Book Review: The Headhunter's Race

Title: The Headhunter's Race

Author: Kimberly Afe

Genre: YA Fantasy/Adventure

Book Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Avene was sentenced to prison at thirteen for a crime she didn't commit. Now she has a chance to win her freedom back – if she enters the Headhunters Race. Second prize isn't so bad either, an upgrade to the Leisure Prison if you make it to the finish line. To win either prize, Avene and the other prisoners must navigate one hundred and fifty miles of dense forest, desert, and worst of all, cannibal territory.

With a mechanical collar timed to strangle the prisoners if they're not back in nine days, Avene allies herself with seventeen-year-old McCoy, another prisoner that insists on helping her at every turn and a boy she's trying hard not to fall for. Together they battle nature, other prisoners, and the timed death collars to win the coveted prize. But when Avene is tested with one deadly conflict after another, she realizes there is more at stake than winning her freedom – first she has to survive.

Review:

This book was a decent, quick read, clocking in at slightly over 150 pages. For some reason, I had really high expectations for The Headhunter's Race, mostly because the synopsis sounded wicked good and right up my alley. 

Don't get me wrong--I'm not saying this book was a bad read; it just wasn't really what I was expecting. Let's start off with the main character, Avene, shall we?

Theoretically, I should really enjoy Avene's character. And I liked her for most part--she wasn't annoying and she helped others when she could. But I just couldn't connect  with her, you know what I'm saying?

Alright, moving along to the plot. I found the plot to be pretty unique--I've never read a book in which cannibals play a rather major role in the plot. I also wished the book was a little bit longer since some aspects of the plot (*cough cough* the romance) seemed a bit rushed. It would've been nice to have a bit of a more build up between the relationship between McCoy and Avene. Also, parts of the book was pretty predictable ***Spoiler Alert*** Supposedly McCoy was supposed to betray Avene and turn her in to the King at the end to gain his freedom, however I knew he never had planned that in his mind, despite what Avene thinks.

***Spoiler Free Zone***

One of my favorite parts of the novel was the plot twist at the very end.

Final thoughts: It was a fun read, but I probably won't reread this book again. I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a light fantasy/adventure novel.

Rating: