If you’re a fan of thriller novels, chances are you’ve come across Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver and The Incident – Inferno Rising by Lars Emmerich. Both these novels are widely popular and have received praise from critics and readers alike, but how do they compare to each other? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at both novels and explore their similarities and differences in terms of plot, characters, themes, writing style, and more.
A Brief Overview of the Two Novels
Before diving into a comparison of both novels, let’s take a quick overview of what each book is about. Before I Fall follows the story of Samantha Kingston, a teenage girl who dies in a car accident, only to wake up the next morning and relive the same day over and over again. On the other hand, The Incident – Inferno Rising is a political thriller that follows the story of Jake Pendleton, a former Air Force officer turned investigative journalist, who uncovers a conspiracy involving a terrorist group planning to attack the United States.
Before I Fall is a young adult novel that explores themes of friendship, love, and the consequences of our actions. Through Samantha’s repeated experiences of the same day, the novel delves into the idea of second chances and the importance of making the most of the time we have.
On the other hand, The Incident – Inferno Rising is a fast-paced thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The novel not only explores the world of politics and journalism but also delves into the psyche of the terrorists and their motivations. It raises questions about the ethics of journalism and the role of the media in shaping public opinion.
The Plot and Characters of Before I Fall – Lauren Oliver
Before I Fall is primarily a coming-of-age story that explores themes of regret, second chances, and the consequences of our actions. The plot revolves around Samantha, her friendships, and her relationships with her family. Throughout the novel, Samantha goes through a significant transformation as she learns the importance of being true to herself and making the most of every moment. The supporting characters in the novel, including Samantha’s friends and family members, are also well-developed and play crucial roles in the story.
One of the most interesting aspects of Before I Fall is the way in which it explores the concept of time. The novel is structured around the seven days leading up to Samantha’s death, and each day is presented as a chance for her to make different choices and alter the course of her life. This creates a sense of tension and urgency throughout the story, as the reader is constantly wondering whether Samantha will be able to break free from the cycle of her fate.
Another important theme in the novel is the idea of forgiveness. As Samantha reflects on her past actions and the harm she has caused to others, she begins to understand the importance of seeking forgiveness and making amends. This is a powerful message for readers, as it encourages us to take responsibility for our mistakes and work towards healing and reconciliation in our own lives.
The Plot and Characters of The Incident – Inferno Rising by Lars Emmerich
The Incident – Inferno Rising, on the other hand, is a political thriller with a complex plot full of twists and turns. The story follows Jake Pendleton, who uncovers a terrorist group’s plot to attack the United States and must race against time to stop them. Unlike Before I Fall, the characters in The Incident – Inferno Rising are primarily focused on advancing the story’s plot and are not as fleshed out or emotionally developed as the former.
Themes Explored in Before I Fall – Lauren Oliver
Before I Fall explores several significant themes, including the concept of ‘time,’ specifically the idea of reliving the same day over and over again. The novel also delves into ideas surrounding morality, second chances, self-discovery, and the impact of our actions on the world around us.
Themes Explored in The Incident – Inferno Rising by Lars Emmerich
The Incident – Inferno Rising, being a political thriller, primarily explores themes of corruption, terrorism, and patriotism. The novel gives readers insight into the workings of different levels of government and the lengths people will go to protect their country’s interests.
Writing Style and Techniques Employed in Before I Fall – Lauren Oliver
Lauren Oliver’s writing style in Before I Fall is lyrical and poetic, with powerful imagery and vivid descriptions. The novel is written in the first-person point of view, giving readers a glimpse into Samantha’s thoughts and emotions. Oliver employs numerous literary devices, including symbolism and repetition, to convey the story’s themes effectively. The author’s attention to detail and ability to create believable characters make Before I Fall a compelling read.
Writing Style and Techniques Employed in The Incident – Inferno Rising by Lars Emmerich
Lars Emmerich’s writing style in The Incident – Inferno Rising is more straightforward and pragmatic than Oliver’s. The prose is fast-paced and action-packed, with a focus on moving the story forward. Emmerich employs short and concise sentences, creating a sense of urgency and tension throughout the novel. The author’s extensive knowledge of politics and geopolitics adds an element of authenticity to the story.
Comparing the Protagonists of Before I Fall and The Incident – Inferno Rising
The protagonists of Before I Fall and The Incident – Inferno Rising, Samantha and Jake Pendleton, respectively, couldn’t be more different. Samantha is a teenage girl, while Jake is a former Air Force officer turned investigative journalist. While both characters undergo significant transformations throughout their respective novels, Samantha’s emotional journey is more personal, while Jake’s is more focused on saving the country from an impending attack.
Analyzing the Antagonists of Both Novels
The antagonists in Before I Fall and The Incident – Inferno Rising are also incredibly different. Before I Fall’s antagonist is time itself, as Samantha tries to break out of the never-ending day she’s stuck in. In contrast, The Incident – Inferno Rising’s antagonists are a group of terrorists planning to attack the United States. The motivations behind the two novels’ antagonists are vastly different, with Before I Fall exploring the inner workings of the human mind, while The Incident – Inferno Rising explores complex geopolitical issues.
The Role of Setting in Before I Fall and The Incident – Inferno Rising
The settings of both novels also play significant roles in their respective stories. Before I Fall takes place in a small town, with much of the action taking place in Samantha’s high school and her neighborhood. In contrast, The Incident – Inferno Rising is set in several locations worldwide, including the United States, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The different settings give readers a glimpse into the different cultures and political systems that exist in the world.
Narrative Structure and Devices Used in Before I Fall and The Incident – Inferno Rising
The two novels have different narrative structures and devices. Before I Fall is written in the first-person point of view, while The Incident – Inferno Rising is written in the third person. Additionally, Before I Fall employs a flashback structure, with Samantha reliving the same day repeatedly. The Incident – Inferno Rising’s narrative is linear, with events happening in real-time.
Symbolism and Imagery in Before I Fall and The Incident – Inferno Rising
Before I Fall and The Incident – Inferno Rising also utilize symbolism and imagery to convey their themes. Before I Fall employs the symbolism of flowers and the image of a crashing car to represent life and death, respectively. The Incident – Inferno Rising utilizes imagery related to terrorism and the military, such as guns, bombs, and planes, to create a tense atmosphere for readers.
Reception, Reviews, and Awards Received by Both Novels
Both Before I Fall and The Incident – Inferno Rising have received critical acclaim, with positive reviews from readers and critics. Before I Fall was a New York Times bestseller and was later adapted into a movie. The Incident – Inferno Rising was also a commercial success and received praise for its detailed geopolitical analysis.
Final Thoughts: Which Novel is a Better Read?
In conclusion, comparing Before I Fall and The Incident – Inferno Rising is like comparing apples and oranges. Both novels offer unique and engaging reading experiences, with varying themes, characters, and writing styles. While Before I Fall is a heartfelt coming-of-age story, The Incident – Inferno Rising is a gripping political thriller. Ultimately, which novel you prefer comes down to personal taste and what type of story you enjoy reading the most.