The Sowing

Seeds #1

by K. Makansi

The Resistance Has Begun

Remy Alexander wants vengeance. When she and her friends discover a clue that could help reveal the truth behind the massacre that claimed her sister's life, she may finally get her chance.

Valerian Orlean wants answers. Why the girl he was in love with disappeared three years ago. Why she joined the Resistance - a covert organization sworn to destroy everything he believes in. When he is appointed to lead a government program whose mission is to hunt and destroy the Resistance, he may finally find his answers - and Remy.

In a world where the powerful kill to keep their secrets, and the food you eat can change who you are, Remy and Vale are set on a collision course that could bring everyone together - or tear everything apart.

In this science-fiction dystopia, the mother-daughter writing team of Kristina, Amira, and Elena Makansi immerse readers in the post-apocalyptic world of the Okarian Sector, where romance, friendship, adventure, and betrayal will decide the fate of a budding nation. Be sure to continue the story with The Reaping, Book Two of the Seeds Trilogy, and The Prelude, a novella about Soren Skaarsgard, a fan favorite character.

Genres: Dystopia, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Audiobook

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

K. Makansi is the pen name for the mother-daughter writing team of Kristy, Amira, and Elena Makansi.

Kristina Blank Makansi – Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Kristina has a B.A. in Government from University of Texas at Austin and a M.A.T. from the College of New Jersey and an opinion on everything. She has worked as a copywriter, marketing coordinator, web and collateral designer, editor, and publisher. In 2010, she co-founded Blank Slate Press, an award-winning small press focusing on debut authors in the greater St. Louis area, and in 2013, she co-founded Treehouse Publishing Group, an author services and assisted-publishing partnership. She firmly believes that traditional genre boundaries should not apply to great writing. In addition to The Seeds Trilogy, she is hard at work revising her historical fiction, Oracles of Delphi, set in ancient Greece.

Amira K. Makansi - Amira graduated with honors in three years from the University of Chicago. She earned a BA in History and was a team leader and officer for UChicago Mock Trial. She has served as an assistant editor and has read and evaluated Blank Slate Press submissions since the press was founded. She is an avid reader and blogger who also has a passion for food, wine, and photography. She has worked at various wineries in Oregon and France and is approaching fluency in French. Along with working part-time for BSP, she currently works for a wine distributorship in St. Louis. In addition to The Seeds Trilogy, she reviews books and blogs about writing, food and wine at The Z-axis.

Elena K. Makansi – Elena is a rising senior at Oberlin College where she is focusing on Environmental Studies especially as it relates to her passion–food justice. She’s also studied studio art and drawing and has had her work featured in several college publications. While in high school, she won numerous writing and poetry awards, was awarded a scholarship to attend the Washington University Summer Writing Institute and attended the Iowa Young Writers Studio. She also won a scholarship to represent her Amideast cohort as the “resident” blogger during her study abroad in Amman, Jordan. She and Amira backpacked through Europe together and share a passion for cooking, baking–and, yes, eating. Elena maintains a Tumblr and a blog, Citizen Fiddlehead, about food and other topics.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remy's sister was killed along with her classmates. It was a massacre in the classroom. Yet somehow, Remy survived. Now years later, Remy has come back on the grid. She was hiding out with the Resistance. Yet all this time Remy has not forgotten her sister. She suspects that the killing was set up but for what reason?

Valerian aka Vale Orlean is the leader on the other side. He has been put in charge with finding the members of the Resistance and stopping them. However it is not as easy as it seems when Vale has feelings for Remy.

I am all about dystopia books. Which is what I would classify this book to be. So if you are into this type of genre or just looking for something new to read then you should check out this book. It is written by a family team of a mother and her daughters. If I had not been told that this book was written by several people then I would have never known. You can not tell where one left off and the next one picked up.

The characters and the world that this series is based around is what I enjoy about these types of books. It was like I could see everything as if I was living in the world with Remy and her friends.

While I am on Remy's side 100%, I have to say that the other side is not so bad as well. Especially when the other side has Vale. He is fighting for what he believes in to, even if he may be fighting for the wrong side. The action was not in your face but it was there some. This book is more about telling about the world and the characters all leading up to book two. Which I can not wait to read. The Sowing will have you on the edge of your seat. This book could be the next Hunger Games or Ender's Game!

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can read this review and more on my blog:

I received a free copy of this book thanks to the author via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.

This book started out with a bang, but then it leveled out for a while and spent a lot of time on back story so it took me a minute  to get into it. But I'm glad I stuck with it because this story ended up being well written and action packed.

This is the same storyline that a lot of Dystopian novels use. The formula was nothing new, but it was executed very well. The story is told from two separate points of view. Vale is the son of two high-ranking members of a corrupt government, and Remy is a member of the resistance that is determined to bring the government down and free the citizens from being brain washed and controlled. Remy and Vale have a romantic past, and there is even a love triangle.

Chances are you've read a book with a similar storyline before, but I doubt you've experienced it this way. I have no problem with reading the same type of plot when it's a plot that I enjoy. Nothing these days is truly original, and even if someone manages to tell a story that hasn't been told, that's no guarantee that it will entertain me. As long as the author gives me a fresh take on a classic storyline, I'm happy.

There was a realism to this novel that I enjoyed. The characters had heroic moments, but they also screwed up. Both Vale and Remy were in horribly difficult situations, and they were just doing the best that they could. Vale trusted his parents, and Remy trusted what she knew to be true. Even though he was on the wrong side, I still liked Vale because he had no idea how corrupt things were. I actually wanted Remy to go easier on him sometimes because although she knew that he was working for the bad guys, he didn't.

I really liked the fact that both of the main characters were flawed. They didn't just make small insignificant mistakes, they mage huge life and death mistakes. But doing these things, that didn't make them any less heroic. I have no idea what I would do if I was in their shoes, but I doubt I would handle it any better. They don't make selfish and thoughtless choices, they just are not perfect, and therefore make the wrong decision sometimes. Based on the information that they have, it seems like the right thing to do at they time, and I give them credit for their good intentions. That was very well done.

I absolutely hate love triangles, and had I know that there was one in this series, I probably would not have started it, but that would have been a mistake. You will probably never read this in another one of my reviews, but I actually enjoyed the love triangle in this book. I have NEVER enjoyed a love triangle before so that let's you know how good this one must have been. Remy didn't spend a lot of time with Vale, and she waffles back and forth between missing him and hating him when she thinks about him, but because half of the story is told from his point of view, I know that Vale is a very good man who cares deeply for her. She doesn't know this, but I do so I like him, and I would like it if they got together. I want him to have the girl who he thinks so lovingly about.

The third member of this triangle is Soren, and he is also a member of the resistance so he and Remy spend plenty of time together. They have the type of relationship where they are constantly making sarcastic remarks about one another or bickering, but when the going gets tough, they protect each other no matter what. I was surprised by the depth of their feelings for one another. This is not one of those times where he is just a place holder for the man she really wants. Remy trust Soren completely and is very attracted to him. It was cute how much she enjoyed their sarcastic banter and drooled over how handsome he was in secret.

I enjoyed this triangle because I can't lose no matter who she picks. I'd be happy with either one right now. Vale has a long way to go before he regains Remy's trust, but because I experience things through his point of view, I know exactly how wonderful he is and how much he cares for her. On the other hand, because she spent so much time with Soren in this book, I know how great they are together. I'll be happy no matter what!

Sometimes it was difficult for me to follow the scientific aspects of the plot, but I understood the most important stuff. The idea to use natural food versus the synthetic kind that is supposedly "better" was original. If you think about it, the easiest was to control someone would be by deciding what they are allowed to eat. You could turn people into whoever or whatever you wanted just by feeding them certain chemicals in their food. This idea is played with throughout the story. There was plenty of action, but it wasn't the "edge of your seat" type. It was more tactical. Remy Soren and Vale suffered through a lot in their quests for answers.

There are so many ways that this story could progress. I have no clue who Remy will end up with or who she will end up being, and even though I know who he wants to be with, the person who Vale will become is just as much of a mystery. Bring on the next installment!

because of language and violence, I would recommend this book for ages 16 and up. Seriously people, if you are offended by the "F" word, do not read this book! Soren has a potty mouth. Lol

[BookLoversLife · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Remys sister is murdered by outsiders, or so they are told, she is devastated. When questions arise about it her family abandon the sector and join the resistance. She left everything behind including her boyfriend Valerian.

Years later and Valerian is now leading the hunt to stop the resistance. He has no idea why Remy left and still thinks of her. He knows he has to stop the resistance no matter what, even if Remy is involved. When he is told some hard truths he has to find evidence and what he finds shocks him to the core. His life is not what he thinks and now he has to take drastic action.

When I first saw the cover of this I thought aliens. After reading the blurb though I knew it would be something Id enjoy and enjoy it I did.

I loved Remys character. She is strong, determined and loyal. She often goes out on raids and is well able to look after herself. When she lost her sister it devastated her but when she learned the truth she knew she had to go. Her life before was amazing but now she has to fight for survival. Everyday is a battle for food and answers.

Vale was an awesome character too even though he was the "bad" guy. He has been brought up to believe what the sector says but when he learns what cost is involved he chooses his own path. He is smart, strong and loyal.

When I heard that this was written by a mother/daughter team I was a bit hesitant to read it because I wasn't sure how well 3 people voices would come together. I needn't have worried though because the book was seamless. Not once did it feel like I was reading something 3 people wrote.

The only downside to The Sowing was the science and genetics part. Most of it went over my head. I understood only some and skimmed alot of the big words!!! I still found it fascinating though. The idea that the sector controls everything and genetically modifies food for each person was something you could imagine.

Overall The Sowing was awesome. The plot was well paced and fast enough. The story was complex and gripping and the characters were all well developed. I flew through the book and didn't want it to end. I cant wait to see what happens and am eagerly awaiting book 2.

The narrator, Ivy Tara Blair, was just OK. She needs to work more on her different tones for different characters. It just felt like she read the book in the same tone.

*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affects my thoughts.*

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the reason why I love reading books from Indie writers; sometimes you find that hidden gem, that book that blows your mind, that book that keeps you up until the middle of the night, that book that takes you for a roller-coaster ride.

That book that deserves my sparely given 5 star rating.

Remy has been waiting patiently for years now to get her revenge. When she was 15 her sister Tai was murdered in cold blood together with 6 other students and their professor.
She lives in the Oktarian sector but after the murder, her family went underground to join the resistance.

Valerian Orlean has wondered for years what happened to Remy, why did she disappear so suddenly? When he steps into his function his new mission is to find out what happened and to find the resistance to destroy them.

The sowing also makes you think about the genetic modification in the agricultural sector. In the book diets are made for certain groups, the food that you eat controls you.
In this new world seeds are the new gold for the government.

Remy and the resistance discover a secret that Oktarian government wants nobody to find out. On her path to answers she comes face to face with Vale.

Soren one off the resistance members gets under her skin like nobody else, but when found captive he becomes a romantic interest.

This is one of those books that make you think. The world building was excellent, the love building idem ditto. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.

[Reeka (BoundbyWords) · Rating 3 out of 5]

As seen on my blog:



3.5 STARS
OKAY. That came out of no where. I was totally not expecting The Sowing to read so intricately. Dystopians have, unfortunately, acquired an air of "been there, read about a new world like that." I feel like it's extremely hard to convince me that a dystopian is worth liking, but I liked this book, and was impressed by the reasons why.

The first thing that earned my respect, and something I find is STILL missing in YA novels these days, was the diverse ethnicities of the characters in The Sowing. But that came after, because first, the prologue of this book was one the MOST intense prologues I have ever read. It struck cords, not only for the way it spiraled into tragedy, but because there have been so many real life moments that have mirrored it. The basis for The Sowing revolved around food, and the fact that society has reached a level of dietary perfection: genetically modified seeds that have rid society of disease, health issues and famine. With every movement in one direction, there's one that's moving the opposite way. Enter The Resistence, a group of individuals who are against an artificial way of living, and are fighting to revert back the old, natural way of living, no matter what the consequences.

The Resistence: Remy, Eli, Jahnu, Kenzie & Soren. All of whom chose to leave behind the life they knew, and join a force that is growing stronger by the day. Each one of these characters were well drawn, and easy to fall into step with. I felt the most for Remy, who seems to have lost more than she can handle. Eli was a close second, who was strong in the ways that mattered. The Sowing moved at a pace that was hard to tear away from, and though my brain glazed over some of the more scientifically technical parts, it all added to urgent and mysterious feel of the book.

I couldn't wait to see how the two worlds would collide, the new order of society, and the group of people who are trying so hard to regain normalcy. There were sections that moved slower than others, but for the majority of The Sowing, I was engaged, and endlessly curious. For fans of The Hunger Games, and Divergent, The Seeds Trilogy could definitely be your next obession.

Recommended for Fans of: The Hunger Games, Divergent, Dystopians, YA Fiction, Mystery.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: this review is copied from my blog at Bibliotica.com

Here’s the thing about The Sowing: technically, because it takes place in an ‘advanced’ society that is not our own (though it bears some strong similarities), this novel is science fiction. At the same time, however, it’s a novel about social justice, and a warning about GMO foods – something particularly timely as we fight to change labeling and live in a world where companies like Monsanto are increasingly in control of what we eat and how it grows. Aside from that, it’s also a mystery/thriller, because we follow Remy’s journey to discover the truth behind her dead sister, who is one of the victims of a mass shooting in the book’s opening chapters.

More than that, though, The Sowingis a novel about family, responsibility, growing up, and the choices we all make when we try to balance the need to be part of a community with the equally great need to be true to ourselves. For this reason, it’s incredibly fitting that the story opens on a university campus, and that much of it returns to that – and similar – settings.

K. Makansi is really three authors, but the women behind the pen name write with a cohesive voice. There is never a time when you wonder who wrote which part, or how the work was divided. Maybe that’s just because this is a mother-daughter-daughter team, or maybe it’s just because they’re just that good. Either way, I found the language really accessible even when the science was at the forefront of the story.

I also found all the characters very well drawn and easy to relate to. Remy, of course, is the main POV character, and she’s incredibly well drawn – hopeful, smart, loving, but also bitter and confused. But even the characters on the “other side” are somewhat sympathetic, Vale especially, and remind us that those on the “wrong” side of an issue don’t see their side as wrong.

I will confess that I was a little confused by some of the unusual names the authors chose to use, and one in particular – Soren – kept pulling me out of the story because a friend of mine has a partner with that name, but I got used to them, and, over the course of reading the novel, came to appreciate that it wasn’t populated by Bills and Bobs and Marys and Alices.

The Sowing is part of a trilogy, which seems appropriate: a triumvirate of women writing a trilogy about seeds and growth and change. I definitely plan to read all three novels in this series.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just the beginning. I can feel it. This is only the first book in the series, and it’s already a complicated story, with various subplots and tons of detail. The authors were kind enough to provide a map at the beginning of the book, but I’m not sure how helpful it was. The world building was far too complex to navigate with a map! Therein lies the problem. With such a full plot, I know that I will inevitably forget a lot of the details by the time the next book is released. I am hoping desperately that there will be an outline at the beginning of the next book to help me out.

The characters are going to be my saving grace. There are simply unforgettable. They will stand clearly in my mind until it’s time for the next book, I’m sure. There is a perfect dynamic between the characters, both sensual and volatile at the same time. There is so much deep-seated bitterness that it is almost impossible to see their camaraderie buried beneath it all. Almost. Lines are so blurry that it’s hard to tell where the enemy ends and the friend begins.

I would like to consider myself a fairly smart cookie, but I’m hardly the sharpest tool in the shed. The Sowing made me feel smart by taking really complex biology and genetic theories and making them easy to follow. In fact, I probably learned more from this book than I did from my high school biology class! (Don’t tell my teacher. I’ll deny everything.)

My main question after reading this was “Who is the intended audience?” There were a dozen f-bombs, and some mature themes. Otherwise, the book was completely clean. There was nothing overly gory or brutally violent. Some mild sexuality, but very PG13 in that aspect. It reads like YA, but with language. I’m not clueless to the fact that teens use swear words, but a lot of parents might object to it. I would suggest that parents read the book first, and decide for themselves if they have an issue with it. Either that, or teens read it, and dazzle their parents will all their new-found biology knowledge, keeping the f-bombs to themselves. Either way, enjoy! It’s bound to be a great series!

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen Lanman · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were several things I liked about this book. The plot is more complex than much of the YA I've read lately. The characters are interesting, and behave in relatively logical ways. There is an implied love triangle, which seems to be a requirement in YA these days, but it wasn't the centerpiece of the novel.

Minor spoilers ahead:

On the other hand, the pacing and plot in the first half was better than in the second half. I'm not sure how the authors' collaborative process works, but I felt like the voice changed and the transitions suffered as the novel progressed. For example, Soren is portrayed as hostile to Remy at the beginning. They didn't seem to be friendly. The transition to love interest didn't feel like a natural progression. The carelessness of Soren and Remy taking the aircraft without a thought to the consequences to the Resistance seemed out of character, and it led to my least favorite scene in the book. In he last scene between Remy and Vale, both of them acted as if all Remy's losses were his fault. I understand why Remy's grief might cause her to be hostile and attack him unfairly, but why would Vale take the blame for events he had no part in?

Overall, I enjoyed the book and will keep an eye out for the next book in the series.

[jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't have the time right now to right a long review, but oh my god if Remy and Vale ever get together i will lose my shit. Remy/soren over remy/vale anyday. even though it's pretty obvious remy and vale will be endgame i am hoping with everything in me that vale falls off a cliff

[SARIT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full page - http://sarityahalomi.blogspot.com/201...



The Sowing is a real page-turner. It is a one of the very best quality sci-fi that I read lately. It's hard science fiction in the sense that it avoids use of magic and fantasy and extrapolates into the future from current genetic engineering of crops to how new developments in that science can change society, politics, and human nature itself. The science of DNA technology is a central element in the plot and it is a subject that is close to my heart.

After religious wars followed by years of famine decimated the population, the remaining society has evolved and organized itself into a series of farms and research labs--those who come up with the ideas and those who do the manual labor to implement them--to keep the people safe and healthy. The leaders and elite lived in the capital city of Okaria happy and safe, while the farms and factories outside the city hum with productivity.

As you see this world is richly drawn and becomes a platform for exploring a number of interesting subjects, such as genetically modified food, man’s impact on the environment, and class dynamics. As much, you can take The Sowing as a fascinating thought experiment: what if your social circle splits in half, and people you’ve once loved--friends, teachers, parents--grow to despise you? What is the meaning of genetic modifications? Can you also see the positive in this? ....and Science isn't for itself isn't good or bad.

Remy Alexander and her friends born into the elite meritocracy of the Okarian Sector. From an early age she and her friends were programmed for intellectual and physical superiority through specialized dietary regimes administered by the Okarian Agricultural Consortium.

At first, we don’t know why the Resistance has broken off from the rest of society, but they are the group who have realized that the Sector and OAC have been manipulating their subjects for years with this genetically modified food, and that they will stop at nothing to ensure their programs of oppression, forced labor, and breeding remain in place. The Resistance is outside of the Sector's reach, located among the mysterious and secretive Outsiders, spreading the news of the Sector's lies and manipulations, taking shots at the Sector's storage and research facilities when they can, and working toward a day when the Sector's programs can be exposed and destroyed, restoring the order of nature and free will among the people.

That’s the scenario Remy Alexander and Vale Orlean find themselves in. They are the two main characters, which were masterfully written. The novel alternates between Remy and Vale’s points of view and puts them on a collision course towards reuniting.

In the beginning they seemed as the most bitter enemies, but slowly you discover a very close friends with the promise of more. Remy’s family joined a group of resistance fighters, while Vale, the son of the Chancellor, was put in charge of their extermination.

Remy is a talent artist, smart and loving character, but she also very angry, bitter and confused. She had a very good reasons to be such - When she was fifteen, her older sister Tai is murdered in a cold-blooded classroom massacre. The Okarian Sector hides the truth behind the attack, and Remy's family (her parents used to be prominent officials in the Sector) goes underground to join the clandestine and growing Resistance movement suspecting a foul play. Among the Resistance It's a difficult and dangerous life, and over three years, Remy has become a hardened and seasoned rebel fighter. Three years later, she begins to find some clues to why her sister murdered.

Valerian Orlean, is the son of the two most powerful people in the Sector, the chancellor and the head of the OAC. Vale was raised for success and leadership; his life has been one of privilege and luxury, He just been appointed as the director of a new program aimed at breaking the Resistance and he takes his training very seriously and determines to do what is necessary to preserve the stability of the Sector, even if it means finding out Remy Alexander and turn her over to the authorities for punishment. But when Remy and Vale come face-to-face during a rebel mission gone horribly wrong, neither of them will ever be the same again. Forced to consider that everything he has ever known has been a lie, Vale must decide where his loyalties lie . Because he is haunted by the memory of his friendship with Remy and he was determined to find out why she disappeared. He discovers as an inherently a good person trying to do the best that he can while watches everything that he know and believe, collapse around him as he slowly begins to see through the cracks in his perfect society. .

The middle chapters of the book provide some of the most intense moments of Feelings - guilt, betrayal, and indignation.

The rest of the characters flesh out a rich world, from the surly biologist with a mysterious past (he made military weapons-grade flowers) to the brilliant sidekick caught up in the escape and along for the ride. It appear that there is a love triangle forming - Her Resistance friend Soren is aloof, condescending, and shady, though for all of that he seems to have an attachment to her.

[Annemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in a while I come across a book that makes me realize why I love a certain genre I thought I had grown out of. This was one of them. I love dystopian books, when they're done right. I loved the characters, and theirdevelopment throughout this series, and I'm looking forward to reading more.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Have bought the next two ready to complete the story.

[Alice Wellqvist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes Yes Yes

[AudioBookReviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My original The Sowing audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

The Sowing by K. Makansi is the first novel in a trilogy called Seeds. The story follows two young adults, Remy Alexander and Valerian Orlean, who are on two different political sides of the Okarian Sector government in a post-apocalyptic world. After years of wars and famine, the world has finally stabilized and the government has a tight control over the food production with the hope of ensuring the continued survival of the human race. Remy Alexander and her family fled the Okarian Sector to join the Resistance when her sister was murdered. The Resistance works to find against the control the Okarian Sector political elite have over the population. Valerian Orlean is the son of two leaders of the Okarian Sector. As Valerian works to protect the Sector and its ideals, he must fight against the Resistance and Remy, the girl he once loved.

This is a great novel. The world building is seemingly effortless. While it seems like a natural issue in a post-apocalyptic world, I haven’t come across a novel focused on food and seed production before. I also really like that there was a lot of focus on the science. It is well explained and distributed in dialogue throughout the novel, so it’s not confusing. The characters, especially Remy and Valerian, had natural voices, which made it easy to relate to them and to like them. While focused on two main points of view, each of the characters has a diverse group of friends and colleagues that create a great dynamic to dialogue and activity throughout the novel. The banter among the character groups was comfortable, believable, and well-paced. Similarly, the plot has a great distribution of action and explanations. The end comes has a good stopping point in the story, but leaves the plot open for the next novel.

The narration by Ivy Tara Blair is excellent. The characters are well voiced and distinguishable. The voices also seemed aged well. The teenagers sounded like teenagers without having the worst kind of whiny teenage voices. The production quality is also great as well. I would recommend this novel to another who likes a young adult science based post-apocalyptic story.

Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.

[Chocolit Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

To satisfy my chocolate itch, I’ve shopped the candy aisles thinking, “huh, that looks like a good one, but chocolate is chocolate…it really doesn’t matter, just as long as I get some.” Oh contraire! Choosing just the right brand of yum to achieve a chocolate fix makes all the difference in the world, and also, incidentally, aligned with my assumptions when it came to reading The Sowing by the Makansi mother-daughter writing trio. This addition to the dystopian genre packed a punch that woke me up to the realization that not all chocolate (or dystopian novels) are created equal.

The strongest part of the book? The very first bite! Rarely do stories immediately suck the reader into the thick of things, but the Makansis do so in the prologue by getting us to love Tai within a couple of pages…then killing her off in a school shooting! What. The. Hell?!? Are you kidding me?! The amazing work of the authors, however, lies in the fact they are able to create a ripple effect through the rest of the novel, with Tai haunting the storyline and characters throughout the rest of the novel. The genealogy of both the younger and adult characters is also engaging; the reader is not dealing with two or three people the same age from one or two families, but rather, relationships are layered through jobs, politics, and family—both close and extended. What’s even better? It’s not confusing. At. All. There was no need of a complex glossary of characters because everything was smooth; it kept me involved, challenging my thought process, while in the meantime, not frying my brain to the point where I couldn’t keep up with what the hell was going on with the twisted helix, double strands, and genome sequencing.

Oh! And that’s the other cool thing about this read. It tackles a completely new and relevant topic to what’s happening in our own society. Food! With all the talk about GMOs, it’s fabulous to see the theories in action; best of all, the science is explained in a manner that any supermarket shopper can understand, as told through the lens of Remy, the main heroine. The dual narrative between the main characters of Remy and Vale is sharp and lends a dichotomy that is not to be missed. Get on down to the store and taste this dystopian treat, peeps!

[Ryan Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really a very pleasant surprise. There was a very interesting and original premise. There was a host of different characters that brought their own dynamics to the story. There was a bit of romance. There was a Dystopian/Utopian struggle. There was a secret society determined to set right a wrong, but most importantly, there was an alternating story told between Vale and Remy- two people on opposite sides of the tracks.

The premise was spot on. It sort of reminded me of Brave New World in the aspect that certain people get to choose who receives the special "thing" that is designed to give a person advantages over others. Only in this book, food is the center focus. It was brilliant, really. [I am not sure how much sense that "Brave New World" sentence made..]

For the most part, the book focuses on Vale and Remy in their individual worlds. Remy is part of the resistance and Vale is the son of a prominent member of the sector. Both side of the story are explored in depth as we follow both of the characters in their quest for the truth. It was a very thought- provoking journey and I came to love a lot of the characters. Remy and Vale were both very strong characters who fought for what they believed in- although they are on opposite sides.

There was not a lot of- in your face- action, but I believe this book was leading up to an epic fight in the sequel, which I cannot wait to get my hands on. The journey was enjoyable nonetheless, but I wanted more action, bloodthirsty chick that I am. (:

The writing was brilliant and flowed nicely, but what I really loves was the whole world the authors created that centered on food. I just can't get over the creativity of it. Well done.

[Asuka0278 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read!. The pace was fast, the characters believable and the world building intriguing. With all the controversy surrounding Monsanto this book is like a peek into the possible future with lots of action and mystery thrown in. I also caught a sense of 'Brave New World" in there with the way the classes were separated and those that didn't fit into the society being out in a Wilderness type area. I loved the two main characters (Vale and Remy) who are also the narrators of the story as well as the secondary main characters; Soren and Jeremiah and Eli. The book ended on a climactic point, but it was a good place to transition into the next book. Now I have to wait until Fall to find out what happens next. AGH! Write fast Makansis!!

[T.W. Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book as a gift. It does not fall into something that I would have grabbed on my own. I will say that, overall, the story is actually very enjoyable. It is set in a very human post-apocalypse where genetic and bio-engineering are part of what has destroyed as well as what keeps humanity alive.

It wastes no time getting the action started. I actually had to backtrack because it was so sudden that I thought I missed something. Actually, what you get is the crux of one of multiple driving story lines that run through book one and set the stage for what I imagine will be a very interesting series.

[Stacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book via a friend's update and I'm glad I did, even though I'm getting tired of series and wish there were more standalones generally (and YA in particular).

That being said, this is a wonderful book and a good start to the series. The action is fairly simple, but the plotting, backstory, and characterization are layered and complex, so I'm looking forward to future books in the series!

[Nannika · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really a good storyline here. Gold even...disappointing execution. By the prose alone and what were the focal points in the book, you could tell this book was made for young adults. Members of opposing sides pining away for each other...vomit. Why is that even an issue. Focus on the story rather on the tragedy of love lost and looking at someone with jealousy you know. Really killed it for me there.

BIG CAVEAT...You are a member of the resistance...why on earth would you discover an airship abandoned, just like that and think it a good idea to jump in and fly is back to base after finding out that it belongs to a member of the opposing team. Then you surprised when the authorities track the damn ship back to base and annihilate the base. I mean....REALLY???? You all really thought that one through.

A next thing...You are a member of the elite, your position is to fight the resistance...you wish to defect to the resistance...yet still packing snacks and clothes etc to go on a trip to join them. Heifer....you serious? Is this a camping trip? You just lucky you were worth more alive than dead.

Sigh. It started off good you know...then fell flat. Better than Hunger Games? No where near. Long way to go.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dystopian story is told from the alternate view points of Remy and Vale. Both are young, Remy - 18 and Vale 20, but are on opposite sides of the conflict. Remy, an old friend of the elitist Vale, and her family ran off and joined the rebel group after Remy’s older sister was murdered. Vale makes some decisions that bring them once again into contact. This story is well written and as the first installment in the trilogy, it leaves many ends open that can be addressed in later installments. The characters are well rounded and have flaws. It’s easy to sympathize with both sides. The biggest drawback to this story so far is that like many books with strong female main characters, it seems to think that she needs to be involved in a love triangle.

[Chloe Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers **

Overall I liked it but took off 1 star because the ending and 1 star just because.

Pros:
The love….triangle…? I like Remy and Soren together and I really like how Remy doesn’t fall for Vale because he is the cause for many bad things that happened to her. But I also like reading Vale’s jealous POV.😏
I don’t like Vale because he thinks he is doing so much when he truly contributes nothing to the resistance except for getting their base blown up and Remy’s mom killed. 😐

Cons:
The information that everyone was desperate to find that was literally killed over was….seeds. Literal seeds. Okay I guess, it was just a little bit of a let down, I thought it would have been something more life-changing. Or dramatic. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Kristina Aziz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not the best prioritizing

Too much was happening with not enough context. I get the feeling the author was going to do some flashbacks later on in the book, but I honestly learned more about the characters' exes than I did about the apparent revolution. Take this with a grain of salt as I didn't actually get past the first five chapters, but I think this book could have had better structure.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the the idea the books has. The potential. It all shapes up nicely. I liked the characters and their relationships for the most part.

The prologue is fast. But the start of the story is slow... I was frustrated reading the technical science talking over and over. I couldn't follow those parts. But once I finally got past that part I enjoyed it all muchhhhh more.

Some clever ideas in this book. I can see all sorts of possibilities for the next books but am unsure if I will continue the series. If I knew the rest of the books had the pacing of the 2nd half of this one, I would def pick up the next book.

[Carol Delaney Zarba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this great dystopian series and haven't been disappointed! Just when you think you read all the good dystopian fiction books this one grabbed my attention. Has all the boxes checked for me a corrupt government ✔ a revolution ✔ love story ✔ action ✔. Easy read and leaves you wanting to know what happens next.

[Mrs. Abercrombie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My take away, this is an interesting cautionary tale against genetically modified food. The characters are relatable, if not a bit too convenient that they are all so intelligent and resourceful. Plenty of action to help keep the pages turning. Just enough of a good stopping point that I want to pick up book two.

[Katey Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've got rebellion, lovers on opposing sides, a little bit of science, the revolution of natural foods (that paleo based life, though), and even a little poetry.
This mother-daughter trio came up with quite the satisfying story and shattered my heart too many times for me to be okay with.
Yes, Makansi!!

[hq · Rating 4 out of 5]

um yeah]
iread it bc it was free and cool
soren is so fine for tjat oike hes so hot]
i imagine him kinda scrawny and geeky even tho hes rlly buff but thats coolt too
simetimes when the pov dwitched i got so pissed off bc idrc about vale
well except sometimes but rhats different
cool!

[Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

No f-bombs in my YA, please and thank you.

[Tim N · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters are childish, and their development is predictable. World building is ok but I have a hard time reconciling amazing technology with a need for an oppressed worker class.