The Bottle Stopper: Volume 1 (The Paper Duchess) Paperback – 2 Dec. 2015

I love how this is a story about one tiny action causing huge ripples across society. It's a slowly unfolding tale which can be at times both frustrating and fascinating to read, as we know more than the characters and just have to wait for them to catch up. There are a lot of characters here, but this doesn't dilute the plot as it might do in a less skilled writer's hands. Each little vignette of life in Falside gives flavour to the world described, as well as reinforcing the butterfly effect message.Maeve herself is a darkly curious character, constructed with a hint of apathy that somehow doesn't make her unpalatable. She's raw, angry, full of simmering-beneath-the-surface tension that's barely held in check by her conscience. Even though I felt her friendship with Topley could have been better explored, you could feel her desperation to be liked.The world setting is one of a grim future-dystopia that's refreshingly old European in style. You can't fail to make the Handmaid's Tale connection - it's a society based on the necessity of protecting women to maximise an unusually low birth rate. Women of high social status are tagged and forced into marriages, the birth of a child (particularly female) is publicly celebrated, women are forbidden from things ranging from wearing trousers, buying "treats" or having same-sex relationships. However Falside is not deeply religious (not if the monks are anything to go by), the lower classes are free to do as they please procreation-wise, and what's happening beyond the city walls... Well, no one's sure. There are some holes in the logic here and there but it's an interesting world which will hopefully be expanded upon later in the series and answer some questions. The writing is solid throughout, and never strays too far into the nastier aspect of the world.A disquieting read, but one well worth a go if you like your teenage dystopian rebel to be more brain and less adrenaline (and/or hormone) fueled brawn. While it might not be perfect, I'm so curious to know what will become of Maeve and the resistance that I've already got hold of the rest of the series.

Stuck in the middle of a sitation, not of her own making, Maeve is forced to take action to create a better life for herself. Along the way, she discovers a lot of truths about her family, that she takes all in her stride. Because what else can you do, when you are just trying to survive?Full of incredibly well thought-out plot, characters that make you want to punch, hug, or gather in the bar and to drink with them, based in a world, that makes you almost smell what it's like to be there, this book is just simply flowing with allsorts of creativity, and ideas that make it a real page-turner.If you like dystopian books, that stand up for womens rights, and an unlikely hero, then you will absolutely love this book.

This is the first work I have read by this author, and I am impressed. This dark, dystopian tale introduces us to the characters who will be in the trilogy.This is mostly Maeve's story, and it's not a pretty one. Maeve lives with her uncle who abuses her violently on a daily basis. There are lots of questions raised whilst you are reading, such as 'where are her parents?' and 'why on earth was she left with such a man?'. I don't want to say anything else or I will spoil the story, but do not underestimate Maeve or indeed any of the other characters.There are quite a few characters in this first outing, but they all have their place, and we will, no doubt, hear all of their stories in time. Loved this!

Book one of this series gives a disturbing glimpse into a future world where women are tightly controlled. It seems to be a world of extremes and hypocrisy with quite odd characters.Maeve is intriguing with a definite dark side, her origins and possible genetic make-up a mystery.The world is cruel, strict and steeped in poverty, though only part of it has been explored as yet. There is a curious mix of technology and Victorian England, which, I assume, is a result of some catastrophe.Reasonably well written, if a little jerky and confusing at times…losing the flow. I was intrigued, however, and will probably read more when funds allow.Thought-provoking for sure.

Maeve is living a life of hardship and cruelty at the hands of her uncle. She has lived with him ever since the authorities took her mother away when she was a young child. As his violence towards her gets worse, she begins to put into action, a poisonous plan to get her revenge and escape. Uncle Lou is an evil piece of work who deserves what he gets in the story.There are quite a large number of characters in this book, but they are all needed, serve a purpose and are well developed. This is a well written dystopian thriller, and although fictional, does make you wonder how much control governments will have over people in the future. I am pleased to see that this is the first in a series, as I'd like to know what happens next to Maeve and the Paper Duchess.A chilling vision of a possible future. I enjoyed this so much I've also purchased Cutting the Bloodline by the same author.

This is a story which lures you in. The author lets it unfold in its own time. There is no rush.A dystopian future zooms its focus onto one girl who's turning 18; Maeve. She's physically abused by her uncle, leaving her black and blue and desperately seeking a way out of the slums.Women are scarce, and yet become a controlled commodity. Times are bleak indeed. But there is yet hope.There is somehow a touch of Chaucer in here. Don't even ask me how. Just a vibe I get. Maybe it's the monk? Or the storytelling?This is a brilliant start to a series. No qualms in recommending it at all.Great character and world building.

Brilliant writing. Was totally inmersed in her world and characters. Finished rather suddenly but as it's a series I guess mauve's story will continue. I'll certainly be reading the next one.

I really enjoyed reading this book! I couldn't put it down! I can not wait to read the next one!!!