Review of Year Zero
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- PeterRabitt20
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Review of Year Zero
If they are truly innocent, an accused person does not need a lawyer. The guilty party will be responsible for the cost of any interrogation techniques used by The Corporation—torturing people cost money. As long as The Corporation likes it, the freedom of speech and press is highly valued. The articles in this contract do not apply to the board members of The Corporation, only to its citizens, who are not female or non-Americans. These are the constitutional amendments of the Incorporated Precincts of America: a new world order.
Sixteen-year-old Joey Cryer does his best to survive and care for his younger sister, but life under The Corporation has stiff restrictions: Food is rationed, books are banned, and helping others can get you disappeared. Things are about to get hairier when John Doe, a member of a terrorist organization, shows up injured and barely alive.
Year Zero by David Dean Lugo is a dramatic and frightening view of a dystopian future. It is tense, exciting, and unsettling.
A key positive trait, the narrative hook was well executed. Some stories usually take time to reel me in, but this one was calculating. There’s no dilly-dallying here. Lugo used the first-person point of view, leaping the reader directly into the character’s head. Without any formal introduction, this unnamed protagonist hit the ground running, and my heart rate matched his (the character was actually in action). The only sure thing was that we were in a bad situation; I just didn't know what. Lugo’s strategy was effective, and anyone looking for an intense read will be pleased.
The central theme dealt with a new America in the not-so-far future. The changes in this new world are not outlandish, so there are no space-invading aliens or catastrophic asteroids—Canada is still a place of refuge. The depiction of a totalitarian United States was thorough and impactful; for example, police brutality, trial without a lawyer, and racism. I liked the realism of the day-to-day scenarios in the plot, such as finding food and not missing the curfew. It goes without saying that some elements have been picked from the real world, unfortunately.
Year Zero evokes strong emotions, such as sadness, shock, and hope. Lugo painted a political picture that hangs like a noxious cloud; I'd hate to live in the Incorporated Precincts of America. Nonetheless, the message comes across as a caution. This brings me to another favorite aspect of this book. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a thought-provoking quote from either The Corporation or the rebels.
My only dislike is the romance between Joey and his crush Cameron. Their courtship stage was sudden, and there was no challenge to overcome. Since that part is short and not central to the story, I didn't count it as a negative. It was more like coal to move the train along.
Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I didn't opt for a 3-star rating because of the hook, the world-building, and the suspense. In addition, the editing is professional; I barely found any errors.
I highly recommend Year Zero to anyone looking for a dystopian genre dealing with government control, anarchy and rebellions. Those who enjoyed The Hunger Games or a similar title should give it a try. There are instances of profanity, depiction of gory terrorist acts, and insinuation of rape and child abuse; therefore, I caution sensitive readers.
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Year Zero
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I thought the same thing while reading. The author did a great job at adding those lines. Thanks for your encouraging comment!
- PeterRabitt20
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I'm glad you liked it, and thanks for the kind comment.
- PeterRabitt20
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The story does refer to recent presidential elections. It gives a different twist. Thanks for dropping by!Uwe Neufeld wrote: ↑15 Jun 2022, 10:21 The story seems to be influenced by recent political events like curfews, police brutality, rebellions and threat of totalitarism. Maybe.the message of posible danger can save us in the end.
Great review!
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