Word to Dreams

4.5/5 stars

I would like to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Doing so does not sway my review in any way.

As I read this book, I couldn't help but feel a bit of satisfaction. A true YA science fiction novel that is as refreshing as it is unique. A strong female character who is basically an athletic tomboy that lacks self confidence in one area but is like a steroid overload in another. She's created in a way that many young adult females can relate to, to a point. And that's enough for the readers to make a connection and put themselves in Aeva's character which than brings the story to life, on a whole new level.

There are layers of stories with different heightened emotions throughout this book. There are times that the action gets so intense, that you find yourself a little confused on what just happened, but a quick look back and you find yourself back on track. The details throughout the book are vibrant, descriptive and allow the reader to see the story as the author intended it to be seen. As a reader, I did not find myself on sensory overload but a constant level of awareness that kept the story flowing.

Reading this, there were several different novels, from different authors, that came to mind. Scott Westerfeld's Uglies, Cormac McCarthy's The Road, Stephen Baxter's Flood series, and the movie Mad Max. I don't know if the author received any of her inspiration from any of those but to be compared in feeling to them is a huge compliment to the author. As a reader, I felt the thrills of the game, the awkwardness of the unknown, the adrenaline of the chase, the hope of the found and the sadness of things being taken away, even if only temporarily.

Set in the far future of our own world, the Earth is starting to die away. Societies have degraded to complete opposites of one another and the government is playing big brother in a way that is far more sinister than one would think, while humanity is at a point of losing all stability because of it. The nature of the Modi and the reasons for creating them are learned in this novel and the reality of how delicate humanity is against the stark backdrop of life makes for a story that is getting it's start in this novel and can only provide more insight and action in the further novels.

Anyone who likes a science fiction novel that is earth based and not space base will enjoy this novel. Lovers of the classic dystopia novels, such as 1984 will find a story comparable in feeling and maturity in this one. Those just starting in the science fiction genre would also find this to be a good one to start out with. The author treats the reader with respect in their knowledge and allows the reader to think and flow with the story itself.