The Line by Teri Hall

March 2010 by Dial , 220 pages

Review Copy

 

Book Synopsis

 

An invisible, uncrossable physical barrier encloses the Unified 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?  (GoodReads)

 

Review

 

Rachel has lived on the property all her life, away from the city and always intrigued by the invisible barrier that separates the property from Away. A forbidden place that one cannot enter, stories rage about the people who live on the other side, ones that were left during the war, ones that were left behind when “The Line” activated. Vivian, Rachel's mother has schooled her since childhood, Rachel knows the misdeeds of the government and the lies that they feed the people, but even knowing the truth Rachel still longs for answers about Away and longs to know the truth surrounding her dead father.

Even though Rachel is curious about the other side she has never had the courage to go near it…until now….curiosity is growing inside her and when she stumbles upon a recording that asks for help her curiosity gets the best of her.

The Line although slow in building, delivered a well thought out cast of characters and back-story to get me hooked. The detail to government politics, the group of rebel protesters, lost loves and missed opportunities give the novel extra layers of depth. The story almost felt like a huge prologue, once Ms. Hall gets you completely immersed….the story ends……BAH…now I must wait until the sequel to continue on with Rachel’s story.

Dystopian fiction is my favorite; I love to gobble up these stories like cold milk on fruity pebbles. The Line delivered a mysterious twisty dystopian feel sure to leave you wanting more in the end.

Rating

 

The Line is suitable for all readers, the 11-14 age group will love it.....adults, teens and kids can all enjoy this dystopian mystery.

 

3.5/5- YA Dystopian

Copy Provided by Around The World Tours