Review: The Invasion by Peadar O'Guilin

Publisher: David Fickling Books
Publication Date: March 2018
Source: Purchased
Series: Greylands Book 2 (Book 1 Review)

[ Goodreads ]           [ Book Depository ]

Blurb: 
After so much danger, Nessa and Anto can finally dream of a happy life. But the terrible attack on their school has created a witch-hunt for traitors -- boys and girls who survived the Call only by making deals with the enemy. To the authorities, Nessa's guilt is obvious. Her punishment is to be sent back to the nightmare of the Grey Land for the rest of her life. The Sídhe are waiting, and they have a very special fate planned for her.

Meanwhile, with the help of a real traitor, the enemy come pouring into Ireland at the head of a terrifying army. Every human they capture becomes a weapon. Anto and the last students of his old school must find a way to strike a blow at the invaders before they lose their lives, or even worse, their minds. But with every moment Anto is confronted with more evidence of Nessa's guilt.

For Nessa, the thought of seeing Anto again is the only thing keeping her alive. But if she escapes, and if she can find him, surely he is duty-bound to kill her... 

 So if you haven't read the first book in this series, The Call, you should stop reading this blog post right now and go read it - then come back!

This series takes place in an Ireland unlike the Ireland we know now. After a civil war between the Irish population and fae-like creatures called the Sidhe, Ireland has now been cut off from the rest of the world. After losing the war, the Sidhe now punish the population by "calling" teenagers to their banished land, the Greylands, where they revel in torturing them. 

This series is absolutely breathtaking. For a series that is only 2 books long, it packs a punch that would take other series 6-10 books! The characters are completely three dimensional, the writing style is gripping with a masterfully told story. Heart-pounding action and expertly told horror. Perfect reading for Halloween. 



The characters in The Invasion are coming to terms with the fallout of the ending of The Call. Our characters think they can now get their lives back on track, but then The Invasion of the Sidhe begins. I felt like this book explored so much more of Anto's character than e had ever gotten to see before. Although the books feature many POV's - usually short chapters from other characters when they are being called, I felt like the first book focused mostly on Nessa whereas this one focused more on Anto I felt.
I really enjoyed exploring more of Anto's character, and thought it was so refreshing to read about how he felt he more dependent on Nessa, whereas in most YA books its more often portrayed as the girl being more dependent on the boyfriend. I really loved his character arc, he went completely in one direction and then another and it was so very well written. His exploration of his own wants and morality, what he was willing to do to survive was also really well written. 
I felt like Nessa did not progress much as a character in this novel. Although she already is one of the strongest characters I've ever read already. I think I would have liked more character development, more soul searching journey from her, but still very much enjoyed her story-line too. 

Another aspect the series portrays so well is war. This novel especially shows the all encompassing aspects and effects of war on population- both the attackers and attacked. From the kids perspective to the teaches, the protectors, army, prisoners of war camps, human experimentation to soldier PTSD. All was so well written. It was clear that O'Guilin had nailed his research into the trauma of war, which was palpable throughout the novel. This heavy atmosphere of unrest and constantly being hurt and alert. 

Although I really enjoyed the novel, I did feel myself distancing from it a little. I didn't connect as much to this novel as I did the first and I'm not sure why. I think it may be due to the fact that I felt the novel could have been longer. There was certain aspects that could've been delved into much more deeply and other parts which could have been glossed over. There was definitely much more of the "Sidhe-return" from their perspective which I would have loved to read. 
I felt the ending was a little bittersweet- a flicker of hope. A little left to the imagination. Although the more I reflect on the ending, the more I am glad that the author chose this route. 

The most gory, heart pounding and thrilling series. Also a wonderful example of Irish YA. Perfect for Halloween reading, but also perfect any other time of year..just please read this series so I can have someone else to gush over it with!