The Scourge

 

Title: The Scourge
Author: Jennifer Nielsen
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Library Hardback
Rating: 4 out of 5 paws


A deadly plague threatens the land.  Ani is trapped in a tree when two guards are looking to bring in some of the river people for testing.  Because she is there, they take her.  She continues to insist that she does not have the Scourge, she tests positive and is sent in exile to Attic Island, a colony to quarantine those who are sick.  Ani quickly learns the truth about the illness, with her best friend Weevil at her side, she is determined to reveal the truth and the horrors that the beloved governor is doing to her own people. Who will succeed, Ani or the Scourge?

I enjoyed reading Jennifer's other book "Traitor's Game" so much that when I seen this one at the library I decided to read it as well.  I was pleasantly surprised at  how much I liked it.  I was a little surprised that this was not a part of a series, I could see where this novel progresses into something longer.  As I neared the end it felt like there is more story to tell here.


Ani is a fearless character who gets herself into trouble quite often because she doesn't know when to let things be.  But then again if she did, she wouldn't have discovered the truth.  She has a smart mouth, is loyal to her friends and will do anything for them.  The theme of friendship is really strong and continues throughout the story as readers see friends stand together in times of sorrow, need, and jubilance.  And out of that friendship love blooms is a sweet thing.  I also loved seeing two characters on opposite ends of the social class learn they aren't so different and form a friendship that goes beyond stereotypes and class structure.


The world within this novel is a little bland, we don't see much setting and world building.  But what the story lacks in that department it makes up in the character building.  Jennifer focuses on her characters and shaping them, making the story be told through them rather than "telling" the story.  It was really interesting to read through the story.  It was really one of those books that I couldn't put down because I wanted to see what each character would do next.


I would recommend it to those who enjoy a good fantasy, unknown illness plaguing the country type of story.  Jennifer Nielsen really knows how to tell a fantastic story that keeps her readers engaged.