Jill Williamson’s Outcasts

About

In Outcasts, the second book in Jill Williamson’s Safe Lands series, Levi finds himself not only the leader of Glenrock’s remaining people but also the head of a new rebel force called the Messengers, intent on unmasking the Safe Lands’ lies. At the same time, Mason uncovers secrets that may be more dangerous than he ever imagined. Meanwhile, Omar decides to take matters into his own hands.

Review

I will readily admit that Captives (the first book in the series) only really pulled me in towards the end of the novel. But I shouldn’t have doubted, because I inevitably end up loving anything that Ms. Williamson writes. I was thoroughly engrossed with Outcasts. Outcasts has quite a list of things going on, but here’s the skinny:

Mason is my favorite. He’s so logical it’s endearing. The way he thinks, acts, responds, etc., is funny. And yet, he’s such a trustworthy narrator. If Mason says it’s true, than it is. There is a person in the book that will probably make you vacillate in regards to whether they can be trusted. But I think Mason handles the situation as well as he can. In this book, you get more of him and Ciddah together and the way he is with her is priceless. More Mason, please!

Levi is beginning to grow on me in this series. In the first one, he was all action, no real thoughts. In this one, you begin to see where he is coming from, and more importantly how he will one day be a fine elder of Glenrock. He also manages to stumble across a revelation that is fairly surprising.

Omar (the one who made me cringe in book one) is still struggling to find himself and yet, he manages to become such a likeable character in this one. The things he does in this book, I think, are so very similar to how people are today. They want to do right, but find themselves caught up in this strange cycle of wrong. And let’s not forget, Omar gets some unplanned news of his own that, I think, really adds some great tension in the book. Omar, though, is the one who will surprise you the most. He’s the one to watch.

Spiritually, this book gives you several points of view about the way to treat the world around you. Our would is clearly not their dystopian world, but you will find similarities and it will remind you to make sure that you take a stand for righteousness.

Overall, I couldn’t put this book down. I have even reread my favorite parts several times. The only thing that made me happy when it ended ( and what an ending!) is that the next one comes out this year!

Romantic Scale: 8