Stealing Liberty

by Jennifer Froelich

When Reed Paine is sent to a secret detention school for teens whose parents are branded enemies of the state, he doesn’t expect to find friendship – especially after coming face to face with Riley Paca, a girl who has every reason to hate him.

But when Reed, Riley and a few others start reading the old books they find in tunnels under the school, they begin to question what they are taught about the last days of America and the gov-ernment that has risen in its place.

Then the government decides to sell the Liberty Bell and Reed and his friends risk everything to steal it – to take back their history and the liberty that has been stolen from them.

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult, Fantasy

497 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2017

About the author

Jennifer Froelich is the author of the STEALING LIBERTY series, as well as two suspense novels: A PLACE BETWEEN BREATHS and her debut, DREAM OF ME. Jennifer lives in beautiful Idaho with her husband, two kids, and a rescue cat named Katniss.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 2 out of 5]

About this book:

“When Reed Paine is sent to a secret detention school for teens whose parents are branded enemies of the state, he doesn’t expect to find friendship – especially after coming face to face with Riley Paca, a girl who has every reason to hate him.
But when Reed, Riley and a few others start reading the old books they find in tunnels under the school, they begin to question what they are taught about the last days of America and the government that has risen in its place.
Then the government decides to sell the Liberty Bell and Reed and his friends risk everything to steal it – to take back their history and the liberty that has been stolen from them.”


Series: Book #1 in the “Stealing Liberty” trilogy.


Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read, mentioned, & remembered; Singing a couple worship songs; Prayers & Thanking God; Talks about God & faiths; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God (but not Jesus); Mentions of God & Providence; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of a pastor & churches; Mentions of worshiping; Mentions of Xoey’s underground church & group of believers; Mentions of faiths & religious upbringings; A couple mentions of God’s creation; A couple mentions of Christmas;
*Note: Xoey is mocked for her faith; Mentions of “religious accommodation” (being locked in a dark closet for a hour); Mentions of evil people; A few mentions of a movie with witches, curses, & werewolves; A few mentions of other religions & an “Exodus” of their followers; A couple mentions of superstitions; A mention of someone’s (Christian) faith being called a hateful, intolerant religion.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘holy---‘, a ‘screwed up’, a ‘suck-ups’, two ‘dumb’s, five ‘shut up’s, six ‘idiot’s, and twenty-four forms of ‘stupid’; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Eye rolling; Reed saw his parents injured/killed in front of him (remembering up to semi-detailed); Seeing a person shot & killed (up to semi-detailed); An explosion, screams, pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, & a death (up to semi-detailed); Pain, Being hit/punched, Blood, & Held at gunpoint (up to semi-detailed); Pain, Being trapped, & buried alive (up to semi-detailed); Being tortured, Beaten, & Pain (up to semi-detailed); Being shot at & blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Fighting, Hitting, & Bleeding (semi-detailed); Nightmares (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Wanting to strangle someone (barely-above-not-detailed); A kitten is killed (semi-detailed); Many mentions of executions, planned deaths, attacks, & bodies (barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed); Many mentions of abortions & deaths of those deemed unfit to live; Many mentions of wars, rebellions, & terrorists; Mentions of seeing people shot and killed & the bodies (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of landmines/bombs, stepping on landmines, & deaths (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Mentions of an explosion, screams, pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, & a death (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of burning a body & ashes in the air (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of blood/bleeding, being shot, & seeing others loved ones hurt/dying (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of beatings, being slapped, & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of torturing; Mentions of people’s sadistic games; Mentions of injuries & scars (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of fighting & wanting to hit someone; Mentions of the Mafia & mobs; Mentions of bombs & places destroyed; Mentions of a fire; Mentions of threats; Mentions of stealing & thefts; Mentions of graffiti; Mentions of nightmares; Mentions of hatred, hate crimes, & bigotry; Mentions of rumors & gossip; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of alcohol, drunks, & weed; Mentions of vomit & throwing up; Mentions of a killed kitten (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of an ill puppy & a father getting rid of it; Mentions of animal & human waste (slang is used and calling others forms of the words); A few mentions of drug lords & cartels; A few mentions of a casino; A few mentions of bullies; A couple mentions of drugs & highs; A couple mentions of tattoos;
*Note: Mentions of secular books (like Harry Potter); Mentions of secular bands & singers.


Sexual Content- a hand kiss, a head kiss, and a barely-above-not-detailed kiss; Some Touches, Embraces, & Dancing; A couple Blushes; A bit of Noticing & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of pretty teens being use for a “special service to a government official”; Mentions of a kiss & kissing; Mentions of flirting, winks, blushes, & a guy being ogled at; A few mentions of s*x education videos (along with having to watch them, & mentions of birth control options and unwanted pregnancies); A few mentions of teen boys ogling and peeking into an older girl’s room like perverts; A few mentions of girlfriends & boyfriends; A couple mentions of a teen boy cornering/attacking a teen girl & having to be pulled off of her; A couple mentions of married couples kissing; A mention of “fewer pregnancies to deal with” when boys and girls are separate in dorms; A mention of a couple not touching before getting married; Some love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of teenage lust (and a slang term is used for them acting on it); A few mentions of obscene gestures; A couple mentions of a shirtless guy; A couple mentions of women being treated like cattle.

-Reed Paine
-Xoey Stone
-Riley Paca
1st person P.O.V. switches between them, & Adam
390 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
What an interesting story.
I’m personally disappointed that we’re seeing less and less dystopia books on the Christian market nowadays, so after hearing about this one, I was curious. Dystopia, teens as spies, and a major heist? Sounds right up my alley.
All that said, while reading, I’ll admit that I was very close to not finishing this and marking it as a DNF book so many times. The evil and crude comments were so painful to read about. There were many parts that I feel weren’t needed in the crude sense. The killing of an innocent creature (animal lovers who are sensitive will not like that part at time), the slang (especially in a sexual sense…which I had to look up…not lovely at all to say the least), and the overall evilness of the plot and people in command.
Fan of Lisa T. Bergren’s Dystopian trilogy might like this better than I did due to the content.
On a positive side: I liked the while these main characters were friends (at certain points), they also had conflict with each other, which made it feel a bit more life-like. There was more faith content than I was expecting. I also do have to say that this cover is very impressive and gives off a book-to-movie adaption feel to it.
The liberty aspect of this plot became much more important in the second part of the book, about two-hundred pages in. The entire plot parts surrounding the idea of liberty, what America was founded on, the history, and then not having those historical facts and the effects that it causes, was a very modern and current-times approach. I felt those parts were well done.
The crude parts just held back the ratings. I wish I could give it a bit of a higher rating, but because of those parts, I don’t feel like I can and that a highest rating of two-stars is being nice.


Link to review:
Coming 4/25/18


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.

[Frank Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

I don't rate many books 5 stars, but this one earned it. I could not stop reading it until I was done. I can't wait for the sequel!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I loved all the characters and they way the author was able to develop so many of them. The story line had unexpected twists. Very enjoyable read!

[Andy N · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly written dystopian novel that will remain in the mind of its readers for a long time.

When your parents are deemed enemies of the state, you’re sent to a secret detention school. For Reed Paine meeting new people and making friends isn't something he truly considered until he becomes friends with a girl named Riley and slowly began opening up to other detainees. Together, they discover information and a long forgotten history in hidden tunnels underneath the school. As they begin to question the system and what they thought they knew about their society, the government reveals its intention to sell the school. Reed and his friends will have to make the decision of standing by and do nothing or to do something that might bring them freedom, change the world but also get them killed. Can they make it without losing their lives in the process?

The plot is very well-developed and its depth makes it almost tangible, which both admirable and scary considering the dystopian story-line isn’t that far-fetched; it’s original and refreshing. It's the type of book that can be read in one sitting.

The concepts in which the novel develops around remind the reader of the importance of history, country values, patriotism but also the importance of accepting the hard moments in life and that making mistakes is that makes us human. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder that nothing in life should be taken for granted, and that includes liberty. The style of writing approaches these themes in a subtle way, seducing the reader in going deeper into the story and into the lives of each character. Froelich’s style is impressive and it makes the story memorable.

The novel is fast-paced and packed with action and it keeps that rhythm throughout the story. The characters are very well-developed and it was easy to become a part of their adventure. Their depth is incredible and it’s almost like they’re real people that decided to tell their story. One of the things that I appreciated a lot in this novel is the fact that, yes, there are couples, but romance isn’t highlighted, friendship is. I can’t begin to describe how much I enjoyed reading the character’s interactions, their behaviour with each other and how often physical gestures are used to offer comfort and show that they care. I think the readers can truly relate to these characters and appreciate this view of friendship. The ending was like a door closing but a window opening at the same time: it’s a conclusion but there is enough space for a sequel.

This book got me hooked from page one and I recommend it to anyone interested in a fast-paced YA dystopia with historical references and lessons.

​I want to thank the author Jennifer Froelich for sending me a free digital copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.

[Katherine Philbrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Katherine Williams for Readers' Favorite

Stealing Liberty is a young adult novel by Jennifer Froelich. Reed and Riley are two teens who meet in a very unexpected place: a top secret detention school for teens whose parents are deemed enemies of the state. Reed does not expect to start a friendship with Riley, a girl who has no reason to like him in the first place. One day Reed, Riley and their other friends find books in the tunnels under their school. As they read carefully, they all start to question the government’s relationship with America. Meanwhile, the government makes a big decision to sell the Statue of Liberty and immediately Reed and his friends understand this is wrong. They decide right away they will put everything on the line to restore their freedom and save history as they know it. But will they make it out alive?

Stealing Liberty is an action packed novel that you will want to finish in one sitting. Every element in this novel is crafted carefully and done well. When I finished the novel, I wanted to give it a round of applause. Its dystopian-like plot is inviting and as soon as you start reading, you understand that it is overall original and refreshing. So are the main characters, Reed and Riley; they have very authentic voices and their friendship is sweet. Every character in this novel, including the minor ones, goes through an immense amount of development. The themes of liberty, freedom, and trust are also intriguing; these concepts are very important for teens to reflect on, especially in this day and age. Jennifer Froelich’s writing is unarguably impressive; she does an amazing job of keeping you hooked with fast-paced contrasting tones, as well as imagery that you won’t be able to get out of your head.

This book is not only entertaining, but it is also insightful when it comes to American history. By giving proper respect to the values that the country is founded on, this novel allows you to understand how important these values truly are. I recommend this book to any person who is interested in America, its history, and who wonders what it truly means to be a citizen. This book teaches you that, as an American, you should never take your freedom for granted.

[Rebecca Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book without trying to read much of the synopsis beforehand, so this one surprised me - in a good way. SL features the intriguing elements of a dystopian world, which has been done a million times, but I think Froelich accomplishes her world-building in a more subtle, more realistic way. An evil, crazy leader isn't trying to kill everyone for no reason; ridiculous technology doesn't exist; and each character isn't unbelievably epic. This story felt real (and scarily impending), and I loved that.

The well-developed characters carried the plot through its twists and heart-wrenching moments. I felt invested in their lives, even the characters I wasn't too sure of. Froelich includes a Christian character, which may put off some readers, but I think the character is real enough that any reader can relate.

One of my favorite things about SL is its ability to show positive friendships between guys and girls where they can care about each other, hold hands, love each other - and it not be romantic at all. Of course there's romance between some chracters, but, outside of the few couples, the guys/girls are friends with one another in a refreshingly platonic way. Overall, this story is truly one about the ties of fraternal love.

My four-star rating is due to some of the confusion over who is speaking at what time. Froelich doesn't use a lot of dialogue tags - which isn't bad - but, with all the characters and the intensity of the plot, I often lost sight of who was speaking and had to go back in my Kindle.

Stealing Liberty is a great read and a CLEAN read that's amazingly refreshing in this world of steamy, whiney, overly ridiculous YA books. Can't wait for the sequel!

[Majanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...

In Stealing Liberty, Reed Paine is sent to a secret detention school for teens whose parents are nemeies of the state. Reed doesn’t expect to find friendship, and he certainly didn’t expect Riley Paca, a girl who has every reason to hate him, would become his friend. But when Reed and Riley find old books in the tunnels below the school, books that make them question everything they’ve been taught about this new world order and the government, they start to doubt if anything they’ve believed is actually true.

When the government decides to sell the Liberty Bell, Reed and his friends risk everything to steal it, and to take back their history and liberty.

This book was an amazing read, fast-paced, filled with amazing characters, and set in a dystopian world that isn’t too far-fetched but in fact seems like ours could easily transform into, which is a rather scary thought. The characters, in particular Reed, feel very realistic, and their emotions do too. They act and behave like real people, not just characters in a book.

The writing was phenomenal and really sucked me into the story. I can’t wait for the sequel.

[Lauren S · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend recommended this one to me and I'm glad she did! (However, I'm so bummed it is only available on Kindle since I don't own one :( Will there ever be a paperback version in the future? I usually like to have books I really enjoy on my bookshelf to return to and re-read if I'm feeling in the mood. Anyways...) It hooked you from the beginning and kept you interested throughout the plot. I enjoyed reading the story from all of the characters points of view. I think all personalities were pretty much covered so it was easy to relate to at least one of the main people, if not a couple of them. The book really hits on a lot of impending things that aren't too far into the future if something doesn't change. I thought the part about football was hilarious because my husband and I talk about that happening all the time...

The only thing I thought that didn't quite make sense in the book (and it wasn't so crazy that it would bring my rating down from 5 stars) was the yarn/crochet hats... So they find all the supplies in the hidden tunnels beneath the school that no one is supposed to know about... yet they take out a bunch of yarn and needles to create all this warm stuff for the students and no one notices? I guess no one questioned a sudden influx of clothing and "where did yall get all this yarn and crochet items?" That is my only rant ;)

I found the book SO refreshing for a YA/dystopian novel having no cussing and no sex! I'm so glad there are authors out there that still believe in writing clean material :) Thank you, Jennifer Froelich! Can't wait for the next book!!

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stealing Liberty was full of action through out the whole book. There weren't places where I twiddled my thumbs waiting for the good parts. The themes fit in with concepts I learned as a young adult in school- liberty, trust, faith, kindness, making hard decisions, living with mistakes, patriotism, historic significance, symbolism, and so much more! I love that so much I hold dear is packed into this book! The real emotions I felt for each character made some of the critical moments rich and clear. I can't wait for the next book!

The book was clean, which means I can heartily recommend it, and I think teens will learn a lot about not taking liberty for granted, while being enticed to read past their bedtime... :)

[Siusan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The YA version of National Treasure! This was a great dystopian adventure novel. As all the different characters tell their version of how the tale plays out the reader is given a broad view of the world at Windmill Bay and how every person intertwines with the other. The difference in characters' personalities and back stories, even the evil Kino, help propel the story forward. The imagery the author creates with her description of the buildings and grounds of the school creates a dark world and adds to the drama. The story is fast paced and adventurous, with just the right amount of romance and drama. Jennifer Froelich has done a wonderful job creating a great read.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever, original dystopian novel!

[Madelynn Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pick a plot. Bonus point for plot twists, except when there are several plots happening at once…

[B.W. Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What sparked my interest in this book was the concept. What kept my interest in the book was Jennifer's strong writing, her ability to create strong characters and how she builds tension and suspense.

I will admit when I first started reading the book, I was expecting it to be an alternating viewpoint between Reed and Riley, the two characters who get the highest billing in the blurb. But two more characters, Xoey and Adam, have their viewpoints presented as well. This does not take away from the story, though -- it adds to it as you get additional perspectives about how each of the characters are affected by the events. I could quibble, though, with how the chapters told through Adam's viewpoint tend to be short, but it's a minor complaint.

Jennifer also does a good job making certain supporting characters sympathetic. Truth be told, I wouldn't have minded getting a deeper perspective from Sam, who may have been the character I empathized with the most.

And the concept did not disappoint. While one might not agree with some of the views the narrative addresses, they go back to a much larger theme in which we should ask ourselves what is the price we are willing to pay for having to cater to a single mindset or viewpoint, rather than being allowed to explore issues on our own and drawing our own conclusions. There is a lot to be said, in particular, for how items ranging from the American flag to a Harry Potter book to the Bible to a Pink Floyd CD are all forbidden or taboo in a society -- regardless of what you think about what each represents, a society in which they are all condemned should cause people of all viewpoints to consider what that really means.

In essence, what Jennifer has done has written a book that not only has well written characters and features plenty of tension and suspense, but makes you think, too. And that, to me, is what makes Stealing Liberty a must read for all readers.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book. It kept me riveted, wanting to find out how it was going to end. But I was sad when it did. I'm so glad that it's going to keep going in the sequel. The characters felt like real people that I could relate to, and the bad guy (woman) was truly evil. I was afraid of what she would do next! I was glad that the plot had a definite ending, but with enough of a cliff hanger to make me anxious for the next one.

[Alicia Bongiorno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Jennifer's newest literary creation! Can't decide which of her books I like best but definitely love the characters in this book! Oliver is my favorite character with Xoey is a close second! Tears formed in my eyes as well as anger brewing in the pit of my stomach as I read through the pages! Can't wait for the next installment! Hurry!

[Michael Thal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Jennifer Froelich has her eyes on today’s headlines—legislative gridlock, red states vs blue, and partisan politics—for future outcomes. From the depths of her imagination, and keeping in mind the worse case scenario of constant Washington bickering, she has created a dystopian society in the next century that is sadly possible as a result of Congressional intransigence.

In Froelich’s world, the United States of America, torn apart by civil war, no longer exists. The United Democratic Republic (UDR), that no longer holds sacred American symbols and institutions like the American Flag, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and the Liberty Bell, has replaced it. Stealing Liberty is set at a secret detention school for teens whose parents are branded as enemies of the state. Director Wanda Kino rules Windmill Bay (The Home) like a fascist dictator.

This YA novel is told to readers in the first person by four different teen characters—Reed Paine, Xoey Stone, Riley Paca, and Adam Quincy. From each unique perspective Froelich expertly builds tension and suspense as we learn their history, their efforts to survive adversity, and their relationships. For example, through their eyes we learn the UDR is comprised of the East and West Sands with all the land in between the Atlantic and Pacific called “The Dirt” ruled by renegades that the UDR is constantly suppressing.

Each teen was sent to the Home because their parents either had revolutionary tendencies, like Reed Paine’s folks, or Xoey, who was turned into the Secret Service (SS) by a father who didn’t like his wife and daughter attending forbidden religious services.

Reed, Xoey, Riley, and Adam band together to quietly figure out ways to use their talents in order to subvert Director Kino. The kids uncover a secret library that opens their eyes to the foundation of the original American republic. They learn that democracy depends on people cooperating with each other through compromise. Its with this spirit Reed decides to steal the Liberty Bell before it gets into the hands of a Japanese entrepreneur.

Though this reviewer found the shift between four different voices a bit confusing, Stealing Liberty is a worthwhile read for any student of American History and the frightening affects of a government held by gridlock.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were engaging and written well. The author does a great job with this fascinating dystopian setting, where there is no longer an America and kids with rebellious parents are sent to a "reconditioning camp". Forced into hard labor and if you mess up too much, they are shipped to the front lines of war, or killed. Director Kino was as evil as they come. I thought the kids were well written. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about all the POV changes, but then I started to enjoy them, it was a great way to know the characters and what they were truly going through emotionally and physically. Reed, Riley, Xoey, Sam all of the characters are believable and true to themselves. There were parts of the book that I felt were slow and I wanted situations to progress quicker, but I enjoyed what the kids discover and the plots they unravel.

I received a PDF from the author, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Eli Celata · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a few missing commas as well as comma splices, so I had a bit of a 'free kindle' flash back. I think I might be overly attuned to missing commas now.

At times, the different narrators express emotion; however, it reminded me of a forced smile. The right actions were described, but they weren't necessarily emotive. Tense inconsistencies didn't exactly help. While some moved from present to past appropriately, other times past crept up in a future reflexive manner, undermining the use of present tense.

That being said - the dystopian plot remains strong. These are adolescents in labor camps. Their connections feel sincere - especially those described in Xoey's chapters.

If you don't to think about politics, this isn't the book for you. Economics, religions, politics - Froelich explores them all, and she doesn't shy away from where she stands on any of them. 

[Katherine Trinity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Every American should read this. I am looking forward to book two.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this new Dyso series! Stealing Liberty, Fantastic title! I was drawn to all these characters! Can't wait to see what happens!

[Krystal gaston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could not get into this story. I tried I made it about a quarter of the way through and couldn't finish it.

[Jobin.Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most underated(?) Book I've ever read.

[Emily Sherwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the most realistic or well-written....but interesting all the same.

[Chapter 24 Book Club · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 ⭐️
Overall pretty hard for our book club members to get through. Only 3 of us finished and the rest DNF.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent a digital copy of Stealing Liberty by Jennifer Froelich in exchange for an honest review. I honestly couldn't be happier about this right now because the book really was mind-blowingly awesome!

Stealing Liberty is the first installment in a dystopia/ YA trilogy which follows a group of teens - children of rebel parents. The book is narrated from 4 points of view; Reed, Riley, Adam, and Xoey - giving us a great insight into the ins and outs of the plot.

The four are part of a larger group of friends including Sam, Paisley, and my absolute favourite; Oliver. What is refreshing in this book, is that although there are one or two romances in the group, they are all able to be friends without any weird boys and girls can't just be friends issues - something which can sometimes be a little tricky to come by in YA books. But the support they offer one another in their times of need is truly beautiful. Even Reed and Riley, who know each other from their lives before Windmill Bay - Riley has every reason to hate Reed, but soon they are pulled into the same friendship circles and find themselves putting their past behind them for the benefit of their peers.

It is an interesting take on a more negative-future-dystopia, where the state controls information, has censored textbook and storybooks alike - so when Riley and Reed some across secret tunnels in the old library at their facility, the team take the opportunity to hide away some of the old, now banned, books. Amongst them they find things such as a Harry Potter book, a Bible, and old american flag, and an Arctic Monkeys album - the narration behind which was particularly funny.

It is easy to read, and a thrilling action adventure - a quest for the students to try to improve and escape from their lives at Windmill Bay; controlled by an evil Kino who looks for any reason to dispose of an uncooperative student. All of whom have parents who are enemies of the new state. Moved by what they discover about their country's past, and despite their awful "school" conditions - when they hear the government is going to sell the Liberty Bell, they quietly work to restore the past values of their country and continue the work and ambition of their parents.

The four POVs work so well - we see life from inside the girls dorms from the eyes of a newcomer and a longer-term resident, and the same with the boys. Life isn't much different, and like any school there are rivalries, however due to the lack of rules, this can mean they are more dangerous. Sam is particularly hard-done-by but luckily for him, he has Oliver looking out for him - the resident nice guy, respected and admired by many of the students at the institution.

Kino tries so hard to crack every single one of them - the idea of the facility is to bring the children of rebels over onto the government's side, and stamp out the ideas of freedom, faith, and historic significance. One single act of defiance begins to shake the school - begins to shake Kino, and she starts taking to literally beating students to get to the bottom of whatever plot is occurring. Small acts such as drawing the American Flag around the school, to larger ones such as the detonation of land mines.

Either way, this story has you turning page after page, desperate to know what happens next! If i didn't havent to, I wouldn't have ut this book down. It is an easy read, yet is unbelievably gripping. Some of the themes running through the books are scary close to reality, built upon real-life concerns and themes within the world, but taken one step further. It is really a masterpiece which not only entertains, but really makes you think.

I did sometimes get a little lost with which character was speaking and when but was easily able to pick it back up! Froelich utilises the multiple POVs to her advantage, allowing her to introduce and develop our protagonists into rich characters that are practically leaping out of the book! It is scary-realistic, but this means the reader is able to connect with the book, and there are such a vast array of charcters amongst our protagonist group that you can relate to one, if not many, of them!

I am desperate to know what the fate of our young heroes are - and cannot wait for book 2! Overall I am awarding this book a solid 5*/5 - it was full of exciting twists and turns, and endless nail-biting moments that had me sneaking chapters in wherever I could! I would recommend this to any Maze Runner, Hunger Games, or Legend fans who also enjoy YA. You will not be disappointed - trust me.

[Mindle Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young people have changed the real world throughout history--and it’s time for us to do it again. The rise of dystopian fiction is a reflection of the fear of the rising generation that, rather than heading toward a brighter world, we’re heading toward a “bad utopia.” Series like The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Maze Runner and now Stealing Liberty express our hope that we can steer the world away from its current path.

What Stealing Liberty does that the other series aren’t quite brave enough to tackle is exactly how we end up in our “bad utopia.” It expects its young audience to be mature enough to think through the issues challenging us today, and then see how those issues lead to the dystopia that Reed, Xoey, Riley, Adam and their friends exist in. It’s not a vague calamity that leads us there--it’s the decisions we’re making in this country today.

The characters are diverse, complex and real. They’re not always likable, but as their stories unfold, you understand that they’re a product of their circumstances, but also their decisions. One thing ties them together--their lack of liberty, and the empowerment they gain when they obtained a small sliver of freedom. Jennifer’s writing is clever and powerful. It has been a long time since I’ve been tempted to highlight specific passages in a book because I wanted to revisit them, chew on them, and repeat them to others. They’re statements and ideas that we can’t allow to be locked away in dark places.

What’s great about this story is that, even without the powerful message that pervades it, it’s a fun, mysterious, suspenseful heist novel. There are genuine surprises, twists and revelations. It had me hooked from the first page and I wasn’t satisfied until I was done (and, really, won’t be satisfied until the series is wrapped up). This book is exactly like the ones the kids find in the tunnels--once you start reading about ideas you’re not “supposed” to have, you just can’t stop.

[Leila Pitchford · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when America takes away Liberty

Teens are forcibly taken to a school-prison in the middle of nowhere. Turns out, they are all children of people who in some way stood up to the government that took freedom away from America. And somehow, they learn to work together, trying to free the hidden Liberty Bell and trying to find their own freedom. This was well-written. The Christian theme is not overbearing as in some books. It’s just one of several freedoms that has been trampled but not completely taken away. I’d recommend this to fans of dystopian futures. With current events, this one may hit home a bit hard.

[Noninn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I enjoyed this story and the idea behind it. The characters sometimes acted or said things in a way that was not endearing but as a whole I liked them. I did like how faith was one of the main ideas of the story.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best teen dystopian books I’ve read. Full of drama, emotion , and fantastic character development. I will definitely be looking forward to Weeping Justice!

[Liz]

Actually never started this book