I used to think I knew all the answers; now I no longer even know the questions. - Goro
Book Title: Sovereignty by Anjenique Hughes
Category: YA fiction, 262 pages
Genre: Dystopian
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Release date: July 19, 2016
Tour dates: May 15 to June 2, 2017
Content Rating: PG (No F-words, no sexual content, only one kissing scene and mild profanity)
Book Description:
I used to think I knew all the answers; now I no longer even know the questions. - Goro
Under the totalitarian reign of the 23rd century's world's government- The Sovereign Regime- control is made possible by the identity chip implanted in every human being, recording everything that is seen, done, and experienced.
No more bank accounts.
No more smart phones.
No more secrets.
When Goro inadvertently overhears an exchange of sensitive information, causing him to confront the truth about his world and prompting him to choose his true loyalties, his dream of revolution kicks into high gear. Goro doesn't know he has covert intel in his possession both the SR and the resistance movement are desperate to acquire.
Determined to attempt the impossible task of bringing down the world government, he and his closest friends gain access to the key to ultimately deciding who has sovereignty.
But who will get to Goro first: The resistance or the Sovereign Regime?
Review:
In the 23rd century, the Sovereign Regime rules. In what was once Los Angeles, Davio sits in his impenetrable fortress making everyone else's life difficult. On the third day of their life every human is implanted with a chip into their wrist. The chip allows the Regime to see your every movement, everything you have bought, everyone you have interacted with and at any time, you may be monitored for what you say. Eighteen year old Goro and his friends are mounting a rebellion, beginning with a way to outsmart the chip readers that track everything they do. After a successful test run, the teens are on the SR's radar and well as the underground resistance movement. The underground luckily gets to them first and they begin training with the resistance army to bring down Davio and the SR. Goro's role, however, is different, the resistance needs something from him personally to bring down the SR and Goro's revenge is now personal.
This is a different type of Young Adult Dystopian that follows the same patterns that dystopian readers are used to,but with some new elements. Goro is very family oriented and is determined to make their lives better by fighting the regime. However, he is also very hotheaded and reckless. I am always interested in the dystopian world in which the story takes place and how it got there. This dystopian world is all political, the Sovereign Regime rules the planet in one New World Order. As for how we got there, no one has all the details, but there was a lot of warfare with very technologically advanced weapons. I do wish a little more backstory was given into how the world ended up this way. One of the things that Sovereignty does highlight really well are the pros and cons of the advances in technology. Everything is very convenient in their world, but nothing is private. The government is easily able to abuse anyone with their information. One thing that did bother me the entire way through the story was the language; this book is definitely for a high school audience with an 18 year old protagonist and violent fighting scenes, however, the insults the characters throw around are 'derp,' 'fuddy-duddy,' and 'whoopsay (sic).' Also, for being in the 23rd century, there sure are a lot of references to things today and historically that I'm not sure kids 200 years from now would even know about. Modern language such as 'bae,' 'containing my feels' and 'butt-ton' are used, there are also references to contemporary technology that just make the story feel a little out of place with the time. I do applaud the use of multi-cultural characters throughout the story. Goro is of Arab origin, his friends are Latino and some mix of European countries. Although, all these nationalities are mentioned, they don't really have a purpose other than to diversify the cast. Race doesn't seem to matter much in the world-building. People are separated by wealth. The ending was very exciting, I enjoyed reading about all the training for overtaking the SR. It seemed like the resistance movement was very well organized and ready to strike. Goro's necessary item within the resistance was also very interesting. The story intensified as they were attacking Davio's lair and things ended with a positive outlook for the people once under the SR. This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
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Meet the Author:
With master's degrees in education, special education, and counseling, Anjenique "Jen" Hughes is a high school English and math teacher who loves teaching and mentoring young people. She enjoys traveling and has worked with youth on five continents. Saying she is "young at heart" is an understatement; she is fluent in sarcasm, breaks eardrums with her teacher voice (students have complained when they were within earshot), and cracks sarcastic jokes with the best of her students. Her work with ethnically and socioeconomically diverse youth has inspired her to write books that appeal to a broad variety of students seeking stories of bravery, perseverance, loyalty, and success.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
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