Review of Asylum

[khaulah]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Asylum" by Susy Smith.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Asylum by Susy Smith paints a chilling picture of America’s future. After the most severe stock market crash in history, the president enforced martial law, leading to economic reforms that mandated the forced relocation of citizens to labor camps. Texas and California seceded from the union. Thomas Monroe, Texas’s senator, owned a farm on the Texas border with Oklahoma. Thomas’s nineteen-year-old niece, Lacy, stayed on the farm to preserve the family’s connection to the property until her uncle’s arrival. The farm becomes a refuge for many people, including Jace, who has harbored a longtime love for Lacy and Thomas, with whom she shares a dating history.

Asylum introduces a compelling and complex scenario set against the backdrop of a severe economic downturn and political upheaval. The themes of survival, the resilience of the human spirit, and the impact of government actions on individual lives add depth to the narrative. The pace is skillfully handled, with each segment building on the previous one, crafting a suspenseful atmosphere that compels you to eagerly flip through the pages. Susy Smith’s mastery of language shines through.

Lacy and Jace are intricately developed characters. The emotional depth of their relationship resonates strongly, infusing an authentic layer into the unfolding events. The aspect I particularly loved in the book was the author’s deft handling of post-rape trauma. The novel sensitively addresses the aftermath of sexual assault. I appreciated that the author focused on the emotional aftermath and recovery rather than graphic details.

The book is a unique blend of futuristic elements and emotional connections. It is primarily centered around the romance between Lacy and Jace. I personally wanted to know more about the analysis of political forces that wrecked democratic ideals in the book. However, my personal preference shouldn’t affect the rating of the book. The book is meticulously edited, and I don’t have any criticisms to make about it. Therefore, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to teenage girls who appreciate survival fiction with a focus on romance.

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Asylum
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