Freedomland

by Anne Bean

America is dead. It has been replaced by Freedomland, a more perfect nation run by a man named God. War and violence have become a thing of the past. Citizens of Freedomland enjoy freedom of choice, freedom of speech, and the freedom to buy whatever their hearts desire. To make all of this even easier, televisions, cell phones, and the Internet are all combined into a Device, which is surgically implanted in citizens' skulls. Devices plunge their users into a virtual reality more compelling than the real world. But virtual reality isn't enough for Elijah and Lili, two estranged teenage friends who witness the bizarre murder of a woman who claims to be looking for them. They must be alert as they begin to unravel the mystery surrounding her death for potential danger that they might encounter. As they are drawn deeper into the mystery behind her death, they begin to wonder: Is Freedomland really free? Can God really be trusted?

Genres: Science Fiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2009

Reviews

[Tominda Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

America is history. Only its outdated architecture remains, and in its place is Freedomland: safer, brighter, more instantly gratifying. The web is available to everyone, not just at their fingertips, but right in front of their retinas, feeding through an implant called a Device. Appear as your avatar, cruise visually modified streets, and dodge constant advertisements. Not everyone is sedated enough to be happy in this totalitarian future, a nation run by a man named God, and one such unhappy person is Lili. When Lili and her estranged friend Elijah witness a bizarre scene which may connect her to a mysteriously missing event in her past, the two go on the run and wind up at the feet of God himself.

Fast-paced, inventive, and all too true in a present where people fear pleasant conversations with strangers. I especially loved the scenes where everyone is zoned out on the bus, typing in thin air and having conversations with themselves. And I loved the occasional hint at "old" America, especially the electricity poles showing up as old relics. Even with the constant enhanced advertisements and the dissent-numbing possibilites, though...I'm not going to lie: I kind of want a Device.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Bean's Freedomland is an amazing piece of futuristic fiction that leaves you eagerly turning each page. With an eerily accurate depiction of America's dependency on electronic devices, Bean creates a captivating murder mystery that is riddled with political and religious overtones that gives birth to an intricate plot. The characters are relatable and well written, giving a sense of depth and personal connection to the world that Bean has created. As you follow Elijah and Lili’s journey through a corrupt and technologically dependent world, you can’t help but be enthralled by their compelling story.

This fast paced novel will challenge your perspective on American living as well as the direction of it’s future. It has a voice that is truly unique of it’s own that will capture your attention from beginning to end. From celebrities reaching glorified holy status, to rebellious colonies hiding deep in the forest, this novel does not disappoint! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, futuristic fiction, and a strong piece of social commentary that will challenge your perspective. Anne Bean shows great talent in her first novel and I am anxious to see what she will write next!

[Tena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I started out reading it because 1, one of my friends from high school wrote it, and 2, I happen to really, really like science fiction. It definitely had notes of The Handmaid's Tale (i.e. the "Christian" takeover of America), some other themes common in futuristic SciFi, as well as some very fascinating biocomputer concepts as an integral part of the story. Lili and Elijah are well-written and well-developed protagonists. This story was really hard to put down, as I really wanted to see what happened next. The ending was not one I would have written, and it made me a little mad, but in a good way, because it was something different than what I expected. I enjoyed the subtleties of the culture Anne develops, and the pervasive nature of technology as a warning to us not to lose our humanity.

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a super fast read, very compelling. I loved the idea of it, the post apocalyptal premise etc. However, I thought the writing was sort of half-assed. I think new words or omittance of old words would have made the story more believable or cohesive. For example use of present day slang didn't make sense in a world so far removed from what we know now, and the use of God as a nonchalant swear-word seemed out of place given that "God" had suddenly made himself very real in the form of a dictator-style government. I felt this type of language evolution was not thoughtfully addressed. I also thought the character development was somewhat weak and that the dialog and relationship development was either too abrupt, or sloppy. Despite this criticism I enjoyed the book a lot. I think this is a good recommendation for YA.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me and refused to let go. The best way that I can describe this book is a fusion between Brave New World, The Matrix, and The Uglies series. Elijah and Lili are dynamic and one quickly finds themselves empathizing with them. I can only hope that there may be a sequel or continuation down the road!

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun read, sat down to read for an hour, realized the sun was gone and I had finished the book.