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Unfit
Head down. Eyes down. Don’t make a scene.
John Hunter’s future will be determined by a single test – the Genetic Fitness Evaluation. Acceptance, opportunity, love – it’s all his for the taking if he passes. But if he fails he will be branded as an Unfit, imprisoned in Emerson Asylum, and his life will be all but over.
John Hunter’s future will be determined by a single test – the Genetic Fitness Evaluation. Acceptance, opportunity, love – it’s all his for the taking if he passes. But if he fails he will be branded as an Unfit, imprisoned in Emerson Asylum, and his life will be all but over.
408 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2020
4 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Karma Chesnut
1 book14 followersKarma Chesnut is a writer, mother, anthropologist, and author of the novel Unfit. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, she now lives in California with her husband and their three daughters; the snake-hunter, the princess, and the baby. She has a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from Brigham Young University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 11, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5/5 stars. You need to read this book.
Having grown up devouring and loving dystopian novels, I am often critical of their cliches, abstract and unoriginal social critiques, unrealistic or incomplete world building, and more. That being said, this book is everything a dystopian, or any kind of book, should be.
The characterization and world-building are amazing. There is enough to draw the reader in but not too much that it takes away from the plot and tension. The layers of the story are expertly woven, each building on each other. Similarly, every character (from John and Morgan to minor characters like Tim) feel whole and unique. Their motivations are not just realistic and logical, they take precedence over easy cliches that many authors choose (like the romance trope of the breakup to add tension). The characters are flawed in ways that feel like parts of them, rather than aspects added as an afterthought to make them more complex.
The dialogue throughout is expertly done, not just in terms of the words themselves but also the tags and actions of the speakers. This helps give a sense not only of the physical space and people, but also of the emotions and thoughts contained within them.
I wish I could pinpoint exactly how this was done, but somehow the social critique of this book is big enough to matter without becoming abstract and tired. Rather than tackling issues of Democracy or Autocracy, especially from the lens of 'evil' people (as much dystopian does), it focuses on the slide from good intentions to bad consequences. Other topics, from Eugenics to Classism, are dealt with in a nuanced way that is both more interesting and more realistic.
This book is the first in a series, so I can't wait to read the next one (soon I hope!). Read this book if you love dystopian or just a captivating story. If you're looking to improve your craft, this would be a great one to read and analyze.
5/5 stars. You need to read this book.
Having grown up devouring and loving dystopian novels, I am often critical of their cliches, abstract and unoriginal social critiques, unrealistic or incomplete world building, and more. That being said, this book is everything a dystopian, or any kind of book, should be.
The characterization and world-building are amazing. There is enough to draw the reader in but not too much that it takes away from the plot and tension. The layers of the story are expertly woven, each building on each other. Similarly, every character (from John and Morgan to minor characters like Tim) feel whole and unique. Their motivations are not just realistic and logical, they take precedence over easy cliches that many authors choose (like the romance trope of the breakup to add tension). The characters are flawed in ways that feel like parts of them, rather than aspects added as an afterthought to make them more complex.
The dialogue throughout is expertly done, not just in terms of the words themselves but also the tags and actions of the speakers. This helps give a sense not only of the physical space and people, but also of the emotions and thoughts contained within them.
I wish I could pinpoint exactly how this was done, but somehow the social critique of this book is big enough to matter without becoming abstract and tired. Rather than tackling issues of Democracy or Autocracy, especially from the lens of 'evil' people (as much dystopian does), it focuses on the slide from good intentions to bad consequences. Other topics, from Eugenics to Classism, are dealt with in a nuanced way that is both more interesting and more realistic.
This book is the first in a series, so I can't wait to read the next one (soon I hope!). Read this book if you love dystopian or just a captivating story. If you're looking to improve your craft, this would be a great one to read and analyze.
February 19, 2020
UNFIT to me felt like Shawshank Redemption meets Handmaid's Tale. These are not two comps that would normally drive met to read a story, but Karma did such a good job with her plot and writing, that I found myself enjoying the book more than I expected to...(this is coming from a girl who prefers YA scifi/fantasy romances.) And I must say, John and Morgan (the two leads) deliver quite an epic romance in a dark, dystopic setting. Their story is what kept me going, hoping for a 'happily-ever-after' or more fitting, a 'happy to be alive and together in a messed up world' ending for them. I won't tell you what happens - you have to read that for yourself! But if you are a dark-dystopian fan, UNFIT is definitely a must-read.
April 6, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Reading Unfit by Karma Chesnut is an amazing experience. The author brings us deep into a world and time that is devoid of humanity as the darkest nature of people rules.
Yet, through this harshness and cruelty, Ms. Chesnut creates two spectacular characters, John Hunter and Morgan Loughlin, who are the antithesis of the world they were born into. They represent the goodness and humanity in people that is still possible. Their struggle to find something better and positive becomes our struggle. We cheer them as they endure so much, but never give up.
This dystopian novel describes a world we hope never exists and a love and commitment that we always wish we can find.
Once you start, you will not be able to put this down. The story draws you in deeper with every page.
Reading Unfit by Karma Chesnut is an amazing experience. The author brings us deep into a world and time that is devoid of humanity as the darkest nature of people rules.
Yet, through this harshness and cruelty, Ms. Chesnut creates two spectacular characters, John Hunter and Morgan Loughlin, who are the antithesis of the world they were born into. They represent the goodness and humanity in people that is still possible. Their struggle to find something better and positive becomes our struggle. We cheer them as they endure so much, but never give up.
This dystopian novel describes a world we hope never exists and a love and commitment that we always wish we can find.
Once you start, you will not be able to put this down. The story draws you in deeper with every page.
March 24, 2020
This book was so impactful and thought-provoking, I've decided to write a more in depth review of it on my blog. I was drawn into this haunting world of eugenics, and especially the relationship between John and Morgan. Their devotion and love for each other brought an inspiring and refreshing lift to the heavy themes. Sometimes the story was hard to read, but it's the kind if book that can change readers and the world for the better. Karma's writing style and voice is exceptional and added to the impact and potency of the story. I was drawn into the setting and connected with the characters in a profound way. I look forward to finishing the story in the sequel(s).
May 5, 2020
Gosh, this was a great little read! This book is un-putdownable. I devoured it in two sittings. I love dystopian novels and when the book was described as a cross between Shawshank and Handmaids Tale, I knew I was in for a joyride. It’s also a little unnerving to be reading a post pandemic world novel in the middle of a world wide pandemic but it also made it feel more real.
The story begins in a gritty world divided after a pandemic destroyed almost all of the worlds population. In an effort to survive, the leaders split the remaining citizens into two groups based on their strengths and weaknesses. Those deemed worthy receive the better jobs and live in the clean part of the city. Those deemed “unfit” are forcibly sterilized, made to do hard labor, and live across the water in the slums. Abortions are mandated to keep the unfit genes from breeding.
This book is so well written!! The world is unique and dark but also relatable. Maybe its because of the current pandemic, but these outlandish reactions didn’t seem too far off. I could totally imagine a government making global decisions that are harmful under the auspices of being for the greater good. Meanwhile, there’s tension as it seems that testing isn’t nearly as cut and dried as the citizens were led to believe. There’s a chance that tests have been doctored and even a hypothesis that inbreeding is making the chosen ones less healthy.
This sets up the perfect Romeo & Juliet scenario. The story quickly moves forward as we are introduced to the wealthy Morgan, the daughter of the head of the society that runs the government and her lover John, a poor orphan from the wrong side of the tracks. He is smart and cunning, but stuck in a dead end job. Once he is deemed unfit & sent to prison, Morgan must decide if she can live without him or risk everything to help save him.
Most of the book takes place inside the prison, where John has to learn how to fend for himself, follow the strict rules within the ranks, and determine who to trust. Even within prison there is a hierarchy of power. He must decide if he will keep his head down and fall in line or search for a way out. I enjoyed the side characters and friendships as much as the main romance. Morgan and John are both somehow still good, even in a dark world. What’s interesting is how the romance strengthens even though for most of the book the couple is separated. I enjoyed that they remained hopeful even as their situation worsened.
The book is thought provoking without being too heavy. I loved their utter devotion to each other despite horrific circumstances. I was totally sucked into this world and connected with the characters dilemmas and decisions. And can we talk about that ending?? OK. I won't because I don't want spoilers. But I found it oddly satisfying. I could see that it may set up for another book, but I also feel like it left so much open for interpretation and I love endings like that!
Fantastic, fast paced, dystopian thriller. Enjoy this one!
The story begins in a gritty world divided after a pandemic destroyed almost all of the worlds population. In an effort to survive, the leaders split the remaining citizens into two groups based on their strengths and weaknesses. Those deemed worthy receive the better jobs and live in the clean part of the city. Those deemed “unfit” are forcibly sterilized, made to do hard labor, and live across the water in the slums. Abortions are mandated to keep the unfit genes from breeding.
This book is so well written!! The world is unique and dark but also relatable. Maybe its because of the current pandemic, but these outlandish reactions didn’t seem too far off. I could totally imagine a government making global decisions that are harmful under the auspices of being for the greater good. Meanwhile, there’s tension as it seems that testing isn’t nearly as cut and dried as the citizens were led to believe. There’s a chance that tests have been doctored and even a hypothesis that inbreeding is making the chosen ones less healthy.
This sets up the perfect Romeo & Juliet scenario. The story quickly moves forward as we are introduced to the wealthy Morgan, the daughter of the head of the society that runs the government and her lover John, a poor orphan from the wrong side of the tracks. He is smart and cunning, but stuck in a dead end job. Once he is deemed unfit & sent to prison, Morgan must decide if she can live without him or risk everything to help save him.
Most of the book takes place inside the prison, where John has to learn how to fend for himself, follow the strict rules within the ranks, and determine who to trust. Even within prison there is a hierarchy of power. He must decide if he will keep his head down and fall in line or search for a way out. I enjoyed the side characters and friendships as much as the main romance. Morgan and John are both somehow still good, even in a dark world. What’s interesting is how the romance strengthens even though for most of the book the couple is separated. I enjoyed that they remained hopeful even as their situation worsened.
The book is thought provoking without being too heavy. I loved their utter devotion to each other despite horrific circumstances. I was totally sucked into this world and connected with the characters dilemmas and decisions. And can we talk about that ending?? OK. I won't because I don't want spoilers. But I found it oddly satisfying. I could see that it may set up for another book, but I also feel like it left so much open for interpretation and I love endings like that!
Fantastic, fast paced, dystopian thriller. Enjoy this one!
June 12, 2020
This book was SOOOO GOOD YALL! This world was so crazy. From the first chapter I was hooked and had to see where this story would end. I loved everything about this book. Everything was written so excellent and that says a lot because I'm definitely a book snob. The characters, world and entire story was just so great. I loved it! So much happens, so many edge of your seat moments. I really enjoyed the twists as well. The ending was so intense I couldn't put it down and stayed up super late to finish it. I was at the edge of my seat and then it has an open ending, I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. I absolutely can't wait to get a copy of book 2. I highly recommend for anyone that enjoys a good dystopian read.
May 11, 2020
While this book is darker than most fiction I’m drawn to, I’m glad I read it. A mix of Neil Schustermans Scythe, and Stephen King’s Shawshank Redemption, this book really hit some deep themes and made me think. While it began as most dystopians do, with the concept of “what if” then portraying the world we know as adopting a new moral code and becoming unrecognizable, it quickly began to grow more frightening as real historical elements began to come into play. Eugenics, polygamy, internment camps, and more were some of the topics that made me pause and consider how close history has actually come to Chesnut’s “Haven”. But despite the heavy topics, they are well balanced with empowering moments of love, friendship, self respect, and sacrifice. I came away feeling hopeful, and am eagerly looking forward to the sequel!
May 17, 2020
I absolutely love dystopian novels and when the author offered to send me this book I absolutely said yes. Now having read it, I'm so thankful I did!
While reading a post pandemic book during an actual real life pandemic may not be for everyone, I still really enjoyed the plot of this story. It begins with when the world is divided after a horrible pandemic literally destroys a good majority of the world's population. So the leaders of Haven, in a great effort to control from it happening again, set up a system where the remaining citizens are split up into two separate groups. Northridge citizens live north end of town and have the better jobs, homes etc Meanwhile those who live on the south side of town,"Southridge" are those who have been deemed,"unfit." These individuals survive by working at hard labor like jobs and live in slum like places. Worst of all, anyone who fails the,"genetic testing" broken up into three parts are sterilized. Which brings you to main character John, a man from the wrong side of the town and Morgan, a woman who belongs to a very wealthy and influential family from the north side. Their relationship is one that will be put to the ultimate test.
This book is well written and brings you into a world that has a system set up in place that while has good intentions.. It is also horribly flawed as well. It is something that I could easily see happening yet all of the same, which is a bit unsettling. At the same time this book reminds me a bit of a mixture of movies or shows such as: In Time, the Handmaid's tale and indeed Shawshank redemption. As well as, I see some similarities of Hitler's and the Nazi's ideologies of the holocaust to how this world is set up in getting rid of those deemed,"unfit" and "undesirable." So, it definitely has a realistic dark tone to it.
All in all, I thought this was a wonderful adult dystopian novel that will get your mind thinking over the very things this book brings into question. Most of all, one you will have a hard time putting down!
While reading a post pandemic book during an actual real life pandemic may not be for everyone, I still really enjoyed the plot of this story. It begins with when the world is divided after a horrible pandemic literally destroys a good majority of the world's population. So the leaders of Haven, in a great effort to control from it happening again, set up a system where the remaining citizens are split up into two separate groups. Northridge citizens live north end of town and have the better jobs, homes etc Meanwhile those who live on the south side of town,"Southridge" are those who have been deemed,"unfit." These individuals survive by working at hard labor like jobs and live in slum like places. Worst of all, anyone who fails the,"genetic testing" broken up into three parts are sterilized. Which brings you to main character John, a man from the wrong side of the town and Morgan, a woman who belongs to a very wealthy and influential family from the north side. Their relationship is one that will be put to the ultimate test.
This book is well written and brings you into a world that has a system set up in place that while has good intentions.. It is also horribly flawed as well. It is something that I could easily see happening yet all of the same, which is a bit unsettling. At the same time this book reminds me a bit of a mixture of movies or shows such as: In Time, the Handmaid's tale and indeed Shawshank redemption. As well as, I see some similarities of Hitler's and the Nazi's ideologies of the holocaust to how this world is set up in getting rid of those deemed,"unfit" and "undesirable." So, it definitely has a realistic dark tone to it.
All in all, I thought this was a wonderful adult dystopian novel that will get your mind thinking over the very things this book brings into question. Most of all, one you will have a hard time putting down!
July 16, 2020
This was such a cool book! I definitely get the comparisons of Shawshank Redemption and The Handmaid's Tale and Romeo and Juliet. It's a really unique dystopian world, one where people can be deemed "unfit" because of a physical or mental disability and forcibly sterilized. Honestly, the best dystopian worlds come from concepts that actually do seem like they could be good ideas in theory. I get why they would think the concept of creating a stronger human gene pool by only allowing those who are physically and mentally healthy to reproduce was a good idea. But of course when you add human corruption and bias into it, the results are absolutely barbaric as seen in this book. It was so well done!
I loved the characters! John and Morgan and Charles were all really easy to root for, and I absolutely loved the side characters too like Tim (my fave! such a sweet kid) and Buck and Katherine. The villains were also really well-done. I hate when villains are bad for no reason, but this book really gave them reasons for doing the terrible things they did and making them right in their own eyes. Those are the best villains, when from their own perspective they are the hero.
There may or may not be some plot holes here, and my weird brain couldn't stop noticing it, but all in all sometimes you can't let yourself overthink the story and just have to roll with it. I do think at times there may have been better decisions the characters could have made that would have resulted in a simpler solution to the problem, but would have resulted in the book having no direction to go in. And sometimes in real life we don't make the best or right decisions.
Anyway, I definitely recommend this book if you like dystopian books. I'm really looking forward to reading the second one to see what happens next!!
I loved the characters! John and Morgan and Charles were all really easy to root for, and I absolutely loved the side characters too like Tim (my fave! such a sweet kid) and Buck and Katherine. The villains were also really well-done. I hate when villains are bad for no reason, but this book really gave them reasons for doing the terrible things they did and making them right in their own eyes. Those are the best villains, when from their own perspective they are the hero.
There may or may not be some plot holes here, and my weird brain couldn't stop noticing it, but all in all sometimes you can't let yourself overthink the story and just have to roll with it. I do think at times there may have been better decisions the characters could have made that would have resulted in a simpler solution to the problem, but would have resulted in the book having no direction to go in. And sometimes in real life we don't make the best or right decisions.
Anyway, I definitely recommend this book if you like dystopian books. I'm really looking forward to reading the second one to see what happens next!!
January 28, 2020
Okay, I'm not too happy with then ending, but only because I didn't want it to end! I kept counting down the pages, hoping that--well, I won't give it away.
Where to begin? When I got this ARC I saw the word count and sighed. I don't normally read dystopian fiction and I was thinking it would be tough to get through. I could not have been more wrong. The characters were so well done, the foreshadowing perfect. I'm seeing a lot of Shawshank comparisons, which I felt too, but something about this book reminded me of Atlas Shrugged. Maybe it was the John Galt similarities, or the council, or the lights going out, but it kept coming to mind as I read.
John and Morgan, the author threw everything at this couple. So many twists, especially the big one towards the end that made me gasp. I'm going to cut this review short as not to give anything away but I will definitely recommend this one. I'm so happy I got the chance to read it.
Where to begin? When I got this ARC I saw the word count and sighed. I don't normally read dystopian fiction and I was thinking it would be tough to get through. I could not have been more wrong. The characters were so well done, the foreshadowing perfect. I'm seeing a lot of Shawshank comparisons, which I felt too, but something about this book reminded me of Atlas Shrugged. Maybe it was the John Galt similarities, or the council, or the lights going out, but it kept coming to mind as I read.
John and Morgan, the author threw everything at this couple. So many twists, especially the big one towards the end that made me gasp. I'm going to cut this review short as not to give anything away but I will definitely recommend this one. I'm so happy I got the chance to read it.
February 11, 2020
I meant to read this book over time, but, once I started, there was nowhere to put it down. So I ended up reading the whole thing in one night.
Unfit tells the story of John, an intelligent man with a lot of potential living in a society where people who fail certain physical, intellectual, or blood portions of an exam are deemed unfit. They are then castrated and cast off from any real potential in society. He flunks the blood portion.
This story is beautifully written. It offers so much more than I expected and so much more than you would imagine based off a basic synopsis. Every moment is exciting and intriguing, which is why I could never put it down. It delves deep into the heart of humanity and morality.
John was definitely my favorite character in the book. He's driven and smart despite the odds, and he clings to human goodness despite the odds as well. He's deep and multi-faceted. Plus, he is an incredible human being!
Unlike a lot of modern dystopians, this book gets really dark. Think holocaust dark--in fact, I feel pretty confident that a lot of the inspiration was pulled from the holocaust. I love dystopian books, but usually, books that get as dark as this one did are a turn off for me. But it wasn't. I kept thinking about it the next day and mulling over why, with such a dark story, did I end up feeling inspired and hopeful at the end of it all? I think it was because, unlike books like Lord of the Flies, this one reflected on the goodness of humanity, the main characters clung to compassion and mercy, despite the circumstances.
If this book had been written a few decades ago, it would be a classic that you would read in school because of all that it has to offer. I highly recommend it with a warning that it isn't for everyone. It is such a tragic story. But it resonates with truth and offers an excellent dialogue on the human condition.
Unfit tells the story of John, an intelligent man with a lot of potential living in a society where people who fail certain physical, intellectual, or blood portions of an exam are deemed unfit. They are then castrated and cast off from any real potential in society. He flunks the blood portion.
This story is beautifully written. It offers so much more than I expected and so much more than you would imagine based off a basic synopsis. Every moment is exciting and intriguing, which is why I could never put it down. It delves deep into the heart of humanity and morality.
John was definitely my favorite character in the book. He's driven and smart despite the odds, and he clings to human goodness despite the odds as well. He's deep and multi-faceted. Plus, he is an incredible human being!
Unlike a lot of modern dystopians, this book gets really dark. Think holocaust dark--in fact, I feel pretty confident that a lot of the inspiration was pulled from the holocaust. I love dystopian books, but usually, books that get as dark as this one did are a turn off for me. But it wasn't. I kept thinking about it the next day and mulling over why, with such a dark story, did I end up feeling inspired and hopeful at the end of it all? I think it was because, unlike books like Lord of the Flies, this one reflected on the goodness of humanity, the main characters clung to compassion and mercy, despite the circumstances.
If this book had been written a few decades ago, it would be a classic that you would read in school because of all that it has to offer. I highly recommend it with a warning that it isn't for everyone. It is such a tragic story. But it resonates with truth and offers an excellent dialogue on the human condition.
June 8, 2021
What a great beginning. fast paced. likable characters. evil bad guys. I can't wait to find out more about this world and how it came to be.
December 19, 2019
Unfit is a powerfully dark post-apocalyptic story where the future of all citizens is determined by the quality of their genes. I thought the somewhat Romeo and Juliet type romance would be stereotypical, but I'm happy to report it's anything but! Unfit is also refreshingly diverse, realistically depicting an autistic side-character who became very dear to my heart. I am really looking forward to the second book!
Read
November 6, 2020UNFIT is an all-too-realistic reimagining of a world built on the principles of eugenics and the Darwinian creed "survival of the fittest."
January 25, 2020
Here are my thoughts after reading an ARC of Unfit by Karma Chestnut.
Spoiler free.
Unfit is Gattaca meets Shawshank Redemption.
It's a dystopian Gone with the Wind, but this time with a heroic heroine.
In our era of divisiveness and science illiteracy, Unfit will be motivating to readers keen on building strong families and communities and supporting democracy. But fair warning, it's not fictional enough to be a comfortable read.
Why not three stars?
The heroes are deeper and more faceted than those in Divergent. They're real. They have conflicting interests and views on how to do the right thing. Even the villains have many redeeming qualities, the layers adding depth and interest to the book. Sometimes, this even dramatically obscures the category in which the character will ultimately fall. Prison stories are tough. Karma intersperses enough other plot lines to give a reprieve, using the prison to contrast the story rather than overly darken it.
Several plot twists I did not see coming. I love that.
Why not five stars?
Prison stories are tough. They're dark and unpleasant. How does an author find a balance between what's tolerable to read and the facts of human depravity? Whitewashing it will ruin the story, as will being too accurately graphic. Karma walks this line well, buts sometimes steps on either side of it.
As a health care provider, I'm easily pushed out of a story when wounds and healing and illnesses are molded to the plot. Not very fair to the author. There are a few instances where my suspension of disbelief was stretched, but I suspect most readers won't care. Karma does not go overboard with Hollywood violence that has no long-term effect on characters, another reason for 4 stars rather than 3.
A few of the plot twists I saw coming. With some, the recognition made the story more dramatic. With others, it undermined the effect.
The Dad report.
Profanity is mild and infrequent, and mostly used to display poor vocabulary on the part of the character. No drug use, some improper use of medication by an antagonist as part of their villainy. No graphic sexuality, only the lead-up between a married couple, important to the plot. Violence and societal oppression such that I'd only recommend the book to my kids 15 and up.
Spoiler free.
Unfit is Gattaca meets Shawshank Redemption.
It's a dystopian Gone with the Wind, but this time with a heroic heroine.
In our era of divisiveness and science illiteracy, Unfit will be motivating to readers keen on building strong families and communities and supporting democracy. But fair warning, it's not fictional enough to be a comfortable read.
Why not three stars?
The heroes are deeper and more faceted than those in Divergent. They're real. They have conflicting interests and views on how to do the right thing. Even the villains have many redeeming qualities, the layers adding depth and interest to the book. Sometimes, this even dramatically obscures the category in which the character will ultimately fall. Prison stories are tough. Karma intersperses enough other plot lines to give a reprieve, using the prison to contrast the story rather than overly darken it.
Several plot twists I did not see coming. I love that.
Why not five stars?
Prison stories are tough. They're dark and unpleasant. How does an author find a balance between what's tolerable to read and the facts of human depravity? Whitewashing it will ruin the story, as will being too accurately graphic. Karma walks this line well, buts sometimes steps on either side of it.
As a health care provider, I'm easily pushed out of a story when wounds and healing and illnesses are molded to the plot. Not very fair to the author. There are a few instances where my suspension of disbelief was stretched, but I suspect most readers won't care. Karma does not go overboard with Hollywood violence that has no long-term effect on characters, another reason for 4 stars rather than 3.
A few of the plot twists I saw coming. With some, the recognition made the story more dramatic. With others, it undermined the effect.
The Dad report.
Profanity is mild and infrequent, and mostly used to display poor vocabulary on the part of the character. No drug use, some improper use of medication by an antagonist as part of their villainy. No graphic sexuality, only the lead-up between a married couple, important to the plot. Violence and societal oppression such that I'd only recommend the book to my kids 15 and up.
March 27, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Unfit from the author, Karma Chestnut, which I am thankful for. I let her know when I saw the page count (roughly 400 pages in ebook form) that it might take me two or three weeks to finish reading (I’m a slow reader), but I wound up reading the book in less than a week. That is a rare feat for me, and it says a lot about this book.
Set in a Dystopian future nearly a hundred years from the present time, we meet a cast of characters in a city called Haven. The world has been ravaged by a pandemic which wiped out over 90% of the human population… that doesn’t seem worrying at all right now... The surviving humans have a focus on repopulating their society, but doing so selectively. The world has gone into ‘survival of the fittest’ mode, or, more accurately, it is a society that has taken to sterilizing and aborting those who are deemed to be potentially “unfit” by the results of a series of mental and physical tests.
The story surrounds a young man who is suddenly and unfairly deemed unfit and how he and his young bride have to find a way to survive the barbaric system that those who are deemed unfit have to navigate, including being imprisoned in an asylum and living with the looming inevitability of physical castration.
The story was well plotted out, the characters were memorable, and the end was action-packed and left me wanting more. When I thought I had figured it all out, there was a twist I didn’t see coming that really added to the gravity of the book.
I did find a couple of contradictory elements that took me out of the story a bit. For example, I had to wonder how realistic it would be for a world desperate to repopulate to also be practicing Eugenics. Though the author presented reasonable enough rationale for this dissonant society to be plausible, I would have liked to know more about the background of the society and the plague and how things came to be.
That being said, Unfit is the sort of book that I believe will inspire important and meaningful conversation while also being a thrilling read in general. If there is a sequel, I will be reading it. Regardless, I look forward to more of Karma Chestnut's future projects.
Set in a Dystopian future nearly a hundred years from the present time, we meet a cast of characters in a city called Haven. The world has been ravaged by a pandemic which wiped out over 90% of the human population… that doesn’t seem worrying at all right now... The surviving humans have a focus on repopulating their society, but doing so selectively. The world has gone into ‘survival of the fittest’ mode, or, more accurately, it is a society that has taken to sterilizing and aborting those who are deemed to be potentially “unfit” by the results of a series of mental and physical tests.
The story surrounds a young man who is suddenly and unfairly deemed unfit and how he and his young bride have to find a way to survive the barbaric system that those who are deemed unfit have to navigate, including being imprisoned in an asylum and living with the looming inevitability of physical castration.
The story was well plotted out, the characters were memorable, and the end was action-packed and left me wanting more. When I thought I had figured it all out, there was a twist I didn’t see coming that really added to the gravity of the book.
I did find a couple of contradictory elements that took me out of the story a bit. For example, I had to wonder how realistic it would be for a world desperate to repopulate to also be practicing Eugenics. Though the author presented reasonable enough rationale for this dissonant society to be plausible, I would have liked to know more about the background of the society and the plague and how things came to be.
That being said, Unfit is the sort of book that I believe will inspire important and meaningful conversation while also being a thrilling read in general. If there is a sequel, I will be reading it. Regardless, I look forward to more of Karma Chestnut's future projects.
June 17, 2020
“My name is Theodore. These are my sins.”
John Hunter has been declared an Unfit. A title given to those who invoke the fear of a second plague striking and taking out another chunk of the population. A title given to those with disease or disabilities. A title that brands you forever as an outcast to a society all too scared of extinction. But John Hunter has a family. Or at least the beginnings of one. Will he fight against his title, his societal demotion to be with the one he loves? Or will he give in to his fate, brainwashed to believe his sacrifice is for the greater good?
This YA dystopian is a fun yet methodically deep read. What I like about this book is its perfect pace. No dwelling on unnecessary details and losing me mentally. Just fast paced action. Which is why I read this book in two days - I was so absorbed that I needed to find out what happens in this chaotic world! This book also invoked anger in me. Maybe this is just me, but I love books that piss me off only for justice to be served! What sweet release - seeing that the population won’t accept their chains and will fight back against the man! Because damn the man! An eerie symbolism to our own world... And something about that just really tickles my pickle even if I’m enraged for 90% of the book. Call me a masochist.
The one thing that irked me about this book isn’t even a structural problem. Because the characters are all likeable, even the bad ones, and the plot is woven so perfectly together. The ending to the book is a bit of a cliffhanger. I was sad it wasn’t super conclusive but I also understood and began to grow fond of the strange ending that left you wondering and hopeful. Basically you could then decide how much of a pessimist you truly are. But as I read through a few reviews, I noted mention that this is book 1 in a series... and as a general question, why does no one advertise series anymore? Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy there is another book to come, but why not tell me at any point? So, if you read this book, note it’s the first. But I also hope you find that rage I did and feel the hope as exquisitely as I did. Beautiful characters in a beautiful story.
John Hunter has been declared an Unfit. A title given to those who invoke the fear of a second plague striking and taking out another chunk of the population. A title given to those with disease or disabilities. A title that brands you forever as an outcast to a society all too scared of extinction. But John Hunter has a family. Or at least the beginnings of one. Will he fight against his title, his societal demotion to be with the one he loves? Or will he give in to his fate, brainwashed to believe his sacrifice is for the greater good?
This YA dystopian is a fun yet methodically deep read. What I like about this book is its perfect pace. No dwelling on unnecessary details and losing me mentally. Just fast paced action. Which is why I read this book in two days - I was so absorbed that I needed to find out what happens in this chaotic world! This book also invoked anger in me. Maybe this is just me, but I love books that piss me off only for justice to be served! What sweet release - seeing that the population won’t accept their chains and will fight back against the man! Because damn the man! An eerie symbolism to our own world... And something about that just really tickles my pickle even if I’m enraged for 90% of the book. Call me a masochist.
The one thing that irked me about this book isn’t even a structural problem. Because the characters are all likeable, even the bad ones, and the plot is woven so perfectly together. The ending to the book is a bit of a cliffhanger. I was sad it wasn’t super conclusive but I also understood and began to grow fond of the strange ending that left you wondering and hopeful. Basically you could then decide how much of a pessimist you truly are. But as I read through a few reviews, I noted mention that this is book 1 in a series... and as a general question, why does no one advertise series anymore? Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy there is another book to come, but why not tell me at any point? So, if you read this book, note it’s the first. But I also hope you find that rage I did and feel the hope as exquisitely as I did. Beautiful characters in a beautiful story.
March 13, 2020
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review...
I have a love affair with Dystopian novels, but sometimes they get repetitive or commercialized. When I was approached about reading Unfit I was just coming off of reading a different debut Dystopian novel. So I was definitely in the mood to continue the trend and I said you know what, yes I will read this. I’m glad I did, as I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It was really well written. The descriptions and dialogue were well fleshed out and flowed easily. There was enough world building so you could imagine the scenes you were reading, but not so much that it overtakes the book and makes it hard to get into.
Now most Dystopian novels have a human atrocity element to them that is outlandish yet just believable enough to make you pause. Unfit has atrocities that mirror our world’s histories, and then even takes it a touch further. To say there were moments I was entirely uncomfortable at how real this book felt, is an understatement. This made its impact all the more effective. I feel like the underlying theme or basis to this story can be summed up in a quote: “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
I tend to be a very character driven reader and I am very attached to some of these characters. Morgan, John, Buck, Katharine... I need to know what happens!!! I’m hoping for a book 2! Also I love a book that makes me think and this one definitely did.
One note: this is an Adult Dystopian novel. I wouldn’t consider it YA. There’s no overt drug use, sex, or anything like that, but it’s very intense and the themes could be disturbing for some younger readers. Definitely 15 and over at minimum in my opinion.
Trigger warning: Filicide, prison violence, mass extermination, abortion, (apologies if I missed any).
I have a love affair with Dystopian novels, but sometimes they get repetitive or commercialized. When I was approached about reading Unfit I was just coming off of reading a different debut Dystopian novel. So I was definitely in the mood to continue the trend and I said you know what, yes I will read this. I’m glad I did, as I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It was really well written. The descriptions and dialogue were well fleshed out and flowed easily. There was enough world building so you could imagine the scenes you were reading, but not so much that it overtakes the book and makes it hard to get into.
Now most Dystopian novels have a human atrocity element to them that is outlandish yet just believable enough to make you pause. Unfit has atrocities that mirror our world’s histories, and then even takes it a touch further. To say there were moments I was entirely uncomfortable at how real this book felt, is an understatement. This made its impact all the more effective. I feel like the underlying theme or basis to this story can be summed up in a quote: “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
I tend to be a very character driven reader and I am very attached to some of these characters. Morgan, John, Buck, Katharine... I need to know what happens!!! I’m hoping for a book 2! Also I love a book that makes me think and this one definitely did.
One note: this is an Adult Dystopian novel. I wouldn’t consider it YA. There’s no overt drug use, sex, or anything like that, but it’s very intense and the themes could be disturbing for some younger readers. Definitely 15 and over at minimum in my opinion.
Trigger warning: Filicide, prison violence, mass extermination, abortion, (apologies if I missed any).
May 13, 2021
This was such a good read! Fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, Red Rising, and The Handmaid’s Tale will love this action-packed novel.
𝑼𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒕 was a quick, fast-paced book that felt like a dystopian retelling of Romeo and Juliet. I loved the concept behind the book - it’s so unique! In a genre that is pretty saturated, finding a wholly unique concept like this book was very refreshing.
I also loved the characters in this book. Morgan is courageous, fierce, and everything a heroine should be. Even though there were a few scenes where I was pretty frustrated with her, I loved her character overall. Her development was fantastic! John, the other main character of this book, is a reluctant hero and I LOVED him! His desire to protect his friends and family, and his loyalty, made him a great character. There are many side characters in this book that I enjoyed as well. As a whole, the cast of this book was absolutely wonderful.
What kept this book from being a 5⭐️ for me was the fact that there were a couple of plot points that seemed to have holes in them, and a few points where I would’ve liked things to have been described a bit more than what they were.
Overall, though, this is definitely a book that I would recommend! It’s a quick read that will be a refreshing dive into a popular genre for anyone who is a fan of dystopian novels.
𝑼𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒕 was a quick, fast-paced book that felt like a dystopian retelling of Romeo and Juliet. I loved the concept behind the book - it’s so unique! In a genre that is pretty saturated, finding a wholly unique concept like this book was very refreshing.
I also loved the characters in this book. Morgan is courageous, fierce, and everything a heroine should be. Even though there were a few scenes where I was pretty frustrated with her, I loved her character overall. Her development was fantastic! John, the other main character of this book, is a reluctant hero and I LOVED him! His desire to protect his friends and family, and his loyalty, made him a great character. There are many side characters in this book that I enjoyed as well. As a whole, the cast of this book was absolutely wonderful.
What kept this book from being a 5⭐️ for me was the fact that there were a couple of plot points that seemed to have holes in them, and a few points where I would’ve liked things to have been described a bit more than what they were.
Overall, though, this is definitely a book that I would recommend! It’s a quick read that will be a refreshing dive into a popular genre for anyone who is a fan of dystopian novels.
February 8, 2020
I got an ARC of this book, and admittedly, I don't usually like dystopia, but I LOVED this one!
CW: this book features many difficult themes such as suicide, abortion, and derogatory terms for disabled people.
After 90% of the world is killed by plague, society is centered around being Fit or Unfit, and you're evaluated based on things like your lineage, academic level, and physical condition. John Hunter wants nothing but the perfect life for him and his wife, but all of that gets thrown off the rails when he's declared Unfit, and is legally no longer allowed to be with her.
I loved seeing the characters grow, especially Morgan. I think she really matured over the course of the book, and I enjoyed seeing who she became at the end. I think the book searched a lot of concepts of one's perception of those society is quick to write off as stupid. And there's a lot of revelations that keep you engaged the entire time. I finished this book in three days because I just couldn't help wanting to see how it all unraveled.
I can't wait for the next installment of the series!
CW: this book features many difficult themes such as suicide, abortion, and derogatory terms for disabled people.
After 90% of the world is killed by plague, society is centered around being Fit or Unfit, and you're evaluated based on things like your lineage, academic level, and physical condition. John Hunter wants nothing but the perfect life for him and his wife, but all of that gets thrown off the rails when he's declared Unfit, and is legally no longer allowed to be with her.
I loved seeing the characters grow, especially Morgan. I think she really matured over the course of the book, and I enjoyed seeing who she became at the end. I think the book searched a lot of concepts of one's perception of those society is quick to write off as stupid. And there's a lot of revelations that keep you engaged the entire time. I finished this book in three days because I just couldn't help wanting to see how it all unraveled.
I can't wait for the next installment of the series!
April 7, 2020
This is an emotionally intense book. Very well constructed, very satisfying to get through, but man is it a heck of a ride through a world of straight-up nightmare fuel!
Now, what gives you nightmares might very well not be the same as what gives me nightmares. But there are very few books that made me put them down partway through, not because they were *bad*, but simply because I needed some breathing room before I could finish them.
That does not, however, mean I won't recommend it! I can't get through _A Deepness in the Sky_ in one go, either, but it's still near the top of my list of all-time greats. Similarly, I whole-heartedly recommend _Unfit_, and I eagerly await a sequel to continue the story! Just know what you're getting into. Karma Chestnut knows how to put together a serious dystopia!
Now, what gives you nightmares might very well not be the same as what gives me nightmares. But there are very few books that made me put them down partway through, not because they were *bad*, but simply because I needed some breathing room before I could finish them.
That does not, however, mean I won't recommend it! I can't get through _A Deepness in the Sky_ in one go, either, but it's still near the top of my list of all-time greats. Similarly, I whole-heartedly recommend _Unfit_, and I eagerly await a sequel to continue the story! Just know what you're getting into. Karma Chestnut knows how to put together a serious dystopia!
April 2, 2020
One of the most challenging events in any new family's life is preparing for the birth of a baby. Imagine facing this exciting, yet daunting arrival while living in a dystopian hell-scape where humans deemed unfit are imprisoned and sterilized. In Karma Chesnut's debut novel, "Unfit" a family faces laws, family pressures and conditions--barbaric by today's standards, but considered reasonable at times through history--to try and find a way to be together.
Chestnut crafts a terrifying post-pandemic world where a person's physical worthiness determines not only their place in society, but what rights and opportunities they have. The decisions made in the story are logical (based on the society's warped sense of duty and correctness), and well-developed. The reader gets a sense that something like this could actually happen, mostly because cultures have made such decisions in the past, polygamy, eugenics, etc.
Great story!
Chestnut crafts a terrifying post-pandemic world where a person's physical worthiness determines not only their place in society, but what rights and opportunities they have. The decisions made in the story are logical (based on the society's warped sense of duty and correctness), and well-developed. The reader gets a sense that something like this could actually happen, mostly because cultures have made such decisions in the past, polygamy, eugenics, etc.
Great story!
April 4, 2020
I received an ARC for an honest review. . .
Defiantly a book for these times. A compelling read.
In this post apocalyptic world I felt hope, heartbreak, determination.
Living in a pandemic has definitely opened my eyes to how brilliant this book is.
I have heard multiplied people saying that we need to be outside among things that grow especially at this time as so many cases keep popping up. I wholeheartedly agree. That is one of the reasons I really like I am drawn to the main character, John.
Stop reading reviews, just get the book.
Defiantly a book for these times. A compelling read.
In this post apocalyptic world I felt hope, heartbreak, determination.
Living in a pandemic has definitely opened my eyes to how brilliant this book is.
I have heard multiplied people saying that we need to be outside among things that grow especially at this time as so many cases keep popping up. I wholeheartedly agree. That is one of the reasons I really like I am drawn to the main character, John.
Stop reading reviews, just get the book.
March 31, 2020
Solid, interesting, fast-paced retelling of Romeo & Juliet in a creepy and believable future where eugenics are the big baddie. Definitely a fun one for fans of scifi and thrillers like Divergent, Hunger Games, and Maze Runner.
April 19, 2020
This book is amazing! I started reading it and couldn’t put it down. I was so sad to finish it because there was no more.
January 27, 2020
This starts out as a love story of John & Morgan. But then we learn more of the post plague world in which they live. Interesting and disturbing as the events hit close to our history. Ultimately, reinforces that power corrupts and the evil that people will do to protect that power. Good book!
April 27, 2020
My first time reading this author and I love the world she has created. This is a page-turner with a world and characters that I couldn’t get enough of.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2020
Unfit is a unique story full of characters I cared about. The plot kept me on my toes. The world-building pulled me in. I am so glad I had a chance to read this ARC before publication. It's definitely worth reading!
October 13, 2020
❌𝘜𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘵❌
𝘉𝘺 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘯𝘶𝘵
𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘦: 𝘋𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳
𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: 𝘈𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘭 7, 2020
𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴: 349
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘸𝘢𝘴 a 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘴. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺, 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦! 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘚𝘤𝘪 𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 / 𝘋𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘜𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘵. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳!
Thank You to the author for sending me a copy of her novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⚠️𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬⚠️
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠
+ 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
+𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩
+ 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
+𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
+𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞
+𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞
#dystopian #pandemic #bookcommunity #booksbooksbooks #karmachesnut
𝘉𝘺 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘯𝘶𝘵
𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘦: 𝘋𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳
𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: 𝘈𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘭 7, 2020
𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴: 349
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘸𝘢𝘴 a 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘴. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺, 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦! 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘚𝘤𝘪 𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 / 𝘋𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘜𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘵. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳!
Thank You to the author for sending me a copy of her novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⚠️𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬⚠️
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠
+ 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
+𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩
+ 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
+𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
+𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞
+𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞
#dystopian #pandemic #bookcommunity #booksbooksbooks #karmachesnut
September 30, 2020
I am truly grateful to have received this dystopian gem from Karma Chesnut and Immortal Works! This post-pandemic world delivered an updated version of Romeo and Juliet, mixed with The Handmaid's Tale, set within the confines of a tyrannical government that reminded me a bit of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.
"How does that all weave together?" you may ask.
It just does. Because Chesnut is a world-building, character-driven wordsmith, ok?
I keep forgetting this is a debut novel because it was just that brilliant! The fact that I love dystopian fiction aside, Chesnut still managed to derive a world and future situation that I found to be completely unique and utterly enraging (in a good way). And while the romantic relationship was a driving force throughout, I particularly enjoyed the exploration of human nature, free will, and searching for the meaning of being "unfit."
This was a quick read because each chapter continually left me on a precipice and I just had to find out what was going to happen next. I became very morally invested in the main characters and rooted for them every step of the way.
This is an excellent debut novel and if you've been missing The Handmaid's Tale and need something to tide you over until the next season comes out on Hulu, this read should do the trick!
"How does that all weave together?" you may ask.
It just does. Because Chesnut is a world-building, character-driven wordsmith, ok?
I keep forgetting this is a debut novel because it was just that brilliant! The fact that I love dystopian fiction aside, Chesnut still managed to derive a world and future situation that I found to be completely unique and utterly enraging (in a good way). And while the romantic relationship was a driving force throughout, I particularly enjoyed the exploration of human nature, free will, and searching for the meaning of being "unfit."
This was a quick read because each chapter continually left me on a precipice and I just had to find out what was going to happen next. I became very morally invested in the main characters and rooted for them every step of the way.
This is an excellent debut novel and if you've been missing The Handmaid's Tale and need something to tide you over until the next season comes out on Hulu, this read should do the trick!
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