impactmack13's review
4.0
this is such a good and exciting book! it makes you think and has tons of unexpected plot twists. the characters are likable and the story line is interesting and intriguing. the writing suits the story in an unexpected way, but for all the build up, the ending is too rushed.
rachel_abby_reads's review
4.0
My first response when I read this book was that the author had clearly identified the problem in any utopian vision: people are able to choose what they wish to do, and they might well not conform to the utopian vision described.
This book is a post-apocalyptic view of America. The Alliance from the title is a political/social organization that has developed a computerized brain implant that controls actions by stimulating electrical shock in response to emotions and actions deemed socially unacceptable (it can also deliver a fatal shock when triggered by authorized government agents). This implant has produced a false utopia, with no crime or violence, but where free will is sharply controlled. So great is this society that it has a negative growth rate and can only increase by dragging people in by the hair.
The Alliance's military hijacks a village with a determined and intelligent young man who over throws the whole system (not by himself, of course, but he is the central figure of the revolution).
This book is a post-apocalyptic view of America. The Alliance from the title is a political/social organization that has developed a computerized brain implant that controls actions by stimulating electrical shock in response to emotions and actions deemed socially unacceptable (it can also deliver a fatal shock when triggered by authorized government agents). This implant has produced a false utopia, with no crime or violence, but where free will is sharply controlled. So great is this society that it has a negative growth rate and can only increase by dragging people in by the hair.
The Alliance's military hijacks a village with a determined and intelligent young man who over throws the whole system (not by himself, of course, but he is the central figure of the revolution).
libraryjen's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
3.0
I wanted to like this one far more than I actually did. The ideas were too convoluted to be covered in 330 pages, we didn't really get to know any of the characters enough to care about them. Definitely readable, but not Lund's best.
readerturnedwriter's review
5.0
Please look past the cover and pick this one up!
This is a suspenseful, fast paced dystopian with strong themes about freedom, exploring both our innate need for freedom and the drawbacks/risks associated with each person having the freedom to choose to do evil if they desire.
Like I said, it's fairly fast paced once you get into it (it does have a slower start). The family relationships are beautifully done and there's just the right amount of romance (there is a love triangle, but not a cringe worthy or drawn out one). I also found the writing style very engaging and the book difficult to put down.
It is one of my favorite books and probably my number one favorite dystopian novel.
This is a suspenseful, fast paced dystopian with strong themes about freedom, exploring both our innate need for freedom and the drawbacks/risks associated with each person having the freedom to choose to do evil if they desire.
Like I said, it's fairly fast paced once you get into it (it does have a slower start). The family relationships are beautifully done and there's just the right amount of romance (there is a love triangle, but not a cringe worthy or drawn out one). I also found the writing style very engaging and the book difficult to put down.
It is one of my favorite books and probably my number one favorite dystopian novel.
cindygauthor's review
3.0
I didn't totally love his writing style, but the topic was very interesting - I liked his take on post apocalyptic life. This one really makes you think...
candide_woodard's review
3.0
I really liked the idea of the story. The beginning was very intriguing but then everything got repetitive and predictable. Very interesting though!
everythingawesome's review
4.0
How refreshing to read a dystopian book that actually ends after one book. I didn't have that sinking feeling that something big was going to happen and then I'd have to wait a year. I liked that this was written from the perspective of the enemy and the good guy.
nicolepeck's review
I've already read this book, multiple times. I received it as a birthday present when I was a teenager from my friend, who happens to be the author's niece. It was my favorite book back then. I want to re-read it to see if it still holds up.
krisis86's review
4.0
This book is so weird. I mean, it's amazing. It's so well written and shows a realistic and fascinating dystopian future. But it's almost unheard of. Which is a real tragedy. If you have the opportunity to read The Alliance, snatch it! It's a great dystopia that is actually realistic. And it's squeaky clean too. It was first published 34 years ago, but it holds up perfectly and doesn't show its age. I love this book.