The Stranded by Sarah Daniels

5 STARS

What a fantastic debut! This is YA dystopia at it's best. There's a fantastic yet claustrophobic setting; switching POVs that, at this point at least, aren't love interests along with the villain in 3rd person; a snappy and fast moving storyline and a host of strong characters.

The Stranded manages to weave current social and political undertones alongside a future that is bleak yet could be sadly realistic.

As soon as I finished this, I had to check to see if there was a sequel - luckily this is set to be a duology. I'll definitely be picking up the next book!

It's an interesting book, albeit a little confusing. Probably because the blurb didn't really match what was inside so I was grasping for straws, but I did get into it! The characters were likeable, and there were heartwrenching and heartwarming moments. The concept of the ship was so intriguing and unique, which was why I requested this in the first place. I really love the vibes and the atmosphere of this book and felt like it was one of the best aspects of it.

A wonderful addition to the dystopian genre. I loved the mix of technology alongside the privations of living in a segregated society on an effective prison ship. The characters were well developed; I can’t wait for the thrilling conclusion

The Stranded is a gripping, near-future dystopian story. It follows a compliant citizen, following the best possible path for normalcy and 'good' living; and a rebel who wants nothing more than liberation. Occasionally the POV of the antagonist is dipped into to help keep his actions and deeds in view.

Through a series of what both characters would reflect on as unfortunate events, their paths and lives intertwine and while their aims are different, both work to evade the clutches of an oppressive regime. In this game of survival, both are forced to confront harsh truths that tear away at their realities.

The way Sarah Daniels is able to balance the three POV characters is well done as she weaves in back story, character growth and stubbornness, introspection, and realness. What I particularly enjoyed was Sarah Daniel's use of suspense. The effective way she built tension meant I was excited to see when certain elements would come into play and pay off.

There were several things I would have liked to see more of, mainly more of the world the characters inhabit. However I do appreciate that the focus of The Stranded would have made this difficult. This is is the first in what I hope is a series (It can't end like that, right?) and I look forward to reading on and watching Sarah Daniel's growth as a writer!

Welcome to the Arcadia. Where reading in public could get you imprisoned, the land is a distant dream and the slightest misstep could garner the attention of the coalies, which you would do well to avoid. There’s a revolution afoot, but can the residents of the ship Arcadia finally break free of the iron ruling of Hadley and those who would not see them walk on land for fear for spreading a viral contagion, despite there being no confirmed cases aboard..

What a great debut novel! I could tell from the first page this was going to be a book I loved and I absolutely loved it! It’s one of those where I wish I could give it 10 stars and will adamantly recommend to everyone to read. Seriously, you can not fall out with this book. It’s guaranteed to entertain and keep you turning pages.

I also loved the authors effortless writing style, which was so easy to read and enjoy. The characters were great, the plot was fab, it was seemless. I seemed to blink and the pages disappeared and I was truly hooked! And after that ending… oooof! Certainly need more. I really can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!

The Stranded is an excellent Young Adult book it really gives me Hunger Games x Snowpiecer vibes. An amazing story line full of twists and turns.

I have been more into dystopianesque books recently - which is no suprise with how the world is going currently - and I reallt enjoyed this. It was well written with a compelling storyline and well developed charcaters that I loved. It was so easy to imagine this as a reality whilst reading it partly because of the descriptions and vivid imagery and partly because for the last two years we have been living with a deadly virus so I could put a lot of perspective into thhis book.
There were heartwarming moments and heart wrenching moments and I was there for all of it. I really enjoyed it.