The Long Way Home

I realize that I just posted my review of the first book in this series, The Last Thing I Remember, but I have now finished the second book, The Long Way Home. I am equally impressed with this sequel. Much like the first book, it is filled with action from the opening pages to the closing scene. Like the first book, it cuts off with a resolution to some of Charlie West's problems, but opens the door for a whole new set of complications.

The book is written in the same way as the first as well. The story continues to be told in first person, which clues the reader in on the fact that no matter how bad the situation looks, Charlie will somehow survive. However, with two groups of people on his tail (the Homelanders and the police), we are not promised that he will escape from either of their clutches. The possibility of him being constrained to another room by the Homelanders or thrown back into prison by the police still looms throughout this entire novel.

But the story changes in many ways as well. For instance, readers continue to learn about Charlie's past, even gaining insight into what happened in that year that Charlie lost. Even when Charlie himself cannot remember things that happened within that year, he is told some of the crucial details that he is missing. But how does he find this information out? That is where the setting of this story comes into play. Whereas the first book focused on Charlie always being on the run (from both the Homelanders and the police), this book shows him in more seclusion. He heads home to search for answers, answers about that missing year, and in the process he has the opportunity to reconnect with many of his friends. But that brings on more danger for him and his friends. In the end, Charlie discovers that it is too dangerous for them to be together, and he finds himself on the run yet again.

I am doing my best not to give away too much of the plot in case you do decide to pick up these two books. There are so many details that I have purposefully left out of both posts. But if you like a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing as it throws multiple twists into the story, then this series may be what you are looking for. Remember that these books are written for young adults, and Charlie is only 18. But do not let that deter you from seeing what The Homelanders Series is all about. You have 8 months to read these 2 books, because in November, The Truth of the Matter will be released. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Matt