Book Review: The Long Weekend

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.

–From Goodreads

Cover Inspection:
Isn’t this the most foreboding cover you’ve ever seen? Phew. It sends shivers up my spine.

First Thoughts:
Poor poor Lloyd and Sam…

***

My Review:
The highest compliment I can give Savita Kalhan’s book? The Long Weekend made my skin crawl. I’m not generally easily affected by books or movies, but this book had me literally sitting on the edge of the couch and reading with terrified fervor. There is so much pent up action in this book, so much well-written suspense, that you will absolutely not be able to put this book down. If you pick it up, prepare to throw yourself in for the long haul! It’s going to be hard for me to review this book without being vague, so pardon me. I don’t want to give anything away that you need to experience for yourself!

Sam and Lloyd are our main characters, and I fell into step with them as soon as I started reading. Kalhan builds two amazingly vivid characters that will capture your attention and make you feel for them. Trust me, I was rooting for the two of them so hard that if they had been real, chances are I would have jumped in to save them. Watching these two young boys deal with such a terrifying experience in two entirely different ways was so tough, but so intriguing. I throughly enjoyed how Kalhan shows their bravery, but remains true to their age by showing their scared sides and weaknesses as well.

What I really liked was how much Sam changed throughout the book. As an 11 year old boy, he starts out the story kind of just tagging along behind his friend. He doesn’t seem to be that confident in himself. However as the story progresses, we see Sam grow into a much older character. The need to survive creates a brand new person who, quite honestly, I was extremely impressed with. The Sam that we are given at the end of the book is a much different, much more grown up Sam.

Reader be warned, although the characters in this book are young, this is not a book for the faint of heart. There isn’t anything in it that is outrightly inappropriate for a younger reader, but there is enough illusion to it to make it uncomfortable. On top of that, as I mentioned above, this book is fast paced and at times extremely tough to read. I’d recommend that parents screen the book for younger readers, or read it with them so you can talk about it together.

Honestly, I loved every suspenseful and action filled minute of The Long Weekend. It is hands down one of my favorite books of this year so far! Sam and Lloyd, you have my heart boys. I can’t wait to sing this book’s praises around my circle of friends.

Book Details
Title: The Long Weekend
Author: Savita Kalhan
Publisher: Andersen Press Ltd.
Pages: Paperback; 192
Source: Received for promotional tour.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.


Final Rating: 5 Keys to My Heart