Considering the currents news revelations about secret government programs that sort through all data being exchanged over the internet, this story set in the future doesn't seem so far-fetched. Kind of like a cross between Ender's Game and Orwell's 1984, the world as depicted is so well conceived that it seems like a world just like that must exist somewhere or maybe this is our future, after all, heaven help us. The writing is mature, intelligent, elegant and wise and had me hooked from page one. ( )

This is one of those books that can't be called "enjoyable," but it is well written and a worthy entry into the dystopian genre. In a bold choice by the author, the setup of the book is such that the main outcome is known at the outset. Therefore, this is a story to read not to find out "what happens," but the circumstances involved. It is also the story carried mainly by its characters, all superbly done. I really don't want to go into details of the plot since, between the detailed synopsis and the setup mentioned above, there should be something left for the readers to still discover. I will mention two points, however. First, my favorite moments were not the big dramatic and action scenes, but quieter moments that really allowed us to know the characters: the bonding between parent and child, the protective love of a brother towards his sister, the sweetness of first love. Second, once the big revelations started coming, I thought it all became too much, as if in her passion to introduce the readers to her vision, the author decided to check off every single thing on the list of the world's evils and cram it into the story. Less could have been more. As it was, I found the unrelenting darkness of the story overwhelming (in fact, I had to take several breaks from reading it for that reason). That was probably the author's intention- to warn, to provoke, to disturb, and if so, she succeeded. I am giving it 4 stars for the quality of writing because I am trying to be fair to the author who certainly deserves to be read. ( )

Hold on, I need a moment to recover.

Wow. Just wow.

I was given a free copy of this book by the author and she asked if I wouldn't mind giving it an honest review... And my review in a nut shell is GO BUY IT NOW! I'll wait...go get it! Then come back here and chat with me about it! I promise, you will laugh, cry, be shocked, and fall in love with the characters then mourn and rejoice at the end.

Zay and Lina are brother and sister and after their parents are taken and they are abducted by the government, they are forced to adapt to a new world with new rules. They must find their parents but they have no idea where to start. They jump in and figure things out, meet new friends, and discover things about themselves, their parents, and the government that will change their lives and possibly start a war.

In all honesty, keep an eye on this book. It will surely be a classic one day. So go! Stop reading this, buy a copy, read it...then reread it, then talk a friend into reading it!

Loved it! ( )