Review: XVI

Book: XVI by Julia Karr
Pages: 325 Pages
Publisher: Speak
Date Released: January 6, 2011
Source: Bought
Grade: 4.5 Stars

Synopsis:
Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world—even the most predatory of men—that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina's mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past—one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.

My Thoughts:

I really liked XVI. Why? Because of the characters, the plot, and it’s dystopian.

First of all, I think a lot of people think this book is all about sex when a girl turns sixteen. It isn’t, although there is a lot of talk about it so if you’re uncomfortable about sex, this book isn’t really for you. Now that I’ve got that out, I can talk about the characters. I thought Nina was a marvelous MC. I could really relate to her because she had her own thoughts and opinions. Also, when her mother was murdered, she took it how I think most people would. She cried and still was strong for her little sister. Ugh, her little sister…I kinda hated her for the most part; probably because she was so ignorant of the things happening around her. 

The plot was genius too. The MC’s main goal was still a main goal while the romance was a side plot (like it’s supposed to be, but how it sometimes doesn’t turn out). The romance in this book was…fun to watch. I liked how Sal and Nina became friends first and then they developed into a couple. Sal was cute and protective over Nina and I really liked that. Really, the only thing I didn’t like was all the feminism in it. I mean, I liked it, but there was just a little too much.

Julia Karr is an author to watch and I’m glad I bought this book. If you get it, I hope you’ll like it too!

Grade: 4.5 Stars