THE LINE by Teri Hall

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Dial (March 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0803734662

REVIEW YYY

THE LINE is a different take on a dystopian society set in the United States years after a nuclear war attack. The land inside of the boundaries is called The Away, and those inside are the victims of a government that basically abandoned them, left to die and fend for themselves.

Rachel grew up with her mother Vivian on secluded area of land called the property, only a few yards from The Away. It was the only thing that she was sure of, that, and THE LINE. The Line is thus named after the invisible shield that is constructed to enclose the entire country and keep the ravages of nuclear destruction inside from affecting the population on the other side. No one is allowed near it, a fact that Rachel has learned from her many teaching lessons guided by her mother. In these lessons Rachel learns about the government and its harsh guidelines and cruel treatment of the population in and out of the zones. Although Rachel knows her mother is forthcoming with historical information she feels as if Vivian is holding something back and Rachel pushes for more. Then one day Rachel discovers something that will forever alter her life and her inquisitive nature takes her to truths that she could have never imagined. Soon, The Away is within her reach, but will she be brave enough to cross the barrier and discover the truths within the other side?

THE LINE is a dystopian novel full of strong female leads that I found satisfyingly refreshing. I liked this futuristic tale and the manner in which TERI HALL was able to interweave her world building through important history lessons. I have to admit that I almost gave up reading this book due to the lack of action in the first half of the book, but am glad that I did not give up on it for it did get a bit OMG! towards the end. I also wish that it's ending was not so abrupt but it did leave me wanting for more. The next novel is called THE AWAY and will not be around until next year, gahhh! I hate the suspsense.

So if your a fan of dystopian novels such as the Hunger Games, Gone and Life As We Know It, then THE LINE is a good read for you and worth a try.