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Rise of the Y
In a world on the brink of revolution, where the iron fist of the Imperium orchestrates every destiny...
Seventeen-year-old Lexi refuses to bow to a future with an assigned spouse and a dictated profession. A fiery spirit of defiance burns within her, ready to ignite a revolt. But destiny has other plans.
When tragedy unveils a hidden diary-a legacy of secrets and rebellion-Lexi is thrust into the perilous shadows of the elusive rebel group Y. In a whirlpool of danger, deceit, and forbidden alliances, every revelation blurs the lines between friend and foe, making trust the ultimate weapon in a battle for truth.
Caught between duty and a yearning for freedom, Lexi navigates a treacherous path where love and loyalty are tested at every turn. Who can she trust in a world where betrayal lurks in the shadows? As the foundations of the Imperium tremble, Lexi battles not only for her world but for the person she is destined to become.
Seventeen-year-old Lexi refuses to bow to a future with an assigned spouse and a dictated profession. A fiery spirit of defiance burns within her, ready to ignite a revolt. But destiny has other plans.
When tragedy unveils a hidden diary-a legacy of secrets and rebellion-Lexi is thrust into the perilous shadows of the elusive rebel group Y. In a whirlpool of danger, deceit, and forbidden alliances, every revelation blurs the lines between friend and foe, making trust the ultimate weapon in a battle for truth.
Caught between duty and a yearning for freedom, Lexi navigates a treacherous path where love and loyalty are tested at every turn. Who can she trust in a world where betrayal lurks in the shadows? As the foundations of the Imperium tremble, Lexi battles not only for her world but for the person she is destined to become.
248 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Did Not Finish
August 21, 2025DNF @ pg.136 / 58% or through chapter 14
I hate to DNF when I’ve spent over an hour on a book, but I honestly don’t think I’ll be giving this a high rating due to content if I do finish it, so I’m cutting my loses now.
I was uncomfortable with spouses being picked by the government and called “mates”. I think that was the intention, but I don’t care for dystopian plot lines that force marriage and pregnancy on the main female character. (As a side note, I honestly think that in a dystopian society there will be mainly IVF babies or “test-tube babies” rather than the traditional route.) I’ve DNF books in the past for having too many suggestions in that regard, so I was cautiously reading this book after that element entered in. There’s a scene of Lexi having to have appointment to check for her ability to have children that was honestly a bit much with her having to be naked and being poked and prodded. Pretty sure it was to highlight how corrupt and awful this government authority is and give Lexi—and the reader—more ammo against them, but I still didn’t care for that scene.
There’s a lot of mentions about “baby making”, consummating a marriage, and sharing a bed/“sleeping” with your “mate”, but besides those actual phrases, there’s no details on anything else about it. It was still very awkward though and definitely gave a sexual undertone because of the government’s expectations. It reminded me of “Captives” by Jill Williamson, a book I DNF years ago due to all the suggestions of such a nature.
At least Lexi’s husband seemed like a decent guy, so that was a positive, I suppose. But I suspect it will add in tension and more suggestive comments as the book and series continues.
Lexi did seem pretty self-centered at times, but most of those moments were understandable for what was happening to her. She did feel like an average YA Dystopian main character in a typical YA Dystopian plot, though, which made it all kind of boring to me as an avid reader of the genre.
Because of all of these and reading reviews of the second book in the series, I decided to DNF. A bummer, but it just wasn’t my kind of dystopian book and had content I didn’t like reading.
Main Content from what I read (not the whole book!):
Lexi finds a golden cross necklace and when it’s declared as contraband, she asks her grandmother about it; The grandmother explains that there were religious groups (one who used a cross, another a six-pointed star, and one with a crescent moon with a star beside it) and there were many arguments between those groups and even within their own factions which made the government banned anything that causes disagreements, including religion and political groups.
No language stronger than ‘stupid’, but a couple illusions to worse language being said.
An explosion, deaths of loved ones, pain/injuries, & grief (up to a few sentences); Hearing gunfire & seeing someone tased and beaten.
Lexi has a strained relationship with her father due to his expectations over her future, which gets worse as the book continues (*Spoiler* ).
Many mentions of a rebellion, bombings/explosions, deaths, grief, injuries, violence, & graffiti/vandalism; Mentions of wars & deaths; Mentions of arrests, jail/prisons, & executions of criminals; Mentions of divorces; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of the mentally unstable being “unable to live harmoniously” and being dangerous.
A few touches, embraces, & nearness with tension (up to a few sentences).
Lexi meets a handsome guy and hopes that she’ll be matched to someone as gorgeous as him; Lexi wonders about being held by a guy & kissing.
The government of this dystopian setting has everyone matched with their “mate” just after their seventeenth birthday to their best genetic match and expect the couple to have many babies to repopulate (the more children a couple has, the more benefits they receive like an extra room for each child, etc.); The married couple’s highest priority is to make a baby and the woman will be “probe and prod” every month until a baby comes; Lexi shudders at the though of being turned into some sort of baby factor or part of a baby making machine; She also shivers when thinking about the “enormous bed” in the marital apartment; When the first child turns one, the government gives the parents a month off of work and free day care with the expectation for baby number two to be “conceived on or soon after” then; Lexi has to go to a gynecological exam which requires her to be naked, put her feet in stirrups, and a male doctor pokes and prods her while making comments about her hips being good childbearing (Lexie has gone to one every year since turning twelve and hates it); After getting “mated”, Lexi wonders if others are looking at her and the guy and wondering he they’ll “start making babies on the tram ride back to their apartment”; When she brings up love, the husband says the government sells “enhancement medications for those who struggle to settle in” but Lexi says she shouldn’t have to take something for something that should be natural; Lexi recalls hearing whispers about “men and their needs and wants”; Her husband comments on the government being disappointed that they haven’t consummated their marriage; They fall asleep next to each other on the couch and she feels safe in his arms. (I skipped to the final few pages and there's them cuddling in bed and kissing, possibly cutting off them doing more.)
Because of this, there is a lot about “making babies”, consummating a marriage, couples “sleeping” together and sharing a bed, couples having to get pregnant fast, producing children, couples kicking other family members out to be alone, etc. No actual details on what any of these entail.
A woman also shares about her husband expecting her to “snap back and be ready to try” for another baby shortly their first, but she finds out she can’t have more children (also referred to her “sterility”).
Lexi’s best friend is excited about being matched and believes she will fall in love with him; *Spoiler* ; There is also the possibility, however, for a young girl to be married off to a man double her age if the man’s first wife died (there’s an account of this happening before and also happens on-page).
A couple mentions of kisses & kissing.
I hate to DNF when I’ve spent over an hour on a book, but I honestly don’t think I’ll be giving this a high rating due to content if I do finish it, so I’m cutting my loses now.
I was uncomfortable with spouses being picked by the government and called “mates”. I think that was the intention, but I don’t care for dystopian plot lines that force marriage and pregnancy on the main female character. (As a side note, I honestly think that in a dystopian society there will be mainly IVF babies or “test-tube babies” rather than the traditional route.) I’ve DNF books in the past for having too many suggestions in that regard, so I was cautiously reading this book after that element entered in. There’s a scene of Lexi having to have appointment to check for her ability to have children that was honestly a bit much with her having to be naked and being poked and prodded. Pretty sure it was to highlight how corrupt and awful this government authority is and give Lexi—and the reader—more ammo against them, but I still didn’t care for that scene.
There’s a lot of mentions about “baby making”, consummating a marriage, and sharing a bed/“sleeping” with your “mate”, but besides those actual phrases, there’s no details on anything else about it. It was still very awkward though and definitely gave a sexual undertone because of the government’s expectations. It reminded me of “Captives” by Jill Williamson, a book I DNF years ago due to all the suggestions of such a nature.
At least Lexi’s husband seemed like a decent guy, so that was a positive, I suppose. But I suspect it will add in tension and more suggestive comments as the book and series continues.
Lexi did seem pretty self-centered at times, but most of those moments were understandable for what was happening to her. She did feel like an average YA Dystopian main character in a typical YA Dystopian plot, though, which made it all kind of boring to me as an avid reader of the genre.
Because of all of these and reading reviews of the second book in the series, I decided to DNF. A bummer, but it just wasn’t my kind of dystopian book and had content I didn’t like reading.
Main Content from what I read (not the whole book!):
Lexi finds a golden cross necklace and when it’s declared as contraband, she asks her grandmother about it; The grandmother explains that there were religious groups (one who used a cross, another a six-pointed star, and one with a crescent moon with a star beside it) and there were many arguments between those groups and even within their own factions which made the government banned anything that causes disagreements, including religion and political groups.
No language stronger than ‘stupid’, but a couple illusions to worse language being said.
An explosion, deaths of loved ones, pain/injuries, & grief (up to a few sentences); Hearing gunfire & seeing someone tased and beaten.
Lexi has a strained relationship with her father due to his expectations over her future, which gets worse as the book continues (*Spoiler* ).
Many mentions of a rebellion, bombings/explosions, deaths, grief, injuries, violence, & graffiti/vandalism; Mentions of wars & deaths; Mentions of arrests, jail/prisons, & executions of criminals; Mentions of divorces; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of the mentally unstable being “unable to live harmoniously” and being dangerous.
A few touches, embraces, & nearness with tension (up to a few sentences).
Lexi meets a handsome guy and hopes that she’ll be matched to someone as gorgeous as him; Lexi wonders about being held by a guy & kissing.
The government of this dystopian setting has everyone matched with their “mate” just after their seventeenth birthday to their best genetic match and expect the couple to have many babies to repopulate (the more children a couple has, the more benefits they receive like an extra room for each child, etc.); The married couple’s highest priority is to make a baby and the woman will be “probe and prod” every month until a baby comes; Lexi shudders at the though of being turned into some sort of baby factor or part of a baby making machine; She also shivers when thinking about the “enormous bed” in the marital apartment; When the first child turns one, the government gives the parents a month off of work and free day care with the expectation for baby number two to be “conceived on or soon after” then; Lexi has to go to a gynecological exam which requires her to be naked, put her feet in stirrups, and a male doctor pokes and prods her while making comments about her hips being good childbearing (Lexie has gone to one every year since turning twelve and hates it); After getting “mated”, Lexi wonders if others are looking at her and the guy and wondering he they’ll “start making babies on the tram ride back to their apartment”; When she brings up love, the husband says the government sells “enhancement medications for those who struggle to settle in” but Lexi says she shouldn’t have to take something for something that should be natural; Lexi recalls hearing whispers about “men and their needs and wants”; Her husband comments on the government being disappointed that they haven’t consummated their marriage; They fall asleep next to each other on the couch and she feels safe in his arms. (I skipped to the final few pages and there's them cuddling in bed and kissing, possibly cutting off them doing more.)
Because of this, there is a lot about “making babies”, consummating a marriage, couples “sleeping” together and sharing a bed, couples having to get pregnant fast, producing children, couples kicking other family members out to be alone, etc. No actual details on what any of these entail.
A woman also shares about her husband expecting her to “snap back and be ready to try” for another baby shortly their first, but she finds out she can’t have more children (also referred to her “sterility”).
Lexi’s best friend is excited about being matched and believes she will fall in love with him; *Spoiler* ; There is also the possibility, however, for a young girl to be married off to a man double her age if the man’s first wife died (there’s an account of this happening before and also happens on-page).
A couple mentions of kisses & kissing.
September 25, 2026
I want to start by saying I enjoyed this book and will continuing reading this series with Echoes of the imperium. Book one and two aren’t linked on Goodreads but I’ve just noticed there is a sequel.
It took me a while to figure out what was missing in this book but I figured it out close to the end. There isn’t a strong inciting incident in the first act which means the main characters motivations don’t sit right with me. That said I did like Lexi even though I often didn’t like her decisions.
Lexi lives in a dystopian world where the government set out your life depending on how you score on a test. Lexi decides she doesn’t want the life of luxury her parents have and wants to try for a different faction. The one she aims for isn’t the one she’s been preparing for and instead ends up displaced. She’s given multiple chances to correct her mistake but would rather pick through trash than work for the government. This decision was made without any knowledge of the things to come. She’s just choosing a different path because she doesn’t want to work in administration.
As she settles into her new role she begins to see the cracks in the dysfunctional dystopian world. The government has been pulling the wool over the communities eyes. This is where motivation for change makes more sense.
The world building in this book is great and the dystopian element works well. I love the world that’s created and the uprising characters.
Lexi’s relationship with her father was questionable to me as she seemed against him even though I didn’t understand why. He wanted the best for his family even if it meant ignoring the mistakes of the system. The reason why Lexi cared more about the rebellion than her father didn’t have enough motivation for me. As the story progresses we get the motivation but for me it’s too late.
This book really got me thinking and the fact I didn’t agree with a lot of Lexi decisions made it an interesting read. She wasn’t predictable and enjoyed seeing how the story played out. This is just the start of Lexi’s journey and there is so much potential for more.
I listened to Samantha Norbury read this beautifully on audio. She does a great job and bringing the story to life.
It took me a while to figure out what was missing in this book but I figured it out close to the end. There isn’t a strong inciting incident in the first act which means the main characters motivations don’t sit right with me. That said I did like Lexi even though I often didn’t like her decisions.
Lexi lives in a dystopian world where the government set out your life depending on how you score on a test. Lexi decides she doesn’t want the life of luxury her parents have and wants to try for a different faction. The one she aims for isn’t the one she’s been preparing for and instead ends up displaced. She’s given multiple chances to correct her mistake but would rather pick through trash than work for the government. This decision was made without any knowledge of the things to come. She’s just choosing a different path because she doesn’t want to work in administration.
As she settles into her new role she begins to see the cracks in the dysfunctional dystopian world. The government has been pulling the wool over the communities eyes. This is where motivation for change makes more sense.
The world building in this book is great and the dystopian element works well. I love the world that’s created and the uprising characters.
Lexi’s relationship with her father was questionable to me as she seemed against him even though I didn’t understand why. He wanted the best for his family even if it meant ignoring the mistakes of the system. The reason why Lexi cared more about the rebellion than her father didn’t have enough motivation for me. As the story progresses we get the motivation but for me it’s too late.
This book really got me thinking and the fact I didn’t agree with a lot of Lexi decisions made it an interesting read. She wasn’t predictable and enjoyed seeing how the story played out. This is just the start of Lexi’s journey and there is so much potential for more.
I listened to Samantha Norbury read this beautifully on audio. She does a great job and bringing the story to life.
February 17, 2025
A Good Start
I like the main character of Lexi a lot. The author has done a very good job in making a 17 year old girl very balanced and I attribute that to the influence of the character's mother and grandmother. Brava! The story is interesting and well paced and I look forward to continuing on with this series!
I like the main character of Lexi a lot. The author has done a very good job in making a 17 year old girl very balanced and I attribute that to the influence of the character's mother and grandmother. Brava! The story is interesting and well paced and I look forward to continuing on with this series!
May 31, 2024
All I have to say is WOW! I think i found a new favorite author and series! I loved every minute of this. I was drawn into Lexi's dystopian world from the 1st page. I didn't want to put it down! Imagine if "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" got together and had a baby... that would be the Imperium, the society our heroin lives in.
I also love that Angela Shelton is a faith based Author. However, her book is not "preachy" for lack of a better term. You honestly wouldn't really know that it is faith-based, maybe until the end. So, I feel like this book would appeal to all audiences no matter your personal beliefs.
This is a clean book with no swearing or sexual content.
I can't wait for the 2nd installment of this series and look forward to reading more of Angela's books.
I also love that Angela Shelton is a faith based Author. However, her book is not "preachy" for lack of a better term. You honestly wouldn't really know that it is faith-based, maybe until the end. So, I feel like this book would appeal to all audiences no matter your personal beliefs.
This is a clean book with no swearing or sexual content.
I can't wait for the 2nd installment of this series and look forward to reading more of Angela's books.
April 8, 2024
She wanted to be like her eyes—always changing. But change wasn’t valued in the Imperium. It was like living with a herd of automatons. Follow in line, don’t make a fuss, and never disturb the routine.
The Rise of Y was a fast-paced dystopian novel about a society under strict government control. It was interesting because there were moments in the story when it was eerily not so far out there to believe our own future could become somewhat similar.
“Religion, political groups, differing opinions on values and morals—the Imperium banned anything that caused disagreements. That’s why the computers select the Imperium administration according to whom is most qualified. Not by those we like the best.”
Lexi Verity was a young woman who grew up in the Imperium. At age 17, all graduates were required to take a test to determine where their future responsibilities lied and how they could benefit the productivity of the Imperium. The author does a fantastic job providing the reader with a clear view of this strict, relentless, and dangerous world.
Reaching up, she ran her fingertips over tender spinach leaves. Salad was one of her favorites when they treated themselves to fresh food. Most of the high-protein greens would end up in nutrition bars or on the plates of those in the top administrative positions received better food than the rest of the Imperium. With great minds came great privilege. Or at least that’s what her father always said.
It doesn’t take long to become invested in Lexi’s world and eager to know where her path was headed. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was connecting with Lexi’s character as she was sometimes a bit nettlesome and immature. But then I remembered that this was a girl who at 17 years old had been sheltered her whole life, pressured by a selfish parent to follow his path for her rather than follow her own, suffered unimaginable heartbreak, and forced to marry a stranger….to name only a few difficulties she faced. Seeing the scope of her situation helped to understand her actions.
They stood, frozen in the shadows, waiting for whatever came next. But first, Lexi’s heart might jump out of her chest. Her breaths came in fast, shallow gasps.
Have I mentioned how much I loved Reeves Scheffer? He was the unexpected light in the darkness for Lexi. Her only anchor when a storm that she never saw coming sucked her into a dangerous unknown world of chaos and survival.
How in the world could she have known about how guns worked? It wasn’t as if they’d had a class in school on the subject. She aimed at the stairway, the same as the rest of the team, and pulled the trigger. The kick of the gun shocked her and knocked her backward a foot. She growled, stepped back into the line, aimed, and fired again.
This book is definitely a page turner. There’s plenty of conflict to keep the reader wanting to know what happens next.
The Rise of Y was the first book I’d read by Angela Shelton and it won be my last. As expected, there was a cliffhanger so therefore I will be definitely be reading the sequel.
I received a copy of The Rise of Y from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
The Rise of Y was a fast-paced dystopian novel about a society under strict government control. It was interesting because there were moments in the story when it was eerily not so far out there to believe our own future could become somewhat similar.
“Religion, political groups, differing opinions on values and morals—the Imperium banned anything that caused disagreements. That’s why the computers select the Imperium administration according to whom is most qualified. Not by those we like the best.”
Lexi Verity was a young woman who grew up in the Imperium. At age 17, all graduates were required to take a test to determine where their future responsibilities lied and how they could benefit the productivity of the Imperium. The author does a fantastic job providing the reader with a clear view of this strict, relentless, and dangerous world.
Reaching up, she ran her fingertips over tender spinach leaves. Salad was one of her favorites when they treated themselves to fresh food. Most of the high-protein greens would end up in nutrition bars or on the plates of those in the top administrative positions received better food than the rest of the Imperium. With great minds came great privilege. Or at least that’s what her father always said.
It doesn’t take long to become invested in Lexi’s world and eager to know where her path was headed. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was connecting with Lexi’s character as she was sometimes a bit nettlesome and immature. But then I remembered that this was a girl who at 17 years old had been sheltered her whole life, pressured by a selfish parent to follow his path for her rather than follow her own, suffered unimaginable heartbreak, and forced to marry a stranger….to name only a few difficulties she faced. Seeing the scope of her situation helped to understand her actions.
They stood, frozen in the shadows, waiting for whatever came next. But first, Lexi’s heart might jump out of her chest. Her breaths came in fast, shallow gasps.
Have I mentioned how much I loved Reeves Scheffer? He was the unexpected light in the darkness for Lexi. Her only anchor when a storm that she never saw coming sucked her into a dangerous unknown world of chaos and survival.
How in the world could she have known about how guns worked? It wasn’t as if they’d had a class in school on the subject. She aimed at the stairway, the same as the rest of the team, and pulled the trigger. The kick of the gun shocked her and knocked her backward a foot. She growled, stepped back into the line, aimed, and fired again.
This book is definitely a page turner. There’s plenty of conflict to keep the reader wanting to know what happens next.
The Rise of Y was the first book I’d read by Angela Shelton and it won be my last. As expected, there was a cliffhanger so therefore I will be definitely be reading the sequel.
I received a copy of The Rise of Y from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
November 10, 2023
The first book of The Y Chronicles, Lexi Verity is preparing to take her test that would determine her career path and living situation. The Imperium ruled after the Collapse and war. It decreed humans squandered too much; therefore, all foodstuff went into bland but healthy bars. It was rare to have fresh vegetables and real meat. Everyone was assigned work according to a test, determined the best genetic match for a mate, and assigned housing units. Change wasn't allowed. Only those just married or with children got apartments. If a couple failed to achieve pregnancy after the first year or their children had grown were forced into a dormitory living.
Lexi was groomed to follow in her family’s footsteps and work in Administration. Everyone who worked in Administration lived in the White building and wore white uniforms. She dreamed of working in the greenhouses. Lexi threw her test by purposely incorrectly answering the questions for Administration’s section. When Lexi finished the computer announced she was assigned to Reclamation. In 72 hours she would be assigned a mate and her new home.
Lexi’s father was in a rage when he learned what she had done. He insisted that she retake the test. Lexi refused to bend to what he wanted. When she reported to Reclamation she was assigned a brown suit and was to sort trash that could be recycled. Just before she was finished with work, a gold necklace appeared at he her station. It had a gold cross on it. She wasn’t sure if it was valuable so she chose to scan it with the computer. Red lights and an alarm sounded “Contraband detected, Supervisor alerted.” Her supervisor told her that religious symbols led to devastation of the world.
The following evening, both of her grandparents receive messages that they were being retired and moved to a nearby town called Solitude. Lexi was stunned; nobody ever returned from the retirement city. She would never see her grandparents again. The following morning, her mother gave her a necklace with a locket on it. She accompanied her mother and grandparents to the train platform. Her mother claimed she was going to escort them to their train. Lexi started towards the opposite direction for her train to work. Yelling was heard, Lexi saw a fireball fill the station where her grandparents and mother were. Then a large explosion and Lexi’s life was about to change in ways she had never imagined.
This was a thrilling story of rebellion against conformity and tyrannical government. Lexi was unwilling to live a life dictated by others. However, she was extremely loyal to her grandparents and her mother. Readers who enjoy stories told from the perspective of a strong female protagonist will enjoy Rise of the Y. Unpredictable plot twists and supporting characters prove to add adventure and fuel the fire of pursuing dreams.
Lexi was groomed to follow in her family’s footsteps and work in Administration. Everyone who worked in Administration lived in the White building and wore white uniforms. She dreamed of working in the greenhouses. Lexi threw her test by purposely incorrectly answering the questions for Administration’s section. When Lexi finished the computer announced she was assigned to Reclamation. In 72 hours she would be assigned a mate and her new home.
Lexi’s father was in a rage when he learned what she had done. He insisted that she retake the test. Lexi refused to bend to what he wanted. When she reported to Reclamation she was assigned a brown suit and was to sort trash that could be recycled. Just before she was finished with work, a gold necklace appeared at he her station. It had a gold cross on it. She wasn’t sure if it was valuable so she chose to scan it with the computer. Red lights and an alarm sounded “Contraband detected, Supervisor alerted.” Her supervisor told her that religious symbols led to devastation of the world.
The following evening, both of her grandparents receive messages that they were being retired and moved to a nearby town called Solitude. Lexi was stunned; nobody ever returned from the retirement city. She would never see her grandparents again. The following morning, her mother gave her a necklace with a locket on it. She accompanied her mother and grandparents to the train platform. Her mother claimed she was going to escort them to their train. Lexi started towards the opposite direction for her train to work. Yelling was heard, Lexi saw a fireball fill the station where her grandparents and mother were. Then a large explosion and Lexi’s life was about to change in ways she had never imagined.
This was a thrilling story of rebellion against conformity and tyrannical government. Lexi was unwilling to live a life dictated by others. However, she was extremely loyal to her grandparents and her mother. Readers who enjoy stories told from the perspective of a strong female protagonist will enjoy Rise of the Y. Unpredictable plot twists and supporting characters prove to add adventure and fuel the fire of pursuing dreams.
January 16, 2024
Author Angela D. Shelton definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall, The Rise of Y is a well-written page-turner as it explores the possibilities of life in a tightly-controlled, post-Judeo-Christian, American society. The book is reminiscent of George Orwell’s “1984.”
On the downside, though, Shelton overuses many adjectives throughout her narrative, making the reading tedious at times. In spite of this, the book vividly brings to life the environment in which the main character, Lexi Verity, finds herself.
There is real tension, frustration, and anger as Lexi rebels more and more against what everyone expects of her, from her father all the way to those in charge of the new order, the Imperium.
Romance is a main element woven throughout this dystopian book. The Imperium selects who Lexi marries when she turns 18, and with her forced marriage to a stranger comes an expectation of her quickly becoming pregnant. While nothing is explicitly inappropriate, the undercurrent of expected sexual activity in the marital context is discussed often, both before and after the ceremony. Lexi struggles with her impossible dream of choosing a spouse for love versus what is forced upon her.
As a Christian, I was eager for a clear presentation of the gospel when the author hinted about God in the story. At several important moments, I anticipated she would insert the truth of Jesus Christ very clearly. That was not the case. If this is the only book she completes in her series, or people don’t read additional titles, unbelievers are left hanging without knowing Who God is and why that matters.
I hope for a stronger presentation of the Gospel in the next book.
— reviewed by CL as part of the LibaryThing Early Reviews program
On the downside, though, Shelton overuses many adjectives throughout her narrative, making the reading tedious at times. In spite of this, the book vividly brings to life the environment in which the main character, Lexi Verity, finds herself.
There is real tension, frustration, and anger as Lexi rebels more and more against what everyone expects of her, from her father all the way to those in charge of the new order, the Imperium.
Romance is a main element woven throughout this dystopian book. The Imperium selects who Lexi marries when she turns 18, and with her forced marriage to a stranger comes an expectation of her quickly becoming pregnant. While nothing is explicitly inappropriate, the undercurrent of expected sexual activity in the marital context is discussed often, both before and after the ceremony. Lexi struggles with her impossible dream of choosing a spouse for love versus what is forced upon her.
As a Christian, I was eager for a clear presentation of the gospel when the author hinted about God in the story. At several important moments, I anticipated she would insert the truth of Jesus Christ very clearly. That was not the case. If this is the only book she completes in her series, or people don’t read additional titles, unbelievers are left hanging without knowing Who God is and why that matters.
I hope for a stronger presentation of the Gospel in the next book.
— reviewed by CL as part of the LibaryThing Early Reviews program
September 8, 2024
"Rise of the Y" by Angela D. Shelton is a thought-provoking novel that blends political intrigue, personal growth, self-discovery, truth, and rebellion. The book centers on the life of Lexi Verity, a seventeen-year-old girl living in the Imperium, a city governed by laws that control every aspect of life, from career assignments to personal relationships. The author describes an oppressive society divided into social classes that cast a heavy cloud of tension, suppressing individuality and freedom. Lexi discovers a new path after being assigned to Reclamation, leading her to question the authority of the Imperium and consider joining the Y rebellion.
I loved how Shelton built a dystopian society that is alive and real. The attention to small details like the standardized food rations and color-coded uniforms made me feel like I was living alongside Lexi in this oppressive society. I loved Lexi's character. The fact that she courageously chose not to conform to her father's expectations and instead embraced life in Reclamation was a bold decision. Her relationship with her family, and the loss of her mother and grandparents, also portrayed an emotional aspect that was relatable. Shelton did a good job painting the grueling and unpleasant lives those in the lower classes, like Reclamation, faced. In a way, she placed Lexi in the best environment that fueled her desire to check the Imperium's authority.
One thing I disliked about Rise of the Y, however, was that some characters, like Ethan, were not well-developed. I believe the writer would shed better light on these characters in the other books in this series. I recommend it to anyone who loves dystopian fiction and coming-of-age stories. It was a great read!
I loved how Shelton built a dystopian society that is alive and real. The attention to small details like the standardized food rations and color-coded uniforms made me feel like I was living alongside Lexi in this oppressive society. I loved Lexi's character. The fact that she courageously chose not to conform to her father's expectations and instead embraced life in Reclamation was a bold decision. Her relationship with her family, and the loss of her mother and grandparents, also portrayed an emotional aspect that was relatable. Shelton did a good job painting the grueling and unpleasant lives those in the lower classes, like Reclamation, faced. In a way, she placed Lexi in the best environment that fueled her desire to check the Imperium's authority.
One thing I disliked about Rise of the Y, however, was that some characters, like Ethan, were not well-developed. I believe the writer would shed better light on these characters in the other books in this series. I recommend it to anyone who loves dystopian fiction and coming-of-age stories. It was a great read!
November 29, 2023
Lexi is a young woman of seventeen who lives with her parents and maternal grandparents in the Administration building in the Imperium, a place where order is maintained by a ruling class with a lot of very stringent rules. On her seventeenth birthday, Lexi is to take the mandatory aptitude test and be given her final career, as well as her new living quarters and the name of her mate after a few days.
Lexi has dreams of working anywhere but where her parents do and she has a plan of how she is going to get there, but as with some plans, this one doesn't quite work out the way she hoped, but she isn't mad, however, her father is. As she prepares to forge her own path, tragedy strikes and she loses nearly everything and what she doesn't lose directly, she loses later on, but instead she finds a family secret, links to a rebellious faction called the Y and this calls to the rebel in her and she has to find out more.
This is where Lexi begins to tread a dangerous path, in public, she is a pure example of the Imperium, working hard at her job, getting married, living with her mate and hopefully having the big family the Imperium dreams of, however, in the shadows, she becomes further engaged in the under the radar workings of Y.
Can Lexi continue to live this double life and work out who in the tangled web of her life she can trust, or will she bring tragedy down on herself and those around her? This is an unpredictable story of loyalty and rebellion, where trust is hard to find and loyalty even harder, as danger watches from the shadows while foundations crumble below a totalitarian society in danger of falling into the worst nightmare of their own creation.
Lexi has dreams of working anywhere but where her parents do and she has a plan of how she is going to get there, but as with some plans, this one doesn't quite work out the way she hoped, but she isn't mad, however, her father is. As she prepares to forge her own path, tragedy strikes and she loses nearly everything and what she doesn't lose directly, she loses later on, but instead she finds a family secret, links to a rebellious faction called the Y and this calls to the rebel in her and she has to find out more.
This is where Lexi begins to tread a dangerous path, in public, she is a pure example of the Imperium, working hard at her job, getting married, living with her mate and hopefully having the big family the Imperium dreams of, however, in the shadows, she becomes further engaged in the under the radar workings of Y.
Can Lexi continue to live this double life and work out who in the tangled web of her life she can trust, or will she bring tragedy down on herself and those around her? This is an unpredictable story of loyalty and rebellion, where trust is hard to find and loyalty even harder, as danger watches from the shadows while foundations crumble below a totalitarian society in danger of falling into the worst nightmare of their own creation.
September 4, 2024
Angela D. Shelton's "Rise of the Y" is a captivating journey into a dystopian future in which society is closely controlled by an authoritarian system known as the Imperium. The plot revolves around Lexi Verity, a young lady on the verge of maturity who must traverse the rigorous social system to choose her own path. In Lexi's world, the Imperium decides what jobs people get and who can marry them based on their genes. The book follows Lexi as she faces the cruel system that wants to make her a part of its machine and goes on a dangerous journey of self-discovery, resistance, and survival.
What really interested me in the story was Lexi's plan to cheat on the job assessment test so she doesn't have to live a boring, predetermined life as an administrator. This narrative is not only fascinating but also profoundly symbolic. It portrays a fight against an oppressive society, evoking real-world fights for autonomy and liberation. One thing that makes "Rise of the Y" stand out is how well the characters are developed, especially Lexi Verity. Lexi's inner fight and outward rebellion make her an instantly likable and interesting main character. What I find particularly likable about Lexi is her depth. She is intelligent yet unsure, eager but realistic. Her raw and believable feelings make her journey all the more compelling.
I had no dislikes about this book as Shelton's ability to craft a compelling protagonist and create high stakes for her character makes this book hard to put down. "Rise of the Y" is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will appeal to fans of dystopian fiction and young adult literature. It is a must-read.
What really interested me in the story was Lexi's plan to cheat on the job assessment test so she doesn't have to live a boring, predetermined life as an administrator. This narrative is not only fascinating but also profoundly symbolic. It portrays a fight against an oppressive society, evoking real-world fights for autonomy and liberation. One thing that makes "Rise of the Y" stand out is how well the characters are developed, especially Lexi Verity. Lexi's inner fight and outward rebellion make her an instantly likable and interesting main character. What I find particularly likable about Lexi is her depth. She is intelligent yet unsure, eager but realistic. Her raw and believable feelings make her journey all the more compelling.
I had no dislikes about this book as Shelton's ability to craft a compelling protagonist and create high stakes for her character makes this book hard to put down. "Rise of the Y" is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will appeal to fans of dystopian fiction and young adult literature. It is a must-read.
September 20, 2024
This book follows Lexi Verity, a strong female protagonist set in a dystopian world ruled by the imperium after the collapse and war. A world where eating vegetables is a luxury, even more so meat, as the imperium believes humans squander too much and develops protein bars packed with nutrients for everyday life. Lexi is expected to follow in everyone else’s footsteps, take the test that determines your position in the world, fail, and be among the homeless. Lexis parents want her to work in administration just like they do, but Lexi does not want to conform to this life. She wants something different; she wants to work in a greenhouse and purposely flunks the test, but instead of a greenhouse, she is assigned to retribution, which involved sorting trash. Although this upsets her father deeply, she refuses to retake the test. Her life is soon to change when she experiences an explosion on the way to her train to work. What sort of experience does life have in store for her?
This is such a thrilling book to read, and you hardly want to stop after starting. I really like Lexi, as she knows what she wants and refuses to bend to her father's will. She is brave and does what she wants regardless of what is to come, and this trait is very admirable. I find the imperiums' rule very crazy, as aside from just placing people in various departments, they are also assigned mates that match genetically, and each couple is assigned one apartment.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I have no criticism about it as it is well written and captures the attention of readers. I would most definitely recommend it to readers of young adult novels and dystopian novels.
This is such a thrilling book to read, and you hardly want to stop after starting. I really like Lexi, as she knows what she wants and refuses to bend to her father's will. She is brave and does what she wants regardless of what is to come, and this trait is very admirable. I find the imperiums' rule very crazy, as aside from just placing people in various departments, they are also assigned mates that match genetically, and each couple is assigned one apartment.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I have no criticism about it as it is well written and captures the attention of readers. I would most definitely recommend it to readers of young adult novels and dystopian novels.
July 28, 2024
The scariest part of this thought-provoking book is that someday, it could happen. The author paints a vivid picture of a world where the government believes they know better than citizens what is best for them. Even God granted His creation the freedom to make their own choices, for better or worse.
The book falls into the Young Adult genre, and I enjoyed it despite the fact no one has mistaken me for a young adult for several decades. However, an intriguing plot transcends age categories, and this is such a story.
In the aftermath of a devastating war, the authoritarian Imperium rules. Operating on the belief that individuals are incapable of making good decisions, test results determine citizens' occupations, compatibility algorithms select spouses, family size determines the housing assigned, and one's occupation dictates the clothing worn.
Lexi Verity finds herself caught in the middle of decisions no seventeen-year-old should have to make. Her attempt to rebel against the occupation testing, by purposely missing questions to skew the results backfires. Then tragedy strikes, and her life is shaken to her core when she discovers dangerous family secrets. She risks imprisonment or worse when she hides the information instead of turning it over to authorities. Lexi grapples to decide if freedom is worth risking her life. She must live with the unanticipated consequences caused by her choices.
The characters’ struggles, the moving story, and the suspense kept me reading late into the night.
The book falls into the Young Adult genre, and I enjoyed it despite the fact no one has mistaken me for a young adult for several decades. However, an intriguing plot transcends age categories, and this is such a story.
In the aftermath of a devastating war, the authoritarian Imperium rules. Operating on the belief that individuals are incapable of making good decisions, test results determine citizens' occupations, compatibility algorithms select spouses, family size determines the housing assigned, and one's occupation dictates the clothing worn.
Lexi Verity finds herself caught in the middle of decisions no seventeen-year-old should have to make. Her attempt to rebel against the occupation testing, by purposely missing questions to skew the results backfires. Then tragedy strikes, and her life is shaken to her core when she discovers dangerous family secrets. She risks imprisonment or worse when she hides the information instead of turning it over to authorities. Lexi grapples to decide if freedom is worth risking her life. She must live with the unanticipated consequences caused by her choices.
The characters’ struggles, the moving story, and the suspense kept me reading late into the night.
September 1, 2024
The novel "Rise of the Y: A YA Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian" by Angela D. Shelton already speaks for itself; it willingly immerses the readers into a dystopian world where every decision comes with heavy consequences.
The novel starts with Lexi Verity, a young girl with just the hope of youth remaining before her, to grow into a woman and face the biggest challenge that is available to her in a controlled society. Her desire to work in the greenhouses full of life and beauty of the plants diverges significantly from the mechanical world she has known all her life.
I can see the writing of the author is simple and straightforward for any person to understand and would thereby appeal to a wide number of audiences.
The pace of the plot is nearly ideal, as it takes some time to expose readers to the characters and ensure they are engaged and interested in what is happening around the constant presence of action and suspense.
I like the moment when Lexi faces difficult decisions that push her to question everything she’s ever known. There is a particular revelation that is very significant in her transformation, where she finally learns the true destiny of the older generation. This scene is so emotionally painful and awakening, which can be viewed as marking the beginning of her change process.
For those who like to read about the actions of people against oppressors, this book should go to the collection.
In this sense, it is my recommendation that lovers of dystopian fiction, particularly the young adults, will find this novel quite interesting.
The novel starts with Lexi Verity, a young girl with just the hope of youth remaining before her, to grow into a woman and face the biggest challenge that is available to her in a controlled society. Her desire to work in the greenhouses full of life and beauty of the plants diverges significantly from the mechanical world she has known all her life.
I can see the writing of the author is simple and straightforward for any person to understand and would thereby appeal to a wide number of audiences.
The pace of the plot is nearly ideal, as it takes some time to expose readers to the characters and ensure they are engaged and interested in what is happening around the constant presence of action and suspense.
I like the moment when Lexi faces difficult decisions that push her to question everything she’s ever known. There is a particular revelation that is very significant in her transformation, where she finally learns the true destiny of the older generation. This scene is so emotionally painful and awakening, which can be viewed as marking the beginning of her change process.
For those who like to read about the actions of people against oppressors, this book should go to the collection.
In this sense, it is my recommendation that lovers of dystopian fiction, particularly the young adults, will find this novel quite interesting.
September 15, 2024
I recently finished reading "Rise of the Y" by Angela D. Shelton, and I have to say, it's a captivating and thrilling dystopian novel that had me hooked from the very first page. The story revolves around Lexi Verity, a seventeen-year-old girl living in the Imperium, a city governed by strict laws that dictate every aspect of life. As the plot unfolds, we witness Lexi's struggles and challenges as she navigates through a society where freedom and individuality are severely restricted.
The author, Angela D. Shelton, has created a compelling and immersive world that kept me engaged throughout the entire book. The society portrayed in the novel felt both hauntingly familiar and eerily plausible, making the story all the more impactful. I found myself immersed in the narrative, eagerly turning the pages to uncover Lexi's fate and the secrets hidden within the Imperium.
The cliffhanger ending left me craving for more, and I am excited to see where the story goes next in the sequel. "Rise of the Y" has all the elements of a page-turner – suspense, mystery, and thought-provoking themes that resonate with readers. I would highly recommend this book to fans of dystopian fiction, especially young adults who enjoy immersive and thought-provoking storytelling.
Overall, I give "Rise of the Y" a solid five-star rating, and I can't wait to dive into the next installment of the series. Angela D. Shelton has crafted a truly enthralling tale, and I am eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Lexi's journey.
The author, Angela D. Shelton, has created a compelling and immersive world that kept me engaged throughout the entire book. The society portrayed in the novel felt both hauntingly familiar and eerily plausible, making the story all the more impactful. I found myself immersed in the narrative, eagerly turning the pages to uncover Lexi's fate and the secrets hidden within the Imperium.
The cliffhanger ending left me craving for more, and I am excited to see where the story goes next in the sequel. "Rise of the Y" has all the elements of a page-turner – suspense, mystery, and thought-provoking themes that resonate with readers. I would highly recommend this book to fans of dystopian fiction, especially young adults who enjoy immersive and thought-provoking storytelling.
Overall, I give "Rise of the Y" a solid five-star rating, and I can't wait to dive into the next installment of the series. Angela D. Shelton has crafted a truly enthralling tale, and I am eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Lexi's journey.
December 12, 2023
This definitely had some major 'Hunger Games' and 'Divergent' vibes while also having its own unique storyline and plot. It was an amazing read and I can't wait for the next one in the series to come out! The main character is an incredibly strong female lead named Lexi. I don't want to give anything away because I strongly encourage everyone to check it out for themselves, but I will say there is a test that all the characters in the book must take at a certain age. This test decides her class and career path. Everyone is also set up in an arranged marriage.
Lexi's results do not turn out the way she hoped or planned and she is not a fan of who she has been set up with for marriage. Though she was adamant that she wasn't going to like whoever they did set her up with. I actually think being paired with Reeves was a blessing. Because while part of his motivations absolutely had to do with him taking his vows and arranged marriage very seriously, he was also just a really good match for Lexi. I can't wait to read more about what happens to them next!
I'm also very interested in where things are going to go from the very unpredictable and shocking ending everyone who reads this book is left with. There is a rebellion in the air and I can't wait to see how Lexi and Reeves navigate their lives and choices as things continue moving forward. I strongly recommend this book and am eagerly awaiting the next one!
Lexi's results do not turn out the way she hoped or planned and she is not a fan of who she has been set up with for marriage. Though she was adamant that she wasn't going to like whoever they did set her up with. I actually think being paired with Reeves was a blessing. Because while part of his motivations absolutely had to do with him taking his vows and arranged marriage very seriously, he was also just a really good match for Lexi. I can't wait to read more about what happens to them next!
I'm also very interested in where things are going to go from the very unpredictable and shocking ending everyone who reads this book is left with. There is a rebellion in the air and I can't wait to see how Lexi and Reeves navigate their lives and choices as things continue moving forward. I strongly recommend this book and am eagerly awaiting the next one!
August 29, 2024
Right from the onset, the foundations of the novel create a convincingly dystopian environment that is truly credible. The daily rut of Lexi’s life is rather recognizable, no matter how much the story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world.
The narrator uses simple language and explanation to give details of the events, which makes following the plot easier, especially when the novel brings out issues such as government authority, stratified society, and individual rebellions.
One of the most important lessons, which can be drawn from this novel, is the issue of choice and the spirit to follow one’s dreams despite the tremendous pressure from everybody around.
The author does not avoid referencing the depth of emotions. I went into a trance when Lexi comprehended the terrible fate that befalls all her close ones.
However, this novel is uniquely suitable for young adult audiences who love dystopian genres with hardworking, empowering heroes.
Hence it can be said that the themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and dysfunctional family are quite relatable; thus, this novel is worth reading for those who enjoy futuristic novels that depict quite a recognizable future.
I will conclude that "Rise of the Y: A YA Post Apocalyptic Dystopian" by Angela D. Shelton is a powerful portrayal of the consequences of depersonalization of people for the sake of rationalization of various processes. I recommend checking it out.
The narrator uses simple language and explanation to give details of the events, which makes following the plot easier, especially when the novel brings out issues such as government authority, stratified society, and individual rebellions.
One of the most important lessons, which can be drawn from this novel, is the issue of choice and the spirit to follow one’s dreams despite the tremendous pressure from everybody around.
The author does not avoid referencing the depth of emotions. I went into a trance when Lexi comprehended the terrible fate that befalls all her close ones.
However, this novel is uniquely suitable for young adult audiences who love dystopian genres with hardworking, empowering heroes.
Hence it can be said that the themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and dysfunctional family are quite relatable; thus, this novel is worth reading for those who enjoy futuristic novels that depict quite a recognizable future.
I will conclude that "Rise of the Y: A YA Post Apocalyptic Dystopian" by Angela D. Shelton is a powerful portrayal of the consequences of depersonalization of people for the sake of rationalization of various processes. I recommend checking it out.
October 24, 2023
2.5/5 Stars
I don't know that this book was for me, but I've read similar stories with protagonists of a similar age, and have greatly enjoyed those. With that caveat, here are my thoughts.
I can't say that I enjoyed reading this, though I do find the plot intriguing and am interested in finding out where the series goes. The characters felt flat to me, with a stereotypical young, angry teenage girl who has issues with her dad as the protagonist. I found her to be self-centered, and everything she did—good or bad—stemmed from that. There are several other characters who could have called her on this, or at least brought it up, but it seemed like everyone was okay with it, which makes me question whether this is something that will be addressed in later books. And while character flaws are expected, and can even be large ones for heroes and heroines of series, there need to be redeeming qualities as well, and there weren't any for me.
I do like the male protagonist, and think his flaws are better balanced with redeeming qualities. The setting and structure of the dystopian society is also really interesting. There are some side characters I'd like to see more of as well.
Overall, this book reads like it's plot driven, and not character driven. I'm curious to see what happens and how Lexi's character develops.
I don't know that this book was for me, but I've read similar stories with protagonists of a similar age, and have greatly enjoyed those. With that caveat, here are my thoughts.
I can't say that I enjoyed reading this, though I do find the plot intriguing and am interested in finding out where the series goes. The characters felt flat to me, with a stereotypical young, angry teenage girl who has issues with her dad as the protagonist. I found her to be self-centered, and everything she did—good or bad—stemmed from that. There are several other characters who could have called her on this, or at least brought it up, but it seemed like everyone was okay with it, which makes me question whether this is something that will be addressed in later books. And while character flaws are expected, and can even be large ones for heroes and heroines of series, there need to be redeeming qualities as well, and there weren't any for me.
I do like the male protagonist, and think his flaws are better balanced with redeeming qualities. The setting and structure of the dystopian society is also really interesting. There are some side characters I'd like to see more of as well.
Overall, this book reads like it's plot driven, and not character driven. I'm curious to see what happens and how Lexi's character develops.
November 4, 2023
This is the first book in The Y Chronicles series. It is a YA young dystopian story that has me completely immersed from the start. The author's writing really brought the world to life. You can actually picture living in a world where everyone had a place and a purpose but no free will. With one group of people controlling all of human kind and stopping anyone trying to rebel in their tracks.
This is a story about one girls fight to find herself and break free of all the rules places around her. It is a story of love and loss, Rebellion, danger, duty and secrets that slowly come into the light.
Lexi has finally turned 17. She doesn't want be placed in a role like her parents. To live a life that is uniformed with no free will. She wants the chance to find her own way in the world but How?
When she finds a diary detailing things about a rebel group called Y it sets her on the road of discovering all she can about them. Is this group the thing she needs to break free? Did her mother and grandmother have any knowledge of this group? Were they every a part of it? And what will be the consequences of her joining such a group?
When a young woman is torn between duty and towing the line and finally finding freedom and herself in the process which way will Lexi turn?
I loved this story and can't wait to see what happens next.
This is a story about one girls fight to find herself and break free of all the rules places around her. It is a story of love and loss, Rebellion, danger, duty and secrets that slowly come into the light.
Lexi has finally turned 17. She doesn't want be placed in a role like her parents. To live a life that is uniformed with no free will. She wants the chance to find her own way in the world but How?
When she finds a diary detailing things about a rebel group called Y it sets her on the road of discovering all she can about them. Is this group the thing she needs to break free? Did her mother and grandmother have any knowledge of this group? Were they every a part of it? And what will be the consequences of her joining such a group?
When a young woman is torn between duty and towing the line and finally finding freedom and herself in the process which way will Lexi turn?
I loved this story and can't wait to see what happens next.
January 1, 2024
In a world where the government controls where you live, who you marry, and what job you have, Lexi’s father has pushed her to excel. However, Lexi doesn’t want an administration job and fails the placement test, never imagining the series of events she sets into motion. Balancing duty and a yearning for freedom, she navigates a treacherous path, fighting not only for her world but for the person she is destined to become as the foundations of the Imperium tremble.
It’s been awhile since I read a dystopian book, and I was in the mood for a change. This reminded me strongly of Divergent, where a test decides the rest of your life. Lexi believes she will enjoy growing food and working with plants, but she hates having her life controlled. I enjoyed how much she behaved like a teenager her age would. It made the story believable.
The story moves at a fast pace. Things happened that I wasn’t expecting, but there were also many things that were predictable. I didn’t realize but this is a Christian Dystopian tale. There is a bit of a bastardization of Christianity that didn’t appear until the last half and I didn’t like it.
Overall, it was an easy read. I would recommend it to readers looking for a Christian Dystopian story. I received an advance copy from the publisher through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer program. All opinions expressed are my own.
It’s been awhile since I read a dystopian book, and I was in the mood for a change. This reminded me strongly of Divergent, where a test decides the rest of your life. Lexi believes she will enjoy growing food and working with plants, but she hates having her life controlled. I enjoyed how much she behaved like a teenager her age would. It made the story believable.
The story moves at a fast pace. Things happened that I wasn’t expecting, but there were also many things that were predictable. I didn’t realize but this is a Christian Dystopian tale. There is a bit of a bastardization of Christianity that didn’t appear until the last half and I didn’t like it.
Overall, it was an easy read. I would recommend it to readers looking for a Christian Dystopian story. I received an advance copy from the publisher through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer program. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 22, 2025
"Rise of the Y" is the first book in "The Y Chronicles" by Angela D. Shelton. It's unique yet familiar in many ways, reminding me of several movies I've watched repeatedly.
I love the world created for "Rise of the Y," even though I wouldn’t want to live in it. The story is well-written and surprised me in numerous ways. Angela D. Shelton is an incredible writer for conceiving the narrative of "Rise of the Y" and crafting all the characters.
The narrative feels genuine and relatable, suggesting that it could happen. Seventeen-year-old Lexi lives in a world controlled by a strict government. At the age of seventeen, everyone must take a test to determine their future.
This test reveals their future jobs and living situations, assigns them spouses, and expects them to have children. Housing assignments depend on their employment and family size.
The government dictates all their life choices, leaving them with no personal input. Lexi dislikes being ordered around and yearns to make her own choices. The question now is whether she will take action or continue to conform. What will she decide?
I can’t wait to see where Lexi’s journey leads her next in the second book, "Echoes of the Imperium," in "The Y Chronicles" series.
I highly recommend "Rise of the Y" to all dystopian fans! Grab a copy today!
I love the world created for "Rise of the Y," even though I wouldn’t want to live in it. The story is well-written and surprised me in numerous ways. Angela D. Shelton is an incredible writer for conceiving the narrative of "Rise of the Y" and crafting all the characters.
The narrative feels genuine and relatable, suggesting that it could happen. Seventeen-year-old Lexi lives in a world controlled by a strict government. At the age of seventeen, everyone must take a test to determine their future.
This test reveals their future jobs and living situations, assigns them spouses, and expects them to have children. Housing assignments depend on their employment and family size.
The government dictates all their life choices, leaving them with no personal input. Lexi dislikes being ordered around and yearns to make her own choices. The question now is whether she will take action or continue to conform. What will she decide?
I can’t wait to see where Lexi’s journey leads her next in the second book, "Echoes of the Imperium," in "The Y Chronicles" series.
I highly recommend "Rise of the Y" to all dystopian fans! Grab a copy today!
October 1, 2026
✨Audiobook Version: I had the pleasure of listening to this book and it was very enjoyable. Narrated by one of my favourite narrators, Samantha Norbury. Samantha's narration is perfect for this story. Her ability to make every character unique is superb. I could listen to her all day, everyday. Highly recommend the audio version. ✨
I'm a sucker for a dystopian world and this did not disappoint.
This is a YA dystopian world, think of a modern version of 1984 but for young adults. It has Zero spice but does cover arranged marriage and discussed consummating the marriage and pregnancy.
Lexi is 17, lives with her parents in their assigned home with her grandparents. Forced to eat the government assigned protein bars, she readies to take her test that will determine her occupation and social "rank". She has a choice, ace the test and stay in the same boring white building or throw the test and see where she ends up.
Assigned to the brown building, Lexi awaits her new home and husband assignment. But she's devastated when her grandparents have to leave to live in the retirement retreat. Somewhere she can't visit and will never see them again.
The events that follow this news turn Lexi's world upside down which leads her down a dangerous path of rebellion.
Highly recommend if you love books like the Hunger Games, 1984 and Daggermouth (without the adult content 😂)
November 1, 2023
I cannot ever get enough of dystopian novels. YA dystopian novels always seem to have the best storyline, too. This book has a very similar feeling to Divergent or the Hunger Games, but it absolutely has its own plot and storyline which I loved. You get to know Lexi, part of the white administrative section who takes her placement test with the green garden section in mind. Her plans do not work out and she ends up in the brown trash separator section. I know, but trust me, there is never a dull moment in this book.
Reeves is the man she is assigned to marry. He seems to take his vows seriously and supports her through thick and thicker. I do not blame Lexi for wanting nothing to do with the person they assign you to, but I do not know that she would have been able to find a more perfect match for herself if she tried. She just needs to get past her stubbornness and realize it!
Also, I had goosebumps and chills galore while they were caring for Janie. All of these characters have such a personality that it is difficult not to form opinions about each one. I am not one to spoil the end of the novel, but I promise you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the next in the series!
Reeves is the man she is assigned to marry. He seems to take his vows seriously and supports her through thick and thicker. I do not blame Lexi for wanting nothing to do with the person they assign you to, but I do not know that she would have been able to find a more perfect match for herself if she tried. She just needs to get past her stubbornness and realize it!
Also, I had goosebumps and chills galore while they were caring for Janie. All of these characters have such a personality that it is difficult not to form opinions about each one. I am not one to spoil the end of the novel, but I promise you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the next in the series!
November 29, 2023
A gripping YA dystopian novel which kept me hooked throughout. Seventeen year old Lexi is living in a post apocalyptic world where the Imperium rules with an iron fist, but this world is on the brink of a revolution. As others like Lexi are refusing to just live the life they are told to live, with an assigned spouse and a dictated profession. Having found a hidden diary Lexi discovers a legacy of secrets and rebellion, and is soon thrust into the shadows of the elusive rebel group Y. However, this is a dangerous place to be as she’s surrounded by deceit, forbidden alliances, and the lines between friends and foe are blurred. Meanwhile love and loyalty are tested and trust is the ultimate weapon in the battle for truth. Lexi finds herself caught between her duty and wanting her freedom, and as the foundations of the Imperium begin to weaken she must decide who to trust in a world full of betrayal. The author does a wonderful job of bringing the characters and the setting vividly to life. I felt completely immersed in the post apocalyptic dystopian world created and therefore I was more engaged in the storyline. The characters are great and I particularly love Lexi as the feisty and independent minded heroine of the story. I look forward to book two in this series.
November 2, 2023
3 Stars
Rise of the Y is the first book in The Y Chronicles by Angela D. Shelton. It is a YA dystopian story with adventure, secrets, agendas, family dynamics, rebels, who-to-trust, a hidden diary that reveals long-held secrets, danger, rebels/rebellion, a quest for truth, duty/responsibility vs freedom, dramatic developments, and religious elements/overtones.
I really love a great dystopian story, and I love YA adventures- so when a book combines both- it’s a YES from me. I really wanted to love this book as it held the promise of great things, but unfortunately, I just couldn’t find my groove with this story- which frustrated me no end. I also didn’t connect with our FMC and character, which made it impossible to invest in her and the outcome of the story. She just didn’t win me over and I found her annoying. This could be a ‘me’ problem though- as I have been on a bit of an action-packed thriller binge of late- so I have decided to revisit this book again in a few weeks to see if I still feel the same way….. so stay tuned.
I am curious to see where we go from here, so hopefully Book #2 will win me over.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Angela D. Shelton!
Rise of the Y is the first book in The Y Chronicles by Angela D. Shelton. It is a YA dystopian story with adventure, secrets, agendas, family dynamics, rebels, who-to-trust, a hidden diary that reveals long-held secrets, danger, rebels/rebellion, a quest for truth, duty/responsibility vs freedom, dramatic developments, and religious elements/overtones.
I really love a great dystopian story, and I love YA adventures- so when a book combines both- it’s a YES from me. I really wanted to love this book as it held the promise of great things, but unfortunately, I just couldn’t find my groove with this story- which frustrated me no end. I also didn’t connect with our FMC and character, which made it impossible to invest in her and the outcome of the story. She just didn’t win me over and I found her annoying. This could be a ‘me’ problem though- as I have been on a bit of an action-packed thriller binge of late- so I have decided to revisit this book again in a few weeks to see if I still feel the same way….. so stay tuned.
I am curious to see where we go from here, so hopefully Book #2 will win me over.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Angela D. Shelton!
November 5, 2023
Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. I totally loved this story, and can relate to today’s turmoil brewing. A young girl, raised in the higher class Administration section has serious questions, when her mother is killed while saying goodbye to her grandparents as they embark to Solitude, a retirement section. While going through her mother’s belongings, she comes across her diary. What she finds there is a real eye opener about the lifestyle she has been living, and her mother’s secret diligence to make a change to help those who had been cast aside because they don’t fit the perfect profile. What happens next is a fast moving, action packed plan to follow in her mother’s footsteps. The suspense is high, the nail biting scenarios are aplenty, emotions running wild as destiny takes hold and determination grows, but she must be very careful. What she discovers will have you thinking hard, and long, as it reflects upon a future that could very well become reality.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2023
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Rise of the Y is Book 1 in the Y Chronicles and this is a new author to me. I loved this YA Dystopian story....it was hard to put down as I turned the pages wanting to know what will happen next. This is a fast paced read immersed that takes you to a world of control, secrets, danger, action, rules and love.
Lexi just turned 17 and groomed to test into a career path, get married and have children just like her parents and grandparents did. Lexi longs to be different and choose her own path in life. When her plans do not go as planned, she is immersed into a job that is less than ideal with a mate that she has not chosen. When an attacked happens and what she known is lost, Lexi learns quickly secrets that can lead her in a direction she has never known....not knowing whom to trust. Will Lexi find out any truths to the secrets that are being revealed and an uprising of a rebellion?
This is a great story...I cannot wait to see a continuation of Book 2!! This is an exciting start to a new series.
Rise of the Y is Book 1 in the Y Chronicles and this is a new author to me. I loved this YA Dystopian story....it was hard to put down as I turned the pages wanting to know what will happen next. This is a fast paced read immersed that takes you to a world of control, secrets, danger, action, rules and love.
Lexi just turned 17 and groomed to test into a career path, get married and have children just like her parents and grandparents did. Lexi longs to be different and choose her own path in life. When her plans do not go as planned, she is immersed into a job that is less than ideal with a mate that she has not chosen. When an attacked happens and what she known is lost, Lexi learns quickly secrets that can lead her in a direction she has never known....not knowing whom to trust. Will Lexi find out any truths to the secrets that are being revealed and an uprising of a rebellion?
This is a great story...I cannot wait to see a continuation of Book 2!! This is an exciting start to a new series.
November 30, 2023
Rise of the Y (The Y Chronicles Book 1) by Angela D. Shelton is great young adult dystopian
Lexi, who is seventeen years old, is not going to submit to a future in which she has to choose a marriage and a career. She is filled with a fierce spirit of rebellion that is poised to spark a revolution. However, fate has other ideas.Tragedy forces Lexi into the dangerous shadows of the elusive rebel group Y by revealing a hidden diary, a legacy of secrets, and rebellion. Every discovery blurs the lines between friend and adversary in a maelstrom of danger, deceit, and prohibited alliances, making trust the most powerful tool in the fight for the truth.Lexi travels a dangerous path where love and devotion are put to the test at every turn because she is torn between her sense of responsibility and her desire for independence.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down
Lexi, who is seventeen years old, is not going to submit to a future in which she has to choose a marriage and a career. She is filled with a fierce spirit of rebellion that is poised to spark a revolution. However, fate has other ideas.Tragedy forces Lexi into the dangerous shadows of the elusive rebel group Y by revealing a hidden diary, a legacy of secrets, and rebellion. Every discovery blurs the lines between friend and adversary in a maelstrom of danger, deceit, and prohibited alliances, making trust the most powerful tool in the fight for the truth.Lexi travels a dangerous path where love and devotion are put to the test at every turn because she is torn between her sense of responsibility and her desire for independence.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down
January 4, 2024
Rise of Y follows seventeen-year-old Lexi, the relatable and resilient antagonist. Lexi, unwilling to allow a government mandated test to determine her future, purposefully performs poorly on an important exam, much to her father’s dismay. She is also assigned a spouse according to The Imperium’s test results. I don’t want to offer any spoilers, but as horrifying as an arranged marriage might sound, the genuine sweetness that emerged from their relationship adds a heartwarming touch to the novel.
Anyway…
Shortly after her botched exam, Lexi loses her mother and grandparents in an explosion. The presence of a rebel group Y and the mystery surrounding her mother's involvement add depth and suspense to the storyline. The use of Lexi’s mother's diary as a source of revelation adds a layer of intrigue…I couldn’t put the book down!
The world-building in this book is great–I felt like I was right there with Lexi and the other characters. Also, there are some pretty epic plot twists in this novel (again, no spoilers here!) that set up readers for a promising sequel/series.
Anyway…
Shortly after her botched exam, Lexi loses her mother and grandparents in an explosion. The presence of a rebel group Y and the mystery surrounding her mother's involvement add depth and suspense to the storyline. The use of Lexi’s mother's diary as a source of revelation adds a layer of intrigue…I couldn’t put the book down!
The world-building in this book is great–I felt like I was right there with Lexi and the other characters. Also, there are some pretty epic plot twists in this novel (again, no spoilers here!) that set up readers for a promising sequel/series.
November 1, 2023
Rise of the Y is the first book in the YA dystopian series, The Y Chronicles. This was my first experience reading Angela's work and wanted to see what she brought to the table.
Angela has created an interesting world. It is a short, clean story with a Christian element that I found to be a little slow in the beginning, but it did pick up. I am not a religious person so I kind of skimmed over those things.
I really wanted to like it and the storyline was intriguing, and the premise was a good one even though I did not connect with the characters. Whether it is because of my age or not I don’t know.
Lexi no longer knows who is friend and who is foe as she is thrust into a world that she no longer trusts. She just want the freedom of choice.
With tragedy, secrets, rebellion, danger, deceit, forbidden alliances, lies, hidden diary, rebels it has a bit of everything.
Overall, this story wasn’t for me but please give it a try, I am sure YA’s will enjoy it.
Angela has created an interesting world. It is a short, clean story with a Christian element that I found to be a little slow in the beginning, but it did pick up. I am not a religious person so I kind of skimmed over those things.
I really wanted to like it and the storyline was intriguing, and the premise was a good one even though I did not connect with the characters. Whether it is because of my age or not I don’t know.
Lexi no longer knows who is friend and who is foe as she is thrust into a world that she no longer trusts. She just want the freedom of choice.
With tragedy, secrets, rebellion, danger, deceit, forbidden alliances, lies, hidden diary, rebels it has a bit of everything.
Overall, this story wasn’t for me but please give it a try, I am sure YA’s will enjoy it.
November 7, 2023
This book is a post-apocalyptic story set in the future. Lexi Verity is coming of age and set to find out who the Imperium says she should marry and what profession she will work in. However, Lexi doesn’t want to be told what to do. She doesn’t want to just blindly do what is expected of her. She wants to be able to fall in love with the man she marries. She can’t control much in her life, but she can throw the test for her job. She doesn’t expect that to even be noticed much less to set her on a path toward the rebellion. Lext inadvertently meets up with the rebellion and bucks the entire system. I absolutely loved this book. I loved that it was clean yet kept my complete attention. In fact, I had trouble even putting the book down and finished it in one afternoon. While this is technically a young adult book, I think it can and will be enjoyed by anyone. It was fantastic, and I can’t wait for more!
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