Review: A Divided America Sets the Stage for an Excellent Dystopian Suspense Novel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 28, 2014
“Blackout” is the first in a new YA dystopian fiction series, and its premise and skillful prose make it stand out from the other entries in this very popular genre.Phoenix, the young protagonist, lives in the Dark Zone—a part of America that has existed cut off and without electricity for generations. In 2015, a solar flare destroyed all power in America—and one night a mysterious huge wall appeared dividing the country. On one side, the Easies—with electricity and presumably living the good life. One the other side, the DZs, whose only grasp at warmth and light comes in giving their children powerfully bright names. Now, though, the Easies are coming through the wall to take DZs to the other side for a match-making game called the Carnival, and when Phoenix’s girlfriend Star volunteers so that her family will have the life-saving gift of power, Phoenix follows, determined to save her. What he finds is a world where everything is not as black and white as he thinks.I’m an adult reader, but I found “Blackout” to be very exciting and think it will appeal to both adult and YA demographics. (It’s suspenseful and inventive, but also clean, if other parents reading this review would be worried about that; some dystopian books, like “Wither,” do push the boundaries of what you would want a teen to read.) Phoenix is a brave and smart character, willing to do whatever it takes to save his love; and I also enjoyed that Star felt worthy of his love, since she is so selfless in giving to other people without thinking of herself. My favorite parts, though, were the disparities between the two regions themselves and just how interesting I found the notion of a divided America—the author does a great job of making the Dark Zone atmospheric and frightening, but still showing it as a place where people can band together, form non-traditional families, and survive. The other side of the wall, in contrast, seems to have many comforts—but it’s more rigidly divided, ruled over by specific families, and dog-eat-dog.I would recommend “Blackout” to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction that gives subtle commentary on our modern society (reality TV, anyone?) while still presenting a fast-paced and absorbing story with characters you care about.