen
Publication Date: March 26, 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

*I received a free ARC of The Ark from Xpresso Booktours in exchange of an honest review. 

Synopsis

There’s a meteor headed for Earth, and there is only one way to survive.

With her criminal record, sixteen-year-old Char is never going to get a place on an Ark, one of the five massive bioships designed to protect Earth’s survivors. The Arks are reserved for the real goody-goodies, like Char’s mom, dad, and brother, all of whom have long since turned their backs on her.

With Earth on the brink of destruction, Char must use all her tricks of the trade to swindle her way into outer space, where she hopes to reunite with her family, regardless of whether they want to see her or not.

Once she arrives on the North American Ark, Char discovers that the remnants of humanity haven’t achieved the egalitarian utopia they’d planned for. For starters, the “Officers of the Peace” are anything but peaceful, especially since stealing a spot on an Ark is a crime punishable by death….

Welcome to my stop on the The Ark Blog Tour! Click the link to read my review, see the rating, find out more about the author, and enter a giveaway for a copy of the book!

*~*

My Thoughts

I haven’t read a lot of science fiction as of late, so this was a refreshing path from my well-worn contemporary romance or paranormal route. Seriously, I’m unsure why I don’t read more science fiction! The Ark starts off right in the action, getting the reader acquainted with the characters very quickly. Charlotte Turner, Char for short, is the daughter of some pretty high up individuals in society. She has unfortunately gotten in with the wrong crowd and has had to face the consequences. Char’s grit and rough edge was exactly what this book needed for a headlining character; she’s not what she has been made out to be, but a reputation has a habit of sticking.

One of the tools Nolen uses to draw her audience in is “the unknown.” The element of surprise is a useful one when done right, and between the mysteries of the character’s motivations, the inner workings of the Ark, and many other bits and pieces, this story successfully falls into place.

The dialogue and character interaction felt realistic and always had a purpose, leading from one intriguing plot point to another.

There is an underlying theme of sacrifice throughout this novel that was striking and drew me in as a reader. Overall this was an enjoyable read and I found myself whizzing through page by page. I look forward to reading the next in the series and can’t wait to see what’s coming.

*~*

The Final Countdown

Characterization – 5/5 Stars
Dialogue– 5/5 Stars
Plot – 5/5 Stars
Visual Imagery – 4.5/5 Stars
Ending – 5/5 Stars

Total: 4.9 Stars

Giveaway!!

One ebook copy of The Ark (open internationally)
To enter this giveaway, head over to Laura’s Facebook page and let her know Livre It To Me Book Blog sent you with warm regards from the Ark. Once you’ve done so, come back here and let me know. This giveaway will remain open through September 25th.
Goodreads: Follow This Link
 
Purchase:
— Amazon: Follow This Link
*~*
AUTHOR BIO
Laura grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she spent an excellent childhood playing make-believe with her two younger brothers. The Ark is the direct result of those stories and a lifelong devotion to space-themed television. It received a Work in Progress Grant from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Laura has a degree in French and a license to practice law, but both are frozen in carbonite at present. She lives in Texas with her family.
 
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK!

2 thoughts on “The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen – Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway”

Leave a comment