Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

BookBee8 · 20th December 2008, 02:11

I'm quite surprised there isn't a more recent post about this series, I absolutely love them and I guess I assumed they were more popular then they are? The series is:

Noughts and Crosses
Knife Edge
Checkmate
Double Cross

They're for young adults, I read the first one when I was 13 and still love the entire series now, at 19. I would recommend them a thousand times over, they've got an element of everything and are so thought provoking. For me, they were one of those series that stays with you for a long, long time after you've finished them and can easily be read many times.

Without giving too much away, the first book is the story of Callum and Sephy and I would argue it's first and foremost a tragic romance with serious issues challenging them. Such as, racism and terrorism (or freedom fighters...depending entirely on your perspective).

The rest of the books follow the story of Callum and Sephy and then the narrator changes towards the end (I don't want to say who to, it may spoil the story!).

So, if you're looking for a new series which is as amazing as Twilight (in my opinion) yet deals with issues that are very much present in today's society, then you should buy this. It's amazing

Lollylulu · 20th December 2008, 17:05

Hello BookBee,

Me again! I have read Noughts and Crosses and absolutely loved it. I read it a few years ago, but have not read any of the sequals because I was too scared that I would be disappointed!! I take it that you weren't?

Lolly

BookBee8 · 20th December 2008, 17:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lollylulu

Hello BookBee,

Me again! I have read Noughts and Crosses and absolutely loved it. I read it a few years ago, but have not read any of the sequals because I was too scared that I would be disappointed!! I take it that you weren't?

Lolly

I admit that the first one is my favourite but I often find that with a series of books. That, or the last one

. The other three in the series have a different feel to the first one as there's less focus on the romance side of things. But they're still amazing

lexiepiper · 20th December 2008, 21:09

I'm going to read these in 2009

They sound great

Kate · 31st December 2008, 11:36

Here is my review of Noughts and Crosses:

Synopsis from Amazon:

Sephy is a Cross - a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought - a 'colourless' member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood. But that's as far as it can go. Until the first steps are taken towards more social equality and a limited number of Noughts are allowed into Crosses schools...Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity by Noughts unable to accept the injustices any longer, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum - a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger...

This is one of the best books I have read all year. Blackman writes about race and the trials faced in an unequal society. She writes magnificantly. The story follows Sephy, a black girl whose father holds a lot of power, and Callum, a white boy, 18 months older, whose family have no rights. The reader watches them grow up in this unfair, prejudice society where race is everything and the whites form a militant group, a terrorist group, in hopes to gain some equality. This is an incredibly tough subject to write about, and Blackman does it so well. In some ways it is a horror story, in others a sad tale. Noughts and Crosses has made me stop and think about why people turn to violence, how blessed we are that for the most part we live in a civilised, equal society and ultimately, what I would do in either of their positions.
I loved both characters, Sephy and Callum. I found myself willing them on, hoping for the best, despairing for them, grieving for them. I felt so many emotions during the book, and the ending, well I could cry.
I don't think I have a criticism. Yes sometimes the storyline was a touch predictable, but did that spoil the story? No. Will I be reading the rest of the series? Yes. This is an amazing book, and it is has touched me in many ways.
10/10

Nellie · 31st December 2008, 14:21

I've picked this book up many times in the bookshop, but never actually bought it. I am not sure what is stopping me... I wonder if it appeared a bit too "worthy". I will definitely give it a go now.

*adds to list for 2009*

Nollaig · 31st December 2008, 15:00

Yeah this book is on my list for 2009, though I've never seen it in any shops.

lexiepiper · 31st December 2008, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoxiS.C.

Yeah this book is on my list for 2009, though I've never seen it in any shops.

Me either, I've never heard of this series before I came to this forum

Nollaig · 31st December 2008, 20:56

Me either!!! Where exactly is it hiding?? >=[

BookBee8 · 2nd January 2009, 05:10

Seriously, I came here and expected everyone to be raving about it because in my mind, it's just an incredible series. I have no idea why it isn't more popular, maybe it hasn't had the right promotion? I'm not sure!

Thanks kb.marsh for selling the story so much better than I could

. Yay, I'm glad you guys have added it to your wishlist. Let me know what you think!!

Nollaig · 2nd January 2009, 13:05

Will do!

Cadenza · 7th February 2009, 20:00

I have read Noughts and Crosses, Knife Edge and Checkmate and loved them - the first more than the rest. I am currently struggling through Double Cross. I don't know what it is but it has never really got me hooked. What does everyone else think about the fourth one?

20th December 2008, 02:11	#1
BookBee8 Addicted! Location: Leicester/Midlands Gender: Reading: Dracula - Bram Stoker & We Need To Talk About Kevin - Lionel Shriver Posts: 2,440	Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman I'm quite surprised there isn't a more recent post about this series, I absolutely love them and I guess I assumed they were more popular then they are? The series is: Noughts and Crosses Knife Edge Checkmate Double Cross They're for young adults, I read the first one when I was 13 and still love the entire series now, at 19. I would recommend them a thousand times over, they've got an element of everything and are so thought provoking. For me, they were one of those series that stays with you for a long, long time after you've finished them and can easily be read many times. Without giving too much away, the first book is the story of Callum and Sephy and I would argue it's first and foremost a tragic romance with serious issues challenging them. Such as, racism and terrorism (or freedom fighters...depending entirely on your perspective). The rest of the books follow the story of Callum and Sephy and then the narrator changes towards the end (I don't want to say who to, it may spoil the story!). So, if you're looking for a new series which is as amazing as Twilight (in my opinion) yet deals with issues that are very much present in today's society, then you should buy this. It's amazing

31st December 2008, 11:36	#5
Kate Addicted! BCF Blog Reviewer Location: Brighton Gender: Reading: all the time! Posts: 2,937	Here is my review of Noughts and Crosses: Synopsis from Amazon: Sephy is a Cross - a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought - a 'colourless' member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood. But that's as far as it can go. Until the first steps are taken towards more social equality and a limited number of Noughts are allowed into Crosses schools...Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity by Noughts unable to accept the injustices any longer, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum - a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger... This is one of the best books I have read all year. Blackman writes about race and the trials faced in an unequal society. She writes magnificantly. The story follows Sephy, a black girl whose father holds a lot of power, and Callum, a white boy, 18 months older, whose family have no rights. The reader watches them grow up in this unfair, prejudice society where race is everything and the whites form a militant group, a terrorist group, in hopes to gain some equality. This is an incredibly tough subject to write about, and Blackman does it so well. In some ways it is a horror story, in others a sad tale. Noughts and Crosses has made me stop and think about why people turn to violence, how blessed we are that for the most part we live in a civilised, equal society and ultimately, what I would do in either of their positions. I loved both characters, Sephy and Callum. I found myself willing them on, hoping for the best, despairing for them, grieving for them. I felt so many emotions during the book, and the ending, well I could cry. I don't think I have a criticism. Yes sometimes the storyline was a touch predictable, but did that spoil the story? No. Will I be reading the rest of the series? Yes. This is an amazing book, and it is has touched me in many ways. 10/10 __________________ 2010 Reading 11 TBR: 73 Currently Reading: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle & The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton Listening too: The Professor by Charlotte Bronte Dissertation Reading: Looking Good Dead by Peter James

31st December 2008, 15:00	#7
Nollaig Rock 'N Roll Nerd BCF Blog Reviewer Moderator Location: Ireland. Gender: Reading: Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami /Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - Susanna Clarke Posts: 7,817	Yeah this book is on my list for 2009, though I've never seen it in any shops. __________________ \|From The Gutter At Stars \| "If being human is not simply a matter of being born flesh and blood; if it is instead a way of thinking, acting and feeling, then I am hopeful I will one day discover my own humanity. Until then, I will continue learning, changing, growing, and trying to become more than what I am."

31st December 2008, 20:56	#9
Nollaig Rock 'N Roll Nerd BCF Blog Reviewer Moderator Location: Ireland. Gender: Reading: Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami /Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - Susanna Clarke Posts: 7,817	Me either!!! Where exactly is it hiding?? >=[ __________________ \|From The Gutter At Stars \| "If being human is not simply a matter of being born flesh and blood; if it is instead a way of thinking, acting and feeling, then I am hopeful I will one day discover my own humanity. Until then, I will continue learning, changing, growing, and trying to become more than what I am."

2nd January 2009, 13:05	#11
Nollaig Rock 'N Roll Nerd BCF Blog Reviewer Moderator Location: Ireland. Gender: Reading: Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami /Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - Susanna Clarke Posts: 7,817	Will do! __________________ \|From The Gutter At Stars \| "If being human is not simply a matter of being born flesh and blood; if it is instead a way of thinking, acting and feeling, then I am hopeful I will one day discover my own humanity. Until then, I will continue learning, changing, growing, and trying to become more than what I am."

20th December 2008, 17:05	#2
Lollylulu New Member Gender: Reading: Twilight Posts: 3	Hello BookBee, Me again! I have read Noughts and Crosses and absolutely loved it. I read it a few years ago, but have not read any of the sequals because I was too scared that I would be disappointed!! I take it that you weren't? Lolly

20th December 2008, 21:09	#4
lexiepiper Addicted! Reading Circle Group BCF Blog Reviewer Location: Lincoln, UK Gender: Reading: Harlan Coben - Hold Tight, JK Rowling - HP and the Philosopher's Stone (audiobook) Posts: 5,333	I'm going to read these in 2009 They sound great

31st December 2008, 14:21	#6
Nellie Bookworm Posts: 355	I've picked this book up many times in the bookshop, but never actually bought it. I am not sure what is stopping me... I wonder if it appeared a bit too "worthy". I will definitely give it a go now. adds to list for 2009

2nd January 2009, 05:10	#10
BookBee8 Addicted! Location: Leicester/Midlands Gender: Reading: Dracula - Bram Stoker & We Need To Talk About Kevin - Lionel Shriver Posts: 2,440	Seriously, I came here and expected everyone to be raving about it because in my mind, it's just an incredible series. I have no idea why it isn't more popular, maybe it hasn't had the right promotion? I'm not sure! Thanks kb.marsh for selling the story so much better than I could . Yay, I'm glad you guys have added it to your wishlist. Let me know what you think!!

7th February 2009, 20:00	#12
Cadenza Avid Reader Location: Bucks, UK Gender: Reading: Nefertiti - Michelle Moran Posts: 178	I have read Noughts and Crosses, Knife Edge and Checkmate and loved them - the first more than the rest. I am currently struggling through Double Cross. I don't know what it is but it has never really got me hooked. What does everyone else think about the fourth one? Last edited by Cadenza; 7th February 2009 at 20:04.

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