I saw today's read on one of the book websites I like to thumb through, every now and then, and thought..."Hmmm...I haven't picked up a girl-power dystopian read in a long time." This is the first in a series of...(have to take a quick peek here)...four books, and the first one was released in 2020. The reviews are very good, so it might be a fun one to simply dive into and enjoy. I'm not expecting tons of emotional depth or extreme amounts of food for thought, but I might be surprised. I'm hoping it stays planted in the young adult range like it claims it is, too.
So, let's lean back and see if this one makes a exciting, evening read or not.
THE DISEASED ONES
The Hollis Timewire Series, Book 1
by Danielle Harrington
Acorn Publishing
YA Dystopian
302 pages
Life is easy in 2647, unless you're a Diseased One...
On the morning of her 16th birthday, Hollis Timewire receives the worst possible news. She can't become a citizen of the world. She's a Diseased One.
Born with a biomarker that bestows dangerous, brain-altering powers, Hollis is forced to hide underground with other Diseased Ones, who believe that the government falsified history to cover up their genocide.
Now Hollis must discover the truth, and is willing to risk anything, including her powers, to go back home.
On the morning of her 16th birthday, Hollis Timewire receives the worst possible news. She can't become a citizen of the world. She's a Diseased One.
Born with a biomarker that bestows dangerous, brain-altering powers, Hollis is forced to hide underground with other Diseased Ones, who believe that the government falsified history to cover up their genocide.
Now Hollis must discover the truth, and is willing to risk anything, including her powers, to go back home.
MY TIDBITS
Reminding of X-Men but placed in a controlling dystopian world, this is a fast-paced read with nods of romance and even some heart.
Hollis is extremely nervous to take the Test, but every 16-year-old has to pass it before becoming a true member of society. No one has failed it for twelve years. It's not hard, just a blood test to guarantee that they don't carry the biomarker, which once marked the monsters who almost destroyed their world. While there's no way she should have this biomarker, the test results come up positive. As armed government soldiers arrest her and guns point in her direction, a strange voice speaks in her head, and soon, she's physically controlling everyone around her. Then, a girl suddenly appears at her side and transports her to a secret underground facility full of 'monsters', and Hollis is terrified. They claim that the government lies to the people, and that it was those with the biomarker which were really hunted and killed during the war. They also claim that they are happy just remaining hidden and saving those like them whenever possible. That's why they saved her. But she's sure she's nothing like them, and that they are only trying to twist her mind with lies. After all, the government cares about the people...or so she's always believed.
This is a quick-read with tons to enjoy for anyone enjoying dystopian worlds, super powers, and the frailty of the human mind. The beginning scene is a little cliche for this genre, but it works to immediately place the reader in the world and situation. It's clear what's wrong from the get go, which is great since everything happens pretty quickly from there. Hollis' explosion into her powers is grabbing and tense, but leaves enough strangeness with the voice in her head to give it an original feel. Hollis' entrance into the secret compound isn't all sunshine and roses, either, as the author tries to stay close to the reality of being brainwashed from birth onwards. Hollis doesn't trust readily, which makes her an interesting character throughout the book and adds an intriguing edge. Those around her, on the other hand, are mostly understanding and helpful, which makes a perfect mix for the emotional angle of this read. This imbalance keeps a constant tension and holds the question as to what will snap first...and from which direction it will come.
The plot moves along quickly, and while quite a bit of time is spent with Hollis and her relationships to those around her, this book never dives too deep into thought, either. The world is well fleshed out, and the author makes sure to weave in information as necessary. I would have liked to get a bit more on Hollis' life in the society before her powers hit to better sympathize with her desire to return to her world. As it is, her mood swings and thoughts seem a little disjointed, at times, which makes her hard to always like.
This book ends on a huge cliff-hanger, which isn't everyone's thing, but it didn't leave me very curious as to what happens next. But I'm not sure I'm interested enough in Hollis to add book 2 to my huge reading pile or not. It was an enjoyable read, though.
You can find out more about Danielle Harrington and her works:
https://www.djharringtonbooks.com/
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