Solitary Review

Monday, December 13, 2010


Alex Sawyer and his mates should have known there was no way out of Furnace Penitentiary. Their escape attempt only lands them deeper in the guts of this prison for young offenders, and then into solitary confinement.

And that's where a whole new struggle begins—a struggle not to let the hellish conditions overwhelm them. Because before another escape attempt is even possible, they must first survive the nightmare that now haunts their endless nights.

Taken from Goodreads.

Solitary follows the story of Alex and his friends, still trapped in Furnace Prison and losing hope every day. Alex knows he deserves a punishment for what has happened, but nobody deserves to be in the horror that is Furnace. After a successful escape from gen. pop, those who survived are now stuck in solitary confinement, and just when they think things can’t get worse, they do. Alex is desperate to escape, but the horrors of solitary confinement are nothing compared to the living nightmare right beyond their cell doors. Can Alex and his friends escape without losing their minds…or their lives?

If you remember, I read the first book in the series, Lockdown , just a little while back, and I was stunned by just how dark, complex, and intricate the story was. After the cliffhanger ending kept me desperate for more, I was so excited to pick up Solitary to figure out what happens next. I am so happy that this book didn’t disappoint. Once again, Alexander Gordon Smith transports the reader to a hellish world that makes real-life prisons look like resort clubs. Eerie, unsettling, and filled with twists and turns that keep you rooting for the characters and begging for a way out, Solitary is an intense thrill ride.

The main strength of Solitary lies in the characters, in my opinion. Alex isn’t perfect. He’s flawed, and the prison is gradually taking its toll on his conscience, which is perfectly detailed with every chapter. Despite his downfalls though, I was cheering for him throughout, and I could barely put this book down. Furthermore, it’s rare for me to see a book where the setting is as much a character as the characters themselves. Solitary presents a world that’s alive with terror and rich with details that kept me white-knuckling the book.

Sequels don’t always live up to the first book, but Solitary is an incredible follow-up. In fact, I’d be so bold as to say it’s even better than the first. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I would definitely recommend this to those who love YA mysteries, thrillers, and just a touch of sci-fi to keep you guessing. This book is also perfect for boys (not those with weak stomachs!)

I received this book free of charge from the publisher, Farrar, Strauss & Giroux, in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

22 comments:

  1. Yay, I love it when a sequel is as good as the fist one! Alex does sound like an amazing character and the idea of being in solitary confinement alone is enough to terrify me without adding in a horrifying world on top of it. Brilliant review Melissa, I need to pick these books up!

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  2. I love dark, complex, and mysterious. This series definitely sounds like something I would really enjoy. Furnace sounds pretty terrifying. Great review!

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  3. Honestly, I've never even heard of this series before. I'm definitely intrigued though; it sounds like my kind of book.

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  4. What the what? Five out of five? To be honest, this cover scares me, so I wouldn't have guessed it. But, I am going to take your word for it and add Lockdown to my to-read list. I do love a nice thriller!

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  5. I think I would actually enjoy this series more than the Incarceron series by Catherine Fisher because I didn't really like the fantasy elements. These books sound more grounded, if that makes any sense.

    Chilling but great review. I'm glad the second book was just as good as the first for you Melissa. I love the cover.

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  6. I hadn't heard of this series before, but it sounds good! I'm adding it to my TBR now. Thanks :)

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  7. Holy Cow you grab the best books....I think Ill be picking up Lockdown now...Ive always kind of passed this one up because of the cover...I know bad right.....thanks for the review..:)

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  8. I do love me some dark novels. It looks like I need to put these books on my radar next time I'm in the store :)

    Mad Scientist
    http://madsteampunkery.blogspot.com

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  9. Heading out to Goodreads to add these to my wishlist right now!

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  10. OMG awesome! Sounds so good, and the description WHAT! No way out. Scary! Great review!

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  11. I'd never heard of this series before, but it's definitely very very intriguing. I always love books that takes things and twists them a bit, probably why I enjoy paranormal so much. And, I always love your reviews because they tell me everything I need to know about the book. Thanks, I'm adding it and the 1st to my TBR.

    Jen
    In the Closet With a Bibliophile

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  12. Wow, yes I am often disappointed by sequels but this one sure seems to deliver the same as the first one. Gotta love that

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  13. Wow, I can't believe I haven't heard of this one. It sounds like an awesome read. So intrigued, I'm off to check out what the first one is all about. Great review Melissa - this book definitely got my attention!

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  14. This sounds just as dark and mysterious as the first book in the series. I'm glad this sequel didn't fall short like they tend to do. Awesome review :)

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  15. O sounds good but a bit strong for me. Awesome review.

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  16. Wow! This sounds like a great series. I'm going to have to put both on my wishlist. I hate cliffhangers so I'll have to make sure I have both to go when I read it. Thanks for the review.

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  17. The summary alone makes this sound like a very dark novel. Your review however makes me want to read this one and I think it would be a great novel for my students. I am glad the sequel did not disappoint. Fab review.

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  18. I remember reading your review for Lockdown and being very interested, but knowing the second book is even better, I'll be picking up the series soon. Great review, as usual. Thanks for the heads up on some books I may have otherwise not known about.

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  19. The cover alone is creeptastic! I must get this!

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  20. This one sounds so good...it reminds me a little of Incarceron.

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  21. Great review! Haven't heard ofthese books before, but it sounds like a thrilling series with lots of action!

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  22. Ohh I'd heard about Lockdown and thought it sounded interesting but I didn't realize it was the first in a series! Good to know the second book lives up to the first!!!

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