I enjoyed this book.

I really like the dystopian aspect, with Christian morals mixed within.

It reminded me of The Hunger Games and Divergent.

I would recommend this book to any fans of those two series.

The Wall by Brian Penn is a young adult dystopian novel with Christian fiction elements, offering a unique take on the genre. Set in a future where religion, Bibles, and guns are banned, the story follows a society controlled by a leader known as the sultan, who claims to have taken the place of God. The setting and themes draw comparisons to popular dystopian series like The Hunger Games and Divergent, making it an intriguing read for fans of those books.

The novel explores themes of sacrifice and faith, posing questions about trust in oneself versus trust in a higher power. While the religious tones may be too strong for some readers, they add depth to the story and provide a fresh perspective in the young adult genre.

In the vast universe of literature, where each book is like its own world, we readers often embark on journeys with high hopes, only to find ourselves disappointed. "The Wall" by Brian Penn was a book like that for me. It promised to be such an expedition at first, offering a premise that really piqued my interest. But somewhere down the line, the expectation didn’t meet reality.

In fact, “The Wall” (regrettably) didn’t hold my attention beyond the 14% mark. So, with a somewhat heavy heart, I’m going to be sharing my candid thoughts on “The Wall” in this review post. I received an ARC copy of "The Wall" via Netgalley, but all thoughts are my own.

*a summary*

"The Wall" by Brian Penn is an engrossing dystopian novel that has garnered attention for its unique storyline, gripping narrative, and thematic depth. Set in the year 2099, the story unfolds in a divided world where a massive wall separates the affluent state of Zion from the impoverished MiddleLand. Asher, the protagonist, is a low-class citizen or 'Dreck', caught in the cruel machinations of a tyrannical ruler. His journey is marked by loss, love, and the quest for rebellion against a system that uses human lives for the recreation of those who have previously lived.

*the “worldbuilding”*

The worldbuilding of "The Wall" was like a puzzle with missing pieces. Vague landscapes and shadowy figures that never fully materialized left me groping for a sense of place. The foundation of a vast, intriguing universe was there, but it felt like staring at a map with no legend.

Why? Well, for one, the descriptions felt superficial, leaving me yearning for the depth and detail that transform settings into characters in their own right. This world, which should have been the stage for a compelling tale, instead felt like a backdrop hastily sketched and forgotten.

*the pacing (too slow for my taste)*

Each page turn felt like wading through a marsh. At 14%, a number that now feels oddly precise in my memory, I couldn't take it anymore. This aspect of pacing is significant because it can impact the reader's engagement with the story.

Slow pacing in a novel, especially in the dystopian genre, can result in varied reader experiences. For some people, the slow sections offered deeper insights into the characters' internal worlds, societal structures, or thematic explorations, enriching the narrative depth. But for me, these slower moments might detracted from the momentum of the plot.

For readers like me who are primarily attracted to dystopian novels for their action-packed narratives and fast-moving plots, these periods of slow pacing were hurdles to our reading enjoyment.

*the silver linings*

It's only fair to acknowledge the fleeting sparks of brilliance that illuminated the path. "The Wall" might still hold allure for others. Penn's narrative voice and the premise itself carry a certain charm, hinting at potential that could resonate with readers more patient than I. Those drawn to explorations of themes perhaps more subtly woven through the tapestry of the tale might find what I could not.

*conclusion*

In conclusion, "The Wall" by Brian Penn, despite its promising concept and ambitious thematic goals, was not a match for my literary tastes. Others may find value in its pages, uncovering layers and messages that eluded me in my brief journey. However, for those who share my preferences for dynamic characters, swift pacing, and compelling storytelling, this book might not be the first recommendation I'd make.

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Post Date: February 17, 2024
Blog url: https://www.pagesofperfiction.com/
Review link: https://www.pagesofperfiction.com/2024/03/the-wall-by-brian-penn-why-i-dnfed-this.html

A novel that is following America having been divided with one section of society behind a wall. One boy, Asher,who is stuck behind the wall is determined on finding a way out so he can be with his fiancée who is on the other side.

Asher's uncle offers him an opportunity to cross the wall if he impersonates a Zion soldier and risks his life in the Canonization, a brutal gladiator fight against a champion who has never lost. But defeating an unbeatable opponent and reuniting with his one true love is only the beginning. Can Asher defeat this foe along with convincing everyone else is a Zion solider to gain the hand of his love?

A rather good dystopian story but it needs some editing as was at times more a tell not show story, with a number spelling mistakes too. Also there was a hint once of something coming undone with a name being used but nothing came of it, or revelation later going 'ah ha l knew'.

I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.

While the set up here is pretty standard, it's a rich and deeply developed novel. The plot is multilayered so it keeps interest. THe characters are a bit old for a teen novel, so I'd recommend it more for an older audience.

This is a dystopian Christian novel and I was very interested in reading this when I was provided with a free download by NetGalley.

Overall, it's an interesting take and I did enjoy reading it. It has a lot of great potential, but I had a few concerns.

First, I think the book would have done better as a trilogy and with a lot more development of the characters and the world they lived in. I think the author tried to tell the entire story in one go and events and the world really just needed more room to breathe--and I would have read the whole trilogy to see what happened to this world and the love story!

Second, it needed editing. I found myself irritated as I constantly stumbled across errors that seemed as though the story had been dictated and the typist or computer chose the wrong word (breaks/brakes, vile/vial, hostile/hostel, who's/whose, feint/faint, ladder/latter, shutters/shudders, sowing/sewing...I could go on.).

I did like the story and I hope that this book gets a good round of editing prior to print because it was a good story and interesting world and I think Christian fans of dystopian novels would enjoy this read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing a digital copy of this story for an honest review.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Brian Penn and BooksGoSocial for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

2,5 ⭐ - it's an ok distopian novel, if you like reading futuristic novels. This is the one for you. I found the plot predictable with barely any surprises.

The United States of America is ina civil war.There is a wall dividing the rich and the slums. Asher lives in the slums, called Middleland. His fiance is on the other side. He stops at nothing to get to her.

I did enjoy the storyline of the post apocoliptic type situation. However, I couldn'y connect with the two main characters. I rarely do not finish a book, but this one I had to move on.

I really enjoyed the futuristic elements to this book, it had a great overall feel to it and worked with story being told. The characters were everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed the adventure elements going on through this story. I enjoyed the way Brian Penn wrote this and can’t wait for more.

A dystopian YA book, this hit all the nods of your standard futuristic downtrodden vs the elite. Was a pretty easy read, it didn’t go into as much depth as I’d like. The two main characters seemed to be all about each other and we don’t know anything else about them.

Glad I read it though, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the book.

What’s not to love? If has all of the ingredients for a great story: dystopian coming of age, an unlikely underdog, forbidden love, a dastardly charming villain and a God, who overcomes odds. I might have a bone to pick with the author about his chosen ending. I can’t say I liked it. He did say in his author’s notes that it should be a trilogy, so I might forgive him, might. This is a great action adventure that should appeal to guys and gals alike. Definitely has some good kernels of truth that might cause you to ponder more than the average fiction.

It's an ok book, I would give it 2.8 stars if it was possible. The dystopian world is interesting, though world building very fast and somehow lacking.

Little to no character development, with no character particularly interesting.

The plot is very predictable with no surprises.

Thanks to NetGalley and booksgosocial for my first read of the year. This dystopian science fiction is based in the year 2099 when the technology has been invented so that people get a second chance at life - if they die, they can be brought back to life. But this technology is available to only the privileged. The rest of the populace are made to live like vermins and kept alive only to serve the needs of the rich. They are caged within an electric wall with no ocean borders. In such a world, a boy from the downtrodden falls in love with any elite girl. Will their love survive? Will they be able to fight the system in order to claim their life together, and more importantly, the lives of the downtrodden?

This book got me hooked from the very first page. It is written in a simple way which is easy to read, and so can be completed fast. The book is medium paced, just the way I like it. The main characters are lovable, and the author was able to get me involved in their cause. I also liked the supporting set of characters, especially Cephas and Kenan. I especially liked there portrayal of the leader of the elites, the villain. The author added enough grey to his character to make him more human, and to show that no man is all evil, but his misplaced purposes can make him so. The conversations throughout the book were poignant. The world building was well thought out and adequate.

I was a bit put off by the Christian themes in the story, though. Moreover, many of the achievements of the main characters seemed just to easy. I felt some parts could have been described in more details, like the canonization trials. I also wasn't a fan of the ending. I realise it was supposed to make the story more poignant, but for me it ended up reading a bit hollow.

With all these pros and cons, I still liked the story and will recommend it to all fans of Dystopian novels.

Perfectly fine YA novel that hit all the standard tropes. Wouldn’t recommend to anyone other than YA readers.

Striving for excellency and yet the establishment of the steps to obtain the success of those measure speak gratitude of greatness!

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review**

I wanted to like this book, I really did. The premise sounded interesting (Hunger Games / Divergent vibes) and the cover was beautiful. There were some excellent parts with exciting action and beautiful writing.

However...

- the gushing, lovey dovey, over-descriptive sections were saccharine sweet
- the vocabulary choices were jarring at times - e.g. "behooves" & "opines"
- the whole thing needed a grammar check - who's / whose, vial / vile & break / brake were all used incorrectly
- the religious tones were overbearing and there were too many occasions were the plot relied on an impossible situation being resolved through prayer and something immediately happening to save the day

A good redraft would fix a lot of these problems and I hope it happens because there is a lot of promise. I just don't think it's ready for punlication yet.

The Wall is a young adult dystopian Christian fiction novel. Yes, you read that right--this is a Christian fiction for young adults. and if you have someone who loves books like The Hunger Games and Divergent--well, this is going to be a great book for them to explore.

It takes place in the future. Around the year 2099 I believe. Bibles have been banned. Guns have been banned. Religion has been banned--the leader (the sultan) wanting all to believe he has taken the place of God because of the creation of second life. He will take care of everyone now.

You feel the factions aspect from Divergent-- especially with the wall. And it's Hunger Games oriented as the rich are doing it to protect everyone from themselves. And Middle Americas screams District 12.

This is a tale of sacrifice. How far will you go to do what is right? do you trust in yourself or in God and His power? As I said earlier, it is unmistakably Christian fiction and this is really needed for the young adult genre. There is enough excitement to enjoy a rousing adventure. I also enjoyed the nods to the 1980s.

I felt there were a few inconsistencies but considering it's young adult fiction I don't think it's that big of a deal.

4 stars for the genre.

*I was given a copy of this as an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. i was not required to give a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own.

In the not-so-distant future, the United States is in the middle of another civil war. Technology has now made it possible to give people a second life and there is a wall that separates the rich from the poor. Asher is a smuggler who wants to find a way out. His chance has come; he must pretend to be a Zion soldier and beat an undefeated gladiator. Will Asher become united with his love? What lies will be uncovered?

The Wall is listed as a stand-alone dystopian novel in Goodreads, but the author’s note at the end tells readers it will be a trilogy. This short book is action-packed and full of twists and turns. I can’t say it is on par with some of the other great dystopian novels released recently, but for a freshman novel, it was good. A firm choice if you just want a quick escape read.

This was a brilliantly executed dystopian novel that was well-developed and deeply layer. The pacing itself was slightly off towards the end but this is a great read for fans of these types of novels.

Based on the information I wasn’t expecting a deeply Christian based dystopian Romeo and Juliet type novel. I found the book to be a decent story. I think that the author and publisher might want to market this as more Christian lit vs a dystopian novel.
Nonetheless, it kept my attention and didn’t strictly fit with the Romeo and Juliet story arc so I was entertained.