Reviewing... [35] Runners

I've really meant to put this review up for an age but you know about the issues which don't exist now (it all gets solved when laptops are repaired)... So, here you are!

. Reviewing... [33] Source: Received for review.Author: Sharon SantRecommended for: Fans of Thief (by Malorie Blackman).

Just to show you that some bookworms like weather...
Or are like british weather (forget futuristic), really, really evil...

Unfortunately, although Runners held appeal because it was a dystopian, it didn’t meet the genre expectations entirely. I regard dystopian as catalysed by Sci-Fi, although elements did exist the book wasn’t as futuristic as you’d expect- renewable energy is hopefully going to be reality by the time I’m 30. I care more about the intricacies of society and clear motivations than weather. Surely characters are not more concern about weather than war? Issues didn’t seem to be linked clearly to reality; although the storyline was realistic I wasn’t entirely sure the world was tangible enough to be a dystopian Britain.
It seemed like some areas (of the setting, not book) were definitely crumbling but why...? I’d imagine government to do their norm (in fiction) & crack down on people in some idiotic way or be offering multitudes of issues in their world & not just to a certain group... Instead, well... I don’t even know if Britain is still democratic (oh... that might be why it’s not the same as other dystopian).

It’s all clear now why children were affected... Now, would you like me to get back to the review?
I probably have these questions as the world is so unique- it doesn’t contain the buzz of life or a culture engrained like Britain. It just simply isn’t a book which can be compared to another. How many books do you know where timelines cross and destiny seems mesmerizing.
I know it sounds weird but I love how they were children. They weren’t made to act older by superficial means or just convenience, they were who they were & they honestly rocked like polka dot socks (don’t ask).
They learnt to be independence & I could easily define this is as a coming-of-age story which sets Runners apart from other dystopian. There are strong themes about friendship, resilience, identity & so on. Our characters start having the chance to wonder if there are other people affected- even by the CMO- which is most likely the dystopian element. Does Science mean anything in this book? I think it’s more about time which obviously is an element of science but this was way more the emotional, or physiological, feel. That’s how this book came to be enjoyed, redeeming from the lack of accuracy (I feel) in genre expectation.
If you’re into books that are futuristic, reflective & feature interesting characters this is for you! In terms of what the characters are age & maturity wise it’s like ‘Thief’ (Malorie Blackman). As mentioned above, if you liked that then read this! Yes, I’m saying if you like books by the frickin’ children’s laureate then you’ll love this book by a storyteller without fault in those abilities which include: allowing readers to emerge from the novel, or in breaks, with several new characters stories written in their hearts; creating a plot that has meaning & finally... that meaning? Sant can carry that meaning through, not stretch it, I just mean utilize it & develop on that.
I came to love every single character- Tessa a rather large amount. I think it’s because she had developed beyond that childhood- even though many are Runners they are still full of this- innocence and learning. She wasn’t coming of age but she still held little authority compared to many of the adult figures, Braithwaite & so on. She was charming and eager to make a change, like an ideal character.
I can only hope Sharon doesn’t just write prologues for Runners, give me a story following Tessa’s life after well... a certain incident, shall I say? This was one of the points at which, as aforementioned, science-fiction elements came to be more realistic because of emotion involved. I’ll leave you hanging there.
When you take a chance on Runners let me know if there’s one you particularly took a shine too. Was it Elijah with his dynamic qualities? Rosa, cunning, but still with her regrets. Seemingly distant Xavier or his brother who likes being on the same page? Sky with her visions or the plainer easy-going younger boys, Rowan &/ Jimmy?

Who will you love; who will you believe?

Amy Bookworm (@Amy_Bookworm) rated this book: