Review: As sensitive as it is brutal; riveting
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 8, 2013
A story that is as sensitive as it is brutal, Blood Tournament tells of the aftermath of a country ravaged by war, and the people who survived. I question whether the war was necessary or contrived, but have no doubt that the government is caring for the surviving citizens by controlling them for its own benefit. Torment and terror are used to take control of the children, and the adults are kept in line through them, as well as by monitors that seem to surround them at every turn. The mandated battles are reminiscent of the days of the gladiators, though with young adults, who have little hope of survival, and are forced to fight to the death of their innocent, but forced adversaries or to die themselves. The characters are well developed, and the reader has a clear sense of their individual personalities. The author leaves you anxious for more. I found the story riveting.