Unwind Dystology, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Simon and Schuster
2009-06-02
352
In a future world where those between the ages of thirteen and eighteen can have their lives "unwound" and their body parts harvested for use by others, three teens go to extreme lengths to survive until they turn eighteen.
Review:
To be honest, I am not sure how to put into words just how profound this book is. While meant for young adults, I think it presents issues that people of any age should take the time to consider carefully. It made me rethink many of the views I had that I assumed were firm.
The way the plot evolves is nothing short of amazing. All three of the main characters are well-developed and come together in a way which is completely plausible. Their backstories make them feel like real people whose wellbeing is a real concern. They also are not presented as perfect, or completely imperfect, individuals. Each is given a complex set of strengths and weaknesses. The same can be said with all of the secondary characters. The entire world is brought to life through the vast amount of personalities and intertwining lives.
The author’s writing is superb. The sentences are structured perfectly to be able to flow smoothly as well as make perfect sense to less advanced readers without losing the gravity of the subject matter.
Be warned: There is one particular scene in this book that is far more frightening than even the likes of Stephen King has written. It still gives me the shivers and makes me feel a bit nauseous, and I have a fondness for scary things. That being said, it is in no way gratuitous, and was a very necessary part of the plot. If you have a younger reader, be prepared to answer questions.
I love this book enough to give it the rare five stars. If the rest of his work is like this one, the author will be guaranteed a fan for life in me.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Brief Sexual Situations
