"The Registry" (An As-Is Review by Lexi)

Readers,

This novel truly had me thinking of how close we could be to this dystopian world becoming reality. Sure, I doubt it will happen, but still creepy to think about... This novel is The Registry by Shannon Stoker.

Summary: (Thank you, Amazon) "Welcome to a safe and secure new world, where beauty is bought and sold, and freedom is the ultimate crime

The Registry saved the country from collapse, but stability has come at a price. In this patriotic new America, girls are raised to be brides, sold at auction to the highest bidder. Boys are raised to be soldiers, trained to fight and never question orders.

Nearly eighteen, beautiful Mia Morrissey excitedly awaits the beginning of her auction year. But a warning from her married older sister raises dangerous questions. Now, instead of going up on the block, Mia is going to escape to Mexico—and the promise of freedom.

All Mia wants is to control her own destiny—a brave and daring choice that will transform her into an enemy of the state, pursued by powerful government agents, ruthless bounty hunters, and a cunning man determined to own her . . . a man who will stop at nothing to get her back."

In today's world, we value looks, and teens are more than willing to wear makeup and seem sexy at young ages. We all watch "Toddlers & Tiaras" where little girls are made up, barely clothed, and dancing in inappropriate clothing. We're taught that intelligence is important, but if you want a man, put on that LBD, heels, and makeup. So how far are we from being put up as a figure for auction? This novel's society feels too close for comfort.

This novel is really fun, and you're wanting to scream and help the characters out, lol. The story is compelling, realistic, and shows what true bravery, friendship, and sacrifice are.

The characters are properly whole, including backgrounds and pasts. They all are realistic, and you can see them in the world today, honestly. The whole world-building was superb and complete. This whole story is just realistic, and the fact that the author shows so much as well as describes, it's not hard to picture this novel as a movie in your head.

The only issue I had was that some true imagination had to be used for Mia's maturity and transformation, and her indifference and apathy when it came to others' feelings or emotions made her seem more sociopathic than a normal and sheltered girl that she was supposed to be. It could get really annoying, and kinda seemed like some of the scenes weren't truly developed as they should have been, and neither was Mia. Maybe the author was in a rush?

In Conclusion: You can read it, but it may frustrate you at some technicalities that I just mentioned above. If you want a better, new dystopian novel, check out previous posts by me, including Stung and Crewel.


Rating:

3/5 auction gavels