Posted by Lauren in Book Reviews, Dystopian, Featured | 9 Comments
Breathe by Sarah Crossan
Breathe by Sarah Crossan
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Release date: October 2, 2012
Pages: 400
Summary: Alina, Quinn, and Bea live in the Dome, a protected area in which oxygen is regulated based on social class. Outside the Dome is an airless wasteland where nothing ever grows—at least, that’s what the government tells its people. When Quinn and Bea embark on a two-day camping trip outside the Dome, Alina—a member of the rebellion—hijacks their vacation and leads them on a dangerous mission.
My thoughts: Breathe is unique in concept—I’ll give Crossan points for that. She stretches ‘dystopia’ to a whole new length. I can’t even fathom having to pay for air in order to stay alive!
So, the concept is cool. But aside from that, Breathe can easily be lumped in with all the other dystopia out there. The writing is simplistic and clipped; the pace is fast, with short chapters to keep readers turning pages; the focus is more on plot than on characters. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing: readers who love dystopia will love Breathe. But people looking for something that breaks the mold will only find half of their expectations met.
The romance is similarly mild, although luckily it’s not instantaneous. It has the potential to be one of those slow-burning beauties because of the friendship involved, but unfortunately one of the participants realizes his feelings in a rather abrupt way, triggered by outside influences rather than his own realizations.
This review is a short one because I have so little to say about Breathe! I enjoyed it, sure, but I didn’t think it was anything extraordinary, and as such, I’ll give it an average rating.
In Summation
An inventive dystopian concept
+ an otherwise average style
= Breathe, a mild dystopian that fails to impress except in concept.
3/5 stars
For those who like: dystopian, chase scenes, evil governments
Find the author at sarahcrossan.com.
Comment question: How would you survive in a world where you had to pay to be able to breathe?
Oh, such a shame this fell kind of flat.
It’s an amazing concept, but… damn. What a shame it seemed so, well, average.
I’m still VERY interested in reading this one, but we shall see. Finding time is so haaaaard :(
Uh, and as for how I’d survive in a world where I had to pay to breathe? Eep. I don’t think I *would* :S
Sarah (saz101) recently posted..Blogspiration (39): Thor Wants Another
That’s such a horrible concept to have to pay to breathe, although if you look at pollution levels and how inner-city residents suffer, it’s not such a stretch.
I think if I had to pay to breathe, I’d probably do anything, just to keep the people I love alive, make sure they have oxygen. I think anyone would do anything:)
I plan to read this one soon and am glad that I read your review first, so I can adjust my expectations a bit. Thanks for your honesty!
Carina @ Fictional Distraction recently posted..Fictional Distractions of the Week #48
I enjoyed this book. I don’t think it was super fabulous, but it was still good. I didn’t really like Alina at all.
I think I would have a hard time surviving in a world where you have to pay for air, but I would do what I had to for my family even if it meant working around the clock to afford it.
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Blog Tour: Shallow (Going Under #2) by Georgia Cates Review & Giveaway
I’ve heard so many negative things about this book that I’m not even surprised anymore than you didn’t find anything very different in this story, which is shame because it seemed to have so much potential. I feel as if with all the dystopians coming out these days, most novels seem to follow the same, worn track despite their original ideas. *sigh* Well, I hope the next book you read is more exciting, Lauren!
In terms of your questions, I would probably be dead quite quickly if I had to pay for air. All my money goes towards books after all! ;) I’d make sure though that my family could survive…especially my younger brother. I wouldn’t care too much for my life as long as they could live. Also, if euthanasia was an option I’d take it since dying because of lack of oxygen is seriously painful. :/
Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings recently posted..ARC Review: Rebel Heart by Moira Young
This book sounds really interesting (you have to pay for air? I would not do well in that situation), but I’m not a huge dystopian fan and am really picky about choosing the dystopians that I read. I’m glad you, more or less, enjoyed this one, but I’ll probably pass if it isn’t anything more than average.
Kapri (Book Fanatics) recently posted..Review: Timepiece by Mara McEntire
This is the collective impression I’m receiving from YA dystopian books these days: average, mediocre, bland (somewhat like the Divergent or Wither series, at least for me). It’s true, the concept of this is really great (I would do ANYTHING to survive, btw) but I think I’ll pass on this for something with a bit more… heart. Fabulous review, Lauren!
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I’ve been so excited to read this book that I’m totally disappointed that you didn’t like it. I don’t know how I would survive in a world where you had to pay for air. To tell you the truth I probably wouln’t last too long. I guess I’d have to work as many jobs as possible to make money to purchase the air, and conserve the air I did have by using the minimum that I needed to survive.
I pay for every drop of water we use, so paying for air is not that much of a stretch I guess.