WOW! What a first novel. Amazing detail, characters and story. I read it in less than a day! I can't wait for the next book! ( )

Largely if I had realized it was Christian based I probably would not have read this. I am INCREDIBLY particular about any book I read that are Christian fiction. I am deeply uncomfortable with it honestly (which given my complicated feelings on faith, Christianity and the Bible not so surprising).

But this has a considerably higher rating than most dystopian novels and I had the ARC so why not try?

After thirty pages I remember why I shouldn't have tried.

In 2111, a vaccine was created to cure all illnesses, mutating as diseases did. What they didn't plan on was the antibodies attacking themselves and causing a large percentage of the population that was vaccinated to die. Those days were called The Ruining. One hundred years later, a group of survivors gathered and were led by Robert Carson, in a new religious world.

The year is 2257, Carrington Hale has spent her whole life preparing for this day, her Choosing. She is taught that she is valued by how prepared she is for this big day and whether or not she gets chosen. To Carrington's dismay, despite her training and high marks, she isn't selected. Those not chosen are sent away to work as Lints, the very lowest class, never to see their families again. Will her friend Larkin be able to get through to her? Will she listen to the voice that continually tries to reach her in the quiet?

Rochelle Dekker has written a wonderful debut novel. The depth of the characters are amazing. In addition to Carrington's struggles, there's a mystery in the backdrop that also had me intrigued and engrossed throughout the novel. Although this was a dystopian story, I could actually see the plausibility in it. This was a brilliantly written first novel and I can't wait to see more from this author.

**I received a free copy of this novel from Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.** ( )

A wonderful, gripping novel.
Filled with themes of image and worth and love.
Seriously chilling and suspenseful. ( )

Ok so there's this girl, her name is Care Bear or something terrible like that. And unlike all the other YA protagonists, Care Bear isn't special. In fact, she's the only girl in her world who isn't special, which makes her even more special. And then other stuff happens and Blandness McBlandface shows up and he and Care Bear find each other mutually attractive and then I fell asleep.

Also there's a religious dystopia but The Handmaid's Tale set the high bar for religious dystopias and this one falls hilariously short.