Book Review: Red Hill by Jamie McGuire

Add to Goo dreads

Red Hill
By Jamie McGuire
Pub: Oct. 1, 2013
Publisher:  Atria Books
Source:  Publisher

GR's Summary:

When the world ends, can love survive?

For Scarlet, raising her two daughters alone makes fighting for tomorrow an everyday battle. Nathan has a wife, but can’t remember what it’s like to be in love; only his young daughter Zoe makes coming home worthwhile. Miranda’s biggest concern is whether her new VW Bug is big enough to carry her sister and their boyfriends on a weekend escape from college finals.

When reports of a widespread, deadly “outbreak” begin to surface, these ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances and suddenly their fates are intertwined. Recognizing they can’t outrun the danger, Scarlet, Nathan, and Miranda desperately seek shelter at the same secluded ranch, Red Hill. Emotions run high while old and new relationships are tested in the face of a terrifying enemy—an enemy who no longer remembers what it’s like to be human.

Set against the backdrop of a brilliantly realized apocalyptic world, love somehow finds a way to survive. But what happens when the one you’d die for becomes the one who could destroy you?

Red Hill grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go until its stunning conclusion. This is #1 New York Times bestselling author Jamie McGuire at her unforgettable best.

My Thoughts:

Red Hill by Jamie McGuire was an eerily creepy, fast-paced, and fascinating read.  I have read Ms. McGuire's Beautiful Series, and it was one of my absolute favorite New Adult Series'.  Red Hill is completely different in every way possible from the Beautiful series, with the exception of Ms. McGuire's amazing writing.  Even though I was looking forward to and expecting it to have a lot of romance, there was in fact very little.  The few love scenes that it did have were very brief and not explicit in nature.  

Red Hill is told from the various viewpoints of Scarlet, a mother searching for her two children, Nathan, a single father, and Miranda, a college student.  In each view point, we are introduced to even more characters, and initially I was worried that too many characters would not give the story enough depth and that I would have trouble remembering everyone introduced.  However, I am happy to say, that Ms. McGuire seamlessly wrote each viewpoint into the story to intersect at various points, and then, at one point, all of the main characters came together.  I had no problem keeping track of the characters or plot and admire the fact that Ms. McGuire could write such an intricate story, with well developed main characters and a plot line that constantly kept my attention with all of the plot twists and surprises.  

I am a huge fan of post apocalyptic stories.  I enjoy zombie stories, but they have to seem realistic and not be overly dramatic or cheesy.  I would have liked a little more of a background explanation and details about how the "walking dead" came about.  However, from the very beginning of the story, I found myself completely drawn in.  I loved most of the characters.  Scarlet was such an independent, strong, caring, and compassionate woman.  I connected with her plight as a mother, in need to make sure that her children were safe.  Nathan was a gentle soul.  He was such an amazing father and I loved how devoted he was to his little girl, Zoe.  It was hinted that his daughter had special needs and he was so patient and loving with her.  His wife was such a horrible and selfish woman that didn't deserve him.  At the beginning of the story he seemed dejected and broken down, but I loved watching him grow as a happier and more assertive character. His brother in law, Skeeter, was one tough and loyal guy.  He loved with all of his heart, and would do anything to protect those that he loved, as well as anyone in need.

Miranda and her long term boyfriend Bryce, as well as her younger sister, Ashley and her boyfriend Cooper, were on there way to spend the weekend with their father at Red Hill when the epidemic hit.  Miranda was a strong character and Bryce was such a good guy.  However, Ashley irritated me throughout most of the story, because she was self-centered and was constantly whining or complaining about something.  Along the way, they picked up Joey, a young man just out of the military.  He was a real asset to the team and I loved his character.  I loved seeing all of these characters connect with one another.  It was interesting seeing how Ms. McGuire had all of their lives intersect and converge.  The post apocalypse affected everyone in different ways.  Relationships changed, characters grew from their hardships, team work was essential, and through it all, one constant remained; hope for a better and brighter future.  

My Rating:

If you are in the mood for an entertaining, suspenseful, and action packed story filled with horror and surprises, read, Red Hill, by Jamie McGuire!  The ending of the story shocked me!  I'm so happy that this story was not predictable, nor did it feel contrived or convenient.  It was fast paced, and was eerily realistic, and as I imagine the end of the world would be like.  Ms. McGuire captured and portrayed the constant fear, survival instinct, and everyday challenges, that her characters faced on a daily basis.  As a mother, I was able to relate to the constant fear and pain that Scarlet faced dealing with the fact that she did not know if her children were dead or alive, as well as what Nathan faced, trying to protect his young daughter Zoe.  This story would make an excellent movie for the big screen.  I give, Red Hill, by Jamie McGuire, 4 Fast Paced, Horror-Filled, Surprising, On the Edge of Your Seat Stars!  If you enjoy books from the Post-Apocalyptic Genre, read this one!!!!

My Favorite Quotes:

"At that point, we'd all seen the dead walking, but to witness someone's death and then watch--or hear--them reanimate was something entirely different.  A person could go from someone you trusted and loved to an animal waiting to eat you alive."  (eARC, Loc. 2194)

~Miranda

"It's easy to forget that our lives before weren't a dream.  This isn't the reality, how we're meant to live, or who we are.  The people we were seven days ago...that is who we are, and Scarlet remembering Dana when she was alive makes that true."  (eARC, Loc. 3163)

~Joey

"We lived in a strange new world, where even relationships required a new understanding."  (eARC, Loc. 4462)

~Scarlet

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

About Jamie McGuire:

Jamie McGuire was born in Tulsa, OK. She attended the Northern Oklahoma College, the University of Central Oklahoma, and Autry Technology Center where she graduated with a degree in Radiography.

Her 2012 novel, Walking Disaster debuted at #1 on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. She has also written bestselling contemporary romance Beautiful Disaster, and the Providence series. Her latest books include an apocalyptic thriller, Red Hill and a novella, A Beautiful Wedding.

Jamie now lives in Enid, OK with her three children and husband Jeff, who is a real, live cowboy. They share their 30 acres with six horses, three dogs, and Rooster the cat.

Website |  Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter