FEDERATION CITY

Federation City
by: D.A. Clark
Release Date: February 26th 2014
Goodreads Summary:

"The Federation established a lasting peace after the Toxic Era. But that peace is threatened when teenage boys begin to disappear. In his quest for a missing friend, Taren is forced to leave Federation City and travel to the Hinterlands. There he discovers the horrible secret behind the Federation's peacekeeping tactics and encounters a new society that challenges everything he has ever known. Due to its sexual content, this book may not be appropriate for younger readers."

This book was kindly sent to me by the author D.A. Clark. This has been the first and so far only physical copy of a book that I have received since I started doing my blog and youtube. I was really excited when I got this in the mail! Then on top of that, she signed it for me as well!

This book is told in many perspectives, I usually don't enjoy books that switch views but I really didn't mind it in this book. Although I was always just waiting to get back to who I thought was the main character Taren or Spider depending on what part of the book you want to focus on. They live in a place called Federation City 200 years after the toxic era, people are required to have a shot monthly called an ATA that is said to balance the toxins in the air, land, and food left over from the toxic era. At least that's what the citizens believe. Outside Federation City is the Hinterlands (world of warcraft anyone? No, just me?) This is where the traditionalist live, they reminded me of the Amish or Mennonites. The book starts off with Taren explaining how his friend Muri hasn't been to school or answering any of his coms, and how he just fell off the face of the planet. As well, the minister of family renewal is missing as well. While Taren is searching for his missing friend, he ends up getting himself kidnaped too. 

At first I thought this book was going to end up being that the traditional were trying to convert the federation citizens to their ways, their beliefs and make them see all the wrong they are doing with the ATA injections, but this story took a completely different turn. There was no way for me to even guess or imagine what was going to happen in this book. It was really good, I was surprised and on the edge of my seat when the government was looking for the kidnaped boys. You know when you watch those CSI shows and the cops are in the house LITERALLY on the upper floor where the kids are being kept, and you're screaming at the tv, THAT is how I felt with this book. I wanted to jump in and just point the way.

The writing at the beginning of the book I found lacked a little, I'm not sure if that is because this is the authors first book and she needed to come out of her shell, but at first I didn't have high hopes, but it picked up, let me tell you. Just like Taren  was kind of scared, and didn't want to do anything wrong in the beginning and then he just realized he needed to stand up and fight for himself because no one was going to save him, he had to save himself. By half way through this book, I could not put it down, I needed to know how it was going to end, I needed to know what was happening to those boys, I needed to know if they were going to be found. I also need to point out that it is great when authors let their main characters be hurt and scarred. I hate it when the main character is untouchable.

I must admit, I was a bit disappointed with the end, I was hoping Taren would have picked the other option, than what he went with. I won't give anything away, you will have to read the book to know what I mean, but I'm sure D.A. understands. Come on, little fed/trad babies, no?

Be aware that the content of this book is not recommended for younger readers, I felt this book was more directed towards adults, then young adults. There is a lot of sexual content in this book.

With all that said, I really enjoyed this book, and I am very happy to be able to have it on my shelf. If you are looking for a new type of dystopian book, more on the adult side, I suggest you give this one a try.

4 out of 5 stars!!

BUY LINKS

amazon.ca // amazon.com // barnes & noble // indigo.ca

What D.A. Clark had to say on her book

"The first thing readers should know is that FEDERATION CITY is book #1 of a trilogy. The trilogy's narrative arc is guided by questions about peace: How can we create a peaceful society? Is it even possible? Can peace only be achieved at the cost of someone or something else? In book #1, these questions are explored primarily through the lens of gender, and the story highlights a different kind of hero - a teenage male who is forced to navigate an uncharted path of masculinity. Though not the fierce, strong heroine we have come to love in recent dystopian novels/films, Taren's journey provides an equally compelling critique and reversal of gender roles. 

FEDERATION CITY plays with the conventions of dystopian fiction. There is no oppressive government control, no dramatic battle to the death and no mind-bending, evil technology. Its conflicts are more psychological, more subtle. And, the control of bodies in the name of peace becomes that much darker. With its diverse cast of brown-skinned characters, and the inclusion of gay characters, the book challenges readers to examine social and political conflicts that are disturbing - and all too possible"

Thank you Again for sending me you're amazing book!

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