LitPick Review
The Surrendered is a book about Vera Delancourt and her crazy experiences. After the Black Forty happened, all the nations' governments collapse. In its place arises a sort of communistic government in the USA. Families are now taxed for any child they have aged 8 or above. If a family cannot pay the tax for that child, the child is taken to a slave camp, or Millhouse, to work off the debt. The children are set free at age 18.
Vera and her twin brother Oliver's parents could only afford to pay the tax for two years, so at age 10, the twins were shipped off to the Millhouse. Years pass. One of Vera's jobs is to help vaccinate the new kids who arrive at the Millhouse. When Vera, now almost 18, finds out that her sister is in the newest group of arrivals, she manages to take her sister and escape. Unfortunately, they have to leave without an opportunity to save Oliver too. The girls are considered fugitives. To punish them, Oliver's public execution is announced and a date is set. Vera has to find a way to free him before she never sees him again. Will Vera be able to save Oliver before it's too late? Find out in this thrilling book!
Opinion:
Case Maynard wrote a great book full of adventure and imagination. I love dystopian novels, and this book did not disappoint. The plot line was amazing and full of twists and turns. The characters were very well-described and were likable. The part I didn't like about the character Vera was that she was too impulsive for her own good. I guess one could say the author did a fantastic job of characterization with Vera, because I could really feel what Vera was thinking. She kept getting into trouble, and it almost seemed like she was always trying to instigate a fight.
Some of the themes of the book were of family and friendship, along with bravery. If you're a fan of Maze Runner or Robinson Crusoe 2244 then you will love this book! I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up because there was some death and killing.
