The Happy Librarian
Dystopia:
Dystopian literature is a form of speculative fiction that began as a response to utopian literature. A dystopia is an imagined community or society that is dehumanizing and frightening.
The Selection
by Kiera Cass
Summary: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
Review: This was a very unique dystopia novel that I can only describe as The Bachelor meets The Hunger Games. America and her competitors fighting for the affection of the handsome prince, a love triangle from her past, the mean girls vs the nice girls, and of course an evil king at the helm. This was a book I couldn't put down and though the second book isn't as fast-paced, the third book is a fantastic finale! Readers will love to hate America and will find it hard to root for her at times. A few unexpected turns may occur but there are some easy predictions as well. There are a lot of political elements that reflect current cultures in the US and readers may find it hits a little too close to home.
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Key Elements: Dystopia, Broken Society, Family Dynamics, Vanity and Beauty, Mean Girls, Competition, Royalty, Political Unrest
Genres: Young Adult, Chick-Lit, New Adult, Romance, Dystopia
The Testing
by Joelle Charbonneau
Summary: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn't that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one and the same?
The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation's chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.
Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father's advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies—trust no one.
But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing.
To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.
Review: Cia is not your typical dystopia heroin, rather than the norm which is a girl destined to fight, Cia is reluctant to even participate in the politics of the testing. She works hard to be small and not make waves and is determined to pass and succeed if only so she will not bring shame on her family. Tomas seems like a typical good character but we won't get to know him or Will better until the next two books. As the story unfolds, we learn there is more to The Testing than simply surviving and passing; there is something much more sinister below the surface. The ending reveals more to the reader than the main character, inviting readers to come back for books two and three.
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Key Elements: Love Triangles, Broken Society, Capital Punishment, Dystopia, Political Unrest, Family Dynamics, Education, Competition, Survival
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Post Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi
The Hunger Games
by Susan Collins
Summary: Could you survive on your own in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Review: The Hunger Games was my first introduction to the Dystopia genre and it did not disappoint. I found myself unable to put the books down, especially after book 2. The series main heroine may be in a love triangle, but she herself feels she has bigger things to worry about. The vibrancy of the political unrest and the mistreatment of the people show a clear reflection of a post-apocalyptic society ripping at the seams. Readers will fall in love with Peeta and Gale, and root for Katniss to survive and save her family.
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Key Elements: Political Unrest, Competition, Love Triangle, Dystopia, Evil Creatures, Evil Leaders, Starvation, Depression, Death, and Grieving, Dystopia, Romance, Violence
Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia, Sci-Fi, Romance, Survival, Post Apocalyptical