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Deliver Me
One People. One Union. One Future.
Wynne’s entire life is dictated by the Union: the clothes she wears, the books she reads, even the genes she inherited. And like every other girl in the Union, Wynne dreams of being chosen as a Carrier on her 16th birthday—one of the elite selected to carry the future generation within her womb. Wynne and her best friend Odessa are certain they will both make the cut, but when Odessa is chosen and whisked off to a life of privilege, Wynne is left behind to work as an assistant, delivering perfectly planned babies for the Union.
As Odessa slips deeper and deeper into the role of Carrier, Wynne begins to see the Union for what it really is: a society that criminalizes the notion of love, and forbids words like mother and family.
For the first time in her life, Wynne is faced with a choice: submit to the will of the Union, or find a way to escape and save Odessa before she is lost forever.
Wynne’s entire life is dictated by the Union: the clothes she wears, the books she reads, even the genes she inherited. And like every other girl in the Union, Wynne dreams of being chosen as a Carrier on her 16th birthday—one of the elite selected to carry the future generation within her womb. Wynne and her best friend Odessa are certain they will both make the cut, but when Odessa is chosen and whisked off to a life of privilege, Wynne is left behind to work as an assistant, delivering perfectly planned babies for the Union.
As Odessa slips deeper and deeper into the role of Carrier, Wynne begins to see the Union for what it really is: a society that criminalizes the notion of love, and forbids words like mother and family.
For the first time in her life, Wynne is faced with a choice: submit to the will of the Union, or find a way to escape and save Odessa before she is lost forever.
250 pages, ebook
First published April 15, 2014
About the author
Kate Jarvik Birch
6 books489 followersKate Jarvik Birch is a visual artist, author, playwright, daydreamer, and professional procrastinator. As a child, she wanted to grow up to be either a unicorn or mermaid. Luckily, being a writer turned out to be just as magical. Her essays and short stories have been published in literary journals including Indiana Review and Saint Ann’s Review. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and three kids. To learn more visit www.katejarvikbirch.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 29, 2014
Wow... That was no ending, there wasn't an ending!!! Just a mega cliff hanger. Dang...
Anyway Wynne lives in this Spartan world. Men and women are separated and at 16 they are given jobs. I felt so bad for Odessa and for Wynne. I kept thinking that when Wynne realizes what she was doing with the babies it would break her heart. She's just a cog in this broken machine, but I can understand why the Carriers hate her and others so much. The audio version was haunting and eerie. The narrator captured the girls' voices so well. I also hated HATED Anika and the General.
I read Perfected and loved it, and Deliver Me was just as good. I really can't wait for the sequel though... I mean that ending!
Anyway Wynne lives in this Spartan world. Men and women are separated and at 16 they are given jobs. I felt so bad for Odessa and for Wynne. I kept thinking that when Wynne realizes what she was doing with the babies it would break her heart. She's just a cog in this broken machine, but I can understand why the Carriers hate her and others so much. The audio version was haunting and eerie. The narrator captured the girls' voices so well. I also hated HATED Anika and the General.
I read Perfected and loved it, and Deliver Me was just as good. I really can't wait for the sequel though... I mean that ending!
August 12, 2017
There I was, chugging along and vaguely enjoying this perfectly inoffensive - if not immensely original - YA dystopian entry when 70 percent of the way through we're introduced to a male character (with floppy hair!) for the sole purpose of 'no homo'-ing the protagonist and her relationship with her best friend. She talks to him for about two pages, thinks about wanting to touch his face, and then mentally recalls him every time a character discusses love for the rest of the book just so her strong friendship with her childhood friend isn't called into question. It was the most inane addition to what was a perfectly okay novel about railing against society and fighting for freedom, and I felt sort of personally disgusted that the author felt the need to so clearly flag a reminder that This Book Is Heterosexual in case any poor young girls reading it might be led to believe anything else is okay.
We can have books with no romance, even! Or maybe the ideal future doesn't have to be a husband and kids? I didn't think these concepts were so revolutionary but they must be, if they don't even make it into a book about balking against the norms.
2 stars because I liked the babies.
We can have books with no romance, even! Or maybe the ideal future doesn't have to be a husband and kids? I didn't think these concepts were so revolutionary but they must be, if they don't even make it into a book about balking against the norms.
2 stars because I liked the babies.
February 1, 2016
another dystopian tale where women are treated as child bearing machine. Something like divergent where each person in the society have a job to do.
i like the pace of the story. story was interesting enough.
however i felt reading this was like eating cotton candy. interesting enough when i was "eating" it but afterward ..it felt like nothing. i wish there was more to chew on
i don't like the cliffhanger ending.
i like the pace of the story. story was interesting enough.
however i felt reading this was like eating cotton candy. interesting enough when i was "eating" it but afterward ..it felt like nothing. i wish there was more to chew on
i don't like the cliffhanger ending.
February 6, 2017
Yikes! This is such a great book. It's disturbing, made me uncomfortable, but I loved the narrator.
Wynne and Odessa are part of the Union. A totalitarian regime that requires total and utter devotion. No one is allowed free thought or speech, or even has the ability to chose their future. Words like love, family and mother don't exist. Women and men are segregated and never meet. Well, unless you're chosen as a Carrier.
Becoming a Carrier is every girl's dream, what they're taught to aim for since they're little girls. Wynne and Odessa are different from the others because of their deep bond. They're closer than they're allowed to be and share the joint dream of becoming Carriers together.
Yet when Odessa is picked and Wynne isn't, the two friends are separated and things are never the same again...
Man, this book might be short but it sure packs a punch. The worldbuilding is so vivid that the heartless ways of the Union leaps off the page. This disturbing future turns women into either walking wombs, or works them to the bone. It makes workers and soldiers out of men too, but the focus here was on the women.
It was so sad to see what this horrid Union does to people. They're all prisoners, really. Slaves and prisoners taught from a young age that this is all there is. That to totally give yourself to the Union is all that matters. And that is just SO fucking WRONG.
I love books like these because in the middle of this nightmare, there's always a character who dares to want more. And in this story, it's Wynne. She's a hard worker, but her whole life is dominated by her strong friendship with Odessa. And when they're separated, she starts to uncover some terrible truths about what it really means to be a Carrier. And it's truly awful.
But in spite of how uncomfortable this world made me, I loved the story.
Oh, but don't go in expecting a romance. This is Wynne's story. About her ambitions, her friendship with Odessa, and uncovering some terrible things about the Union they're all expected to obey.
Great book!
Wynne and Odessa are part of the Union. A totalitarian regime that requires total and utter devotion. No one is allowed free thought or speech, or even has the ability to chose their future. Words like love, family and mother don't exist. Women and men are segregated and never meet. Well, unless you're chosen as a Carrier.
Becoming a Carrier is every girl's dream, what they're taught to aim for since they're little girls. Wynne and Odessa are different from the others because of their deep bond. They're closer than they're allowed to be and share the joint dream of becoming Carriers together.
Yet when Odessa is picked and Wynne isn't, the two friends are separated and things are never the same again...
Man, this book might be short but it sure packs a punch. The worldbuilding is so vivid that the heartless ways of the Union leaps off the page. This disturbing future turns women into either walking wombs, or works them to the bone. It makes workers and soldiers out of men too, but the focus here was on the women.
It was so sad to see what this horrid Union does to people. They're all prisoners, really. Slaves and prisoners taught from a young age that this is all there is. That to totally give yourself to the Union is all that matters. And that is just SO fucking WRONG.
I love books like these because in the middle of this nightmare, there's always a character who dares to want more. And in this story, it's Wynne. She's a hard worker, but her whole life is dominated by her strong friendship with Odessa. And when they're separated, she starts to uncover some terrible truths about what it really means to be a Carrier. And it's truly awful.
But in spite of how uncomfortable this world made me, I loved the story.
Oh, but don't go in expecting a romance. This is Wynne's story. About her ambitions, her friendship with Odessa, and uncovering some terrible things about the Union they're all expected to obey.
Great book!
April 22, 2014
Deliver Me tells the story of two girls Odessa and Wynne whose lives take very different turns when one is chosen as a breeder for the Union and the other is chosen as a worker who aides in their deliveries.
Many people upon reading the premise would probably compare Deliver Me to The Handmaid's Tale, I know I did. However, upon completing the book I realized this isn't just some carbon copy repackaged for a new generation but instead a book that can stand on its own two feet one both unique yet familiar. Deliver Me while both terrifying and tragic still showed that love and friendship can endure even in the darkest places.
One of the things I found most interesting about the plot is that the Dystopian world seemed to be self contained. We learn through a secondary character that the Union's grasp only reaches so far and that Women adhere to more traditional roles such as being Wives and Mothers not just baby factories to be used and tossed aside as the Union sees fit. Yet... the fact that the character chooses to become a citizen of the Union after an attack on her village leaves me a bit perplexed. Why give up Freedom to Love? To think for yourself? I know the character mentions being a burden to those left but any reason why is left unsaid. I'm sort of thinking this character is being set up for grander things but only time and of course more books will tell.
Another thing I really liked was how the story brought up such heavy handed topics like Nature vs. Nurture, Free thinking vs. Conformity and Love vs. Duty. Deliver Me wasn't just a good book it was a smart book! Personally, I like when a book can entertain me and yet make the reader think about gender roles without feeling preachy. Seeing the state of things in the world today it's not impossible to imagine how easy it would be for a Society like this to take over if we didn't fight for the rights we so justly deserve, not just as Women, but, as equals in a society predominately and traditionally ruled by males.
Lastly, I loved the characters. Wynne is smart, compassionate, brave and loyal. She'll do what is right even if it comes at a great sacrifice to herself. I also loved the secondary characters such as the Head Nurse in the delivery unit who slowly opens up to Wynne about the cruelties suffered by the Carriers and that life isn't all roses and sunshine for them. The whole the Carrier must name the baby is weird though and I wish the story would've expanded on this more.
Now even though I really enjoyed Deliver Me, I did find a few things lacking with the overall story.
First off, I felt that the story did lag a bit when Wynne joins up with Odessa in the back half of the book. I was really hoping to get a better understanding of life for the Carriers but instead everything is implied and not shown. Were told that the mysterious General favors Odessa and visits her whether or not she's fertile but the actual act of him visiting her is done off page. Also the Conceiving Ceremony wasn't quite clear to me. Were all the men taking turns with the girls during it (Wynne mentions feeling someones thighs on her back as she knelt) or were they just giving the girls a blessing during that time? I read that Chapter twice and still am not clear on the what was actually taking place.
Secondly, I wanted to know more about the men who work in and live in the Union. The few we do see are either Generals, Magistrates or Prisoners. It would of been neat seeing how they were chosen to breed and how their lives differed than that of the women. The fact one of them could keep a dog as a pet makes me believe they have much more freedom but again since it isn't shown I could just be grasping at straws.
Final Thoughts
Deliver Me was a great start to what I hope is a series. Could this be read as a stand alone? Sure, but I definitely feel that too many loose ends were left on the page for it to stay that way. Would I recommend Deliver Me? Yes! The story is fast paced, well written and definitely worth the read. With that being said, I'll be rating Deliver Me by Kate Jarvik Birch ★★★★.
Reviewed originally@ Blood,Sweat and Books
*Copy provided by publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in an which way for providing them.
Many people upon reading the premise would probably compare Deliver Me to The Handmaid's Tale, I know I did. However, upon completing the book I realized this isn't just some carbon copy repackaged for a new generation but instead a book that can stand on its own two feet one both unique yet familiar. Deliver Me while both terrifying and tragic still showed that love and friendship can endure even in the darkest places.
One of the things I found most interesting about the plot is that the Dystopian world seemed to be self contained. We learn through a secondary character that the Union's grasp only reaches so far and that Women adhere to more traditional roles such as being Wives and Mothers not just baby factories to be used and tossed aside as the Union sees fit. Yet... the fact that the character chooses to become a citizen of the Union after an attack on her village leaves me a bit perplexed. Why give up Freedom to Love? To think for yourself? I know the character mentions being a burden to those left but any reason why is left unsaid. I'm sort of thinking this character is being set up for grander things but only time and of course more books will tell.
Another thing I really liked was how the story brought up such heavy handed topics like Nature vs. Nurture, Free thinking vs. Conformity and Love vs. Duty. Deliver Me wasn't just a good book it was a smart book! Personally, I like when a book can entertain me and yet make the reader think about gender roles without feeling preachy. Seeing the state of things in the world today it's not impossible to imagine how easy it would be for a Society like this to take over if we didn't fight for the rights we so justly deserve, not just as Women, but, as equals in a society predominately and traditionally ruled by males.
Lastly, I loved the characters. Wynne is smart, compassionate, brave and loyal. She'll do what is right even if it comes at a great sacrifice to herself. I also loved the secondary characters such as the Head Nurse in the delivery unit who slowly opens up to Wynne about the cruelties suffered by the Carriers and that life isn't all roses and sunshine for them. The whole the Carrier must name the baby is weird though and I wish the story would've expanded on this more.
Now even though I really enjoyed Deliver Me, I did find a few things lacking with the overall story.
First off, I felt that the story did lag a bit when Wynne joins up with Odessa in the back half of the book. I was really hoping to get a better understanding of life for the Carriers but instead everything is implied and not shown. Were told that the mysterious General favors Odessa and visits her whether or not she's fertile but the actual act of him visiting her is done off page. Also the Conceiving Ceremony wasn't quite clear to me. Were all the men taking turns with the girls during it (Wynne mentions feeling someones thighs on her back as she knelt) or were they just giving the girls a blessing during that time? I read that Chapter twice and still am not clear on the what was actually taking place.
Secondly, I wanted to know more about the men who work in and live in the Union. The few we do see are either Generals, Magistrates or Prisoners. It would of been neat seeing how they were chosen to breed and how their lives differed than that of the women. The fact one of them could keep a dog as a pet makes me believe they have much more freedom but again since it isn't shown I could just be grasping at straws.
Final Thoughts
Deliver Me was a great start to what I hope is a series. Could this be read as a stand alone? Sure, but I definitely feel that too many loose ends were left on the page for it to stay that way. Would I recommend Deliver Me? Yes! The story is fast paced, well written and definitely worth the read. With that being said, I'll be rating Deliver Me by Kate Jarvik Birch ★★★★.
Reviewed originally@ Blood,Sweat and Books
*Copy provided by publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in an which way for providing them.
August 4, 2014
The Union dictates everything about it's citizen's lives, from what job they perform to how they spend their time to who produces children. Citizens lives by sets of tenets and rules. Girls and boys are completely segregated for their entire lives, which are spent in careful preparation for their testing and job assignment when they turn 16. Each year, 9 lucky girls are chosen to be Carriers, who live their lives in luxury for ten years while carrying one baby each year for the Union. Wynne and her best friend (more like a sister) Odessa are both beautiful, athletic, and smart - and they've spent all their lives hoping to be chosen as Carriers. When Odessa is selected as a Carrier while Wynne is assigned to work in delivery, the two are torn apart. When Wynne starts her job, she starts to see that everything she thought she knew might be wrong, and she begins to question their way of life. Problem is, the Union doesn't tolerate any form of diversity or rebellion, but Wynne isn't sure she can live under their rule anymore.
This is sort of a teen retelling of The Handmaid's Tale. That's how it was advertised to me, and I got quite excited about that prospect! Ultimately, it was a bit disappointing. It is definitely very similar to The Handmaid's Tale, but more like a watered down and less well written version. I'm not even sure how this book was allowed to be published? Anyway, it was a quick and interesting read, effective as a young adult novel, but I don't think adults would be very impressed. The characters weren't all that well done, and some of the plot points seemed contrived. Wynne didn't seem to hold her beliefs very strongly, despite saying that she did - it didn't take much to make her doubt her world. It just didn't give off a feeling of actual danger. Perhaps too much was censored? But the content itself makes it more of a HS title, regardless of how graphic it is - Carriers are forced into sexual contact without choice, corporal punishment and execution is meted out for little reason. Or maybe I'm being too conservative. My biggest problem with the concept in this book is that, unlike in The Handmaid's Tale, the Union follows this path by choice. Anybody that meets their physical standards can be a carrier and families/mothers are banned because it's bad for their society, not by necessity. The concept is more affecting when it was reached through believable or rational decisions like in The Handmaid's Tale - rampant infertility forced society to change. I don't mean to harp on Deliver Me's inadequacies, but in comparison it doesn't stack up, and too many elements are too borrowed to ignore the similarity.
I would recommend this title for older middle schoolers on up through high school. Adults may find the characters and some situations a bit too immature to really enjoy it. There is some mature content like the whole idea of Carriers and how they are treated, and some implied non-consensual sex. There is also some casual violence - implied executions, a woman is killed in front of the main character, and another woman has a hot coal held in her mouth as a punishment.
I received a digital galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is sort of a teen retelling of The Handmaid's Tale. That's how it was advertised to me, and I got quite excited about that prospect! Ultimately, it was a bit disappointing. It is definitely very similar to The Handmaid's Tale, but more like a watered down and less well written version. I'm not even sure how this book was allowed to be published? Anyway, it was a quick and interesting read, effective as a young adult novel, but I don't think adults would be very impressed. The characters weren't all that well done, and some of the plot points seemed contrived. Wynne didn't seem to hold her beliefs very strongly, despite saying that she did - it didn't take much to make her doubt her world. It just didn't give off a feeling of actual danger. Perhaps too much was censored? But the content itself makes it more of a HS title, regardless of how graphic it is - Carriers are forced into sexual contact without choice, corporal punishment and execution is meted out for little reason. Or maybe I'm being too conservative. My biggest problem with the concept in this book is that, unlike in The Handmaid's Tale, the Union follows this path by choice. Anybody that meets their physical standards can be a carrier and families/mothers are banned because it's bad for their society, not by necessity. The concept is more affecting when it was reached through believable or rational decisions like in The Handmaid's Tale - rampant infertility forced society to change. I don't mean to harp on Deliver Me's inadequacies, but in comparison it doesn't stack up, and too many elements are too borrowed to ignore the similarity.
I would recommend this title for older middle schoolers on up through high school. Adults may find the characters and some situations a bit too immature to really enjoy it. There is some mature content like the whole idea of Carriers and how they are treated, and some implied non-consensual sex. There is also some casual violence - implied executions, a woman is killed in front of the main character, and another woman has a hot coal held in her mouth as a punishment.
I received a digital galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2014
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I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. I wouldn't recommend this book, but I wasn't annoyed enough while reading to not finish. As a huge fan of A Handmaid's Tale, I thought this would explore feminism, religion and power. However this was too short and and there was little to no world building. This made the oppressive government appear less believable and more like a caricature of itself.
There were moments which connected with me emotionally, so the writing wasn't all of the problem. The author just wrote too little and shied away from exploring enough of this world to leave a lasting impression. Our protagonist Wynne was free thinking enough to land her in trouble, but was still far too naive after she saw the ideology around her unravel. In the end I was left with too many questions for this to be a stand alone novel. For example, why are sexes segregated? I assumed in a book of this nature that would at least be explored, but no.
Despite my disappointment, will I continue reading novels with these themes in hopes of finding something as great as a Handmaid's tale sequel?
"Her mind pulled her forward, even though her body ached to stop. To live."
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. I wouldn't recommend this book, but I wasn't annoyed enough while reading to not finish. As a huge fan of A Handmaid's Tale, I thought this would explore feminism, religion and power. However this was too short and and there was little to no world building. This made the oppressive government appear less believable and more like a caricature of itself.
There were moments which connected with me emotionally, so the writing wasn't all of the problem. The author just wrote too little and shied away from exploring enough of this world to leave a lasting impression. Our protagonist Wynne was free thinking enough to land her in trouble, but was still far too naive after she saw the ideology around her unravel. In the end I was left with too many questions for this to be a stand alone novel. For example, why are sexes segregated? I assumed in a book of this nature that would at least be explored, but no.
Despite my disappointment, will I continue reading novels with these themes in hopes of finding something as great as a Handmaid's tale sequel?
July 28, 2015
Best friends Wynne and Odessa have lived their lives with one goal in mind: to become Carriers, the elite women of the Union, chosen to bring future generations into this world. But when Odessa is chosen and Wynne is given a seemingly less-important worker position, she begins to see that perhaps being a Carrier isn't all it's cracked up to be. There's a darkness that underlies everything that surrounds the beauty and luxury that surrounds the Carriers, and now that Odessa is one of them, Wynne finds herself in a situation where she must do whatever it takes to get Odessa - and herself - out of the clutches of the Union.
This book was just okay. It wasn't excellent, it wasn't bad, but man, that cover is pretty stunning, isn't it? The concept isn't really anything too new. Some women are held in high regard because of their ability to bring forth children, but as a result, these women are 'farmed'. The book began with the typical 'dystopian young adult ceremony', where girls at the age of fifteen take tests (woah, slow down there, is that Divergent I see?), and then based on their tests, they're given a work placement. One of these is, obviously, a Carrier, but a few others are things like working in the Wool mill (factory? I don't remember), the paper factory, laundry, servants, you get the idea. They live in this city which is part of the Union, and the city is enclosed by walls. Men and women are separated, and words like love, family, and mother are taboo.
I liked the worldbuilding, but I think that maybe Birch's attempt to build us such a world really took away from some other aspects of the story. The set-up of the world felt a little medieval and I wasn't opposed to that - it was actually kind of cool. But there were some aspects that I think needed to be touched on a little more, regarding the history of the place: there were armies and wars mentioned, and obviously men are a part of this world, but largely we were stuck inside Wynne's world of delivering babies, meeping about Odessa (yes, MEEPING), and being torn between her moral choices and her work obligations.
The ending felt a little rushed and sudden. I was reading it and then just suddenly BAM, acknowledgements. I'm betting that there will be a sequel because of the end of the book . There were certain aspects that I think needed to be elaborated on a lot, and I don't know if it's just that my copy of the ebook had several grammar/usage/spelling errors or if that's how it was actually written, but the book was decent enough for me to get past it. 3/5
This book was just okay. It wasn't excellent, it wasn't bad, but man, that cover is pretty stunning, isn't it? The concept isn't really anything too new. Some women are held in high regard because of their ability to bring forth children, but as a result, these women are 'farmed'. The book began with the typical 'dystopian young adult ceremony', where girls at the age of fifteen take tests (woah, slow down there, is that Divergent I see?), and then based on their tests, they're given a work placement. One of these is, obviously, a Carrier, but a few others are things like working in the Wool mill (factory? I don't remember), the paper factory, laundry, servants, you get the idea. They live in this city which is part of the Union, and the city is enclosed by walls. Men and women are separated, and words like love, family, and mother are taboo.
I liked the worldbuilding, but I think that maybe Birch's attempt to build us such a world really took away from some other aspects of the story. The set-up of the world felt a little medieval and I wasn't opposed to that - it was actually kind of cool. But there were some aspects that I think needed to be touched on a little more, regarding the history of the place: there were armies and wars mentioned, and obviously men are a part of this world, but largely we were stuck inside Wynne's world of delivering babies, meeping about Odessa (yes, MEEPING), and being torn between her moral choices and her work obligations.
The ending felt a little rushed and sudden. I was reading it and then just suddenly BAM, acknowledgements. I'm betting that there will be a sequel because of the end of the book . There were certain aspects that I think needed to be elaborated on a lot, and I don't know if it's just that my copy of the ebook had several grammar/usage/spelling errors or if that's how it was actually written, but the book was decent enough for me to get past it. 3/5
June 9, 2015
This is comprised of many of the now standard YA dystopian tropes and themes - which is fine, I love dystopian fiction, it's definitely my jam. However this book did not do as much with them as it could have done. Yes it's a horrific futuristic society in which women are subjugated and brainwashed and their bodies are owned by the state yadda yadda yadda... This is almost becoming a staple in YA dystopian fiction now and tbh The Handmaid's Tale already covered that idea; this doesn't really add anything.
It's an okay read. The MC is fairly engaging, the plot is reasonably tight and well paced, the story is fairly gripping. Where it really falls down is at the end or rather the abrupt halt. This is the second book I've read by this author and both of them just stop mid action rather than coming to a well-considered and planned conclusion. Perhaps subsequent books are planned but that is no excuse for not finishing a novel in such a way that it can stand alone. I forgive a lot with dystopian fiction because I love it; I don't care if we end up examining the same ideas over and over again - just give me a slightly different angle.
I will read whatever this author produces next because I do like her style, I just hope that she expands on her themes to cover the many things that haven't been done in YA dystopian fic and that she stops shying awy from making the nasty stuff as nasty as it really should be. It's maddening to get halfway there are and then being cut off. The author obviously has talent, I guess I just want her to stretch herself because I believe she can do better than this.
Having ranted on my opinion, for many people this and its ideas/ themes will be new, so definitely give it a go. It's leagues better than Lauren Oliver's Delirium series for example. 3 stars and fingers crossed for the next book taking no prisoners.
It's an okay read. The MC is fairly engaging, the plot is reasonably tight and well paced, the story is fairly gripping. Where it really falls down is at the end or rather the abrupt halt. This is the second book I've read by this author and both of them just stop mid action rather than coming to a well-considered and planned conclusion. Perhaps subsequent books are planned but that is no excuse for not finishing a novel in such a way that it can stand alone. I forgive a lot with dystopian fiction because I love it; I don't care if we end up examining the same ideas over and over again - just give me a slightly different angle.
I will read whatever this author produces next because I do like her style, I just hope that she expands on her themes to cover the many things that haven't been done in YA dystopian fic and that she stops shying awy from making the nasty stuff as nasty as it really should be. It's maddening to get halfway there are and then being cut off. The author obviously has talent, I guess I just want her to stretch herself because I believe she can do better than this.
Having ranted on my opinion, for many people this and its ideas/ themes will be new, so definitely give it a go. It's leagues better than Lauren Oliver's Delirium series for example. 3 stars and fingers crossed for the next book taking no prisoners.
March 31, 2014
Although I’ve never read The Handmaid’s Tale, I know of the plot. Deliver Me has similar themes and readers will be horrified over the things Wynne and the rest of the women of the Union must endure. It was a good read with an ending filled with possibility.
The dystopian society where best friends Wynne and Odessa live is terrifying. Women are groomed to become carriers of the next generation and those not chosen are assigned jobs as servants. Wynne is not chosen as a Carrier, but her best friend is. The novel then follows Wynne on her respective journey away from Odessa.
The world building is fairly good in Deliver Me although I would’ve liked more about how the society came about. With such cruel practices, I also thought there would be more about a resistance movement. Wynne is unhappy, but I would’ve liked more about her emotional turmoil.
Wynne was a relatable narrator and I felt for her as she tries to make sense of her life away from Odessa. Wynne is fairly naïve and it takes her a while to see things for what they are. She grew as a character and I was happy with her transformation by the novel’s end.
The plot moved at a good pace and there was a lot of tension when Wynne found herself going against the rules of the society. The conclusion was open-ended and I’d be curious to read a sequel about Wynne and Odessa. I was left with a lot of questions and I’d like to see how things could play out.
Overall, Deliver Me is a good debut with thought-provoking themes. I’d recommend the book to fans of YA dystopians.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!
The dystopian society where best friends Wynne and Odessa live is terrifying. Women are groomed to become carriers of the next generation and those not chosen are assigned jobs as servants. Wynne is not chosen as a Carrier, but her best friend is. The novel then follows Wynne on her respective journey away from Odessa.
The world building is fairly good in Deliver Me although I would’ve liked more about how the society came about. With such cruel practices, I also thought there would be more about a resistance movement. Wynne is unhappy, but I would’ve liked more about her emotional turmoil.
Wynne was a relatable narrator and I felt for her as she tries to make sense of her life away from Odessa. Wynne is fairly naïve and it takes her a while to see things for what they are. She grew as a character and I was happy with her transformation by the novel’s end.
The plot moved at a good pace and there was a lot of tension when Wynne found herself going against the rules of the society. The conclusion was open-ended and I’d be curious to read a sequel about Wynne and Odessa. I was left with a lot of questions and I’d like to see how things could play out.
Overall, Deliver Me is a good debut with thought-provoking themes. I’d recommend the book to fans of YA dystopians.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!
June 24, 2015
3.5 ish. I'm kind of conflicted with this novel. I really enjoyed the premise, and the author's style was very good, however I think this book had too many loose ends that the author failed to tie together properly. A lot of questions were left unanswered: Are the carriers basically prostitutes for the military men? Are the fathers chosen in a similar way to the mothers? What about Wynne's mother? Those are only a few questions this book failed to answer, oh that and the Hollis affair. Is that actually meant to go anywhere? I find myself simulatneously wanting a sequel and not just because I feel the series would devolve into an overused cliché of dystopian fiction. I would hope not, but God unless something magical happens, this novel already's going down that path. A+ for the idea, but the execution was shaky.
April 22, 2022
hmmm... i don't know where to begin-
lets just start with a basic overview:
Deliver Me is set in an sci-fi world where women and men are separated by a power called The Union. When a woman turn 16 they go through a trail of sorts, to deem if they are fit to be a "carrier." A carrier's job is to give birth to the babies of future generations, (10 kids in 10 years.) Both Wynee and Odessa aspire to become carriers, however, when Odessa becomes one without Wynee, Wynee must serve the Union elsewhere. But when Wynne begins to work for The Union she notices something strange...
okay so, what I liked:
- The premise; it was WIDLY interesting, I defo haven't read something like this before. It was original and fun to read!!
- The writing style; I practically flew through the book, finished it one day! If youre looking for a quick easy book to read in a few days, this is for you!!
- World building/context; the book made sense, i wasn't lost or confused so it made it much more enjoyable!!!
what i didn't like as much:
- the ending; oof- no spoilers here, but that ending >:(
- it just didn't feel like much, i dont know how to explain it... the pace at which the book flew by made it feel like it was missing something, just that WOW factor, that 5 star factor, a bit lacklustre...
OVERALL!!
if you're looking for a quick and easy read, defo read this book!! its not bad in any sense for a nice read!
A solid 3/5 stars -> i liked it <3
lets just start with a basic overview:
Deliver Me is set in an sci-fi world where women and men are separated by a power called The Union. When a woman turn 16 they go through a trail of sorts, to deem if they are fit to be a "carrier." A carrier's job is to give birth to the babies of future generations, (10 kids in 10 years.) Both Wynee and Odessa aspire to become carriers, however, when Odessa becomes one without Wynee, Wynee must serve the Union elsewhere. But when Wynne begins to work for The Union she notices something strange...
okay so, what I liked:
- The premise; it was WIDLY interesting, I defo haven't read something like this before. It was original and fun to read!!
- The writing style; I practically flew through the book, finished it one day! If youre looking for a quick easy book to read in a few days, this is for you!!
- World building/context; the book made sense, i wasn't lost or confused so it made it much more enjoyable!!!
what i didn't like as much:
- the ending; oof- no spoilers here, but that ending >:(
- it just didn't feel like much, i dont know how to explain it... the pace at which the book flew by made it feel like it was missing something, just that WOW factor, that 5 star factor, a bit lacklustre...
OVERALL!!
if you're looking for a quick and easy read, defo read this book!! its not bad in any sense for a nice read!
A solid 3/5 stars -> i liked it <3
May 8, 2019
I enjoyed the story for the most part, unfortunately they never explained the reasons why this particular dystopia exists and it ended very abruptly. The narrator was easy to listen to and I enjoyed passing the time away while at work.
January 24, 2018
Typical teen dystopian story, nothing original. I got completely bored to death by the 75% mark and had to push through the ending.
June 1, 2018
This book seems like a ripoff of The Handmaids Tale. Instead of Gilead it is the union and carriers in place of handmaidens. I like the story so far but I am still questioning where are the men. Anika is definitely a spiteful witch. The fertility ceremony is exactly like the visits from the Commander. The relationship between Odessa and Wynne is way too familiar, friends should not know the every inch of your naked body. This is creepy and twisted, so what if they grew up together. Odessa is a raging bitch! Even the punishment or 'cleansing' is the same in both worlds. This book is literally a carbon copy of The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret should sue for copyright infringement. One of the worst parts of this book is where they cut off all their hair and mutilate themselves. What the hell was that ending? It's not even a cliffhanger, the book just stops for no reason and there isn't even a second book in the series. You need to at least attempt to conclude the story and have some kind of resolution for the plot and characters. It's like the author got tired of writing and said I'm not finishing this thing, I don't care at all about the reader.
November 19, 2018
Has a vibe kind of like the giver at the beginning. Interesting story.
March 8, 2021
4.7 stars
Read
May 27, 2021Finally, finally, a book where the oppressed female characters get themselves out of dodge without the help of a man.
June 4, 2014
You can read this and many other reviews on my YA book blog The White Unicorn!
An Open Letter To Deliver Me,
I didn't go into reading you thinking that you were going to be a book that swept me off my feet, in fact I didn't give it much thought, but now I can't stop thinking about you. You posed so many questions about the human condition and the quiet strength that we all have inside of us. You made me bawl my eyes out at one point and that doesn't happen very often. You gave me this terrifying world and these characters that I adored. You gave me feminine, yet strong girl power and you touched on feminist issues without being obnoxious. You book, are going to be something I'll be thinking about for awhile.
-The White Unicorn
Okay, so this book blew my mind. Birch has a writing style that will pull you right into the world that she's created. Her characters are ridiculously strong and well written. You feel like they are people that you've known forever, which makes the reality of the things that are happening to them even more heart wrenching. Deliver Me isn't a sweet book by any means. It's brutal and it's dark and it's full of human conditioning. That being said, Birch manages to give us the story through the eyes of people who still hang on to hope. People who bend the status quo and see just how far they can push it. This book is harrowing.
Birch gives us this dystopian world that will remind readers of the Nazi concentration camps. The men and women are separated and placed into their own barracks. They have numbers tattooed onto their arms. Love and families aren't something you are supposed to know about. And a few select girls seem like they get the best deal when they are chosen to be Carriers (baby making machines). It's not pretty and it's actually pretty darn terrible. It'll leave you cringing at times, but it will also make you want to cheer for human resilience.
The story is fundamentally about friendship. Wynne does have a moment where she meets a man, but this book isn't drenched in a typical love story, in fact it barely even dips its toes in. Instead it's a story about Wynne and Odessa. They share this sisterly love that is huge and they've planned their lives out together as Carriers, but that doesn't go as planned. Once the girls are separated, Wynne builds strong and lasting relationships with most of the other women that come into her path. The relationships that Birch builds are wonderful and full of warmth, even though the circumstances surrounding them are harsh.
Wynne is one tough cookie. The things that she sees and experience are intense, but she still manages to stay grounded. She's continually questioning everything that's happening around her, while everyone else is just going about their lives the way they were taught to. She asks the questions that most people wouldn't want to know the answers to and it makes her one of the most interesting heroines that I've read in a really long time. She stands up for what is right even though she's been conditioned from birth not to doubt anything that she's told by those who are in charge. Of course this also brings loads of trouble knocking on her front door.
I do have one little qualm with this wonderful book. It's a slight, little thing, but it's still there. The world building, though it's really well developed, also isn't. Sure we see the world that Wynne lives in and it's extremely detailed, but the wide scope world building could have been fleshed out a bit more. Though it could have detracted from the characterization and God knows I prefer that to overly detailed outside information. Like I said, it's a little thing.
I highly suggest that this book go on your "to be read" lists. It snuck up on me and made me take notice of all the awesome that it had to offer.
An Open Letter To Deliver Me,
I didn't go into reading you thinking that you were going to be a book that swept me off my feet, in fact I didn't give it much thought, but now I can't stop thinking about you. You posed so many questions about the human condition and the quiet strength that we all have inside of us. You made me bawl my eyes out at one point and that doesn't happen very often. You gave me this terrifying world and these characters that I adored. You gave me feminine, yet strong girl power and you touched on feminist issues without being obnoxious. You book, are going to be something I'll be thinking about for awhile.
-The White Unicorn
Okay, so this book blew my mind. Birch has a writing style that will pull you right into the world that she's created. Her characters are ridiculously strong and well written. You feel like they are people that you've known forever, which makes the reality of the things that are happening to them even more heart wrenching. Deliver Me isn't a sweet book by any means. It's brutal and it's dark and it's full of human conditioning. That being said, Birch manages to give us the story through the eyes of people who still hang on to hope. People who bend the status quo and see just how far they can push it. This book is harrowing.
Birch gives us this dystopian world that will remind readers of the Nazi concentration camps. The men and women are separated and placed into their own barracks. They have numbers tattooed onto their arms. Love and families aren't something you are supposed to know about. And a few select girls seem like they get the best deal when they are chosen to be Carriers (baby making machines). It's not pretty and it's actually pretty darn terrible. It'll leave you cringing at times, but it will also make you want to cheer for human resilience.
The story is fundamentally about friendship. Wynne does have a moment where she meets a man, but this book isn't drenched in a typical love story, in fact it barely even dips its toes in. Instead it's a story about Wynne and Odessa. They share this sisterly love that is huge and they've planned their lives out together as Carriers, but that doesn't go as planned. Once the girls are separated, Wynne builds strong and lasting relationships with most of the other women that come into her path. The relationships that Birch builds are wonderful and full of warmth, even though the circumstances surrounding them are harsh.
Wynne is one tough cookie. The things that she sees and experience are intense, but she still manages to stay grounded. She's continually questioning everything that's happening around her, while everyone else is just going about their lives the way they were taught to. She asks the questions that most people wouldn't want to know the answers to and it makes her one of the most interesting heroines that I've read in a really long time. She stands up for what is right even though she's been conditioned from birth not to doubt anything that she's told by those who are in charge. Of course this also brings loads of trouble knocking on her front door.
I do have one little qualm with this wonderful book. It's a slight, little thing, but it's still there. The world building, though it's really well developed, also isn't. Sure we see the world that Wynne lives in and it's extremely detailed, but the wide scope world building could have been fleshed out a bit more. Though it could have detracted from the characterization and God knows I prefer that to overly detailed outside information. Like I said, it's a little thing.
I highly suggest that this book go on your "to be read" lists. It snuck up on me and made me take notice of all the awesome that it had to offer.
April 4, 2016
Overall Read or Don’t Read: READ
Author: Kate Jarvik Birch
Star Rating: 6
Content: Mild references, necessary to story, not excessive adult type content
NON SPOILER REVIEW
I just realized this is the same author as the novel "Perfected" which I read last month some time. A couple of my frustrations were similar in that book. Overall, I liked this book. Not too much fluff, every chapter was important in moving the story forward. I love a good dystopian featuring the birthing rituals. The protagonist (Wynne) has been raised in a perfected society that controls everything. Where you work, where you live, who you live with is all controlled. When a citizen comes of age they are placed into their work assignment. The girls are taught that the Carriers are the absolute best profession. Carriers are basically incubators but they are treated like royalty. The best clothing, living quarters etc. Wynne isn't placed as a carrier as she had planned and is instead placed as a deliverer. Not a deliverer of newspapers, but of the cities babies. I liked the pace and I enjoyed the story. A good cookie cutter dystopian/teen girl savior book. Similar to the Hunger Games type. It's worth reading if you like that type of book.
SEMI SPOILER REVIEW
Obviously Wynne see the ugly part of the system while delivering the babies that are immediately taken from the mothers. Words like mother and love are forbidden but are hard to avoid in the labor and delivery department. Here's the deal, Wynne's best friend is chosen to be a Carrier. Wynne delivers her best friends first baby.
Wynne gets herself kicked from the labor and delivery department and is then assigned to be her best friends servant in the Carrier area. It sort of seems set up, but it's never confirmed. That is the beginning of the too long list of unconfirmed happenings. It's almost like the author had a really great adult dystopian book going then kept remembering it had to be suitable for teens. The problem is the imagination is worse than reality sometimes. There was a reoccurring rape or so it seems. Then I think there was a group rape -ish scene. The problem is, it was so vaguely describes that I am not completely sure. Then there is the relationship between the two girls. Everything else was so veiled that the girls talking had me thinking they were lesbians too, since everything was just "hinted" at. That's all fine and dandy but without definite details we have no idea of what it happening. I know that confirming the noises from the room were definitely rape would have helped us know exactly what to think. The man that kept visiting could have been just beating her up? The public group sex thing could have been some weird display? I'm not sure. I think the details being clear would have let us see the ugly brutality and given a much stronger case for Carriers being a sucky job.
SIDE NOTES
-I liked the book but I am worried the girls are just going to end up in the desert...walking...thirsty...meeting a group of people...not being able to stay...having to go back and free everyone blah blah blah We've read that story a million times. Break the dystopian mold! I hope for some surprises in the second book. We shall see
-Sometimes I wish the strong willed teen girl that ends up saving the world would just shut her mouth and think out a decent "Take down the enemy from the inside" type of plan. The run away, every other citizen dies but protagonist lives after making thousands of bad decisions storyline is getting old. Sometimes it's the right thing to do, but maybe not the right thing to do right this second.
My cast list is located on my blog :)
Author: Kate Jarvik Birch
Star Rating: 6
Content: Mild references, necessary to story, not excessive adult type content
NON SPOILER REVIEW
I just realized this is the same author as the novel "Perfected" which I read last month some time. A couple of my frustrations were similar in that book. Overall, I liked this book. Not too much fluff, every chapter was important in moving the story forward. I love a good dystopian featuring the birthing rituals. The protagonist (Wynne) has been raised in a perfected society that controls everything. Where you work, where you live, who you live with is all controlled. When a citizen comes of age they are placed into their work assignment. The girls are taught that the Carriers are the absolute best profession. Carriers are basically incubators but they are treated like royalty. The best clothing, living quarters etc. Wynne isn't placed as a carrier as she had planned and is instead placed as a deliverer. Not a deliverer of newspapers, but of the cities babies. I liked the pace and I enjoyed the story. A good cookie cutter dystopian/teen girl savior book. Similar to the Hunger Games type. It's worth reading if you like that type of book.
SEMI SPOILER REVIEW
Obviously Wynne see the ugly part of the system while delivering the babies that are immediately taken from the mothers. Words like mother and love are forbidden but are hard to avoid in the labor and delivery department. Here's the deal, Wynne's best friend is chosen to be a Carrier. Wynne delivers her best friends first baby.
Wynne gets herself kicked from the labor and delivery department and is then assigned to be her best friends servant in the Carrier area. It sort of seems set up, but it's never confirmed. That is the beginning of the too long list of unconfirmed happenings. It's almost like the author had a really great adult dystopian book going then kept remembering it had to be suitable for teens. The problem is the imagination is worse than reality sometimes. There was a reoccurring rape or so it seems. Then I think there was a group rape -ish scene. The problem is, it was so vaguely describes that I am not completely sure. Then there is the relationship between the two girls. Everything else was so veiled that the girls talking had me thinking they were lesbians too, since everything was just "hinted" at. That's all fine and dandy but without definite details we have no idea of what it happening. I know that confirming the noises from the room were definitely rape would have helped us know exactly what to think. The man that kept visiting could have been just beating her up? The public group sex thing could have been some weird display? I'm not sure. I think the details being clear would have let us see the ugly brutality and given a much stronger case for Carriers being a sucky job.
SIDE NOTES
-I liked the book but I am worried the girls are just going to end up in the desert...walking...thirsty...meeting a group of people...not being able to stay...having to go back and free everyone blah blah blah We've read that story a million times. Break the dystopian mold! I hope for some surprises in the second book. We shall see
-Sometimes I wish the strong willed teen girl that ends up saving the world would just shut her mouth and think out a decent "Take down the enemy from the inside" type of plan. The run away, every other citizen dies but protagonist lives after making thousands of bad decisions storyline is getting old. Sometimes it's the right thing to do, but maybe not the right thing to do right this second.
My cast list is located on my blog :)
May 27, 2014
*I received this book from Bloomsbury Spark in exchange for an honest review*
I read The Handmaid's Tale for my one of my AP English classes in high school, and it's been one of those books that's just stuck with me ever since. It's haunting and terrifying and yet somehow empowering in a strange, convoluted way. I also believe it's one of those books that not enough people have read. So when I saw Deliver Me called "The Handmaid's Tale" for a new generation, I knew I had to read it. And I was not disappointed.
Don't get me wrong - this is NOT The Handmaid's Tale. This book stands entirely on its own, and although it draws heavily from the society of The Handmaid's Tale, this is definitely a little more tame and more approachable for teens. But the punch is still there, and it's still just as terrifying and poignant as the story it's based on. I did like that the women were still allowed to keep their names and their identity (although they are assigned numbers), because I think it helps relate to them more easily even if their world and their lives are nothing like we've experienced in our lifetimes.
I think Wynne was an excellently crafted character, and I'm sorry that this book wasn't longer so we could spend more time with her. She is obedient to the Union even when she's denied the position of Carrier, and only begins to doubt the ideals of and the laws governing the Union because she's placed in a role where she sees the cruelty of forcing women to be Carriers. I'm really glad Tamsin is introduced so that Wynne has someone to talk to, because I don't think she would have gotten to the point she does if she never ended up with a confidante.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the relationships. Friendships are made and lost, and "love" is a concept that's hard for the characters to grasp at first. There are no real romantic relationships, and I think that makes the friendships and rivalries that much more important. Wynne chooses her friends carefully, and keeping those friendships is incredibly important to her. I definitely think there's a lesson to be learned in there somewhere.
I would totally recommend this book to fans of The Handmaid's Tale, or fans of dystopian YA books in general. It isn't very long, but it's still packed with character development and world-building. It can stand on its own, but could also be the beginning of an interesting series. It kind of has the same feel as The Giver in that respect, and I think fans of The Giver would also enjoy this book. I'd give it a 4/5!
I read The Handmaid's Tale for my one of my AP English classes in high school, and it's been one of those books that's just stuck with me ever since. It's haunting and terrifying and yet somehow empowering in a strange, convoluted way. I also believe it's one of those books that not enough people have read. So when I saw Deliver Me called "The Handmaid's Tale" for a new generation, I knew I had to read it. And I was not disappointed.
Don't get me wrong - this is NOT The Handmaid's Tale. This book stands entirely on its own, and although it draws heavily from the society of The Handmaid's Tale, this is definitely a little more tame and more approachable for teens. But the punch is still there, and it's still just as terrifying and poignant as the story it's based on. I did like that the women were still allowed to keep their names and their identity (although they are assigned numbers), because I think it helps relate to them more easily even if their world and their lives are nothing like we've experienced in our lifetimes.
I think Wynne was an excellently crafted character, and I'm sorry that this book wasn't longer so we could spend more time with her. She is obedient to the Union even when she's denied the position of Carrier, and only begins to doubt the ideals of and the laws governing the Union because she's placed in a role where she sees the cruelty of forcing women to be Carriers. I'm really glad Tamsin is introduced so that Wynne has someone to talk to, because I don't think she would have gotten to the point she does if she never ended up with a confidante.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the relationships. Friendships are made and lost, and "love" is a concept that's hard for the characters to grasp at first. There are no real romantic relationships, and I think that makes the friendships and rivalries that much more important. Wynne chooses her friends carefully, and keeping those friendships is incredibly important to her. I definitely think there's a lesson to be learned in there somewhere.
I would totally recommend this book to fans of The Handmaid's Tale, or fans of dystopian YA books in general. It isn't very long, but it's still packed with character development and world-building. It can stand on its own, but could also be the beginning of an interesting series. It kind of has the same feel as The Giver in that respect, and I think fans of The Giver would also enjoy this book. I'd give it a 4/5!
June 27, 2017
My favorite of her books so far.
July 1, 2015
I found this short novel to be an interesting riff on the dystopian genre. It reminded me in many ways of The Handmaid's Tale viewed through the eyes of someone other than a Handmaid. (Disclaimer: Handmaid's tale is in my top five books of all time, and I reread it once a year!)
The protagonist in this book was well defined and an actual strong woman character. Not strong because she had to "fight," but because there was a full characterization with emotions and motivations that really allowed you to slip into her skin. I was scared when she was scared and hopeful when she was hopeful.
The book's focus on reproductive rights was wonderful, it really allowed you to consider the issue without jamming an opinion down your throat. I really appreciated that it handled the concepts of bodily autonomy and relationships in a way that is appropriate for the YA genre without dumbing them down or removing the power of talking about them. In addition, the book did everything it could not to vilify mothers, but rather the oppressive society surrounding them. (I can't really say more without spoiling the plot.)
I also really enjoyed that rather than being about a girl and her love interest, this was the story of two young women who are best friends, and how their lives in an oppressive regime affect that friendship...and how that friendship affects their lives. While there is a young man introduced at one point in the story, he's not the "love interest" and there's no sense that the story is lacking without one. It feels full and complete while focusing on these two women.
If you're into feminist dystopian novels, this may be a good summer read for you. It's not too heavy and reads fast, but will leave you with lots to think about. I hope Ms. Birch gives us another novel set in the world of the Union. (I also wish Goodreads would let us give half stars.)
The protagonist in this book was well defined and an actual strong woman character. Not strong because she had to "fight," but because there was a full characterization with emotions and motivations that really allowed you to slip into her skin. I was scared when she was scared and hopeful when she was hopeful.
The book's focus on reproductive rights was wonderful, it really allowed you to consider the issue without jamming an opinion down your throat. I really appreciated that it handled the concepts of bodily autonomy and relationships in a way that is appropriate for the YA genre without dumbing them down or removing the power of talking about them. In addition, the book did everything it could not to vilify mothers, but rather the oppressive society surrounding them. (I can't really say more without spoiling the plot.)
I also really enjoyed that rather than being about a girl and her love interest, this was the story of two young women who are best friends, and how their lives in an oppressive regime affect that friendship...and how that friendship affects their lives. While there is a young man introduced at one point in the story, he's not the "love interest" and there's no sense that the story is lacking without one. It feels full and complete while focusing on these two women.
If you're into feminist dystopian novels, this may be a good summer read for you. It's not too heavy and reads fast, but will leave you with lots to think about. I hope Ms. Birch gives us another novel set in the world of the Union. (I also wish Goodreads would let us give half stars.)
August 3, 2015
This book has obliterated my sanity!
At first I thought it wasn´t much inventive, seemed to be a copycat, but then through the book, the characters and the building of the story it became much more.
The government in this book has established a cruel way to treat their people and exploit them, removing them from their basic rights for the greater good of the Union. They somehow have brainwash all the people, especially the girls to go along.
This world is seen through Wynne's POV, which is kind of great, since we can see her evolution throughout the book, from a simple mindless girl to a rational and strong one, she is a great character, she questions things and relationships.
I guess there was a lot to cover in this harsh society, but the things we get to see gave me a good sense of the plot, which was enough to hook me up.
Although we get to see all the abuse given to the girls, we haven't seen what it is like for the boys to live under this circumstances, the book only give us a tiny glimpse of what this boys might be suffering .
The book ended a bit abruptly, I guessed it was because there is a lot more to cover in this story therefore book 1 has to end in that way, at least it leaves us with a sense of hope.
Well I really like this book for me it was well written and the plot was really dark and intricate, I felt myself living there and I wasn't happy so now I really need the second book, I need it now!!!!, I need to know what's going to happen and I wish there is going to be some kind of revolution cause things can't go on like that, they simply can.
At first I thought it wasn´t much inventive, seemed to be a copycat, but then through the book, the characters and the building of the story it became much more.
The government in this book has established a cruel way to treat their people and exploit them, removing them from their basic rights for the greater good of the Union. They somehow have brainwash all the people, especially the girls to go along.
This world is seen through Wynne's POV, which is kind of great, since we can see her evolution throughout the book, from a simple mindless girl to a rational and strong one, she is a great character, she questions things and relationships.
I guess there was a lot to cover in this harsh society, but the things we get to see gave me a good sense of the plot, which was enough to hook me up.
Although we get to see all the abuse given to the girls, we haven't seen what it is like for the boys to live under this circumstances, the book only give us a tiny glimpse of what this boys might be suffering .
The book ended a bit abruptly, I guessed it was because there is a lot more to cover in this story therefore book 1 has to end in that way, at least it leaves us with a sense of hope.
Well I really like this book for me it was well written and the plot was really dark and intricate, I felt myself living there and I wasn't happy so now I really need the second book, I need it now!!!!, I need to know what's going to happen and I wish there is going to be some kind of revolution cause things can't go on like that, they simply can.
August 22, 2019
Very predictable. Seemed like a take-off of The Handmaid's Tale. I liked her trilogy Perfected, but this book seemed very basic.
February 14, 2017
MINIRECENZIA NA BLOGU
Odessa a Wynne sú najlepšie kamarátky, ktoré žijú vo vašej typickej dystopickej spoločnosti, kde vláda kontroluje úplne všetko. Obe sa túžia stať "Carriers", budúcimi matkami, čo je najprestížnejšie povolanie, aké existuje. Ibaže komisia si ako matku vyberie len Odessu. Wynne je priradená k robotníčkam v pôrodnici.
A tu si Wynne - hrdinka - zrazu začne všímať divné veci: všetky matky sa správajú strašne záhadne a strašne čudne.
Ešte nikdy som nečítala dystópiu, čo by nedávala zmysel na úrovni psychológie pre druhý ročník stredných škôl (wait, čítala, Eve, ale to nedávalo zmysel na úrovni zdravého rozumu).
Moja najväčšia výhrada je spoločnosť, ktorá síce vyzerá strašne efektívne, ale v reále by bola absolútne nefunkčná. Rovnako mi všetko o veľkom tajomstve bolo jasné po prvom Wynninom pôrode, takže tak niekde pri 15-20% knihy. Ale inak sa to čítalo prekvapivo dobre a dynamicky - a dokonca to nemalo romantickú líniu a väčšina bola o vzťahu Wynne a Odessy a Wynninom zisťovaní, že táto dystopická spoločnosť asi nebude pre ňu. Koniec je také typické "áno, uzavreté, ale ak mi dáte 'možnosť ten príbeh dopovedať', rada to urobím", takže ak sa niečo také nestane a kniha ostane jednorázovka, je to celkom krátke a chytľavé čítanie, ktoré na voľnú chvíľu medzi dlhšími príbehmi odporúčam. 8/10
Odessa a Wynne sú najlepšie kamarátky, ktoré žijú vo vašej typickej dystopickej spoločnosti, kde vláda kontroluje úplne všetko. Obe sa túžia stať "Carriers", budúcimi matkami, čo je najprestížnejšie povolanie, aké existuje. Ibaže komisia si ako matku vyberie len Odessu. Wynne je priradená k robotníčkam v pôrodnici.
A tu si Wynne - hrdinka - zrazu začne všímať divné veci: všetky matky sa správajú strašne záhadne a strašne čudne.
Ešte nikdy som nečítala dystópiu, čo by nedávala zmysel na úrovni psychológie pre druhý ročník stredných škôl (wait, čítala, Eve, ale to nedávalo zmysel na úrovni zdravého rozumu).
Moja najväčšia výhrada je spoločnosť, ktorá síce vyzerá strašne efektívne, ale v reále by bola absolútne nefunkčná. Rovnako mi všetko o veľkom tajomstve bolo jasné po prvom Wynninom pôrode, takže tak niekde pri 15-20% knihy. Ale inak sa to čítalo prekvapivo dobre a dynamicky - a dokonca to nemalo romantickú líniu a väčšina bola o vzťahu Wynne a Odessy a Wynninom zisťovaní, že táto dystopická spoločnosť asi nebude pre ňu. Koniec je také typické "áno, uzavreté, ale ak mi dáte 'možnosť ten príbeh dopovedať', rada to urobím", takže ak sa niečo také nestane a kniha ostane jednorázovka, je to celkom krátke a chytľavé čítanie, ktoré na voľnú chvíľu medzi dlhšími príbehmi odporúčam. 8/10
February 15, 2017
hard read. especially for someone who's been through sexual trauma or kids who've been abandoned
October 27, 2014
This had a very interesting premise, but it fell a little short for me.
What really, really bothered me the most here has to do with the world building. It is made very clear at the beginning that not all women are allowed to have children. This is a society where love does not exist. What we are not told, however (or we are and I missed it) is why only some women have children. Is it because of a scarcity of resources? Is it another way to control them? The fact that this question remained unanswered was my biggest pet peeve here.
Furthermore, because this is a short book, some issues were not explored further. What about the outskirts of that society? We see a member of it, but we're not told what is really going on there. I also missed learning how the society portrayed in the book came to be. Furthermore, the whole issue with the Carriers could have done with more exploration.
As for the characters, their building is well done, and their struggles were made very real.
This book doesn't really have an ending, for me. It's quite an open ending, and I like my books to have more closed endings. I'm not one of those readers that like having the room to wonder about what happened. I want to know what happened!
What really, really bothered me the most here has to do with the world building. It is made very clear at the beginning that not all women are allowed to have children. This is a society where love does not exist. What we are not told, however (or we are and I missed it) is why only some women have children. Is it because of a scarcity of resources? Is it another way to control them? The fact that this question remained unanswered was my biggest pet peeve here.
Furthermore, because this is a short book, some issues were not explored further. What about the outskirts of that society? We see a member of it, but we're not told what is really going on there. I also missed learning how the society portrayed in the book came to be. Furthermore, the whole issue with the Carriers could have done with more exploration.
As for the characters, their building is well done, and their struggles were made very real.
This book doesn't really have an ending, for me. It's quite an open ending, and I like my books to have more closed endings. I'm not one of those readers that like having the room to wonder about what happened. I want to know what happened!
August 9, 2014
4.5 stars. With a bad title, this book surprises. It is really good! There are so many great things about Deliver Me. First of all, the writing is excellent. The main character Wynne's thoughts are conveyed well, as is the narration of what goes on around her. It is a balance of action, sadness, longing, and character development. The dystopian world Kate J. Birch made is fascinating. What would it be like to grow up segregated from men, being trained for a test that has many results, but you only want -only focus- on one; being a Carrier of the next generation. But, like always, it is not what it seems. Only after the test does Wynne discover what a lie it has all been (so typical. I am trying to decide if I am bored with that.) What kept this book from the 5 stars that it deserves was the relationship between Wynne and Odessa. I won't go into spoilers, but even in Odessa's situation, she could have acted differently. Another was that when Wynne finally meets a guy, she acts like she is in love with him. I mean, I know she has never really met one, but still. Anyways,I really want a second book! One told from another girl's perspective, or maybe a guy's. I don't think Wynne's story will be too interesting anymore. I would still read the second book! Please let there be one...
May 9, 2014
I gave it 3.5 stars
DELIVER ME reminded me a little of the Eve Series by Anna Carey, but instead the girls WANT to be be used for their uterus and live in luxury. When Wynne doesn't make it as one of the revered carriers she is crushed. She soon finds out being chosen isn't all its cracked up to be and is intent on helping her best friend Odessa escape the life before its to late.
I liked the characters and I liked the pace of the story but there was a lot of background to cover and it felt like it ended just as it was starting to begin. I very much hope there will be a book 2 because the ending would be a horrible let down instead of a cliffhanger.
* This book was provided free of charge from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
DELIVER ME reminded me a little of the Eve Series by Anna Carey, but instead the girls WANT to be be used for their uterus and live in luxury. When Wynne doesn't make it as one of the revered carriers she is crushed. She soon finds out being chosen isn't all its cracked up to be and is intent on helping her best friend Odessa escape the life before its to late.
I liked the characters and I liked the pace of the story but there was a lot of background to cover and it felt like it ended just as it was starting to begin. I very much hope there will be a book 2 because the ending would be a horrible let down instead of a cliffhanger.
* This book was provided free of charge from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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