Series: Neima's Ark #2Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Self-Pub
Publication Date: 10/9/13
Format: ebook
Pages: 94
Source: Author
Rating: 4.5 stars
Neima, her family, and her grandfather Noah have found themselves trapped aboard an ark as a great flood destroys all life in the world. As their time aboard the ark lengthens, food begins to run out, wild animals grow restless, and family tensions become as much of a threat as the flood outside. In the second and final installment of Neima’s Ark, the stakes are higher, the conflicts are greater, and Neima finds herself facing a choice as impossible as the destruction all around her.
Forty Nights is a continuation of the story begun in Forty Days, and it’s recommended that you read Forty Days first for the best experience. Forty Nights does, however, contain a character guide to refresh readers’ memories. The Neima’s Ark series is a historical, feminist reimagining of the story of Noah’s Ark rather than a religiously oriented one, and the novels are best suited for readers who are comfortable with new interpretations of biblical stories.
Religion is a subject that both fascinates and terrifies me, like a lot of people. I can only think of one book that I can compare to the Neima's Ark series, a series that reimagines biblical times through a woman's point-of-view, The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (I'm sure there are many more.) And while the series is set during one of the most iconic events of the Bible, the Great Flood, it is not really a religious story at all. From the standpoint of someone of who does have a religious background, it's thought-provoking. Even if you don't know the story or the details, it is a dangerous and exciting story.
I want to dedicate what's left of my review to praise author Stephanie Parent. Young Adult Historical, let alone a story set during biblical times, is not exactly the "It" trend now. It can't be easy to reimagine a story that is virtually timeless, but Parent did it, and she did a terrific job. Besides how well I think the story is done, I have to say that every single story of hers I've read has been pretty excellent. Her writing is nearly flawless, and always thoughtful.
If you are looking for something new, out of your comfort zone, and exciting, I do recommend the Neima's Ark series.
Favorite Quotes:
Jorin sighs and wraps his arms tighter around me. "I don't know if this God truly exists. But I've had a lot of time to think, these past few days. And I think--I think that if he does exist, he must speak some distant, long-forgotten language that one man could never understand completely. Interpreting God's words must be like...like trying to make sense of the howl of a wolf, or the trumpeting of an elephant. The song of a bird."
The Neima's Ark Series
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That quote although not meant to be sexy was ABSOLUTELY so! I need to make time for these
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked this one. I wasn't sure about reading it.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. I like that it's not overly religious. That can be a tricky topic to work with.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely thought-provoking, Andrea. I loved this series so much. Ms. Parent did a tremendous job of re-imagining and re-creating this story, along with making readers think...and it wasn't really religious. I'm so glad you enjoyed the conclusion to Neima's story as much as I did!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this yet, though I have been curious. I'll have to grab book one and start it sometime. Wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteI have this series on my kindle, as well as her other book Precious Things. I actually got them because I wanted something that a little different to what's out there. Glad to hear that she has a nice writing style, I think that's especially important with difficult topics.
ReplyDeletewow this sounds different, like really different. I don't mind books with religion in it, as long as they are not overall preachy but this sounds like it's not. Just that it's been set in biblical times in itself is not something I see everyday.
ReplyDeleteThis does sound different and I've read books that have religion as a backdrop. Most of the time it doesn't bug me as long as it isn't too preachy. The fact that the main characters are not religious and go through such a gigantic event would be interesting. Great review, Andrea! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat Review! I have to agree with you Andrea. Ms. Parent made a very brave move by publishing a book that is very different, and doesn't fall in to any of the current reading trends. I'm glad that you enjoyed this, and can see what a huge fan that you are of this author!
ReplyDeleteI have seen these books around before, but wasn't sure if they would be for me, but I remember loving The Red Tent! It's nice to see authors take a chance and aim for a different direction that may not be as popular!
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. I think I read one of Parents books a few years ago at your house, actually. I might pick this one up.
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