PJV Quickie: There is no denying it, ‘Renegade’ by JA Sounders is a highly original debut young adult dystopian. The setting, the characters and the underlying plot were clever and full of an abstract originality that is sometimes severely lacking in the genre. Yet, the novel lacked connectivity between the characters, so much so, that it would actually have been better without the love aspect.
Title: Renegade
Author: J.A. Souders
Series: The Elysium Chronicles
Publication: November 13th 2012 by Tor Teen
Source: eARC provided by publisher.
Review:
Deep below the Atlantic Ocean a community exists and at its core is Evelyn Winters, Daughter of the People. She has been groomed since a young age to lead the utopian world of Elysium. Evelyn possesses the perfect mix of genes and was chosen by Mother to live the perfect life and lead her perfect people. It is hinted at in the book that the perfect mix of genes has something to do with blond hair and blue eyes and an ability to be easily brainwashed. Yet, as Evelyn sits by her perfect garden, contemplating her perfect life a Surface Dweller comes barreling into her garden and changes her life forever.
Evelyn is able to talk her tyrannical Mother into letting her interrogate the Surface Dweller, because he seems to open up to her, they have a connection. And while Evelyn questions him, things are discovered about her own self and she realizes that her life isn’t quite so perfect and her Mother is up to some very nefarious plots.
Original, RENEGADE, was original, yet the very clever plot lines never quite flowed together perfectly. The rigid bonds of the society the Mother figure maintained would have these perfectly controlled aspects, where you couldn’t pass certain areas because your DNA wasn’t in the system, yet they were easily able to slip in and out of areas that were “forgotten” and full of weapons (?). Then Mother and her soldiers would suddenly appear and claim they “knew” the whole time where Evelyn was. But, to what purpose, because then Evelyn and Gavin would slip away? Clever plot yes, just the pieces didn’t all fit. Combine that with a three day whirlwind romance that led to “I love you, I’ll die for you, I’ll change my whole world for you,” sentiments, without a feeling behind it, the book landed somewhere in the middle as far as my enjoyment. I was entranced at points and skimming at others. The book dragged during some threads and left me anxiety ridden at others. JA Sounders has potential for being a wonderful writer, but as far as her debut novel, I wouldn’t count this as one of my favorite reads. Yet, the author has shown that she has the tenacity to think outside the usual genre trappings, so I will look forward to reading more from her.
Recommendations:
For teens 13+ recommendation. For fans of fantasy and dystopian elements. If you enjoy titles by authors like Ally Condie and Kiera Cass you should enjoy JA Souders.
Other Young Adult Dystopian Titles & 3 Star PJV Ratings:
- The Selection by Kiera Cass
- Legend by Marie Lu
Rating:
Rating: 
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I’ve been contemplating whether I wanted to put Renegade up to the top of my TBR list, but I think I’ll be saving it for some other time. It does sound like an interesting dystopian read that I definitely want to give a try sometime. But, I feel like the romance would annoy me a bit if you thought it would have been better without it. Thanks for the honest review!
No problem. I can be a tough critic though, when it comes to romance though. I don’t need a romance in my books, so when it is slightly forced I’m quick to notice.
Same here! I don’t always need a romance in a book, so I’m glad to learn that about Renegade.
Aah I am on the fence about this one..the outside the box excited me, the anxiety does not..great review!
LOL – I was really excited to read this one too. I like different though.
I like how Mother is capitalized! Great review, I want to pick it up just because of it’s originality, but insta-love? I could do without that.
Amber Elise @ Du Livre
Yes, I think this book might have been better served with a more drawn out love affair. Like take it through the series instead of establishing it within the first book.
All the reviews I have read so far were very highly positive, so it is nice to read something more balance. I’m still excited to read it because it sounds so original, but I can lower my expectations a little (and maybe be even more pleasantly surprised!)