I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The City Center by Simone Pond Narrator: Sarah Zimmerman
Series: The New Agenda #1
Published by Ktown Waters on October 10th 2013
Length: 6 hours 55 minutes
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult
Pages: 322
Format: Audiobook
Source: Provided for review through Audiobook Blast/Boom
Goodreads
Award winning Amazon Best Seller in Post-Apocalyptic and Dystopian Science Fiction.-- A dystopian book series about love and the fight for freedom. -- During the man-made apocalypse in the 21st century, a group of elites killed off a majority of the population. Only two groups of survivors remained--those selected to reside inside the Los Angeles City Center and the rebels, relegated to live on the Outside. Centuries later, Ava Rhodes is one of five potential successors competing to become the next Queen of the City Center. A week prior to the final competitions she encounters Joseph, a rebel from the Outside, and discovers her utopian home is actually a prison and breeding facility aimed at designing the perfect human. She escapes with Joseph to the Outside world, sending the City Center's leader, Chief Morray, into an obsessive pursuit for his property. Along the journey, Ava falls in love with Joseph and discovers an even darker secret about the fate of her people. She must decide whether to stay with Joseph, or save her people from destruction.
Julie’s Review:
The City Center is an interesting futuristic dystopia with sci-fi elements that I found very interesting. The people living in the City Center are genetically engineered to be a certain way, and only later do we realize the true sinister purpose for this. I thought the overall premise was great, the main character Ava is pretty dang awesome, and the villain is kind of a mad genius. I liked how Ava was already different and after reading the journal given to her by the Outsider and using her wit, she starts to see how things are not what she has been brainwashed to believe. However, I think this book is a little on the short side and honestly would make a better movie than it does a book. There is a ton of action and a lot of dialogue, but I don’t feel there is enough of a descriptive nature that I have come to expect in novels. It felt rushed and was more “tell” than “show”. Even though this is a series book, everything you expect to be in a dystopian trilogy happens here – from the world introduction and the conflict, to the escape, the capture, and finally the overthrowing of the current system (though there is an unresolved issue that can be continued in further books). That is just too much for one short book, and so most of it felt like I was reading a summary rather than the unfolding events leading up to the finale. Sure, I don’t like when a story drags out over books just to sell more books, but this one has the opposite problem. (After reading the blurbs for the other books in the series this kind of makes sense, as each subsequent book follows a different character in a different timeline in the New Agenda world.)
The premise is interesting and the characters seem really well-developed, so I can understand your upset over a lack of worldbuilding (or setting?) and the rushed nature of the story. Since the characters were so well-done, you’d want more. And I really don’t like it when an author tells rather than shows. I’m glad you liked it overall, Julie.
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…That’s What HE Said #35 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #14
Maybe it is setting that was missing development, the world itself seemed kind of small (specific to this particular city) so it is hard to say.
Sounds interesting and this author is completely new to me, so thanks for the introductions. I like the idea of a blend between dystopian and sci-fi! Lovely review <3
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I think most dystopians I see these days are set in a futuristic type world, so having sci-fi elements works well 🙂