Review: Unbelievably good debut dystopian novel!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 6, 2013
I can hardly believe this is a debut novel...it is that good. Like "Hunger Games" good, but with a new adult kick to it! "Intermix Nation" spent the last month on my Nook and I am embarrassed that it was on there that long before I got to it. Had I know just how much I would like it, this book definitely would have been at the top of my list!It was so nice to break out of the contemporary romance genre (or is it a sub-genre?)...whatever. This dystopian novel was a breath of fresh air and I read it in record time, since putting it down after starting wasn't an option. The characters were so well-written that I wasn't ready to let them go when it was over. And while there wasn't a cliffhanger ending (thank you, Ms. Attardo!), I would definitely like to spend some more time with Nazirah, Adamek, Cato, and company.Speaking of Nazirah...a heroine that I actually like and respect. Not an everyday occurrence. Beyond that, "Irri" (or "Nazi", if someone dared calling her that) was a character so full of depth that never once was I annoyed with her."She felt lost before her parents died, in the way that an average intermix girl with few options in life and a huge chip on her shoulder feels lost sometimes. She would rebel against her parents, not listen to their advice, and sneak out of the house...just to assert her independence and power in a world where she truthfully had none.Now, she is truly lost.So lost that living feels more like dying.So lost that Nazirah doesn't remember the person she once was, much less know how to find her."But she doesn't wallow. Grieve, yes. Feel guilty, yes. Who wouldn't?And then there's Adamek Morgen......"The white spots before Nazirah's eyes give her savior a crude halo, which she finds absurdly hilarious. Because she should be surprised that he would be her angel. But she isn't surprised. Not in the least. The look in Adamek's eyes could send a man straight to hell and make him want to stay."The writing really is fantastic, in a way that many New Adult books just aren't, relying heavily on snarky dialogue and steamy sex scenes. Not that "Intermix Nation" doesn't have both of these (oh yes, it definitely does!), but it's well-written throughout as well."Nazirah rips off her coat as soon as she is alone, growling, popping several buttons. They fall to the floor like suicide jumpers, plunging eagerly to their deaths. Nazirah sympathizes.""The mountain ranges have been replaced by lush, rolling hills. The ice has melted, forming freshwater streams and creeks. Trees, taller than Nazirah ever imagined, blanket the vivid sky. Osen was the cradle and rattle of Kasimir's [her father] childhood, the rock of his youth, the muse of his adolescence. It was his first love, his lifelong love. But not his one love."In case you couldn't tell, I loved this book. In typical dystopian fashion, you'll spend the first chapter sorting through fictitious places and atypical names, but I guarantee it is worth it for the story that develops. Can Nazirah forgive seemingly unforgivable acts? Can she forgive herself? You'll definitely want to read and find out."And still, Nazirah remains frozen in purgatory, unable to choose heaven or hell, unable to decide which is which."***I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.