Free to Fall

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2015

Review

Although slow to grab the reader, this dystopian story which is a bit of Divergent combined with Harry Potter and a hint of rebellion to come finally pulled me in. To further grab the reader of Percy Jackson series, there is the allusion to Greek mythology and groupings. Our heroine, Rory, is in the group of Hepta, or Seven, making her the smartest and one of the chosen ones at her new school Theden. (The Den?) At first, things seem perfect, there is Lux which like a personal assistant gives recommendations about clothes, music, and life. Everyone uses Lux, it makes things so much simpler. No need to question, to fail, or to think. Lux makes pesky decision-making choices for you. But, of course, we must have a plot, so we start to wonder What If -- if you never have to fall or fail? There must be something lurking behind the perfection. Naturally there is a love interest who is just as smart as Rory, but who does not attend Theden.

Initially, Free to Fall was difficult to pick up, but then, once immersed in this new world of a school where students are being taught to make decisions based upon the IQ-Worthiness of others, the book begged to be read. There is excellent tension between the side of LUx and never falling and the love interest of North (True North!) and thinking for oneself. Great YA read. Just enough love interest to keep readers interested on several levels. Plot somewhat like Divergent. Characters grapple with moral and ethical issues and with growing up. Recommended for grade 7-12. School or Public library. There are things that blow up, tension, and escape with only seconds to spare!

Overall Book Score: very good