This young adult dystopian novel is set on a future version of Earth and it was fun to see what changes author Ilima Todd imagined. It was also nice to have the story set in a familiar environment, making it easy to reference locations, accents, and other things we currently experience. Although there is a little predictability in the plot, Todd still manages to include some unexpected twists. She touches on some subjects that may start you thinking–such as gender roles and the importance (or lack thereof) for families in society, and several others topics. A few passages from The Bible are included in the story, but it was to show the contrast between the beliefs of different characters rather than to force an opinion. Several elements of this story remind me of the movie “The Island” (which I love) with Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson. Dystopia fans will love this addition to the genre.  Remake is first in a planned series and I’m intrigued to see where Todd continues the story.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Shadow Mountain

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Several (18) brief incidents including character jokes about wanting to shoot ears off; metaphor about getting cut & hung; character insinuates death could occur; second hand report that ocean creatures and a virus killed many people; second hand report that people are being murdered; a few incidents when characters are fighting with little injury resulting; cage fighting; character is attacked by an ocean creature; a few incidents of hunting and fishing; plane crash resulting in death of many; character kills another in order to save self, non-detailed scene; two incidents of characters getting shot and killed, non-detailed scenes; attempted rape, short non-detailed scene.

Sex/Nudity:  Many (46) brief incidents including kissing; holding hands; arms around; cuddling; female character sits on male character’s lap; characters walk past brothel; male and female characters briefly (and without much detail) discuss reproduction; female character has very brief (non-sexual) discussion of female anatomy with male character; second hand report that characters have sex with anyone they want; attempted rape, short non-detailed scene; slow dancing; one extended incident of cuddling.

Mature Subject Matter:

Attempted rape, murder, death.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Characters get “mind numbing” drinks; character smells of tobacco; character smells smoke and insinuates that it’s from drugs.