This morning I just finished reading Monument 14. It is an Apocalyptic novel that takes place in 2024 in Monument, Colorado. After getting hit by a hailstorm on the way to school, 14 children remained unharmed from two different busses. After getting stranded in a Greenway store, the kids figure out a way to live there until they could either get rescued by the little kids' bus driver, Mrs. Wooly, who sent out to look for help, and left Jake, the oldest kid in charge. Now, it was up to the high schoolers to take care of the little kids, all while trying to keep themselves sane and pulled together.
*SPOILERS!!!!*
Okay so on my booktube channel, I don't really want to give the spoiler version of book reviews, but I have to do it somewhere right? So, If you have not read Monument 14, STOP READING THIS UNTIL YOU FINISH THE BOOK! Then, come back when you're done :)
So, When I first picked up this book I was confused as to who the older sibling was between Alex and Dean. Because, I had accidentally picked up the second book, not knowing, and I began to read it. I thought I was reading that Dean left the store, but it turned out to be Alex. In time, I gained clarity and learned which brother was which. Jake is another character that I thought his character development was great. Although, some people find it unsettling that he started drinking and doing drugs. Jake is who Mrs. Wooly left in charge when she left to go get help. Jake is 18 by the way and the oldest of the group. I could see why she left him in charge and I also understood why he was changing the way he was. Most people think that the levelheaded person of the group will always stay the levelheaded of the group. But, what many people fail to forget is that these were just kids. They were stranded at a store, wondering if their family was alive, and also taking care of children who were freaking out and too little to keep calm without someone holding their hand. Jake had a lot on his plate and I'm actually glad that Laybourne created his character like that, because it created less tension after the elections between him and Niko. If Jake was sober and didn't do drugs, then I'd assume that it would have caused more issues in the group. Then there would be war going on outside and inside the store. It would be too chaotic and too messy. I still love Jake because even though he was a bad influence, he wasn't a jerk to people unless they asked for it. He was a great guy and understood where most people were coming from. He could think logically and he didn't just jump to conclusions. Which is a great characteristic as a leader. My favorite characters in this book I would have to say are the twins, Henry and Caroline, because they are the youngest. They are only five years old and they are extremely adorable. I love the bond between them and the cutest things that they say. Sahalia, however, would have to be my least favorite of the group, because of the way she acts. I've seen young girls who have babies as sixth graders. SIXTH GRADERS! 11-year-olds, where I live, are having sex and getting pregnant because they are too young to comprehend everything about sex. The consequences don't seem to phase them until they have the child and realize that they aren't old enough to get a job so how are they even going to support the child? Sahalia is only 13 years old and she feels like she is old enough to be part of the big kids. But she goes about it the wrong way. She wears as little clothing as possible, and she does not have any respect for herself. I am hoping that the incident with Robbie will help her snap out of it and begin to appreciate childhood, while she still can.
This was a great read for me, I loved it very much, but there was only one thing that I thought could have been better. The writing could have been edited better, because I felt like it was repeating sentences constantly and also making obvious and unnecessary statements. I can read between the lines and I think that most other readers can too. Other than that, I loved the pacing of this book and the thrills that it had. I almost shed a tear at the end. Which was insane! I also love the storyline and I hope they make it out to Denver alive and I hope everyone survives this apocalypse.
I hope you all enjoyed this review and found it helpful. Keep and eye out on my channel for a video on this book and I will talk to y'all soon! Have a happy Wednesday!
-Kayla
So, I FINALLY sat down and read the first book in the famous Mortal Instruments series! I have to say that City of Bones was an amazing book! I can see why everyone loves it, however, I still am in love with Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. I loved this book. I was able to predict some stuff, however, there were a lot of other events that shocked me. If I wouldn't have been spoiled about Jace and Clary, I would have been entirely shocked. But, other than that, it was pretty unpredictable. Also, I could tell what was going to happen with Hodge. I am excited to find out what happens in City of Ashes.
