From the Bookshelf of Apocalypse Whenever…

The Line (The Line, #1)

Teri Hall

Why we're reading this: An invisible, uncrossable physical barrier encloses the United States. The Line is the part of the border…more
[close] An invisible, uncrossable physical barrier encloses the United States. The Line is the part of the border that lopped off part of the country, dooming the inhabitants to an unknown fate when the enemy used a banned weapon. It's said that bizarre creatures and superhumans live on the other side, in Away. Nobody except tough old Ms. Moore would ever live next to the Line.

Nobody but Rachel and her mother, who went to live there after Rachel's dad died in the last war. It's a safe, quiet life. Until Rachel finds a mysterious recorded message that can only have come from Away. The voice is asking for help.

Who sent the message? Why is her mother so protective? And to what lengths is Rachel willing to go in order to do what she thinks is right?

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Jul 12, 2009 Jennifer Wardrip marked it as to-read

Shelves: library-bloomington, teen, trt-posted-reviews, apocalyptic-dystopian, series-bk-1, kindle-can-buy

Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com

Rachel has lived on The Property since before she can remember. Her mother works for Ms. Moore, the owner, as a housekeeper of the large house. Rachel enjoys living far from town and away from the strong governmental control most other people must suffer. People living in towns deal with unfair and random taxes and, when they can't pay, are taken to jail.

Most people would hate living on The Property because it backs up to The Line, a small section Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com

Rachel has lived on The Property since before she can remember. Her mother works for Ms. Moore, the owner, as a housekeeper of the large house. Rachel enjoys living far from town and away from the strong governmental control most other people must suffer. People living in towns deal with unfair and random taxes and, when they can't pay, are taken to jail.

Most people would hate living on The Property because it backs up to The Line, a small section of the National Border Defense System that separates the people of the Unified States from Away and the Others. The Line is an invisible barrier that can only be crossed if the government grants permission and deactivates The Line.

Rachel doesn't feel fear when she thinks of Away. She even tried to cross it once, but simply bounced back from The Line and landed flat on her back.

Rachel's quiet life is turned upside down when two things happen.

First, she finds a battered digital voice recorder with a partial message requesting help. Then, during a trip to town with her mother for the weekly supplies, they witness the arrest of a woman her mother recognizes.

Rachel discovers she doesn't know her mother as well as she thought she did, that Ms. Moore has some unbelievable secrets, and the Away and the Others are closer than she thinks. She must use her wits and bravery to get through a dangerous and exciting time in order to save an important historical document and people she doesn't even know.

THE LINE by Teri Hall is a fascinating dystopian novel full of strong female characters and a dark, creepy plot. The end, while a bit abrupt, is satisfying. Readers will definitely want to read more about the adventures Rachel is sure to find. The author leaves the story completely open for a sequel, and I for one can't wait to read it.

The synopsis isn't the only thing I found intriguing about THE LINE. Just take a look at the cover and tell me you don't want to read it! Fantastic art choice! ...more

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Jun 02, 2010 Rachel rated it really liked it

Shelves: older-childrens

In the future there is a line between the protected border of the "Unified States" which has a totalitarian government and "the away" which is the area that was left unprotected during an attack. No one is allowed to cross this clear but physical barrier and the Unified States no longer has contact with the former citizens it abandoned in The Away. A girl lives adjacent to this border and discovers a boy on the other side that needs medicine for his sick father. Good suspense, interesting take o ...more

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