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Collective Underground #1
Apprentice
The Love Collective is everywhere. It sees everything. Be not afraid.
Apprentice Flick remembers everything, except the first five years of her life. And for as long as she can remember, Flick has wanted to enter the Elite Academy - home to the best, brightest, and most loyal members of the Love Collective government.
Flick's uncanny memory might get her there, too … even if it is the very thing that marks her as a freak. But frightening hallucinations start intruding into her days and threaten to bring down all she has worked so hard to accomplish. Why is she being hijacked by a stranger's nightmare over and over again?
Moving to the Elite Academy could give Flick the future she's always wanted. But her search for truth may lead to a danger she cannot escape.
Apprentice Flick remembers everything, except the first five years of her life. And for as long as she can remember, Flick has wanted to enter the Elite Academy - home to the best, brightest, and most loyal members of the Love Collective government.
Flick's uncanny memory might get her there, too … even if it is the very thing that marks her as a freak. But frightening hallucinations start intruding into her days and threaten to bring down all she has worked so hard to accomplish. Why is she being hijacked by a stranger's nightmare over and over again?
Moving to the Elite Academy could give Flick the future she's always wanted. But her search for truth may lead to a danger she cannot escape.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2020
5 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Young
9 books100 followersKristen Young grew up in Sydney, but now lives in the Central West of NSW with her husband, three children, and slightly neurotic dog. She has been involved in church-based ministry for over 20 years, and loves helping people of any age to see how awesome Jesus is.
Kristen has had a number of books published, beginning with The Survival Guide series of devotions for teens. "What if? Dealing with Doubt" is a book for anyone from high school age onward, and aims to help anyone struggling with doubts about God, Jesus, or faith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 17, 2022
bROOOO I NEED BOOK TWO NOOOWWWW!!!
August 26, 2022
3.5 stars, personally.
About this book:
“The Love Collective is everywhere. It sees everything. Be not afraid.
Apprentice Flick remembers everything, except the first five years of her life. And for as long as she can remember, Flick has wanted to enter the Elite Academy - home to the best, brightest, and most loyal members of the Love Collective government.
Flick's uncanny memory might get her there, too … even if it is the very thing that marks her as a freak. But frightening hallucinations start intruding into her days and threaten to bring down all she has worked so hard to accomplish. Why is she being hijacked by a stranger's nightmare over and over again?
Moving to the Elite Academy could give Flick the future she's always wanted. But her search for truth may lead to a danger she cannot escape.”
Series: Book #1 in the “Collective Underground” trilogy.
Spiritual Content- A couple mentions of a hallucination/dream of “Lyric” who is “wrapped in beams of glorious light” (the author’s acknowledgements implies that this is representing Christ); A mention of being blessed;
*Note: “Love all, be all” is used as a common greeting/slogan as well as others telling the apprentices to “find themselves in the universe”; Flick bows all the way to the floor to Supreme Lover Migate; A few mentions of someone acting like an alien (in regards to their personality completely changing); A mention of being stared at like an alien; A mention of looking like you saw a ghost.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘stinkin’, a ‘weenie’, a ‘wouldn’t give two flying…’, a ‘you’re full of it’, two ‘gah’s, two ‘what the—‘s, three ‘duh’s, seven forms of ‘dumb’, seven forms of ‘shut up’, eight ‘idiot’, and eighteen forms of ‘stupid’; Made-up curses/phrases: a ‘Hater witch’, a ‘Haterman in a basket of Haters’, a ‘Hater in a pile of Haters’, a ‘how in the love’, a ‘love knows’, three ‘what the love’s, and three ‘ohmylove’s; Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Flick lies (white lies) a few times; A couple VR situations of a young child being held at knife-point and shooting at them (barely-above-not-detailed) & going against a riot and using weapons against them (up to semi-detailed); When Flick messes up protocol a call times, she thinks she should be shot or killed for it; Pain, Screaming, Hallucinations/Nightmares, & Blacking out (up to semi-detailed); Being hit & slapped (up to semi-detailed); Claustrophobia & Similar to panic attacks; Being picked-on by a group of bullies & their name-calling and taunting; Throwing up; A girl acts like she’s aiming a gun at Flick (twice); *Spoiler* ; Many mentions of hallucinations/nightmares, screams, & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of Hate (which threaten their empire) & Haters (which are deemed the enemy (followers of the Haterman) to the government system that is all about love (it’s said that the Haterman was the ruler of the world and everyone hated each other, and adds that Supreme Lover Midgate sought to bring peace and ruled with love)); Mentions of VR situations of a young child being held at knife-point, both being shot, their bodies and blood, & riots (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a show where Haters are publicly execution (including mentions of dog attacks, lasers slicing through the Haters, them being beaten, branding them, one being impaled, electrocuting them, being attacked by wild beasts, blood, pain, & screams, border-line barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed) & weapons; Mentions of Embracement (public executions, including a girl saying she would have someone else embraced if she could); Mentions of taunting others with stories of deaths/dying, disappearing, & being eaten by a rabid Hater; Mentions of fighting, hitting, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed): Mentions of seeing other children and teens shocked/tased & their pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of pain, being slapped, & someone being kicked (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of bullies, bullying, beating up others, & threats (including boys bullying girls); Mentions of prisoners & prisons; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of tattoos; Mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of cheaters & cheating; A few mentions of rumors; A couple mentions of a war; A couple mentions of treason; A couple mentions of eavesdropping; A mention of a flock of vultures fighting over a corpse; A mention that someone’s expression could kill a small animal;
*Note: A couple mentions of a possibility of a machine that fry someone’s brains and turns them into a vegetable; A mention of zombies.
Sexual Content- A touch & warmth (and remembering it, barely-above-not-detailed); Some blushes, butterflies, & winks; A bit of noticing a guy; A misunderstanding of thinking that a guy is going to do something to Flick & he says he won’t lay a hand on her; Mentions of a guy and girl being snuggled against each other & their “canoodling”; Mentions of flirting, a girl touching a guy’s chest with an “invitation in her voice”, & her leaning all over other guys; A couple mentions of a gorgeous guy; A mention of a girl’s seductive curl to her lips; A mention of drooling over someone;
*Note: A couple mentions of the Pleasure Tribe that does entertainment for population, but also provides “personal services” for their clients (said with a smirk); A mention of flabby butts; A mention of landing on their butt.
-Kerr Flick, age 15-16
1st person P.O.V. of Flick
Fantasy/Dystopian
277 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{Ratings are for content, but please note the lack of Christian content found in this first book.}
Dystopian books are my favorite type of story in the fantasy/sci-fi genre because rebelling against a corrupt government? I’m in.
So, I went into this book expecting that plot line.
Well, it took the majority of the book to get to that element. The first half (150 pages) is really just setting the stage and giving a lot of context, therefore it felt very slow to me because of that. Also the…choices of the terms/names (like Love vs Hate, Haterman, the Supreme Lover and whatnot) pulled me out of the story in the beginning, to be honest, but I understand the concept. Once it picked up around page 200, I became much more involved in the story and last few chapters sold me on reading the next book and bumped my personal rating up from a 3 to a 3.5 star.
On Flick, we don’t really see her emotions, so I had a hard time connecting to or even caring about her. When we see glimpses of personality from Flick, they almost felt out of place to me since they were rare events. The change in her happened too suddenly, in my opinion, but I was excited to see the story picking up and hopefully see more of her character development in the second book.
While there is a parallel to Christianity (a couple mentions of someone named Lyric that implies Christ) in this story, it’s very light and I’m curious to see if there will be faith content in the next two books.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“The Love Collective is everywhere. It sees everything. Be not afraid.
Apprentice Flick remembers everything, except the first five years of her life. And for as long as she can remember, Flick has wanted to enter the Elite Academy - home to the best, brightest, and most loyal members of the Love Collective government.
Flick's uncanny memory might get her there, too … even if it is the very thing that marks her as a freak. But frightening hallucinations start intruding into her days and threaten to bring down all she has worked so hard to accomplish. Why is she being hijacked by a stranger's nightmare over and over again?
Moving to the Elite Academy could give Flick the future she's always wanted. But her search for truth may lead to a danger she cannot escape.”
Series: Book #1 in the “Collective Underground” trilogy.
Spiritual Content- A couple mentions of a hallucination/dream of “Lyric” who is “wrapped in beams of glorious light” (the author’s acknowledgements implies that this is representing Christ); A mention of being blessed;
*Note: “Love all, be all” is used as a common greeting/slogan as well as others telling the apprentices to “find themselves in the universe”; Flick bows all the way to the floor to Supreme Lover Migate; A few mentions of someone acting like an alien (in regards to their personality completely changing); A mention of being stared at like an alien; A mention of looking like you saw a ghost.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘stinkin’, a ‘weenie’, a ‘wouldn’t give two flying…’, a ‘you’re full of it’, two ‘gah’s, two ‘what the—‘s, three ‘duh’s, seven forms of ‘dumb’, seven forms of ‘shut up’, eight ‘idiot’, and eighteen forms of ‘stupid’; Made-up curses/phrases: a ‘Hater witch’, a ‘Haterman in a basket of Haters’, a ‘Hater in a pile of Haters’, a ‘how in the love’, a ‘love knows’, three ‘what the love’s, and three ‘ohmylove’s; Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Flick lies (white lies) a few times; A couple VR situations of a young child being held at knife-point and shooting at them (barely-above-not-detailed) & going against a riot and using weapons against them (up to semi-detailed); When Flick messes up protocol a call times, she thinks she should be shot or killed for it; Pain, Screaming, Hallucinations/Nightmares, & Blacking out (up to semi-detailed); Being hit & slapped (up to semi-detailed); Claustrophobia & Similar to panic attacks; Being picked-on by a group of bullies & their name-calling and taunting; Throwing up; A girl acts like she’s aiming a gun at Flick (twice); *Spoiler* ; Many mentions of hallucinations/nightmares, screams, & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of Hate (which threaten their empire) & Haters (which are deemed the enemy (followers of the Haterman) to the government system that is all about love (it’s said that the Haterman was the ruler of the world and everyone hated each other, and adds that Supreme Lover Midgate sought to bring peace and ruled with love)); Mentions of VR situations of a young child being held at knife-point, both being shot, their bodies and blood, & riots (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a show where Haters are publicly execution (including mentions of dog attacks, lasers slicing through the Haters, them being beaten, branding them, one being impaled, electrocuting them, being attacked by wild beasts, blood, pain, & screams, border-line barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed) & weapons; Mentions of Embracement (public executions, including a girl saying she would have someone else embraced if she could); Mentions of taunting others with stories of deaths/dying, disappearing, & being eaten by a rabid Hater; Mentions of fighting, hitting, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed): Mentions of seeing other children and teens shocked/tased & their pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of pain, being slapped, & someone being kicked (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of bullies, bullying, beating up others, & threats (including boys bullying girls); Mentions of prisoners & prisons; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of tattoos; Mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of cheaters & cheating; A few mentions of rumors; A couple mentions of a war; A couple mentions of treason; A couple mentions of eavesdropping; A mention of a flock of vultures fighting over a corpse; A mention that someone’s expression could kill a small animal;
*Note: A couple mentions of a possibility of a machine that fry someone’s brains and turns them into a vegetable; A mention of zombies.
Sexual Content- A touch & warmth (and remembering it, barely-above-not-detailed); Some blushes, butterflies, & winks; A bit of noticing a guy; A misunderstanding of thinking that a guy is going to do something to Flick & he says he won’t lay a hand on her; Mentions of a guy and girl being snuggled against each other & their “canoodling”; Mentions of flirting, a girl touching a guy’s chest with an “invitation in her voice”, & her leaning all over other guys; A couple mentions of a gorgeous guy; A mention of a girl’s seductive curl to her lips; A mention of drooling over someone;
*Note: A couple mentions of the Pleasure Tribe that does entertainment for population, but also provides “personal services” for their clients (said with a smirk); A mention of flabby butts; A mention of landing on their butt.
-Kerr Flick, age 15-16
1st person P.O.V. of Flick
Fantasy/Dystopian
277 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{Ratings are for content, but please note the lack of Christian content found in this first book.}
Dystopian books are my favorite type of story in the fantasy/sci-fi genre because rebelling against a corrupt government? I’m in.
So, I went into this book expecting that plot line.
Well, it took the majority of the book to get to that element. The first half (150 pages) is really just setting the stage and giving a lot of context, therefore it felt very slow to me because of that. Also the…choices of the terms/names (like Love vs Hate, Haterman, the Supreme Lover and whatnot) pulled me out of the story in the beginning, to be honest, but I understand the concept. Once it picked up around page 200, I became much more involved in the story and last few chapters sold me on reading the next book and bumped my personal rating up from a 3 to a 3.5 star.
On Flick, we don’t really see her emotions, so I had a hard time connecting to or even caring about her. When we see glimpses of personality from Flick, they almost felt out of place to me since they were rare events. The change in her happened too suddenly, in my opinion, but I was excited to see the story picking up and hopefully see more of her character development in the second book.
While there is a parallel to Christianity (a couple mentions of someone named Lyric that implies Christ) in this story, it’s very light and I’m curious to see if there will be faith content in the next two books.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
August 18, 2023
This book was interesting, but I didn't get completely invested until closer to the end. Looking forward to book 2!
September 28, 2022
3.5 Stars ✨
The Love Collective is everywhere.
It sees everything.
Be not afraid.
When I started this book I had no idea what I was reading. Not only did i not know the plot, I literally had no clue what was happening. I thought about DNF. But with such great reviews, I made myself continue. I’m glad I did- it took a while to understand what was going on (and it’s probably just me bc I’m not a huge sci-fi fan) but as soon as I started catching on, I was invested. I wish I could explain in a review the plot- but I would just mess it up and it’s probably something, like me- you need to go into blind. Just don’t give up! The last 25% of the book was the best part even though it took a while to have things to start really making sense- to me it was worth it. I’m really excited to see where the next book goes. My mind is kinda fried … but in a good way.
The Love Collective is everywhere.
It sees everything.
Be not afraid.
When I started this book I had no idea what I was reading. Not only did i not know the plot, I literally had no clue what was happening. I thought about DNF. But with such great reviews, I made myself continue. I’m glad I did- it took a while to understand what was going on (and it’s probably just me bc I’m not a huge sci-fi fan) but as soon as I started catching on, I was invested. I wish I could explain in a review the plot- but I would just mess it up and it’s probably something, like me- you need to go into blind. Just don’t give up! The last 25% of the book was the best part even though it took a while to have things to start really making sense- to me it was worth it. I’m really excited to see where the next book goes. My mind is kinda fried … but in a good way.
July 22, 2020
What an intense read! I spent this whole book on the edge of my seat, and I'll continue to be on the edge of my seat until I get my hands on the sequel!
The characters are so much fun. Kerr Flick is a great narrator who I couldn't help rooting for. So determined and stubborn! The friendships were so fun and realistic. I loved getting to know this whole cast.
Most of this book isn't fast paced, but it is page turning to the extreme. The chapters are lovely and short, but that only makes it harder to stop reading. "Just one more chapter" is a lie I fell into many times while reading this! The subtle intensity beneath a too-perfect front kept dragging me deeper into this amazing read. So much mystery and intrigue, and still many more questions yet to be answered!
Kristen Young is a master of tension and stakes! I was absolutely DEVOURED by this story. It has the perfect dystopian vibes, but in such a fresh, unique way! Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
The characters are so much fun. Kerr Flick is a great narrator who I couldn't help rooting for. So determined and stubborn! The friendships were so fun and realistic. I loved getting to know this whole cast.
Most of this book isn't fast paced, but it is page turning to the extreme. The chapters are lovely and short, but that only makes it harder to stop reading. "Just one more chapter" is a lie I fell into many times while reading this! The subtle intensity beneath a too-perfect front kept dragging me deeper into this amazing read. So much mystery and intrigue, and still many more questions yet to be answered!
Kristen Young is a master of tension and stakes! I was absolutely DEVOURED by this story. It has the perfect dystopian vibes, but in such a fresh, unique way! Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
April 18, 2023
A great dystopian, sci-fi read! I can't wait to continue the series!
July 3, 2022
I’m still a little bit in shock that I finished this book. For a couple days afterward, it lived so rent free in my mind, that I kept wanting to continue reading and being disappointed all over again that it was over. 😅 Fortunately it is a series, so next time I feel like I can swing that much for an ebook, I am absolutely diving back in. 😎
This book drew me in immediately (from the Amazon sample because #cautious), and kept me all the way through. I was really fascinated with Flick’s memory and how it affected her life for good and bad. I can relate to that just a little bit, and it was really interesting to see her backstory slowly revealed, both in memories she’d filed away perfectly and ones she didn’t recognize. I especially found her emotional responses extremely accurate and compelling.
Side characters were one of the biggest pros and cons for me about this book. On the one hand, there were so many names that were so similar, I had trouble keeping them straight until I mentally pared them down to who was most important. Hodge, Chu, and Cam are my favorites, and I’m very invested in Sif’s storyline. (I refuse to believe it’s over.) Dorm Leader Akela is goals.
The tech just absolutely blew my mind. I know it wasn’t anything exceedingly original, but it was so seamless, fascinating, and easy to immerse myself in. My favorite scene was when they were running the Engine Room. 🤩
The unique terminology was a little much at first, but I got used to everything except "Haterman". That just seemed to pull me out of the story whenever it was used. 🥲 A very small complaint though in an otherwise highly enjoyable story.
CW: Descriptions of child abuse, medical procedures, and violent gladiatorial games. Implied off-screen executions. Claustrophobia. Themes of medical kidnapping and education as indoctrination.
Best quotes “Why are you doing this?” I say to my body. “Why can’t you just behave like a normal person?”
Altogether, I highly enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the rest of the series. 👏👏
Perfect for fans of Anomaly by Krista McGee.
This book drew me in immediately (from the Amazon sample because #cautious), and kept me all the way through. I was really fascinated with Flick’s memory and how it affected her life for good and bad. I can relate to that just a little bit, and it was really interesting to see her backstory slowly revealed, both in memories she’d filed away perfectly and ones she didn’t recognize. I especially found her emotional responses extremely accurate and compelling.
Side characters were one of the biggest pros and cons for me about this book. On the one hand, there were so many names that were so similar, I had trouble keeping them straight until I mentally pared them down to who was most important. Hodge, Chu, and Cam are my favorites, and I’m very invested in Sif’s storyline. (I refuse to believe it’s over.) Dorm Leader Akela is goals.
The tech just absolutely blew my mind. I know it wasn’t anything exceedingly original, but it was so seamless, fascinating, and easy to immerse myself in. My favorite scene was when they were running the Engine Room. 🤩
The unique terminology was a little much at first, but I got used to everything except "Haterman". That just seemed to pull me out of the story whenever it was used. 🥲 A very small complaint though in an otherwise highly enjoyable story.
CW: Descriptions of child abuse, medical procedures, and violent gladiatorial games. Implied off-screen executions. Claustrophobia. Themes of medical kidnapping and education as indoctrination.
Best quotes “Why are you doing this?” I say to my body. “Why can’t you just behave like a normal person?”
Altogether, I highly enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the rest of the series. 👏👏
Perfect for fans of Anomaly by Krista McGee.
November 16, 2021
Those of you who know me might know that dystopian isn't my go-to genre. There are times it's one that I outright avoid because some secular authors make it hopeless and/or send other messages with it that go against my Christian beliefs. (Which can happen with any genre, of course, but dystopian, at least as far as I've personally observed, tends to make its authors' beliefs a bit more obvious than some other genres.) And the dystopian genre seems to frequently involve violence, some of which gets too bloody violent for my personal sensitivities, and that kind of thing can shoot my anxiety straight through the roof, so I'm just very cautious about approaching this genre. However, that doesn't mean that I won't give it a chance if something about an individual dystopian book appeals, sends messages I can agree with, has hope in it, and doesn't push past my limits with the violence.
Apprentice by Kristen Young comes from Enclave Publishing, which is a publisher I love, and I have enjoyed many of their other books. Even still, Apprentice, being dystopian, had not necessarily drawn my attention until it won Book of the Year at Realm Maker's annual awards ceremony. At the Realmie Awards, they read a short excerpt from the winning book before announcing the title. That little excerpt that they read shone with the authors skills and the vibrancy of her characters in such a way that suddenly, it had my attention. So I dug a little deeper and it still held my curiosity. When I'm being cautious about a book, I tend to listen to it on audio because then I'm reading it during the day vs. right before bedtime like I do with physical books, and I can speed it up if something's bothering me. Imagine my happiness when I discovered my library had it available through the Hooplah app so I could listen for free!
Immediately upon starting the book, the author's writing drew me in again, just like when that excerpt was read at the awards ceremony. One thing I found really interesting story-wise was how, rather than starting out with someone who is part of the citizenry under this dystopian government, we actually are in the perspective of Flick, a young woman who's been essentially raised *cough* brainwashed *cough* as an "apprentice" by and for the Love Collective, which is the name of the ruling government in the story world.
This whole dystopian existence is normal for Flick. She and the other students are just "tra-la-la" happily striving for the totally-helpful-and-not-at-all-concerning jobs that they've been told they should want, including but not limited to monitoring cameras that are quite literally everywhere in order to spot and arrest "Haters". And you've got the Love Collective saying all these things to them about loving everyone and loving them, but then you as the reader get these hints of things that make it clearer and clearer that things aren't actually so wonderfully loving and accepting as the Collective would have you or its "apprentices" believe.
In some ways, the story made me feel almost as if the author's "what if" question that inspired the book was "What if Cancel Culture went on steroids and took over an entire government?" (Just to be very clear, I don't know that this WAS the inspiration, I am only saying that it felt that way to me as an individual reader.) Because much as the Love Collective insists it "loves all", if any individual expresses any sort of doubt or disagreement in the Collective's beliefs, they are literally labeled a "Hater" and shown no forgiveness. Whereas Cancel Culture subjects dissenters to public shaming and possible loss of one's livelihood because the Cancel mob has decided you aren't allowed to have that job anymore, the Collective subjects "Haters" to public (televised) shaming, followed by execution where the mob...I mean, the audience votes for the "Haters" to die in order to permanently remove them and their "dangerous" thoughts from society.
What I thought the author did especially skillfully was the slow reveal of the Collective's contradictory beliefs, while still making the Apprentices, particularly Flick, likable teens you want to follow through a story. It's clear that while they've been raised by this dystopian government, that doesn't mean they're incapable of slowly seeing through the cracks in what the Collective tells them is true vs. what is actually happening. And that's part of what made the story compelling for me. There's so much mystery as the reader and Flick begin to spot inconsistencies, ask questions, and wonder about these unexplainable things, like the "memories" Flick keeps seeing in her head that don't seem to belong to her. You WANT her to ask questions so badly. You WANT her to see through the lies and find the truth.
I won't spoil the ending, but I felt that it left off in a good, hopeful place that answers enough questions for me to be satisfied, while also leaving plenty to lead into the second book. And if you couldn't tell, I most definitely did enjoy this enough to get the second book on audio. In fact, I started listening to it yesterday and was once again sucked in immediately.
Overall, I feel that Kristen Young is an extremely talented writer, and I look forward to seeing what she does with her career as well as this series.
Content:
Sexual:
A couple of the Apprentices are apparently in love and teased by another Apprentice for "canoodling" but there's little focus in their relationship and no real details about what "canoodling" means.
Magic:
None. This is strictly a scifi world.
Language:
Only made-up exclamations. The apprentices swear by "love". "What in love's name", "Where the love have you been," etc.
Violence:
It is slowly revealed that anyone believed to be a "Hater" (aka enemies of/anyone who disagrees with the Love Collective) are arrested and then removed from society via public execution in a "Hater pavilion show" that is broadcast on TV. Details are kept brief, but Flick does have some memories of being shown one of these shows by the "Lovers" who raised her and her fellow Apprentices, and was encouraged by the "Lovers" to cheer (and vote) for the deaths of the Haters.
When asked about her memories of one particular Hater Pavilion show, Flick tells someone that she remembers one hater being chased by dogs (zero description), one being forced to run through a maze and then killed by a wall of spikes (brief mention that she saw blood, but no descriptions of the actual death or the body). She also remembers one woman being beaten to death by a Love Officer wielding a club. There is some brief description of this woman having blood on her face, but anything further is not described.
Someone gets punched repeatedly in the face. Mention of swelling and some blood from cuts.
The Apprentices participate in some virtual reality training programs that simulate jobs the Collective may assign them when they graduate. One training requires Flick to act as a Love Officer and find a "Hater" in a crowd and shoot him after he takes a hostage. Mention of bloodied bodies on the ground, but no detailed description.
Other:
The Love Collective doesn't actually love anyone, they just want to control everyone with their totalitarian government. The depths of their depravity becomes clearer the further the story goes along. It is apparent that the intention of the author is for the reader to recognize the lies the Collective tells and want Flick to see through those lies to the truth.
If and when Apprentices display rebellion toward their leaders, they are sent to "realignment". Someone witnesses an apprentice in realignment laying unconscious on a bed, with wires and tubes connected to them. An overheard conversation reveals that "realignment" means having part of one's memories wiped so one will be forced to be loyal to the Collective again.
Spiritual:
Nothing apparent in this first book, (the Love Collective clearly doesn't want anyone believing in anything but the Collective). But I've started the second book and it's already apparent that there will be strong Christian themes in that one.
Apprentice by Kristen Young comes from Enclave Publishing, which is a publisher I love, and I have enjoyed many of their other books. Even still, Apprentice, being dystopian, had not necessarily drawn my attention until it won Book of the Year at Realm Maker's annual awards ceremony. At the Realmie Awards, they read a short excerpt from the winning book before announcing the title. That little excerpt that they read shone with the authors skills and the vibrancy of her characters in such a way that suddenly, it had my attention. So I dug a little deeper and it still held my curiosity. When I'm being cautious about a book, I tend to listen to it on audio because then I'm reading it during the day vs. right before bedtime like I do with physical books, and I can speed it up if something's bothering me. Imagine my happiness when I discovered my library had it available through the Hooplah app so I could listen for free!
Immediately upon starting the book, the author's writing drew me in again, just like when that excerpt was read at the awards ceremony. One thing I found really interesting story-wise was how, rather than starting out with someone who is part of the citizenry under this dystopian government, we actually are in the perspective of Flick, a young woman who's been essentially raised *cough* brainwashed *cough* as an "apprentice" by and for the Love Collective, which is the name of the ruling government in the story world.
This whole dystopian existence is normal for Flick. She and the other students are just "tra-la-la" happily striving for the totally-helpful-and-not-at-all-concerning jobs that they've been told they should want, including but not limited to monitoring cameras that are quite literally everywhere in order to spot and arrest "Haters". And you've got the Love Collective saying all these things to them about loving everyone and loving them, but then you as the reader get these hints of things that make it clearer and clearer that things aren't actually so wonderfully loving and accepting as the Collective would have you or its "apprentices" believe.
In some ways, the story made me feel almost as if the author's "what if" question that inspired the book was "What if Cancel Culture went on steroids and took over an entire government?" (Just to be very clear, I don't know that this WAS the inspiration, I am only saying that it felt that way to me as an individual reader.) Because much as the Love Collective insists it "loves all", if any individual expresses any sort of doubt or disagreement in the Collective's beliefs, they are literally labeled a "Hater" and shown no forgiveness. Whereas Cancel Culture subjects dissenters to public shaming and possible loss of one's livelihood because the Cancel mob has decided you aren't allowed to have that job anymore, the Collective subjects "Haters" to public (televised) shaming, followed by execution where the mob...I mean, the audience votes for the "Haters" to die in order to permanently remove them and their "dangerous" thoughts from society.
What I thought the author did especially skillfully was the slow reveal of the Collective's contradictory beliefs, while still making the Apprentices, particularly Flick, likable teens you want to follow through a story. It's clear that while they've been raised by this dystopian government, that doesn't mean they're incapable of slowly seeing through the cracks in what the Collective tells them is true vs. what is actually happening. And that's part of what made the story compelling for me. There's so much mystery as the reader and Flick begin to spot inconsistencies, ask questions, and wonder about these unexplainable things, like the "memories" Flick keeps seeing in her head that don't seem to belong to her. You WANT her to ask questions so badly. You WANT her to see through the lies and find the truth.
I won't spoil the ending, but I felt that it left off in a good, hopeful place that answers enough questions for me to be satisfied, while also leaving plenty to lead into the second book. And if you couldn't tell, I most definitely did enjoy this enough to get the second book on audio. In fact, I started listening to it yesterday and was once again sucked in immediately.
Overall, I feel that Kristen Young is an extremely talented writer, and I look forward to seeing what she does with her career as well as this series.
Content:
Sexual:
A couple of the Apprentices are apparently in love and teased by another Apprentice for "canoodling" but there's little focus in their relationship and no real details about what "canoodling" means.
Magic:
None. This is strictly a scifi world.
Language:
Only made-up exclamations. The apprentices swear by "love". "What in love's name", "Where the love have you been," etc.
Violence:
It is slowly revealed that anyone believed to be a "Hater" (aka enemies of/anyone who disagrees with the Love Collective) are arrested and then removed from society via public execution in a "Hater pavilion show" that is broadcast on TV. Details are kept brief, but Flick does have some memories of being shown one of these shows by the "Lovers" who raised her and her fellow Apprentices, and was encouraged by the "Lovers" to cheer (and vote) for the deaths of the Haters.
When asked about her memories of one particular Hater Pavilion show, Flick tells someone that she remembers one hater being chased by dogs (zero description), one being forced to run through a maze and then killed by a wall of spikes (brief mention that she saw blood, but no descriptions of the actual death or the body). She also remembers one woman being beaten to death by a Love Officer wielding a club. There is some brief description of this woman having blood on her face, but anything further is not described.
Someone gets punched repeatedly in the face. Mention of swelling and some blood from cuts.
The Apprentices participate in some virtual reality training programs that simulate jobs the Collective may assign them when they graduate. One training requires Flick to act as a Love Officer and find a "Hater" in a crowd and shoot him after he takes a hostage. Mention of bloodied bodies on the ground, but no detailed description.
Other:
The Love Collective doesn't actually love anyone, they just want to control everyone with their totalitarian government. The depths of their depravity becomes clearer the further the story goes along. It is apparent that the intention of the author is for the reader to recognize the lies the Collective tells and want Flick to see through those lies to the truth.
If and when Apprentices display rebellion toward their leaders, they are sent to "realignment". Someone witnesses an apprentice in realignment laying unconscious on a bed, with wires and tubes connected to them. An overheard conversation reveals that "realignment" means having part of one's memories wiped so one will be forced to be loyal to the Collective again.
Spiritual:
Nothing apparent in this first book, (the Love Collective clearly doesn't want anyone believing in anything but the Collective). But I've started the second book and it's already apparent that there will be strong Christian themes in that one.
April 26, 2021
First things first, WHEN DOES THE NEXT BOOK COME OUT KRISTEN YOUNG?
What an intense pull you in from the beginning type of book this is! I totally did not want to put this book down, I loved Flick’s dialogue and narration of the story, her interactions with the people around her, and her subtle descriptions of everyday life. They were conveyed in such a way that I looked up from the book expecting myself to have on a white jumper and see everyone else wearing one too! A truly great descriptive use of words in this book that make it come to life. The Love Collective is fascinating to try and understand (and I am looking forward to learning more about them in the next book), at first it was kind of confusing but in a good way as my brain was trying to figure out everything right along with Flick.
Very few books I read can make me mentally think about what is going on in the storyline but this one kept that part of my brain engaged the whole way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a clean sci-fi/ dystopian type of book! 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
What an intense pull you in from the beginning type of book this is! I totally did not want to put this book down, I loved Flick’s dialogue and narration of the story, her interactions with the people around her, and her subtle descriptions of everyday life. They were conveyed in such a way that I looked up from the book expecting myself to have on a white jumper and see everyone else wearing one too! A truly great descriptive use of words in this book that make it come to life. The Love Collective is fascinating to try and understand (and I am looking forward to learning more about them in the next book), at first it was kind of confusing but in a good way as my brain was trying to figure out everything right along with Flick.
Very few books I read can make me mentally think about what is going on in the storyline but this one kept that part of my brain engaged the whole way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a clean sci-fi/ dystopian type of book! 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
November 28, 2021
I desperately need book 2. I had to have this one as soon as I saw the cover, and while I wouldn’t say it’s particularly unique as dystopians go, it’s exactly what I wanted and expected. And that cover!
July 21, 2021
Kerr Flick has been raised in the nursery dorms for as long as she can remember, and that's saying something given that she has a photographic memory. Give her a date years ago and she can tell you exactly what happened and who said what, word for word. Some of her cohort think she's a freak because of her abilities, but all that changes when she is one of the exceptional teenagers chosen for training in the Elite Academy. It has been Kerr's dream to be a Watcher, the elite of the elite, but there is more gruelling training to undergo before the test that will determine which role each person will play in the community. As Kerr learns more about the Academy, her troubling visions get worse. Are they just nightmares or something more? All is not as it seems in this dystopian world, and Kerr will have life-changing, and life-threatening, decisions to make before it's over.
I really enjoyed this debut novel from Kristen Young. The writing is really strong and the story had me engaged from the start. Kerr is a believable and sympathetic character and I really cared about her journey. There are some heart-stopping moments and I had to keep turning the pages. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. I loved it every bit as much, if not more, than bestsellers like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Maze Runner'. It definitely deserves a wider audience.
Although some issues are resolved by the end, this is Book 1 of the Collective Underground series, so there is more ahead for these characters. Book 2 will be released shortly and I can't wait to read it.
If you like books like 'The Giver' and 'Divergent', you'll love this book.
I really enjoyed this debut novel from Kristen Young. The writing is really strong and the story had me engaged from the start. Kerr is a believable and sympathetic character and I really cared about her journey. There are some heart-stopping moments and I had to keep turning the pages. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. I loved it every bit as much, if not more, than bestsellers like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Maze Runner'. It definitely deserves a wider audience.
Although some issues are resolved by the end, this is Book 1 of the Collective Underground series, so there is more ahead for these characters. Book 2 will be released shortly and I can't wait to read it.
If you like books like 'The Giver' and 'Divergent', you'll love this book.
February 28, 2022
This was a really interesting read! I love discovering clean dystopian fiction, and this is a welcome addition to the genre.
The lingo around Lovers/Haters, the Love Collective, etc. was a _tad_ bit ... cheesy? Corny? Lol--but also strangely prescient and relevant to current times.
I didn't at all see the ending coming, and I'm very curious to see how everything pans out in Book 2!
The lingo around Lovers/Haters, the Love Collective, etc. was a _tad_ bit ... cheesy? Corny? Lol--but also strangely prescient and relevant to current times.
I didn't at all see the ending coming, and I'm very curious to see how everything pans out in Book 2!
May 5, 2021
This book was right up my alley. YA dystopian? Utopian? Speculative sci fi? It’s hard to say for sure what it is because this was obviously leading into a series of which feels like it’s hardly begun. Comparing it to other stories that it reminds me of feels spoilery so I’ll just say I’m looking forward to the next one.
November 4, 2020
I just got done talking to my 17yr old son about the fact that he would LOVE Apprentice! It reminds me of The Hunger Games, The Giver, Maze Runner, and Divergent all rolled up in one. I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed it considering it's really a young adult genre book.
I became invested almost immediately. I actually wasn't sure if Kerr Flick was a boy or a girl initially. lol I actually thought she was a boy because of the name and there really wasn't much to go on. In fact, when she was being bullied by her dorm mates, I thought they were calling her (who I though was a him) a "girl" to treat him badly. Nope, turns out Flick is a girl. HA!
Anyhow, you get pulled along as they end their training in the Nursery. With the testing that's around the corner, tensions are high. What really struck me during the time we're getting to know Flick and those around her, is the fact that the Love Collective is constantly pushing "love", yet how Flick is treated is dealt with (actually NOT dealt with at all) nothing close to that. It's almost like even the instructors have disdain for her.
I could see how many could be intimidated by her. Not only does she have the amazing memory, but she's wicked smart as well. But you can tell there's something off. Something isn't quite right with all of this Love Collective business.
As Flick advances through her training things start to get weird. When she's with the next group of people in a new dorm, there's a sense of relief because she's no longer the freak, but have no fear, things don't stay that way for long. Like, maybe for a page or two. hahahaha I mean, I wasn't kidding when I said this book is like all 4 of those movies wrapped up in one book.
The ONLY problem in reading this book is that it's the first book, which, yay me, I'm reading in order, but boooo because now I wait. And I already feel like it's going to be an exceedingly long period of time before I can read book 2. HA! I mean, even if it were to come out next month I'd still feel like I was too impatient for it. So trust me, if you have a young adult or even if you're an old adult like me, but enjoy sci-fi's trust me and read this book!
*I received this ebook from Enclave as a gift. This is my personal opinion.
I became invested almost immediately. I actually wasn't sure if Kerr Flick was a boy or a girl initially. lol I actually thought she was a boy because of the name and there really wasn't much to go on. In fact, when she was being bullied by her dorm mates, I thought they were calling her (who I though was a him) a "girl" to treat him badly. Nope, turns out Flick is a girl. HA!
Anyhow, you get pulled along as they end their training in the Nursery. With the testing that's around the corner, tensions are high. What really struck me during the time we're getting to know Flick and those around her, is the fact that the Love Collective is constantly pushing "love", yet how Flick is treated is dealt with (actually NOT dealt with at all) nothing close to that. It's almost like even the instructors have disdain for her.
I could see how many could be intimidated by her. Not only does she have the amazing memory, but she's wicked smart as well. But you can tell there's something off. Something isn't quite right with all of this Love Collective business.
As Flick advances through her training things start to get weird. When she's with the next group of people in a new dorm, there's a sense of relief because she's no longer the freak, but have no fear, things don't stay that way for long. Like, maybe for a page or two. hahahaha I mean, I wasn't kidding when I said this book is like all 4 of those movies wrapped up in one book.
The ONLY problem in reading this book is that it's the first book, which, yay me, I'm reading in order, but boooo because now I wait. And I already feel like it's going to be an exceedingly long period of time before I can read book 2. HA! I mean, even if it were to come out next month I'd still feel like I was too impatient for it. So trust me, if you have a young adult or even if you're an old adult like me, but enjoy sci-fi's trust me and read this book!
*I received this ebook from Enclave as a gift. This is my personal opinion.
December 7, 2021
3.49 so I have a mathematical reason to round down
I got this after the RealmMakers book awards, and the excerpts of it sounded cool, and the synopsis sounded cool, and I found it honestly kind of... okay.
The plot seemed like a good, traditional plot structure that followed all the writing "rules", though it didn't feel that interesting until the last 20 or 30 pages; none of the characters seemed unrealistic or weird, though none of them also felt particularly compelling; and the dystopian setting worked and was definitely developed, though I didn't feel like it added anything particularly new or exciting to the dystopian genre.
By all means, it worked as a story, but it didn't feel interesting. There were so many promises of bad things that could happen, but it always seemed Kerr was saved in the nick of time. She only ever seemed to suffer through things happening to friends or thinking that bad things are going to happen until the very end. And right when I felt multiple bad things were finally going to string on each other without a good thing in between, another good thing happened.
I could pick it apart, and the story structure would look strong. This could be amazing. Maybe I'm in the minority here, but none of it really connected to me, and I was left dissatisfied. I don't know. Maybe that's just me.
I got this after the RealmMakers book awards, and the excerpts of it sounded cool, and the synopsis sounded cool, and I found it honestly kind of... okay.
The plot seemed like a good, traditional plot structure that followed all the writing "rules", though it didn't feel that interesting until the last 20 or 30 pages; none of the characters seemed unrealistic or weird, though none of them also felt particularly compelling; and the dystopian setting worked and was definitely developed, though I didn't feel like it added anything particularly new or exciting to the dystopian genre.
By all means, it worked as a story, but it didn't feel interesting. There were so many promises of bad things that could happen, but it always seemed Kerr was saved in the nick of time. She only ever seemed to suffer through things happening to friends or thinking that bad things are going to happen until the very end. And right when I felt multiple bad things were finally going to string on each other without a good thing in between, another good thing happened.
I could pick it apart, and the story structure would look strong. This could be amazing. Maybe I'm in the minority here, but none of it really connected to me, and I was left dissatisfied. I don't know. Maybe that's just me.
September 22, 2020
I read an advance reader copy but honestly you should get your hands on a copy of Apprentice when it is released. It was a steady build in tension, with fantastic world creation and flawless writing. It's the first in a series of three and I have no doubt the other two will be as good. I am a fussy reader and very critical but this ticked lots and lots of boxes. Great for fans of dystopian YA stories.
August 2, 2021
I’m not a big YA dystopian reader and this took me a little to get into with the scarcity of action and backdrop of life in the Love Collective. As one expects from such a controlled life, there’s a sameness to the daily activity of the teens as they move from life in the Nursery Dorm to that of being Apprentices to serve the Collective in their adult life.
But how did they get here? Why can’t Flick, our heroine, nor any of her classmates remember anything before life in the Nursery Dorm?
We read the story from Flick’s perspective and most chapters start with a memory. Why? Flick has a photographic memory. She remembers everything to the smallest detail no matter how far back she has to go. And the leaders aren’t sure what to do with her especially as they’re not fully aware of how good a memory she has.
It’s a powerful story that is relevant to our times of authority controlling the masses through words, hate-filled speech and intolerance of anyone different. And then we’ve got the personal exploration of Flick and her teenage friends coming to terms with who they are, all the insecurities of the life stage and having no recollection of every having parents and how they came into the world.
But it’s Flick’s memory that takes centre stage. She suffers from terribly graphic nightmares that may hold clues to her beginnings and how she came to be in the Love Collective. How can she untap those memories?
The action and suspense ramps up in the last 50 pages causing me to flip pages at an alarming rate. And then it reaches a climax which leaves the reader wanting more and wishing the second in the series was already available.
Strong storytelling with powerful themes and a leading heroine in Flick makes this compelling reading.
But how did they get here? Why can’t Flick, our heroine, nor any of her classmates remember anything before life in the Nursery Dorm?
We read the story from Flick’s perspective and most chapters start with a memory. Why? Flick has a photographic memory. She remembers everything to the smallest detail no matter how far back she has to go. And the leaders aren’t sure what to do with her especially as they’re not fully aware of how good a memory she has.
It’s a powerful story that is relevant to our times of authority controlling the masses through words, hate-filled speech and intolerance of anyone different. And then we’ve got the personal exploration of Flick and her teenage friends coming to terms with who they are, all the insecurities of the life stage and having no recollection of every having parents and how they came into the world.
But it’s Flick’s memory that takes centre stage. She suffers from terribly graphic nightmares that may hold clues to her beginnings and how she came to be in the Love Collective. How can she untap those memories?
The action and suspense ramps up in the last 50 pages causing me to flip pages at an alarming rate. And then it reaches a climax which leaves the reader wanting more and wishing the second in the series was already available.
Strong storytelling with powerful themes and a leading heroine in Flick makes this compelling reading.
November 14, 2020
This will absolutely not be the last time I read this author's work. I truly enjoyed the story from start to finish. Flick is so awesome and a character I quickly rooted for. I didn't think much of her not remembering things from early childhood because I don't either. The thing that made me curious is she remembers literally everything after that though.
There is obviously something kinda dark going on from the start and I devoured the pages wanting to know who was watching her and find out what was really going on. I thought the story was for sure going to go one way and the story would take an unexpected turn. I am impatiently waiting on what will happen next and need the next book soon!
It was a 5/5 and I can't wait for the next one.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
There is obviously something kinda dark going on from the start and I devoured the pages wanting to know who was watching her and find out what was really going on. I thought the story was for sure going to go one way and the story would take an unexpected turn. I am impatiently waiting on what will happen next and need the next book soon!
It was a 5/5 and I can't wait for the next one.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
January 29, 2025
A riveting dystopian novel loaded with suspense, intrigue, and from Christian perspective. From the very beginning, readers are drawn into a world where obedience is demanded, and questioning the system is dangerous. The tension builds as the protagonist, Kerr Flick, wrestles with the choice between following what she’s been taught and the truth that unfolds.
Characterization is exceptional, making Kerr a compelling and relatable heroine. Her internal struggle is portrayed with depth and authenticity, allowing readers to experience her journey of doubt, discovery, and courage firsthand. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, adding richness to the story and making the stakes feel even higher.
The dystopian setting is chillingly believable, yet hope and faith shine through, offering a refreshing perspective within the genre. For those who love dystopian fiction but want a clean read, Apprentice is a must.
Characterization is exceptional, making Kerr a compelling and relatable heroine. Her internal struggle is portrayed with depth and authenticity, allowing readers to experience her journey of doubt, discovery, and courage firsthand. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, adding richness to the story and making the stakes feel even higher.
The dystopian setting is chillingly believable, yet hope and faith shine through, offering a refreshing perspective within the genre. For those who love dystopian fiction but want a clean read, Apprentice is a must.
November 13, 2020
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Though this is a genre that I very rarely read, I found Apprentice to be a very interesting and intriguing read. And the name of the book is pretty Clever as well. I liked Kerr Flick, and she had me turning the pages to see what was coming next from that incredible mind of hers. I liked her determination to overcome what people thought of her. And did she accomplish this? You have to read the book to find out!
There is a lot if tension here in this book, probably the reason I kept reading. I love it when there is enough tension to keep my turning the pages! If you enjoy SciFi/Fantasy reads, you will enjoy this one! This is a Four Stars for me!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Though this is a genre that I very rarely read, I found Apprentice to be a very interesting and intriguing read. And the name of the book is pretty Clever as well. I liked Kerr Flick, and she had me turning the pages to see what was coming next from that incredible mind of hers. I liked her determination to overcome what people thought of her. And did she accomplish this? You have to read the book to find out!
There is a lot if tension here in this book, probably the reason I kept reading. I love it when there is enough tension to keep my turning the pages! If you enjoy SciFi/Fantasy reads, you will enjoy this one! This is a Four Stars for me!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 26, 2021
Apprentice ended entirely too soon and I wish I had book two handy to pick up immediately (take note, those of you who are about to pick up Apprentice)!!
Young did an amazing job keeping up with all the details she had to considering Kerr Flick’s memory abilities. There were several twists and elements that I was not expecting, keeping me on my toes the whole book! The story is complex, and Young wrote it so well! So looking forward to picking up Elite and seeing how the story ends.😄
Content: clean; 13+; there’s violence (that’s about the only thing that I’d advise discretion for in this story, but it’s not terribly graphic or in large quantities), barely any hints at romance, dark sides to the leadership, and no curse words.
Young did an amazing job keeping up with all the details she had to considering Kerr Flick’s memory abilities. There were several twists and elements that I was not expecting, keeping me on my toes the whole book! The story is complex, and Young wrote it so well! So looking forward to picking up Elite and seeing how the story ends.😄
Content: clean; 13+; there’s violence (that’s about the only thing that I’d advise discretion for in this story, but it’s not terribly graphic or in large quantities), barely any hints at romance, dark sides to the leadership, and no curse words.
June 25, 2021
This. Book.
I rarely read sci fy, but every once in a while I come across ones that has such a great message.
This book is great to give to any age reader.
There is no romance in this installment, and if you know me that is usually a strike against it, not in this case.
It fits.
This book dives into a deep dystopian world, of absolute control and obedience.
It is one that makes you think about the state of our world.
It has serious questions posed in such a way that you can see, you know, hard to explain.
Be forewarned, there was a cliffhanger at the end, and I was soooooooo not ready! I want to know what happens next!
A great YA Dystopian science fiction story!
I rarely read sci fy, but every once in a while I come across ones that has such a great message.
This book is great to give to any age reader.
There is no romance in this installment, and if you know me that is usually a strike against it, not in this case.
It fits.
This book dives into a deep dystopian world, of absolute control and obedience.
It is one that makes you think about the state of our world.
It has serious questions posed in such a way that you can see, you know, hard to explain.
Be forewarned, there was a cliffhanger at the end, and I was soooooooo not ready! I want to know what happens next!
A great YA Dystopian science fiction story!
Read
December 1, 2021Awesome book, great read and I'm looking forward to book 2!
October 29, 2020
As a young adult dystopian author, I’m partial to this genre, and Young didn’t disappoint. Her worldbuilding was consistent, intriguing, and frightening in its socialistic parallels. We’re talking the type of government that kidnaps and then brainwashes children to perpetrate its own agenda. Yikes!
My one challenge was keeping track of all the secondary characters, because the names are mostly short and uncommon. However, this challenge didn’t detract from the book itself, because I was able to follow the main characters and the ones that tugged most at my heart.
The ending will grip you! She has set the stage for what I expect to be a page-turning sequel, and I can’t wait.
My one challenge was keeping track of all the secondary characters, because the names are mostly short and uncommon. However, this challenge didn’t detract from the book itself, because I was able to follow the main characters and the ones that tugged most at my heart.
The ending will grip you! She has set the stage for what I expect to be a page-turning sequel, and I can’t wait.
August 26, 2022
This series needs to be read in order.
March 17, 2022
This book is a lot like The Giver but it very accurately representative of today’s reality! I enjoyed it immensely 😄
July 27, 2021
Kerr Flick can remember everything: whole conversations, things she's read, basically anything she's seen or heard. But she can't access her childhood memories. Will she find out why she can't remember anything before she was five?
Apprentice is an intriguing dystopian story, sort of like Divergent and Hunger Games, but its cult-like Love Collective is unique. The author does a good job of world-building, showing what life in the Love Collective is like. For example, all Apprentices (students) in the Collective are taught "proper lexicon" (things you are allowed to say) and how to spot a Hater. Students are even taught to report others for being a supposed Hater.
One aspect of the author's writing I especially liked is how she interjected the main character Flick's memories (including date and location for each memory) into the story occasionally to give the reader a sense of how her memory works. I also enjoyed solving the mystery surrounding Flick's missing memories as well as the nightmarish hallucination that have started plaguing her.
The story is well-paced. Not too slow, but it's not really fast either. I immediately wanted to read Elite (book 2) when I finished Apprentice.
This is a clean read with no graphic violence, sex, or foul language.
An enjoyable clean YA dystopian read. 5 stars for me!
Apprentice is an intriguing dystopian story, sort of like Divergent and Hunger Games, but its cult-like Love Collective is unique. The author does a good job of world-building, showing what life in the Love Collective is like. For example, all Apprentices (students) in the Collective are taught "proper lexicon" (things you are allowed to say) and how to spot a Hater. Students are even taught to report others for being a supposed Hater.
One aspect of the author's writing I especially liked is how she interjected the main character Flick's memories (including date and location for each memory) into the story occasionally to give the reader a sense of how her memory works. I also enjoyed solving the mystery surrounding Flick's missing memories as well as the nightmarish hallucination that have started plaguing her.
The story is well-paced. Not too slow, but it's not really fast either. I immediately wanted to read Elite (book 2) when I finished Apprentice.
This is a clean read with no graphic violence, sex, or foul language.
An enjoyable clean YA dystopian read. 5 stars for me!
October 11, 2020
4.5 stars
A story that drags you along with its main character. Things are revealed as Flick finds them out.
Is all as it seems?
Lovers of dystopian stories and young adults will love this story.
Each book is a complete story but also part of a whole. Looking forward to part 2.
A story that drags you along with its main character. Things are revealed as Flick finds them out.
Is all as it seems?
Lovers of dystopian stories and young adults will love this story.
Each book is a complete story but also part of a whole. Looking forward to part 2.
September 27, 2020
Apprentice is a new YA novel and the first book in the Collective Underground series. It's the fast paced story of Flick Kerr, an apprentice with an unusually stubborn and precise memory which frequently gets her in trouble. Set in the world of the Love Collective, this novel has echos of all your favourite dystopian novels without feeling like it's ripping off any of them. I thoroughly enjoyed this new YA read. Kerr and her friends are now wandering about my imagination anxiously waiting for the continuation of their story. I'll be looking forward to reading the next books in the series when they come out.
April 14, 2023
This book is sooo good!!
The suspense and worldbuilding are my absolute favorite. I felt like I was in Kerr's shoes, experiencing her hurts and joys. I was just as upset as Kerr was several times. There were some gasp out loud moments and then pure frustration at that ending. Don't read this book unless you have book 2 on hand and have plenty of time to dive right into the next one because the ending is such a good cliffhanger.
The characters all felt so real. I loved Sif and Cam being such good friends for her and then the Lover that she has issues with was so perfectly annoying.
This is definitely a book I want to come back to again and again. This deserves to be up there right next to Divergent and The Hunger Games. I love this book so much. I'm adding Kristen Young to my auto-buy authors list.
The suspense and worldbuilding are my absolute favorite. I felt like I was in Kerr's shoes, experiencing her hurts and joys. I was just as upset as Kerr was several times. There were some gasp out loud moments and then pure frustration at that ending. Don't read this book unless you have book 2 on hand and have plenty of time to dive right into the next one because the ending is such a good cliffhanger.
The characters all felt so real. I loved Sif and Cam being such good friends for her and then the Lover that she has issues with was so perfectly annoying.
This is definitely a book I want to come back to again and again. This deserves to be up there right next to Divergent and The Hunger Games. I love this book so much. I'm adding Kristen Young to my auto-buy authors list.
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