Title: Slated (Slated #1)Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Release Date: January 24, 2013
Pages: 352, Hardcover
Summary from Goodreads:
Kyla has been Slated—her memory and personality erased as punishment for committing a crime she can’t remember. The government has taught her how to walk and talk again, given her a new identity and a new family, and told her to be grateful for this second chance that she doesn’t deserve. It’s also her last chance—because they’ll be watching to make sure she plays by their rules.
As Kyla adjusts to her new life, she’s plagued by fear. Who is she, really? And if only criminals are slated, why are so many innocent people disappearing? Kyla is torn between the need to know more and her instinct for self-preservation. She knows a dangerous game is being played with her life, and she can’t let anyone see her make the wrong move . . . but who can she trust when everyone is a stranger?
As Kyla adjusts to her new life, she’s plagued by fear. Who is she, really? And if only criminals are slated, why are so many innocent people disappearing? Kyla is torn between the need to know more and her instinct for self-preservation. She knows a dangerous game is being played with her life, and she can’t let anyone see her make the wrong move . . . but who can she trust when everyone is a stranger?
Imagine loosing all of your memories and having to relearn EVERYTHING, not just basic motor skills but things that you treat as common sense, like knives are sharp, or if you touch a hot surface you could burn yourself. Then imagine having to sign a contract agreeing to listen to everything your newly assigned parents, doctors, teachers, and other supervisors say with any dissent resulting in termination (death). Finally, with no sense of who you are and all your freedom gone, imagine not being allowed to feel sadness or anger. If you do, a monitor on your wrist will cause you to black out, or worse, fry the chip in your brain and turn you into a vegetable. This is what it means to be Slated.
Kyla has been Slated but somehow she is different. Pieces of her past are still present, either in nightmares or through muscle memory. Her anger doesn't cause her levels to drop. She asks questions that no other Slated asks. But Kyla discovers that not all Slateds were once criminals and people she knows start disappearing, taken by the Lorders for saying the wrong thing or taking a stand against the government. Kyla can't accept this but what can you do when it is impossible to hide how you think and feel?
I felt the desperation and hopelessness of Kyla's situation so strongly. It was like the restrictions were my own. I was confused, angry, frustrated, sad, and scared for her. And I never questioned Kyla's actions and feelings. She was extremely level-headed and smart. Gah it was all so believable! But don't expect Kyla to be some trouble-making rebel, this story doesn't allow for it. Her restrictions require her dissent to be more passive and under the radar but clever all the same.
There is a subtle romance in the story but Kyla's friendship with Ben is more central to the storyline, which I liked. I thought she was reasonable when it came to him and I'm glad this story didn't become all about a romance.
I found this dystopian world to be one of the more believable I've read. Wiping memories is not unimaginable and as a second chance for criminals - with a belief that nurture is responsible for bad behavior rather than nature - sure, why not? I don't know how easy it would be to integrate Slateds into families but it's not a far cry from adoption of older children. Then when people started disappearing without committing a crime, I was definitely intrigued.
Kyla has been Slated but somehow she is different. Pieces of her past are still present, either in nightmares or through muscle memory. Her anger doesn't cause her levels to drop. She asks questions that no other Slated asks. But Kyla discovers that not all Slateds were once criminals and people she knows start disappearing, taken by the Lorders for saying the wrong thing or taking a stand against the government. Kyla can't accept this but what can you do when it is impossible to hide how you think and feel?
I felt the desperation and hopelessness of Kyla's situation so strongly. It was like the restrictions were my own. I was confused, angry, frustrated, sad, and scared for her. And I never questioned Kyla's actions and feelings. She was extremely level-headed and smart. Gah it was all so believable! But don't expect Kyla to be some trouble-making rebel, this story doesn't allow for it. Her restrictions require her dissent to be more passive and under the radar but clever all the same.
There is a subtle romance in the story but Kyla's friendship with Ben is more central to the storyline, which I liked. I thought she was reasonable when it came to him and I'm glad this story didn't become all about a romance.
I found this dystopian world to be one of the more believable I've read. Wiping memories is not unimaginable and as a second chance for criminals - with a belief that nurture is responsible for bad behavior rather than nature - sure, why not? I don't know how easy it would be to integrate Slateds into families but it's not a far cry from adoption of older children. Then when people started disappearing without committing a crime, I was definitely intrigued.
Basically, I really enjoyed this story. It was suspenseful and interesting and made me feel all kinds of emotions.I definitely recommend it for dystopian fans.
I got this book from the library a couple of weeks ago and I have yet to read it. After reading your awesome review I want to read it right now! Luckily I have a some free time to do just that. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJust stopped over to your blog to see your review :) Glad you ended up liking it too!
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