Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Blood Red Road by Moira Young, read by Heather Lind

Publisher: Simon Audio
Release Date: June 7, 2011
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Age Level: Young Adult
Buy: Amazon | IndieBound | iTunes

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That’s fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba’s world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she’s a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. (Goodreads)

WOW. What a great debut for Moira Young! Blood Red Road is an action-packed adventure across the desert. Saba, her twin Lugh, and little sister Emmi live with their father in the wasteland of Silverlake. They know nothing of the outside world and their nearest neighbors live miles away. All they have is each other. Saba and Lugh are not just twins; they are best friends and have never been apart. When Lugh is kidnapped, Saba vows to find him and takes off across the desert to save him.

Saba had always followed Lugh’s lead, and during her quest to find him, she discovers how strong and capable she is – physically and mentally. During her mission she is faced with a slew of challenges, from sand storms to cage fighting. Saba is stubborn, tough, and reluctant to accept or acknowledge that she needs any help. She is so obsessed with the task of finding her brother that she stubbornly denies friendship and love. After awhile this characteristic, along with her attitude toward Emmi began to wear on me. Eventually her walls began to come down as she learned the value of friendship and that letting people in could make life happier and better.

Blood Red Road is full of interesting characters. Jack, Saba’s love interest is smart and charming. The Free Hawks, a group of female warriors are kick-but and kept things lively. DeMalo only has small role, but is sexy and intriguing… I’m hoping/expecting that we will see more of him in the next book. I never thought I’d say that I want a pet crow, but Saba’s crow Nero is just awesome, and was actually one of my favorite characters. Every time he showed up, I found myself grinning.

The audiobook is read by Heather Lind, and I think she did a great job with the characters’ dialect and capturing the tone. I definitely recommend this audiobook, however I’ve heard such amazing things about how the book is written in minimalist prose that I may have to read the physical book just for the experience.

Blood Red Road is fast-paced and gripping, and a must read. I’m looking forward to the rest of the Dustlands Trilogy!