I am wrong…a lot. I admit this freely, of course, because lying about it will always come back to bite me in the ass, but let me assure you this statement does leave dents in my pride.
A few weeks ago I was having a conversation with a friend and I…the poster-child for stubbornness, had insisted that “I have read books about every freaking topic on the planet.” Now, I know what you are thinking; “Misty…you are a total dumbass, that is the broadest statement imaginable.” And to that I say…”Yes, you are right.” Naturally (because Karma has it in for me) a week later I started reading a book that took me completely by surprise, and (predictably so, I imagine) found myself in the uncomfortable position of having to hear those dreaded words “I told you so!” (as my friend wagged her finger at me in unabashed triumph.) Regardless of the humiliation my cockiness had afforded me however, I have to admit that I would graciously accept multiple tongue lashings, if only I could be as shocked by a book (or at least the “people” in it) as I was by Kailin Gow’s little ditty “Desire.”
Here’s what the synopsis said:
“A Dystopian world where everyone’s future is planned out for them at age 18…whether it is what a person desires or not.
Kama is about to turn 18 and she thinks her Life s Plan will turn out like her boyfriend’s and friend’s as they desired. But when she glimpse a young man who can communicate with her with his thoughts and knows her name…a young man with burning blue eyes and raven hair, who is dressed like no other in her world, she is left to question her Life’s Plan and her destiny. Knowing the truth can destroy everyone…”
So…you want to know what the shock was? Too bad, I’m not going to tell you, but I will say that this is NOT your average Dystopian read. Yes, it has the markings of any great dystopian story (lack of freedom, predetermined future…yada yada) but the complications in Gow’s society is not what makes this particular book interesting; it’s Gow’s incorporation of “fantasy” that does. That’s right folks…I said fantasy. (for the record…that’s not the shocker, just an intriguing fact.)
Dystopian – The inevitability of an action packed up-rising
Fantasy – A journey down an unpredictable, and life changing path, that leads you TO that action.
The title…”Desire”…is exactly what this book is about. The desire Kama has to understand her past, present and future. Her desire to understand the nature of her situation so that she can make responsible choices, and her desire to make out with 2 very cute (and powerful) boys. (Who could blame her.)
To be blunt, the book was great.
Gow’s writing was solid, and the story left me wanting for more. (It ended in a cliffhanger. Damn it!)
If you are a fan of books like “Possession” “Delirium” or anything paranormal I have a feeling you will love this read.
It’s a little pricey (by comparison) but still worth the dime.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: just when you THOUGHT you’ve read it all, an author will ALWAYS pull something new out of the bottle. (P.S. that was a hint)
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[Rating:4/5]
you are just mean – now my curiosity has gotten the best of me…lol