Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Published: October 25, 2012 by Hardie Grant Egmont Australia
Source: the publisher
Rating: 3.5 paws
From the blurb: When high school seniors Emery and Jake are taken hostage in the classroom where they tutor, they must work together to calm both the terrified children and the gunman threatening them--a task made even more difficult by their recent break-up. Brian Stutts, a soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Iraq, uses deadly force when he's denied access to his son because of a custody battle. The children's fate is in the hands of the two teens, each recovering from great loss, who now must re-establish trust in a relationship damaged by betrayal.
This is Not a Drill by Bec McDowell is set the small town of
Hensonville. Seventeen year olds, Emery and Jake, have volunteered at the local
primary school and are assisting with a lesson one morning, supervising
eighteen first grade children, along with the teacher, Mrs Campbell. Emery and
Jake used to date but have put aside their differences and work well together
in the classroom. That morning they are interrupted by a father of one of the
boys in the class. He wants to take his son with him as his wife has custody of
the boy and has tried to stop him from seeing him. He ends up pulling out a gun
and holding the class hostage. Jake and Emery must try and keep the kids safe
while trying to find a way out of the situation.
I really liked Emery and Jake. Both of them felt well
developed and I enjoyed finding out their back stories while the events
unfolded. Emery is a quiet, shy girl and sometimes suffers from panic attacks.
Her mother is extremely passive aggressive and controlling and Emery now feels
like her mum was right to be worried all along. Despite being worried and
scared, she manages to maintain a brave face for the kids.
Jake also has a difficult relationship with his
dad. His mum died from cancer and his dad re-married and their relationship
deteriorated. Despite having a bit of a bad boy rep, and despite what he did to
Emery, he is actually a good guy. He remains calm and thinks logically, he
knows he can’t try and be the hero and tackle Brian, the father who has held
them hostage, and I thought that he handled himself really well.
This is a quite a quick read and I was intrigued from the
beginning, the story kept me reading because it was quite intense. I was so
worried for the children, as well as for Emery and Jake.
I liked that Emery tried to talk to Brian, to get him to
explain his side of things and to ask him about his time in service which had
clearly affected him. While I was angry at Brian for threatening the lives of
the children, I also felt sorry for him because he felt like it was his only
option.
The ending was well done and I was quite happy with the
outcome. It’s a book that felt very real, I’m sure situations like this have
and will continue to happen. This is Not A Drill is an intense read filled with
interesting characters who you will want to protect paired with a plot that will draw
you in.
And here's a look at the two covers (left = Aus, right = US):
And here's a look at the two covers (left = Aus, right = US):
I much, much, much prefer the Aussie version, it's got a great atmostphere compared to the US version.
Purchase a copy: Angus & Robertson / Booktopia / Bookworld / Dymocks
Thank you to the wonderful people at Hardie Grant Egmont for
my review copy.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
BEA 2013
Mandee is attending!
Follow this blog with bloglovin
Ladies of YA Podcast
Joins us for tea & book chat!
The VeganYANerds
Rating Guide
Followers
Bloglovin' followers
Bookish Blogs We Love
Grab our blog button!
AWW 2013 Challenge
Read books by Aussie women!
Blog header by My Zoetrope
Preloved Blog Tour April 2012
Author websites
- Ally Condie
- Amy Kathleen Ryan
- Anna Carey
- Cath Crowley
- Deb Caletti
- Elizabeth Wein
- Emily Lockhart
- Gayle Forman
- Hannah Harrington
- Hannah Moskowitz
- Jaclyn Moriarty
- James Roy
- Jandy Nelson
- Jennifer Echols
- Julia Lawrinson
- Kirsty Eagar
- Lauren DeStefano
- Lauren Oliver
- Laurie Halse Anderson
- Leanne Hall
- Lili Wilkinson
- Maggie Stiefvater
- Markus Zusak
- Maureen Johnson
- Melina Marchetta
- Michelle Zink
- MJ Hearle
- Nikki Jefford
- Paula Weston
- Pip Harry
- Rebecca Searle
- Richelle Mead
- Sara Zarr
- Sarah Dessen
- Shirley Marr
- Shirley Marr
- Simmone Howell
- Stephanie Perkins
- Suzanne Collins
- Teri Terry
- Veronica Roth
- Vikki Wakefield
Labels
- 1 star (10)
- 2 stars (8)
- 2.5 stars (2)
- 3 stars (32)
- 3.5 stars (12)
- 4 stars (65)
- 4.5 stars (5)
- 5 stars (60)
- 80s (1)
- A.C Gaughen (1)
- about us (1)
- afterlife (1)
- Ali Cronin (2)
- Ally Condie (1)
- Alyssa Brugman (1)
- Ambelin Kwaymullina (1)
- Amy Kathleen Ryan (2)
- Amy Spalding (1)
- Andrew Fukuda (2)
- angels (2)
- Anna Carey (1)
- Antonella Preto (1)
- April Linder (1)
- Aussie Mixed Bag (5)
- Australian (65)
- Australian Women Writers 2012 Reading Reviewing Challenge (45)
- Australian Women Writers 2013 Reading and Reviewing Challenge (14)
- authors (1)
- aww (1)
- aww2012 (44)
- AWW2013 (14)
- baking (1)
- be prepared to cry (9)
- BEA (1)
- Becca Fitzpatrick (1)
- Beck McDowell (1)
- Belinda Jeffrey (1)
- blog hop (1)
- blog tour (8)
- blogiversary (1)
- book events (3)
- Book Expo America (1)
- bookish manicures (1)
- books (74)
- Brigid Kemmerer (1)
- Burn for Burn (1)
- C.J Duggan (1)
- Carol Lynch Williams (1)
- Carol M Tanzman (1)
- Carolyn Mackler (1)
- Christine Howe (1)
- Clare C Marshall (1)
- Claudia Gray (2)
- contemporary fiction (101)
- cooking (1)
- cover reveal (2)
- Cristina Meldrum (1)
- cupcakes (1)
- Dave Cousins (1)
- David Levithan (1)
- David Metzenthen (1)
- Diana Peterfreund (1)
- Dianne Touchell (1)
- dystopian (21)
- E.Lockhart (5)
- Elizabeth Eulberg (1)
- Elizabeth Norris (1)
- Elizabeth Wein (1)
- Emily M. Danforth (1)
- Emma Cameron (1)
- faeries (2)
- fairy tale (1)
- fantasy (21)
- Fiona Wood (2)
- Gabrielle Williams (1)
- Gayle Forman (1)
- Georgia Nicholson (1)
- ghosts (2)
- giveaway (7)
- gothic fiction (1)
- graphic novel (1)
- guest post (3)
- Hannah Harrington (2)
- Hannah Moskowitz (1)
- Hayley Long (1)
- historical fiction (4)
- IMM (12)
- In My Mailbox (12)
- interview (1)
- introduction (1)
- Jaclyn Moriarty (3)
- Jay Asher (1)
- Jennifer E. Smith (1)
- Jennifer Echols (1)
- Jennifer Gooch Hummer (1)
- Jennifer Lynn Barnes (1)
- Jenny Han (1)
- Jess Rothenberg (1)
- Jessi Kirby (1)
- Jessica Anthony (1)
- Jessica Davidson (2)
- Jessica Shirvington (1)
- Jodi Picoult (1)
- John Green (1)
- joint review (5)
- Jolene Stockman (1)
- Julia Lawrinson (1)
- Julie Kagawa (2)
- Kami Garcia (1)
- Karen Foxlee (1)
- Karen Tayleur (1)
- Kat Rosenfield (1)
- Kat Zhang (1)
- Kate Gordon (2)
- Katherine Applegate (1)
- Katie Dale (1)
- Kiera Cass (1)
- Kirsty Eagar (3)
- Kirsty McKay (2)
- Kristen-Paige Madonia (1)
- Kristin Cashore (1)
- Laini Taylor (1)
- Laura Buzo (1)
- Lauren Kate (1)
- Lauren Oliver (1)
- Leanne Hall (1)
- Leigh Bardugo (1)
- Lenore Appelhans (1)
- LGBT (3)
- Libba Bray (2)
- Libby Gleeson (1)
- Lili Wilkinson (4)
- Lisa Schroeder (1)
- Liz Fichera (1)
- Lois Lowry (2)
- Louise Rennison (1)
- Louise Rozett (1)
- Lucy Christopher (2)
- M. Beth Bloom (1)
- M.J Hearle (2)
- Maggie Stiefvater (1)
- Margaret Stohl (1)
- Margo Lanagan (1)
- Maria V. Snyder (2)
- Marianne Curley (1)
- Marianne de Pierres (3)
- Marie Lu (2)
- Marissa Meyer (2)
- Maureen Johnson (1)
- Melina Marchetta (5)
- Melissa C Walker (1)
- Melissa Keil (1)
- Melissa Marr (1)
- Michael Grant (1)
- Michelle Hodkin (2)
- Michelle Zink (1)
- My Mad Fat Diary (1)
- Myra McEntire (2)
- mystery (11)
- nail polish (1)
- Nerdy Vegan Cooking (1)
- Nick Earls (1)
- Nikki Jefford (2)
- non-fiction (1)
- paranormal (40)
- paranormal romance (15)
- Paul Griffin (1)
- Paula Weston (1)
- Penni Russon (2)
- Pip Harry (1)
- post apocalyptic (2)
- publishing (1)
- re-telling (2)
- realistic fiction (78)
- Rebecca Lim (1)
- Rebecca Searle (1)
- Rebecca Sparrow (1)
- recap (1)
- review (177)
- Richelle Mead (2)
- Rick Yancey (1)
- Rodrigo Corral (1)
- romance (5)
- Rose Foster (1)
- Rosie Dub (1)
- rural fiction (1)
- S.J Kincaid (1)
- Samantha Van Leer (1)
- Sara Shepard (1)
- Sara Zarr (3)
- Sarah Alderson (2)
- Sarah Crossan (1)
- Sarah Strohmeyer (1)
- sci-fi (12)
- series (1)
- series review (3)
- shapeshifters (2)
- Sherryl Clark (1)
- Shirley Marr (4)
- short story (1)
- Simmone Howell (3)
- Siobhan Vivian (1)
- Sophie McKenzie (1)
- Stacking the Shelves (59)
- steampunk (1)
- Steph Bowe (1)
- stephen chbosky (1)
- Steven Herrick (1)
- StS (58)
- Sue Lawson (1)
- supernatural (1)
- Tahereh Mafi (2)
- Tara Eglington (1)
- Tara Hudson (2)
- TEABS (1)
- Thalia Kalkipsakis (1)
- thriller (4)
- Trish Doller (1)
- tv (1)
- urban fantasy (4)
- veg/vegan author (1)
- veg/vegan reference (14)
- vegan (1)
- Vegan YA Nerds (1)
- Veronica Rossi (2)
- Veronica Roth (1)
- verse (5)
- Vikki Wakefield (1)
- werewolves (1)
- witches (1)
- wrap-up (1)
- writer's festival (1)
- YA (190)
- YA review (3)
- zombies (2)
Search
21 comments:
I am curious about this one. It gives a new spin on a school shooting-esque novel, and I always am intrigued by those!
I'm glad you enjoyed it overall.
-lauren
I haven't heard much about this book. Actually, I think your review is one of the first I've read for it. It sounds pretty good and I'm glad to hear you found the characters to be interesting. Great review! :)
I didn't hear about this one before too long ago, but from what you've said, it sounds like a very interested - and unique - read. I love that the characters were well-developed as that's always important for me and I'm thrilled that it was such a realistic novel. I'll definitely have to check this one out! Wonderful review, dear! :)
Oh wow. Mands,'it sounds so... Intense. This would totally be one of those books I'd be hesitant to try, but it sounds like it's really well handled and... Wow. Eep! I'm kind of nervous for the children just reading your those! O__O
This does sound intense, It sucks that you can't send a kid to school these days without worrying about guns! Scary stuff! This does sound interesting! Thanks for the recommendation!
I saw 'This is Not a Drill' and for a second thought it was 'This is Not a Test' by Courtney Summers (which is *fabulous*).
This sounds quite interesting and very intense! I think it sounds like something I'd enjoy though....added to the tbr pile ;)
I haven't heard much about this book so this is the first review I've read for it. Sounds quite interesting even though I wouldn't have picked this up at first glance. Anyway great review!
Reminds me of Robert Cormier's book: After the First Death but Cormier's book is much darker. It's too bad that the soldier is made into the bad guy :/
Ugh. Bad boy rep... how I don't care about them anymore.
She’s Got Books on Her Mind
I've had my eye on this one but haven't heard too much about it. Sounds like a quick and intense read. Sadly these types of situations continue to happen. I like that we still get a good back story on the two main characters.
This sounds like such a difficult story to write, and I'm glad the author pulled it off. I'll definitely have to read it, it sounds too intense to pass up :)
I've had my eye this for a while and I'm so glad you enjoyed it! The male and female mc sound great, I really need to put this on the top of my wishlist. Awesome review! ^^
Fantastic review! (Loved the cat picture! I absolutely adore cats!)
Alice @ Alice in Readerland
For some reason I feel like I've heard of this book but I'm not sure if I have. It sounds so familiar though so I must have seen it somewhere! Haha anyways great review Mandee! As always! :) You definitely make the characters sound really appealing and it sounds like each one has a different story to tell. This one is going on my TBR list! :)
I love intense, gritty novels that dare to touch upon themes countless authors and readers would shy away from, so I'm glad that for the most part, you enjoyed this one, Mandee. :) I'm sure to pick this up sometime soon... Fabulous review as always, darling!
A wonderful review Mandee! I really enjoyed this book - Jake & Emery were great characters and despite the intensity of the situation it was all handled well.
What a scary, but very intriguing premise. It seriously sounds like such an intense book!
What an intense storyline! I wouldn't be surprised if this was loosely based on real-life events. I feel like the news is filled with stories like this daily. The only readalike I can think of is Rage by Stephen King, which has been out of print for years due to its content. In that one, an entire class is held hostage by a student who shoots a bunch of teachers/students. Thought this story is different, I think the feeling of anxiousness the reader feels might be the same. Sometimes I just want to feel that way so I will read this eventually. That is, if it is available in the US? *sigh*
Wow, Mandee, I hadn't even heard of this one before but it sounds like a very intense story. I actually like the sound of a book where the main characters are somehow tied into a situation that really has nothing to do with them. It's sad how real this story can seem, but I do like that the author managed to make Brian a somewhat sympathetic character, even if what he was doing was terrible.
i haven't heard of this one but like everyone else said, it sounds intense! the characters sound really interesting and i like that they're sympathetic. hooray for happy endings.
This does sound like a plot that would draw me in! I've never heard of this book before but I am eager to check it out after reading your great review! I like that it has a real theme to it and is well done with quite a happy outcome. :)
Post a Comment
Hey there! We appreciate every comment our readers leave us and we comment back on your blogs because we know everyone loves comments and it's important to us :)
We also try to reply to comments here on our blog but that is not a priority (we'd rather be commenting on YOUR posts!) But, if you ask a question we'll try to reply here ;)