Monday, August 2, 2010

Half Way Home by Hugh Howey Review


Author: Hugh Howey
Release date: May 1st, 2010
Source: Author
My Summary: 
When Porter awakens to flames, he knows something has gone horribly wrong. Out of the original five hundred colonists that were being raised in vats, less than sixty made it out, if even that many. To make it even worse, the colonists only have half their training, and at fifteen years of age, they are not ready to start a life on this new planet. Yet, the Colony, a robotic being behind all the plans for the colonists, gives them hope that they can make a life here.

At least, until the Colony's choices start to make even the most hopeful fill with despair. Colonists start running, escaping the madness that lies within the walls that are meant to protect them. Porter, along with his two friends Tarsi and Kelvin, need to decide if staying is worth it...and just what secrets is the Colony keeping about their new home planet?
Review: Half Way Home is a unique story that is sure to surprise readers.

Porter, our narrator, is smart, and a bit confused about things. His profession (though his training is only half finished) is a psychologist. It's his job to help everyone else, but he definitely could use a helping hand sometimes as well. Tarsi and Kelvin were interesting side characters, especially with the very complex love triangle they created. 

The plot is easy to follow, keeps you curious, and it's a quick but thoughtful novel to read. Howey creates a world with intriguing creatures and environments that come alive, and it's difficult to stop reading without curiosity getting the better of you. The tension builds with every page, and the final chapters do not disappoint.  

Highlights: I loved the inclusion of Porter's character struggling with his sexuality, because that's something I wasn't expecting to see in the novel. Porter's journey in his discovery of who he is became a definite highlight. Howey doesn't fail to surprise as well, with an ending that is every bit as smart and shocking that I've come to expect from him. 

Lowlights: Porter's narrative got a bit tedious to read at some points. Because he is, essentially, a half-trained psychologist in a fifteen-year-old body, his voice can be a bit confusing in that his personality almost seemed half-trained. The characters weren't quite as memorable as I would have liked. At times, I just felt like something was missing from the story; a "wow" factor that Howey's other novels have.

I enjoyed Half Way Home, although not as much as Howey's Bern Saga novels, but I liked it and it's uniqueness. 

Rating:   

Other books by this author:
Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescue (review) (Kindle version priced at $2.99!!)



Lea

15 comments:

  1. I hadn't heard of this book, but it seems very intriguing. I love stories that explore unexpected topics. And that cover is so creepy!

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  2. I've never heard of this book, but your review is awesome! I will definitely have to check this out :)

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  3. Thanks for participating in CEP!

    Never heard of this one before. It has a very unique premise. Thanks for brining it to my attention!

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  4. I hadn't heard of this book before, but now I am honestly curious. I loved your honest review and that you told us exactly what you didn't like about the book. I am going to add this to my TBR list!

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  5. This book is new to me as is the author. I like science fiction and think that I need to add this book to my wishlist. I like that you give both the highlights and lowlights of your reading experience. Happy reading!

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  6. Whoa I haven't heard of this either, but it sounds great! I'm definitely intrigued by the cover. Thanks for the amazing review. I really love how you setup your reviews ;D

    Here from the CEP!

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  7. This sounds interesting and worth a read! I'm going to look into the Saga novels you mentioned as well. Thanks. :)
    Lisa ~ YA Literature Lover

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  8. Whoa, that cover got my attention right away! Sounds like a great book, though. I'm not familiar with it or the author at all, but I want to read it now. Excellent review!

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  9. WOW! That is some cover! Looks wayyy creepy! It sounds really interesting! Nice review!

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  10. Definitely a book that I've never heard of before. But the premise is somewhat exciting and rather refreshing as compared to the others I've read thus far!

    Thank you for stopping by my site earlier =)

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  11. Very interesting and the cover is eye catching. Jake might like this one. Thanks!


    Alyssa
    Teens Read and Write

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  12. Great review.. This is the first time I am hearing about this book.. I love the cover!

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  13. I haven't heard anything about this book. Love your review of it, I may have to check it out. :)

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  14. i've never heard of this book, but it sounds like a really interesting dystopian novel. and look at that cover! haunting or what? :)

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  15. I haven't heard of this one, thanks for the review, and putting it on my radar. I like how you do high and low lights!

    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog (From CEP)

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