Blood Red Road by Moira Young

There are several things that pop in my mind when I think dystopia. First thing of course, is government control. Second thing that runs through my head is a list of dystopian novels: 1984, Brave New World, Little Brother, Fahrenheit 451, The Handmaid's Tale etc. etc.

You may have noticed my version of dystopias most always involve government control and the fight to overturn it. That's because I like a good intellectual fight of average man versus the greater powers! Yet, there is the other side of dystopias. The Mad Max's' of dystopias. The Cormac McCarthy dystopia.

This is one of those. Blood Red Road has a wonderful post apocalyptic setting. Even better, you don't know why there was a grand destruction of civilization! You just know that the technologically advanced are referred to as Wreckers. Which seems to rather point to who is at fault.

Saba lives with her twin brother Lugh, little sister Emmi, and her Pa on the edge of a dried up lake. They've always lived there. Interaction with other humans is limited to a handful of people. Pa says that the world outside is a bad place, and it's better to avoid it. Then the worst happens and Saba is thrown into the unknown in order to try and save her brother.


“Lugh goes first always first an I follow on behind. An that's fine. That's right. That's how it's meant to be.” 


I think this is a great read for people who enjoyed the main character Katniss from The Hunger Games. Saba is irascible and almost heartless at times. Almost. Which leaves plenty of room for character development. Which is always nice to have! Flat characteristics are totally for male protagonists. 


I  picked this up because someone recommended it if you had a fondness for The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley. I can see why that may be. There's overwhelming odds, fantasy, and a fight for the right and good!


Fans of YA fantasy, dystopians, or just good characters should pick this up and give it a read.