Review: Great Background Story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 13, 2014
The novella Endurance opens after Deuce and Fade have been expelled from the College Enclave and open rebellion and the onslaught of Freaks have destroyed the community. The builder Thimble and breeder Stone use their wits, and the weapons at their to disposal to escape the chaos with his son Boy23. Facing deadly danger they journey upwards to the world outside, finding antiquities from the past and relinquishing old preconceptions while clinging to their blossoming love.The plot is fascinating and fast-paced as it delves into the escape of two friends seeking a better world in which to live, one free of Freaks, but discovering a growing intelligence in the mindless killers. The characters add intensity and strength to a story that answers the question " what happened to..." Of the core characters Thimble thinks of herself as imperfect and weak because of her disability but shows intelligence, bravery, pride and competence while Stone, who thinks of himself as nothing more than a dumb breeder is clever, compassionate, protective and tough in a fight. When one is weak the other is strong, and away from the hostility and stringent rules of the enclave their once forbidden attraction grows. In this story the personalities of minor characters are also explored but not in depth; like the strength and loyalty of Crane, the devotion and fairness of Silk, and the stoic resolve of Twist. But the heartless menace is the Freaks, the inhuman killers who feed on flesh and expel a foul odour.In this novella with its pervasive atmosphere of fear and violence are strong elements of friendship, love, courage and deliverance. It's a great background story for the series and one I enjoyed reading