August 9, 2011
Candlewick
Synopsis:
Rosalinda Fitzroy has been asleep for sixty-two years when she is woken by a kiss.
Locked away in the chemically induced slumber of a stasis tube in a forgotten sub-basement, sixteen-year-old Rose slept straight through the Dark Times that killed millions and utterly changed the world she knew. Now her parents and her first love are long dead, and Rose -- hailed upon her awakening as the long-lost heir to an interplanetary empire -- is thrust alone into a future in which she is viewed as either a freak or a threat.
Desperate to put the past behind her and adapt to her new world, Rose finds herself drawn to the boy who kissed her awake, hoping that he can help her to start fresh. But when a deadly danger jeopardizes her fragile new existance, Rose must face the ghosts of her past with open eyes -- or be left without any future at all.
My Review:
I had no idea what to expect going into A Long, Long Sleep. The synopsis gave just enough away to get me intrigued and excited to find out what the novel would bring. I am so happy that I took a chance on this compelling sci-fi novel. Sheehan has crafted a beautifully woven story that is sure to keep you up waaaaay past your bed time.
Rose was a meek, scared, and misunderstood girl who is woken up from her 62 year stasis by a "kiss" from a boy. The world that she awakens to has changed so much since she last saw it. Her parents and friend Xavier are gone and she doesn't have much to live for. A Long, Long Sleep takes Rose on a frightening journey in which she learns much about her past and tries to create a space for herself in this new world.
I hurt for all that Rose had to go through. Her parents are dead, her boyfriend Xavier is probably dead, and she has no one left. Yes, she is the only surviving heir to the vast empire of UniCorp, but that doesn't make any difference to her. She feels lost in the world and doesn't know how to cope. Thank goodness for Bren and Otto. They are so amazing with Rose and I could tell that their presences in her new life made a difference. Rose makes many frightening revelations as she lives her new life and must learn to cope.
Bren is the teenage boy with the beautiful green eyes that "kisses" Rose awake. I didn't know what to make of him at first, but as time went on I was able to understand him better, even if I didn't like what I learned about him. While I had some misgivings about him, he truly made a positive impact in Rose's life. I adored Otto. He is so unique and I fell in love with him for his differences. He and Rose have so much in common! It was sweet seeing them grow into friends, and as they got to know one another, more than friends. A Long, Long Sleep wouldn't have been the same without Otto!
A Long, Long Sleep is a gripping sci-fi novel that left me wanting more of Sheehan's characters and writing! She has created a fascinating story that is sure to be a hit!
My Rating:
I need to read this book! Thanks for the great review! :)
ReplyDelete~april
It sounds a little similar to Across the Universe with the coming awake unexpectedly in a strange place type of thing, are they very similar in other areas or only in that general premise? Loving the sound of Otto and now you've got me curious about what types of things you learned about Bren:)
ReplyDeleteOnly in that she wakes up in a strange place, Jenny. It is completely different other than that. =)
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard much about A Long Long Sleep, but now I'm definitely going to pick up a copy! I love how it kind of incorporates the Sleeping Beauty tale, but is also sci-fi. Glad to hear you enjoyed it! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you like this one, Bailey. It sounds very exciting, and I just love the cover. Sci-fi is definitely for me, the fact that it incorporates a fairy tale only makes it better! Awesome review :)
ReplyDeleteOhhh..I've been skeptical about this one, now I'm going to have to add it to the list :)
ReplyDeleteWow Bailey, I have to admit it has been a long time since I've felt excited about reading a sci-fi novel. I hadn't even heard of this book before, so thanks so much for this review.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard much about this one, just saw it on everyones lists as coming out this month. But now I want it! You definitely sold me! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've seen a single review of this one. It sounds amazing, though! Thanks so much for the review, I'll add it to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteIs this like a Sleeping Beauty kind of book? With a name like Rose and the kissing her awake thing, it sounds like it. And it sounds really good! I think I'll have to check it out. But what about that cover? It's just not appealing. Too adult and dry looking.
ReplyDeleteMary @ BookSwarm