Wasteland

Apr 15, 2013 Christina (A Reader of Fictions) rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, yabc-reviews

I like to begin my reviews with the good stuff about a book in most cases, before transitioning into my criticisms. Well, here's what I can offer about Wasteland: it's an easy read. The fairly simple sentences are quick to plow through. Also, it's mostly boring, which actually ended up being a sort of good thing, since, when it isn't boring, unfortunate things are generally happening. Be warned that there will be spoilers toward the end of this review.

The World Building
The foundation of this pos...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Emily (Book Jems) rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: no one

Shelves: edelweiss-e-galley, harpercollins, kindle, dystopian, third-person-pov, young-adult, science-fiction, ongoing-series, action, annoying-protagonists, awful, complete-mess, controversial-subjects, downright-creepy, don-t-waste-your-time, don-t-drink-the-koolaid, give-me-back-that-wasted-time, horror, laughing-through-the-pain, saw-that-coming, the-line-is-a-mile-away, whert-the-hell, where-is-my-lighter, you-must-be-joking, pos, review-on-blog, released

As seen on Ed and Em's Reviews!

Are you looking for a book that doesn't have characters you can connect with, sloppy point-of-view switches, so many points-of-views that you lose track and an unbelievable world with so many inconsistencies that it will make you want to punch things? Then Wasteland is the book for you!

Apparently, this book is about a girl named Esther, though it's told from many perspectives. She lives in Prin, where everyone in residence is under the age of nineteen. By the time...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Faye (The Social Potato) rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, young-adult, to-review, science-fiction, dystopian, post-apocalyptic, arc, edelweiss, could-ve-been-better, what-the-flying-fuck, survival, stand-alone, stupid-heroes-heroines, instalove, i-don-t-recommend-at-all

If you read the synopsis of this book, you can see it gives a lot of promise. A dystopian world? Check. Post-apocalyptic? Check. Shady characters and possible conspiracies?! DOUBLE CHECK! If you're like me, then you probably got super excited, imagining a book that will ultimately blow your mind. But before you get too thrilled, I must say this now: this book, unfortunately and sadly, is nothing but a disappointment. A huge, flat disappointment. In fact, if there's anything that Wasteland is, th...more

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Apr 19, 2013 Leeanna rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs, for-review, amazon-vine

I don’t like to start a review out by being negative, but I just don’t have very many good things to say about WASTELAND. If I hadn’t been reading it to review, I probably would not have finished the book. Well, there is one plus -- WASTELAND is a fast read.

WASTELANDis supposed to be a post-apocalyptic thrill ride. And I thought the idea was very cool and appropriately dark: A world where no one over 19 lives. A world where there are hermaphroditic “variants” who pick what sex they want to be....more

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Apr 07, 2013 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Esther and her sister, Sarah live in Prin. A town that may have once been beautiful but has not been almost all but destroyed. The survivors are just that. Surviving. People in Prin have three jobs…harvesting, gleaning, or excavation. Their leader Levi lives in a fortress called the Source. Levi is a mean leader. However the people of Prin have to worry more about the variant or mutants. The variant live on the outskirts of Prin. Lately, they have gotten more violent.

The people receive a hero i...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Sincethedawnoftime rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-april-2013

When I received this book in the mail I read he back and was like this sounds so amazing. I mean teens getting married at 15, having kids at 17 and dying at 19, .wow. I don’t know what I would do if I was alive in this world, I would only have 2 years of life left at maximum. Any way I ended up really liking the book, but it definitely wasn’t what I had expected from the summary.
I really liked the storyline. There were so many twists and turns that I hadn’t expected. So many layers to the plot t...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Reading Teen rated it 2 of 5 stars

At a Glance:

Wasteland was kind-of like a combination of Gone by Michael Grant and Blood Red Road by Moira Young, with all of the action, and none of the magic. This book was strange (and not in a good way), awkward and disjointed. I didn't connect with the writing or the characters, the world-building was practically non-existent, and though I tried really hard, I didn't end up finishing it. (80%)

Audiobook:

The only reason that I got as far as I did in this book was that I was listening to it on...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Once Upon rated it 4 of 5 stars

With the success of Hunger Games more novels have drifted away from the paranormal and closer to the more dystopian style genre. Whether or not these new novels find success, is all up to the quality and creativity of the book. In my opinion Wasteland does a great job in both of these categories. The two authors paired together create an enticing piece of fiction. With excellent characters and fresh but sometimes rightfully grim storytelling, this book has all the characteristics of a bestseller...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Rachel V. rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really liked Wasteland and can't wait for the next book in the trilogy. It's about a future where all the grownups have died, you are considered old if you reach 19. They live in the old buildings scrounging for food and bottled water. The water and even the rain are deadly. There are a new race of people, the Variants, kinda like Native Americans in that they've learned how to live off the land, but their eyes, skin, features, and abilities, are very different from the others, basically adapt...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Tasha Robinson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Great premise, so-so execution. I loved the authors' graphic novels Brain Camp and City Of Spies, which also have great premises and plotting, and the storyline here is compelling, with characters in a tough, potentially complicated Dying Earth situation. But the writing is frustratingly blunt and simple, and so are the emotions that drive people. Everything feels rushed, with people veering from one emotional extreme to another and reversing their motivations —or instantly falling in love —with...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Wendy Hines rated it 4 of 5 stars

A dystopian world where you marry at fifteen and you die at nineteen, Wasteland is set in a compelling world. In the small town of Prin, the citizens work for The Source, a huge manor house that takes a lot of gas to run it. In return for the gas and other scavenged items, the townfolk receive food, clothing and water. What they don't know is that the one who runs The Source, Levi, has a hidden agenda.

Esther spends her days playing with Skar, a variant. Variants are human-like, but aren't. They...more

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Mar 18, 2013 Heidi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Three stars: A dystopian that lacks detail and world building.

Esther is tired of her mundane existence. She is bored by the endless hours spent scrounging for gas and other articles that go to Levi in exchange for food and supplies. Levi holds all the necessities for survival in a small fortified building known as the Source. He hoards all the supplies and doles them out to the surviving citizens in Prin in exchange for their hard work. Esther would much rather spend the day playing with her fri...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it 5 of 5 stars

A dystopian at its best with vivid world-building, I’m thrilled that I read this story.

A new world for the reader to explore like no other. And of course the fight for power is struggle that is starting a battle. I really loved the plot. Built up beautifully with so much power in the words and world that is built, I found myself in the wasteland trying to survive. Learning the tricks and trades to survival, there are several new elements in the story that I particularly enjoyed.

With all that is...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013

To be honest, I have a lot of thoughts about Wasteland. While I wish they could all be positive, they are not. In fact, looking back at Wasteland, I sometimes think it was a miracle that I finished this one at all. Which is really disappointing due to its interesting concept and potential.

In Wasteland, no one lives to see age 20. Life is bleak. Water and food are scarce. It is survival of the fittest. In small town called Prin, they make due... surprisingly so.

From the beginning, Wasteland drew...more

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May 14, 2013 Jen rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: didn-t-finish

Main character was too juvenile for me to like, the plot was a little too forced and it was kinda boring. As other reviewers have said, much better than I, the world building stinks. There's no timeline of how long after the fit hit the Shan this book takes place, so it's hard to imagine some of the kids as literate with most not and the food and gas situation as bad as it is. Also, if they all know that they die at 19, why in the world would any of them try to become powerful and control everyo...more

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Mar 21, 2013 Meaghan rated it 3 of 5 stars

I literally put this book down after reading it and said hmmm. I just wasn't quite sure what I thought of the whole thing. There were times in this dystopian novel where I was really into and I wanted to know what was going on and there were other times where I found myself thinking that I didn't really care about certain things. I hate that! I was pretty excited for this novel as I love reading about dystopian societies. The book was marketed as a book where everyone dies at the age of 19 and t...more I literally put this book down after reading it and said hmmm. I just wasn't quite sure what I thought of the whole thing. There were times in this dystopian novel where I was really into and I wanted to know what was going on and there were other times where I found myself thinking that I didn't really care about certain things. I hate that! I was pretty excited for this novel as I love reading about dystopian societies. The book was marketed as a book where everyone dies at the age of 19 and they have children at 17. While this is mentioned throughout the novel I found that the novel really focuses on the division between the citizens of Prin and the genetically altered people who are referred to as variants and mutants. The division between the two groups is based in fear but the main character, Esther doesn't understand why her people are afraid of the variants. Her best friend is a variant and she honestly sees no reason to treat these people differently.
Everyone is really trying to live off of what little they have and in the end sometimes they do some less than savory things to get ahead. Without giving too much away, the political system in Prin has become corrupted by the leader Levi. Levi is a master manipulator with all the inhabitants of Prin and even by the end of the novel I wasn't exactly sure what his end goal was.
One thing that really bugged me about this novel is that some of the elements of the book that are highlighted in the summary seemed to just be blips in the story. One example of this is the fact that the variants are hermaphroditic. This was mentioned once in the book and then not really mentioned much after this. I was confused as to why this was a necessary plot point. The book could have been done without this and I think that this was put in the summary because it's a bit sensationalized and they think it will draw in readers.
Anyhow, overall the story line was just okay for me but I did really like Esther as a character. She was stubborn and didn't like to take any advice from anyone. She stood by what she believed in even if it wasn't the popular opinion. I think I admire that because I oftentimes worry too much about what others think of me so I find it noble to do what you want without worrying about others. Anyhow, this review is a little all over the place but overall it was just okay for me. I think the summary sells the book as something a little different than what you actually get. That's not to say that the novel is bad because it's not. It is an entertaining story but it just raises a few questions for me. (less)

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Dec 26, 2012 Anna (Gatsby's Girl) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Esther and all of the others living in Prin are just trying to live through one day at a time. The difference between her and them, is that she is friends with a Variant named Skar and they believe Variants are an abomination. Then the Variants begin to attack the town of Prin, firebombing buildings and killing innocent citizens for seemingly no reason. Around this time Caleb, a stranger, comes to town on a mission. Caleb is determined to find out who murdered his wife and kidnapped their infant...more Esther and all of the others living in Prin are just trying to live through one day at a time. The difference between her and them, is that she is friends with a Variant named Skar and they believe Variants are an abomination. Then the Variants begin to attack the town of Prin, firebombing buildings and killing innocent citizens for seemingly no reason. Around this time Caleb, a stranger, comes to town on a mission. Caleb is determined to find out who murdered his wife and kidnapped their infant son - and more importantly, why they did it. And what does the Source have to do with everything? Esther is shunned and Caleb is run out of town as they get closer and closer to the truth. With time running out, can they figure out what's really going on, save the town and get Caleb's son back? I was wary about this book from the get-go because of the authors feeling the need to make the 'bad guys' hermaphrodites and outcasts. Oh, so just because they don't have one set gender they're deformed and disgusting? Shame on both of you assholes for perpetuating stereotypes, even in dystopian fiction. I managed to slog my way through the book, even without any real world-building to get me involved in the story and some horrifically one-dimensional characters. Esther is a spoiled brat, who lets her sister do all the work and then steals food to give to her friends when her sister isn't watching. She admits that she doesn't know how to do anything, but it's almost like Esther's proud of it, even though it makes her useless, in a high-risk, low-survival world. I liked Caleb, but I feel like I didn't get to know him very well and that while his quest was admirable it was also prepackaged to fit anyone. The romance between Esther and Caleb was unrealistic and majorly based on lust and nothing else. It was sickeningly obvious from their first interaction that they were going to be thrown together. I did like the revelation about what was underneath Joseph's building and way Levi was defeated. Overall, a very lazy attempt at high grade dystopia and I will definitely NOT be reading the next one.

VERDICT: 1.5/5 Stars

*I received this book as part of Around the World ARC Tours, run by the lovely Princess Bookie. No favors or money were exchanged for this review. It will be available for purchase on March 26th, 2013.*(less)

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Apr 10, 2013 Natframpton rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay so if you go and look at goodreads..there are quite a few...well a lot of bad reviews.
I myself....really enjoyed this book and it surprises me how much people hate it.
So when I first read the blurb I thought it sounded like the Michael Grant 'Gone' series which I loved, and the cover did grab me as well, with the end of the world scene and gripping tag line.

We have Esther as our main character, a little bit of a rebel in her 'town'. She doesn't finish her duties and jobs that are required...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Nobody rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: undecided, 2013, new-release-2013, arc, read-reviewed

-This Review May Contain Spoilers-
Overall I feel pretty neutral for the most part about this book. All together it was an OK book, I didn't love it but I didn't totally hate it either. Luckily I got a free ARC from epicreads because I'd feel allot worse about the book had I paid for it. It's one of those books that’s worth the read (barely) but not the time or money.
I gave it two stars because while I liked the overall premise the execution sucked for the most part, and there was quite a few...more -This Review May Contain Spoilers-
Overall I feel pretty neutral for the most part about this book. All together it was an OK book, I didn't love it but I didn't totally hate it either. Luckily I got a free ARC from epicreads because I'd feel allot worse about the book had I paid for it. It's one of those books that’s worth the read (barely) but not the time or money.
I gave it two stars because while I liked the overall premise the execution sucked for the most part, and there was quite a few things I hated.
Firstly The Plot and World building-
World building There was none, seriously you find out absolutely nothing about anything. What was the apocalypse? What happened to the world to make it a Waste Land? Why is the rain deadly? What exactly are the variants? Why doesn't anyone live past 19? None of these questions are answered. Everything important is just casually mentioned not explained.
The Characters -
There is only one thing i hate more than love triangles and that's insta love, where two people who don't even know each other are all of a sudden in 'love', and in this book its worse than ever cause after all of 3 conversations over the span of 3 or 4 days they become 'partners' basically married and its completely normal they don't even stop to think about it and the next thing they do (which i refer to as the unmentionable act because i'm a prude I admit it) I found really gross and slightly disturbing.. But besides the insta love thing, I just found it incredibly hard to like and relate to the characters and the constantly switching POVs was confusing. Even the 'bad' guy is kinda lame and even though they do explain about why he is the way he is I found it stupid and petty and lame and he seemed kinda two-dimensional and to boring to be the villain.
Besides all that the plot was pretty predictable for the most part and kinda boring.
So, If you like books that are confusing, with no back-story, crappy characters and you like being bored to death, I totally recommend this book. But I wouldn't read it again and I probably wont read the others when they come out, partly because I didn't love this one and partly because I don't see how there can be another or what exactly it would be about.(less)

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Jan 19, 2013 Jennifer | Nerdhuffing marked it as to-read

Shelves: dnf

Made it to 25% and just couldn't go any farther. Writing isn't that great and the premise is very strange....a town of creepy children being attacked by vicious hermaphrodites just doesn't do it for me.

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May 05, 2013 Kelly Hager rated it 3 of 5 stars

This took me a bit to get into, but once I did, WOW. This is a book that made me happy that I'm a very patient reader, because otherwise, I think I may have given up. (I say that to tell you this: stay with this book. You'll be happy you did!)

I loved Esther, but the book has multiple narrators (primarily Esther and Caleb, but not exclusively) and I didn't click with any of the others at first.

This is an interesting world and you should know that there are very creepy parts. (It's a plus for me,...more

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Mar 23, 2013 Millie Dixon rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review was originally written over at Millie D's Words.

*A review copy was provided for me to review*

The first time I got a glance by this cover, I was instantly intrigued. There's just something about it that caught my eye. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but that was quite alright. Hermaphroditic outcasts and a mystery were sure to keep me interested.

Esther was a different girl compared to the rest of the inhabitants of Prin. She didn't mind the Variants and did not agree with...more This review was originally written over at Millie D's Words.

*A review copy was provided for me to review*

The first time I got a glance by this cover, I was instantly intrigued. There's just something about it that caught my eye. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but that was quite alright. Hermaphroditic outcasts and a mystery were sure to keep me interested.

Esther was a different girl compared to the rest of the inhabitants of Prin. She didn't mind the Variants and did not agree with the ways of how they were ruled by Levi. She wasn't mindless and subordinate like her sister and tried her best to stand up for what she thought was right in her own way. Sadly, I didn't really create that connection between reader and character with her. I liked her--didn't mind her or anything--but I didn't feel like I'd care either way what happened with her, unfortunately.

However, I really did care about this story. I got invested in the story and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. So unpredictable! I can't say that I'm a master at figuring the plot of a book out, but I can easily recognize when a story goes generic. So in Wasteland, I couldn't figure anything out. I had no idea what these authors had up their sleeves when writing this book. I was surprised over and over again. I truly loved this story!

My only major problem about this book would be the writing style. I've read some pretty complicated writing styles--yet loved it--but for some reason, this book's writing style confused me! I didn't understand why it would keep tripping me up and I would then get frustrated at myself and then I'd have to distract myself because I wasn't able to read when I was all upset. I'm not saying that the writing was bad; it was just different.

Wasteland was a gritty and unpredictable read about what people will do for survival. This post-apocalyptic read featured a tyrannical evil dude bent on manipulating others for his own gain. Besides the lack of a relatable character who I thought to be too childish for her age and the writing style, this book was good! The story was so original and I had to keep reading to see what would happen. Turns out, Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan are master plotters. I may just like them a lot. Fans of dystopia, post-apocalyptic, and awesome plots will possibly enjoy Wasteland.(less)

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May 16, 2013 wade rated it 4 of 5 stars

4 stars for middle school aged kids. This book is about a futuristic world in which no one lives much beyond their teens. The book echoes Mad Max or The Road but with teenagers running the show. There are shortages and foraging is a common activity especially for the most valued commodity gasoline - which apparently never becomes stale in this world. There are your boy and girl "rebels" who, of course, meet each other and the hormonal juices start to flow but nothing too graphic. It is a world...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

ARC Review: Wasteland by Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan
Mar 29, 2013 by Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale

Wasteland by Susan Kim & Laurence Klavan
Release Date: March 26 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: ARC Paperback
Pages: 352
Genre: YA/ Dystopian
Source: Publisher

Goodreads Synopsis:
Welcome to the Wasteland. Where all the adults are long gone, and now no one lives past the age of nineteen. Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan’s post-apocalyptic debut is the first of a trilogy in which everyone is forced to l...more

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Dec 20, 2012 Angela(demonsangel) Fitzgerald rated it 5 of 5 stars

This sounds like an excellent book. I can't imagine not being able to live past the age of nineteen. I wonder who takes care of the children, because even off they can't live past that age, I'm sure there's kids. Someone must keep their community populated. I'm curious to see if a cure can be found or if this stranger might know some secrets to help the society. Anyway, I'm excited to read this book. I hope I actually win but if not I will have to buy it. It wont be an ARC but I will still own a...more

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Mar 09, 2013 Kilgallen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads, ya, fantasy

I was able to readan advanced readers copy of this title and was pleased with the experience. It was not as drawn out as some ya fiction can be. The action was good and the pace was fast. The characters were quite well developed and although the ending is a set up for a series the story is strong enough to stand on its own as well. Would be a great option for a ya book club read or even a novel study for middle school students as some intresting questions are raised. I will certainly be suggesti...more

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Mar 21, 2013 Shelley aka Gizmo's Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-releases, ya-dystopian, edelweiss-arc, harper-teen

*Genre* YA Dystopian
*Rating* 3.0

*First thoughts*

I went into this book with my eyes opened along with a pen and paper to take copious notes. I left all preconceived notions behind and allowed the author to sway me into either liking this book, or not. This is all my opinion, and subjective to my likes and dislikes and nobody else's. You may find that this is the greatest book since the creation of the Bible or sliced bread. I will politely disagree and move on.

According to the synopsis, this is t...more

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Mar 30, 2013 Richa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, for-review, 2013-debut-author-challenge

Originally posted at City of Books

Wasteland is an amazing start to an epic dystopian trilogy! I loved the fast pace, the concept, and the incredible writing. I did have a lot of unanswered questions throughout the novel, but on the whole I really enjoyed this one.

I admit I may be a little biased towards this book since it's a dystopian, but I was totally sucked in! The town of Prin and the people in it are very intriguing to read about, and the variants were another reason why this book really i...more Originally posted at City of Books

Wasteland is an amazing start to an epic dystopian trilogy! I loved the fast pace, the concept, and the incredible writing. I did have a lot of unanswered questions throughout the novel, but on the whole I really enjoyed this one.

I admit I may be a little biased towards this book since it's a dystopian, but I was totally sucked in! The town of Prin and the people in it are very intriguing to read about, and the variants were another reason why this book really interested me. Esther's best friend, Skar, is a variant, and we get to see conflicting perspectives on these mysterious creatures. But even though I really liked the premise, I would have liked to have a little more background about the 'why' and 'how' of things. Though maybe details about this will be given in the next book. And in that case, I can't wait for the sequel!

I liked Esther from the start, because she is immediately set apart from the norm on account of the fact that her best friend is a variant, and they don't like following rules. Only three jobs exist in Prin - Harvesting, Gleaning, and Excavation. The people of Prin change jobs in two-week cycles. All of these jobs are for the benefit of Levi, the ruler of Prin. He provides the townspeople with food and water, in exchange for gas to power the Source. So basically - no gas for Levi, no food and water for the people. This is why the jobs are so important.

Esther shirks away from Harvesting, choosing to hang out with Skar instead. She's the only one who questions the rules of Prin, and who actually likes the variants. I liked Esther's rebellious attitude, and her bravery. She always stands up for what she believes in, and she's not afraid to show it. Esther is one girl who truly cares about people. She has a stable life in Prin, but everything changes the moment Caleb arrives in town.

Caleb is another character I loved. His loyalty towards his cause is admirable, and I think his ability to make the right decisions is quite amazing. Usually, characters make a lot of mistakes and have to pay for them, but in this case Caleb is simply paying for other people's mistakes. He's almost flawless in this novel! Caleb's relationship with Esther developed a bit too fast in my opinion, but it was sweet nonetheless. They make a great pair, and are really supportive of one another. They'd do anything for each other, and this is evident in the novel. I can't wait to see their chemistry further develop in the sequel!

The rest of the characters are a lot more complex, and harder to figure out. Levi and Sarah especially. Sarah is Esther's sister, but they are so different. Sarah is meek and submissive, always obeying the rules. But she is also very wise, and that's why Esther looks up to her so much. However, Sarah's naiveté is her undoing, and there are a lot of things she does that she can never take back.

Levi is, essentially, the villain of the book. He maintains order in Prin, though from a place further away - the Source. This is where Prin gets food and water from, and Levi basically keeps the town alive. At a cost, of course. Levi is sneaky and manipulative, and incredibly shrewd. He may have been redeemable at some point, but that's soon a lost cause. Even though Levi is tainted and dark, I like how unique a character he is. He's not easy to understand, and the complexity within him is seriously awesome.

Overall, I loved a lot of elements on this book, and I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel. I'm actually surprised there even is a sequel, considering that this one ended really well. But hey, you never know what could happen to Prin next, and I can't wait to find out. Filled with heart-stopping action and amazing characters, Wasteland is one YA dystopian debut you do not want to miss!

*Thank you to Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan for providing a copy for review*(less)

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Mar 28, 2013 Jeanbooknerd rated it 4 of 5 stars

The duo of Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan brings readers to the world of Wastleland. In this post-apocalyptic world, life cease to exist past nineteen-years-old and people are in constant danger from widespread diseases and ruthless attacks by the outsiders, the Variants. But for Esther, she believes that her short life has more to offer. She sees more than the excruciating daily duties of Prin under the unyielding sun. When Caleb arrives in town, something in the past reveals itself that prompts...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Ellen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

In this post apocalyptic novel every day is a struggle for survival. Water is no longer safe to drink, food is scarce, the rain is poison like acid, and the sun's rays can kill. This is the world that 15-year-old Esther lives in. This is the only world she has ever know. Kids and teenagers now make up civilization, if you can call it that. Practically all are illiterate, with the exception of a very few. Esther can read a little. Her older sister Sarah, who is 17 and reads very well, taught her....more In this post apocalyptic novel every day is a struggle for survival. Water is no longer safe to drink, food is scarce, the rain is poison like acid, and the sun's rays can kill. This is the world that 15-year-old Esther lives in. This is the only world she has ever know. Kids and teenagers now make up civilization, if you can call it that. Practically all are illiterate, with the exception of a very few. Esther can read a little. Her older sister Sarah, who is 17 and reads very well, taught her. Unfortunately, it isn't a skill that is regarded as necessary in the world anymore. Children are partnered (what we would considered married), by the time they are 15 at the oldest. Very few are able to conceive, and for those that do, only 1 out of every 5 babies manage to survive. Then they have the issues of the sickness, and if someone gets that, they are immediately shunned and sent out to die. There are also the Variants to deal with, and Esther's best friend Skar just happens to be one. Variants are hermaphroditic beings that decide their sex at the age of 10. They are also partnered after that. Though they look nothing like the humans, they talk, have feelings, etc. and really, inside aren't that different.

Unfortunately, the humans want nothing to do with the Variants, and the Variants want nothing to do with the humans, except for Skar and Esther that is. In fact, the Variants have been attacking the town of Prin where Esther and the other humans live and work, gleaning, searching for anything left of use to trade for water and food, which is kept at "The Source," a large complex run by another boy Levi and his soldiers. Sarah taught Levi to read when he was younger, and he has used that along with his natural abilities to become a leader, and can be a very manipulative one at that.

When a strange new boy comes into town one day, everything changes. Caleb, who knows how to fight the variants, is recruited after saving one of the townspeople in the hopes of teaching them what he knows about fighting. Caleb is on his own quest though, determined to find the cause of his family's death, and little does he know many answers lie within the boundaries of Prin. One thing he did not expect to find in Prin was love, which he finds with Esther, something she wasn't looking for either, but when troubles escalates and threats and danger increase, will Esther, Caleb and the townspeople of Prin be able to survive?

Wasteland is a dystopian novel that has some interesting premises. I enjoyed the beginning of the book and the friendship that Esther and Skar shared, and I did like Esther's character. Esther was more interested in having fun than working, and most of the time she did just that. I enjoyed Caleb's character also. The other townspeople were not very impressive though, and the parts of the story where Esther had dealings with them tended to be a little slow for my taste. I would have liked to have seen a little more time spent on the relationship between Esther and Caleb. One day they meet and then they are partnering before you know it, which seemed a little too rushed, missing the opportunity for some great character building, which I think would enable the reader to connect with the hero and heroine on a deeper level. I would have liked to know more about how the world got into the shape it was in also.

Wasteland did have it's exciting and surprising moments to, and the ending felt satisfying. I wasn't overly impressed with this book, but it wasn't awful either, and if you are a fan of dystopia then you may want to check this out. (less)

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