The book follows two interesting characters, very similar people but from two completely different worlds. Using a dual narrative you’re able to see the book from both Day’s and June’s point of view. You’re in a world where the United States no longer exists and is simply just a myth now. At the age of ten you’re forced to take part in the Trial which determines parts of your future however nothing’s ever certain, even for someone who got the only flawless score of 1500.

You’re introduced to the characters and quickly their worlds collide when Day is involved with June’s brothers murder. Helping the Republic track down Day who has been wiped off their database, June vows to avenge her brothers death. Seeing the book from both points of view it is quite hard to not like Day. Despite him being a criminal you can’t help but root for him at times and hope everything works out for him and for his friend Tess. When June unwittingly finds herself traveling along with them they seem to make the perfect team. All characters that are introduced to you in this novel are all great characters with depths that I hope are shown throughout the series. If you ever see some of them again, that is.

The whole idea of this novel is something that has always interested me and it hasn’t let me down. It had me gripped throughout, I couldn’t stop or put it down. Every time I needed to as I had a job to do there was another twist that kept me firmly in my seat. I couldn’t take my eye off the pages (or Kindle screen) and I just had to devour every word. When you think you’ve got something worked out Marie Lu gives you a whole new twist and a shocking discovery. It’s a fairly short book but despite that it had time to develop a plot and have lots of action in it too. It was left in a good way which instantly hinted that there’s going to be a sequel which makes me very excited!

I think it would have been nice if it was a bit longer just to hear a bit more about back stories however as a trilogy of these books are planned (with one being released later this year) we may be introduced to more of a past so it doesn’t bother me too much. Even though it was a short book it didn’t feel rushed however I think I may have missed something at the ending so I’ll re-read that and be all ready for the next one.

For lovers of Dystopian novels this is a must read and it will quickly make it to your favourites list.