What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbours. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
***
It was a bit hard to review this book. I liked it, I really did, but overall I'm feeling a bit unhappy.
I enjoyed this book while I was reading it. But as soon as I finished, all the flaws and bits I let slide in favour of wanting the bigger picture started to jump out at me. I think a lot of it had to do with the ending.
What I really enjoyed was that for once, the typical dystopian roles were reversed. The girl got to be the cool-headed soldier and the guy was the conflicted rebel/criminal. It was pretty neat. I also liked quite a bit about the world that Lu built. But, am I the only one who couldn't help but find the title Elector Primo funny? It always pulled me out of the book.
I actually think this is a pretty great addition to the ever-growing number of YA dystopians.
But things just seemed to come too easily for June. Especially what she uncovered in what I would identify as the third 'act' of the book. It was a little hard to believe that there was no one else (alive) who knew about what the Republic was up to. Except for a fifteen year old girl. Of course!
The fact that June is a fifteen-year-old, sheltered, rich kid makes it even harder to believe some of the stuff that happens. And, a lot of the bad stuff that happens in the book is directly because of those attributes. I recognize that she is still a protagonist but I can't feel very sympathetic for her.
The relationship between June and Day and a fair bit of what happens in their respective storylines also comes together without too much (real) conflict. One thing I struggled to understand was how Day could forgive June so easily for her role in what happened. I don't think I would be able to forgive her and I think that's part of what really turned me off about the book.
That last bit at the end? That happiness? That obvious attempt at a neat little bow (one that will unravel at the start of the next book)? I'm not cool with that. At all.
Maybe that's something that Lu will address in the next book. I'll be waiting to find out.
