Title - The Ward
Author - Jordana Frankel
Series - The Ward
Genre - YA Dystopian
Format - Hardback
Published April 30th 2013
Publisher Katherine Tegen Books
Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Ren is a daredevil mobile racer who will risk everything to survive in the Ward, what remains of a water-logged Manhattan. To save her sister, who is suffering from a deadly illness thought to be caused by years of pollution, Ren accepts a secret mission from the government: to search for a freshwater source in the Ward, with the hope of it leading to a cure.
However, she never expects that her search will lead to dangerous encounters with a passionate young scientist; a web of deceit and lies; and an earth-shattering mystery that’s lurking deep beneath the water’s rippling surface.
Jordana Frankel’s ambitious debut novel and the first in a two-book series, The Ward is arresting, cinematic, and thrilling—perfect for fans of Scott Westerfeld or Ann Aguirre.
Review
Ren lives in the Ward which was once called Manhattan before
the tides swelled above sea level flooding the city forcing people to live in
the higher buildings. People also developed a sickness called the Blight tumors
that eat away at the body which is exactly what’s happening to Ren’s little
sister Aven. In order to keep Aven pain free Ren has done some stuff she’s not
proud of like agreeing to work for the blues who police the wards. Ren has been
sent on a mission to find fresh water since all the people have is rain water
that they filter themselves. But working as a mole isn't her only job Ren is
also the only girl in the boy dominated mobile racing.
When her mobile malfunctions during a race letting her arch
enemy win she discovers what she’s been searching for the whole time fresh
water. However this water isn't just fresh water it has healing properties and
after sharing a little with Aven it shrinks her tumor down giving her a chance
to live but its short lived because the tumor comes back aggressively. With the help of a new friend a young doctor
Ren will embark on a mission to save not just her sister but all the people of the
ward. In order to provide the doctor with fresh water she has to return to the
source but upon returning she finds it’s gone. As the two learn about the stream
they find not only does it have healing properties but immortality which is
what the governor is after. In order to save her sister and the people of the
ward Ren will have to go against the one person she didn't expect risking it
all before time runs out.
Ren is tough she doesn't see herself as the pretty girl, she
fights for what she believes in even if it isn't the right choice. She only
loves one person her sister Aven who is dying of Blight but that doesn't stop
her from pushing herself to the limits to help her. Ren has two potential love interests Derek her
Bookie and Callum the young doctor. At first I wasn't sure about Derek but in
the end I see him as perfect even though I love Callum who is willing to die to
save Aven. Maybe he'll find a girl in the next book. The supporting characters
are awesome they enhance the story some are good while others are bad. You can’t
help loving Benny or Terrence or hating Kent, the Governor and chief. I love
that Ren has support that she can trust.
I've had The Ward on the shelf since it first came out
purchase in Hardback but never got around to reading it. Maybe it’s the cover
the water flooding scares me because we live close to the west coast and they
always joke about California falling into the ocean. When the chance came up to
use The Ward for my goodreads game I jumped at the chance. The book starts a
little slow but I didn't have an issue with it the building was well worth it.
The story is captivating as the book progresses it just draws you in till you
can't put it down. Ren’s story is a fast paced adventure right to the last
page, filled with surprises both good and bad that keeps you guessing to the
very end. The Ward is post-apocalyptic the author has created a unique concept
that captures the imagination. The Ward is a beautifully written story that
tears at your heartstrings leaving he read dying for the next book. I've been
drawn to dystopian books for a while now and The Ward doesn't disappoint a must
read. I would have to say The Ward is my favorite dystopian book this year. My only regret is I waited so long to read the book.
5 out of 5 Stars
