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State of Grace
Ever since she was created, Wren has lived in an idyllic garden with her friends. Wren's deity Dot ensures the trees are laden with fruit and the water in the lagoon is crystal clear. Wren and her friends have everything they could possibly need right there, in Dot's Paradise.
If only Wren could stop the strange, disturbing visions she's started having. Do these visions make her less worthy of Dot's love? And what does Blaze, the most beautiful and mysterious of Dot's creations, know about what's going on in Wren's head?
Wren is desperate to feel Dot's love, just like everyone else. But that's harder than ever when a creation she's never met before arrives in the garden. He claims to be from outside and brings with him words and ideas that make Wren's brain hurt.
Gradually Wren and Blaze uncover the truth: they're part of a clinical trial of an ominous drug called Grace.
And as she deals with this disturbing knowledge, Wren confronts a horrific secret from her past. Now she must decide whether to return to the comforting delusion of faith or fight for the right to face the very ugly truth. - See more at: http://www.randomhouse.co.nz/books/hi...
If only Wren could stop the strange, disturbing visions she's started having. Do these visions make her less worthy of Dot's love? And what does Blaze, the most beautiful and mysterious of Dot's creations, know about what's going on in Wren's head?
Wren is desperate to feel Dot's love, just like everyone else. But that's harder than ever when a creation she's never met before arrives in the garden. He claims to be from outside and brings with him words and ideas that make Wren's brain hurt.
Gradually Wren and Blaze uncover the truth: they're part of a clinical trial of an ominous drug called Grace.
And as she deals with this disturbing knowledge, Wren confronts a horrific secret from her past. Now she must decide whether to return to the comforting delusion of faith or fight for the right to face the very ugly truth. - See more at: http://www.randomhouse.co.nz/books/hi...
306 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 26, 2015
This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight
It had some redeeming qualities that made it enjoyable. It was also really predictable, so the excitement factor just wasn't there for me. Let's break it down:
The setting was really unique. It's almost like Gone meets creepy religious cult, set in this beautiful locale with a bunch of young people. They spend their time basically lounging around, floating in lagoons, and "hooking up" with each other. Oh, and worshipping "Dot", who is their godlike entity. They also don't use negative words. If you're sick, you're "prehealthy". It reminded me of those annoying preschools that don't say "no" to kids. But it was really quite intriguing that these teens just followed Dot's rules.
Wren exhibited a lot of growth. Sure, she annoyed me at the start, but so did everyone! A bunch of people mindlessly following Dot, worried only about being "chosen" by Dot, and figuring out who they should have sex with to make Dot happiest would grate at your nerves too. Luckily, Wren starts to realize that maybe these things aren't the only things in the world that matter, and we see her have to make some real decisions about who she wants to be.
The book raises a lot of really thought-provoking questions about how far you'd go to to be happy, how much you'd blindly follow along. The themes were really well done.
The things I didn't:
I had the entirety of this book predicted by about 30%. I even wrote it down, thinking maybe I would be wrong. But nope, I nailed it. Down to pretty minor details, even. So while the book had interesting themes and was fast paced and unique, it also kind of bored me, since I was sure I knew what was going to happen next- and was proven correct every time. I like an element of surprise, and in this book, after the first few chapters there wasn't any surprise left. I actually cut off part of the synopsis in this post, because I think it gives way too much of the book away.
While Wren grew, a lot of the other characters remained so brainwashed that they were hard to deal with. They were also really hard to differentiate among, because they all just did the same stuff all day and all only cared about Dot's reaction to everything. That got old after awhile.
Bottom Line: It's a fast paced book that raises a lot of great questions. It was predictable for me, but I am still glad I read it for its uniqueness and thought provocation.
It had some redeeming qualities that made it enjoyable. It was also really predictable, so the excitement factor just wasn't there for me. Let's break it down:
Things I Liked:
The setting was really unique. It's almost like Gone meets creepy religious cult, set in this beautiful locale with a bunch of young people. They spend their time basically lounging around, floating in lagoons, and "hooking up" with each other. Oh, and worshipping "Dot", who is their godlike entity. They also don't use negative words. If you're sick, you're "prehealthy". It reminded me of those annoying preschools that don't say "no" to kids. But it was really quite intriguing that these teens just followed Dot's rules.
Wren exhibited a lot of growth. Sure, she annoyed me at the start, but so did everyone! A bunch of people mindlessly following Dot, worried only about being "chosen" by Dot, and figuring out who they should have sex with to make Dot happiest would grate at your nerves too. Luckily, Wren starts to realize that maybe these things aren't the only things in the world that matter, and we see her have to make some real decisions about who she wants to be.
The book raises a lot of really thought-provoking questions about how far you'd go to to be happy, how much you'd blindly follow along. The themes were really well done.
The things I didn't:
I had the entirety of this book predicted by about 30%. I even wrote it down, thinking maybe I would be wrong. But nope, I nailed it. Down to pretty minor details, even. So while the book had interesting themes and was fast paced and unique, it also kind of bored me, since I was sure I knew what was going to happen next- and was proven correct every time. I like an element of surprise, and in this book, after the first few chapters there wasn't any surprise left. I actually cut off part of the synopsis in this post, because I think it gives way too much of the book away.
While Wren grew, a lot of the other characters remained so brainwashed that they were hard to deal with. They were also really hard to differentiate among, because they all just did the same stuff all day and all only cared about Dot's reaction to everything. That got old after awhile.
Bottom Line: It's a fast paced book that raises a lot of great questions. It was predictable for me, but I am still glad I read it for its uniqueness and thought provocation.
September 2, 2014
This was one of those books which required I put everything else on hold so I could give it my undivided attention. I was immediately pulled into the lush, brighter than bright world that Wren inhabits in the opening chapters and literally could not stop reading until I found out was going on. The language is beautiful, creepy and magical. I loved it! As the author is also my sister I was also very proud (if a touch jealous...)
March 29, 2016
I read the first 3 chapters but oh my dot I like literally can't even read any more about like being to hook up with everyone. like I just can't even. all those tatas and willies.
if you're an adult. This book is a big fat nope, the language (as far as I survived) is extremely juvenile.
If you're a youth. I dunno. guess it's been long time since I was a "youth" but a book about "hooking up" and tatas and willies doesn't really sound age appropriate.
if you're an adult. This book is a big fat nope, the language (as far as I survived) is extremely juvenile.
If you're a youth. I dunno. guess it's been long time since I was a "youth" but a book about "hooking up" and tatas and willies doesn't really sound age appropriate.
November 22, 2014
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/10/s...
State of Grace has broken the mould of what could be considered a new genre in Utopian. Similar to a teen cult, the community believes in a high power that they thank each day for their creation, and for creating the world around them. They follow the Books according to the Messiah and only use positive words of affirmation, which is where I drew comparisons to a cult community. It was eerie, one hundred teens all living in harmony, being promiscuous and living life without responsibility. Their only chores are to pick one bag of New Fruit per day, the forbidden fruit in which they cannot eat and to visit the temple to speak to their creator, a God type figure that no one had ever seen. Their society is a playground, but those who doubt are punished accordingly through self appointed leader Gil.
I found the scenario disturbing. These teens were not only brainwashed, but completely delusional and it made for a compelling read. Blaze has always known that the Eden type community isn't genuine, and sees the same confusion in Wren's eyes. But they are taught that non believers won't be escorted to a heaven type afterlife, which keeps the weak and willing in line. It's deliciously frustrating, I found myself emotionally invested in this fraudulent Utopia, it's characters and was manically turning the pages eager to see where the storyline would take me.
I interpreted aspects of their man made society as similar to followers of religion, of course in varying degrees. Living and making life choices to that of the teachings of their respective Holy Book. Although these teens are fanatical, I found the similarities really interesting and worthy of discussion. The world building was incredible, it painted a vivid picture of the cultured oasis and at times and I almost felt like a voyeur intruding on their paradise. It did leave me with unanswered questions, as I found it difficult to believe that from the one hundred teens, only Wren and Blaze questioned their world. They never contemplated what could be beyond the Fringe.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was unique, not to mention incredibly creepy. If you want to read something out of the ordinary, you won't be disappointed.
State of Grace has broken the mould of what could be considered a new genre in Utopian. Similar to a teen cult, the community believes in a high power that they thank each day for their creation, and for creating the world around them. They follow the Books according to the Messiah and only use positive words of affirmation, which is where I drew comparisons to a cult community. It was eerie, one hundred teens all living in harmony, being promiscuous and living life without responsibility. Their only chores are to pick one bag of New Fruit per day, the forbidden fruit in which they cannot eat and to visit the temple to speak to their creator, a God type figure that no one had ever seen. Their society is a playground, but those who doubt are punished accordingly through self appointed leader Gil.
I found the scenario disturbing. These teens were not only brainwashed, but completely delusional and it made for a compelling read. Blaze has always known that the Eden type community isn't genuine, and sees the same confusion in Wren's eyes. But they are taught that non believers won't be escorted to a heaven type afterlife, which keeps the weak and willing in line. It's deliciously frustrating, I found myself emotionally invested in this fraudulent Utopia, it's characters and was manically turning the pages eager to see where the storyline would take me.
I interpreted aspects of their man made society as similar to followers of religion, of course in varying degrees. Living and making life choices to that of the teachings of their respective Holy Book. Although these teens are fanatical, I found the similarities really interesting and worthy of discussion. The world building was incredible, it painted a vivid picture of the cultured oasis and at times and I almost felt like a voyeur intruding on their paradise. It did leave me with unanswered questions, as I found it difficult to believe that from the one hundred teens, only Wren and Blaze questioned their world. They never contemplated what could be beyond the Fringe.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was unique, not to mention incredibly creepy. If you want to read something out of the ordinary, you won't be disappointed.
August 29, 2022
Read more bookish goodness on my book blog: Cal's YA Reads
Okay so I don't really like reviewing books I didn't enjoy, so here's a brief list of what I thought:
- very similar to the Uglies by Scott Westerfield
- Blaze is so bland
- it's supposed to be a YA fiction, but I really suits a middle grade audience if it weren't for the infantile manner of how they refer to sexy, drugs and other adult themes (lightly touched, you could skip over many of them without realising what the concept was)
Okay so I don't really like reviewing books I didn't enjoy, so here's a brief list of what I thought:
- very similar to the Uglies by Scott Westerfield
- Blaze is so bland
- it's supposed to be a YA fiction, but I really suits a middle grade audience if it weren't for the infantile manner of how they refer to sexy, drugs and other adult themes (lightly touched, you could skip over many of them without realising what the concept was)
September 13, 2014
*This review also appears on the blog Genie In A Book*
Thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
These days we're all hearing about the dystopian novels that have been dominating the shelves. Offering something very different, Hilary Badger's YA debut subverts the genre to present a world which seems at first to be utopian in nature until some of its inhabitants begin to question everything they knew. 'State of Grace' is an intriguing, creepy and enticing read of a Wren's struggle to either remain in an artificial state of bliss or come back to her own reality where there are harsh truths to be learned.
The first thing that I really loved about this novel was the great worldbuilding. In the beginning you're thrown into this modern variation of the 'Garden of Eden' where the elusive 'Dot' is treated as a god by the people in creation. There are the 'Books of Dot' that dictates how the teens in this world live, as well as things being described as 'dotly' or 'predotly' depending on whether they are seen as right or wrong. Reading this in some areas was reminiscent of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley regarding the subtle conditioning and unwavering belief that their world is a perfect one. People can 'hook up' with whoever they want and are given a purpose by picking the 'newfruit' on a daily basis. There was an underlying eerie tone though, which makes you realise that being 'dotly' doesn't necessarily mean happiness for all. What the author did so well was to explain all of this in a way that didn't detract from the story itself. Instead of having a possible information overload, I was immersed into the story and the setting which lies under the guise of a utopian state.
The characters in 'State of Grace' are fascinatingly complex, especially considering the situation that they're in. We learn about Wren's inner turmoil over wanting to believe what she knows or defying the rules of her seemingly blissful imprisonment. Her friend Fern, the fanatic Gil and of course the enigmatic Blaze all have their own roles to play in the novel which shift over time. Wanting to find out what could possibly happen next to the characters when new twists came along made this book addictive and enjoyable, especially when it shifts focus to a version of our own society in the not too distant future.
FINAL THOUGHTS
'State of Grace' is a riveting read that turns the dystopian craze on its head. I can honestly say it is a refreshing novel unlike anything I have read before in this genre. With a seemingly utopic premise, well developed characters and an enthralling plot; this is one you won't want to miss.
Thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
These days we're all hearing about the dystopian novels that have been dominating the shelves. Offering something very different, Hilary Badger's YA debut subverts the genre to present a world which seems at first to be utopian in nature until some of its inhabitants begin to question everything they knew. 'State of Grace' is an intriguing, creepy and enticing read of a Wren's struggle to either remain in an artificial state of bliss or come back to her own reality where there are harsh truths to be learned.
I start thinking about completion night, how if I show Dot I'm a good believer, then I might be one of her chosen ones. And obviously I want to be chosen. I want it more than anyone has wanted anything.
The first thing that I really loved about this novel was the great worldbuilding. In the beginning you're thrown into this modern variation of the 'Garden of Eden' where the elusive 'Dot' is treated as a god by the people in creation. There are the 'Books of Dot' that dictates how the teens in this world live, as well as things being described as 'dotly' or 'predotly' depending on whether they are seen as right or wrong. Reading this in some areas was reminiscent of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley regarding the subtle conditioning and unwavering belief that their world is a perfect one. People can 'hook up' with whoever they want and are given a purpose by picking the 'newfruit' on a daily basis. There was an underlying eerie tone though, which makes you realise that being 'dotly' doesn't necessarily mean happiness for all. What the author did so well was to explain all of this in a way that didn't detract from the story itself. Instead of having a possible information overload, I was immersed into the story and the setting which lies under the guise of a utopian state.
All I can say is, it's hard reshaping everything you believe. Even when you think you've done it, your old ideas have this habit of popping up to make you doubt yourself.
The characters in 'State of Grace' are fascinatingly complex, especially considering the situation that they're in. We learn about Wren's inner turmoil over wanting to believe what she knows or defying the rules of her seemingly blissful imprisonment. Her friend Fern, the fanatic Gil and of course the enigmatic Blaze all have their own roles to play in the novel which shift over time. Wanting to find out what could possibly happen next to the characters when new twists came along made this book addictive and enjoyable, especially when it shifts focus to a version of our own society in the not too distant future.
FINAL THOUGHTS
'State of Grace' is a riveting read that turns the dystopian craze on its head. I can honestly say it is a refreshing novel unlike anything I have read before in this genre. With a seemingly utopic premise, well developed characters and an enthralling plot; this is one you won't want to miss.
December 24, 2015
*** I received an arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. However, this does not influence my opinions in any way.***
When I first started this book I felt completely intrigued. I was confused and captivated into reading more. I had built up a whole story in my head and how I imagined the ending to turn out. However, I was sadly disappointed. I still thoroughly enjoyed this book, but the ending was a bit of a let down. In my mind I created this whole incredibly disturbing ending where all these teens were kidnapped and drugged into believing and worshiping their kidnapper (Dot). The actual ending did have similar traits, but to be honest it wasn't nearly as entertaining. If anything, it all felt a bit rushed and sloppy, not to mention anticlimactic.
As for Shepherd Corporation as the overarching villain, I didn't find them all that terrifying. Sure, creating a drug to sell to the public would be a very bad thing, but I feel like we didn't have enough time with the corporation to really learn how evil they are (or aren't?). Like I mentioned, the whole last 1/3 of the book just felt very rushed. It almost felt like that ending should have been given its own book in order to do it justice and expand on what happened to everyone after Phase 1 and just exactly what is going on in that company. Will Phase 2 continue without Wren and Blaze? I feel like I have been left with so many unanswered questions.
However, overall this really wasn't that bad of a book. I will say though that I enjoyed the first half a lot more than the last half. That was when it still felt new and like I enjoyed all these characters and how they fit in. By the end I ended up hating every single character, even Blaze who I really enjoyed from his first appearance.
When I first started this book I felt completely intrigued. I was confused and captivated into reading more. I had built up a whole story in my head and how I imagined the ending to turn out. However, I was sadly disappointed. I still thoroughly enjoyed this book, but the ending was a bit of a let down. In my mind I created this whole incredibly disturbing ending where all these teens were kidnapped and drugged into believing and worshiping their kidnapper (Dot). The actual ending did have similar traits, but to be honest it wasn't nearly as entertaining. If anything, it all felt a bit rushed and sloppy, not to mention anticlimactic.
As for Shepherd Corporation as the overarching villain, I didn't find them all that terrifying. Sure, creating a drug to sell to the public would be a very bad thing, but I feel like we didn't have enough time with the corporation to really learn how evil they are (or aren't?). Like I mentioned, the whole last 1/3 of the book just felt very rushed. It almost felt like that ending should have been given its own book in order to do it justice and expand on what happened to everyone after Phase 1 and just exactly what is going on in that company. Will Phase 2 continue without Wren and Blaze? I feel like I have been left with so many unanswered questions.
However, overall this really wasn't that bad of a book. I will say though that I enjoyed the first half a lot more than the last half. That was when it still felt new and like I enjoyed all these characters and how they fit in. By the end I ended up hating every single character, even Blaze who I really enjoyed from his first appearance.
June 24, 2017
The beginning of this book is a trying thing. If I read the word 'Dot' in any form one more time I was going to scream! Instead of an utterly perfect paradise, I think I would have just gone mad instead haha. Finally though, the story begins to pick up and we find out more about Wren, the main character. We get more information on Dot eventually as well, and it was similar to the ideas I had when I first started. There are a few plot points that are entirely too convenient, but on the whole the story comes together for a plausible story line.
I was firstly attracted to this book from the cover; the bright, almost cartoonish flowers are I suppose a reference to the Eden created in this book. Secondly, the author's last name is Badger, which I think is just an awesome last name. I actually bought this when it first came out, but left it on my to-read for ages (as I do) until a few days ago when the cover caught my interest again. Having read a number of YA books that deal in similar type settings and subject matters, I felt like this one holds it's own without being spectacular. It was good, but not great, and the difference for me between three or giving it more stars. Except for the use of the word Dot, the writing is crisp and at points poetic. No complaints there.
I would add there is a quote on the back calling this powerful and creepy. At no point is it creepy. That is all.
Overall a solid book in the YA dystopian type style. I'm surprised since it's been out for a while that it doesn't have more reviews. If it's sitting on your to-read pile too, give it a go! You might enjoy it even more than I did!
I was firstly attracted to this book from the cover; the bright, almost cartoonish flowers are I suppose a reference to the Eden created in this book. Secondly, the author's last name is Badger, which I think is just an awesome last name. I actually bought this when it first came out, but left it on my to-read for ages (as I do) until a few days ago when the cover caught my interest again. Having read a number of YA books that deal in similar type settings and subject matters, I felt like this one holds it's own without being spectacular. It was good, but not great, and the difference for me between three or giving it more stars. Except for the use of the word Dot, the writing is crisp and at points poetic. No complaints there.
I would add there is a quote on the back calling this powerful and creepy. At no point is it creepy. That is all.
Overall a solid book in the YA dystopian type style. I'm surprised since it's been out for a while that it doesn't have more reviews. If it's sitting on your to-read pile too, give it a go! You might enjoy it even more than I did!
November 21, 2023
WHOOO was this a TRIP of a book.
now can i just say. alastair dont FUCKING READ THIS UNTIL YOUVE READ THE BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
ok now onto everyone else and future alastair
erm
this book was BONKERS!!!!!!
honestly i was going to give this 3 stars because the book is actually so funny. i laughed out loud many times. i don’t think that was the authors intention. but it got 2 stars because the writing is Questionable
the characters are all lowkey kind of unlikeable except blaze, many things are left unanswered, the plot was predictable, and was the writing style like whiplash. one moment we’d go from a super deep flashback about death or rape and then like the next chapter we’d get the word “tatas” 8 times in one chapter. like HUUUHHHHH
this was the first book i’ve fully stream-of-consciousness annotated (for alastair hi buddy) and that’s hoenstly what made most of this experience. i reckon if i wasn’t trying to find goofy moments i would’ve been hating my life reading this book
ngl with ~100 pages left it did kind of go up to 3 stars. but the beginning was so god awful i’m sorry.
ummm what else can i say
a lot of the plot points are super far fetched. like ok i get this is kind of a dystopia but also many other areas of this book try to be realistic and then it throws out shit like the newfruit or the lagoons and i’m like. Ok!
i reckon reading this drunk and or high would be amazing. reading this sober was hard. reading this sober without being in a silly mood would be torturous.
and can i just end this with saying - this was not a ya book at all. this was defo just a shitty dystopian fiction novel ❤️
now can i just say. alastair dont FUCKING READ THIS UNTIL YOUVE READ THE BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
ok now onto everyone else and future alastair
erm
this book was BONKERS!!!!!!
honestly i was going to give this 3 stars because the book is actually so funny. i laughed out loud many times. i don’t think that was the authors intention. but it got 2 stars because the writing is Questionable
the characters are all lowkey kind of unlikeable except blaze, many things are left unanswered, the plot was predictable, and was the writing style like whiplash. one moment we’d go from a super deep flashback about death or rape and then like the next chapter we’d get the word “tatas” 8 times in one chapter. like HUUUHHHHH
this was the first book i’ve fully stream-of-consciousness annotated (for alastair hi buddy) and that’s hoenstly what made most of this experience. i reckon if i wasn’t trying to find goofy moments i would’ve been hating my life reading this book
ngl with ~100 pages left it did kind of go up to 3 stars. but the beginning was so god awful i’m sorry.
ummm what else can i say
a lot of the plot points are super far fetched. like ok i get this is kind of a dystopia but also many other areas of this book try to be realistic and then it throws out shit like the newfruit or the lagoons and i’m like. Ok!
i reckon reading this drunk and or high would be amazing. reading this sober was hard. reading this sober without being in a silly mood would be torturous.
and can i just end this with saying - this was not a ya book at all. this was defo just a shitty dystopian fiction novel ❤️
January 13, 2020
I found the mystery more interesting than the reveal
Popsugar 2020 Challenge: Read a Book with a Pink Cover
Popsugar 2020 Challenge: Read a Book with a Pink Cover
September 16, 2025
why did it mention ‘tatas’ so many times in the opening chapter. worst thing ive ever read.
September 9, 2015
I received an advance copy of this novel through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my Dot this book is good.
Fair warning: this book is very different from what you’ve ever read before, but in the greatest way possible. It’s one of those books that tries to defy definition, definitely already defying labeling (is it utopian? Dystopian? Science Fiction? WHAT IS IT) and still making my mind spin. Think Margret Atwood meets Brave New World, with some Drugs thrown in. It is strange, it is beautiful, and it is amazing.
First of all: Do not read the full Goodreads summary! It spoils a major plot twist that is in the last one hundred or even fifty pages, so to avoid the spoilers, avoid the full summary. It’s under the cut so you should all be ok. This has been a public service announcement.
The first chapter had me rolling on the floor laughing, sending IMs to my boyfriend about how “ridiculous my new book is”. It seems as though you’re thrown into a nudist colony, or a hippie retreat, with ideas of free love and bathing nude with infantile names for genitalia. I was ready to put it down right there – what possible drama can you have in a nudist colony? (Note to self – write nudist colony rom com). But then, things started to change. My IMs stopped, and I became fully engrossed in the novel.
What changed? Wren did. Our main character, a lovely young lady who loves her creator, Dot, and her friends, and her idyllic life, begins to have doubts. She slowly starts to see through it all, and she begins to see the world differently. As she does, our opinion of her world changes too, and we see the utopia less and less as the perfect, tiny world it claims to be. It’s slow and gradual, not an immediate transition, which really allows the reader to follow Wren down the rabbit hole, so to speak.
If you take the religious plot, the one that takes place outside of Wren’s head, it seems like a strange concept for a YA indeed: a loving deity named Dot dropped her creations off, brand new and fresh and fully grown, inside a small beautiful universe, along with the books that guide their belief, and a new language that removes all negativity (prelight for dark, precalm for scared). Every day, her creations will sing to her in the gazebo, pick the newfruit (the only one they shouldn’t eat, I see Eden in here somewhere) and give it as an offering to their loving goddess, then they ride horseback, swim in the lagoon, hook up freely. It’s now almost one year later, and the excitement grows for “Completion Night”, the night where Dot will chose her favorite creations. But as this time draws near, tensions rise: Gil claims to be Dot’s mouthpiece, and believes their world is infected with unholy things, and leads a witch hunt to purify it all before the big night.
But Wren is changing: she begins with a certain belief in Dot, but slowly, this belief is getting cracked and crumbling. When Dennis, an outsider, accidentally gets stuck inside their perfect world, she is sure he is a test from Dot… but Blaze, the only other person who seems to be ‘waking up’ around her, has other theories. Slowly the paradise fades: the songs become more annoying, the hooking up more ridiculous. I was amazed at how the author really started to pull us away from the perfection she created: It was skillful writing, and probably why I liked this book so much.
It’s slowly paces, but in the best way possible. It allows the intrigue to develop, and allows the ready to grow anxious over what’s going to happen next. What is this world? If it’s not Eden, then what is it? Why are they really there? And why is it that Wren and Blaze don’t see it like anybody else?
The ending will leave you breathless. The entire last hundred pages or so cut a sharp contract with the rest of the book, speeding up, answering questions, even breaking your heart. What an amazing book, it’s something completely new that no one is soon to forget.
Oh my Dot this book is good.
Fair warning: this book is very different from what you’ve ever read before, but in the greatest way possible. It’s one of those books that tries to defy definition, definitely already defying labeling (is it utopian? Dystopian? Science Fiction? WHAT IS IT) and still making my mind spin. Think Margret Atwood meets Brave New World, with some Drugs thrown in. It is strange, it is beautiful, and it is amazing.
First of all: Do not read the full Goodreads summary! It spoils a major plot twist that is in the last one hundred or even fifty pages, so to avoid the spoilers, avoid the full summary. It’s under the cut so you should all be ok. This has been a public service announcement.
The first chapter had me rolling on the floor laughing, sending IMs to my boyfriend about how “ridiculous my new book is”. It seems as though you’re thrown into a nudist colony, or a hippie retreat, with ideas of free love and bathing nude with infantile names for genitalia. I was ready to put it down right there – what possible drama can you have in a nudist colony? (Note to self – write nudist colony rom com). But then, things started to change. My IMs stopped, and I became fully engrossed in the novel.
What changed? Wren did. Our main character, a lovely young lady who loves her creator, Dot, and her friends, and her idyllic life, begins to have doubts. She slowly starts to see through it all, and she begins to see the world differently. As she does, our opinion of her world changes too, and we see the utopia less and less as the perfect, tiny world it claims to be. It’s slow and gradual, not an immediate transition, which really allows the reader to follow Wren down the rabbit hole, so to speak.
If you take the religious plot, the one that takes place outside of Wren’s head, it seems like a strange concept for a YA indeed: a loving deity named Dot dropped her creations off, brand new and fresh and fully grown, inside a small beautiful universe, along with the books that guide their belief, and a new language that removes all negativity (prelight for dark, precalm for scared). Every day, her creations will sing to her in the gazebo, pick the newfruit (the only one they shouldn’t eat, I see Eden in here somewhere) and give it as an offering to their loving goddess, then they ride horseback, swim in the lagoon, hook up freely. It’s now almost one year later, and the excitement grows for “Completion Night”, the night where Dot will chose her favorite creations. But as this time draws near, tensions rise: Gil claims to be Dot’s mouthpiece, and believes their world is infected with unholy things, and leads a witch hunt to purify it all before the big night.
But Wren is changing: she begins with a certain belief in Dot, but slowly, this belief is getting cracked and crumbling. When Dennis, an outsider, accidentally gets stuck inside their perfect world, she is sure he is a test from Dot… but Blaze, the only other person who seems to be ‘waking up’ around her, has other theories. Slowly the paradise fades: the songs become more annoying, the hooking up more ridiculous. I was amazed at how the author really started to pull us away from the perfection she created: It was skillful writing, and probably why I liked this book so much.
It’s slowly paces, but in the best way possible. It allows the intrigue to develop, and allows the ready to grow anxious over what’s going to happen next. What is this world? If it’s not Eden, then what is it? Why are they really there? And why is it that Wren and Blaze don’t see it like anybody else?
The ending will leave you breathless. The entire last hundred pages or so cut a sharp contract with the rest of the book, speeding up, answering questions, even breaking your heart. What an amazing book, it’s something completely new that no one is soon to forget.
June 5, 2018
First of all i have to say the cover is absolutely beautiful. It caught my attention right away. Wren lives in paradise, along with one hundred others. In this paradise, which is like a garden of Eden, Wren and her friends all believe in someone called "Dot" which is basically their god. All that is asked of Wren and her friends is that they pick a bag of newfruit every day and dump them into a chute into the ground. They are not allowed to eat a newfruit, ever. Other than that they are free to do whatever they please, like "hooking up" which is sex, go swimming in the lagoon, skinny dipping more like. As far as the characters go i really liked Wren and Blaze. You can tell that Blaze is different from the start, he's shy and he doesn't like "Hooking up" But he likes Wren, he just doesn't know how to say it. Gil is like the unelected leader of their little community, he claims that Dot speaks through him and anything predotly must be crushed. They use a lot of words like that in this book, like "Prehappy" and "Precalm" but the language is simple enough to grasp what they're saying. That's what i liked about this book, the reading was simple and easy to understand, there's nothing worse than a character you can't understand. Brook struck me as weird at first, and gay, mainly because he's practically glued to Gil's side. You understand why towards the end of the book. Wren gets flashes of herself, someone called Viva, and she thinks that Dot is sending her these visions to test her. Blaze is the only one who really understands what's going on in the book, or most of it anyway. He starts to make Wren question everything she believes in, because he knows that Wren is just like him, she just won't admit it. This book sort of reminded me a little of that movie Logan's run. They only live for pleasure and fun, and to serve Dot. The main difference is that no one dies at the age of thirty in carousel, that and no one has life clocks on their hands. I loved Wren's little world, it seems so perfect and serene, until Gil and some others start to act "Predotly" or unhinged in my view. A boy named Dennis breaks into their community, which Wren thinks is impossible because according to the books of Dot, "All creation ends at the fringe of trees". Apparently Wren and Fern and everyone else thinks that if they go into the fringe, they go into the beyond to see Dot. You don't really see how brainwashed everyone really is until the end of the book. And you also see why Wren and her friends live in "Paradise". Wren has to face and ugly and horrifying truth about herself and about a corporation called Shepherd. This book takes a look at what it means to believe in something, or someone. It had a very good ending in my opinion. I give this book five stars, one star to the gorgeous cover of the book.
September 24, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
State of Grace began from a very interesting and well thought out world; a sort of hippyish eden where simplistic conversations are offset against days spent swimming in lagoons or hooking up. Of course, every utopia is secretly a dystopia in disguise and it all begins to unravel quickly, eventually ending on a sadly cliched note. But the reading is easy and certainly the false notes are offset by the intriguing concept.Story: Wren lives in paradise - tropical huts, warm lagoons, and good food. She and her group worship the goddess DOT and thank her daily for their wonderful life. But things are not perfect in paradise; Wren begins to remember things - a time before DOT that shouldn't be possible (because there was nothing before the creator DOT made them). And the behaviors of her fellow teens - especially one boy who may also be remembering a past life and a natural charismatic leader who is starting to be just a bit too forceful about their hooking up - is becoming a problem to Wren. She just wants the oblivion of DOT and not to have the fear and worry of her 'unDOTly memories' becoming evident. Because anything unDOTly must be crushed.
State of Grace is a very different type of dystopian. The characters are highly simplistic and use a fascinating vocabulary that doesn't include any negatives (e.g., 'prehappy' instead of 'unhappy'). It makes for an interesting and very fast read since there aren't any metaphysical ramblings going on. The teens swim, eat, maybe pick some fruits, and then hook up at will. On the surface, it certainly feels like the perfect simple life. Of course, that is until a 9 year old boy shows up (who isn't one of DOT's creations) and claims to be from outside 'the compound'. Of course, readers know where the story will go from there.
Fans of boom boom action packed dystopian will likely find passive Wren's simplistic denials of the obvious frustrating. But really that's the point. The eventual denouement makes it all clear but many readers may have a hard time getting there through Wren's passivity and the simplistic society.
Because this is an easy read and it kept me interested, this is a solid 4 star book for me. Where it fell apart at the end was with some leaps of logic and believability issues stemming from a fairly cliche ending. I didn't buy any of it and so it was rather an anti climatic ending (and one that was very predictable, sadly). Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
December 4, 2017
help I really liked this
the pacing was slow at times and the end was a bit messy, almost a lead in to a sequel (that doesn't exist), but I liked it way more than I thought I would
Fun fact: the summary reveals a fact we don't learn until 75% into the plot, and that's super dumb.
Concept:
Wren is a happy, kind of weirdly ditzy girl who lives in a perfect world. She loves Dot, who created everything, and wrote a sort of bible to live by- have fun! be nice to each other! everyone is equal!
It's paradise where no one has any shame, no one feels hate, and everything is lovely. All they have to do is harvest Newfruit every day, and then the 100 people in Dot's world can do whatever they'd like. Swimming, dancing, praying, horseback riding, and a lot of sex.
Of course, Wren has a couple hiccups going on she doesn't talk to anyone about. Blurry vision. And then memories of another, impossible life. What is going on?!?!?? We, the reader, knows there's a lot fishy about this world, so the mystery becomes figuring out exactly what.
Characters:
I actually really liked Wren. She's a good example of narrative voice, as it's first person, and the narration falters and sounds like her voice. She's bubbly, talkative, and quite bold- a nice change from the more shy YA characters. She's also quite nice. The book's voice changes as she does, too, becoming less 'valley girl' in its narration as Wren realizes something is wrong.
There is a romance, but it's very slow, and I liked it enough. I still wouldn't say I felt their connection, but Blaze and Wren start out not getting along- but they don't hate each other either. Again, a refresh from the typical asshole love interests. Blaze still gets frustrated with Wren and her struggle to leave behind her belief in Dot, but he isn't a total jerk about it.
Plus, for once, the girl was the one more interested in sex and physical stuff, while Blaze is very touch-adverse. At the end, they kiss and he rests his head on her shoulder, which is nice.
World:
I love cults. Did you know? My other love, besides angels. I LOVE cults and weirdo religion, and liked Dot's world. I think a lot of authors mess up cults by making them too evil, and what we see here is a nice balance. While everyone is very happy and free, they aren't forced to follow stupid rules like NEVER BE SAD. One cult member begins to hallucinate and turns more violent, but this is still an evolution in the belief system that doesn't deviate far from what I'd expect.
As in, the cult is pretty well done. I believed people brought in the circumstances they were would act like they did. Yay!
The world is also pretty nice- a sort of modern day garden of eden. It sounded quite pretty and pleasant.
WORLD 2: spoilers
The problems began when we left paradise. There were some earlier, such as the slow plot in the beginning, the fast pace once we meet The Boy, and then a gradual slowing after... but once we finally left paradise, about 80% in, the book gets weird.
Well, not weird. Just super messy. We finally get answers to various questions (what's up with the butterflies? What is Dot? What is newfruit? Why are they all here and brainwashed?),but it's done pretty fast. And more importantly, it's done badly.
The truth, plainly, makes no sense. It turns out the 100 teens in Dot's world signed up for this. They were all troubled youths whose parents/who themselves sought out a drug trial for a new drug called 'Grace'. This trial period was sold as a free, relaxed vacation where they would have no worries, and would also let the Shepard corporation monitor the drug and its effects.
This.... is fine. Fine!! It's not even technically 'evil', honestly. The book is smart in that it addresses it is better to face trauma head-on, but I'm okay with a free drug trial people consent to. What I'm not okay with is that Grace isn't some strong SSRI. It's literally a mind control drug, and even marketed as one.
Grace makes you full of love and faith for a god. It's called Delusion Onset Therapy (DOT). I can see how religion can help depressed people out, but I don't buy anyone would want a drug that literally makes you delusional. Wouldn't that, y'know, ruin your active life? It's fine in the fake eden garden, but for anyone trying to live in the real world, there's too much to shake your 'faith' in DOT. Like, you know, the ads on TV that confirm DOT is fake.
I guess if you're delusional that wouldn't matter. But I can't imagine anyone willingly going on that knowing the main point is you lose track of reality.
“Announcing a sexy new player set to shake things up. Grace – a fun, convenient and modern way to fill that aching spiritual void!"
A direct quote from the book. It just doesn't track with, you know, humanity and our willingness to do things. Couldn't they water the magic newfruit formula down a bit and, I don't know, just make really effective SSRIs? It's not like Grace seems to limit users emotions- though Wren and Blaze have a slight genetic immunity, even randos are able to express a range of emotions. They're just usually happy. That's a good antidepressant! Why the hell does it also have to make you believe in a fake god.
Listen, here's my last thought on the issue: Grace could have just made users really, really happy, and that's it. Dot was invented to smooth the memory loss by giving the test teens a set of rules and a simple moral code. When you extrapolate DOT into the real world- it's unclear if the memory loss was newfruit induced or part of the study- it makes no sense.
STRAY THOUGHTS
-Wren's best friend is a lesbian and we learn this like, by page three? That's one of the fastest lesbians I've ever met. Also, she was really sweet and cool, though her characterization was a bit off by the end.
-This is a very sex positive book, but I'm unsure if it's actually sex negative. Like, I was happy to see a main character who found sex fun and had no ill feelings about it. But then, because we understand the Grace study is 'evil', was I supposed to think it was horrible? Like was Wren and the others having TOO MUCH sex NOT IN RELATIONSHIPS because of the evils of this dot-world?
-There was nice diversity too in appearance, though it was at times vague. I think Blaze was black with long dreadlocks?
-This book accidently comes off as anti-religious, but I'm happy it was that and not the other way around. Wren's religious crises is her big character arc, and by the end we hear a lot of disparaging things about religion. I feel like christian moms would complain, but again, happy it wasn't like OOPS HERE THE REAL GOD, JESUS CHRIST!!!!
-Same thing as above on drugs. The book is great about trauma and accepting yourself and faults, but since Grace is a big evil drug, it almost feels like the message has an anti-drug twinge. Guys. I'd be dead without my meds. I hope Blaze and Wren get on some non-evil SSRIs.
-I liked seeing a story where the main character seriously screwed up in her past. It was worse than I thought it'd be! Her shock and fear from it all rang true. Similarly, I appreciated seeing a story where a man was the victim of sexual violence. It's super rare, even if his story was a little too stereotypical (women can hurt men too!). I thought all that was handled really quite well.
the pacing was slow at times and the end was a bit messy, almost a lead in to a sequel (that doesn't exist), but I liked it way more than I thought I would
Fun fact: the summary reveals a fact we don't learn until 75% into the plot, and that's super dumb.
Concept:
Wren is a happy, kind of weirdly ditzy girl who lives in a perfect world. She loves Dot, who created everything, and wrote a sort of bible to live by- have fun! be nice to each other! everyone is equal!
It's paradise where no one has any shame, no one feels hate, and everything is lovely. All they have to do is harvest Newfruit every day, and then the 100 people in Dot's world can do whatever they'd like. Swimming, dancing, praying, horseback riding, and a lot of sex.
Of course, Wren has a couple hiccups going on she doesn't talk to anyone about. Blurry vision. And then memories of another, impossible life. What is going on?!?!?? We, the reader, knows there's a lot fishy about this world, so the mystery becomes figuring out exactly what.
Characters:
I actually really liked Wren. She's a good example of narrative voice, as it's first person, and the narration falters and sounds like her voice. She's bubbly, talkative, and quite bold- a nice change from the more shy YA characters. She's also quite nice. The book's voice changes as she does, too, becoming less 'valley girl' in its narration as Wren realizes something is wrong.
There is a romance, but it's very slow, and I liked it enough. I still wouldn't say I felt their connection, but Blaze and Wren start out not getting along- but they don't hate each other either. Again, a refresh from the typical asshole love interests. Blaze still gets frustrated with Wren and her struggle to leave behind her belief in Dot, but he isn't a total jerk about it.
Plus, for once, the girl was the one more interested in sex and physical stuff, while Blaze is very touch-adverse. At the end, they kiss and he rests his head on her shoulder, which is nice.
World:
I love cults. Did you know? My other love, besides angels. I LOVE cults and weirdo religion, and liked Dot's world. I think a lot of authors mess up cults by making them too evil, and what we see here is a nice balance. While everyone is very happy and free, they aren't forced to follow stupid rules like NEVER BE SAD. One cult member begins to hallucinate and turns more violent, but this is still an evolution in the belief system that doesn't deviate far from what I'd expect.
As in, the cult is pretty well done. I believed people brought in the circumstances they were would act like they did. Yay!
The world is also pretty nice- a sort of modern day garden of eden. It sounded quite pretty and pleasant.
WORLD 2: spoilers
The problems began when we left paradise. There were some earlier, such as the slow plot in the beginning, the fast pace once we meet The Boy, and then a gradual slowing after... but once we finally left paradise, about 80% in, the book gets weird.
Well, not weird. Just super messy. We finally get answers to various questions (what's up with the butterflies? What is Dot? What is newfruit? Why are they all here and brainwashed?),but it's done pretty fast. And more importantly, it's done badly.
The truth, plainly, makes no sense. It turns out the 100 teens in Dot's world signed up for this. They were all troubled youths whose parents/who themselves sought out a drug trial for a new drug called 'Grace'. This trial period was sold as a free, relaxed vacation where they would have no worries, and would also let the Shepard corporation monitor the drug and its effects.
This.... is fine. Fine!! It's not even technically 'evil', honestly. The book is smart in that it addresses it is better to face trauma head-on, but I'm okay with a free drug trial people consent to. What I'm not okay with is that Grace isn't some strong SSRI. It's literally a mind control drug, and even marketed as one.
Grace makes you full of love and faith for a god. It's called Delusion Onset Therapy (DOT). I can see how religion can help depressed people out, but I don't buy anyone would want a drug that literally makes you delusional. Wouldn't that, y'know, ruin your active life? It's fine in the fake eden garden, but for anyone trying to live in the real world, there's too much to shake your 'faith' in DOT. Like, you know, the ads on TV that confirm DOT is fake.
I guess if you're delusional that wouldn't matter. But I can't imagine anyone willingly going on that knowing the main point is you lose track of reality.
“Announcing a sexy new player set to shake things up. Grace – a fun, convenient and modern way to fill that aching spiritual void!"
A direct quote from the book. It just doesn't track with, you know, humanity and our willingness to do things. Couldn't they water the magic newfruit formula down a bit and, I don't know, just make really effective SSRIs? It's not like Grace seems to limit users emotions- though Wren and Blaze have a slight genetic immunity, even randos are able to express a range of emotions. They're just usually happy. That's a good antidepressant! Why the hell does it also have to make you believe in a fake god.
Listen, here's my last thought on the issue: Grace could have just made users really, really happy, and that's it. Dot was invented to smooth the memory loss by giving the test teens a set of rules and a simple moral code. When you extrapolate DOT into the real world- it's unclear if the memory loss was newfruit induced or part of the study- it makes no sense.
STRAY THOUGHTS
-Wren's best friend is a lesbian and we learn this like, by page three? That's one of the fastest lesbians I've ever met. Also, she was really sweet and cool, though her characterization was a bit off by the end.
-This is a very sex positive book, but I'm unsure if it's actually sex negative. Like, I was happy to see a main character who found sex fun and had no ill feelings about it. But then, because we understand the Grace study is 'evil', was I supposed to think it was horrible? Like was Wren and the others having TOO MUCH sex NOT IN RELATIONSHIPS because of the evils of this dot-world?
-There was nice diversity too in appearance, though it was at times vague. I think Blaze was black with long dreadlocks?
-This book accidently comes off as anti-religious, but I'm happy it was that and not the other way around. Wren's religious crises is her big character arc, and by the end we hear a lot of disparaging things about religion. I feel like christian moms would complain, but again, happy it wasn't like OOPS HERE THE REAL GOD, JESUS CHRIST!!!!
-Same thing as above on drugs. The book is great about trauma and accepting yourself and faults, but since Grace is a big evil drug, it almost feels like the message has an anti-drug twinge. Guys. I'd be dead without my meds. I hope Blaze and Wren get on some non-evil SSRIs.
-I liked seeing a story where the main character seriously screwed up in her past. It was worse than I thought it'd be! Her shock and fear from it all rang true. Similarly, I appreciated seeing a story where a man was the victim of sexual violence. It's super rare, even if his story was a little too stereotypical (women can hurt men too!). I thought all that was handled really quite well.
September 19, 2015
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It may have taken me longer than normal to read this book, but I could only read it on my laptop. Hard to curl up with my laptop, or hold it up over my head as I lay down to read...
But the fact is that I WANTED to do that with this book. I think if I had it in a different format I would have read it straight through. It doesn't appear to be a series, but it could be. There's a lot to explore with this whole concept. It does work as a stand-alone though.
It's not perfect. No. It was, however, pretty damn engrossing.
On the surface this is a tale set in a sort of...re-imagined Garden of Eden. A garden of "Dot". Everyone loves everyone else, both emotionally and, dependent on sexual preference, physically. Everyone works together and lives peacefully. Everyone is provided for. Everyone praises "Dot" for their creation and for their perfect, blissful existences.
But what happens when you start to have memories of a time BEFORE? A place unlike this one with people who somehow seem familiar and so many things that just cannot be, because you were created just as you are and only a short time ago. You remember every day since the day you were created and these memories are not among those days.
I don't want to give away anything by touching on all the wider issues and themes that it touches on in the book, but I will say that I enjoyed it and would like to know a lot more about a lot of things.
3.5 with a bump to the 4 star, because I really wanted to read it faster that I was able to on my computer.
It may have taken me longer than normal to read this book, but I could only read it on my laptop. Hard to curl up with my laptop, or hold it up over my head as I lay down to read...
But the fact is that I WANTED to do that with this book. I think if I had it in a different format I would have read it straight through. It doesn't appear to be a series, but it could be. There's a lot to explore with this whole concept. It does work as a stand-alone though.
It's not perfect. No. It was, however, pretty damn engrossing.
On the surface this is a tale set in a sort of...re-imagined Garden of Eden. A garden of "Dot". Everyone loves everyone else, both emotionally and, dependent on sexual preference, physically. Everyone works together and lives peacefully. Everyone is provided for. Everyone praises "Dot" for their creation and for their perfect, blissful existences.
But what happens when you start to have memories of a time BEFORE? A place unlike this one with people who somehow seem familiar and so many things that just cannot be, because you were created just as you are and only a short time ago. You remember every day since the day you were created and these memories are not among those days.
I don't want to give away anything by touching on all the wider issues and themes that it touches on in the book, but I will say that I enjoyed it and would like to know a lot more about a lot of things.
3.5 with a bump to the 4 star, because I really wanted to read it faster that I was able to on my computer.
September 14, 2014
It's not too often that you come across a utopian book rather than a dystopian in Young Adult, but that's exactly what State of Grace is: a book set in a beautiful paradise where every need is attended to and all the inhabitants are friends. But of course, it wouldn't be much of a book if there wasn't some sort of twist. Some sort of dark side to this utopia. A revelation that all is not quite as it seems...
I have to admit, it's pretty easy to predict most of the plot twists. One reason for this is because the author leaves a lot clues here and there to direct you to the reveal. The other reason is because, to be blunt, the twists are kind of obvious. They're not really ground-breaking, shocking twists- I just feel like I've seen most of them before. Along with the predictable twists, I also had a few minor issues with suspension of disbelief which I can't really go into because of spoilers, but I'll just say that some aspects of the novel had me going "really??"
The world building was pretty decent. It definitely seemed as if quite a lot of thought went into planning the "paradise" where Wren lives- the rules, the deity/creator known as "Dot", the secrets... Badger also does an excellent job of building up tension, and pairing that with the gradual peeling away of the layers of the world made for quite a satisfying read.
State of Grace probably isn't the most unique and unpredictable book out there, but it's certainly an intriguing and well executed story that you should get your hands on if you're tired of the dystopian craze.
Ratings
Overall: 7/10
Plot: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
World Building: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
Cover: 2/5
I have to admit, it's pretty easy to predict most of the plot twists. One reason for this is because the author leaves a lot clues here and there to direct you to the reveal. The other reason is because, to be blunt, the twists are kind of obvious. They're not really ground-breaking, shocking twists- I just feel like I've seen most of them before. Along with the predictable twists, I also had a few minor issues with suspension of disbelief which I can't really go into because of spoilers, but I'll just say that some aspects of the novel had me going "really??"
The world building was pretty decent. It definitely seemed as if quite a lot of thought went into planning the "paradise" where Wren lives- the rules, the deity/creator known as "Dot", the secrets... Badger also does an excellent job of building up tension, and pairing that with the gradual peeling away of the layers of the world made for quite a satisfying read.
State of Grace probably isn't the most unique and unpredictable book out there, but it's certainly an intriguing and well executed story that you should get your hands on if you're tired of the dystopian craze.
Ratings
Overall: 7/10
Plot: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
World Building: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
Cover: 2/5
July 10, 2015
* Thanks to Netgalley for providing an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. This, however, does not influence my opinions in any way.
The story revolves around a few teenagers that live in a small place known as Dot's Paradise where Dot is God. They have their own holy books of Dot, which are a lot like the Bible and the people have to follow them. But their world is not real—they are actually under the influence of a drug called Grace. Talk about fresh concepts.
A very, very different book. Bizarre and unnatural. In the beginning, I thought that this was just another book preaching about God and the values of a good disciple, and stuff like that. But it was not at all like that and it took me by surprise.
The world-building was great and it felt like I was really there. It had to be, for the book is set in a different world. It's a pretty quick read, but Hilary Badger manages to make it complete despite that.
The main character, Wren, was very annoying and she kept me from enjoying the book. I understand that she had to be a little "mentally sick" for the story, but it was too much and I think the way it the whole story was presented was a little off.
This is a really awesome read and throughout the book, I felt like it was similar to Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix. The whole thing with the people being an experiment and thinking they were part of a real world is sort of mutual between the two books.
My Rating: ★★★ 3 stars
-
The story revolves around a few teenagers that live in a small place known as Dot's Paradise where Dot is God. They have their own holy books of Dot, which are a lot like the Bible and the people have to follow them. But their world is not real—they are actually under the influence of a drug called Grace. Talk about fresh concepts.
A very, very different book. Bizarre and unnatural. In the beginning, I thought that this was just another book preaching about God and the values of a good disciple, and stuff like that. But it was not at all like that and it took me by surprise.
The world-building was great and it felt like I was really there. It had to be, for the book is set in a different world. It's a pretty quick read, but Hilary Badger manages to make it complete despite that.
The main character, Wren, was very annoying and she kept me from enjoying the book. I understand that she had to be a little "mentally sick" for the story, but it was too much and I think the way it the whole story was presented was a little off.
This is a really awesome read and throughout the book, I felt like it was similar to Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix. The whole thing with the people being an experiment and thinking they were part of a real world is sort of mutual between the two books.
My Rating: ★★★ 3 stars
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August 12, 2015
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
It took a little bit to get into this book, but I absolutely loved the concept. At the beginning of the book, I swear it sounds like all the kids in the garden are part of a cult. The world building and descriptions of the garden were wonderful. There is a deity they call "Dot," there is a "Book of Dots" that governs their behavior, and there is constant chatter and excitement about "completion night," where some of the lucky ones will be "chosen" by Dot. These teenagers were so happy about everything and it was just eery. One of the issues with the book though was that there were so many people in the garden and it was hard to differentiate between them, probably because everyone was so damn happy. Wren starts having visions of another life and she feels it's a test from Dot. Everything about it just got weirder and weirder and sounded like some sort of twisted religion. When a boy enters their garden, Wren is forced to accept that Dot doesn't exist and that there actually is a whole world outside the garden. Wren also has to choose between the artificial bliss she is used to or the harsh realities of day to day life. I thought there was some great character development with Wren and I really understood her decision making process. It just took me a while to connect with her. This was a very creepy look at technology and learning to think for yourself, but it wasn't the best.
It took a little bit to get into this book, but I absolutely loved the concept. At the beginning of the book, I swear it sounds like all the kids in the garden are part of a cult. The world building and descriptions of the garden were wonderful. There is a deity they call "Dot," there is a "Book of Dots" that governs their behavior, and there is constant chatter and excitement about "completion night," where some of the lucky ones will be "chosen" by Dot. These teenagers were so happy about everything and it was just eery. One of the issues with the book though was that there were so many people in the garden and it was hard to differentiate between them, probably because everyone was so damn happy. Wren starts having visions of another life and she feels it's a test from Dot. Everything about it just got weirder and weirder and sounded like some sort of twisted religion. When a boy enters their garden, Wren is forced to accept that Dot doesn't exist and that there actually is a whole world outside the garden. Wren also has to choose between the artificial bliss she is used to or the harsh realities of day to day life. I thought there was some great character development with Wren and I really understood her decision making process. It just took me a while to connect with her. This was a very creepy look at technology and learning to think for yourself, but it wasn't the best.
October 3, 2015
Many thanks to Capstone Publishing, via NetGalley, for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
3.5
This was a unique book. Not in a bad way, but I'm still not entirely sure what to think of it. I will say that I got thoroughly irritated about halfway through it at the constant repetition of phrases that include the word "Dot." (This, if it were to be compared to phrases in English, would be stuff like "Praise be to God" or "God's blessing upon you," etc. Which I'm okay with, as long as it's not every other phrase that people utter... and that's how it was with the "Dot phrases.")
I didn't really like Wren as a character. She seemed way too... okay with her idyllic existence and taken in with the whole "well I don't remember my life prior to living in Dot's paradise but that's okay because I guess I didn't have a life before here." There was very little curiosity exhibited until about 45% through the book.
I would recommend this, but if you're like me, you have to be in a particular mood to be able to read this novel and not get too irritated with it.
However, I enjoyed it enough that I would be willing to read other books by Hilary Badger, for sure. I loved the unique take on "Utopia" and the twists that occurred later on in the story.
3.5
This was a unique book. Not in a bad way, but I'm still not entirely sure what to think of it. I will say that I got thoroughly irritated about halfway through it at the constant repetition of phrases that include the word "Dot." (This, if it were to be compared to phrases in English, would be stuff like "Praise be to God" or "God's blessing upon you," etc. Which I'm okay with, as long as it's not every other phrase that people utter... and that's how it was with the "Dot phrases.")
I didn't really like Wren as a character. She seemed way too... okay with her idyllic existence and taken in with the whole "well I don't remember my life prior to living in Dot's paradise but that's okay because I guess I didn't have a life before here." There was very little curiosity exhibited until about 45% through the book.
I would recommend this, but if you're like me, you have to be in a particular mood to be able to read this novel and not get too irritated with it.
However, I enjoyed it enough that I would be willing to read other books by Hilary Badger, for sure. I loved the unique take on "Utopia" and the twists that occurred later on in the story.
October 1, 2015
I feel as if this book has a lot of potential in terms of originality; it starts off as an effective utopia, and we are gradually given glimpses of the darker truth as the layers are peeled away one by one. Unfortunately, it didn't really cut it for me. There was no beauty in the language used, not even in passing; some characters were unrealistic and/or clichéd; the plot was a messy and did not flow as it should have; and so on. It also bothers me when a character dies and their death is brushed over - Viva (Wren) showed definite affection towards Dennis, and yet he was stabbed and she didn't seem that bothered. She left him to bleed and figured that she'd "come back for him later". As I read the passage, I felt myself raise my eyebrows in disbelief (and not the good kind). That was a low point in my opinion, because it degraded her previous sisterly feelings for him.
The whole book is a bit frustrating in the sense that it could have been great if it weren't for all the ??? and !!! and ?!?! moments.
The whole book is a bit frustrating in the sense that it could have been great if it weren't for all the ??? and !!! and ?!?! moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2018
State of Grace is an enjoyable read… if you can get past the poor formatting and the annoying main character. Plus, I think the synopsis gives away too much. It’s basically telling you everything that happens in the book. Maybe the poor formatting is due to this being an advanced copy, which is why I did my best to ignore it and push on to read the actual story. It just…. felt like William Shatner wrote it in the way he’d say it.
There’s…… someone on the wing…
Some
….
Thing.
(more via website)
August 13, 2017
This book is trash. Hilary Badger is yet another so-called 'young teen writer', that wouldn't know real literature if slapped her in the face. As a mother, when I look over the books my daughter has brought home from the library and find this waste of paper, and for some kids, damaging book, sadly, I wish the Hilary Badger's of the world would simply crawl back under the rock they slithered out from. Moms, if you see this book come home with you daughter, throw it in the trash and pay the library fee for a lost book. It shouldn't be sitting in any children or teen section anywhere.
did-not-finish
March 7, 2021Too weird. Bad writing. Juvenile. I gave it away.
April 9, 2017
Worst book I have ever read on my life. Why would anyone read this robish?!
July 4, 2015
ALL THIS BOOK WAS WAS HOOKING UP AND CREEPY GIL
October 11, 2017
This book is called State of Grace, the author is Hilary Badger. This book is about teens mainy who suffer or have suffered some problems in life, depression, murder, rape, and so on. They are put in a perfect inveriment with no memories or new memories, but some are starting to remember. The book has a lexile number of HL700L.
In the book the main charecter is a girl who in her past her house caught on fire and her little brother was inside and she was somewhat responsible for it. The lesson to me was to you always get a second chance. All the people in the book did something to make them want a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance, but in the book I think the better lesson it teaches it’s be true to yourself. Don’t let other influence you or make decision for you, you can do things yourself be independent.
I really like this book I think this book is good for people who aren’t afraid to talk out or say things, or just talk about emberessing topics. This book is a great book I belive it was just a little bit below my reading level but I loved it no matter what. The book had just enough twists and turns so you could not really predict what was going to happen, it was a interesting book that really made you think. My favorite part in the book was when the main charecter thought she was being tested by her god and a little boy came. This book reminds me of almost every other book I have ever read, it is interesting with many twists for good or bad. This book is for people who don’t get to attached to certain charecters, The book can really make you feel the charecters pain and it can make you feel different emotions. The author did a great job on this book I think she did nothing wrong, but needs to make a second one.
In the book the main charecter is a girl who in her past her house caught on fire and her little brother was inside and she was somewhat responsible for it. The lesson to me was to you always get a second chance. All the people in the book did something to make them want a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance, but in the book I think the better lesson it teaches it’s be true to yourself. Don’t let other influence you or make decision for you, you can do things yourself be independent.
I really like this book I think this book is good for people who aren’t afraid to talk out or say things, or just talk about emberessing topics. This book is a great book I belive it was just a little bit below my reading level but I loved it no matter what. The book had just enough twists and turns so you could not really predict what was going to happen, it was a interesting book that really made you think. My favorite part in the book was when the main charecter thought she was being tested by her god and a little boy came. This book reminds me of almost every other book I have ever read, it is interesting with many twists for good or bad. This book is for people who don’t get to attached to certain charecters, The book can really make you feel the charecters pain and it can make you feel different emotions. The author did a great job on this book I think she did nothing wrong, but needs to make a second one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2017
3.5 (I wish goodreads let us give half stars)
Overall, I liked the concept of it.
It could've been better though, if there were more explanations for things. I thought the ending was pretty abrupt too.
Possible spoilers:
I mean, I guess it's because this book focused on Wren, but I'd like to know more about Gil and Fern and their behaviour. The explanation about how it just affected everyone differently because of genetics??? At least go into more detail maybe??
And also, the whole Blaze liking Wren thing? When did that even start? Was there a specific reason? Was it just because she was showing cracks??
AND ALSO, what even happened to Dennis afterwards?! Good that he got back to his family, but did he and Wren/Viva ever see each other again? Are they really good friends now??? Are they close???
So many unanswered questions!!!
Overall, I liked the concept of it.
It could've been better though, if there were more explanations for things. I thought the ending was pretty abrupt too.
Possible spoilers:
I mean, I guess it's because this book focused on Wren, but I'd like to know more about Gil and Fern and their behaviour. The explanation about how it just affected everyone differently because of genetics??? At least go into more detail maybe??
And also, the whole Blaze liking Wren thing? When did that even start? Was there a specific reason? Was it just because she was showing cracks??
AND ALSO, what even happened to Dennis afterwards?! Good that he got back to his family, but did he and Wren/Viva ever see each other again? Are they really good friends now??? Are they close???
So many unanswered questions!!!
February 14, 2019
In a dystopian time, State of Grace is set in a true Garden of Eden. A place of peace and harmony, where Dot is the leader they look to, and the Books of Dot are their instructions for life. Some simple chores every day, and then they are free to have fun, which is what they were created for. Their home is all they know, all that exists in their minds. Although they've never seen Dot, they know that she exists, why would they think otherwise? They are safe and secure, hidden in their world, but no one has ever asked if there is anything beyond.
January 1, 2022
Read more bookish goodness on my book blog: Cal's YA Reads
Okay so I don't really like reviewing books I didn't enjoy, so here's a brief list of what I thought:
- very similar to the Uglies by Scott Westerfield
- Blaze is so bland
- it's supposed to be a YA fiction, but I really suits a middle grade audience if it weren't for the infantile manner of how they refer to sexy, drugs and other adult themes (lightly touched, you could skip over many of them without realising what the concept was)
Okay so I don't really like reviewing books I didn't enjoy, so here's a brief list of what I thought:
- very similar to the Uglies by Scott Westerfield
- Blaze is so bland
- it's supposed to be a YA fiction, but I really suits a middle grade audience if it weren't for the infantile manner of how they refer to sexy, drugs and other adult themes (lightly touched, you could skip over many of them without realising what the concept was)
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