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Solstice #1
Solstice
Four ways to get Banished from the last surviving city on earth are: 1. Cut out your emotion tracker, 2. Join a religious cult, 3. Create a rebellion against the Legislature, 4. Fall in love.
Jezebel James does all four.
Jez is on the fast-track to becoming a brilliant scientist, with one goal—to save her city from total extinction. Her caretakers have entrusted her with a secret plan to stop the rain from flooding the rest of the earth and start civilization anew. But the more Jez learns about the price of a fresh beginning, the more she realizes that carrying out the plan will lead to few survivors, and among the dead will be those she cares about the most.
Jezebel James does all four.
Jez is on the fast-track to becoming a brilliant scientist, with one goal—to save her city from total extinction. Her caretakers have entrusted her with a secret plan to stop the rain from flooding the rest of the earth and start civilization anew. But the more Jez learns about the price of a fresh beginning, the more she realizes that carrying out the plan will lead to few survivors, and among the dead will be those she cares about the most.
294 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2016
65 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
About the author
Jane Redd
9 books84 followersWriting under Jane Redd, Heather B. Moore is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than a dozen historical novels set in ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She attended the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican International School in Jerusalem and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, and romance and women's fiction under the name Heather B. Moore. It can be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
April 21, 2017
Bullet Review:
An interesting dystopian concept that is wrecked by weak, disjointed, unfocused storytelling.
How does Reuben, a Lake Town resident and "barbarian" have brilliantly white teeth?
How come it rains all but two days out of the year? How can you predict those two days of sun and why would you call them "Solstice", a word specifically meaning the location of the sun in the sky?
If Jezebel is so smart, how comes it takes her an entire book to guess that maybe others are like her too?
Actually, if Jezebel is smart, why are 75% or more of her actions stupid?
Why does the government bother capturing Jezebel then releasing her into University after all?
If this world is ruled by scientists, then why is there a disease that is basically Eczema on Steroids?
And I'm scratching my head at the conclusion that it was science that ruined the earth, by ridding the world of religions. It's not even Redd went with the stereotypical "Science is cold, religions/faith are warm and feeling". I just hate the generic "science is bad" message.
The one thing I do get: uniformity over factions. That at least makes sense. I also didn't mind the keeping emotionality in control - something that Jezebel talks a lot about but doesn't seem to know how to do (and is surprised when she is caught - though not nearly enough for how often she acts emotionally).
This book had a lot of potential but could have been WAY better. I honestly feel like this was two different stories crammed together - the first one being written and not reread before the author lept into writing part 2. A shame because this was one of the more solid dystopian worlds I've read in YA.
Full Review:
Jezebel knows no other world than one in constant rain - and the drive to do well in her classes so she can be a scientist and enact a plan from her caregiver, Naomi ("mother"). But quickly, this goal seems further and further out of reach - she receives her grandmother's journal, which is a serious crime and sends her to prison. There she meets fellow inmate, Reuben, who reveals even more about this curious world - and the Lake Towns that are beyond the one remaining city.
I started this book thinking that I would be giving this an easy 4 or even 5 stars and proclaiming it the best Young Adult Dystopian I've read (and I've read a couple!). However, even though the blurb is promising (enough for me to choose it as a buddy read!) and the dystopian world is fairly well constructed, the plot just simply falls apart and the characters aren't interesting enough to revive interest in this book.
Dystopians are a subset of books where worldbuilding is critical. It is hugely important that an author spends time thinking - what went wrong in society and how did society react to that problem? It has to make sense - otherwise you end up with vaguely "bad" worlds like "Divergent", "Shatter Me", and "Delirium" that really seem exactly like now but with one or two differences that just seem startlingly out of place.
It's not young adult, but I think one of the stronger dystopians out there is "The Handmaid's Tale". It starts with a realistic premise that the ultra-religious are voted into power and then leads to the rest of the tale. The other ones I mentioned simply say things like "Love is outlawed" or "people are split into factions" or "the world is bad" without really investigating WHY the world became what it is. And yes, this is something that can and should be discussed in the first book of a series, if you want people to give a damn about getting rid of oppression!
"Solstice" started out with the intriguing combo of a world with out of control climate control (with some weird blips that it rains constantly for 39 years BUT there are two regular sun days called, inexplicably, "Solstice" - a word meaning the location of the sun in the sky) and a completely reorganized society. Depending on intelligence, people are class A, B, or C - A being top tiered and C being your standard blue-colllared workers. Marriage isn't the same; there isn't necessarily a push for women to get married at 18 and pop out babies. (Take that "Delirium"!) Parenting children isn't the same either - children only stay for short periods with their caregivers. Also, emotions are controlled with an implant to the shoulder called Harmony - it's weird that it's the shoulder, but eh. Willing suspension of disbelief.
One thing I just couldn't wrap my head around was the weird "science is bad and caused the climate problem" and the banning of religion (the obvious conclusion being that religion would upset the Legislature and cause them to lose power). Given our world today, it's hard to imagine what kind of "science" happened that somehow caused it to rain for 39 years (not sure how life even continues for rain that persistent); I don't like the implied "science is bad, don't trust it!" Science is not necessarily good or bad - it just is. People decide whether to make it bad (holocaust) or good (vaccines).
There are plenty of other iffy bits, but I could ignore them - up until a point. And then it was like, my mind couldn't absorb it.
Firstly, Jezebel struggles to contain her emotions. You see, she's special - unlike most people, her Harmony implant doesn't work. I don't mind reading about her struggles - I do mind when she does multiple things (holding Sol's hand, acting scared or nervous or upset) and she is NOT found out.
Honestly, Jezebel wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. I have no idea how she ever got to be A-levels because she was horrible at disguising her emotions, constantly broke rules, took forever to realize Sol's feelings for her (I knew within PAGES of the book - she doesn't figure it out until he tells her in the last 25%), and had to have everything spelled out for her. I am okay with stupid protagonists - but again, how is she supposedly on track to be a scientist, in the upper tier of her society if she can't infer basic things from people's actions?! If she can feel emotions, is it SO HARD to realize that others feel emotions?
The other thing that really hurts this book is just the uneven plot. It very much feels like the first half was written eons before the second half and the author, instead of rereading or rewriting anything, just mushed the two together. Why would the government arrest Jezebel then give her exactly what she wanted? What kind of "test" is that? What other kind of test involves almost escaping and then getting caught - but you "passed" the test? Or what about the weird "sending someone to replace you" test?
And very peripherally - there aren't many women in the book. Other than Jezebel, there's Chalice, her "friend" - that she doesn't confide in and barely talks to (unless it is to chide for wearing rings or because of a convenient plot point). Once again, this is a world where most everyone of importance is male, and male love interests (Sol, Reuben) are more important than female friends.
Overall, I'm disappointed. This had a strong concept, and I think with some revisions, it could truly be great. Trim some of Jezebel's stupidity (why does she immediately break the curfew law and try to speak to Sol, whom she is forbidden to associate with?!), omit the "science is bad" theme, streamline the plot (especially the weird capture bit followed by the inexplicable release to University) - I know it seems like a lot, but in comparison to some wishy-washy ones ("Divergent"), it's actually not that bad.
An interesting dystopian concept that is wrecked by weak, disjointed, unfocused storytelling.
How does Reuben, a Lake Town resident and "barbarian" have brilliantly white teeth?
How come it rains all but two days out of the year? How can you predict those two days of sun and why would you call them "Solstice", a word specifically meaning the location of the sun in the sky?
If Jezebel is so smart, how comes it takes her an entire book to guess that maybe others are like her too?
Actually, if Jezebel is smart, why are 75% or more of her actions stupid?
Why does the government bother capturing Jezebel then releasing her into University after all?
If this world is ruled by scientists, then why is there a disease that is basically Eczema on Steroids?
And I'm scratching my head at the conclusion that it was science that ruined the earth, by ridding the world of religions. It's not even Redd went with the stereotypical "Science is cold, religions/faith are warm and feeling". I just hate the generic "science is bad" message.
The one thing I do get: uniformity over factions. That at least makes sense. I also didn't mind the keeping emotionality in control - something that Jezebel talks a lot about but doesn't seem to know how to do (and is surprised when she is caught - though not nearly enough for how often she acts emotionally).
This book had a lot of potential but could have been WAY better. I honestly feel like this was two different stories crammed together - the first one being written and not reread before the author lept into writing part 2. A shame because this was one of the more solid dystopian worlds I've read in YA.
Full Review:
Jezebel knows no other world than one in constant rain - and the drive to do well in her classes so she can be a scientist and enact a plan from her caregiver, Naomi ("mother"). But quickly, this goal seems further and further out of reach - she receives her grandmother's journal, which is a serious crime and sends her to prison. There she meets fellow inmate, Reuben, who reveals even more about this curious world - and the Lake Towns that are beyond the one remaining city.
I started this book thinking that I would be giving this an easy 4 or even 5 stars and proclaiming it the best Young Adult Dystopian I've read (and I've read a couple!). However, even though the blurb is promising (enough for me to choose it as a buddy read!) and the dystopian world is fairly well constructed, the plot just simply falls apart and the characters aren't interesting enough to revive interest in this book.
Dystopians are a subset of books where worldbuilding is critical. It is hugely important that an author spends time thinking - what went wrong in society and how did society react to that problem? It has to make sense - otherwise you end up with vaguely "bad" worlds like "Divergent", "Shatter Me", and "Delirium" that really seem exactly like now but with one or two differences that just seem startlingly out of place.
It's not young adult, but I think one of the stronger dystopians out there is "The Handmaid's Tale". It starts with a realistic premise that the ultra-religious are voted into power and then leads to the rest of the tale. The other ones I mentioned simply say things like "Love is outlawed" or "people are split into factions" or "the world is bad" without really investigating WHY the world became what it is. And yes, this is something that can and should be discussed in the first book of a series, if you want people to give a damn about getting rid of oppression!
"Solstice" started out with the intriguing combo of a world with out of control climate control (with some weird blips that it rains constantly for 39 years BUT there are two regular sun days called, inexplicably, "Solstice" - a word meaning the location of the sun in the sky) and a completely reorganized society. Depending on intelligence, people are class A, B, or C - A being top tiered and C being your standard blue-colllared workers. Marriage isn't the same; there isn't necessarily a push for women to get married at 18 and pop out babies. (Take that "Delirium"!) Parenting children isn't the same either - children only stay for short periods with their caregivers. Also, emotions are controlled with an implant to the shoulder called Harmony - it's weird that it's the shoulder, but eh. Willing suspension of disbelief.
One thing I just couldn't wrap my head around was the weird "science is bad and caused the climate problem" and the banning of religion (the obvious conclusion being that religion would upset the Legislature and cause them to lose power). Given our world today, it's hard to imagine what kind of "science" happened that somehow caused it to rain for 39 years (not sure how life even continues for rain that persistent); I don't like the implied "science is bad, don't trust it!" Science is not necessarily good or bad - it just is. People decide whether to make it bad (holocaust) or good (vaccines).
There are plenty of other iffy bits, but I could ignore them - up until a point. And then it was like, my mind couldn't absorb it.
Firstly, Jezebel struggles to contain her emotions. You see, she's special - unlike most people, her Harmony implant doesn't work. I don't mind reading about her struggles - I do mind when she does multiple things (holding Sol's hand, acting scared or nervous or upset) and she is NOT found out.
Honestly, Jezebel wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. I have no idea how she ever got to be A-levels because she was horrible at disguising her emotions, constantly broke rules, took forever to realize Sol's feelings for her (I knew within PAGES of the book - she doesn't figure it out until he tells her in the last 25%), and had to have everything spelled out for her. I am okay with stupid protagonists - but again, how is she supposedly on track to be a scientist, in the upper tier of her society if she can't infer basic things from people's actions?! If she can feel emotions, is it SO HARD to realize that others feel emotions?
The other thing that really hurts this book is just the uneven plot. It very much feels like the first half was written eons before the second half and the author, instead of rereading or rewriting anything, just mushed the two together. Why would the government arrest Jezebel then give her exactly what she wanted? What kind of "test" is that? What other kind of test involves almost escaping and then getting caught - but you "passed" the test? Or what about the weird "sending someone to replace you" test?
And very peripherally - there aren't many women in the book. Other than Jezebel, there's Chalice, her "friend" - that she doesn't confide in and barely talks to (unless it is to chide for wearing rings or because of a convenient plot point). Once again, this is a world where most everyone of importance is male, and male love interests (Sol, Reuben) are more important than female friends.
Overall, I'm disappointed. This had a strong concept, and I think with some revisions, it could truly be great. Trim some of Jezebel's stupidity (why does she immediately break the curfew law and try to speak to Sol, whom she is forbidden to associate with?!), omit the "science is bad" theme, streamline the plot (especially the weird capture bit followed by the inexplicable release to University) - I know it seems like a lot, but in comparison to some wishy-washy ones ("Divergent"), it's actually not that bad.
July 9, 2019
This was me when I finished this book: Ah!!!!!!! No!!!!!!! Ending is a turning everything on its head plot twist!!!!! Must have Book 2 Lake Town now!!!!! I am dying here!!!!!
This young adult dystopia surely was one of the most addictive reads of 2016. It was shockingly unpredictable and intense. Every time I thought I knew what was coming, the author turned everything around in a credible manner and kept me guessing. There was this nail-biting stressful feeling all through the book! I don’t know how Jez the heroine survived in such a society without her emotion tracker/suppresser working and not go pathologically crazy. It was that intense! I couldn’t swipe or click on the pages fast enough on my Amazon devices wondering what would happen next.
I loved how Jane Redd / Heather B. Moore does not rehash other young adult teen dystopia novel themes in this work and made something fresh and different to the genre. There were many examples of the controls of the government that were reminiscent of the real life dystopias and evils during the past 20th century (that existed before the young adult teens this novel targets were born) that lent another layer of credibility to the post-apocalyptic dystopia world building for this reader.
This is one of the few authors (under various pen names) that can write in the many genres she does and each time provide a compelling captivating read. Her greatest strength whether historical, contemporary time, or young adult seems to be making even the most benign scenario a suspenseful thriller. Her second best strength is romance. I look forward to her combining these strengths as the series progresses.
Sensuality Content: Clean. Mild kissing only.
Source: Kindle Scout title I voted for to be published by Amazon Kindle Press and received a free copy of since it won. No review required of recipient, but much appreciated of course.
This young adult dystopia surely was one of the most addictive reads of 2016. It was shockingly unpredictable and intense. Every time I thought I knew what was coming, the author turned everything around in a credible manner and kept me guessing. There was this nail-biting stressful feeling all through the book! I don’t know how Jez the heroine survived in such a society without her emotion tracker/suppresser working and not go pathologically crazy. It was that intense! I couldn’t swipe or click on the pages fast enough on my Amazon devices wondering what would happen next.
I loved how Jane Redd / Heather B. Moore does not rehash other young adult teen dystopia novel themes in this work and made something fresh and different to the genre. There were many examples of the controls of the government that were reminiscent of the real life dystopias and evils during the past 20th century (that existed before the young adult teens this novel targets were born) that lent another layer of credibility to the post-apocalyptic dystopia world building for this reader.
This is one of the few authors (under various pen names) that can write in the many genres she does and each time provide a compelling captivating read. Her greatest strength whether historical, contemporary time, or young adult seems to be making even the most benign scenario a suspenseful thriller. Her second best strength is romance. I look forward to her combining these strengths as the series progresses.
Sensuality Content: Clean. Mild kissing only.
Source: Kindle Scout title I voted for to be published by Amazon Kindle Press and received a free copy of since it won. No review required of recipient, but much appreciated of course.
February 24, 2016
4.5 Stars
What a cliffhanger? It's been a long time since I have faced one of those. I didn't realize this was the first book in a series. I will read the next book when it comes out. Interesting dystopian novel that held my interest throughout.
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Scout
What a cliffhanger? It's been a long time since I have faced one of those. I didn't realize this was the first book in a series. I will read the next book when it comes out. Interesting dystopian novel that held my interest throughout.
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Scout
April 25, 2016
Wait? No, no, no! It ended?
I stayed up anxiously swiping my tablet from one page to the next. It was midnight. I was invested, I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen. I swiped for the next page and found out that the book was over and I had to wait for the next one. I realized that I should have put the book down an hour earlier and saved the ending for the morning!
"Solstice" is a dystopian book. The world is covered in water. The rains have not stopped for decades. The people have all moved to high ground and the Government controls where people live, their job, education, reproduction, relationships, emotions, etc. Jezebel is a 16 year old student who is not controlled by the chip that is in all of the citizens. The chip controls emotions. Jezebel learned from an early age to reign in her emotions so that she will not be punished and controlled.
Jez is in a world of secrecy. She has hid her true self for many years and is unsure of who she can trust. There are two young men who are key to some of her decisions. Even when the book ended, I am not sure that either of them are completely trustworthy. The author has done a wonderful job at keeping the reader guessing. There are many possibilities in the direction that she can take the plot. I am anxiously awaiting the next pages! I want to know what happens to Jez and her friends.
This is a clean YA book that has kissing and non-graphic violence.
I stayed up anxiously swiping my tablet from one page to the next. It was midnight. I was invested, I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen. I swiped for the next page and found out that the book was over and I had to wait for the next one. I realized that I should have put the book down an hour earlier and saved the ending for the morning!
"Solstice" is a dystopian book. The world is covered in water. The rains have not stopped for decades. The people have all moved to high ground and the Government controls where people live, their job, education, reproduction, relationships, emotions, etc. Jezebel is a 16 year old student who is not controlled by the chip that is in all of the citizens. The chip controls emotions. Jezebel learned from an early age to reign in her emotions so that she will not be punished and controlled.
Jez is in a world of secrecy. She has hid her true self for many years and is unsure of who she can trust. There are two young men who are key to some of her decisions. Even when the book ended, I am not sure that either of them are completely trustworthy. The author has done a wonderful job at keeping the reader guessing. There are many possibilities in the direction that she can take the plot. I am anxiously awaiting the next pages! I want to know what happens to Jez and her friends.
This is a clean YA book that has kissing and non-graphic violence.
February 24, 2017
I read through this book as fast as I could, and those moments when I had to put it down...I thought about it wondering what was coming next and hoping to be able to pick it up again very soon. If you enjoy dystopian books then I think you will enjoy this one. I'm happy to say that I have book two and have started reading it so I don't have to wait on a cliffhanger...although it looks like there's a third book so I will be hanging off that cliff for a while until it comes out. Book two releases on March 1, 2017 so if you've read Solstice and it's been a while, brush up on the characters and plot and get ready for Lake Town.
Jezebel, or Jez, is 16. She lives in one of the largest remaining cities since the rains started years ago. The Legislature determines everything about society for the protection of the people. Everyone has a Harmony implant which helps control emotions. No anger, no joy, nothing to the extreme. Jez has been raised knowing that she is different. She is immune to the Harmony implant and is called a Carrier. She carries another special implant which she must keep secret. She must blend in, she must study hard so she can test higher and higher up in the society and learn how to use her secret implant to save everyone and help to stop the rains.
Controlling one's emotions is not an easy task. No crying, no eye contact, nothing out of the ordinary when every inch of your mind and body are screaming for release. Don't notice anything about your friend, the one whom you are falling in love with. Don't smile when he walks in the room, don't pay special attention to him, just keep your head down, be smart and succeed. Simple right?...Wrong!!!!
When Jez discovers her last male caretaker has been Taken (think father and mother for caretakers and euthanized for Taken) her world spins out of control and she must think fast to try to remain in control. When her roommate appears to be acting differently and is taken to detention, when Sol(the love interest) acts out to protect her, Jez wonders just how many others might be out there like her. How many others surpress their emotions day after day to survive.
Jez finds herself in detention, prison, testing, and some pretty intense situations. Can she overcome them? Can she fix everything to be back on track to the University so she can do what her caretakers taught her? What is her secret implant and how in the world is she supposed to use it? How will she know when to remove it? Who can she trust?
I found myself cringing every time Jez talked about the rain coming down nonstop. Not because of the story but because I lived on the West Coast for years and lived in the nonstop gray and pouring down rain. There were moments where you stepped outside for even a minute(or less) and you were drenched. There were many days that I'd load all my kids up in the van parked in the garage and drive not even two blocks to catch the bus because otherwise they'd be soaked all day. When the wind and rain started going together, the rain would be sideways. I loved where we lived, especially the days the sun would shine, and the last couple months of summer because the area was absolutely beautiful, but I honestly don't miss the crazy rain. I couldn't imagine living in rain nonstop my whole life. So I can imagine that the characters in this series have a lot of motivation to stop the rain. But there are many forces against them. Who will prevail??? You'll have to read to find out.
Now you'll have to excuse me as I'm off to keep figuring out what happens next...and by the way it's pretty awesome! ;-)
Content: clean. Some testing (mostly psychological) on subjects but nothing graphic. I would let my teens read this series. Not as graphic as Hunger Games or Divergent Series.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Jezebel, or Jez, is 16. She lives in one of the largest remaining cities since the rains started years ago. The Legislature determines everything about society for the protection of the people. Everyone has a Harmony implant which helps control emotions. No anger, no joy, nothing to the extreme. Jez has been raised knowing that she is different. She is immune to the Harmony implant and is called a Carrier. She carries another special implant which she must keep secret. She must blend in, she must study hard so she can test higher and higher up in the society and learn how to use her secret implant to save everyone and help to stop the rains.
Controlling one's emotions is not an easy task. No crying, no eye contact, nothing out of the ordinary when every inch of your mind and body are screaming for release. Don't notice anything about your friend, the one whom you are falling in love with. Don't smile when he walks in the room, don't pay special attention to him, just keep your head down, be smart and succeed. Simple right?...Wrong!!!!
When Jez discovers her last male caretaker has been Taken (think father and mother for caretakers and euthanized for Taken) her world spins out of control and she must think fast to try to remain in control. When her roommate appears to be acting differently and is taken to detention, when Sol(the love interest) acts out to protect her, Jez wonders just how many others might be out there like her. How many others surpress their emotions day after day to survive.
Jez finds herself in detention, prison, testing, and some pretty intense situations. Can she overcome them? Can she fix everything to be back on track to the University so she can do what her caretakers taught her? What is her secret implant and how in the world is she supposed to use it? How will she know when to remove it? Who can she trust?
I found myself cringing every time Jez talked about the rain coming down nonstop. Not because of the story but because I lived on the West Coast for years and lived in the nonstop gray and pouring down rain. There were moments where you stepped outside for even a minute(or less) and you were drenched. There were many days that I'd load all my kids up in the van parked in the garage and drive not even two blocks to catch the bus because otherwise they'd be soaked all day. When the wind and rain started going together, the rain would be sideways. I loved where we lived, especially the days the sun would shine, and the last couple months of summer because the area was absolutely beautiful, but I honestly don't miss the crazy rain. I couldn't imagine living in rain nonstop my whole life. So I can imagine that the characters in this series have a lot of motivation to stop the rain. But there are many forces against them. Who will prevail??? You'll have to read to find out.
Now you'll have to excuse me as I'm off to keep figuring out what happens next...and by the way it's pretty awesome! ;-)
Content: clean. Some testing (mostly psychological) on subjects but nothing graphic. I would let my teens read this series. Not as graphic as Hunger Games or Divergent Series.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
March 18, 2016
(4.5 Stars) There's something about Dystopian that completely draws me in, stresses me out, and captivates me. Solstice is no exception! There's no way that I could live in a time like this, always wondering who to trust, what's going on, and how to survive--I would die from stress within a year.
Jez is super smart and resourceful. She works hard toward her goal of becoming a scientist--one who can save her city, but along her journey, she discovers some very important, and somewhat disturbing, secrets. I love how Jez doesn't just sit back and let things happen to her. She takes action and works hard to figure things out for herself. She's one of the few who feel emotions and works hard to control herself, because if she doesn't, she could find herself "Taken"--or worse.
This society is overrun with water and rain, and the sun only shines twice a year. The world building is very visual, but not in an informative way. I love how things are shared and how the story line unfolded in a natural way that engages the reader easily.
There are many suspenseful moments, mingled with twists and turns that had me flying through the pages. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book, as this one ended on quite a cliffhanger.
Content: some violence (not too graphic); one romantic moment (swoony and a little spicy, yet clean); very mild language. Clean!
Jez is super smart and resourceful. She works hard toward her goal of becoming a scientist--one who can save her city, but along her journey, she discovers some very important, and somewhat disturbing, secrets. I love how Jez doesn't just sit back and let things happen to her. She takes action and works hard to figure things out for herself. She's one of the few who feel emotions and works hard to control herself, because if she doesn't, she could find herself "Taken"--or worse.
This society is overrun with water and rain, and the sun only shines twice a year. The world building is very visual, but not in an informative way. I love how things are shared and how the story line unfolded in a natural way that engages the reader easily.
There are many suspenseful moments, mingled with twists and turns that had me flying through the pages. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book, as this one ended on quite a cliffhanger.
Content: some violence (not too graphic); one romantic moment (swoony and a little spicy, yet clean); very mild language. Clean!
February 4, 2016
This book is my YA novel written under Jane Redd, and it won the Kindle Scout Contest in December 2015. Look for its release Spring 2016!
April 23, 2016
I received an ebook copy for free from Inspired Kathy's page in exchange for an honest review.
In a world with never-ending rain and floods due to global warming, people struggled to survive to be able to preserve humanity. To spread peace and protect life, the Legislation rose to control the remaining inhabitants of the city under a very systematic way. People are categorized according to their skills and behaviour and are expected to abide by the rules and the system. Jezebel is supposed to be someone who can change that kind of world. She is a Carrier who holds the Carrier key that can change everything. She has no idea if there are others like her existing as this is something that needs to be kept as a secret.
In their world, people have a microchip planted in them called the Harmony. This is to prevent them from feeling or showing any type of emotion. This is the Legislation's doing so they have control over their citizens, to prevent them from going against their rules and rebel. For Jezebel, the Carrier key makes her immune to the effects of the Harmony chip. So since she was young, she was trained to control her emotions so she can pretend that she's just like everybody else. She's tasked to always be among the best students so she can go to University. Not everyone gets the chance to go there, and only half of the University students get to pass the whole program. She needs to be successful so she can secure a job in the Legislation. Being in the government is the only way for her to be able to fulfill her role as the Carrier. Why? Because only the Legislation has access to the city's generators. Why again? Because her Carrier key has something to do with it and she needs to make everyone immune to the effects of the Harmony chip.
Does it sound interesting? I'm not pretty sure but I still finished the book. I honestly don't know my feelings about Solstice. Everything seemed to happen too fast. The world building and character development are weak and lacking. A lot of things happened in a short period of time and they just left me confused. The main character Jezebel reminds me of Mare from The Red Queen. They're both different and they try to blend in to hide their agenda. Like Mare, she is always bothered by her own thoughts that I really find annoying.
The first few chapters contain repetitive complaints from Jezebel so it was a bit of a struggle for me to understand her. In a short period of time, she got herself in a lot of trouble and got away from all of them through the help of her friends. Jezebel doesn't really strike me as a heroine. Rather, she fits the role of a damsel always in distress. There's also a love story here but it seemed a bit forced. Her love interest is Sol, who exudes good characteristics of a strong main character. I think it would be more interesting if this was his story and if he's the main protagonist. If not for the cliffhanger, I wouldn't be interested to read the second book - I will give the story a second chance.
In a world with never-ending rain and floods due to global warming, people struggled to survive to be able to preserve humanity. To spread peace and protect life, the Legislation rose to control the remaining inhabitants of the city under a very systematic way. People are categorized according to their skills and behaviour and are expected to abide by the rules and the system. Jezebel is supposed to be someone who can change that kind of world. She is a Carrier who holds the Carrier key that can change everything. She has no idea if there are others like her existing as this is something that needs to be kept as a secret.
In their world, people have a microchip planted in them called the Harmony. This is to prevent them from feeling or showing any type of emotion. This is the Legislation's doing so they have control over their citizens, to prevent them from going against their rules and rebel. For Jezebel, the Carrier key makes her immune to the effects of the Harmony chip. So since she was young, she was trained to control her emotions so she can pretend that she's just like everybody else. She's tasked to always be among the best students so she can go to University. Not everyone gets the chance to go there, and only half of the University students get to pass the whole program. She needs to be successful so she can secure a job in the Legislation. Being in the government is the only way for her to be able to fulfill her role as the Carrier. Why? Because only the Legislation has access to the city's generators. Why again? Because her Carrier key has something to do with it and she needs to make everyone immune to the effects of the Harmony chip.
Does it sound interesting? I'm not pretty sure but I still finished the book. I honestly don't know my feelings about Solstice. Everything seemed to happen too fast. The world building and character development are weak and lacking. A lot of things happened in a short period of time and they just left me confused. The main character Jezebel reminds me of Mare from The Red Queen. They're both different and they try to blend in to hide their agenda. Like Mare, she is always bothered by her own thoughts that I really find annoying.
The first few chapters contain repetitive complaints from Jezebel so it was a bit of a struggle for me to understand her. In a short period of time, she got herself in a lot of trouble and got away from all of them through the help of her friends. Jezebel doesn't really strike me as a heroine. Rather, she fits the role of a damsel always in distress. There's also a love story here but it seemed a bit forced. Her love interest is Sol, who exudes good characteristics of a strong main character. I think it would be more interesting if this was his story and if he's the main protagonist. If not for the cliffhanger, I wouldn't be interested to read the second book - I will give the story a second chance.
August 11, 2014
I love the rush of excitement one receives when they learn that one of their favorite authors also writes under a pen name. It's so exhilarating to be introduced to a new story you already know you're going to love.
Solstice is a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat when you’re sitting and on the tips of your toes when you’re standing. It’s packed full of mystery, deception, conspiracies, and secrecy. New twists and turns were popping up left and right and it made the story exceptionally captivating. I enjoyed every moment of it and I can’t wait for more.
Solstice is a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat when you’re sitting and on the tips of your toes when you’re standing. It’s packed full of mystery, deception, conspiracies, and secrecy. New twists and turns were popping up left and right and it made the story exceptionally captivating. I enjoyed every moment of it and I can’t wait for more.
May 10, 2016
**I received a copy of this book free from the publisher and iamareader.com in exchange for an honest review**
Wow. Just wow.
I must be on a good book kick, because Solstice was everything it promised and more.
This book was excellent...I got to the end and saw, with frustration, that the book is to be continued with a second installment called Lake Town, so now I have to wait to see what happens...but I'll be first in line to review that books because I'm hooked!!
Redd introduces us to a true dystopia: rain constantly falls and has fallen for years, and the only time the sun comes out is twice a year for a day (reminds me of a movie I saw in my gifted class in elementary school: the girl missed the sun because she was punished: it was so sad! Wish I knew the name of that movie...). Jezebel and Sol grow up together in a very controlled world, with "Harmony" implants to keep them from feeling anything. However, Jez (as she's called in the book) feels emotions despite the implant, but has learned to control them. When curiosity gets the better of her, she is close to being found out that she is different...the only constant is her grey-eyed friend Sol, but is he really on her side? Does he feel the emotions Jez feels for him, or is it wishful thinking? And when Jez's secrets come to light, will Sol be there to help, or will he be the one to turn her in?
I won't spoil it for anyone. You know I don't do that. But I wish I could, because it is so suspenseful, and you're constantly wondering who to trust, who really has our main character's back...oh, im ready for the next book like now! I shudder in anticipation!!!!
I took awhile to read this book because I didn't want to finish it...I do that with books I really like, afraid of getting to the end and no longer having the pleasure of reading it anymore. But knowing this book has a sequel makes me eager to find out what happens next. Total cliffhanger at the end that will drive a reader crazy. Only read if you can handle waiting for the next book, cause the wait will kill you! Lol.
Great story world and characters you grow to love...I'm rooting for Sol and I hope it's not in vain...
★★★★★. A new favorite author. I sit now, awaiting Lake Town and hoping to know the minute it comes out!
Wow. Just wow.
I must be on a good book kick, because Solstice was everything it promised and more.
This book was excellent...I got to the end and saw, with frustration, that the book is to be continued with a second installment called Lake Town, so now I have to wait to see what happens...but I'll be first in line to review that books because I'm hooked!!
Redd introduces us to a true dystopia: rain constantly falls and has fallen for years, and the only time the sun comes out is twice a year for a day (reminds me of a movie I saw in my gifted class in elementary school: the girl missed the sun because she was punished: it was so sad! Wish I knew the name of that movie...). Jezebel and Sol grow up together in a very controlled world, with "Harmony" implants to keep them from feeling anything. However, Jez (as she's called in the book) feels emotions despite the implant, but has learned to control them. When curiosity gets the better of her, she is close to being found out that she is different...the only constant is her grey-eyed friend Sol, but is he really on her side? Does he feel the emotions Jez feels for him, or is it wishful thinking? And when Jez's secrets come to light, will Sol be there to help, or will he be the one to turn her in?
I won't spoil it for anyone. You know I don't do that. But I wish I could, because it is so suspenseful, and you're constantly wondering who to trust, who really has our main character's back...oh, im ready for the next book like now! I shudder in anticipation!!!!
I took awhile to read this book because I didn't want to finish it...I do that with books I really like, afraid of getting to the end and no longer having the pleasure of reading it anymore. But knowing this book has a sequel makes me eager to find out what happens next. Total cliffhanger at the end that will drive a reader crazy. Only read if you can handle waiting for the next book, cause the wait will kill you! Lol.
Great story world and characters you grow to love...I'm rooting for Sol and I hope it's not in vain...
★★★★★. A new favorite author. I sit now, awaiting Lake Town and hoping to know the minute it comes out!
December 19, 2014
Edge of Your Seat Read
If you enjoyed The Hunger Games, The Giver or Divergent, then Solstice is a prime reading choice for you. Redd creates a world that gives a new definition to bleak; however, she brings forth a shining example of Hope with her main character – Jezebel James.
Solstice by Jane Redd creates a world worthy of motion pictures. Redd captures the very essence of dystopian societies. Solstice creates a world worthy of notation. Jezebel James, our heroine, finds herself different from her friends, schoolmates, and neighbors. She is something called a “Clinical” and something more. . . The Carrier – whatever that is. Sol, Solomon, is Jez’s male best friend, whom she can relate to. Chalice, her roommate, suddenly tries to get in trouble for religious reasons. All of a sudden Jezebel’s safe, little world isn’t as safe as she thought. The government and its’ rules are so much more than a way to govern. These rules are to make everyone the same – clothing, education, jobs, to be Taken, to be Punished, to be Demoted, and to be Banished. The only problem with this is that it doesn’t allow the creative portion of each person to thrive.
The biggest problem appears to be emotions. Emotions control how people act and re-act. Therefore, that is the problem. This problem creates a major conundrum for Jezebel. She fears for her roommate, Chalice. She longs to belong. She loves Sol. She is terrified that she’ll be caught because she is different. There is no place in Jezebel’s world for people like her. Redd leaves you wanting more, needing more, and waiting for more.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and views expressed are my own.
If you enjoyed The Hunger Games, The Giver or Divergent, then Solstice is a prime reading choice for you. Redd creates a world that gives a new definition to bleak; however, she brings forth a shining example of Hope with her main character – Jezebel James.
Solstice by Jane Redd creates a world worthy of motion pictures. Redd captures the very essence of dystopian societies. Solstice creates a world worthy of notation. Jezebel James, our heroine, finds herself different from her friends, schoolmates, and neighbors. She is something called a “Clinical” and something more. . . The Carrier – whatever that is. Sol, Solomon, is Jez’s male best friend, whom she can relate to. Chalice, her roommate, suddenly tries to get in trouble for religious reasons. All of a sudden Jezebel’s safe, little world isn’t as safe as she thought. The government and its’ rules are so much more than a way to govern. These rules are to make everyone the same – clothing, education, jobs, to be Taken, to be Punished, to be Demoted, and to be Banished. The only problem with this is that it doesn’t allow the creative portion of each person to thrive.
The biggest problem appears to be emotions. Emotions control how people act and re-act. Therefore, that is the problem. This problem creates a major conundrum for Jezebel. She fears for her roommate, Chalice. She longs to belong. She loves Sol. She is terrified that she’ll be caught because she is different. There is no place in Jezebel’s world for people like her. Redd leaves you wanting more, needing more, and waiting for more.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and views expressed are my own.
January 10, 2015
I really love this author, so I had high expectations going into reading Solstice. Immediately I was intrigued by the setting and the characters. Jez, the main heroine, was equally smart, brave, but also realistically scared. Reuben, Sol, and Chalice were all interesting characters and somewhat of counterparts to each other and Jez. The plot was fairly smooth and there was some intense moments. There was danger, deception, friendship, romance, and heartbreak.
What I felt was missing was an overall story arch. I didn't feel or see the big picture for the series as I read this first book. I didn't see how Jez's and her friends' roles influenced the overall situation and what difference they could make in their skewed society. I know it was there somewhere because of the hints here and there, but it wasn't strong enough. The ending had a very interesting twist and I would expect the next book to explain a lot more and show a overall much bigger picture.
I did like that so much was unknown to the characters in some ways and that their was a lot of potential for them to begin putting all the puzzles together with pieces of information they gleamed here and there. There was some dramatic parts of the book, but I liked that the romance didn't take over the story. It was sweet and intense in parts and made the story more interesting.
I'm curious to see what happens next in Jez's journey and with her society and world. Hopefully the next book will give a lot more information and a bigger picture of where the story, and Jez's part in it, will be going.
Content: Clean
Source: Received through eBooksforReview.com, which did not affect my review in any way.
What I felt was missing was an overall story arch. I didn't feel or see the big picture for the series as I read this first book. I didn't see how Jez's and her friends' roles influenced the overall situation and what difference they could make in their skewed society. I know it was there somewhere because of the hints here and there, but it wasn't strong enough. The ending had a very interesting twist and I would expect the next book to explain a lot more and show a overall much bigger picture.
I did like that so much was unknown to the characters in some ways and that their was a lot of potential for them to begin putting all the puzzles together with pieces of information they gleamed here and there. There was some dramatic parts of the book, but I liked that the romance didn't take over the story. It was sweet and intense in parts and made the story more interesting.
I'm curious to see what happens next in Jez's journey and with her society and world. Hopefully the next book will give a lot more information and a bigger picture of where the story, and Jez's part in it, will be going.
Content: Clean
Source: Received through eBooksforReview.com, which did not affect my review in any way.
March 16, 2016
I was so excited to finally read this book. I nominated it on the Kindle Scout program and I'm so happy it got published. This is an author I love, venturing into a new genre- dystopian. How fun, right?
I've been hankering for a good, new dystopian book to read and Solstice fit the bill perfectly. I was drawn into Jez's world where the waters are rising and the earth is dying. I was absolutely longing to see the sun while I read this book.
In this world, the government represses the people by suppressing their emotions. The less they feel, the less they will fight back against what they are doing because the people simply cease to care about anything. Jez is brilliant and she feels things. She tries so hard to hide it because she knows if she doesn't, her life will be in jeopardy.
This book has some fun twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Of course, I didn't love the cliff hanger ending but I will be coming back to read the next book. I hope I don't have to wait too long!!
I've been hankering for a good, new dystopian book to read and Solstice fit the bill perfectly. I was drawn into Jez's world where the waters are rising and the earth is dying. I was absolutely longing to see the sun while I read this book.
In this world, the government represses the people by suppressing their emotions. The less they feel, the less they will fight back against what they are doing because the people simply cease to care about anything. Jez is brilliant and she feels things. She tries so hard to hide it because she knows if she doesn't, her life will be in jeopardy.
This book has some fun twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Of course, I didn't love the cliff hanger ending but I will be coming back to read the next book. I hope I don't have to wait too long!!
May 2, 2016
Woooow talk about a cliffhanger. I thought this book would be a quickie, but not a 24 hour one! I went into this book expecting to like it but not to becoming engrossed in the life of Jezebel! This is a page turner for sure. It's set in the future and the world is flooded and the majority of the population lives in one city (2 million people). Society is very strict, governed by science. Jezebel is different, she has emotions, unlike the rest of the population. Now from the start, Jez clearly is going to be the rebel, society changer, female heroine that everyone adores. But she's so much more, which becomes evident as the book goes along. I won't spoil anything, but this book was the perfect balance of action, dystopian, science, and romance. The relationships didn't over run the story line, and I can tell that this series can only go up from here in the plot department. This is a new dystopian world, one that I have become very intrigued by and hope to learn more about in the next book.
March 21, 2016
I am hooked. I can’t wait to read more. While this isn’t my favorite genre, I was still sucked in. I was anxious to know what happened next every step if the way. I love all of the main characters and root for them all the way. Jezebel finds herself in impossible situations as she tries to do what she thinks is right. She also struggles to control her feelings which are not allowed in the society she lives in. The more she learns, the more she questions who is right and who is wrong. I felt her emotions and held my breath each time she faced a new struggle.
Using the pen name Jane Redd, this book is written by USA TODAY bestselling author Heather Moore. I love her scripture based historical fiction. She also writes clean romance and women's fiction. This is her first YA novel. She is using a different pen name as a YA novelist.
Using the pen name Jane Redd, this book is written by USA TODAY bestselling author Heather Moore. I love her scripture based historical fiction. She also writes clean romance and women's fiction. This is her first YA novel. She is using a different pen name as a YA novelist.
January 12, 2015
Started reading this before bed, fell asleep and finished reading as soon as I woke up. I loved it! First, the main character Jez is likeable. You really feel her emotions and struggles. The world is totally believable. I like the idea of the non-stop rain shrinking the world, the rules imposed to try and control it. The government taking over and suppressing the people. It’s all perfect. I really enjoyed Sol and especially Rueben. Bringing him in to explain stuff was ingenious.
The only thing I’m upset about, the crazy cliffhanger ending. I want the next book, I have to know what happens next. I need more!
The only thing I’m upset about, the crazy cliffhanger ending. I want the next book, I have to know what happens next. I need more!
February 22, 2016
Solstice is an awesome read. This is not my normal genre that I read, but I honestly enjoyed this book. Jezebel James being a likable character and all of the plot twists, I could not put this book down. I look forward to more books by Jane Redd in the future.
Highly recommended.
5 stars.
Highly recommended.
5 stars.
January 8, 2015
Pretty great book! The reasons why to be kicked out made sense, but it also made sense for her to commit them! Though it could do with a few touch ups!
May 14, 2016
I received a free ebook copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
Solstice follows a teenage girl called Jezbel, who is a Carrier (she carries the key to possibly save the human kind) and her life in a distopian society. The year is 2099 and it's been raining non-stop for the last 39 years. The rain brought numerous disasters and now the Legislature rules the society of the biggest and most populated city left standing. People are controlled through Harmony implants and there is a strict set of rules to follow while human race tries to preserve.
When I read a short description of this book, I was quite sure I would love it. But that wasn't the case. I felt like the idea and the new world were great, but the execution was quite poor. Even though the book was well written, I felt like the plot and characters were lacking. Plot line was weak and regardless of the fact that Jezbel was supposed to be a heroine her actions didn't change or affect any part of this world. Also most of this book was Jezbel talking about Sol and her feelings for him.
Character development was also pretty weak; Jezbel,Sol, Rueben or any other characters didn't really change through this book (except when someone was altered). Jezbel had the same trouble with controlling her emotions through the entire book (even though she was raised and taught how to deal with them) and she almost always complained about them. To me, she was a pretty weak character who needed a lot of help from others. It took her almost an entire book to realize the world around her (in spite of the fact that the Harmony implant didn't work on her) and when she did realize what is going on, she didn't do anything to change it. The only constant in her mind was Sol and when it comes to their relationship, it felt forced. Their romance was not appealing and I felt like she had more of a connection with Rueben.
To sum it up, this book was pretty meh for me. It didn't interest me and I didn't care about anyone in it (which doesn't happen often). With all that said I did finish it and I will probably read the sequel just because of the cliff hanger in the end.
Solstice follows a teenage girl called Jezbel, who is a Carrier (she carries the key to possibly save the human kind) and her life in a distopian society. The year is 2099 and it's been raining non-stop for the last 39 years. The rain brought numerous disasters and now the Legislature rules the society of the biggest and most populated city left standing. People are controlled through Harmony implants and there is a strict set of rules to follow while human race tries to preserve.
When I read a short description of this book, I was quite sure I would love it. But that wasn't the case. I felt like the idea and the new world were great, but the execution was quite poor. Even though the book was well written, I felt like the plot and characters were lacking. Plot line was weak and regardless of the fact that Jezbel was supposed to be a heroine her actions didn't change or affect any part of this world. Also most of this book was Jezbel talking about Sol and her feelings for him.
Character development was also pretty weak; Jezbel,Sol, Rueben or any other characters didn't really change through this book (except when someone was altered). Jezbel had the same trouble with controlling her emotions through the entire book (even though she was raised and taught how to deal with them) and she almost always complained about them. To me, she was a pretty weak character who needed a lot of help from others. It took her almost an entire book to realize the world around her (in spite of the fact that the Harmony implant didn't work on her) and when she did realize what is going on, she didn't do anything to change it. The only constant in her mind was Sol and when it comes to their relationship, it felt forced. Their romance was not appealing and I felt like she had more of a connection with Rueben.
To sum it up, this book was pretty meh for me. It didn't interest me and I didn't care about anyone in it (which doesn't happen often). With all that said I did finish it and I will probably read the sequel just because of the cliff hanger in the end.
January 29, 2014
I read this on the Swoon Reads website for the author, Heather Moore (writing under the pseudonym Jane Redd). As of now (January 2014), it has never been published and the author is hoping to win the contest on Swoon Reads to get it published. Given that it has not been gone over by an editor and is still in kind-of rough form, I still gave this 5 stars because of how it grabbed me and kept me enthralled the entire way. I wanted to know what was going to happen and though there were times I knew Jezebel shouldn't be asking or doing things and it was frustrating to me, I still was rooting for her and wondering what was going to happen, and it kept me guessing. There are lots of twists and new things that Jezebel encounters along her way. It is a teen futuristic novel, the first of a planned trilogy, so I was prepared for it to leave me hanging, knowing that there would be 2 more books to wrap everything up. There are a lot of unanswered questions and the setting set for the next book and I'm really hoping this is picked up to be published so that the trilogy can be finished and I can find out what happens with Jez, Sol, Reuben, and Chalice! I actually think this could be my favorite book I've read by this author so far, and I really like her writing.
November 4, 2014
I don’t even know where to begin to explain just how much I loved this book! From the very beginning you are immersed into this universe alongside the main character, Jez, as she struggles to maintain a balance between her true self and how she is supposed to be. The never ending twists and turns keep you on your toes, never knowing who to trust or what is coming around the next bend. I honestly could not put this book down! A great YA dystopian novel that I highly recommend. Very well written, I cannot wait to see what else is in store for Jezebel James.
July 26, 2016
I loved this book. The characters were intriguing and well written. Each page I turned with anticipation, wondering what was going to happen next. Jez is a great character and Sol and Rueben are mysteriously awesome leading men. I absolutely loved the cliffhanger ending. What a shock! Can't wait for LAKE TOWN.
I received a copy from the Kindle Scout program.
I received a copy from the Kindle Scout program.
March 4, 2014
I couldn't put it down! The story was so well-written, the idea behind it so intriguing, that I was hooked from page 1. It also makes the reader think about how our own government can abuse its power. A must-read!
May 15, 2016
Jezebel as Redeemer?
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in return for an impartial review.
In this post apocalyptic dystopian novel, despite the anti-religious stance of the government, every major character has a Biblical or religious name: Solomon, Reuben (spelled Rueben in the text), Chalice, Naomi, ... and our lead character, Jezebel. I don't understand why someone like Naomi would name her daughter after one of the most evil women ever, but perhaps in the eyes of the dictatorship, Jez will turn into the most evil female alive.
For the last three decades, rain has fallen continuously. No one knows why, and no one can figure out how to stop it. Only on two days each year, each six months apart, do the people see sunshine, and they call both of those days Solstice. No one can explain their occurrence either. Obviously, constant rain has created a flooded earth. Lowlands disappeared first, making crop production impossible. Most people died years ago, except the few who took refuge in a mountaintop city. The survivors consume nutrients that imitate real food, sort of.
Just as in *The Giver,* emotions have been muted. In the case of this society, everyone is given an implant at birth. The implant serves many functions. It is a sort of monitor, if necessary, a tracking device, and it keeps everyone calm and passive. No one feels love, hate, anger ... Certainly no one can harbor rebellious leanings. Yet Jez is "immune" to that aspect of her implant. Most of what Naomi teaches her is how to conceal her emotions--until Naomi is "taken" and Jez enters the most prestigious high school in the land. Jez has mastered perfect control until she meets Sol.
This one-sided romance avoids most of the typical Young Adult "drama," for which I am grateful. If no one else feels anything, Jez need not fear other girls' jealousy or backstabbing. She only needs to control herself in Sol's presence, and all will be well.
The more time she spends with Sol, however, the harder she has to struggle. And even though she knows that Sol is not immune to his implant, he seems to return some of her interest. Could Jez's immunity be somehow contagious? Before being taken, Naomi implanted some kind of key in her daughter. She didn't explain Jez's role in detail, but she told Jez to make sure she earned a high government posting in scientific research, and that from there she would be able to bring about the overthrow if the dictators.
I want to avoid spoilers in this review, so I have to leave out a lot. At one point, Jez is imprisoned. Here she meets Rueben, who, impossibly, grew up outside the City, and is also immune. She develops a sort of sisterly bond with him. In the prison, Jez discovers first, that the government is experimenting on immune teens, altering their implants to break through their immunity. Most altered teens turn insane. She also discovers that she can cut out her implant (or have that done for her) and go untraceable.
Abruptly, however, she is given a new implant, leaves the prison and returns to school, and everyone acts as if nothing ever happened. She doesn't know what has become of Rueben, and Sol is even more amorous than before. But despite her attraction to him, can she trust him? Sol has an unexplained inside track to information, and he seems close to many of the teachers. Too close. Jez --and the reader--wants to trust Sol, but he could be a spy, an informer.
The book ends with Sol directing Jez to an underground escape route, where she meets a surprise that will segue into book two of the series.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Jez is a character I like, partly because the one emotion she refuses to ignore is compassion. I am uncertain how to feel about Sol or Rueben. In a society that rewards informants, who can we trus? Jez is clever, and she mostly keeps a low profile, not encouraging romantic overtures. On the other hand, I get confused often. What seems to be a punishment transforms into a test. This happens more than once, and neither Jez nor I understand who exactly wants what from her.
I realize this is supposed to be both mystery and romance, and I'm glad that the mystery keeps the romance in check. Still, I wish I understood more. Who exactly runs the government? When did this implant business begin, and under what circumstances? If everyone except a few immunes is content, why do we need a rebellion/revolution? Why are family feelings especially discouraged? Why does any religious allegiance also need to be crushed? Do other cities exist? With the same restrictions?
Perhaps I didn't pay close enough attention in Jez's history classes, but even as her struggles compelled me to read on, I was too often confused.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in return for an impartial review.
In this post apocalyptic dystopian novel, despite the anti-religious stance of the government, every major character has a Biblical or religious name: Solomon, Reuben (spelled Rueben in the text), Chalice, Naomi, ... and our lead character, Jezebel. I don't understand why someone like Naomi would name her daughter after one of the most evil women ever, but perhaps in the eyes of the dictatorship, Jez will turn into the most evil female alive.
For the last three decades, rain has fallen continuously. No one knows why, and no one can figure out how to stop it. Only on two days each year, each six months apart, do the people see sunshine, and they call both of those days Solstice. No one can explain their occurrence either. Obviously, constant rain has created a flooded earth. Lowlands disappeared first, making crop production impossible. Most people died years ago, except the few who took refuge in a mountaintop city. The survivors consume nutrients that imitate real food, sort of.
Just as in *The Giver,* emotions have been muted. In the case of this society, everyone is given an implant at birth. The implant serves many functions. It is a sort of monitor, if necessary, a tracking device, and it keeps everyone calm and passive. No one feels love, hate, anger ... Certainly no one can harbor rebellious leanings. Yet Jez is "immune" to that aspect of her implant. Most of what Naomi teaches her is how to conceal her emotions--until Naomi is "taken" and Jez enters the most prestigious high school in the land. Jez has mastered perfect control until she meets Sol.
This one-sided romance avoids most of the typical Young Adult "drama," for which I am grateful. If no one else feels anything, Jez need not fear other girls' jealousy or backstabbing. She only needs to control herself in Sol's presence, and all will be well.
The more time she spends with Sol, however, the harder she has to struggle. And even though she knows that Sol is not immune to his implant, he seems to return some of her interest. Could Jez's immunity be somehow contagious? Before being taken, Naomi implanted some kind of key in her daughter. She didn't explain Jez's role in detail, but she told Jez to make sure she earned a high government posting in scientific research, and that from there she would be able to bring about the overthrow if the dictators.
I want to avoid spoilers in this review, so I have to leave out a lot. At one point, Jez is imprisoned. Here she meets Rueben, who, impossibly, grew up outside the City, and is also immune. She develops a sort of sisterly bond with him. In the prison, Jez discovers first, that the government is experimenting on immune teens, altering their implants to break through their immunity. Most altered teens turn insane. She also discovers that she can cut out her implant (or have that done for her) and go untraceable.
Abruptly, however, she is given a new implant, leaves the prison and returns to school, and everyone acts as if nothing ever happened. She doesn't know what has become of Rueben, and Sol is even more amorous than before. But despite her attraction to him, can she trust him? Sol has an unexplained inside track to information, and he seems close to many of the teachers. Too close. Jez --and the reader--wants to trust Sol, but he could be a spy, an informer.
The book ends with Sol directing Jez to an underground escape route, where she meets a surprise that will segue into book two of the series.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Jez is a character I like, partly because the one emotion she refuses to ignore is compassion. I am uncertain how to feel about Sol or Rueben. In a society that rewards informants, who can we trus? Jez is clever, and she mostly keeps a low profile, not encouraging romantic overtures. On the other hand, I get confused often. What seems to be a punishment transforms into a test. This happens more than once, and neither Jez nor I understand who exactly wants what from her.
I realize this is supposed to be both mystery and romance, and I'm glad that the mystery keeps the romance in check. Still, I wish I understood more. Who exactly runs the government? When did this implant business begin, and under what circumstances? If everyone except a few immunes is content, why do we need a rebellion/revolution? Why are family feelings especially discouraged? Why does any religious allegiance also need to be crushed? Do other cities exist? With the same restrictions?
Perhaps I didn't pay close enough attention in Jez's history classes, but even as her struggles compelled me to read on, I was too often confused.
June 5, 2017
This was pretty good. I do wish it wouldn't have been so much about their little love fest.
March 15, 2016
This book is the first Kindle Scout book that I had heard of and the first one that I voted for. It's written by H.B. Moore writing as Jane Redd for the national market. This whole Kindle Scout thing is really an intriguing idea. Author's submit their work and then people vote on which should be published based off of the description of the book. Then anyone who nominates the book for publishing is also able to get a free e-copy from Kindle Scout.
Anyway...I found myself sucked into Jezebel's story from the very first page. The whole idea of the earth no longer having any sunny days except at the two solstice's is really interesting to me. And the way the government functions in this one is a bit crazy. I loved all of the little details about the things you can't do, and all of the inspections. Wow!
Jezebel is a really well-written character. She's always tried to do things the way she was told and she ends up, through no fault of her own really, breaking many of the rules all at once. This makes it seem impossible for her to meet her goal that both she and her caretaker have always had for her. Get into University and become a great scientist. I love the way that she's really conflicted with herself. She wants to be good, yet she has all of these feelings that most people no longer have and she's not necessarily sure how to hide or suppress them enough that no one notices or wants to turn her in.
I liked Sol in this book too! He's Jezebel's friend and the top of their class heading into University. I love the way he is always looking out for Jezebel and tries to make things better for her. Even earning himself detention to protect her during a surprise inspection.
The plot line of this one is good too! I really enjoyed the way you don't learn all of what's been going on until the end. There was danger really around every corner for Jezebel and all who were associated with her. And the ending was great! Jane Redd better hurry with the companion book! I want to know what happens to Jez and her friends!
I loved the way this book made me think. It really shows just what could happen to a society when government has all control and religion is allowed no control and not even to be in it.
Anyway...I found myself sucked into Jezebel's story from the very first page. The whole idea of the earth no longer having any sunny days except at the two solstice's is really interesting to me. And the way the government functions in this one is a bit crazy. I loved all of the little details about the things you can't do, and all of the inspections. Wow!
Jezebel is a really well-written character. She's always tried to do things the way she was told and she ends up, through no fault of her own really, breaking many of the rules all at once. This makes it seem impossible for her to meet her goal that both she and her caretaker have always had for her. Get into University and become a great scientist. I love the way that she's really conflicted with herself. She wants to be good, yet she has all of these feelings that most people no longer have and she's not necessarily sure how to hide or suppress them enough that no one notices or wants to turn her in.
I liked Sol in this book too! He's Jezebel's friend and the top of their class heading into University. I love the way he is always looking out for Jezebel and tries to make things better for her. Even earning himself detention to protect her during a surprise inspection.
The plot line of this one is good too! I really enjoyed the way you don't learn all of what's been going on until the end. There was danger really around every corner for Jezebel and all who were associated with her. And the ending was great! Jane Redd better hurry with the companion book! I want to know what happens to Jez and her friends!
I loved the way this book made me think. It really shows just what could happen to a society when government has all control and religion is allowed no control and not even to be in it.
February 21, 2017
I felt like this book couldn't decide what it wanted to be. The focus changed like 5 times in the first half and not one of the characters was likeable. Big ole wth and no thanks to #2.
March 19, 2016
This Kindle Scout winner, is a YA Dystopian novel. The world seemed different from some of the other Dystopian worlds I've read about before which made it so compelling. It took several chapters in order to figure out what was happening in the story. More details about the world unfolded the longer you read. I kind of wished that things had happened a bit faster than they did. I was so impatient to find out why her roommate Chalice had been taken away by the government.
The main character Jezebel, Jez, was interesting and I liked her a lot. The other character I really liked was Rueben. There is somewhat of a love triangle in the book between Jez, Rueben and Sol. I liked Rueben from the first, but I can't say the same thing about Sol. I think I felt like Jez couldn't really trust Sol and it always made me nervous when Jez interacted with him. I felt nervous the whole book in fact because you never knew who to trust and who could possibly turn in people to the governing legislature. There were so many times I thought for sure Jez was a goner. The angst kept the plot moving along as you could feel the tension rise in Jez and her friends as they made choices that could seriously affect their lives and freedom.
This novel has many thought-provoking ideas about religion, falling in love and showing feelings which are all illegal in this world. It was refreshing to read a novel that had action, without a lot of violence that is so prevalent in so many novels. The ending has somewhat of a cliffhanger with a nice surprise at the end. This book is perfect for lovers of YA Dystopian stories and those wanting to discover a new world to get excited about.
The main character Jezebel, Jez, was interesting and I liked her a lot. The other character I really liked was Rueben. There is somewhat of a love triangle in the book between Jez, Rueben and Sol. I liked Rueben from the first, but I can't say the same thing about Sol. I think I felt like Jez couldn't really trust Sol and it always made me nervous when Jez interacted with him. I felt nervous the whole book in fact because you never knew who to trust and who could possibly turn in people to the governing legislature. There were so many times I thought for sure Jez was a goner. The angst kept the plot moving along as you could feel the tension rise in Jez and her friends as they made choices that could seriously affect their lives and freedom.
This novel has many thought-provoking ideas about religion, falling in love and showing feelings which are all illegal in this world. It was refreshing to read a novel that had action, without a lot of violence that is so prevalent in so many novels. The ending has somewhat of a cliffhanger with a nice surprise at the end. This book is perfect for lovers of YA Dystopian stories and those wanting to discover a new world to get excited about.
March 20, 2016
Could not put this one down!!
Solstice is a well told dystopian YA novel. For once there is a reason society has degenerated into this community where people are segregated by intelligence levels. A reason why families are controlled and almost designed by the government. And a reason why this community needs to be saved.
Reading about all the rainfall in thestory made me think that Jane Redd (Heather Moore) had lived in Cleveland. I keenly felt the cloudiness, the dreariness of the world created in the book.
I had a few issues with suspension of belief (I find that more and more with dystopian and fantasy novels.) Stupid things like, where did they get the rubber or plastic for all the raincoats and boots. (See? I told you they were stupid.) I also had trouble with the heroine's name--Jezebel. When they called her Jez, it didn't bother me. But every time her full name was used, I just couldn't get past the idea that she was evil.
That brings me to something I really liked about this novel. The premise is so well set up that I wasn't sure who to trust right up until the last pages. When Jez would share part of her secret with a friend, I would think...."I wouldn't tell him that. You don't know who he's working with or talking to!" Through the entire book I kept waiting for the other shoe to fall - the tension was very well done.
I liked the characters. No one was painted as all good or all bad. I felt as if everyone was so concerned with self-preservation that all behavior was understood, whatever it may be.
This is the first book in the series and you can bet that I am anxiously awaiting for the next one! Well done!
Solstice is a well told dystopian YA novel. For once there is a reason society has degenerated into this community where people are segregated by intelligence levels. A reason why families are controlled and almost designed by the government. And a reason why this community needs to be saved.
Reading about all the rainfall in thestory made me think that Jane Redd (Heather Moore) had lived in Cleveland. I keenly felt the cloudiness, the dreariness of the world created in the book.
I had a few issues with suspension of belief (I find that more and more with dystopian and fantasy novels.) Stupid things like, where did they get the rubber or plastic for all the raincoats and boots. (See? I told you they were stupid.) I also had trouble with the heroine's name--Jezebel. When they called her Jez, it didn't bother me. But every time her full name was used, I just couldn't get past the idea that she was evil.
That brings me to something I really liked about this novel. The premise is so well set up that I wasn't sure who to trust right up until the last pages. When Jez would share part of her secret with a friend, I would think...."I wouldn't tell him that. You don't know who he's working with or talking to!" Through the entire book I kept waiting for the other shoe to fall - the tension was very well done.
I liked the characters. No one was painted as all good or all bad. I felt as if everyone was so concerned with self-preservation that all behavior was understood, whatever it may be.
This is the first book in the series and you can bet that I am anxiously awaiting for the next one! Well done!
March 26, 2016
THIS IS NOT A STAND-ALONE BOOK.
I felt like the blurb for this book was misleading. Perhaps it refers to the rest of the story. In any case, Jezabel didn't join a religious cult or create a rebellion against the legislature. Some of the other things the blurb mentions don't really make sense, either.
I thought it sounded like an interesting story, but I struggled with a lot of things that didn't really make sense to me. For instance, I thought that when Jezebel was following Dr. Matthews the first time, she couldn't even tell where the doors were; to me it had sounded like the doors were camouflaged in the padded walls. Then, later, she's counting the doors she passes as she goes through the same tunnels. Also, the characters seem concerned about surveillance all the time--in dorm rooms, in classrooms, being tracked by their implants, etc.--yet they still seemed to get away with an awful lot of covert behavior. It just seemed inconsistent to me.
And then there was the lack of feeling. I mean, I get that everyone's emotions were suppressed by their implants, but Jezabel was immune (something that I also wasn't clear on; was she naturally immune, or was she immune because she was a Carrier/had the Carrier key?). But I still didn't feel like she was actually in love with Sol; there was even a point in the story where I wondered if the falling in love mentioned in the blurb was with Reuben.
Content: no sex. I don't remember any language. There was mild violence and references to violence off-screen.
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I felt like the blurb for this book was misleading. Perhaps it refers to the rest of the story. In any case, Jezabel didn't join a religious cult or create a rebellion against the legislature. Some of the other things the blurb mentions don't really make sense, either.
I thought it sounded like an interesting story, but I struggled with a lot of things that didn't really make sense to me. For instance, I thought that when Jezebel was following Dr. Matthews the first time, she couldn't even tell where the doors were; to me it had sounded like the doors were camouflaged in the padded walls. Then, later, she's counting the doors she passes as she goes through the same tunnels. Also, the characters seem concerned about surveillance all the time--in dorm rooms, in classrooms, being tracked by their implants, etc.--yet they still seemed to get away with an awful lot of covert behavior. It just seemed inconsistent to me.
And then there was the lack of feeling. I mean, I get that everyone's emotions were suppressed by their implants, but Jezabel was immune (something that I also wasn't clear on; was she naturally immune, or was she immune because she was a Carrier/had the Carrier key?). But I still didn't feel like she was actually in love with Sol; there was even a point in the story where I wondered if the falling in love mentioned in the blurb was with Reuben.
Content: no sex. I don't remember any language. There was mild violence and references to violence off-screen.
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
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