Title: The Long Weekend
Author: Savita Kalhan
Pages: 180
Publisher: Anderson Press
Release Date: October 2nd 2008
Source: Blog Tour
Sam knows that he and his friend Lloyd made a colossal mistake when they accepted the ride home. They have ended up in a dark mansion in the middle of nowhere with man who means to harm them. But Sam doesn't know how to get them out. They were trapped, then separated. Now they are alone. Will either of them get out alive? This gripping and hypnotic thriller will have you reading late into the night.
The book address really important issues about child abduction and the risks of getting into a strangers car. It may not be heavily addressed but it definitely brings awareness to such a serious issue.
I thought the friendship between Sam and Lloyd was lovely. You could really see that Sam cared for Lloyd and he put himself in danger to protect him. For an 11 year old I think that is incredibly courageous.
Despite the young teenage voice (which was done very well) I almost forgot how young they were because of their bravery and determination. Sam especially acts beyond his years whilst Lloyd lost a few. I think this was really effective as it shows how traumatic situations can affect people differently.
The book started off very slow and I felt it remained that way for most of the book. The last third of the book picked up pace and I was really enthralled but it definitely took a lot of staying power to continue to that point.
I didn't find the book too scary though I see how it could be for younger readers which is who it is targeted towards. I found the concept a lot more creepy that the book itself.
I did like the ending. Some of it was rather unrealistic but I loved the last chapter and how it closed the book. It concluded it nicely and felt very real.
I did enjoy this book but I personally don't feel it was the book for me. If you like thriller type books then this is probably a book for you! I know a lot of people who have loved it so don't be put off by me necessarily.
I read this one and I liked, but not loved, it. I agree with you that the concept was more creepy than the actual story and that the description of how fear can influence people in different ways was very good. Though I am pretty sure Lloyd experienced his capture in a different way to Sam, so I found it understandable that Lloyd acted the way he did.
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