Rayya Deeb

This dystopian takes a very refreshing twist into a science fiction world, where high-tech, environmental issues, and an cult-like organization run together to form a fast-paced adventure.

Dorothy, aka Doro, is a sixteen-year-old girl who's father disappeared a year before, and has taken a bit of a rebellious streak. When her talent to knack codes gets her into trouble, she finds herself with a surprise invitation to join Seneca. While high-tech hits new levels and makes her genius heart beat faster, it comes with the price of separating herself for her mother and everything she knew before. Since her job will be to help save the world, she's game. But when she runs across a guy, who instantly grabs her attention, things take a turn. There is more to Seneca than she first thought, and it might not be good.

By taking a modern concern, the destruction of the environment, and adding the idea of a secret society, who's purpose is to save the world from itself, this dystopian spins in a new and refreshing direction. The main character acts and thinks pretty much like a normal sixteen-year-old, despite the string of genius she possess for figuring out codes. Her concerns and worries come across as understandable, and her past makes her sympathetic. She has a nice balance of hesitation and determination, which make her easy to root for and like. As a character, she's simply fun to follow.

The world is well done, and although seeping with fantastical, future tech, never runs into the danger of becoming to complicated. This is exactly what was needed to create a world to sink into while allowing the quick paced plot to take control. It's an easy read and holds the reader in the pages from beginning to end.

The only criticism I had was on the romantic end. While Doro is fairly level-headed through most of the book, the moment she sees Dominic...and I do mean the very first second...she's attracted to him and does everything in her power to meet him. This insta-romance hits too quick and with odd timing. There's a lack of first hesitations and even solid reasons behind her interest in the guy are missing.

Still, it's definitely a well-done novel with lots of excitement, intrigue and surprises. YA dystopian fans who enjoy a bit of scifi should definitely take a peek at this one.… (más)