I read the book Ghosts of Koa and I completely fell in love with it. I don’t think I’ve had such a strong reaction to a book since reading Flowers in the Attic. I loved the book so much that I tell anyone I know that likes fantasy that they should read it.
I thought the book was going to be about ghosts in a fraternity or something like that, but of course I was mistaken. Yeah, I bought the book based on the cover and didn’t read anything about it. **SPOILER*** But, I was hooked by the time someone gets their face punched off. Yes… Punched Off… I remember saying out loud What the F*&#!!! ***END SPOILER***
I love the name of the main character. Ezekiel it’s strong, masculine and Biblical, and it’s given to a strong but still feminine female character, it’s even shortened in a feminine way to Zieka. Nice touch.
I was also extremely intrigued by the relationship that she has with her mother and the relationship that she has with her sister. I think the mother feels like she is caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to what she feels she has to do for the sake of her children.
***SPOILER*** I think Zieka is young enough to see things in black in white and even though she’s living in hell pretty much, she doesn’t see or understand the gray areas. Her mother’s choices to deal with an evil person, so Zieka really doesn’t have to face those choices herself, are truly a mother’s sacrifice. It’s obvious that Zieka doesn’t see it that way and attempts to shame her mother but her mother quickly puts an end that. However, choosing to deal with the devil, as it were is what leads to her drug addition and that drug addictions costs her dearly. ***END SPOILER**
I think Zieka feels the burden of filling in for her mother and father in the life of her sister. But, Zieka is still a kid herself. So, I often felt very frustrated that they didn’t have anyone else to turn to. Their father provides enough for them to take care of themselves… but still. They’re just kids.
I do love the way she uses children in this book. I think the way she focuses on children in this book is what makes it feel truly apocalyptic. In the book the children are “protected” by the laws, but these laws make the children extremely vulnerable as well because there is war going on.
*** SPOILER*** The children in this book range in perspectives. Her sister is the quintessential child, full of innocence and goodness. You just want to love and protect her. Then there are the older children who are on the cusp, standing at that fork in the road… they can become good people or bad people, or good people that make bad choices… whatever the case may be. And then there are the children that are made into weapons… literally. The first time baby ashes are presented I just shuddered. But, I just couldn’t stop reading. ***END SPOILER***
If you cannot tell, I LOVE this book. I’ve already read the second one and I am so looking forward to the third.
GREAT JOB COLB R. RICE
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