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Emancipation Warriors #1
The First Principle
In the not-too-distant future, the United Regions of America has formed. Governors hold territories instead of states, and while Washington, DC, is gone, the government has more control than ever before. For fifteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins, the daughter of a governor, this is life as usual. High school seems pretty much the same--until one day, that controlling power steps right through the door during study hall.
When Vivica speaks out to defend her pregnant friend against the harsh treatment of Population Management Officer Marina Ward, she has no idea she's sowing the seeds of a revolution in her own life. But it isn't long before she discovers her own illegal pregnancy. Now she has to decide whether to get the mandatory abortion--or follow her heart, try to keep the baby, and possibly ruin her mother's chances at becoming president.
A rebel group called the Emancipation Warriors, who are fighting to restore freedoms once held unalienable, offer her asylum. Can Vivica trust these rebels to help her or will they bring everything crashing down around her? Accepting their help may come with consequences she isn't ready to face.
Marissa Shrock's debut novel crafts a chilling story of what may be to come if we allow the economic and moral crises currently facing our country to change the foundations on which we built our independence--and of the difference one person can make when they choose to trust God's lead.
When Vivica speaks out to defend her pregnant friend against the harsh treatment of Population Management Officer Marina Ward, she has no idea she's sowing the seeds of a revolution in her own life. But it isn't long before she discovers her own illegal pregnancy. Now she has to decide whether to get the mandatory abortion--or follow her heart, try to keep the baby, and possibly ruin her mother's chances at becoming president.
A rebel group called the Emancipation Warriors, who are fighting to restore freedoms once held unalienable, offer her asylum. Can Vivica trust these rebels to help her or will they bring everything crashing down around her? Accepting their help may come with consequences she isn't ready to face.
Marissa Shrock's debut novel crafts a chilling story of what may be to come if we allow the economic and moral crises currently facing our country to change the foundations on which we built our independence--and of the difference one person can make when they choose to trust God's lead.
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
11 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Shrock
21 books73 followersMarissa Shrock is a survivor of many awkward blind dates and many years of teaching middle school. Both provide excellent inspiration for her fictional yarns.
Since childhood, she’s loved to read a variety of genres, so her own work includes dystopian thrillers and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of the Emancipation Warriors Series and the Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Series. Her debut novel, The First Principle, was a Carol Award Finalist.
Marissa enjoys playing golf, building elaborate LEGO creations, and traveling to new places. Her home is in Indiana, where she’s surrounded by corn and soybean fields.
Since childhood, she’s loved to read a variety of genres, so her own work includes dystopian thrillers and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of the Emancipation Warriors Series and the Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Series. Her debut novel, The First Principle, was a Carol Award Finalist.
Marissa enjoys playing golf, building elaborate LEGO creations, and traveling to new places. Her home is in Indiana, where she’s surrounded by corn and soybean fields.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 14, 2024
Full video review to come but in short: this is a piece of Christian nationalist fiction intended to be a Christian version of the handmaids tale and created for teenage girls to scare and manipulate them into being Christian nationalists and anti abortion.
I desperately hope the author gets a grip and realizes that “partial birth abortion” is not a fucking real thing. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/term-a...
I desperately hope the author gets a grip and realizes that “partial birth abortion” is not a fucking real thing. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/term-a...
November 2, 2024
YA Dystopia meets pro-life propaganda, and it's just as bad as you expect. The language is manipulative, the plot is thin, the author pushes a harmful false narrative around abortion, and honestly, I wish I could unread something.
November 11, 2024
Absolute shit. Its's a YA dystopian Christian anti-life propaganda. This is a world where christianity and pregnancy are banned, so women are forced to have abortions. A stupid Christian version of Handmaid's tale
March 26, 2015
I should read young adult novels more often. YA authors tend to be crazy-talented. They have to be, because most youth won’t waste their time reading otherwise. In The First Principle, Marissa Shrock gave credence to my point. Consider her first sentence:
The biggest rebellions begin with the smallest steps, and I took my first small step one December morning during study hall.
If I were a teen, that statement alone would capture my attention as I suspect every adolescent has a rebel lurking within. As they should, to some extent, or society would never change. We’d still be listening to Gregorian Chants and wearing corsets. Because sometimes to do what’s right, one must stand up against what’s wrong, and often our youth are the few with the courage to do so.
In that vein, Marissa Shrock is a talented author who challenged me to think outside the box while simultaneously encouraging me to evaluate my culture on a deeper level.
Though completely different than the Hunger Games in almost every way, this novel reminded me of the underlying thread presented in that best-selling series: Children, well, in this case, teens, controlled by adults. Adults the teens weren’t entirely sure they could trust. In that regard, I felt Marissa captured the struggle many of today’s teens face—that of wanting independence; of seeing societal rules, laws and customs as confining yet wanting to conform.
I empathized with and admired Vivica, the usually obedient and political correct heroine. As the daughter of a politician, she’s been raised to believe many of the rules of her time—the banning of unapproved Bibles, mandatory pregnancy tests and vaccines, and forced abortions, are for the good of all. Until a personal problem causes her to reevaluate everything she knows. For much of the novel, she wrestles with this uncertainty and the emotional angst that comes with it, because for her, changing beliefs means much more than pushing back against societal expectations. It could destroy her relationship with her mother. And maybe cost her her life.
This was a great book, authentically told, and literally kept me up well past my bedtime on numerous nights. I found the conversations between the teens in novel very true to life, and I loved how Marissa resolved the issues presented and the story. I will definitely be looking out for more Shrock novels, and I plan to tell the teens I know about her as well.
The biggest rebellions begin with the smallest steps, and I took my first small step one December morning during study hall.
If I were a teen, that statement alone would capture my attention as I suspect every adolescent has a rebel lurking within. As they should, to some extent, or society would never change. We’d still be listening to Gregorian Chants and wearing corsets. Because sometimes to do what’s right, one must stand up against what’s wrong, and often our youth are the few with the courage to do so.
In that vein, Marissa Shrock is a talented author who challenged me to think outside the box while simultaneously encouraging me to evaluate my culture on a deeper level.
Though completely different than the Hunger Games in almost every way, this novel reminded me of the underlying thread presented in that best-selling series: Children, well, in this case, teens, controlled by adults. Adults the teens weren’t entirely sure they could trust. In that regard, I felt Marissa captured the struggle many of today’s teens face—that of wanting independence; of seeing societal rules, laws and customs as confining yet wanting to conform.
I empathized with and admired Vivica, the usually obedient and political correct heroine. As the daughter of a politician, she’s been raised to believe many of the rules of her time—the banning of unapproved Bibles, mandatory pregnancy tests and vaccines, and forced abortions, are for the good of all. Until a personal problem causes her to reevaluate everything she knows. For much of the novel, she wrestles with this uncertainty and the emotional angst that comes with it, because for her, changing beliefs means much more than pushing back against societal expectations. It could destroy her relationship with her mother. And maybe cost her her life.
This was a great book, authentically told, and literally kept me up well past my bedtime on numerous nights. I found the conversations between the teens in novel very true to life, and I loved how Marissa resolved the issues presented and the story. I will definitely be looking out for more Shrock novels, and I plan to tell the teens I know about her as well.
November 15, 2024
If i could give this 0 stars i would
Here is my notes unedited:
-this was so american
-no, you dont get to tell a dystopuan story while you are creating a real dystopia for us
-you can't take the one amazing thing we have, which is hunger games like dystopias
-this can never happen
-it is so out of nowhere and weird as hell
-its so funny that it acknowledges everything wrong with the world
-STOP MAKING YOURSELF THE VICTIM
-GLOBALIZATION IS GOOD DUDE??!!!!!
Here is my notes unedited:
-this was so american
-no, you dont get to tell a dystopuan story while you are creating a real dystopia for us
-you can't take the one amazing thing we have, which is hunger games like dystopias
-this can never happen
-it is so out of nowhere and weird as hell
-its so funny that it acknowledges everything wrong with the world
-STOP MAKING YOURSELF THE VICTIM
-GLOBALIZATION IS GOOD DUDE??!!!!!
November 23, 2024
I can’t give 0 so I gave 1 star
April 10, 2015
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I requested the book for two reasons. The first being that futuristic dystopian literature is still such a hot area for young adult fiction. I like to explore authors’ different takes on the prevalent theme. However, the bigger draw for me was the author herself, Marissa Shrock. She is a middle school language arts teacher, as I was once, publishing her first novel. So my assumption was that she would have a good handle on what appeals to teen readers. I was not disappointed.
Fifteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins is the daughter of a governor in the not too distant future United Regions of North America. She has been indoctrinated that government knows best and to toe the line. Vivica doesn’t question her life until she discovers her illegal pregnancy and begins to wonder about the sanctity of life and if the government is really looking out for the best interest of those it’s meant to serve.
Vivica is driven by both internal conflict and external events. She is surrounded by characters who are each true to their own natures and have their own agendas. This at times creates support for Vivica and her journey and at other times creates a lot of the plot tension that kept me turning pages.
While the idea of a United Regions of North America and the government structures was confusing at times, I think both were adequately explained throughout the story. It was just such an unfamiliar (yet recognizable) “country” and government system that at times I had to pause in the story and think. Never a bad thing. Shrock creates a very believable option of a future society full of government control and the acceptance of any beliefs but those founded on Biblical principles.
My qualms with the story came in two linked areas. The first being the relationship between Vivica and the father of her child. It just seemed a bit too dramatic and forced to me. It also seemed in place for the sole purpose of pushing Vivica to accept Christ and the Emancipation Warriors beliefs. The beliefs the Emancipation Warriors are fighting for in the book are unashamedly Christian and biblically based. Both good things to expose young readers of today too. However, many times it seemed nothing more than a plot device and will perhaps turn some readers off the book as a whole.
As far as questionable content for the conservative reader, there is both violence (although not graphic) and, as mentioned, teen pregnancy. However, I believe it is perfectly acceptable for young adult readers. The book brings a perspective not really found in current YA dystopian novels. Most are based on the achievement of the individual protagonist. While Vivica is strong and certainly does her part, it is clear that there is a bigger work at play and that God ultimately helps people succeed. Additionally, the story world created by Shrock is not as fantastical and fictional as most dystopian worlds tend to be. She took trends we already see in our current culture and simply magnifies them in her future story world.
Overall, I think this is a worthwhile book for both teens and adults alike. It made me ponder some of the things I see around me in society and government. I was rooting for Vivica, which kept me turning pages. And the book ended in such a way that I wonder if this is the first in a series – an idea that I would fully support as a reader.
Pros: fast-paced; dynamic protagonist with antagonists I loved to dislike; realistic future worldview
Cons: some plot jumps; spirituality as plot device
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (Good)
***This review also appears on The Christian Manifesto website
Fifteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins is the daughter of a governor in the not too distant future United Regions of North America. She has been indoctrinated that government knows best and to toe the line. Vivica doesn’t question her life until she discovers her illegal pregnancy and begins to wonder about the sanctity of life and if the government is really looking out for the best interest of those it’s meant to serve.
Vivica is driven by both internal conflict and external events. She is surrounded by characters who are each true to their own natures and have their own agendas. This at times creates support for Vivica and her journey and at other times creates a lot of the plot tension that kept me turning pages.
While the idea of a United Regions of North America and the government structures was confusing at times, I think both were adequately explained throughout the story. It was just such an unfamiliar (yet recognizable) “country” and government system that at times I had to pause in the story and think. Never a bad thing. Shrock creates a very believable option of a future society full of government control and the acceptance of any beliefs but those founded on Biblical principles.
My qualms with the story came in two linked areas. The first being the relationship between Vivica and the father of her child. It just seemed a bit too dramatic and forced to me. It also seemed in place for the sole purpose of pushing Vivica to accept Christ and the Emancipation Warriors beliefs. The beliefs the Emancipation Warriors are fighting for in the book are unashamedly Christian and biblically based. Both good things to expose young readers of today too. However, many times it seemed nothing more than a plot device and will perhaps turn some readers off the book as a whole.
As far as questionable content for the conservative reader, there is both violence (although not graphic) and, as mentioned, teen pregnancy. However, I believe it is perfectly acceptable for young adult readers. The book brings a perspective not really found in current YA dystopian novels. Most are based on the achievement of the individual protagonist. While Vivica is strong and certainly does her part, it is clear that there is a bigger work at play and that God ultimately helps people succeed. Additionally, the story world created by Shrock is not as fantastical and fictional as most dystopian worlds tend to be. She took trends we already see in our current culture and simply magnifies them in her future story world.
Overall, I think this is a worthwhile book for both teens and adults alike. It made me ponder some of the things I see around me in society and government. I was rooting for Vivica, which kept me turning pages. And the book ended in such a way that I wonder if this is the first in a series – an idea that I would fully support as a reader.
Pros: fast-paced; dynamic protagonist with antagonists I loved to dislike; realistic future worldview
Cons: some plot jumps; spirituality as plot device
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (Good)
***This review also appears on The Christian Manifesto website
January 20, 2015
Are the Odds in Her Favor?
What would you do if you lived in a world where your decisions were taken away from you? Would you try and beat the odds by fighting the system or join the majority, letting the government tell you what you can and can’t do, read, or believe?
This is exactly what Vivica Wilkins faces in this young adult book, The First Principle. In this futuristic novel, the citizens of the United Regions of North America must conform to the government regime. If not, they’re punished.
In the opening, Vivica defends a classmate for trying to hide her pregnancy for fear of having to terminate it. The young girl tries to run, but is shot with a tranquilizer and taken away. The school is left in shock at the brazen treatment.
Days later, Vivica finds herself in the same predicament—pregnant and caught between two worlds. As the daughter of the next presidential candidate, does she conform and terminate the pregnancy (they don’t call it killing) or does she join the rebellion and save the life growing inside her?
Torn at what to do, she begins to read the old forbidden version of the Bible given to her by her baby’s father and investigates what the rebellion is all about. She discovers all is not what it seems and danger lurks around every corner.
An assassin’s bullet finds its mark and kills the resigning president, but fails at their attempt to take out the presidential candidate—Vivica’s mother. The rebellion is blamed, but were they set up?
Vivica struggles with the regime she’s known all her life and the new world the rebels are showing her. Can she terminate the life growing inside her and turn away from her mother for this faith she can’t see or feel?
The First Principle is Marissa Shrock’s first novel, but you would never know it! This book had me hooked from the start. I loved the world Ms. Shrock created with her United Regions of North America, which includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It’s believable. The government regime reminded me The Capitol in The Hunger Games. They needed to be in control of every aspect of their citizen’s lives. They were always watching. Telling you what to read, eat, believe.
Ms. Shrock’s characters are well rounded. Vivica is strong-willed, but with a soft heart. She’s not scared to stand up against her mother.
The book is labeled as young adult, but even adults will love it. I did! It’s fast-paced with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Who is behind the conspiracy? Can you figure it out? Don’t be so sure!
I give The First Principle 4.5 stars. I sure hope Ms. Shrock will continue with more in this dystopian novel series. If you liked The Hunger Games, you will love this book.
Pick up this book and find out how a teen handles an adult situation. You won’t be able to put it down.
I promise!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.
What would you do if you lived in a world where your decisions were taken away from you? Would you try and beat the odds by fighting the system or join the majority, letting the government tell you what you can and can’t do, read, or believe?
This is exactly what Vivica Wilkins faces in this young adult book, The First Principle. In this futuristic novel, the citizens of the United Regions of North America must conform to the government regime. If not, they’re punished.
In the opening, Vivica defends a classmate for trying to hide her pregnancy for fear of having to terminate it. The young girl tries to run, but is shot with a tranquilizer and taken away. The school is left in shock at the brazen treatment.
Days later, Vivica finds herself in the same predicament—pregnant and caught between two worlds. As the daughter of the next presidential candidate, does she conform and terminate the pregnancy (they don’t call it killing) or does she join the rebellion and save the life growing inside her?
Torn at what to do, she begins to read the old forbidden version of the Bible given to her by her baby’s father and investigates what the rebellion is all about. She discovers all is not what it seems and danger lurks around every corner.
An assassin’s bullet finds its mark and kills the resigning president, but fails at their attempt to take out the presidential candidate—Vivica’s mother. The rebellion is blamed, but were they set up?
Vivica struggles with the regime she’s known all her life and the new world the rebels are showing her. Can she terminate the life growing inside her and turn away from her mother for this faith she can’t see or feel?
The First Principle is Marissa Shrock’s first novel, but you would never know it! This book had me hooked from the start. I loved the world Ms. Shrock created with her United Regions of North America, which includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It’s believable. The government regime reminded me The Capitol in The Hunger Games. They needed to be in control of every aspect of their citizen’s lives. They were always watching. Telling you what to read, eat, believe.
Ms. Shrock’s characters are well rounded. Vivica is strong-willed, but with a soft heart. She’s not scared to stand up against her mother.
The book is labeled as young adult, but even adults will love it. I did! It’s fast-paced with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Who is behind the conspiracy? Can you figure it out? Don’t be so sure!
I give The First Principle 4.5 stars. I sure hope Ms. Shrock will continue with more in this dystopian novel series. If you liked The Hunger Games, you will love this book.
Pick up this book and find out how a teen handles an adult situation. You won’t be able to put it down.
I promise!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.
February 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this fascinating story set in what, hopefully, won't be our future! North America is split into regions and the government controls what you say, do, and even whether or not you can have a child. Vivica is the daughter of a governor and has never really questioned why the laws are in place or if it's right. She stands up for a pregnant teenage girl in her class when she's mistreated by Population Management and told she must terminate. Soon after she sees a poor child she tries to help and that makes her wonder about the reasons the term law is in place. Rumblings of uprisings happening in every region also open her eyes to the fact that not everyone is happy with the way things are.
When she discovers her own pregnancy, she's torn between what she's always believed and the uncertain feeling growing inside her that her belief is wrong. Added to her confusion are the feelings she still carries for the baby's father and her surprise at discovering he's a secret Christian. With her mother's sights set on the presidency and the boy she's interested in on the side of the rebels, she's going to have to make some hard decisions that will determine the rest of her life.
I really liked Vivica; she was spunky and tough and a little sarcastic. I thought it was believable how she struggled to understand what Christianity was really about and didn't immediately make a decision about faith or her baby. I thought it was surprising that she was even willing to think about giving up her cozy life to have a baby when she wasn't even sure she thought it was wrong to terminate. I could see getting away from her mother, though, who only thought about herself and her career. There was a lot of great action and some good discussion about faith as she tried to understand the lies she'd been told about God and what the truth really was. I liked the clear gospel message. There were some cool gadgets and other futuristic things that were interesting. There were two guys in her life that it seemed she could be interested in and I wonder if there will be another book where that's explored a little more as she gets older. I liked that it made me think about issues, like where our country's headed, our freedom and standing up for what's right. It reminded me a bit of Hunger Games and I highly recommend it if you like dystopian fiction or if you're a teenager or young adult.
I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.
When she discovers her own pregnancy, she's torn between what she's always believed and the uncertain feeling growing inside her that her belief is wrong. Added to her confusion are the feelings she still carries for the baby's father and her surprise at discovering he's a secret Christian. With her mother's sights set on the presidency and the boy she's interested in on the side of the rebels, she's going to have to make some hard decisions that will determine the rest of her life.
I really liked Vivica; she was spunky and tough and a little sarcastic. I thought it was believable how she struggled to understand what Christianity was really about and didn't immediately make a decision about faith or her baby. I thought it was surprising that she was even willing to think about giving up her cozy life to have a baby when she wasn't even sure she thought it was wrong to terminate. I could see getting away from her mother, though, who only thought about herself and her career. There was a lot of great action and some good discussion about faith as she tried to understand the lies she'd been told about God and what the truth really was. I liked the clear gospel message. There were some cool gadgets and other futuristic things that were interesting. There were two guys in her life that it seemed she could be interested in and I wonder if there will be another book where that's explored a little more as she gets older. I liked that it made me think about issues, like where our country's headed, our freedom and standing up for what's right. It reminded me a bit of Hunger Games and I highly recommend it if you like dystopian fiction or if you're a teenager or young adult.
I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2015
The world presented in The First Principle is scary ... yet feels all too familiar. As I read, I thought, "This could really happen here." Not all of it, of course, but the disregard for life and hatred of God's Word are already present in our society—The First Principle just takes it to another level.
As teen dystopian fiction goes, this is really good. I appreciate Shrock's willingness to tackle tough issues like abortion and tolerance, and those issues are wrapped in an engaging story. I do have to say that the events near the end of the novel didn't keep my attention nearly as well as those at the beginning, but that may have just been me.
While romance isn't a main focus of The First Principle, Ben (Vivica's ex) and Drake (her "handler," so to speak) both make intriguing romantic partners for Vivica. If there's a sequel, and I truly hope there is, I'd love to see those relationships develop. I'm definitely "Team Drake" for now!
I have to be honest: I'm not a fan of the cover. I never would have picked up this book based on the cover alone. I'm glad I didn't let the cover influence my decision to read this book, but I'm afraid it will keep some teens away, and that's too bad. This is a thought-provoking novel that our teens should be reading. 4 stars.
Content note: In a world where teens (and younger) are reading The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Twilight, The First Principle is quite tame. There is some discussion of sex, which is natural considering the main character is pregnant. Nothing is graphic or inappropriate, however, and I would think this novel is appropriate for ages 13 and up.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
As teen dystopian fiction goes, this is really good. I appreciate Shrock's willingness to tackle tough issues like abortion and tolerance, and those issues are wrapped in an engaging story. I do have to say that the events near the end of the novel didn't keep my attention nearly as well as those at the beginning, but that may have just been me.
While romance isn't a main focus of The First Principle, Ben (Vivica's ex) and Drake (her "handler," so to speak) both make intriguing romantic partners for Vivica. If there's a sequel, and I truly hope there is, I'd love to see those relationships develop. I'm definitely "Team Drake" for now!
I have to be honest: I'm not a fan of the cover. I never would have picked up this book based on the cover alone. I'm glad I didn't let the cover influence my decision to read this book, but I'm afraid it will keep some teens away, and that's too bad. This is a thought-provoking novel that our teens should be reading. 4 stars.
Content note: In a world where teens (and younger) are reading The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Twilight, The First Principle is quite tame. There is some discussion of sex, which is natural considering the main character is pregnant. Nothing is graphic or inappropriate, however, and I would think this novel is appropriate for ages 13 and up.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 10, 2014
Adults frequently enjoy reading books written for younger readers. This is one I'd recommend to my fellow adults.
I was especially pleased that Ms. Shrock began with endorsements by teen girls rather than the more typical endorsements by fellow writers. If that doesn't help to win new teen readers, I'll be shocked.
I was intrigued this story takes place in a futuristic society that is too easy to picture the United States becoming. A society in which the Bible is banned as hate literature and Christians are considered enemies of the state. A society in which teen sex is taken for granted, teen pregnancy is vaccinated against, and abortion--the vaccines don't always work--is the standard not to be questioned.
The First Principle turned out to be quite suspenseful. More than I'd expected. Although it drew me in from the beginning, it quickly turned into a page turner. No wonder I finished it in a couple of days!
Probably my only real criticism is that the amount of detail about the new nation and its government seemed unnecessary at times. Although the information dump near the beginning of Chapter Two was short, it was a distraction. Better to spread out the revelation of back story and have it come out naturally bit by bit throughout the book. But that's easier said than done.
I'm not sure the title does the book justice. Not when people judge a possible read by title, cover, and back cover copy.
I was especially pleased that Ms. Shrock began with endorsements by teen girls rather than the more typical endorsements by fellow writers. If that doesn't help to win new teen readers, I'll be shocked.
I was intrigued this story takes place in a futuristic society that is too easy to picture the United States becoming. A society in which the Bible is banned as hate literature and Christians are considered enemies of the state. A society in which teen sex is taken for granted, teen pregnancy is vaccinated against, and abortion--the vaccines don't always work--is the standard not to be questioned.
The First Principle turned out to be quite suspenseful. More than I'd expected. Although it drew me in from the beginning, it quickly turned into a page turner. No wonder I finished it in a couple of days!
Probably my only real criticism is that the amount of detail about the new nation and its government seemed unnecessary at times. Although the information dump near the beginning of Chapter Two was short, it was a distraction. Better to spread out the revelation of back story and have it come out naturally bit by bit throughout the book. But that's easier said than done.
I'm not sure the title does the book justice. Not when people judge a possible read by title, cover, and back cover copy.
December 12, 2014
I was so pleasantly surprised while reading this book. It's just what a YA dystopian should be.
The First Principle tells the story of Vivica, only daughter to one of the seven regional governors of the United Republic of North America. Viv is a model citizen except that she's a bit outspoken and idealistic. Her mouth gets her in trouble when she speaks up to defend a pregnant classmate who is taken by the government to get a forced abortion (the dystopian society's solution to teen pregnancy and overpopulation).
There's so much to like here. The Bible has been outlawed as hate speech. Christians become an underground railroad for pregnant teens wishing to escape abortion, and there's enough political wrangling to keep things lively.
The book is well-written and engaging. Readers go on a journey with Vivica to learn about God. Some of the evangelizing is overt but it's interspersed in small chunks so it's not overbearing.
More please.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The First Principle tells the story of Vivica, only daughter to one of the seven regional governors of the United Republic of North America. Viv is a model citizen except that she's a bit outspoken and idealistic. Her mouth gets her in trouble when she speaks up to defend a pregnant classmate who is taken by the government to get a forced abortion (the dystopian society's solution to teen pregnancy and overpopulation).
There's so much to like here. The Bible has been outlawed as hate speech. Christians become an underground railroad for pregnant teens wishing to escape abortion, and there's enough political wrangling to keep things lively.
The book is well-written and engaging. Readers go on a journey with Vivica to learn about God. Some of the evangelizing is overt but it's interspersed in small chunks so it's not overbearing.
More please.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Marissa Shrock’s The First Principle definitely surprised me and I liked it a lot more than I expected I would. Set in a futuristic, dystopian society, this novel tackles difficult topics within a highly addictive plotline, filled with fast-paced action and thought-provoking emotions. I couldn’t seem to put it down. It’s a quick, entertaining read - and I certainly hope there is more to come for Vivica. I can’t wait. But in the meantime, I recommend this novel for readers of young adult fiction who enjoy dystopian societies.
Thanks to Kregel Publications, I received a copy of The First Principle and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Marissa Shrock’s The First Principle definitely surprised me and I liked it a lot more than I expected I would. Set in a futuristic, dystopian society, this novel tackles difficult topics within a highly addictive plotline, filled with fast-paced action and thought-provoking emotions. I couldn’t seem to put it down. It’s a quick, entertaining read - and I certainly hope there is more to come for Vivica. I can’t wait. But in the meantime, I recommend this novel for readers of young adult fiction who enjoy dystopian societies.
Thanks to Kregel Publications, I received a copy of The First Principle and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 7, 2014
Marissa Shrock's debut YA novel is a page turner full of suspense with a few twists. Written from the point of view of a teen, Shrock captured the voice of Vivica Wilkins well.
Tackling difficult topics (teen sexuality, abortion, political unrest), Shrock has written a book that could invite discussion between teens and adults. She's also written a guide to facilitate that discussion (go to kregel.com to learn more).
All in all, I found The First Principle to be a solid first novel with an ending which leaves the reader hoping for more in the series.
Tackling difficult topics (teen sexuality, abortion, political unrest), Shrock has written a book that could invite discussion between teens and adults. She's also written a guide to facilitate that discussion (go to kregel.com to learn more).
All in all, I found The First Principle to be a solid first novel with an ending which leaves the reader hoping for more in the series.
September 6, 2015
Fantastic read. At times it was very hard to put down!
In all the futuristic scenarios, I found myself later deep in thought about what it would be like to live in this society. Eerily enough, it doesn't seem that far from where we are today. I loved that it was action packed, full of opportunities for discussion regarding choices, moral dilemmas, and who and what we value. This would be a great novel to discuss in small groups.
The creativity and innovative ideas presented in this book were great and I look forward to more books by Marissa!
In all the futuristic scenarios, I found myself later deep in thought about what it would be like to live in this society. Eerily enough, it doesn't seem that far from where we are today. I loved that it was action packed, full of opportunities for discussion regarding choices, moral dilemmas, and who and what we value. This would be a great novel to discuss in small groups.
The creativity and innovative ideas presented in this book were great and I look forward to more books by Marissa!
November 13, 2019
The First Principle by Marissa Shrock is an action-packed, intense, YA dystopian novel. With only 235 pages, it is a quick read.
From the start, Vivica, the daughter of a powerful governor and the intended next president, has major decisions to make that affect many other people for better and worse. These tough choices force her to discover what she truly believes about issues in the world and about who she really is.
This is a well-written debut novel. I look forward to reading more from this author. I hope she does a sequel so we know how the next chapter in Vivica's life ends.
From the start, Vivica, the daughter of a powerful governor and the intended next president, has major decisions to make that affect many other people for better and worse. These tough choices force her to discover what she truly believes about issues in the world and about who she really is.
This is a well-written debut novel. I look forward to reading more from this author. I hope she does a sequel so we know how the next chapter in Vivica's life ends.
September 25, 2015
I enjoyed this dytopian due to the main character, Vivian, who first stands up for a classmate and later stands against the person closest to her, all for what she believes is right. The multi-dimensional secondary characters and their actions kept me guessing throughout the story. I highly recommend this YA novel for young people and adults alike.
I received an e-book copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-book copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2015
Marissa Shrock's The First Principle is enthralling and action-packed. I read it in one sitting! This fast-paced novel faces choices of life, death, and faith head-on in a startling view of what tomorrow could bring. Which side will you take? I recommend this to teen and college age friends.
January 5, 2015
Excellent! I loved this Christian, Dystopian novel. I really enjoyed my first book of 2015.
May 1, 2020
An excellent glimpse of a not-so-distant future where Christianity is reviled as "exclusivism" and the Bible is banned for containing "hate speech." Vivica Wilkins is the teenage daughter of the governor of the Great Lakes Region of the United Regions of North America. She is also pregnant, and the law requires that she undergo "termination," a euphemism for abortion. But Vivica has other ideas ...
Editing oversights found in the Kindle text: Page 23, Attention students / ATTENTION, students ; 33, A quick glace in the mirror / A quick GLANCE in the mirror ; 52, a couple miles away / a couple OF miles away ; 60, My voiced trembled / My VOICE trembled ; 85, the nurse said turning away / the nurse SAID, turning away ; 96, A vice-like grip clutched / A VISE-like grip clutched ; 108, Her faced twisted in disgust / Her FACE twisted in disgust ;
Page 112, you were backed in a corner / you were backed INTO a corner ; 118, there was tool kit / there was A tool kit ; 127, When you 'make a difference' / When you SAY 'make a difference' ; 142, You're not going to make it too dark are you? / You're not going to make it too DARK, are you? ; 151, I don't see any abnormalities. He pushed up his glasses / I don't see any ABNORMALITIES." He pushed up his glasses (needs end quote) ;
Page 154, Traveling for work I think / Traveling for WORK, I think ; 160, if I had to pick one of them to trust it would be Canton / if I had to pick one of them to TRUST, it would be Canton ; 164, Besides it was addressed to Judd / BESIDES, it was addressed to Judd ; 166, if I have to I will / if I have TO, I will ; 168, the words Ben hurled my direction / the words Ben hurled IN my direction ; 171, I think I'll go lay down / I think I'll go LIE down ;
Page 177, You don't have your fingers crossed do you? / You don't have your fingers CROSSED, do you? ; 200, ID please / ID, please .
Editing oversights found in the Kindle text: Page 23, Attention students / ATTENTION, students ; 33, A quick glace in the mirror / A quick GLANCE in the mirror ; 52, a couple miles away / a couple OF miles away ; 60, My voiced trembled / My VOICE trembled ; 85, the nurse said turning away / the nurse SAID, turning away ; 96, A vice-like grip clutched / A VISE-like grip clutched ; 108, Her faced twisted in disgust / Her FACE twisted in disgust ;
Page 112, you were backed in a corner / you were backed INTO a corner ; 118, there was tool kit / there was A tool kit ; 127, When you 'make a difference' / When you SAY 'make a difference' ; 142, You're not going to make it too dark are you? / You're not going to make it too DARK, are you? ; 151, I don't see any abnormalities. He pushed up his glasses / I don't see any ABNORMALITIES." He pushed up his glasses (needs end quote) ;
Page 154, Traveling for work I think / Traveling for WORK, I think ; 160, if I had to pick one of them to trust it would be Canton / if I had to pick one of them to TRUST, it would be Canton ; 164, Besides it was addressed to Judd / BESIDES, it was addressed to Judd ; 166, if I have to I will / if I have TO, I will ; 168, the words Ben hurled my direction / the words Ben hurled IN my direction ; 171, I think I'll go lay down / I think I'll go LIE down ;
Page 177, You don't have your fingers crossed do you? / You don't have your fingers CROSSED, do you? ; 200, ID please / ID, please .
May 9, 2017
After my review of The Liberation, I felt compelled to check out The First Principal, especially since I already owned the ebook anyway. And I have to say, I liked this one quite a bit more. I finally got an answer to the age question of that one character (he’s 21 when she’s 17) and I found the majority of the book much more believable.
The blurb explains the story well – Vivica is already questioning the laws against teenage pregnancy when she discovers she herself is pregnant and has to make a choice. At the same time, some political machinations are occurring, both in regards to the rebel group and with her mother’s bid for the presidency. The adventure Vivica finds herself on was tense, nail-biting and fairly believable for a 17-year-old teen. There was more detail and description – I really enjoyed the book.
I still had some minor qualms. For one, 21 is a bit young for me to really buy someone as such a high-level Emancipation Warrior. Also I’d been feeling guilty for how unbelievable I found book #2 compared to book #1 and then the big climactic ending happened and made me lol. I may have never felt a single labor pain prior to my emergency c-section but I know childbirth is rarely quite the way it went in the book. (And I say that while having a friend who has literally given birth so quickly that the paramedics barely made it to the house in time for her third child.)
But those were minor and altogether I found The First Principal a stronger book than the sequel and I definitely think teen girls would like it.
The blurb explains the story well – Vivica is already questioning the laws against teenage pregnancy when she discovers she herself is pregnant and has to make a choice. At the same time, some political machinations are occurring, both in regards to the rebel group and with her mother’s bid for the presidency. The adventure Vivica finds herself on was tense, nail-biting and fairly believable for a 17-year-old teen. There was more detail and description – I really enjoyed the book.
I still had some minor qualms. For one, 21 is a bit young for me to really buy someone as such a high-level Emancipation Warrior. Also I’d been feeling guilty for how unbelievable I found book #2 compared to book #1 and then the big climactic ending happened and made me lol. I may have never felt a single labor pain prior to my emergency c-section but I know childbirth is rarely quite the way it went in the book. (And I say that while having a friend who has literally given birth so quickly that the paramedics barely made it to the house in time for her third child.)
But those were minor and altogether I found The First Principal a stronger book than the sequel and I definitely think teen girls would like it.
October 27, 2018
What an amazing book! Marissa took the "truths" of today and brought them along to their logical conclusion, then presented the fight for freedom, liberty, and God's truth.
Consider the contemporary opinion that teenagers should not be discouraged from engaging in sexual activity before marriage and add to that the use of abortion as contraception, then follow the notion that people should not be responsible for their own actions, and you have the makings of an intriguing political thriller. In the world Marissa Shrock presents, underage adults no longer have the right to decide whether they want to abort their children. The government takes the right away and enforces its law by submitting young women to pregnancy tests on a regular basis.
This is just part of the interesting world Marissa develops, but it's the catalyst that brings the main character, Vivica Wilkins, toward the truth and connects her to the underground rebels, the Emancipation Warriors.
This promises to be an exciting series geared toward Young Adults, but older adults will become engrossed in it also. Highly recommend this novel. Well done, Marissa Shrock!
Consider the contemporary opinion that teenagers should not be discouraged from engaging in sexual activity before marriage and add to that the use of abortion as contraception, then follow the notion that people should not be responsible for their own actions, and you have the makings of an intriguing political thriller. In the world Marissa Shrock presents, underage adults no longer have the right to decide whether they want to abort their children. The government takes the right away and enforces its law by submitting young women to pregnancy tests on a regular basis.
This is just part of the interesting world Marissa develops, but it's the catalyst that brings the main character, Vivica Wilkins, toward the truth and connects her to the underground rebels, the Emancipation Warriors.
This promises to be an exciting series geared toward Young Adults, but older adults will become engrossed in it also. Highly recommend this novel. Well done, Marissa Shrock!
December 19, 2024
Genuinely shocked that people think this is a possibility when they are trying to do the opposite. Trying to take the right to choose away from people. They are making the argument that people will force abortions onto people when the reality is they are forcing pregnancies onto people.
But as for the internals of the book, there is a fatal flaw. The father of the baby is apparently a Christian who is persecuted for his beliefs. However, having s*x before marriage is more than okay. He doesn't get into his beliefs until after he engages in pre-marital s*x. So how much of a good Christian can he be when he is more than happy to sin against the God he is so steadfast in believing.
Also the underground railroad for people to not have abortions is literally a mirror of the people who have to go through in order to access safe abortions.
All in all, Christian propaganda that even then makes no sense.
But as for the internals of the book, there is a fatal flaw. The father of the baby is apparently a Christian who is persecuted for his beliefs. However, having s*x before marriage is more than okay. He doesn't get into his beliefs until after he engages in pre-marital s*x. So how much of a good Christian can he be when he is more than happy to sin against the God he is so steadfast in believing.
Also the underground railroad for people to not have abortions is literally a mirror of the people who have to go through in order to access safe abortions.
All in all, Christian propaganda that even then makes no sense.
August 11, 2018
It was an interesting take on a dystopian society, one that carries many elements of struggles we face today. I wished Viv continued to be a bit more sympathetic in other parts of the story. We see her tenderness peek out when she leasts expects it. Then she hides it again, trying to be oh so independent. Good conflict with Drake, but why does she continue to gravitate to Ben?
Makes one pause to consider what to do it one was in that position.
Makes one pause to consider what to do it one was in that position.
June 29, 2022
Fun, fast-paced (read: did not drag), relevant, well-written...overall enjoyable.
December 10, 2024
Wow. I didn't think evangelicals could get crazier
December 17, 2014
Vivica Wilkins is sixteen years old, and a bit of a rebel. She has hacked her school’s computer network so her fellow students can exchange messages without the school knowing. For the right price, she can get into the grading system and change grades for her friends.
Vivica’s world is North America in the not too distant future. After the Great Collapse and the Second Civil War, the World Peacekeepers intervened in war-ravaged North America. What were formerly the United States, Canada, and Mexico are divided into seven regions. Vivica lives in the Great Lakes Region.
Normally, this would not matter much to a teen-ager. However, Vivica’s mother is the Governor of the Great Lakes Region, and is about to be nominated to be President of the United Regions of North America.
But all is not well in this dystopian world. Rebels and dissenters challenge authority that squelches individual freedoms, including religion. Particularly odious is the Posterity Protection and Self-Determination Act, a law which, among other things, requires the termination of unapproved pregnancies.
Vivica discovers she is regnant. She learns her boyfriend, Ben, is part of the rebel organization. Vivica faces a huge conflict. She wants to believe the government knows what is best, but the life growing inside calls her to consider another alternative. Ben wants to help her avoid termination.
Her mother is the victim of an assassination attempt that kills the current president. Vivica’s mother is wounded but recovers. Vivica’s bodyguard and friend is killed protecting her mother. His replacement is Anita Ward, an agent of the Population Management Clinic. Anita has her own agenda and protecting Vivica is not very high on it. Earlier in the story, Vivica had a run-in with Ward when the agent forcibly removed a pregnant girl from Vivica’s class.
Vivica’s fears for her baby are magnified by Ward’s presence. When Vivica’s mother learns of the pregnancy, she demands it be terminated, in part because of her own political ambitions.
Vivica runs away with the help of Ben and his cousin, Drake. She soon enters the world of the rebels, a world of Christians fighting for their beliefs.
While she is moving from place to place in the rebel network, Ward finds her every time. Vivica moves again and again, and those who help her are killed. Is there a mole in the rebel forces?
While on the run, Vivica uncovers information about the assassination. It wasn’t done by the rebels but by members of the government who don’t want her mother to become president. Vivica’s life, and the lives of those helping her are soon in even greater danger.
While among the rebels, Vivica slowly opens her heart to God and seeks him to protect her and her baby.
Vivica is strong person yet vulnerable and frightened. The author does good job of showing multiple layers of Vivica’s character: snarky adolescent, frightened pregnant teen-ager, fearful of whom she can trust. Shrock does an excellent job of creating a character who is flawed in so many ways, yet has drive and determination. Vivica is a character we care about.
Vivica’s spiritual journey to Christ is believably done. Shrock doesn’t sugarcoat the Christian message. Doesn’t avoid the issues of why prayers don’t seem to be answered and why bad things happen.
Pace is brisk, but not so fast the reader loses track of the characters, setting, or plot. All the characters are flawed, just like in real life. All struggle with choices and consequences.
One minor issue I have with the novel is there are times when the author seems to settle for naming a feeling rather than showing it to us through the character’s behavior and dialogue.
The reveal of the mole at the end of the story is well done. Shrock plants seeds that indicate it could be any one of several characters. When the culprit is finally revealed it is a surprise that makes sense. Excellent job of giving just enough hints to keep us guessing. And at the end, you see how it all pointed to that one person.
This is a highly entertaining and exciting YA novel with a genuine Christian perspective.
I give it 4.5 stars and strongly recommend it for those who like thrillers and romance rolled into one.
I was given a copy of the novel in return for an honest, unbiased review.
Vivica’s world is North America in the not too distant future. After the Great Collapse and the Second Civil War, the World Peacekeepers intervened in war-ravaged North America. What were formerly the United States, Canada, and Mexico are divided into seven regions. Vivica lives in the Great Lakes Region.
Normally, this would not matter much to a teen-ager. However, Vivica’s mother is the Governor of the Great Lakes Region, and is about to be nominated to be President of the United Regions of North America.
But all is not well in this dystopian world. Rebels and dissenters challenge authority that squelches individual freedoms, including religion. Particularly odious is the Posterity Protection and Self-Determination Act, a law which, among other things, requires the termination of unapproved pregnancies.
Vivica discovers she is regnant. She learns her boyfriend, Ben, is part of the rebel organization. Vivica faces a huge conflict. She wants to believe the government knows what is best, but the life growing inside calls her to consider another alternative. Ben wants to help her avoid termination.
Her mother is the victim of an assassination attempt that kills the current president. Vivica’s mother is wounded but recovers. Vivica’s bodyguard and friend is killed protecting her mother. His replacement is Anita Ward, an agent of the Population Management Clinic. Anita has her own agenda and protecting Vivica is not very high on it. Earlier in the story, Vivica had a run-in with Ward when the agent forcibly removed a pregnant girl from Vivica’s class.
Vivica’s fears for her baby are magnified by Ward’s presence. When Vivica’s mother learns of the pregnancy, she demands it be terminated, in part because of her own political ambitions.
Vivica runs away with the help of Ben and his cousin, Drake. She soon enters the world of the rebels, a world of Christians fighting for their beliefs.
While she is moving from place to place in the rebel network, Ward finds her every time. Vivica moves again and again, and those who help her are killed. Is there a mole in the rebel forces?
While on the run, Vivica uncovers information about the assassination. It wasn’t done by the rebels but by members of the government who don’t want her mother to become president. Vivica’s life, and the lives of those helping her are soon in even greater danger.
While among the rebels, Vivica slowly opens her heart to God and seeks him to protect her and her baby.
Vivica is strong person yet vulnerable and frightened. The author does good job of showing multiple layers of Vivica’s character: snarky adolescent, frightened pregnant teen-ager, fearful of whom she can trust. Shrock does an excellent job of creating a character who is flawed in so many ways, yet has drive and determination. Vivica is a character we care about.
Vivica’s spiritual journey to Christ is believably done. Shrock doesn’t sugarcoat the Christian message. Doesn’t avoid the issues of why prayers don’t seem to be answered and why bad things happen.
Pace is brisk, but not so fast the reader loses track of the characters, setting, or plot. All the characters are flawed, just like in real life. All struggle with choices and consequences.
One minor issue I have with the novel is there are times when the author seems to settle for naming a feeling rather than showing it to us through the character’s behavior and dialogue.
The reveal of the mole at the end of the story is well done. Shrock plants seeds that indicate it could be any one of several characters. When the culprit is finally revealed it is a surprise that makes sense. Excellent job of giving just enough hints to keep us guessing. And at the end, you see how it all pointed to that one person.
This is a highly entertaining and exciting YA novel with a genuine Christian perspective.
I give it 4.5 stars and strongly recommend it for those who like thrillers and romance rolled into one.
I was given a copy of the novel in return for an honest, unbiased review.
July 8, 2015
I really hope there is going to be a sequel...
Vivica is annoying. She's conceited and selfish and spoiled, but she's supposed to be. Because she is so selfish, it makes her choice even more selfless. I'm glad that she chose to keep the baby before she became a Christian, because just from watching Abby Johnson's Facebook page I think that pro-life atheists get discriminated against even on the pro-life side. As a Catholic I was sort of hoping that Vivica would at least be baptized upon accepting Jesus, but I also wasn't terribly surprised that she wasn't.
I really like Ben. He and Vivica are really cute together. I can tell he really cares for her, and being in her head, I know she cares for him. I kind of hope they get married.
Drake was annoying, but in a way that makes him really likable to the reader. I felt really bad for him at the end. I hope he gets a happy ending. At the beginning I was really afraid that Marissa Shrock was going to present us with yet another love triangle between Vivica, ben and Drake(what's with authors doing that all the time? Occasionally it works, but usually it's just annoying,) but she surprised me in a good way by not doing that.
I liked Melvin and Vivica's mother. They're annoying and selfish, especially Vivica's mom, yet we do see in glimpses that they do really care for her.
Axel was kind of unnecessary. I'm not sure what his point was, because there was a moment when, by showing Axel's brutality, Vivica decided she had more to fear from him than from Martina, but throughout the rest of the book, Axel was just the sidekick. He was to Martina as Crabbe or Goyle are to Draco Malfoy, which made me wonder why he was presented as the more brutal one. Maybe this will be explored in the next book? (Please tell me there's going to be another book.) I was confused by Martina's part as well. As I mentioned above, there was a moment when she was the less brutal one, but except for that one moment, she was always the one who was chasing Vivica, and more willing to kill her. There was a lot of potential for character growth with the fact that Martina was a single mom, but that wasn't fully explored either. Again I hope this will be addressed in the next book that will surely come out.
Another thing is Vice-President/President Fortune. He is kind of like the Eye of Sauron right now. He seems to be the main villain because Vivica doesn't like him even before she joins the rebels, but we've barely met him, and we don't know what is goal is, beyond becoming president, remaining president, and maybe wiping out the rebels.
I really don't like the cover of this book. There are very few fiction books that can get away with a cover showing the main character's face, and this was not one of them. I, luckily had gotten this book from interlibrary loan so there was an orange paper blocking my view of the girl who doesn't look like how I imagine Vivica.
That ending... The courses and books I've read on how to write have warned against cliffhanger endings, but this one worked. The main conflict in the story was resolved, which is good because authors leaving the main conflict unresolved is why how-to books warn against cliffhangers. It's just that there was a new--or a bunch of new--conflicts appearing. The worst of it is that the book could almost be left like that without a sequel. It technically wouldn't need one. We know that Vivica, Ben, Drake and the Emancipation Warriors are going to keep fighting, we don't know how it will end, but we know they will keep fighting. Just because the book doesn't need a sequel doesn't mean we don't want one though...
In spite of my critiques, I really enjoyed this book, and I think that the things I mentioned can work if they are addressed in the next book that will surely come out one day. (Please.)
Vivica is annoying. She's conceited and selfish and spoiled, but she's supposed to be. Because she is so selfish, it makes her choice even more selfless. I'm glad that she chose to keep the baby before she became a Christian, because just from watching Abby Johnson's Facebook page I think that pro-life atheists get discriminated against even on the pro-life side. As a Catholic I was sort of hoping that Vivica would at least be baptized upon accepting Jesus, but I also wasn't terribly surprised that she wasn't.
I really like Ben. He and Vivica are really cute together. I can tell he really cares for her, and being in her head, I know she cares for him. I kind of hope they get married.
Drake was annoying, but in a way that makes him really likable to the reader. I felt really bad for him at the end. I hope he gets a happy ending. At the beginning I was really afraid that Marissa Shrock was going to present us with yet another love triangle between Vivica, ben and Drake(what's with authors doing that all the time? Occasionally it works, but usually it's just annoying,) but she surprised me in a good way by not doing that.
I liked Melvin and Vivica's mother. They're annoying and selfish, especially Vivica's mom, yet we do see in glimpses that they do really care for her.
Axel was kind of unnecessary. I'm not sure what his point was, because there was a moment when, by showing Axel's brutality, Vivica decided she had more to fear from him than from Martina, but throughout the rest of the book, Axel was just the sidekick. He was to Martina as Crabbe or Goyle are to Draco Malfoy, which made me wonder why he was presented as the more brutal one. Maybe this will be explored in the next book? (Please tell me there's going to be another book.) I was confused by Martina's part as well. As I mentioned above, there was a moment when she was the less brutal one, but except for that one moment, she was always the one who was chasing Vivica, and more willing to kill her. There was a lot of potential for character growth with the fact that Martina was a single mom, but that wasn't fully explored either. Again I hope this will be addressed in the next book that will surely come out.
Another thing is Vice-President/President Fortune. He is kind of like the Eye of Sauron right now. He seems to be the main villain because Vivica doesn't like him even before she joins the rebels, but we've barely met him, and we don't know what is goal is, beyond becoming president, remaining president, and maybe wiping out the rebels.
I really don't like the cover of this book. There are very few fiction books that can get away with a cover showing the main character's face, and this was not one of them. I, luckily had gotten this book from interlibrary loan so there was an orange paper blocking my view of the girl who doesn't look like how I imagine Vivica.
That ending... The courses and books I've read on how to write have warned against cliffhanger endings, but this one worked. The main conflict in the story was resolved, which is good because authors leaving the main conflict unresolved is why how-to books warn against cliffhangers. It's just that there was a new--or a bunch of new--conflicts appearing. The worst of it is that the book could almost be left like that without a sequel. It technically wouldn't need one. We know that Vivica, Ben, Drake and the Emancipation Warriors are going to keep fighting, we don't know how it will end, but we know they will keep fighting. Just because the book doesn't need a sequel doesn't mean we don't want one though...
In spite of my critiques, I really enjoyed this book, and I think that the things I mentioned can work if they are addressed in the next book that will surely come out one day. (Please.)
December 27, 2024
no lol
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