New Dystopian YA: Part 1

Dystopian fiction is one of my favorite types of young adult literature, Much has been made of a popular series in this genre The Hunger Games. That series is getting a lot of press as of late since the trilogy is being made into a film and everyone is hoping to find the next Twilight (book series that becomes a profitable film franchise). I like The Hunger Games a lot, but it is not the only dystopian YA series that should grab your attention.

The first is a new series from author Lauren Oliver. The first book of that series is called Delirium. In Delirium, love has replaced cancer as the most deadly disease on the planet. That's right, love is a disease called amor deliria nervosa. But never fear; there is a cure- a surgical operation that teenagers undergo at at 18. This procedure makes sure these teenagers never fall in love and the rest of their lives are planned out in a clinical and orderly manner. The story picks up following Lena Haloway who is about to be 18 and undergo her procedure. Of course, things go array and her surgery is postponed. In the extra time, Lena commits a terrible crime; she falls in love.

Delirium is a bit of an uneven book. It takes awhile to find its tone. It is a bit like The Hunger Games meets Romeo and Juliet. In fact, that second reference is mentioned in the novel. SPOILERS: With that reference, don't expect a happy ending. Remember though, this is just the first part of the story. Lena may escape the grip of her controlling society, but her journey is far from over.

If you liked this, you should try: Matched by Ally Condie, Wither by Lauren DeStefano, Dark Parties by Sarah Grant, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins