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The Elected Series #1
Elected
It’s the year 2185, and in two weeks, Aloy will turn eighteen and take her father’s place as president of the country. But to do so, she must masquerade as a boy to avoid violating the Eco-Accords, four treaties designed to bring the world back from the brink of environmental extinction. Aloy hopes to govern like her father, but she is inheriting a different country. The long concealed Technology Faction is stepping out of the shadows, and as turmoil grows within her country, cryptic threats also arrive from beyond their borders.
As she struggles to lead, Aloy maintains her cover by marrying a woman, meanwhile battling feelings for the boy who knows her secret—the boy who is somehow connected to her country’s recent upheaval. When assassination attempts add to the turmoil, Aloy doesn’t know whom to trust. She understood leadership required sacrifice. She just didn’t realize the sacrifice might be her life.
As she struggles to lead, Aloy maintains her cover by marrying a woman, meanwhile battling feelings for the boy who knows her secret—the boy who is somehow connected to her country’s recent upheaval. When assassination attempts add to the turmoil, Aloy doesn’t know whom to trust. She understood leadership required sacrifice. She just didn’t realize the sacrifice might be her life.
270 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2014
4 people are currently reading
937 people want to read
About the author
Rori Shay
5 books80 followersRori's debut novel, ELECTED, is book one of a young adult sci-fi trilogy, which challenges the notion of duty above desire. She's a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Rori lives in Seattle with her family and two proficient hair shedders-Misch the cat and Gerry the laid-back black lab. Rori studied public relations and marketing at the University of Maryland and received an MBA from George Washington University. Besides writing, she likes to travel, run, read (of course), go pumpkin-picking and snow-shoe! You can follow Rori and her writing adventures at www.rorishay.com or @RoriShayWrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 1, 2015
hrough history we've heard about women portraying themselves as a man to go into battle and do certain things. We've watched the Disney movie Mulan and the portrayal of a woman putting herself in harms way, for a loved one, without them asking to. In this book, we see a different side of this, we see a girl be purposely brought up as a man to keep her family as the seated political structure. We learn quickly the obstacles she's had to overcome personally and emotionally, and we feel her pain in the fact that she can't be who she really is.
As the story goes on, the characterization is strong, and the process really made me think. What if this was me? Could I do this? Would I do this? Is what they are doing, really for the good of the people? Would allowing certain groups to expand really be so bad? Reading how they lived, what was banned, I could only think back to how things were hundreds of years ago when we didn't have the knowledge of what we do now.
You many think that with such gender issues that there would be some issues for some readers when it comes to other things. Especially since she must marry a woman to keep up the sham. This is a clean read and works really well for the YA audience as well as older audiences. For a YA book, it's extremely sophisticated and treats the characters with the utmost respect and keeps one intrigued and wondering what is going to happen next.
Set in our future, in a dystopian world. The reader will find themselves acknowledging that this is a world that could happen. Dystopian literature is one to learn from. Figure out what went wrong, apply it to our own world and decide for ourselves not to go down that road and figure out how now to.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series and anything else that the author, Rori Shay has or will write. Readers will not come away disappointed.
As the story goes on, the characterization is strong, and the process really made me think. What if this was me? Could I do this? Would I do this? Is what they are doing, really for the good of the people? Would allowing certain groups to expand really be so bad? Reading how they lived, what was banned, I could only think back to how things were hundreds of years ago when we didn't have the knowledge of what we do now.
You many think that with such gender issues that there would be some issues for some readers when it comes to other things. Especially since she must marry a woman to keep up the sham. This is a clean read and works really well for the YA audience as well as older audiences. For a YA book, it's extremely sophisticated and treats the characters with the utmost respect and keeps one intrigued and wondering what is going to happen next.
Set in our future, in a dystopian world. The reader will find themselves acknowledging that this is a world that could happen. Dystopian literature is one to learn from. Figure out what went wrong, apply it to our own world and decide for ourselves not to go down that road and figure out how now to.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series and anything else that the author, Rori Shay has or will write. Readers will not come away disappointed.
July 15, 2016
The gender politics in this book were pants-shittingly terrible. The pacing the was shit. The plot was dull. The world building was boring and shallow.
But basically, if the gender politics weren't so hideous, binarist and transphobic I could have handled it. Seriously, y'all if you want the main character to angst about ~wanting to be a woman~ just make her a trans woman and get the fuck over your gender essentialist bullshit.
But basically, if the gender politics weren't so hideous, binarist and transphobic I could have handled it. Seriously, y'all if you want the main character to angst about ~wanting to be a woman~ just make her a trans woman and get the fuck over your gender essentialist bullshit.
May 4, 2015
So where do I start with this one?
Well to summarise it is a 22nd century dystopian set in the States, the country has fallen, people had become to reliant on technology and they world that they lived in just came apart at the seams.
The US has been split in to three, East, Mid and West country, the all follow the accords, rules that are in place to make sure they survive and thrive, our story is set in the East country.
Aloy is about to turn 18 and she will take the place of her father as the Elected, the ruler of the East country, there is however one small problem.....
Aloy the girl does not exist, Aloy the boy is who the people know, following the disappearance of her brother it is up to her to keep their family in power, a female cannot rule and from a young age she has been learning to appear as a boy with only a few trusted people in on her secret.
As she takes her place in the seat of power, she completes her masquerade by marrying Vienne and becoming a "man" in the eyes of her people.
Being in charge is a struggle, one of the accords is that technology is illegal but a faction has risen up wanting to reintroduce technology for the better, are this sinister faction behind the attempts on her life?
She has few she can trust but one of main friends is Griffin who has learned of her secret but he confuses her, she finds herself falling for him but despite everything she also feels loyalty to her wife.
Can Aloy keep her sex a secret and can she keep the peace when the country outside their borders comes calling?
Elected is a really good read, it definitely is something a bit different in the well stocked dystopian reads cupboard! Aloy does seem to be a natural reader but I did wonder how she managed to keep her secret so well, she must have appeared very well shaven at all times!
The story however flows really well, it has a great world built around it and it lines us up for the next book Suspected!
Thank you to Lola's Blog tour for supplying me with a copy in exchange for an honest review
Well to summarise it is a 22nd century dystopian set in the States, the country has fallen, people had become to reliant on technology and they world that they lived in just came apart at the seams.
The US has been split in to three, East, Mid and West country, the all follow the accords, rules that are in place to make sure they survive and thrive, our story is set in the East country.
Aloy is about to turn 18 and she will take the place of her father as the Elected, the ruler of the East country, there is however one small problem.....
Aloy the girl does not exist, Aloy the boy is who the people know, following the disappearance of her brother it is up to her to keep their family in power, a female cannot rule and from a young age she has been learning to appear as a boy with only a few trusted people in on her secret.
As she takes her place in the seat of power, she completes her masquerade by marrying Vienne and becoming a "man" in the eyes of her people.
Being in charge is a struggle, one of the accords is that technology is illegal but a faction has risen up wanting to reintroduce technology for the better, are this sinister faction behind the attempts on her life?
She has few she can trust but one of main friends is Griffin who has learned of her secret but he confuses her, she finds herself falling for him but despite everything she also feels loyalty to her wife.
Can Aloy keep her sex a secret and can she keep the peace when the country outside their borders comes calling?
Elected is a really good read, it definitely is something a bit different in the well stocked dystopian reads cupboard! Aloy does seem to be a natural reader but I did wonder how she managed to keep her secret so well, she must have appeared very well shaven at all times!
The story however flows really well, it has a great world built around it and it lines us up for the next book Suspected!
Thank you to Lola's Blog tour for supplying me with a copy in exchange for an honest review
April 23, 2014
Rori Shay's "Elected" was an interesting and unique take on a dystopian future that I haven't encountered before. I stayed up way too late because I kept saying "just one more chapter" - it was a page turner for sure. I really appreciated the attention paid to world building; I was particularly delighted by the setting of Washington, DC.
While not being an overt environmental treatise Elected definitely makes you think/brings awareness to readers that we need to treat our world better (it is, after all, the only one we've got) without sounding preachy about it.
I also appreciated the difficult positions/decisions points she places her characters in. While I don't agree with many of the decisions the characters made, I can certainly see why they made them, and how their environment/circumstances shaped their view of what their options were (ie, everyone was so focused on how technology nearly destroyed the Earth, most people were missing the fact that technology can also accomplish good/beneficial things too).
I would recommend this book for New Adult and Adult readers.
While not being an overt environmental treatise Elected definitely makes you think/brings awareness to readers that we need to treat our world better (it is, after all, the only one we've got) without sounding preachy about it.
I also appreciated the difficult positions/decisions points she places her characters in. While I don't agree with many of the decisions the characters made, I can certainly see why they made them, and how their environment/circumstances shaped their view of what their options were (ie, everyone was so focused on how technology nearly destroyed the Earth, most people were missing the fact that technology can also accomplish good/beneficial things too).
I would recommend this book for New Adult and Adult readers.
November 20, 2014
This is one of those books that makes you stay up late to finish. The strong women characters and the gender conflict of the main character really made this book stand out. Can't wait for the next installment!
March 23, 2015
I was hooked right from the start. Excellent story. I can't wait for the next one.
May 3, 2015
Full review/Recensione completa: http://petrichorabookblog.tumblr.com/...
- Recensione in italiano più sotto
Aloy was raised to look like a man. She speaks, walks and acts like a man, but in reality she is not. Her is a constant effort to imitate, a facade to hide that she is actually a woman. For years she observes all the men that circulate in her big white house, trying to copy them as much as possible, and now, approaching her eighteenth birthday, she will have to keep in mind all that she has learned because she is going to become the Elected. While other women are destined to procreation, she in disguise will govern her country. And, although she did not choose this path, if she was found she would be sentenced to death.
In a post-apocalyptic world with strict rules and experiencing mixed feelings, Aloy will have to find a way to hide her identity, escape the attacks and save the nation from the facing many dangers.
From the moment I read the plot I was fascinated by the character of Aloy. I like the main strong characters which are not the usual damsel in distress, therefore, already I adored even before I know her. Aloy, however, is not only strong, but also insecure because of what it means to be a woman in her world. For much of the time she lived away from the boys of her age and, despite knowing what she should do, she is not sure what to expect from the future. Pretend to be a man, married to a woman, and finally wait until their child becomes eighteen to live her lives seem a difficult task, but she is determined to carry it out in a painful sacrifice for others.
In this novel the sexism theme blends perfectly with the issues of sexuality and gender identity. So much so, involved in a different kind of triangle, Aloy will have to figure out who between the young Griffin and the beautiful future wife Vienne she loves. I really liked how the subject has been treated by the author and, although some aspects of the triangle are quite predictable, I’m glad I finally read something different than usual, taking a cue from the world that we live, and leaving aside the usual labels I hate.
Needless to say, I really liked Griffin as a male protagonist, and not to say too much away, I add that I was disappointed only twice (Ahhh, how could you, Griffin?).
Vienne left me doubtful more than once. At first I did not like her, in the end she redeemed herself, but I still have mixed feelings toward her. Who knows, maybe I will understand more about her in the next book.
One of the parts I was most satisfied is certainly the world building. There is a story, there are motives and everything is explained. I enjoyed every detail (hemlock brought me back to my classical studies) and the care that has been put in to tell a world that could be credible. I really ‘dived’ into the story. For once it occurs to me to say nothing bad about the setting, rather I am curious to know more.
Perhaps the only negative note would be in the plot and in particular about some events that I had expected or not convinced me at all. The plot still remains very attractive, so much so that I had a hard time to break away from the novel. Also it deals with important and current issues as sexism, sexuality and environment. You not always found YA books that will make people think about these issues and I am happy to have found one like this.
The end with a twist and a dangerous escape indicates that the journey of the protagonists is still long and full of adventures, but fortunately there is not a cliffhanger. Some questions remained in my head and I really hope to see the answers in the next books in the series: What happened to Aloy’s brother? What happens in Mid Country? How the famous pills that cure all ills were made?
Elected is a book that can make people think and show a realistic future in which the sacrifice is the key to everything.
I recommend this novel in particular to fans of the dystopian genre and those who want to read something different beyond prejudices.
- Recensione in italiano
Aloy è stata cresciuta per sembrare un uomo. Parla, cammina e agisce come un uomo, ma in realtà non lo è. Il suo è un costante sforzo all'imitazione, una facciata per nascondere che in realtà è una donna. Per anni ha osservato tutti gli uomini che circolano nella sua grande casa bianca, cercando di copiarli il più possibile, e ora, che si avvicina il suo diciottesimo compleanno, dovrà tenere a mente tutto ciò che ha imparato perché diventerà l'Eletto. Mentre le altre donne sono destinate alla procreazione, lei sotto mentite spoglie dovrà governare il suo paese. E, anche se non è stata lei a scegliere questa strada, se dovesse essere scoperta sarebbe condannata a morte.
In un mondo post-apocalittico con strette regole e vivendo sentimenti contrastanti, Aloy dovrà trovare un modo per nascondere la sua identità, scampare agli attentati e salvare la nazione dai numerosi pericoli che corre.
Dal momento in cui ho letto la trama sono rimasta affascinata dal personaggio di Aloy. Mi piacciono le protagoniste forti e che non sono le solite damigelle in pericolo, quindi, la adoravo già ancora prima di conoscerla. Aloy, però, non è solo forte, ma anche insicura per via di ciò che significa essere una donna nel suo mondo. Per gran parte del tempo ha vissuto distante dai ragazzi della sua età e, nonostante conosca ciò che dovrà fare, non sa bene cosa aspettarsi dal futuro. Fingere di essere un uomo, sposarsi con una donna e infine attendere che il loro figlio diventi diciottenne per vivere la propria vita sembra un'impresa difficile, ma è determinata a portarla a termine in un doloroso sacrificio per gli altri.
In questo romanzo il tema del maschilismo si mescola perfettamente con i problemi sulla sessualità e l'identità di genere. Tanto che, coinvolta in un triangolo diverso dal solito, Aloy dovrà capire chi ama tra il giovane Griffin e la bella futura moglie Vienne. Mi è piaciuto molto come il tema è stato trattato dall'autrice e, anche se alcuni risvolti del triangolo sono abbastanza prevedibili, sono felice di aver letto finalmente qualcosa di diverso dal solito, prendendo spunto dal mondo che viviamo e lasciando da parte le solite etichette che odio.
Inutile dire che Griffin mi è piaciuto molto come personaggio maschile e, per non svelare troppo, aggiungo che mi ha deluso solo in due occasioni (Ahhh, come hai potuto, Griffin?).
Vienne mi ha lasciata dubbiosa più di una volta. All'inizio non mi stava simpatica, alla fine si è riscattata, ma continuo ad avere sentimenti contrastanti nei suoi confronti. Chissà magari capirò di più nel prossimo libro.
Una delle parti che più mi ha convinta del romanzo è sicuramente il world building. C'è una storia, ci sono delle motivazioni e tutto viene spiegato. Ho apprezzato ogni dettaglio (la cicuta mi ha riportato ai miei studi classici) e la cura che è stata messa nel raccontare un mondo che potrebbe essere credibile. Mi sono tuffata nella storia facendo mio tutto ciò che apprendevo. Per una volta non mi viene in mente da ridire nulla sull'ambientazione, anzi sono curiosa di saperne di più.
Forse l'unica nota negativa sarebbe nella trama e in particolare riguardo alcuni avvenimenti che avevo previsto o non mi hanno convinta del tutto. L'intreccio comunque rimane molto interessante, tanto che ho avuto difficoltà a staccarmi dal romanzo. Inoltre tratta argomenti importanti e di attualità come maschilismo, sessualità e rispetto dell'ambiente. Non sempre si trovano libri per ragazzi che facciano riflettere su questi temi e sono felice di averne trovato uno così.
Il finale con un colpo di scena e una pericolosa fuga lascia presagire che il viaggio dei protagonisti è ancora lungo e pieno di avventure, ma fortunatamente non è previsto un cliffhanger. Qualche domanda mi è rimasta in testa e spero davvero di vedere le risposte nei prossimi libri della serie: cosa è successo al fratello di Aloy? Cosa succede nella Mid Country? Di che cosa erano fatte le famose pillole che curano tutti i mali?
Elected è un libro capace di far riflettere e mostra un futuro realistico in cui il sacrificio è la chiave di tutto.
Consiglio questo romanzo in particolare agli amanti del genere distopico e a coloro che vogliono leggere qualcosa di diverso, che vada oltre i pregiudizi.
- Recensione in italiano più sotto
Aloy was raised to look like a man. She speaks, walks and acts like a man, but in reality she is not. Her is a constant effort to imitate, a facade to hide that she is actually a woman. For years she observes all the men that circulate in her big white house, trying to copy them as much as possible, and now, approaching her eighteenth birthday, she will have to keep in mind all that she has learned because she is going to become the Elected. While other women are destined to procreation, she in disguise will govern her country. And, although she did not choose this path, if she was found she would be sentenced to death.
In a post-apocalyptic world with strict rules and experiencing mixed feelings, Aloy will have to find a way to hide her identity, escape the attacks and save the nation from the facing many dangers.
From the moment I read the plot I was fascinated by the character of Aloy. I like the main strong characters which are not the usual damsel in distress, therefore, already I adored even before I know her. Aloy, however, is not only strong, but also insecure because of what it means to be a woman in her world. For much of the time she lived away from the boys of her age and, despite knowing what she should do, she is not sure what to expect from the future. Pretend to be a man, married to a woman, and finally wait until their child becomes eighteen to live her lives seem a difficult task, but she is determined to carry it out in a painful sacrifice for others.
In this novel the sexism theme blends perfectly with the issues of sexuality and gender identity. So much so, involved in a different kind of triangle, Aloy will have to figure out who between the young Griffin and the beautiful future wife Vienne she loves. I really liked how the subject has been treated by the author and, although some aspects of the triangle are quite predictable, I’m glad I finally read something different than usual, taking a cue from the world that we live, and leaving aside the usual labels I hate.
Needless to say, I really liked Griffin as a male protagonist, and not to say too much away, I add that I was disappointed only twice (Ahhh, how could you, Griffin?).
Vienne left me doubtful more than once. At first I did not like her, in the end she redeemed herself, but I still have mixed feelings toward her. Who knows, maybe I will understand more about her in the next book.
One of the parts I was most satisfied is certainly the world building. There is a story, there are motives and everything is explained. I enjoyed every detail (hemlock brought me back to my classical studies) and the care that has been put in to tell a world that could be credible. I really ‘dived’ into the story. For once it occurs to me to say nothing bad about the setting, rather I am curious to know more.
Perhaps the only negative note would be in the plot and in particular about some events that I had expected or not convinced me at all. The plot still remains very attractive, so much so that I had a hard time to break away from the novel. Also it deals with important and current issues as sexism, sexuality and environment. You not always found YA books that will make people think about these issues and I am happy to have found one like this.
The end with a twist and a dangerous escape indicates that the journey of the protagonists is still long and full of adventures, but fortunately there is not a cliffhanger. Some questions remained in my head and I really hope to see the answers in the next books in the series: What happened to Aloy’s brother? What happens in Mid Country? How the famous pills that cure all ills were made?
Elected is a book that can make people think and show a realistic future in which the sacrifice is the key to everything.
I recommend this novel in particular to fans of the dystopian genre and those who want to read something different beyond prejudices.
- Recensione in italiano
Aloy è stata cresciuta per sembrare un uomo. Parla, cammina e agisce come un uomo, ma in realtà non lo è. Il suo è un costante sforzo all'imitazione, una facciata per nascondere che in realtà è una donna. Per anni ha osservato tutti gli uomini che circolano nella sua grande casa bianca, cercando di copiarli il più possibile, e ora, che si avvicina il suo diciottesimo compleanno, dovrà tenere a mente tutto ciò che ha imparato perché diventerà l'Eletto. Mentre le altre donne sono destinate alla procreazione, lei sotto mentite spoglie dovrà governare il suo paese. E, anche se non è stata lei a scegliere questa strada, se dovesse essere scoperta sarebbe condannata a morte.
In un mondo post-apocalittico con strette regole e vivendo sentimenti contrastanti, Aloy dovrà trovare un modo per nascondere la sua identità, scampare agli attentati e salvare la nazione dai numerosi pericoli che corre.
Dal momento in cui ho letto la trama sono rimasta affascinata dal personaggio di Aloy. Mi piacciono le protagoniste forti e che non sono le solite damigelle in pericolo, quindi, la adoravo già ancora prima di conoscerla. Aloy, però, non è solo forte, ma anche insicura per via di ciò che significa essere una donna nel suo mondo. Per gran parte del tempo ha vissuto distante dai ragazzi della sua età e, nonostante conosca ciò che dovrà fare, non sa bene cosa aspettarsi dal futuro. Fingere di essere un uomo, sposarsi con una donna e infine attendere che il loro figlio diventi diciottenne per vivere la propria vita sembra un'impresa difficile, ma è determinata a portarla a termine in un doloroso sacrificio per gli altri.
In questo romanzo il tema del maschilismo si mescola perfettamente con i problemi sulla sessualità e l'identità di genere. Tanto che, coinvolta in un triangolo diverso dal solito, Aloy dovrà capire chi ama tra il giovane Griffin e la bella futura moglie Vienne. Mi è piaciuto molto come il tema è stato trattato dall'autrice e, anche se alcuni risvolti del triangolo sono abbastanza prevedibili, sono felice di aver letto finalmente qualcosa di diverso dal solito, prendendo spunto dal mondo che viviamo e lasciando da parte le solite etichette che odio.
Inutile dire che Griffin mi è piaciuto molto come personaggio maschile e, per non svelare troppo, aggiungo che mi ha deluso solo in due occasioni (Ahhh, come hai potuto, Griffin?).
Vienne mi ha lasciata dubbiosa più di una volta. All'inizio non mi stava simpatica, alla fine si è riscattata, ma continuo ad avere sentimenti contrastanti nei suoi confronti. Chissà magari capirò di più nel prossimo libro.
Una delle parti che più mi ha convinta del romanzo è sicuramente il world building. C'è una storia, ci sono delle motivazioni e tutto viene spiegato. Ho apprezzato ogni dettaglio (la cicuta mi ha riportato ai miei studi classici) e la cura che è stata messa nel raccontare un mondo che potrebbe essere credibile. Mi sono tuffata nella storia facendo mio tutto ciò che apprendevo. Per una volta non mi viene in mente da ridire nulla sull'ambientazione, anzi sono curiosa di saperne di più.
Forse l'unica nota negativa sarebbe nella trama e in particolare riguardo alcuni avvenimenti che avevo previsto o non mi hanno convinta del tutto. L'intreccio comunque rimane molto interessante, tanto che ho avuto difficoltà a staccarmi dal romanzo. Inoltre tratta argomenti importanti e di attualità come maschilismo, sessualità e rispetto dell'ambiente. Non sempre si trovano libri per ragazzi che facciano riflettere su questi temi e sono felice di averne trovato uno così.
Il finale con un colpo di scena e una pericolosa fuga lascia presagire che il viaggio dei protagonisti è ancora lungo e pieno di avventure, ma fortunatamente non è previsto un cliffhanger. Qualche domanda mi è rimasta in testa e spero davvero di vedere le risposte nei prossimi libri della serie: cosa è successo al fratello di Aloy? Cosa succede nella Mid Country? Di che cosa erano fatte le famose pillole che curano tutti i mali?
Elected è un libro capace di far riflettere e mostra un futuro realistico in cui il sacrificio è la chiave di tutto.
Consiglio questo romanzo in particolare agli amanti del genere distopico e a coloro che vogliono leggere qualcosa di diverso, che vada oltre i pregiudizi.
September 25, 2014
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Once I read the blurb of Elected I knew I had to read it. I don't read a lot of dystopia's , but when i do I look for the original ones and Elected certainly did that aspect right. While it follows some common themes of dystopia books, Rori adds a fresh voice to the genre and makes Elected stand out.
Elected focusses on the story of Aloy, a girl who disguises herself as a boy because only males can be the Elected. I like the trope of people have to take on the different gender, it reminds me of Mulan and I loved that movie as a kid. This aspect already had me interested in this book, add to that political unrest, a marriage, some mystery and a dystopia society and Elected had a lot of interesting elements.
While this book is mostly story driven the characters played an important role as well. While I would've liked to get to know them better I could sympathize with them all. Aloy and Vienne are in such a unique situation, but I loved how the author handled their relationship. I liked how the author didn't dance around the sex issue, but still handled it in a way that fit the story without too many details. I really wouldn't like to be in Aloy her shoes, she has such a difficult task ahead of her and while she tries her best, it is still hard on her. I did like how the main character basically became the leader of a country, it added an unique perspective to the story. I really liked Vienne as well, she almost seemed perfect, although I would've liked a bit more insight into her real feelings. Griffin is a great character as well, although I did had some trouble get a good feel for his character. While all the characters where likeable I would've liked the time to get to know them better.
While I sympathized with all the characters I didn't really feel the depths of their emotions or the romance. The romance is a side plot, but it did had important implications for the main plots as well. I liked how it all was handled and how the author made me connect with these characters even without too much focus on them.
What surprised me most about Elected was that instead of going into a future where science and technology are further then here they took the approach backwards. Technology had destroyed the world as we know it and try to stay as far away as possible. Another thing that was remarkable was how East country felt like on big family. There was the situation of the technology faction, but beside that they where still one country. I did had some trouble exactly envisioning where East country was and how big it was. I also thought that some of the Accords where a bit weird, why isolate the countries from each other, then they never know if the others also keep following the Accords. Some of them didn't seem to make much sense, although I did get the logic behind it all. There was enough world building to give a sense of how the world was now, although there were also some things I would've liked to learn more about.
To Conclude: this book was exactly what I hoped it would be, a great dystopia book with an original twist. I liked the situation of a girl disguising as a boy and becoming the leader of the country and the story was done really well and carried the book. The characters where likeable, although sometimes I wished we had time to get to know them better. The world building leaves a lot of questions open, but still managed to sketch a feel of the world. The ending is pretty open and makes me want to read the next book and find out what will happen next!
Once I read the blurb of Elected I knew I had to read it. I don't read a lot of dystopia's , but when i do I look for the original ones and Elected certainly did that aspect right. While it follows some common themes of dystopia books, Rori adds a fresh voice to the genre and makes Elected stand out.
Elected focusses on the story of Aloy, a girl who disguises herself as a boy because only males can be the Elected. I like the trope of people have to take on the different gender, it reminds me of Mulan and I loved that movie as a kid. This aspect already had me interested in this book, add to that political unrest, a marriage, some mystery and a dystopia society and Elected had a lot of interesting elements.
While this book is mostly story driven the characters played an important role as well. While I would've liked to get to know them better I could sympathize with them all. Aloy and Vienne are in such a unique situation, but I loved how the author handled their relationship. I liked how the author didn't dance around the sex issue, but still handled it in a way that fit the story without too many details. I really wouldn't like to be in Aloy her shoes, she has such a difficult task ahead of her and while she tries her best, it is still hard on her. I did like how the main character basically became the leader of a country, it added an unique perspective to the story. I really liked Vienne as well, she almost seemed perfect, although I would've liked a bit more insight into her real feelings. Griffin is a great character as well, although I did had some trouble get a good feel for his character. While all the characters where likeable I would've liked the time to get to know them better.
While I sympathized with all the characters I didn't really feel the depths of their emotions or the romance. The romance is a side plot, but it did had important implications for the main plots as well. I liked how it all was handled and how the author made me connect with these characters even without too much focus on them.
What surprised me most about Elected was that instead of going into a future where science and technology are further then here they took the approach backwards. Technology had destroyed the world as we know it and try to stay as far away as possible. Another thing that was remarkable was how East country felt like on big family. There was the situation of the technology faction, but beside that they where still one country. I did had some trouble exactly envisioning where East country was and how big it was. I also thought that some of the Accords where a bit weird, why isolate the countries from each other, then they never know if the others also keep following the Accords. Some of them didn't seem to make much sense, although I did get the logic behind it all. There was enough world building to give a sense of how the world was now, although there were also some things I would've liked to learn more about.
To Conclude: this book was exactly what I hoped it would be, a great dystopia book with an original twist. I liked the situation of a girl disguising as a boy and becoming the leader of the country and the story was done really well and carried the book. The characters where likeable, although sometimes I wished we had time to get to know them better. The world building leaves a lot of questions open, but still managed to sketch a feel of the world. The ending is pretty open and makes me want to read the next book and find out what will happen next!
September 14, 2014
I added Rori Shay’s debut novel Elected to my Want To Read shelf after hearing her speak at a regional SCBWI conference last fall. I was not disappointed. Fast-paced and action packed, it is a quick, entertaining read, and the suspense kept me turning pages chapter after chapter.
Set in a dystopian future borne of a major eco-crisis, this novel has a timely, thought-provoking premise. Eighteen-year-old Aloy must take her father’s place as president of the country. But in keeping with the laws of the society she must do so as a boy. As a read for YAs, this book -- through the challenges Aloy faces as the leader of the East Country --opens doors to discussions of issues such as duty vs. desire and technological advancement vs. environmental preservation, as well as questions of personal sacrifice, gender roles, and leadership.
Although there were times when the emotional arc of the story seemed to take a backseat to the demands of the plot, Shay made me feel for these characters as they faced increasingly menacing threats to themselves and to the stability of their world. This might explain why I was frustrated by Aloy’s reactions and decisions at times when they didn’t seem true to her upbringing. Given that she was groomed for this leadership role since age 4 and taught to suppress her emotions and femininity, I found myself wishing she appeared more in control of her emotions, like her wife, Vienne, who comes across as much more steely in the role of Madame Elected.
In the remaining books of this trilogy I hope we come to see that Aloy’s emotional nature and her willingness to question absolutes are her greatest strengths and that a leader can lead as effectively (or moreso) from a place of vulnerability and compassion as from one based on brute strength and sheer imposition of will.
I look forward to seeing where Aloy’s adventures take her in the next book of the trilogy, Suspected (due out Earth Day 2015)!
Set in a dystopian future borne of a major eco-crisis, this novel has a timely, thought-provoking premise. Eighteen-year-old Aloy must take her father’s place as president of the country. But in keeping with the laws of the society she must do so as a boy. As a read for YAs, this book -- through the challenges Aloy faces as the leader of the East Country --opens doors to discussions of issues such as duty vs. desire and technological advancement vs. environmental preservation, as well as questions of personal sacrifice, gender roles, and leadership.
Although there were times when the emotional arc of the story seemed to take a backseat to the demands of the plot, Shay made me feel for these characters as they faced increasingly menacing threats to themselves and to the stability of their world. This might explain why I was frustrated by Aloy’s reactions and decisions at times when they didn’t seem true to her upbringing. Given that she was groomed for this leadership role since age 4 and taught to suppress her emotions and femininity, I found myself wishing she appeared more in control of her emotions, like her wife, Vienne, who comes across as much more steely in the role of Madame Elected.
In the remaining books of this trilogy I hope we come to see that Aloy’s emotional nature and her willingness to question absolutes are her greatest strengths and that a leader can lead as effectively (or moreso) from a place of vulnerability and compassion as from one based on brute strength and sheer imposition of will.
I look forward to seeing where Aloy’s adventures take her in the next book of the trilogy, Suspected (due out Earth Day 2015)!
May 6, 2014
This book is awesome! There, review done. Not enough? Okay…
This is the most subtle and mind provoking story I’ve ever read about gender. Aloy is a girl who has been raised as a boy since she was four. As soon as she turns 18, she is expected to marry a woman and become the country’s sole leader. As a result, her concept of self and her gender is a bit conflicted. Aloy’s fight to be the best leader she can be is the main focus of the plot, but her actual story is the highlight. Aloy’s battle between being the man she’s been raised to be, and being the girl that she is in her heart is both heartbreaking and mind blowing.
Aloy gets to experience both the good and bad of both genders, and it’s quite amazing how alike the struggles are, and how utterly gender-neutral most thoughts and feelings are. I really felt for Aloy and her struggles.
The world building in this story is very detailed, and very realistic. It is super easy to imagine how the historical events in the book that led to the dystopian setting came to be. It would be so easy for our current world to be become the world in the book. This realism is very scary.
This book is not one to be missed. It’s extremely thought provoking. Marketed as a YA book, this clean story will appeal to both teens and adults. It is an absolutely amazing story that takes place in a very believable future. I’d highly recommend everyone should read this, and I can’t wait for the next book to be available.
This is the most subtle and mind provoking story I’ve ever read about gender. Aloy is a girl who has been raised as a boy since she was four. As soon as she turns 18, she is expected to marry a woman and become the country’s sole leader. As a result, her concept of self and her gender is a bit conflicted. Aloy’s fight to be the best leader she can be is the main focus of the plot, but her actual story is the highlight. Aloy’s battle between being the man she’s been raised to be, and being the girl that she is in her heart is both heartbreaking and mind blowing.
Aloy gets to experience both the good and bad of both genders, and it’s quite amazing how alike the struggles are, and how utterly gender-neutral most thoughts and feelings are. I really felt for Aloy and her struggles.
The world building in this story is very detailed, and very realistic. It is super easy to imagine how the historical events in the book that led to the dystopian setting came to be. It would be so easy for our current world to be become the world in the book. This realism is very scary.
This book is not one to be missed. It’s extremely thought provoking. Marketed as a YA book, this clean story will appeal to both teens and adults. It is an absolutely amazing story that takes place in a very believable future. I’d highly recommend everyone should read this, and I can’t wait for the next book to be available.
July 1, 2016
OK have to admit partly amazing because I actually got to meet the writer and talk about the book. The book by itself though was above "really liked it" and only a tad below "amazing" in that amazing doesn't feel like the right word. I'm a slow reader & don't devote as much daily time to reading as I'd like so actually finishing in less that ten days is fast for me. Especially when the last 1/6 of the book I did in one sitting, up to late, because I wanted to get to the end and know what happens (knowing full well it was a series and not all questions would be answered). So maybe compelling is a better descriptor?
I liked that the questions posed did not have easy answers or "correct" answers, depending on which character you asked. I liked that the story posed a lot of questions. I liked that is got messy for the characters and there wasn't going to be easy solutions to their problems. A quieter dystopia than say a Hunger Games or Divergent, at least at the point of the first story in the series, but that is what makes it a very good read and not feel like something I've read before. Although elements certainly have been brought up in other good books of similar genre it still felt fresh.
Definitely recommend it.
I liked that the questions posed did not have easy answers or "correct" answers, depending on which character you asked. I liked that the story posed a lot of questions. I liked that is got messy for the characters and there wasn't going to be easy solutions to their problems. A quieter dystopia than say a Hunger Games or Divergent, at least at the point of the first story in the series, but that is what makes it a very good read and not feel like something I've read before. Although elements certainly have been brought up in other good books of similar genre it still felt fresh.
Definitely recommend it.
May 22, 2014
I gave this book a shot because I really love dystopian YA with romance, but I thought I was going to have some very yelly things to say about gender roles and heteronormativity. Not only was the book everything I could want in a YA dystopia, it also handled the gender and sexuality issues far better than I could have hoped for. Yes, I would have liked a little more discussion about queer members of a society so desperate for repopulation, but the fact that the subject was mentioned at all was a pleasant surprise--it so often gets swept under the rug. The fact that Aloy actually considers and thinks about her feelings towards Vienne instead of the perhaps easier "Well, she's a girl so obviously this marriage is a sham and a lie" was similarly excellent. The novel does, as all YA fiction tends to, suffers from Romeo and Juliet syndrome--that is, characters that are so young (17 and 18) treating their romance like True Love--but it makes sense in the context of the story and can be mostly overlooked in favor of the excellent writing, characterization, and plot. I'll definitely be counting down the days until part two.
December 5, 2015
As soon as I received Elected, I rushed to open it up and begin reading. I was so eager to read a book that dealt with today’s issues in the future and I was definitely impressed.
Rori Shay created a world which had been destroyed by climate change, ruled by sexism and left for dead by disease. She created characters that played with your trust – twisting it in some places, and warmly embracing it in others. In this aspect, I regarded Elected as a Red-Queen-Kinda-Novel, and then there was this:
"I wish there was a book written from the perspective of a villain, but they don't realise their actions are wrong."
For any readers that have read the above post, or something along those lines, and really want to read a book written from the perspective such a person, Elected is the perfect book for you...
Read the entire review via this link: http://www.bookalicious.com.au/electe... [4th May, 2015, AEST]
Rori Shay created a world which had been destroyed by climate change, ruled by sexism and left for dead by disease. She created characters that played with your trust – twisting it in some places, and warmly embracing it in others. In this aspect, I regarded Elected as a Red-Queen-Kinda-Novel, and then there was this:
"I wish there was a book written from the perspective of a villain, but they don't realise their actions are wrong."
For any readers that have read the above post, or something along those lines, and really want to read a book written from the perspective such a person, Elected is the perfect book for you...
Read the entire review via this link: http://www.bookalicious.com.au/electe... [4th May, 2015, AEST]
April 24, 2015
I was captivated by page one! The dystopian future created was truly unique and can not be compared to any other YA dystopian novel out right now. The characters created were strong and easy to relate too. You will find yourself attached to Aloy in a way that will have you bite your nails off. The story created will compel you to keep reading to the last page, so start this book on a night you do not need to wake up early. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books, because the writing is just top notch. This book was original, well written, has a great story line, and strong characters this is a must read!
ENTER BOOK GIVEAWAYS HERE!
ENTER BOOK GIVEAWAYS HERE!
May 14, 2014
So I'm starting to think dystopian settings are my favorite. This book has a dystopian setting with details unlike anything I've ever read before. I enjoyed the character development and reading and experiencing the struggles that Aloy, Griffin and Vienne go through. This book also touches on some difficult world problems that we are facing today. Elected has plenty of twists and turns to keep you flipping the page but also leaves you hoping the story will keep going! I'm very much looking forward to the rest of this series. I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone that enjoys reading! Thank you Rori for a wonderful new series I can look forward to!
February 9, 2015
The Elected by Rori Shay contains "Mulan" like rules. This dystopian, set in the future, only allows male children to rule, once they have grown. The protagonist female disguises herself as a boy from the time she is very young; her parents make her do this knowing she will be ruler someday. It's a relief when Aloy shares her gender secret with Vienne and Griffin so she doesn't have to bear the burden alone. The story has a creative concept in which technology is not allowed and society has gone back to the basics. I am curious about the future of Aloy and her friends and plan on reading the next book in this series.
September 25, 2014
I won this book from Goodreads and I loved it! This is like no other dystopian book I've read.
This books takes place in futuristic United States. It is about a teenage girl, who is to become the next leader. The problem is though, women are not allowed to be leaders. For thirteen years of her life she had to look like and act like a boy. Also in an attempt to keep her secret, she Marty's a girl.
This is an amazing book about a young girl, Alloy, and all the difficulties she goes through. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves dystopian! I loved and can't wait for the next book!!
This books takes place in futuristic United States. It is about a teenage girl, who is to become the next leader. The problem is though, women are not allowed to be leaders. For thirteen years of her life she had to look like and act like a boy. Also in an attempt to keep her secret, she Marty's a girl.
This is an amazing book about a young girl, Alloy, and all the difficulties she goes through. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves dystopian! I loved and can't wait for the next book!!
January 15, 2015
Not the World I'd Like to Live In:
Elected by Rori Hay is a postapocolypsical look at the future, but unlike most books that have societies working together to survive, Ms. Shay's world has shrunk back to the days of isolation, when each country hoarded what it had. Technology is banned as are many of the the rights and freedoms we take for granted. Women have one sole purpose, to have babies and repopulate the world. In the midst of this social nightmare, a girl must hide her true identity, break the most sacred laws of her people, and take the reins of power as a boy.. The story is well-written and thought provoking. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Elected by Rori Hay is a postapocolypsical look at the future, but unlike most books that have societies working together to survive, Ms. Shay's world has shrunk back to the days of isolation, when each country hoarded what it had. Technology is banned as are many of the the rights and freedoms we take for granted. Women have one sole purpose, to have babies and repopulate the world. In the midst of this social nightmare, a girl must hide her true identity, break the most sacred laws of her people, and take the reins of power as a boy.. The story is well-written and thought provoking. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 22, 2014
Unlike some other YA fiction, the level of sophistication of Rori Shay's writing impresses you from the start. She has strong characterization and has created a plausible future, post-apocalyptic world that captures the audience. The gender issues and relationship triangle are a first for YA fiction, and maybe fiction (well, non-romance) in general, and its complexity makes you yearn to know how it all plays out.
Check out more on Rori Shay and Elected here: http://www.learnliveandexplore.com/20...
Check out more on Rori Shay and Elected here: http://www.learnliveandexplore.com/20...
November 3, 2014
wow, I liked that way more than I expected. I was a backer of this book on kickstarter, because I thought it looked interesting, but it was better than I thought it would be. I stayed up all night to finish the book and can't wait for the sequel. while there is a live triangle in this YA book, it is probably the most interesting love triangle in any book I've ever read. if you like post apocalyptic US novels featuring a bad ads fence protagonist I heartily recommend this book!
July 22, 2014
Written by one of my clients, and I'm pleasantly surprised by how captivating the story is. I'll be happy to keep up with the series when written. Set in the DC area in the future, this novel deals with a world without technology and norms to keep the human race alive after an ecological melt-down. But it's really about a young woman coming of age and becoming the leader of the country while being forced to pose as a boy. You've got to read it.
July 10, 2014
This book was absolutely amazing! I received this book through giveaway and when I saw it was blurbed by Lindsay Cummings I knew I would enjoy it. The writing is great and the story is so unique. It reminded me of K-Dramas like To the Beautiful You where a girl must act a boy. I've always loved that plot line and it's a shame it's not explored more in YA. I highly recommend Elected, you definitely will not regret it! I can't wait for book 2!!
December 6, 2014
This is an interesting book. If you're a well read/knowledgable person, be prepared to tell yourself this is an alternate Earth-LIKE world. Otherwise the biology fails REALLY badly (there are still wolves and horses, but no squirrels?), and some other aspects of the science and social structures are quite hard to get past.
That said, if you can get past those, it's a well written book and enjoyable "what if" sort of scenario.
That said, if you can get past those, it's a well written book and enjoyable "what if" sort of scenario.
March 7, 2015
A very interesting story, though I found the basis of the accords a bit hard to swallow in the beginning. I loved Aloy's struggles with her feelings and identity, constantly pulled between being herself and who she needs to be for her country. Though I found it at times a bit predictable, the love triangle was definitely different and intriguing. Overall a fast and interesting read. I look forward to continuing Aloy, Griffin, and Vienne's story.
February 23, 2015
I started reading Elected in the morning as snow was falling and finished by dinner, because I didn't put it down for a second. I love how this book plays with gender, and Aloy and Vienne's friendship/relationship in particular is so interesting. It's also a fascinating look at a world that has let climate change run its current path into disaster, and it's fascinating to see how this manifests.
Super fast paced, and great characters to root for. I can't wait to read the next book!
Super fast paced, and great characters to root for. I can't wait to read the next book!
December 16, 2015
This is an interesting addition to the YA dystopian genre. The characters are fleshed out with real emotions. There is mystery as to who is spying and frustration of a society that has some knowledge but is not allowed to use it. I would not want to live in this future time as it is hard and people have very short lives. I continued reading as I saw hope that things would surely improve soon. I look forward to the next book.
May 11, 2014
A lot of writers have done YA dystopia, but this book felt entirely original to me. I had no idea where the story was going, in the best possible way. I think the characters are really well drawn and even the background ones seem like fully realized people.
I couldn't put the book down and am very much looking forward to the sequel!
I couldn't put the book down and am very much looking forward to the sequel!
November 27, 2014
This is the first book in a new series called Elected. It is a different type of book than I have ever read before. It has a style like Mulan, in that the main character has to go against the law and what society expects, to become a male. This is the debut book for the author, whom I have met and is very nice. Support her and read this book, you won't regret it!
September 19, 2014
This was quite a treat for a dystopian young adult novel. A girl pretends to be a boy so she can rule her country, and once she assumes office things get... interesting. The next book in the series should be a fun read.
May 7, 2014
Once I started, I could not put this down.
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