I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
The Revisionary by Kristen Hogrefe Series: The Rogues #1
Published by Write Integrity Press on June 6th 2017
Genres: Action & Adventure, Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Young Adult Fiction
Pages: 399
Source: CelebrateLit
Amazon|Barnes&Noble|Goodreads
A Revisionary rewrites the rules. A Rogue breaks them. Which one is she?
Nineteen-year-old Portia Abernathy accepts her Revisionary draft to the Crystal Globe with one goal: earn a Dome seat so she can amend the satellite rules and rescue her brother. Her plan derails when Head Gage Eliab brands her as a suspect in a campus Rogue attack, and in a quest to clear her name, she questions if the vigilante Brotherhood responsible might be fighting for a cause greater than itself, a cause championed by the last civilization. But the current leaders have obscured history’s pages, and if she dares to engage the past through her training technology, they might wipe her own memory as well.
Her shifting loyalties pit her against Luther Danforth, her Court Citizen ally who believes in reform, not revolution. Joining the Brotherhood makes a future with him impossible—and Portia must decide if it’s better to rewrite the rules or to break them.
Here’s the thing with books that are sci-fi, futuristic, or even fantasy in feel and orientation: I have a hard time settling in. I’m basically plopped down into a different time/space/idea than what I already know and so I have to feel my way around in the dim glow a minute. An amazing author sets a compelling initial stage that gives you the basic understanding to get you started and then opens up more and more of the map. I mean let’s face it, nothing about this book screams ‘Fizzy needs to read this!’. However, I felt like I needed to read it, well actually the sequel which I’m reviewing on Thursday but still. And I’m super glad I listened to that other voice because I LOVED THIS BOOK.
Once I figured out the lay of the land, so to speak, I wasn’t often lost in translation. There were things that took time to really delve in and understand but the these were quickly overcome with explanations that helped me to understand things in this new context. One the other hand there were a few things I wish that have been explained better, such as more information about the Crystal Globe in relationship to the Dome (which, while not explained is obviously the seat of government) as I never fully understood the entire thing there. That being said I will say that this book is not overly Christian. In reality, faith has been obliterated. That’s not necessarily a negative about the book though because in context, it makes sense. The United States is gone, left in ruins that becomes the ASU (American Socialists United). While not a political story this book has some seriously subtle political undertones. Basically, even something that is considered utopian (by the masses) is endangered by the basis of human nature. Even in fairness we are unfair. The sacrifice of self for the good of all easily becomes for the good of some. It’s human nature. I’ve not read the wildly popular dystopian novels out there so I don’t have a point of reference but I have read ‘1984’ and ‘The Giver’ and see some parallels here. In a good way.
Portia drew me into her story, her world, her concerns, and her growth. I wish I could get my hands on the opening novella for this series ‘A Cord of Three Strands’ but have yet to be successful. I feel like I would better understand where her, and her family, is coming from. It is obviously not necessary as I was all in this book and invested in the intellectual awakening that Portia finds herself in. I was also invested in finding out more about The Rogues and their ultimate goal. I don’t know it all yet, but I’m about to embark on the journey with book two ‘The Revolutionary’ which I hope ties up a few ends. This book has me invested in it’s story. It has me invested in it’s journey. It may not be my normal reading fare but it definitely called to me to read it and I’m beyond glad I listened. Sometimes, I need to listen to those little gut feelings a little more.
About Kristen Hogrefe
Kristen Hogrefe is a Florida girl who says yes to most adventures involving sunshine and prefers to start her day with Jesus and coffee. She is a multi-published novelist of young adult fiction, including The Rogues trilogy (Write Integrity Press) and Wings of the Dawn trilogy. A life-long learner, she also has a heart for teaching and speaking in academic settings and professional conferences. You can find her blogging at KristenHogrefe.com where she challenges young adults and the young at heart to think truthfully and live daringly.
All my favorite genres rolled into one. Thanks 4 sharing.
It is definitely worth getting your hands on!
Thanks for commenting! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂