Girls in the Stacks.com - Read. Review. Laugh.

 This is the story of Ruby and the Congregation and their lives as slaves for over 200 years at the hands of the cruel slave driver Darwin West. Ruby wants more, she wants freedom and love, but what is she willing to sacrifice?

I’ll admit the back of the book description left little desire for me. The cover is what drew me in, it’s what finally propelled me to pick up the book and start reading. While I’m glad I took the plunge and read the book, there was a lot to accept with the storyline. This story is different. It’s paranormal, but the paranormal is never explained. Which brings me to Otto. The Congregation’s devotion and loyalty to him is baffling and that devotion is never explained either.

Of course, I have my own theories:

Theory #1 – Otto is some form of a fairy and his blood is magical. His magic was passed down to Ruby.

Theory #2 – Otto is a metaphor for Jesus. Some parallels can be drawn.

Theory #3 – Otto is an alien who briefly visited earth, left his seed with Sula and in that short time was able to gather and retain a cult like following.

Okay, so I don’t really like my theories. They all have holes and still leave to many questions. Maybe it’s more a combination of all three plus some. It’s more likely the author’s intent to mess with our heads, leaving us with more questions than answers. I just don’t know. *shrug*

Obviously Ruby is the catalyst for change. By the last several pages you will be wondering and asking yourself the same questions I had. Who are these people, who is the Visitor and what becomes of the Congregation?

I give this book 4 STACKS

See you in the STACKS,
Stacy - who thinks the cover pretty awesome?

Tags: drought, dystopia, egmontUSA, pam bachorz, YA
Posted in Reviews, YA | 3 Comments »