7/10 ( )

I enjoyed this book! I thought the storyline was original. Some parts may be predictable, but that was fine for me. I listened to this book and found the narrator's accent a little distracting, but pleasant. ( )

Sure, it’s a dystopian novel about the power of language but also a cautionary tale about ignoring warnings of global warming and the dangers of authoritarian states. Thank goodness for the rebels who remind us that there is an alternative way to be. Lots of action, subterfuge and strong female characters.

Not sure about the choice of the use of biblical terms Noa, The Ark, and Nicene, and though its marketed as middle grade, there is discussion of torture and self harm that might need to be unpacked for younger students ( )

Really enjoyed this book. We're introduced to Letta, the apprentice wordsmith in what in many ways feels like a sort of religious commune because of the tight control and the biblical references. John Noa, their leader, has led a small band of faithful followers to safe refuge in his “ark” after worldwide disaster, in part brought on by human greed but fear and the aftermath of the devastation have caused good intentions to go too far.

Letta is assigned to give out boxes of words from the short list of those still allowed to be spoken, and in the house she lives in, is taught those that are now banned. But when trouble comes to her door, she can no longer ignore the forces of dissent brewing inside and outside the compound's walls.

In addition to the worldbuilding, I particularly enjoyed how the author contrasts the bleakness of a society that has been forbidden to use most spoken and written word with such gorgeous prose. The language of “List” is stilted and at times, almost a little annoying to have to interpret, and rich impressions of Letta’s view of the landscape become that much more meaningful.

There were some story arcs that seemed to be left intentionally unanswered, most likely for a future novel.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.

I received an advanced copy of this text via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

*rating is 3.5*

Can you imagine a society in which you can only use 500 words? It’s a scary though, words are freedom and to have that taken away would be crippling. This is the world in which Letta (play on letter I am guessing) has to live in. This book elicited some unwanted emotional responses, most was anger and disgust. I had to put the book down multiple times, read another book then come back to it. Considering this is suppose to be a children’s book (middle school grade) I was a bit shocked at some of what happens, there is multiple mentions of violence some of it a bit graphic, so if your child wants to read this you may want to double check if you are okay with this.

Forde’s writing was extremely easy to read and I really like the creative way she had the chapter titles, which was a list word and it’s definition. I think if I was in a society as this I would need to be a wordsmith, I cannot understand the whole stuttered speaking. I understand why Noa did this too, which sort of freaks me out honestly. I can say that I did not like the ending, although if this is a part of a series that leaving the end open like that is fine, however if this is a one-shot book than it stirs way more questions than it answers. I did like the characters you were obviously suppose to like and of course was disgusted by the ones you are not suppose to like. Maybe if I had read this as a child I wouldn’t have had such a emotional reaction to this book. I will say that the story and where it was going was extremely predictable, but considering what ages this book is aimed at I am completely fine with it. ( )