Tomorow When the War Began

So a few months back i saw the new trailer for “Tomorrow When the War Began” and my first thought was AMAZING. So being the true book nerd i am i went to Collins and bought the book. I thought it was fantastic! I finished it in a week and there were times when being anti social were better than missing one moment of the TWTWB action!

I loved the way Ellie was the narrator, she really puts you inside the story and makes you feel the fear and deep emotional connection each of the characters have with themselves and one another. It made me question what i would do were i in the same situation as they were. Would i be brave and stand up? Or give in at the risk of death or imprisonment. My favourite character would have to be Homer, rebel without a cause who turns out to be a true born leader ready to serve and save his country.

I thought the relationships within the novel were quite complex considering the entire group were not properly acquainted until their trip away at the beginning of the story. However the relationship between Homer and Fi was very cliché, the high school bully falling for the rich golden child but in saying that the moments where Ellie talks about their relationship and how they behave around each other made my heart melt. Ellie and Lee on the other hand: steamy much. I knew from the beginning of the book that they were going to be interesting, i love that Lee is war efficient yet his main joy in life is music and how Ellie has always been a happy go lucky outspoken teen but she turns out to be amongst the bravest of the group, turning out to be the first to kill an enemy soldier.

Now let’s get to the important stuff, the action scenes. I thought the imagery was amazingly well done, not many authors can pull of an action without the reader wanting to skip to the ending to see how it all pans out. I loved reading every moment of blood, sweat and tear because it made me feel as if i was there with them living the action! I think the most exciting scene was the blowing up of the bridge, talk about amazing. I know it should be considering it is the climax but how amazing! Ellie running back to the group with bullets flying past her, inches from death but dancing right on its door step.

In saying all this though, i thought the ending was a bit of a morale kill, however after reading the second one this seems to be one of the main techniques. It says to the reader that this war is far from over, there is no time for relief after the climax, we, like our characters, have to keep fighting until the enemy is run off our shores. I thought Kevin really showed true potential though, taking Corrie to hospital knowing that he might be shot or tortured on arrival. Throughout the book he seemed like he wanted to hide out in Hell forever until the adults freed themselves and came and rescued him. However he redeemed himself in the end and his honour was restored.

All in all congratulations John Marsden, one of the best books i have read in ages you will defiantly give Stephenie Meyer and J.K. Rowling a run for their money!

Can’t wait to hear all your feedback guys!

Later xx

References:
Tomrrow When the War Began
By John Marsden
Picture Reference: http://www.thebookabyss.com.au/