BOOK REVIEW

Title: Battle Royale

Author: Koushun Takami

Genre/s: Dystopian, thriller, horror, alternative history

My rating: ★★★★★

My review: Battle Royale is definitely the perfect definition for “hard to put down” book. Having read the blurb of the book, I was a little worried that it might be too horrifying but at the same time I was intrigued by it. 

The story takes place in an alternative Japan, but a Japan that’s way different than Earth’s. The alternative Japan is called “Republic of Greater East Asia”, ruled by a ruthless and fascists totalitarian government.

Every year, a third year high school class will involuntary participate in the “Program”. The Program is officially a military research project designed to create such fear and paranoia among the population that they will never revolt against the government. In the Program, all kids must kill each other until there is only one student left.

I thought this book would focus only on the killing of the students. But it was more than that. It also showed their backgrounds, thoughts, and how they’re going with the game. I really loved how every character was showed in this novel. They all had their parts and everyone of them had their thoughts written down. I would prefer reading a first-person novel but this book was an exception.

I just absolutely love this book! I adore it, I love it, I was and still am hooked to it. One of the best books I’ve read ever, hands down.

Overall, Battle Royale is gore, interesting, bloody, just the way it should be, and a book that will keep you up all night with a chill on your spine.

-Roma