Review Detail

Reposted from my book blog http://www.book-spark.blogspot.com/

Review: An unnerving sci-fi mystery. In the not-so-distant future, government schools have failed and corporate sponsors have taken over high school education. At age 13, teenagers are signed up to go to a school where they are used for market research. They play specially crafted video games where points are earned and levels completed by answering questions correctly or beating the opponent. Popularity is calculated by the number of ‘friends’ following one’s Twitter-like page.

Living in this truly unique yet believable environment is Kid, the captivating protagonist. She coasts through life- the average, vaguely aware of the brutality surrounding her until she witnesses a dummy suicide. Intrigued, she is determined to find out more. Her involvement transforms her whole life. I love all the characters, especially Kid. Rae Mariz did an amazing job developing her characters.

It takes a while to familiarize with the futuristic environment and confusing words like ‘Game’ and ‘intouchTM’, but once one gets a solid grip, the novel is a roller coaster ride of action and a touch of romance. It is definitely a page-turner, and leaves one contemplating our future long after the end.

Spark Ideas: Is our world going to be the same 50 years from now? Can this country live through the current state of affairs without (a) going bankrupt or (b) sacrificing its moral compass? Is free market the right way to go?
Sensitive Themes: Next to none. Read away!