In a Handful of Dust by Mindy McGinnis [Joint Review]

4 of 5 Robots!

In a Handful of Dush by Mindy McGinnis
Series: Not a Drop to Drink #2
Genre: YA Post-Apocalyptic
Release: September 23, 2014
Hardcover: 384 Pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Julia and Shannon

Book Summary:

In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire’s worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned.

Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.

Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters’ journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they’ve ever known. Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever. 

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia and Shannon's Thoughts:

1. What was your initial impression?

Julia: I really liked Not a Drop to Drink at first and was excited to see the characters older. Though I kept seeing Lynn as an older lady, when she was actually only 27. 
Shannon: I was very excited to continue Lynn and Lucy's story.  And for the most part I was pretty satisfied.  It took an odd turn near the end that put me  off a little.  But still, a pretty decent follow up overall.

2. What was your favorite part?  What was your least favorite part?

Julia: I was initially really excited they were leaving the pond, and just about any part where Lynn is showing off her rifle skills and cold attitude is good for me. My least favorite part is when they hit the town of men... I won't say much about it, except for that I checked out a little at that point. 
Shannon: My favorite part was seeing how much Lynn and Lucy's world had changed in 10 years.  Lynn went from having a completely isolated existence to now being a part of a community of sorts.  But I loved that she remained resolutely herself in that process.  My least favorite part was the same as Julia.  There is a scene near the end where Lynn and Lucy encounter a town that has no women.  It was such a weird scene and didn't seem to fit with the rest of the book.

3. How did this book compare to the first book, Not a Drop to Drink?

Julia: The first book is so character driven and fascinating - but for whatever reason, this one didn't hit home like book one. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, but something about Lucy didn't do it for me. I missed Stebbs!
Shannon: I felt the first book had a better rhythm to it.  It was more concise and contained.  The second book had some parts that really bothered me, such as Carter's fate and some of the people Lucy and Lynn run into it.  I liked this book, I did.  Just not as much as the first.

4. How did you feel about the characters?

Julia: I am not into Lucy's character, but I do love that the main relationship focuses on Lynn and Lucy. Carter, Lucy's love interest is weak and not enthralling in the least bit. Was glad he doesn't have much of a presence. I'm still sad that Stebbs didn't make a big appearance. Lynn is cold and I like it, and I like that her character doesn't waiver or change throughout much.
Shannon: I miss Stebbs a lot in this book.  I've decided he is probably my favorite character.  I love that Lynn does not change though.  She is still as loyal, fierce, protective and mistrustful as ever.  I'm not sure how I felt about Lucy.  I didn't dislike her, but I didn't find her character all that compelling.  And this is totally a sidenote, but I found it annoying that Lynn was referred to as "the older woman" all the time.  She is 27 in this book.  But she is made out to be 57.  Also, everyone that meets Lucy calls her "Little One", which was Stebbs' nickname for her.  It's weird and annoys me for some reason.

5. What would you rate this book?  Would you recommend it?

Julia: I would give this one 4 out of 5 robots. I think it is the perfect ending to Lynn and Lucy's story. You don't need to read the first book to read this one, but I'd suggest it because the first is better... And if you liked the first one, definitely read this one!
Shannon: I also give this 4 out of 5 stars.  I recommend it everyone who read the first book or likes survival stories.

Books in the Series:
1. Not a Drop to Drink
2. In a Handful of Dust

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.