REVIEW: The Rain (The Rain #1) by Virginia Bergin

The Rain by Virginia Bergin
Series: The Rain #1
Published by Macmillan Children's Books on 17th July 2014
Pages: 384
Source: *Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

It's in the rain...and just one drop will kill you.

They don't believe it at first. Crowded in Zach's kitchen, Ruby and the rest of the partygoers laugh at Zach's parents' frenzied push to get them all inside as it starts to drizzle. But then the radio comes on with the warning, "It's in the rain! It's fatal, it's contagious, and there's no cure."

Two weeks later, Ruby is alone. Anyone who's been touched by rain or washed their hands with tap water is dead. The only drinkable water is quickly running out. Ruby's only chance for survival is a treacherous hike across the country to find her father-if he's even still alive.

This novel at points I loved but then would drastically turn to loath. I am a big fan of the cover, it truly captures the essence of the novel being very dark and unnerving.

The Rain is poisoned. If one drop touches you, you will die a painful death. As a global disaster occurs, Ruby must try to survive and find her family, whilst the world is turned upside down, and those you once knew turn against one another for the fight for water. With no communications, they are all on their own.

Our main protagonist, Ruby, is the one whom ruined this novel for me. An apocalyptic novel with this plot enables the reader to see the growth and self-discovery of an individual, how they become resourceful and someone who grows to find themself. Ruby certainly did not do that. I understand people would cope in different ways, but I am sorry for I do not understand these aspects:

1. Her vanity- she was constantly obsessed with her appearance. Ruby dyed her hair, was worried about the fact that she had no make-up, then when she did was constantly applying it. And she wore expensive evening dresses… I mean did she NOT REALISE IT WAS POURING DOWN WITH POISONED RAIN! And she was worried about people seeing her with no make-up and messy hair, and completely covered in waterproofs designed TO SAVE HER LIFE?! Ahh! She was an incredibly immature protagonist who was obsessed with caring what others thought of her when, sorry to put it bluntly, but most people had sadly been poisoned and had died.
2. The way she spoke about others, specifically Darius - see the thing I felt, was that Ruby was the foolish one. She would mock the idea of Spratt with his schooling and how he preferred to stay inside so he could revise for his exams that were fast approaching. She would constantly be picky about everything, then they began to have a friendship and as soon as an old friend turned up she shoved him away in embarrassment of being seen with him! Agh! He was the only friend she had! Darius was sweet and friendly, doing everything he could to help her and Princess, his evolvement as a character was pleasant to see.
3. I was unable to connect with Ruby. There was nothing I was able to relate to and therefore was unable to understand situations from her perspective.

The plot of this novel is what saved it. So unique and imaginative, though there were plot holes, it was addictive and interesting to see a new perspective of an apocalyptic novel. The plot was fast pace and intriguing, I did not want to put it down as I just wanted to know what would happen next. I also liked the aspect of how some situations were rather realistic, for example the riots and fights. This enables one as a reader to truly visualise the events occurring. Especially with that ending!

An addictive and unique novel, though sadly our protagonist was what took the stars away.