This is in the (rare for me) "Can't wait til the next book comes out" category. The characters, the world-building, and the story are all so perfectlyThis is in the (rare for me) "Can't wait til the next book comes out" category. The characters, the world-building, and the story are all so perfectly done. I picked this up to see what everyone was raving about. Now I know. I'll try to express myself better later. I am off to read everything ever written by Rebecca Yarros....more
This series is set in the country of Choson, which is easily recognizable as the one country on this earth that can most be called a real-life dystopiThis series is set in the country of Choson, which is easily recognizable as the one country on this earth that can most be called a real-life dystopian society–North Korea. It is a fascinating tale of a privileged family that falls from grace and ends up in a horrible, hell-on-earth camp where they are subjected to the most inhumane of treatment. We follow Areum as she starts on top of society and ends up at the very bottom, and then begins to fight for survival. This is as much a coming-of-age story as it is a dystopian novel. Areum’s journey begins as a privileged, indoctrinated teen, and after she topples, we see her growth over these four books, although it is slow to come.
Sometimes Areum’s growth is slow, and sometimes the reader might not understand her behavior, but in the end the reader will cheer on her fight for survival. This is also a horrifying look at what people will do when placed in a situation where they sometimes have to hurt others in order to survive. This dystopian novel is about indoctrination, evil, cruelty, and murder, but it is just as much about love, family, sacrifice, grit, and determination to stay alive. By the time I came to the end of book four, I saw sacrifice as the biggest theme. This is a heartbreaking, gripping, and sometimes infuriating coming-of-age dystopian novel set in the darkness of a concentration camp. It will keep your heart racing, and you will be riveted until the end.
For those who may be triggered, there are scenes that include imprisonment, rape, murder, manipulation, and starvation.
These novels are not standalone. In order to get the most out of this series, the books must be read in order....more
This is the fourth book in the Juche series, which I would recommend reading in order. For quite a while now, Areum and her family have been in a concThis is the fourth book in the Juche series, which I would recommend reading in order. For quite a while now, Areum and her family have been in a concentration camp in the land of Choson, which is instantly recognizable as North Korea. Threatened daily with death and on the brink of starvation, Areum is more desperate than ever to find a way out for herself and her sister Nari. As she struggles to stay alive and plot her escape, she finds an ally she would have never expected.
I have enjoyed this series since the beginning, although the setting in a concentration camp is a hard one to read about. It is great to see the growth of Areum from a completely brainwashed teenager to someone who is very slowly beginning to see the light. The dynamic of a group of people who are in a life or death situation and are forced to turn on each other is sad and difficult to watch, and the way Areum navigates that is intriguing and often heartbreaking. There are moments of realization for Areum that are very powerful, especially one in particular that might cause you to shed some tears. . The combination of action and intrigue will keep you turning the page. This is a story about a concentration camp, but it’s also about the truth and how it can be shaped and manipulated. And it’s about the coming of age of a young girl forced into a terrible situation.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own....more
In this second book of the Juche series, the circumstances of Areum and her family in the Great Kingdom of Choson have changed, but her resentment of In this second book of the Juche series, the circumstances of Areum and her family in the Great Kingdom of Choson have changed, but her resentment of her parents and sister lives on. She is also clinging almost desperately to her beliefs, although reality does not seem to match what she has been taught. As Areum and her family become part of "The Strayed," they undergo extreme circumstances and witness horrific acts. Areum is still very naive and selfish, but she grows stronger and begins to use her talents to survive.
Again, I was riveted as this part-dystopian, part-historical fiction saga continues. Adria Carmichael paints a vivid picture of a society filled with fear, and leaders who look on those in their charge as less than nothing. Through it all runs the concept of Juche, a North Korean version of communism/totalitarianism as invented by Kim Il Sung. Carmichael takes us to a society that tells its people how great it is while they starve and murder them. Her idea to present North Korea as the setting of a dystopian novel is a good one, because it really is a dystopian society right here on Earth. Any fans of dystopian or historical fiction will be captivated by this novel.
I received a free copy of this book but I also picked it up on Kindle Unlimited. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This book is .99 on Amazon worldwide from Dec 28th through Jan 1st....more
Areum lives with her parents and her twin sister Nari in the Kingdom of Choson in the Year 83. This kingdom is ruled by the Great General, who is the Areum lives with her parents and her twin sister Nari in the Kingdom of Choson in the Year 83. This kingdom is ruled by the Great General, who is the wise, omniscient, and immortal leader of their free and fair nation, the most successful nation in all the world. Areum is immersed in preparing for gymnastics tryouts for the Great General's National Olympic Team. She is greatly devoted to her god, The Great General, and refuses to think about the fact that her father has disappeared and her twin sister is ailing. Then the day comes that changes her life for good.
This is a great combination of both dystopian and historical fiction, as it is really 1994 and the Kingdom of Choson is, of course, North Korea, and the Great General is their leader at the time, Kim Il Sung. This is not just about an evil Communist dictatorship, although much is exposed. It is about the great resentment Areum feels towards her parents and sister and the fact that she doesn't feel a part of her own family. Her resentment is shocking at times and is so well described. The descriptions of the horrible treatment of the citizens of the "Kingdom of Choson" and the way that evil actions are described as good things is heartbreaking. The story is riveting from start to finish. This is a great debut novel from Adria Carmichael. I received a free copy of this novel, but I also got it on Kindle Unlimited. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
*This book is free on Amazon worldwide from Dec 28th to Jan 1st....more
Arid by Anne Joyce is a dystopian novel set in a post apocalyptic America. Joshua, Xiomara, Skylar, Blane, and others are outcasts in a world where waArid by Anne Joyce is a dystopian novel set in a post apocalyptic America. Joshua, Xiomara, Skylar, Blane, and others are outcasts in a world where water is controlled by the rich and the poor are dying of thirst. Thrown into the desert because they cannot afford the water tax, the group fights back against the Purifiers, a sort of water police who do the bidding of the rich, take whatever (and whoever) they want, and kill everyone who gets in their way.
This is a fast paced novel that throws you into the action right from page one. It moves quickly from one battle to another as the group fights for survival. The character development suffers slightly from this, as I didn't feel a strong connection to any character other than Xiomara, who was well developed. However, the author has written a prequel to this book called Parched, and we might get to connect to the characters more deeply in a less combative setting. Parched is available on the author's website, Annejoycewriter.com. The plot of Arid is very strong, and the premise is completely believable: The rich take over the country by stealing valuable resources, create a utopia for themselves, and throw everyone else out to die.
If you like dystopian novels with nonstop action, check this book out.
Three and a half stars, rounded up to four.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I also picked it up on Kindle Unlimited. Kindle Unlimited members can get it for free....more
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