Review: Concur with Concord
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 27, 2013
I was immediately drawn into Bluebell's world, curious about Training Tech and Incorporation Day, and wondering about the cause of the dreams she has "to run... to flee... to hide". It seems strange to be separated, with no contact, from the opposite sex during Year Five to Year Seventeen, and only seeing your parents on Visitation Days. In this future place of Concord, The Council's reasons for control over regulating human beings, are eerily similar to many of the social concerns faced in our society today. As I am doctor/needle phobic, Ms. Baum's description of the required Citizen Branding made me squirm and take a break from reading. Learning about this process--and the Brand unveiling's meaning-- makes the cover picture and book title very fitting.Ms. Baum has created an intriguing new world with characters displaying distinct personalities making them instantly identifiable and realistic. As Bluebell and her friends discover their career paths and life choices, many questions and suspicions are set in motion...some surprising and others making me feel uncomfortable with the rules and controls in Concord.This is the first book in a new serial, which sets you up wanting more. I found myself thinking about the events to come and characters' futures long after finishing the book. I eagerly await the next edition...Concur with Concord!**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **