Date: November 2013Genre: Fantasy/Dystopian
When and Where: 2065, Denmark
Protagonist: Lina, 16 years
The Story: For the past sixteen years, Lina has been led to believe that she is the star achievement and one-of-a-kind creation of the Lilliput project. At six inches tall and with the wings of damselfly, Lina has spent her entire life learning how to survive in a world where everything, from her creators to the wild things in nature, are bigger and stronger. Lina has fantasized about turning sixteen for years, dreaming of a day when she is old enough to make her own way in the world and to meet with Jack in real time instead of online worlds via virtual reality. Turning sixteen is nothing Lina imagines, however, as she is considered to be inhuman, despite her human DNA. She is forced to participate in a reality show where she is introduced to six young men, Toms, who also happen to be her size. Realizing that everything she has been told is a lie and that she is considered less than human and determined to prevent Jack from harm, Lina is coerced into participating in the reality show, which is intended to force her into selecting a mate. Nothing is as it seems, everyone seems to have a hidden agenda, and Lina doesn't know who to trust.
Reaction: There's a lot going on in this smart, unusual fantasy/dystopian novel. Budding romance and dystopian undertones clash in a novel that has moments of lighthearted fun and moments of pure sadness. Despite being isolated, Lina is surprisingly similar to other teens her age. Author Jennie Bates Bozic nails the teen voice and angst while delving into themes addressing human and animal rights and bio-ethics. The one flaw in the book that really stands out is the epilogue. It felt out of place and unnecessary to me, what with all the hints that are included in the climax and resolution of the tale.
If You Like... fairy tales, this book is for you!
Rating: 4 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment