Uninvited by Sophie Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It was one of those days when I was looking through the library on my Nook and I stumbled across a few titles I didn’t remember downloading. After reading the blurbs for about three different books, I settled on “Uninvited” by Sophie Jordan. This is the first book I’ve read by Jordan and I’m very glad it was on my eReader. “Uninvited” was an entertaining quick read and I’m ready to read its sequel.
“Uninvited” is set in the near future where U.S. residents are screened for the “kill” gene, also known as HTS. Those with the gene are considered “carriers” and the authorities and public just know that these carries will eventually do something violent, most likely murder.
Davy lives a normal life, fairly privileged. She’s well-liked, has a hot boyfriend, and is a music prodigy — until the unthinkable happens. She tests positive for HTS. She’s labeled a carrier and her whole life changes. She’s forced to enter a national registry, “uninvited” from her prestigious private school, shunned by her friends, and sent to the local public high school where others like her attend classes in the “Cage”.
In the Cage, Davy learns that while society sees her as a predator, among other carriers she’s more prey. She has to figure out the rules quickly or she may not make it to graduation. Fortunately, she does find unlikely allies with quiet Gil and somewhat scary Sean. Unfortunately, things nationwide worsen and those with the kill gene are rounded up and sent away.
Not a traditional dystopian YA book, “Uninvited” actually is quite unsettling when you think about the possibility of that kind of level of governmental influence in citizens personal lives. Author Sophie Jordan gives the reader a fast-paced story with strong characters that grow throughout the chapters. The action scenes are intense, while the romantic moments between Davy and Sean are a nice break in the pace.
I liked Sophie Jordan’s “Uninvited” and recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA and dystopian themes.