Thursday, January 20, 2011

Review: XVI - Julia Karr

Where I got it: Library
Rating: 4 stars
Cover Rating: 4 stars (It's a little tricky to see the title, but I still love it.)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: January 6, 2011
Publisher: Speak
Page Count: 325 p.

Sixteen is the age all the girls want to be. Sixteen years of age makes them legal, and they are open for sex. Nina does not like the idea of this at all. It makes her feel disgusted and vulnerable, knowing that guys can have their way with her just because of the XVI tattoo she will be forced to have on her wrist. This is the thing that Nina fears the most, until her mom is brutally attacked and murdered. Nina thinks it was an intentional murder, not just something random. Her mother is put on life-support long enough for Nina to say goodbye, but while they are talking her mother reveals something shocking—Nina's father is still alive.

This book dares you to put it down. It starts off a little slow, but when it takes off, you get swept up in the love interest and the running from the government under-ground sort of thing. It was interesting to read about all the rules and laws and how once again, women were treated as lesser humans. It was like a time-warp to the 18th century. The idea of getting a tattoo when you become "legal" is frightening, but it was fascinating that it would fade in about five years. Also, the idea of a GPS unit under your skin is horrifying, though I wish there was more about it in the story. I am wondering if this might be the first in the series, simply because it seems like many items were underdeveloped, like the GPS unit. I love how this book ended though, sort of in the middle of things, but completely perfect. This was an intriguing debut and I look forward to reading more by Julia Karr in the future. I loved Wei, which I think you are supposed to. I love how the government seemed omnipresent, but there were so many loopholes and dead zones. This aspect seemed a lot more realistic than a government that is entirely in control. I don't think any government can really be completely ubiquitous. If you like futuristic, realistic reads, make sure you check out this debut.

First Line:
"'Nina, look.' Sandy jabbed me in the ribs."

Favorite Line:
"I'd choked back so many tears, they'd become a lake of sadness in my belly."

3 comments:

  1. I love the sound of this book. I need to read it now! lol Thanks for sharing your thoughts

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  2. I didn't even realize that the cover had the title written over the face..DUH! lol.

    Sounds like a really great story, something I'd enjoy. :)

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  3. The author has the first chapter on her website. I was hooked when I read it. And it is part of a series so you'll be getting a chance to read more. I'm not a fan of dystopian novels, but with so many out this year, I decided I had to open my mind and go for it. So I've got Wither, Water Wars, XVI, Drought and probably some others I can't remember. This one is especially intriguing to me.

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