LitPick Review
The United States has hit a dark era called the Black Forty--a horrid time filed with devastating financial decisions and a plummet of worldwide currency and international social unrest. In addition to these events, the newly recognized Commander creates “The Tax," a system in which every child under 18 is submitted to serve as a slave in systems like farms, millhouses, and mines to sustain what he calls the economy. Vera and her brother, Oliver, are among the many children submitted. Vera is a troublesome girl who has a mouth that gets her and Oliver into trouble most of the time. One fateful day, Vera finds that her sister, who should have been exempt from “The Tax,” was selected to work in the millhouse. Eager to meet her sister, Vera goes to find her. On her way, Vera commits an unspeakable crime that might change her life forever. Struggling to escape, Vera wonders if she and her sister will ever survive. Will Vera’s brother be safe? Will she ever make it to the safe haven she has dreamed of for so long?
Opinion:
The Surrendered is an outstanding and captivating book. I loved this book immensely and have already recommended it to some of my friends who are also interested in this genre. A few things I loved were the characters: Vera, Cason, and Oliver. I liked these characters because they all have so much personality, and it really made the book more enjoyable. Another thing I loved about the book was the fact that it would always have me wanting to read more. It took me awhile to start reading it, but when I started I could not put it down! This book had an amazing plot as well that would always keep me wanting more at the end of every chapter. The setting of the farm had a really good atmosphere and was easy to depict in my mind. For example, the house gave me a warm and homey feeling when the author talked about it. I would rate this book 5/5 stars and recommend this book to ages 13 and older because there are elements meant for older readers, such as violence and sexual abuse.
