Review: Brilliant
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 16, 2013
I find reviews difficult to write for books which affect me as profoundly as Shadow of Wrath did . . .I am concerned that my words are not enough to convey the emotion I felt and respect which I have for an author who can make me love and then cry . . . .Shadow of Wrath is by far one of the best books I have read this year. Although I am sure comparisons have been made between this book and The Hunger Games, I felt its brutality and violence were almost a twisted memorial to Ridley Scott's Gladiator.However, in the death and decay of the Arena L W Patricks gives the reader hope in the guises of Dog, Allegra, Garrett, Jacob and Ty. They are the characters who are maintaining their humanity despite the darkness and who we must accept as 'good', regardless of their flaws. L W Patricks is able to give them all redeeming qualities so that in the end it seems that even murder is acceptable . . . . . . .I lost count of the amount of times this book made me cry but this is because the subject matter is ruthless and like Allegra we are forced to stand by helpless and watch.I would not say that the story unfolds in a particularly unexpected way but the world of the Arena consumes the reader - we care about the outcome of the next match and allow our anger at Ryker to fuel us.Shadow of Wrath made me want to hug my children; it made me hope that L W Patricks vision never comes true -, but I was very glad I had had the opportunity to read this book, and I hope you will do the same!This was given to me as a review copy, but this has had no influence on my opinion.