Young Adult Book Review: Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott
Title: Salt & Stone
Series: Fire & Flood #2
Author: Victoria Scott
Age Group: YOUNG ADULT
Genre Type: Dystopian, Survival, Adventure
Publication Date: February 24th 2015
Source: Publisher
Publisher: Scholastic Pres
SUMMARY: from Goodreads
In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.
But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?
The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win.
WHY I READ IT
Last year Fire & Flood was of my favorite new series and I couldn't wait to get back to Tella, Guy, and the Pandoras. I needed to find out what was in store with the next installment of the Brimstone Bleed!
PLOT
Salt & Stone takes readers in this second book of Victoria Scott's Fire & Flood series and plunges them through two new and dangerous ecosystems. This time around the Brimstone Bleed not only raise the stakes with these new terrains but introduces new threats to characters that will test their limits. New challenges that I had not anticipated for both Tella, her team, and their beloved Pandoras which gave the story and even steeper edge. I was on pins & needles worried as the tension just kept mounting.
SETTING AND STYLE OF WRITING
This story is pure action and adrenalin as the stakes are even higher, increasing with each new chapter. I was on the edge, to say the least. In Fire & Flood Tella faced the elements of the jungle and desert. Now, Tella is faced with raging waters, avalanches, and more as the second half of the Brimstone commences. It feels like a reality-survival show mixed with science fiction as danger and adventure collide with the tech of science fiction.
CHARACTERS
I am stronger than I was before.
Tella's character has grown so much since the first book began and her character continues to grow in Salt & Stone. There's a new take charge sensibility about her that I love. She's no longer the spoiled, naïve teen that first won over our hearts in Fire and Flood. She's shed the damsel-in-distress image and now has a take charge attitude. She still has all the wit and charm as before that I loved and is just as caring and loyal. Faced with some near impossible choices and life threatening situations, she never once disappointed me.
Guy is just as "lust-inducing" (Tella's words, not mine) as before, only this time around the romance is more subtle and in the background. Guy is just as strong and courageous. He remains a nearly unbreakable figure, and I loved how he is there for Tella when she needs him, yet stands back and lets her lead - believing in her.
The Pandora's are back and play even greater roles this time around. Be prepared to have your heart pounding as the race begins. There are old favorites and some new ones that have the coolest abilities. Some not revealed until near the end. Madox still has my heart though!
SWOON
The romance is not about sonnets and cute picnics, but rather how Guy has the heart-stopping ability to make Tella feel beautiful when she is at her worst. Cropped hair, splattered mud. Cuts and bruises. It's the silent, quite support he gives her. And, ahem, yes-those toe-curling kisses as well.
PROS
I would say that this is a must read for fans of the first book. So much more happens and the writing is even better and stakes greater than what I devoured in Fire & Flood! Tella is becoming quite kick-ass heroine and she doesn't even realize it yet.
CONS
No cons. Only be prepared for some major tense moments. I'm not kidding when I say I was on pins & needles during some of those scenes.
IN THE END
Stellar sequel! More action, more danger as the stakes are even higher. The new locations keep you-on-edge, as the romance smolders in the background. And, the Pandoras are as awesome as ever.
MY RATING 4.5 Stars! Loved it!
PLEASE NOTE: A courtesy review copy of this book was provided by Scholastic Press in exchange for my fair review. Thank you, Scholastic Press for the review opportunity!
