The Scarlet Harvest

Wow. I could not put this book down. I was intrigued when I saw that it was a similar to The Handmaids Tale mixed with the Divergent series. It's that and more. While it has the feel of those two it is unique and original at the same time. The premise is so disturbing and the author does such an amazing job of showing you the world and the history without boring or lecturing.

This book takes place after ww3 and similar to The Giver maturity is met with suppression. Mass sterilizations and the government surveillance of women's cycles are the norm. It touches on themes of classism and sexism and how notions of how poor people as seen now could become such an extreme.

The relationship between Wren and Fritz is so genuine and fun. The action is fast-paced and the setting is forever shifting and evolving as new developments take place.

“I have to find happiness here. But how can I find happiness when the path chosen for me is not a path I would have chosen for myself?”

Set in a time post WWIII, Wren is a strong minded and driven teenager that doesn’t want to follow in her parent’s footsteps. In a world of strict pregnancy regulations, class systems, and a controlling government, known as the Nuclei, Wren is determined to score high on The Assessment and become a doctor. Little does she know that everything is not as it seems…

When Wren meets Fritz, her small little world suddenly becomes very large and an impossible mission leads to quite the discovery. When the time comes for Wren to take The Assessment, her world is further thrown into chaos and the story really begins.

Filled with endless plot twists, I couldn’t put this book down. I was constantly on edge waiting to see what happens next. A definite mix of Divergent and The Handmaid’s Tale but with many more elements mixed in. I felt that the characters were so well written and dynamic. I did feel that at times the plot moved along a little too quickly and left me feeling like I might have missed something, but it quickly would begin to all make sense again. There was just SO much happening. The book ended perfectly to set it up for the next installment, which I will definitely be picking up when it is released!

*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

"WHAT?!?!"
That's the reaction I had at nearly midnight, after not being able to put the book down for several hours. And now I am, of course, annoyed that I have to wait for the second book to be released.

I was super interested in reading that this book was similar to the Handmaid's Tale. I love dystopian books, and the fact that there is a little romance certainly doesn't hurt. I felt that the characters were really well-developed, I could easily picture them as I read. I was on the edge of my seat through most of the book, not knowing who to trust or what would happen next.

I have so many unanswered questions...and now I have to wait for the next book!! I would highly recommend this. Excellent storytelling. I can't wait to see what the next book holds.