"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

"Crewel" (an Alexis review)

Lexi again!

So today's book is one I almost didn't read because it just didn't seem like I was going to like it much, you know? But one day, I decided I had to give it a chance, and I'm thrilled that I did!

There are two covers now, but this is the one I have. Here's the newer one:

Crewel by Gennifer Albin

This book is awesome. Here's the summary from Goodreads:

"Sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys has always been special. When her parents discover her gift—the ability to weave the very fabric of reality—they train her to hide it. For good reason, they don’t want her to become a Spinster — one of the elite, beautiful, and deadly women who determine what people eat, where they live, how many children they have, and even when they die.

 Thrust into the opulent Western Coventry, Adelice will be tried, tested and tempted as she navigates the deadly politics at play behind its walls.  Now caught in a web of lies and forbidden romance, she must unravel the sinister truth behind her own unspeakable power.  Her world is hanging by a thread, and Adelice, alone, can decide to save it — or destroy it."

Sounds cool, right? The idea may seem odd, but it is beautifully portrayed. You honestly can imagine the threads and tapestries of time and life in this novel. Being a Crewel is seen as an amazing thing, but Adelice soon finds out that the life sucks.

The imagery, characters, and scenes are all wonderful. The thought that this could happen seems so interesting and realistic when you're reading this.

Since I can't really describe it like I want to without going back and describing, let's just say that this novel rocks, and you should give it a chance!

Rating:

Suggestions: Go for it! Take time to read it! Anytime, anywhere! You may get sad at some parts, but overall, you'll be intrigued.