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Chasing Liberty #1
Chasing Liberty
Liberty 554-062466-84 of Aldonia lives in a responsible society that cares for the earth and everyone on it. They have learned to balance resource consumption with replacement initiatives, unavoidable pollution with clean-environment efforts. Science ensures that every baby born is healthy. The government ensures that every baby born is needed. All are cared for, taught, and given a specific duty to perform, their unique contribution to society. Why is Liberty so unsatisfied?
In less than two weeks, Liberty must begin her vocation. Every girl in Aldonia wishes she had Liberty's vocation. Liberty would rather flee from Aldonia and live on her own, independent of the all-controlling government, the Regimen Custodia Terra. The high electrical Boundary Fence crushes any thought of escape. The ID implant imbedded in her hand makes it impossible to hide. She has no choice but to submit. Liberty is slated to be a Breeder.
As vocation day draws near, a man with an obsession for Liberty attacks her and injects her with a drug. She's about to lose consciousness when someone comes to her rescue, a man in a mottled cape and dark glasses. She wakes in an underground facility where people watch over Aldonia with an array of monitors and surveillance equipment. These people are full of secrets, but she discovers one thing: they rescue a man scheduled for re-education. They rescued him. They can rescue her.
In less than two weeks, Liberty must begin her vocation. Every girl in Aldonia wishes she had Liberty's vocation. Liberty would rather flee from Aldonia and live on her own, independent of the all-controlling government, the Regimen Custodia Terra. The high electrical Boundary Fence crushes any thought of escape. The ID implant imbedded in her hand makes it impossible to hide. She has no choice but to submit. Liberty is slated to be a Breeder.
As vocation day draws near, a man with an obsession for Liberty attacks her and injects her with a drug. She's about to lose consciousness when someone comes to her rescue, a man in a mottled cape and dark glasses. She wakes in an underground facility where people watch over Aldonia with an array of monitors and surveillance equipment. These people are full of secrets, but she discovers one thing: they rescue a man scheduled for re-education. They rescued him. They can rescue her.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
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About the author
Theresa Linden
39 books109 followersRaised in a military family, Theresa Linden developed strong patriotism and a sense of adventure. She began writing in grade school and her passion for writing has never waned. Love for faith, family, and freedom inspired her to write the Chasing Liberty trilogy, a dystopian story about a future that is sadly becoming a reality.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 5, 2015
"Chasing Liberty" is a realistic, engrossing and incredibly well-told novel set in a future society that has wiped out all traces of family, freedom, heritage, and Christianity. Babies are conceived unnaturally in scientifically precise breeding facilities, and once born never know whom their parents are. Children are raised in institutions, separate from adults, brainwashed with lies their care-takers tell them. Each person's future is decided by an all-controlling government. The words "God" and "family" are unknown -- or if known, are life-threatening to utter. All of nature is protected and beyond the reach of the citizens, who can only hope to glimpse a forest or meadow beyond the towering security fences or in a photo. It is in this totally communist and godless setting that the reader meets the book's heroine, Liberty 554-062466-84 of Aldonia. Liberty, to her great dismay, has been chosen by the powers-that-be to be a "breeder" (even the word "mother" has been obliterated from society). All she wants is to escape and be free to make her own decisions. Deep inside, she has always felt the consoling Presence of a Friend, yet one that she cannot know or understand. Yet to that Friend she often speaks. Then, on the eve of her entrance into the Breeder Facility, a masked rescuer shows up and whisks her away into an underground world where the adventure begins in earnest.
I don't want to spoil all the plot twists and pulse-racing ending of this fantastic book, but one thing I can assure you -- once you pick it up, you will not want to put it down. I stayed up long into the night reading. The author is a master of her craft. Her prose is tight, crisp, and gripping. The characters are so real you can almost touch them. The ideas behind the story are thought provoking, and at times spine-chilling, and the suspense never lets up. And all this, with a wonderful sprinkling of humor.
Theresa Linden is a writer of rare talent. I can't wait for the sequel to be released!
I don't want to spoil all the plot twists and pulse-racing ending of this fantastic book, but one thing I can assure you -- once you pick it up, you will not want to put it down. I stayed up long into the night reading. The author is a master of her craft. Her prose is tight, crisp, and gripping. The characters are so real you can almost touch them. The ideas behind the story are thought provoking, and at times spine-chilling, and the suspense never lets up. And all this, with a wonderful sprinkling of humor.
Theresa Linden is a writer of rare talent. I can't wait for the sequel to be released!
May 10, 2017
Under the rule of the Regimen in futuristic Aldonia, life and love are separated. God and family are eradicated. Freedom and privacy are non-existent. Or are they?
While the Regimen Custodia Terra has preserved Mother Earth, saving it from the pox of humanity, it has rationed life and personal freedom, creating a morally-bankrupt but compliant society. For Liberty, born of a breeder and raised in age-appropriate governmental facilities, even that cannot extinguish the spark of life within her. By preserving her innocence, privacy, and creativity to the extent allowed, she is able to hear the still, small voice in her heart—the voice she recognizes as her Friend.
The truths that are written on her heart lead her to trust a mysterious stranger who saves her from both physical danger and a life of utilitarian drudgery. For all the effort of the Unity Troops, the Regimen cannot completely quell love and the sacrifices it demands.
Liberty takes the reader on a wild ride through her escape, her first experiences of sacrificial love, God, and community, and her risky return to Aldonia, where recapture means re-education.
Theresa Linden delivers a strong, determined heroine guided by convictions and a virtuous hero, who can treat Liberty with gentleness and compassion in one moment and kick some Regimen butt in the next.
The author creates a realistic vision of a future in which politically-correct, secular, and environmental ideals are taken to the extreme. She paints a physical world so real the reader feels with Liberty her yearning to live free in the natural beauty that has always been kept out of reach.
The ending all but begs for a sequel - one I look forward to reading!
I received an advance reader copy for an honest review. The author is a fellow member of the Catholic Writers Guild.
While the Regimen Custodia Terra has preserved Mother Earth, saving it from the pox of humanity, it has rationed life and personal freedom, creating a morally-bankrupt but compliant society. For Liberty, born of a breeder and raised in age-appropriate governmental facilities, even that cannot extinguish the spark of life within her. By preserving her innocence, privacy, and creativity to the extent allowed, she is able to hear the still, small voice in her heart—the voice she recognizes as her Friend.
The truths that are written on her heart lead her to trust a mysterious stranger who saves her from both physical danger and a life of utilitarian drudgery. For all the effort of the Unity Troops, the Regimen cannot completely quell love and the sacrifices it demands.
Liberty takes the reader on a wild ride through her escape, her first experiences of sacrificial love, God, and community, and her risky return to Aldonia, where recapture means re-education.
Theresa Linden delivers a strong, determined heroine guided by convictions and a virtuous hero, who can treat Liberty with gentleness and compassion in one moment and kick some Regimen butt in the next.
The author creates a realistic vision of a future in which politically-correct, secular, and environmental ideals are taken to the extreme. She paints a physical world so real the reader feels with Liberty her yearning to live free in the natural beauty that has always been kept out of reach.
The ending all but begs for a sequel - one I look forward to reading!
I received an advance reader copy for an honest review. The author is a fellow member of the Catholic Writers Guild.
January 29, 2018
4.5 stars for a story so compelling, I had to finish it even though it was not a pleasant experience. I've never liked the dystopian genre, but this one is so suspenseful and feels so real, it was like watching a bad accident happening. I couldn't NOT watch, though my heart was in my throat. If you like dystopian, you'll love this book, but be forewarned it ends on a cliffhanger so you'll want to read the next one. I love how family and faith are so pivotal in this story and how horrible life becomes without them.
November 19, 2024
Dedrick has eyes like Elijah (grin, blink, blink)
November 29, 2017
This dystopian Catholic YA novel by Theresa Linden is the first book in her Liberty series for older teens. This novel provides a fascinating look into a future world where religion has been eliminated. What I love about this book is the concept that God would still reach us and communicate with us even if we had never been told about Him.
The main character, Liberty, has grown up in a world void of families and faith. But she has been guided through her life by an inner voice she refers to as her “friend”. Until she is given an opportunity to live outside this controlled environment, she wonders if this inner voice is something she has made up.
Dystopian stories are always an interesting premise to think about. I love the Christian viewpoint that goodness, love, and faith will continue no matter what we might face. This is a wonderful read with plenty of discussion opportunities for older teens.
The main character, Liberty, has grown up in a world void of families and faith. But she has been guided through her life by an inner voice she refers to as her “friend”. Until she is given an opportunity to live outside this controlled environment, she wonders if this inner voice is something she has made up.
Dystopian stories are always an interesting premise to think about. I love the Christian viewpoint that goodness, love, and faith will continue no matter what we might face. This is a wonderful read with plenty of discussion opportunities for older teens.
July 7, 2017
In the last few weeks I have read two of the novels and 3 published short stories by Theresa Linden. I have been greatly impressed by her writing and world building. In fact her writing reminds me of two of my all-time favourite authors, Madeleine L'Engle and Lois Lowry, both of whom won two Newberry awards, and I believe Linden's could as well. If we were to do a direct comparison between L'Engle and Linden then the Chasing Liberty Series would be the Kairos series and the West Brothers would be the Chronos series. And in many ways Liberty reminds me of Meg Murry in many ways, but in a much more dystopian future. And if we were to compare Chasing Liberty to Lois Lowry's writings it is much like The Giver, except with a clear cut Christian under pinning. And from what I have read both series are wonderfully written. In fact before I finished reading the first book by Linden I had purchased all her other books and slotted them into the top of my reading list. In the first 6 months this year I have read 212 books, and Chasing Liberty is the best fiction book read so far this year!
But back to this specific book. Liberty 554 dash 062466 dash 84 of Aldonia does not fit in. She does not want to just hook up. She wants a career that will be fulfilling. She wants to use her hands, and she does not want to be a breeder. After a chance discovery, and meeting a stranger Liberty's life is about to change forever. Her whole life has been lived within a walled and fenced in city under the Regimen. The Regimen tracks all that you do, from an implant to your phone they are always there. Add to that the video surveillance. The electronic check ins and the continuous monitoring and Liberty's deepest desire is something different.
Liberty has been chosen to be a breeder; she will crank out and care for babies and then move on to something else. But she loves working with her hands. She is incredible are fixing things. And she loves working at the retirement facility especially working with and caring for the residents. She meets a young boy from the Mosheh a secret group working to undermine the Regimen. For rescuing those who would be disposed. For helping some escape that would face reeducation. And that is when Liberty's life really gets turned upside down.
The greatest strengths of this book are the characters and the plot. Linden has written some really engaging characters. You cannot help but find yourself in Liberty's corner. Both Dedrick and Liberty are very well written, and though I believe few will like him Dr. Supero is also well written. And with Dedrick and Liberty on one side and Supero and Chief Varden on the other this clash is going to be epic. The plot races along in this book. Warning do not start reading right before bed, your head might not see much of the pillow.
This book reminds me of the old TV series, Logan's Run, mixed with a little Handmaids Tale (but with very different religious angle), and as mentioned The Given and L'Engle's writings. This book was an amazing read. I could barely put it down and devoured it in three sittings. This should prove to be the beginning of an incredible series. I recommend this book to any fans of L'Engle, Lowry and anyone who just loves a great story. Linden hit it out of the park and I look forward to reading more in this series and her other works as well!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and soon reviews of other books by Theresa Linden.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
But back to this specific book. Liberty 554 dash 062466 dash 84 of Aldonia does not fit in. She does not want to just hook up. She wants a career that will be fulfilling. She wants to use her hands, and she does not want to be a breeder. After a chance discovery, and meeting a stranger Liberty's life is about to change forever. Her whole life has been lived within a walled and fenced in city under the Regimen. The Regimen tracks all that you do, from an implant to your phone they are always there. Add to that the video surveillance. The electronic check ins and the continuous monitoring and Liberty's deepest desire is something different.
Liberty has been chosen to be a breeder; she will crank out and care for babies and then move on to something else. But she loves working with her hands. She is incredible are fixing things. And she loves working at the retirement facility especially working with and caring for the residents. She meets a young boy from the Mosheh a secret group working to undermine the Regimen. For rescuing those who would be disposed. For helping some escape that would face reeducation. And that is when Liberty's life really gets turned upside down.
The greatest strengths of this book are the characters and the plot. Linden has written some really engaging characters. You cannot help but find yourself in Liberty's corner. Both Dedrick and Liberty are very well written, and though I believe few will like him Dr. Supero is also well written. And with Dedrick and Liberty on one side and Supero and Chief Varden on the other this clash is going to be epic. The plot races along in this book. Warning do not start reading right before bed, your head might not see much of the pillow.
This book reminds me of the old TV series, Logan's Run, mixed with a little Handmaids Tale (but with very different religious angle), and as mentioned The Given and L'Engle's writings. This book was an amazing read. I could barely put it down and devoured it in three sittings. This should prove to be the beginning of an incredible series. I recommend this book to any fans of L'Engle, Lowry and anyone who just loves a great story. Linden hit it out of the park and I look forward to reading more in this series and her other works as well!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and soon reviews of other books by Theresa Linden.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
January 13, 2015
Chasing Liberty
By Theresa Linden
When each of us imagines a flourishing future society, I think it's safe to say that each of us may imagine something slightly different from the other. The reason for the differences in our visions could stem from the fact that each of us values particular parts of society over others. In Chasing Liberty, Theresa Linden shares a dystopian possibility of a future society with her readers that takes us knee-deep into adventure.
Chasing Liberty is told from the point of view of Liberty of Aldonia, as well as an omniscient third-person narrator. Liberty is a young woman - almost 20 - when we meet her living under the Regimen Custodia Terra government. On paper, the structure of Aldonia should result in a utopia. However, as we learn through Liberty, a dystopia would be a more apt description.
The world Linden has created for Aldonia is easy to become completely absorbed in. The government has their eyes, ears and hands everywhere with strict rules for their, what can only be called, captives to adhere to under threat of punishment. The government makes every decision for its citizens; from the color of eyes you'll be born with to the time you have outlived your usefulness in your elder years. Next to nothing passes by in a citizens life that doesn't have the governments fingerprints all over it.
When we meet Liberty, we are given a glimpse of her pre-20-year-old life where she works at the Senior Living and Recreation Center. She has a fondness for the elderly residents, particularly Abby. Because there is no such thing as a family unit in Aldonia, Abby is the closest person in Liberty's life. Abby is the person Liberty feels she can rely on like one might a parent. Although they have to take care in what they discuss, Abby is the only person Liberty can discuss life with.
At the outset of the book Liberty is lamenting over the huge change the government has ordered on her twentieth birthday when she'll be assigned to her permanent job as a Breeder. Most that know of Liberty's new career are envious. Those women who are picked for the breeding program are kept in the lap of luxury with amazing housing and facilities at their disposal. However, Liberty doesn't want the job. She wants to pick her own career - something where she can tinker with tools and fix stuff as is her side job now.
Her dislike of her upcoming career assignment along with several other events set off a series of events that will not only open Liberty's mind to the possibilities life can offer, but will change her world and the world of others forever.
Chasing Liberty was very well written. Linden paints a vivid a believable future world unlike any other with relatable characters, great imagery, and the ability to open the mind of the reader to possibilities not considered prior. It was one of those books that, while perhaps not the quickest read, kept your attention and made you want to know what was going to happen next.
I highly recommend Chasing Liberty to all my readers whether you like dystopian fiction or not. I think you'll find yourself just as caught up in a world where paper, pen, and even writing are obsolete as I was. In addition, I'm pleased to hear that there will be a follow-up book to this one that I can't wait to read.
A. Fae
By Theresa Linden
When each of us imagines a flourishing future society, I think it's safe to say that each of us may imagine something slightly different from the other. The reason for the differences in our visions could stem from the fact that each of us values particular parts of society over others. In Chasing Liberty, Theresa Linden shares a dystopian possibility of a future society with her readers that takes us knee-deep into adventure.
Chasing Liberty is told from the point of view of Liberty of Aldonia, as well as an omniscient third-person narrator. Liberty is a young woman - almost 20 - when we meet her living under the Regimen Custodia Terra government. On paper, the structure of Aldonia should result in a utopia. However, as we learn through Liberty, a dystopia would be a more apt description.
The world Linden has created for Aldonia is easy to become completely absorbed in. The government has their eyes, ears and hands everywhere with strict rules for their, what can only be called, captives to adhere to under threat of punishment. The government makes every decision for its citizens; from the color of eyes you'll be born with to the time you have outlived your usefulness in your elder years. Next to nothing passes by in a citizens life that doesn't have the governments fingerprints all over it.
When we meet Liberty, we are given a glimpse of her pre-20-year-old life where she works at the Senior Living and Recreation Center. She has a fondness for the elderly residents, particularly Abby. Because there is no such thing as a family unit in Aldonia, Abby is the closest person in Liberty's life. Abby is the person Liberty feels she can rely on like one might a parent. Although they have to take care in what they discuss, Abby is the only person Liberty can discuss life with.
At the outset of the book Liberty is lamenting over the huge change the government has ordered on her twentieth birthday when she'll be assigned to her permanent job as a Breeder. Most that know of Liberty's new career are envious. Those women who are picked for the breeding program are kept in the lap of luxury with amazing housing and facilities at their disposal. However, Liberty doesn't want the job. She wants to pick her own career - something where she can tinker with tools and fix stuff as is her side job now.
Her dislike of her upcoming career assignment along with several other events set off a series of events that will not only open Liberty's mind to the possibilities life can offer, but will change her world and the world of others forever.
Chasing Liberty was very well written. Linden paints a vivid a believable future world unlike any other with relatable characters, great imagery, and the ability to open the mind of the reader to possibilities not considered prior. It was one of those books that, while perhaps not the quickest read, kept your attention and made you want to know what was going to happen next.
I highly recommend Chasing Liberty to all my readers whether you like dystopian fiction or not. I think you'll find yourself just as caught up in a world where paper, pen, and even writing are obsolete as I was. In addition, I'm pleased to hear that there will be a follow-up book to this one that I can't wait to read.
A. Fae
January 13, 2015
When each of us imagines a flourishing future society, I think it's safe to say that each of us may imagine something slightly different from the other. The reason for the differences in our visions could stem from the fact that each of us values particular parts of society over others. In Chasing Liberty, Theresa Linden shares a dystopian possibility of a future society with her readers that takes us knee-deep into adventure.
Chasing Liberty is told from the point of view of Liberty of Aldonia, as well as an omniscient third-person narrator. Liberty is a young woman - almost 20 - when we meet her living under the Regimen Custodia Terra government. On paper, the structure of Aldonia should result in a utopia. However, as we learn through Liberty, a dystopia would be a more apt description.
The world Linden has created for Aldonia is easy to become completely absorbed in. The government has their eyes, ears and hands everywhere with strict rules for their, what can only be called, captives to adhere to under threat of punishment. The government makes every decision for its citizens; from the color of eyes you'll be born with to the time you have outlived your usefulness in your elder years. Next to nothing passes by in a citizens life that doesn't have the governments fingerprints all over it.
When we meet Liberty, we are given a glimpse of her pre-20-year-old life where she works at the Senior Living and Recreation Center. She has a fondness for the elderly residents, particularly Abby. Because there is no such thing as a family unit in Aldonia, Abby is the closest person in Liberty's life. Abby is the person Liberty feels she can rely on like one might a parent. Although they have to take care in what they discuss, Abby is the only person Liberty can discuss life with.
At the outset of the book Liberty is lamenting over the huge change the government has ordered on her twentieth birthday when she'll be assigned to her permanent job as a Breeder. Most that know of Liberty's new career are envious. Those women who are picked for the breeding program are kept in the lap of luxury with amazing housing and facilities at their disposal. However, Liberty doesn't want the job. She wants to pick her own career - something where she can tinker with tools and fix stuff as is her side job now.
Her dislike of her upcoming career assignment along with several other events set off a series of events that will not only open Liberty's mind to the possibilities life can offer, but will change her world and the world of others forever.
Chasing Liberty was very well written. Linden paints a vivid a believable future world unlike any other with relatable characters, great imagery, and the ability to open the mind of the reader to possibilities not considered prior. It was one of those books that, while perhaps not the quickest read, kept your attention and made you want to know what was going to happen next.
I highly recommend Chasing Liberty to all my readers whether you like dystopian fiction or not. I think you'll find yourself just as caught up in a world where paper, pen, and even writing are obsolete as I was. In addition, I'm pleased to hear that there will be a follow-up book to this one that I can't wait to read.
A. Fae
Chasing Liberty is told from the point of view of Liberty of Aldonia, as well as an omniscient third-person narrator. Liberty is a young woman - almost 20 - when we meet her living under the Regimen Custodia Terra government. On paper, the structure of Aldonia should result in a utopia. However, as we learn through Liberty, a dystopia would be a more apt description.
The world Linden has created for Aldonia is easy to become completely absorbed in. The government has their eyes, ears and hands everywhere with strict rules for their, what can only be called, captives to adhere to under threat of punishment. The government makes every decision for its citizens; from the color of eyes you'll be born with to the time you have outlived your usefulness in your elder years. Next to nothing passes by in a citizens life that doesn't have the governments fingerprints all over it.
When we meet Liberty, we are given a glimpse of her pre-20-year-old life where she works at the Senior Living and Recreation Center. She has a fondness for the elderly residents, particularly Abby. Because there is no such thing as a family unit in Aldonia, Abby is the closest person in Liberty's life. Abby is the person Liberty feels she can rely on like one might a parent. Although they have to take care in what they discuss, Abby is the only person Liberty can discuss life with.
At the outset of the book Liberty is lamenting over the huge change the government has ordered on her twentieth birthday when she'll be assigned to her permanent job as a Breeder. Most that know of Liberty's new career are envious. Those women who are picked for the breeding program are kept in the lap of luxury with amazing housing and facilities at their disposal. However, Liberty doesn't want the job. She wants to pick her own career - something where she can tinker with tools and fix stuff as is her side job now.
Her dislike of her upcoming career assignment along with several other events set off a series of events that will not only open Liberty's mind to the possibilities life can offer, but will change her world and the world of others forever.
Chasing Liberty was very well written. Linden paints a vivid a believable future world unlike any other with relatable characters, great imagery, and the ability to open the mind of the reader to possibilities not considered prior. It was one of those books that, while perhaps not the quickest read, kept your attention and made you want to know what was going to happen next.
I highly recommend Chasing Liberty to all my readers whether you like dystopian fiction or not. I think you'll find yourself just as caught up in a world where paper, pen, and even writing are obsolete as I was. In addition, I'm pleased to hear that there will be a follow-up book to this one that I can't wait to read.
A. Fae
December 27, 2014
4.5 of 5 Hearts
If you are looking for a dystopia book that you can get lost in from the beginning, look no further. This book captivated me from the moment I started reading it. It's a fast-paced rollercoaster ride that leaves the reader on their toes as the story unfolds.
Liberty had me holding my breath one moment and growling at her not to do what she was about to do the next. There are so many twist and turns that the author has us going down as Liberty and Redrick defy the controlling government.
I really hope that Theresa has another book already started. Liberty and Redrick’s story is nowhere near over.
I loved Author Theresa Linden’s take on what they world could look like in the not so far away future. With technology, growing how it is it is not hard to picture her book coming to life and being a future none of us is truly ready for.
The lead heroine in this book Liberty was completely relatable. Liberty is a strong willed girl that does not want to accept the future someone else has picked out for her. Knowing she is forced to leave everything she loves soon fulfill her vocation duty has Liberty ready to rebel. The only problem is no one wants to hear her thoughts on not accepting the vocation that she has hand selected for by the government.
Liberty is head strong and ready to take on the government if she just knew how to do it. She does not realize there is an entire group of people ready to do the same thing until her life is in danger and Redrick swoops in to save her.
Redrick is everything Liberty wants to be, he is strong willed, defies the government for the greater good, and knows that what they are doing is wrong. The only problem is that he is not ready for Liberty. I loved these two realizes that they had feeling for each other. And that Author Theresa Linden did not have them jumping in bed together. She kept both of her leads to themselves. Liberty was not ready for that step to happen and Redrick has a destiny to fill right alongside her.
And to throw a huge kink into Liberty’s future is a doctor who is absolutely obsessed with her and starts digging around to find her and prove that she is a bad seed that must be stopped. He will not let it go that he knows Liberty is up to something and must prove to everyone that he is right.
If you are looking for a dystopia book that you can get lost in from the beginning, look no further. This book captivated me from the moment I started reading it. It's a fast-paced rollercoaster ride that leaves the reader on their toes as the story unfolds.
Liberty had me holding my breath one moment and growling at her not to do what she was about to do the next. There are so many twist and turns that the author has us going down as Liberty and Redrick defy the controlling government.
I really hope that Theresa has another book already started. Liberty and Redrick’s story is nowhere near over.
I loved Author Theresa Linden’s take on what they world could look like in the not so far away future. With technology, growing how it is it is not hard to picture her book coming to life and being a future none of us is truly ready for.
The lead heroine in this book Liberty was completely relatable. Liberty is a strong willed girl that does not want to accept the future someone else has picked out for her. Knowing she is forced to leave everything she loves soon fulfill her vocation duty has Liberty ready to rebel. The only problem is no one wants to hear her thoughts on not accepting the vocation that she has hand selected for by the government.
Liberty is head strong and ready to take on the government if she just knew how to do it. She does not realize there is an entire group of people ready to do the same thing until her life is in danger and Redrick swoops in to save her.
Redrick is everything Liberty wants to be, he is strong willed, defies the government for the greater good, and knows that what they are doing is wrong. The only problem is that he is not ready for Liberty. I loved these two realizes that they had feeling for each other. And that Author Theresa Linden did not have them jumping in bed together. She kept both of her leads to themselves. Liberty was not ready for that step to happen and Redrick has a destiny to fill right alongside her.
And to throw a huge kink into Liberty’s future is a doctor who is absolutely obsessed with her and starts digging around to find her and prove that she is a bad seed that must be stopped. He will not let it go that he knows Liberty is up to something and must prove to everyone that he is right.
June 25, 2015
Chasing Liberty by Theresa Linden is a futuristic look at what our culture might become if we keep on the same trajectory as we are presently heading. Though I dearly hopes we have enough sense and compassion to avoid such a catastrophe, I can connect the dots which drew the picture Linden is pointing to. As in the books, 1984 and Brave New World, where the authors pointed to an extreme version of the worst elements in society, the danger is real, even if only in part. Such authors speak to us through fiction and remind us of an important truth about ourselves. In this case, humanity needs families to be fully human. Liberty is a young girl brought up in Aldonia, who never knew her mother or father as that was deemed unnecessary in Aldonian society. When she is sent to a breeder facility for her vocation, she should have been honored but she was horrified. When the chance for escape is offered, she takes it though she risks her life and sanity by doing so. When she meets real families in an underground community, she finally begins to understand a part of herself that has long puzzled her. The book ends on a cliff hanger so be prepared to want more - to learn how to face defeat and yet rise again.
July 6, 2015
I love how Linden handles the suspense in this one. She knows how to end a chapter, that's for sure. She also has a good hand with the dramatic irony, which uses the two points of view (first-person Liberty vs. 3rd person subjective with the bad guy) to play off of each other, one cranking up the tension on the other in one scene, and then vice-versa in the next. Another thing the author handled well was Liberty's motivation for putting into action the final sequences, hurtling the characters into their point-of-no-return. I was not left wanting for why things were happening, but neither were things ever dragged out. The conflicts were clear and engaging. The numerous characters were so clearly drawn that I never felt there were too many, which is a hard thing to manage. Kudos to Theresa Linden for Chasing Liberty.
April 2, 2016
Without a doubt, Ms. Linden is a gifted storyteller. It happens that I read her YA contemporary--Roland West, Loner--a few months ago and loved it. Chasing Liberty is a dystopian and therefore different from the other book but also quite enjoyable. The premise is one close to my heart, and I look forward to reading the next volume in the Liberty series. The main character is twenty, and this clean story is appropriate and should prove entertaining for both teens and adults.
January 22, 2015
This is a great book! Open up your mind and jump in. I believe it crosses genres and generations and is very thought provoking. The characters are well developed as even minor characters are given a face and a voice. I love the detail and how seeming contradictions tend to just fit together when you see ideals from a different perspective.
April 8, 2015
I think this book was FANTASTIC!! This dystopia is quite believable. it's not too far off of what is currently going on in society. The breakdown of families, the forced sterilization, the "you only live once" attitude. it's quite the edge of the seat type of book. I'm excited to read the next book in the series. I only hope that it comes out sooner than later.
Want to read
March 31, 2019I would definitely love to read this when I’m older, sounds fantastic!
November 5, 2022
3.5 stars
Chasing Liberty is a well-written, enjoyable book and the first novel in the Chasing Liberty Series! The government controls everything, who is born, where you work, who you live with, where you live, what you believe, what you read and watch, what you eat and drink, and your entire life. Chasing Liberty is a lot like other dystopian government-controlling worlds but with one big exception which makes it stand out from the rest, the belief in God. I have always loved a good dystopian book, and Chasing Liberty was no exception but what drew me in was the religious aspect of it. Nineteen-year-old Liberty lives in a society full of sins and lies and is told that families are an old way of life. She is told she will be a breeder in two weeks and must accept her place in society. But deep inside of her, Liberty hears a voice, her Friend as she calls Him, and knows that the government's way of life and society is not right or moral.
The entire world has become a Godfree, do-whatever-feels-good society, but then Liberty learns of another secret group of people that believe in God and morals, and Liberty can't help but be attracted to the idea of it. I think the book was excellent and much needed for today's times. People need to read and know what could happen if we continue in our sinful society. The story was sometimes a bit predictable, but I was totally engrossed in the novel! All of the characters felt realistic and not forced or fake. All the good characters weren't just all good but had depth and flaws, and all the bad characters weren't just bad; they had emotions and usually thought they were doing good in their actions.
Because Chasing Liberty is for older teens and adults, and they live in a very secular society, there is a lot of sin, primarily sexual immorality, and it is thought normal; I rated the book 16 and up, and you can read my reasons for doing so in my things to mention section. One of my only negatives of the book is not the book itself but its cover. I really feel like if it looked better and was more appealing more people would want to read it.
If you are like me and have a hundred books on your list to read, I definitely suggest moving this book to the top of your list. Overall I thought Chasing Liberty was an amazing book for older teens and adults (but no one under 16), and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book in the series!
Special thanks to Theresa Linden for sending me a complimentary copy of Chasing Liberty for my unbiased review!
Things to Mention: suggestions that Finley and Tatum, and Dr. Supero and his assistance were together physically. Dr. Supero talk of wanting women physically. A guy wants to be with Liberty but she doesn’t want to be with him; he later drugs her in oder to be with her but Liberty is saved before anything happens. Fighting between friends and other people. In school, they would teach all the students to “experiment with your sexuality” and to “be open, uninhabited, free”. Liberty always found this disgusting. There is some smoking and drinking. A girl insinuated that she was sexually abused when she was younger. There is mentions how girls have girlfriends and boys have boyfriends. Two women get pregnant outside of marriage. Girls were inappropriate clothes. Some other minor things.
Come check out more of my reviews of clean wholesome books at:
acatholicgirlreads.com
Chasing Liberty is a well-written, enjoyable book and the first novel in the Chasing Liberty Series! The government controls everything, who is born, where you work, who you live with, where you live, what you believe, what you read and watch, what you eat and drink, and your entire life. Chasing Liberty is a lot like other dystopian government-controlling worlds but with one big exception which makes it stand out from the rest, the belief in God. I have always loved a good dystopian book, and Chasing Liberty was no exception but what drew me in was the religious aspect of it. Nineteen-year-old Liberty lives in a society full of sins and lies and is told that families are an old way of life. She is told she will be a breeder in two weeks and must accept her place in society. But deep inside of her, Liberty hears a voice, her Friend as she calls Him, and knows that the government's way of life and society is not right or moral.
The entire world has become a Godfree, do-whatever-feels-good society, but then Liberty learns of another secret group of people that believe in God and morals, and Liberty can't help but be attracted to the idea of it. I think the book was excellent and much needed for today's times. People need to read and know what could happen if we continue in our sinful society. The story was sometimes a bit predictable, but I was totally engrossed in the novel! All of the characters felt realistic and not forced or fake. All the good characters weren't just all good but had depth and flaws, and all the bad characters weren't just bad; they had emotions and usually thought they were doing good in their actions.
Because Chasing Liberty is for older teens and adults, and they live in a very secular society, there is a lot of sin, primarily sexual immorality, and it is thought normal; I rated the book 16 and up, and you can read my reasons for doing so in my things to mention section. One of my only negatives of the book is not the book itself but its cover. I really feel like if it looked better and was more appealing more people would want to read it.
If you are like me and have a hundred books on your list to read, I definitely suggest moving this book to the top of your list. Overall I thought Chasing Liberty was an amazing book for older teens and adults (but no one under 16), and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book in the series!
Special thanks to Theresa Linden for sending me a complimentary copy of Chasing Liberty for my unbiased review!
Things to Mention: suggestions that Finley and Tatum, and Dr. Supero and his assistance were together physically. Dr. Supero talk of wanting women physically. A guy wants to be with Liberty but she doesn’t want to be with him; he later drugs her in oder to be with her but Liberty is saved before anything happens. Fighting between friends and other people. In school, they would teach all the students to “experiment with your sexuality” and to “be open, uninhabited, free”. Liberty always found this disgusting. There is some smoking and drinking. A girl insinuated that she was sexually abused when she was younger. There is mentions how girls have girlfriends and boys have boyfriends. Two women get pregnant outside of marriage. Girls were inappropriate clothes. Some other minor things.
Come check out more of my reviews of clean wholesome books at:
acatholicgirlreads.com
April 17, 2023
Didn’t want to read another teen dystopian story, but changed my mind, when I needed something to read on the train, and this book was a catholic teen novel. Now, it’s not the best thing I have read, but captive me from the start. The main character Liberty, has the vocation to become a breeder, which means she will children and take care of them, which is suppose to be one of the best vocations to have, as for a few years she will live a life of luxury. But Liberty doesn’t want this, finding a way to escape her tyrant government and city. Its here she comes to learn that people have free-will and the importance and love of a family. But her heart was still back in Aldonia, and she wants to return, to assist her friend Abby, she left behind. Not, realizing that someone is after her, the Villian of the novel, a Dr Supero.
Now, this book is a teen book, as some issues will need a mature mind to interpret, such as how Dr Supero is always trying make seduce his assistant, and we come to learn, sleeps with all his past assistant etc Since, there is no moral boundaries within Aldonia, but for some reason Liberty does not get caught up with these things, and a reason she becomes an outsider.
Beyond that, this novel has good messages, throughout it as Liberty comes to trust God, which is the conscience voice that guides her. Even so, Liberty doesn’t want anything to do with the Church, when she is free, and was a little annoyed, that the author didn’t explore this more in the story.
Maybe, we come to learn more about this, in the next books of this series.
So, overall enjoyed reading this book, and can’t wait to see what happens to Liberty, and all the other characters throughout the story. Will true freedom be found?
Now, this book is a teen book, as some issues will need a mature mind to interpret, such as how Dr Supero is always trying make seduce his assistant, and we come to learn, sleeps with all his past assistant etc Since, there is no moral boundaries within Aldonia, but for some reason Liberty does not get caught up with these things, and a reason she becomes an outsider.
Beyond that, this novel has good messages, throughout it as Liberty comes to trust God, which is the conscience voice that guides her. Even so, Liberty doesn’t want anything to do with the Church, when she is free, and was a little annoyed, that the author didn’t explore this more in the story.
Maybe, we come to learn more about this, in the next books of this series.
So, overall enjoyed reading this book, and can’t wait to see what happens to Liberty, and all the other characters throughout the story. Will true freedom be found?
April 1, 2022
I almost feel guilty about giving such a low review to a small author. But this book trivializes rape and implies that gay people should be criminalized, so I think I can live with myself.
The writing it subpar throughout, with full characters and even duller dialogue. Liberty is a boring ‘not like other girls’ stock character, and the world Linden creates is indistinguishable from every other mediocre dystopia.
As I mentioned earlier, there’s a line in which Liberty reflects of the sorry state of world, and laments the legalization of gay marriage. Apparently personal freedom should only apply to religious people, and not us heathers. Sid actively attempts to rape Liberty, and after a lame apology she totally forgives him and doesn’t cut off his manhood with a lemon juice-soaked kitchen knife, as she should. Everything else about the book, from the characters to the plot to the setting to the oh-so-shoddy writing style, is aggravating at worst and forgettable at best.
The writing it subpar throughout, with full characters and even duller dialogue. Liberty is a boring ‘not like other girls’ stock character, and the world Linden creates is indistinguishable from every other mediocre dystopia.
As I mentioned earlier, there’s a line in which Liberty reflects of the sorry state of world, and laments the legalization of gay marriage. Apparently personal freedom should only apply to religious people, and not us heathers. Sid actively attempts to rape Liberty, and after a lame apology she totally forgives him and doesn’t cut off his manhood with a lemon juice-soaked kitchen knife, as she should. Everything else about the book, from the characters to the plot to the setting to the oh-so-shoddy writing style, is aggravating at worst and forgettable at best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2024
What would you do if you lived in a society with no family, the government watching your every move and word, and where love is nothing more than casual sex? Theresa Linden answers this question through Liberty 554-062466-84 as she fights her way out of a government-chosen career and learns what it means to be free.
Liberty is a strong character who isn’t just female, but shows young women what strength in femininity looks like. Dedrick, the lead male character, shows self control and reliability, masculinity without being, “toxic.”
“Chasing Liberty” shows both sides of the aisle from two prospectives, one for the government and one against. After seeing both sides, which life would you choose?
Liberty is a strong character who isn’t just female, but shows young women what strength in femininity looks like. Dedrick, the lead male character, shows self control and reliability, masculinity without being, “toxic.”
“Chasing Liberty” shows both sides of the aisle from two prospectives, one for the government and one against. After seeing both sides, which life would you choose?
May 28, 2019
Wow. I have never really been a fan of dystopian novels but this has had me hooked from the get go! I am literally just about to pick up the sequel and lose myself in it! If only I could give more than 5 stars!
December 28, 2021
Gripping
I enjoy dystopian stories and this one was great. It kept me turning the pages quickly to find out what happened next. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I enjoy dystopian stories and this one was great. It kept me turning the pages quickly to find out what happened next. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 3, 2023
Want to see what the world might look it IF ungodly socialists leftist would to take over the world?
Dystopian and Catholic/Christian
Worth the read.
Entertaining
Dystopian and Catholic/Christian
Worth the read.
Entertaining
March 7, 2017
Trest
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April 26, 2021
Loved it!
June 29, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this dystopian novel of a world that could actually come into being, all the elements already existing in our current civilisation. An engaging, serious story, interspersed with humour and irony. I loved the ending! This work can stand alone but I'm looking forward to reading the other novels in the series!
February 18, 2017
Great dystopian story, but more believable than other best sellers. Love the Christian angle too. Liberty and Dedrick are well-formed characters, which I really like and sympathize with. The other characters are not cut-outs, either. Can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy.
July 30, 2016
4 1/2 stars! I really enjoyed this book. There was action and suspense. Liberty is searching for more to life than what the Regimen has for her and not conforming to how other people live their lives. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see if she can conquer her mistake.
March 28, 2017
Really good; kept me on the edge of my seat!
Small caveat noted in previous update.
Small caveat noted in previous update.
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