Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “The Union (The Union #1)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Read Excerpt

The Union

(The Union #1)

T.H. Hernandez (Goodreads Author)

4.20 · Rating details · 101 ratings · 54 reviews

After global warming and a second civil war devastated the former United States, two different societies rose from the ashes – the Union, a towering high-tech utopia, hugging the perimeter of the continent, and the devastated, untamed midsection known as the Ruins.

Seventeen-year-old Evan Taylor has an easy, privileged life in the Union. What she doesn’t have is any idea wh ...more

Get A Copy

Or buy for

Kindle Edition, 325 pages

Published November 18th 2014 by T.H. Hernandez

More Details... edit details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Union, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about The Union

Lists with This Book

The Ring and the Crown by Melissa de la Cruz

Stunning Covers from Books I Have No Intention in Reading!

41 books — 14 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

4.20 ·

Rating details

· 101 ratings · 54 reviews

Filter

Sort order

Nov 07, 2014 Jen ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: series-to-finish, good-boys-i-love, favorite-heroines, love-makes-my-heart-happy, sigh-bbf, science-fiction, young-adult, dystopian, arcs, favorites

***4.5/5 Stars***

*After re-reading, I had to change my rating from a 4 to a 4.5. Rooting for a heroine I love, falling all over again for a sweet, rugged, captivating man, and watching the story unfold made me realize how emotionally attached I was to The Union. Add in the fact that I now understand a scene that left me previously distraught (lightbulb! I get it!), well how could I not love it more? It’s so fun to be back in this world!!*

Hernandez's debut novel was truly compelling. The s ***4.5/5 Stars***

*After re-reading, I had to change my rating from a 4 to a 4.5. Rooting for a heroine I love, falling all over again for a sweet, rugged, captivating man, and watching the story unfold made me realize how emotionally attached I was to The Union. Add in the fact that I now understand a scene that left me previously distraught (lightbulb! I get it!), well how could I not love it more? It’s so fun to be back in this world!!*

Hernandez's debut novel was truly compelling. The story that unfolded in front of me was unique, captivating and had me glued to the pages. I came to care for many of the characters, but two completely stole the show and my heart. The setting was fascinating, and it left me longing to learn more about the world that they live in. But after that ending, I desperately need the second book in this series!

I can’t help wondering if I would have spent so much time agonizing over my future if I’d known I’d be dead so soon. If I’d known, maybe I’d have done everything differently. Now I know my future. My life ends here. Alone. In the Ruins.

What if everything you ever thought about your world was a lie? After global warming and a second civil war wreaked havoc on the U.S., the citizens flocked to the coast. A lifestyle and cities were built called The Union. Evan lives there and while her life is no walk in the park, it is structured and safe from the harms of the Ruins outside of The Unions walled off perimeter. She has just graduated from school, and is trying to find her place in society. To find out who she is and what she truly wants, Evan embarks on a trip with her two best friends. She is even lucky enough to find out that the boy she is crushing on is traveling on the same train as her. But her life gets flipped upside down when she is kidnapped. She is being used as a pawn in a game that she can't even start to comprehend, and the first move in that game is taking her into the Ruins.

I’m here now, and if I’m going to survive, I can’t wallow in self-doubt and pity. It’s long past time to get my shit together.

Evan is the type of heroine that you will love. She is spunky, honest, intriguing and has so much fire inside of her. I loved the emotions that erupted from her. It was so palpable. But oh man, did she make mistakes. Mistakes that weren't dumb, but were caused because of how she reacted to situations she had no experience with. And those are the easiest mistakes to forgive and move on from. Especially since Evan tries her hardest to do right by others. This is one of the top reasons why I love her so much! She has such a huge heart and a strong head on her shoulders. Thank goodness, because she's about to be thrown into a situation where she'll need both to figure out how to proceed.

“I…” He glances down at me, his pale eyes searching mine. “I think you’re here for a reason, even if you don’t. And...I’m glad you’re here.”

I was going to talk about Bryce, the boy she has a crush on and who ends up on the same train as her. But he started to feel too perfect, or maybe it was something else I couldn’t place my finger on. Whatever it was, Bryce's ship has sailed for me and a truly beautiful man took the lead front and center. Cyrus. He was sweet, patient, kind and ruggedly handsome. He was someone that was discreetly captivating and pulled you in. There was no way I couldn't love him. For Evan, he was hope, love and family all rolled into one. He honestly took my breath away. Whether it was the words that he would use or the little actions he would display, he emitted so much emotion. You could become lost in it all, and I loved every single moment of it!

The way he kisses me, like he can’t get enough, the way my body responds to his touch… he captivates me in a way I never expected and don’t understand. I try to make sense of what’s happening with us, but it’s unlike anything I’ve ever known. It’s powerful and scary as hell.

After reading The Union two times (6 months apart), I know that one of my favorite aspects of this book is that I got to watch so many different relationships unfold. Family, friends, and enemies. And you know what? It all felt real. Of course there were moments of worry and heartache, but for the most part, this book felt as though the relationships and characters were the driving force. That’s probably why this dystopian felt so unique to me. Thank goodness the second book, The Ruins, is already on my device because I'd be dying not knowing what was going to happen next. I was more than pleasantly surprised with The Union, and I believe you will too!

***ARC was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***

For more of my reviews, please visit:

...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Oct 21, 2014 George Clingerman rated it really liked it

I was interested in reading the Union because I've had been on a trend of enjoying teenage dystopian future books (Hunger Games and Divergent come to mind right away). I may be an adult male, but I still like to read the occasional juvenile fiction book. A little light reading now and then is a perfect way to relax.

I was warned that this book might not be for me, they said it might be a bit too teen romance for me but I was cautiously optimistic anyway. I dived right in and was immediately intr I was interested in reading the Union because I've had been on a trend of enjoying teenage dystopian future books (Hunger Games and Divergent come to mind right away). I may be an adult male, but I still like to read the occasional juvenile fiction book. A little light reading now and then is a perfect way to relax.

I was warned that this book might not be for me, they said it might be a bit too teen romance for me but I was cautiously optimistic anyway. I dived right in and was immediately intrigued at this new world was being unfolded before me. A futuristic city, that felt familiar but with just enough changes that made it apparent that time had passed and this wasn't Kansas anymore.

Then came the love interests. The hot hunky, beautifully shaped lips and rippling biceps love interests. I craned my neck around them to look at the world some more, the fascinating world with an apparently perfect utopian society that had more lurking beneath the surface. The tension between the characters, kept steaming up the windows though making it hard to see!

So after being reminded why I wasn't a hit with the ladies in high school and college (no rippling biceps and my shirt doesn't cling to my stomach muscles....I don't actually have stomach muscles), the book introduced me to the Ruins and I got even more intrigued. There's a whole other world that exists outside of the Union, as interesting as the Union and they have their own view of that supposedly perfect society.

Then a shirt came off again. Maybe two? I lost count, I skimmed those parts quickly, got a little embarrassed. Wrestled with the morality of reading about teenagers kissing. Wrote down some notes on some of the smoother lines the characters used so I could try them out later. And got sucked back into the mystery and history that exists between those who live in the Ruins and those who live in the Union.

Then it ended and I went, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!". The Union really left me hanging and not in a steamy scene kind of a way, just in an interesting story, need to know what happens next kind of way! So any book that has me saying "NOOOOOOOOO!" at the end because it's over I'll say is a pretty good book. Doubly so when I barrel through teenage romances just to learn more about the world these romances are unfolding in.

Strong female lead, interesting world with a unique but mysterious take on the future that leaves me wanting to ready more? Yeah, I'll be reading the next one. Even if I don't care which hunk ends up capturing her heart in the end (she better not pick Bryce!) ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Nov 01, 2016 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, science-fiction, ya, dystopias

In general, I liked this book. It was an enjoyable read and kept me interested. However, there were some elements that just felt like they had been done before. Perhaps it's the dystopian genre that's getting tired and this book has the unfortunate privilege of coming late in the dystopian game. For a debut book (at least, as far as I can tell, it's a debut book), it's pretty good. Let's get into some specifics, shall we?

1. The plot. This is the element that suffers the most from cookie-c In general, I liked this book. It was an enjoyable read and kept me interested. However, there were some elements that just felt like they had been done before. Perhaps it's the dystopian genre that's getting tired and this book has the unfortunate privilege of coming late in the dystopian game. For a debut book (at least, as far as I can tell, it's a debut book), it's pretty good. Let's get into some specifics, shall we?

1. The plot. This is the element that suffers the most from cookie-cutter syndrome. There are some new things added in, though, that add a fascinating element to the plot. For example, one of the societies, the Union, is a utopia which I haven't read a lot of. The contrasting society (the old world, so to speak), I have read a lot of, unfortunately, and is quite prevalent in the dystopian genre. As for the plot line, it was a bit predictable (but again, I think this is partially because of my expansive experience with books that nothing can surprise me anymore). Girl grows up sheltered, finds out a terrible truth, learns about herself and changes and grows, things go wrong, etc, etc. This plot line, though a bit tired, was well executed, however, and kept me interested and reading (I read this in one shot).

2. The characters. I really liked the characters. Unlike plot lines, I find that characters are a bit easier to customize and personalize so each one is a little bit different than the next even if they do fit into archetypes. I really got to know the characters in this book well for such a short time frame (usually the first book is a bit low on character development because of the nature of being the first book in the series). Each was entirely unique and had their own story which I loved. The MC's friends were a little on the underdeveloped side though (although that's to be expected as they didn't play much of a role in this book).

3. The setting. One thing I think this author nailed is the setting and descriptions. Every environment is so detailed and I can picture everything in my mind. It doesn't get too crazy like Lord of the Rings but it's just enough so you can get a clear picture and not be bored if paragraphs of descriptions aren't your cup of tea.

4. The writing. For the most part, I think the author did a fabulous job. I do wish they had capitalized on the dramatic and emotionally charged moments a little more (AKA deaths, fight scenes, injuries, etc). They were done in one sentence and felt like everything else so the emotional highs and lows were a little lacking for me. This ties into the romances because while I did like them, I didn't feel much for them beyond that.

The Final Verdict:
This is a very nicely written book, if a little on the basic side. The imagery and setting are marvelous and pair well with the wonderfully developed characters. However, I do think the emotional side of the writing could be improved and adding some extra, unexpected twists to the plot would do a great service to this novel.
3.5 stars ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Mar 08, 2015 Macy Klingerman rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this. I like my dystopia with a little romance (surprise, surprise) and The Union satisfied this desire entirely. It has everything: action, adventure, political intrigue, hunky love interests.

Evan Taylor has always lived a sheltered life in the Union. She has family members high up in the government, and she's still in the public eye after the revelation that her father is a famous rock star. Add a step father who works in the fashion industry into the mix, and you have (for la ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Jun 23, 2015 Rusty's Ghost Engine (also known as.......... Jinky Spring) rated it liked it

Shelves: sci-fi-or-dystopia, it-was-ok

I received this book free on a read and review basis.

For me this book started off strong and suspenseful but when the love triangle started things went downhill a bit.

I did get to like the main character Evan as she felt very realistic and I could relate to her many times during the book. The style of writing was also very good and suspenseful as well as the world building. I just wish there was less focus on the love triangle and romance side of the book as they were a bit boring and tedious. B ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Oct 08, 2014 Emilyk rated it it was amazing

This book caught my attention from the start. There's a strong female protagonist and believable characters. Wonderful debut novel and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Nov 28, 2014 Christina Marie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, have-ebook-copy-only

**This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review**

I had a blast reading this young adult dystopian tale. I had never heard of Hernandez until I was sent this book for review. And I am so glad that I got the opportunity to read this fantastic story. I am officially a fan of T.H. Hernandez and I need more of this series.

It's been a while I've read a really good YA dystopian book and so I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself enthralled in this tale by the tenth page. There's som **This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review**

I had a blast reading this young adult dystopian tale. I had never heard of Hernandez until I was sent this book for review. And I am so glad that I got the opportunity to read this fantastic story. I am officially a fan of T.H. Hernandez and I need more of this series.

It's been a while I've read a really good YA dystopian book and so I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself enthralled in this tale by the tenth page. There's something gripping about Hernandez's storytelling that made me want to keep reading and know more. More about the characters, about the plot, etc. I want immediately curious about that was going to happen. What on earth could this book have in store for me? Loads of stuff, that's what.

Now, to be honest, the world isn't that original to me. For the sake of explanation, I'm going to do the thing that I hate and give a comparison. The world in this book reminded me a bit of Lauren Oliver's Delirium, Veronica Roth's Divergent and Amy Engel's The Book of Ivy -- in the absolute BEST ways possible. I didn't feel like I'd read the story before, but I felt like Hernandez's setting was a nice homage to these books. I enjoyed it.

Now let's talk about these characters. I loved them. All of them. Even the ones that frustrated me to NO end *cough*Draya*cough*. The portrayal of these characters was so wonderfully done. I really enjoyed getting to know Evan. She was a tough girl. Spoiled, but tough. I loved her spunk, but her vulnerability as well. She didn't allow anyone to walk over her, which I was SO excited to see. I always get nervous when it comes to female characters, because there's this annoying habit of selling the female characters short of who they can potentially be -- strong, self-sufficient, and their own saviors. I appreciated Hernandez's approach with Evan. Don't get me wrong, Evan definitely gets herself into some interesting situations, and even if someone does help her out of them, she is not bound to them identity-wise. I respect that.

The male characters in this book were probably some of the best I've ever read. Marcus, Lucien, Cyrus, and even Bryce. They were all fantastically written. They're not the typical Type-A, cocky, I'm sexy and I know it guys. I genuinely enjoyed reading about them and experiencing their growth and development. Individually and with other characters throughout the book.

Evan struggles a lot through the books, with Cyrus and Bryce, with the Ruins and the Unions and just in general. She goes through quite a bit in this book, but Hernandez nailed it. I believed everything that Evan experienced. It felt real to me and it didn't feel too fast or too slow. I was invested in these character and in this story.

While the characters drove this story for me, the world is definitely compelling and by the end of the first book, you know you've only scratched the surface. I am intrigued. I'm excited. I want more of this story! A super fun, face paced, engaging read. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Oct 06, 2014 Jenny Elliott rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ya-dystopian

The first installment of THE UNION, by T.H. Hernandez, is a unique, dystopian, coming-of-age story that follows Evan, a privileged, yet lost young adult who sets out on a quest to find herself and her purpose. Throughout the story, Evan encounters equal amounts of love and danger, and finds herself emerging as an unlikely hero, committed to saving her communities and those she loves, and ultimately, to saving the world.

Hernandez is a deft writer and her skills particularly shine when it comes t ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Apr 25, 2015 Chris Myers rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

It's rare when I rush to bed to curl up with a book I love, and The Union had me fluffing up my pillows and even staying late in bed in the morning to read. The story is about a girl finding her place in this world and ends up outside the Union and her comfort zone and in the Ruins, think rural America in the 1800s with just a few more comforts but not many. The Union is a socialistic society while the Ruins are the old West.

When Ev is kidnapped and thrown into the wilds, she escapes and a famil ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Oct 06, 2014 Karole Cozzo rated it it was amazing

Futuristic adventure/romance is not usually my thing, but futuristic adventure/romance as done by T.H. Hernandez won me over in The Union. Hernandez depicts play-by-play action sequences with the finesse of Michael Bay, keeping the reader right in the moment and on the edge of his or her seat. And the romance? Yeeeeaaah, she does that, too. Not only did she evoke reader crushes on BOTH potential love options for Evan, but some secondary male characters as well (what's not to love about a brawny ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 21, 2015 Larissa Trageser rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A page turning book, set in a beautiful world. I could barely put it down. The writing, like the narrator, is straight forward and clear, managing to describe a detailed and unique future without slowing down our becoming heavy with words. Evan Taylor is truly likable despite her particular and extensive privileges. She is wonderfully straight forward and self aware, and acknowledges her limitations without being overwhelmingly self deprecating. And the world she lives in is even better, a fine ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 20, 2015 Amanda NEVER MANDY rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads, 2015

**I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.**

What a great story!!! I gobbled this book up in no time because the urge to not put it down was too strong. To be honest, I can’t come up with anything negative to say because it flowed perfectly.

I can’t wait to see more of this series!

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Oct 20, 2014 Paula M. of Her Book Thoughts! marked it as dnf

Shelves: arc, for-review, annoying-frustrating-boring-mc, can-i-slap-you, love-triangle, romance-overload, series-starter, sexyness-hotness-yes, y-a-to-n-a, ya-dystopia

I'm really confused. I though this is gonna be a kick ass YA dystopia. This is just about a girl torn between two guys who are both hot *eye roll* and they live in a ~different world~ Pffffft. I swear, there was like 2-3 chapters dedicated to her date. Can't even survive a chapter without mentioning the boy's name. Sigh.....

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 10, 2014 Tina Lynne rated it it was amazing

The Union by TH Hernandez is a book that I am so glad I read! This Young Adult novel is packed with an incredible story and an even better start to a new series you need to keep an eye on!

Evan is the perfect heroine of this story. She is the understated beauty, kind, and intelligent, yet headstrong and always running head first into situations. She combines the innocence of youth with the responsibility and expectation of adulthood that will set the course of her future. As she takes steps to fi The Union by TH Hernandez is a book that I am so glad I read! This Young Adult novel is packed with an incredible story and an even better start to a new series you need to keep an eye on!

Evan is the perfect heroine of this story. She is the understated beauty, kind, and intelligent, yet headstrong and always running head first into situations. She combines the innocence of youth with the responsibility and expectation of adulthood that will set the course of her future. As she takes steps to find out her purpose in life, she is plunged into a world of chaos and new life that she never expected to find. When we first meet Evan she is trying to make a decision about her future, determining if she wants to work for her step-father, which is expected, or to carve a new path for herself. After being a victim of extreme and brutal bullying, she decides to take a leap of faith and find something more that will make her heart come alive. She decides to the L Train with her two best friends for an adventure across the Union to visit her biological father. When she is on the train, she sees Bryce, her crush from school, and they begin a fast and furious relationship. Before she can decide what she truly wants with Bryce and how she feels about him, Evan is kidnapped and smuggled outside of the Union into the Ruins where everything changes. It is in the Ruins that she discovers the government was keeping secrets about the world outside the Union walls. Upon escaping from her captors, a gutsy yet ill-advised plan, she is left wandering the wastelands. Near death, she is found by a family in the Ruins and nursed back to health. This family changes Evan’s life in more ways than she would have ever expected. She sees a true depiction of family, love, and something more.

Hernandez creates a world in the Union that is not too far off from our own and a very realistic and plausible future for our world. The second Civil War that created a new society, leaving the world in two parts, the Union and the Ruins, allows us a bit of introspection to wonder what would happen is the world ended up in this predicament. When the story begins, it appears to be just another story about a young girl trying to decide her own fate, yet as you continue to read you see things that hints to a different world allowing you to adjust to something new. As you continue reading through the first few chapters, you begin to see a new world unveiled before your eyes. It is not an overwhelming experience to try and understand foreign concepts but instead you are taken by the hand and guided through a new world that you can connect with, seeing something beautiful that you never would have expected to find.

One of the lessons that the reader learns from this story is that there is always two sides to the world you see. It is not always simple. There is truth within the Union but also many lies. Evan must take a step back and evaluate what she has been told and align it with what she is seeing and experiencing. There is value to both life in the Union and in the Ruins. The theme of family is a major element within this story. Family portrayals are one of my favorite things about different books and this one has multiple types. Evan comes from a broken home. Her father left her mother when she was pregnant, never making contact with Evan. Her mother claimed that her father was dead. When she remarried, she convinced her husband to play along. When Evan was 12 she learned the truth and it destroyed her young heart. She has step siblings she cannot connect with. There is strain on every relationship because of the lies and betrayal. Evan only wants somewhere to truly belong and her family does not feel like that place. When she is rescued by the family in the Ruins, she is given a glimpse into a healthy functioning family by choice. She sees the love of parental type figures, the love of siblings, and friends. It is a family that has chosen to be there for each other supportive in the harsh realities of life.

Young love is blooming in this book and it was lovely. Evan and Cyrus are the perfect match. They click in ways that are amazing considering their lives are so opposite. Their friendship becomes something more and their love grows deep and strong. It is a selfless love, one that puts others ahead of themselves. There is a constant uncertainty to their future. The sweet moments are precious and their love affair is the perfect combination hot and adorable. They must learn to navigate their new relationship when they are uncertain. Will Evan go or stay? But when shocking truths about life outside their control, they must sacrifice anything and everything to protect the ones they love.

I am already looking forward to the second book and cannot wait to see where TH Hernandez takes the adventure. This is a story of finding yourself and family; a story of love and doing what is right, following your heart no matter the cost. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jun 08, 2015 kelly {BookCrushin} rated it really liked it

Shelves: earc, young-adult, dystopia, reviewed

I absolutely loved The Union, the first book in the series of the same name. I read this book back when I was reading and reviewing book 2, The Ruins, for the blog tour back in June of 2015. At the time I was focused on the tour for book 2, so I never wrote a review for book 1, now that I am looking back, writing a review without all of my feelings and knowledge is harder than I thought it would be, but I will do my best, but it will be shorter than my usual reviews, which in no way says anythin I absolutely loved The Union, the first book in the series of the same name. I read this book back when I was reading and reviewing book 2, The Ruins, for the blog tour back in June of 2015. At the time I was focused on the tour for book 2, so I never wrote a review for book 1, now that I am looking back, writing a review without all of my feelings and knowledge is harder than I thought it would be, but I will do my best, but it will be shorter than my usual reviews, which in no way says anything negative about this book!

The Union started out fast and kept that pace going throughout this adventurous and creative look at the possible future of the USA. We are following a teenage girl named Evan who is about to embark on her summer break from school to try and figure out what she wants to do with her life, her future career. She somehow gets thrown into a situation that ends up with her being kidnapped and taken into the dead zone of the country, lovingly called the Ruins, which can’t be good. The Union folks are taught that no one and no life can survive in the Ruins and Evan is not only being held captive by a group of scary men, but she also can’t imagine what is going to happen to her out here in the wild. Everything she has ever known or been taught is in great juxtaposition with everything she is witnessing while she struggles to survive in the Ruins.

I absolutely loved Evan. She was strong and willing to take great risks even though she was so scared. Actually, all of the characters were so well crafted, that this story was bright and vivid in my mind and I could literally envision the entire thing. Bryce and Cyrus are two swoon worthy boys that I wouldn’t mind having to chose from! You know you are reading a good book when it is so hard for me to disconnect from the characters and I was so excited when I finished The Union that I had The Ruins to read next!

The Union has everything I need in a good book; a well-built futuristic world, political intrigue, action, adventure and love. I mean what are we doing if there isn’t love in our world! It is fast-paced and I couldn’t get enough of this story! If you like YA and/or Dystopian, I think you will devour this series!

*I was given an earc for an honest review back in June of 2015; all my opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone else.* ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 20, 2016 YA Reads Book Reviews added it

Shelves: nichole

Originally posted on www.yareads.com, reviewed by Nichole.

The beginning of the Union started out really interesting. I was a fan of the writing style and the characters. I was a little confused about what the Union was and what made it different from the world we’re familiar with. Some of that became more clear as the book went along, but I was a little confused for a big chunk of it.

The main characters were intriguing to read about. I thought that Evan was a strong female lead. She really seeme ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 19, 2014 Lindsay rated it really liked it

This book isn’t quite what I was expecting. From reading the synopsis, I was honestly expecting more… Divergent. Ya know? Something that’s been done before. The thing is… this isn’t Divergent. It isn’t Hunger Games, or any other dystopian YA book out there. It is its own story, and Hernandez has developed her own style of writing. Enjoy it for what it is. Unique.

The Union won’t be for everyone. It’s not crazy exciting or fast paced, but I don’t think it needs to be. It is almost entirely charact ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 20, 2014 Marni rated it really liked it

I would like to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Doing so does not sway my review in any way.

A coming of age story, where the main character is trying to find her way in life but also finds more than she bargained for. Yes, not a unique story in itself, but the author took that basic notion and created a full and lush adventure with it. Readers will have to hold on to their seats tight, because there is action of some sort ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 14, 2014 Jamie Cs rated it it was amazing

The Union sucked me in with the first sentence. In fact, I read it so quickly after that that I had to go back and read it again before reviewing.

Evan Taylor, the "heroine" of this tale, is a well-educated, somewhat wealthy child of the Union, where children are encouraged to choose their career and enter an apprenticeship right out of high school. Unsure of her inclination, she heads out with friends for the summer to think it through. What follows is nothing like what she'd expected. I won't r ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 08, 2014 Liz rated it it was amazing

T.H. Hernandez creates a rich world set over 100 years into the future, after a second civil war and damaging climate change. I was quickly drawn into the story of Evan, a high school graduate trying to figure out what to do with her life. Evan enjoys a comfortable high-tech, sustainable life in The Union - what the United States has become since the war. Everyone has roof top gardens and takes public transportation. But over the summer following high school, she discovers not everyone lives as ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 04, 2014 Pam Richardson rated it it was amazing

This isn't normally the genre of book I would read, YA/dystopian future, but I do like futuristic novels so I gave it a shot. I have to say I'm so glad I did, I couldn't put it down. For T.H's first novel, it is exceptionally well written, the plot has just enough angst, action to not be overly angry, but also not dull and boring. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. Evan is a great main character, a young heroine who takes care of herself, and takes charge, so refreshing to see that, a ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 01, 2014 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

If you like futuristic adventure mixed in with young adult romance, then this is the book for you. TH Hernandez presents two new worlds – the environmentally conscious utopian society of the Union and the wild, raw beauty of the Ruins. In the process of finding herself, Evan is torn between two societies and two boys. As the only person who cares enough about both the Union and the Ruins she finds herself caught in the middle of a conflict that only intensifies as she fights for her survival and ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 21, 2014 Msgrizzle rated it it was amazing

I'm such a fan of this book that I created an account on goodreads just so I could recommend it! I love the unique first person present tense choice by the author and it kept me right in the moment. The story immediately captured my attention; I was hooked and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Now I'm left hanging in anticipation for the next book!! I've read the popular books in this genre and this one holds up right along with them. I can already picture it as a fabulous movie. Highly ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 05, 2014 Kim Crowder guarnaccia rated it it was amazing

I loved everything about this book. The opening scene set the stage for the rest of the novel. It was passionate and descriptive and such a well balanced read. So many times I lost myself in the story, feeling like I was there with the characters. The book has a lot of well thought-out "futuristic" elements that I found myself thinking "how cool would that be!" I can't wait to read Book Two!

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 18, 2014 SnoopyDoo's Book Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc

This was one if those books where I wasn’t sure if I would finish it after a few pages. But turns out I loved the book. I really didn’t care for Evan in the first few chapters, she seemed very immature and annoying and every time she came close to Bryce her brain seemed to shut off.
You can find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/unio...

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 04, 2014 Judy Trageser rated it it was amazing

Totally enjoyed this book. The plot kept me turning the pages. Although at times the main character could try the patience of a saint she remained lovable because of her loyalty to her friends. Sometimes her choices were not well thought out she always strived to improve and do her best for others.

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 14, 2016 Dani (Dani Reviews Things & Love in a time of Feminism) rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, blog-tour, kindle-copy, love-triangle, read-2016, silly-teenagers, swoon

See this review in its natural environment, Dani Reviews Things.

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review. This does not affect my opinion.

QUICK REVIEW

The Union is a romantic dystopian set in what's become of the United States after a second civil war. Unsure of what to do with her life, impulsive Union citizen Evan goes on a cross-country luxury train journey with her friends to find herself, only to be kidnapped by citizens of the Ruins. This unfortunate event changes Evan's life, ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jun 12, 2018 Barbara Sheppard rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I mostly read before I go to bed and most times I fall asleep after just a few pages. That was not the case with this book. I stayed up way to late on several nights trying to finish it. I wanted to see what would happen. I know the book is for teens but adults can enjoy it too.
To be honest, I can’t come up with anything negative to say because it flowed perfectly. I am now a fan of this author and I can’t wait to see more of this series!

flag 1 like · Like · see review

May 20, 2018 CAROL KOVACS rated it it was amazing

Great read! Well worth the time.

Recommend highly!

😂fun book.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 16, 2018 Virginia Lee Boylan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi

Loved this story. Until the end, when it abruptly closed down with no clue we were nearing the end. I felt cheated, wondering "that's it?" Good thing there was some back matter about the sequel, but I feel so cheated after investing so much time in this story that I'm reluctant to get the next book.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Goodreads Librari...: Please remove old editions	2	18	Jan 05, 2018 04:09PM
Making Connections: 3709. THE UNION (The Union Series #1) by T.H. Hernandez	15	70	Oct 22, 2015 10:14PM
Goodreads Librari...: eBook not showing up at B&N	5	16	May 21, 2015 03:08PM
Goodreads Librari...: Requesting New Series	3	18	Apr 27, 2015 06:07PM

Readers Also Enjoyed

Genres

Science Fiction > Dystopia

15 users

Young Adult

12 users

Science Fiction

6 users

Romance

5 users

See top shelves…

About T.H. Hernandez

T.H. Hernandez

161 followers

T.H. Hernandez is a published author of young adult novels. THE UNION, a futuristic dystopian adventure, was a finalist in the 2015 San Diego book awards in the Young Adult Fiction category. SUPERHERO HIGH, an urban scifi teenage romance, is releasing July 5, 2018.

She thrives on coffee of any kind, though pumpkin spice lattes are her favorite. Her free time is spent hiking, reading, painting, and ...more