About the Book
Title: The Balance
Author: Michael Selden
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Number of Pages: 350
Synopsis: THE BALANCE is a Young Adult novel, set in a dystopian future. It takes place almost 200 years after a global thermonuclear war. People in the Land survived the destruction of the world war only to have their lives disrupted again by a wayward asteroid. It broke up and rained down on the planet, just as life had begun to regain a sense of normalcy. This second tragedy disturbed the power sharing arrangement between the two leading factions that had helped rebuild the Land--the Council, and the Order--under an agreement called "The Balance". The Council's leaders exploited the chaos that followed and drove the Order and its members into exile. Afterward, the Council banned the use of most modern technology, which their leaders blamed for the war.
Seventeen year old Phoebe was the last product of the Order's genetic engineering programs, and she lives under the Council's rule. Phoebe doesn't understand why she's so different from everyone else, and she struggles to survive while hiding her strangeness. Members of the exiled Order have come to realize her condition and their leader, a Prescient, sees a potential in her that might allow them to regain their place in society, and to re-establish The Balance.
Author: Michael Selden
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Number of Pages: 350
Synopsis: THE BALANCE is a Young Adult novel, set in a dystopian future. It takes place almost 200 years after a global thermonuclear war. People in the Land survived the destruction of the world war only to have their lives disrupted again by a wayward asteroid. It broke up and rained down on the planet, just as life had begun to regain a sense of normalcy. This second tragedy disturbed the power sharing arrangement between the two leading factions that had helped rebuild the Land--the Council, and the Order--under an agreement called "The Balance". The Council's leaders exploited the chaos that followed and drove the Order and its members into exile. Afterward, the Council banned the use of most modern technology, which their leaders blamed for the war.
Seventeen year old Phoebe was the last product of the Order's genetic engineering programs, and she lives under the Council's rule. Phoebe doesn't understand why she's so different from everyone else, and she struggles to survive while hiding her strangeness. Members of the exiled Order have come to realize her condition and their leader, a Prescient, sees a potential in her that might allow them to regain their place in society, and to re-establish The Balance.
My Review
The Balance is an incredibly engrossing novel set after the destruction of the world, where genetically modified humans seek refuge underground, while the Council vows to rid the world of their kind.
Phoebe knows she's different. She's always been troubled with vivid dreams and voices in her head have plagued her as long as she can remember. Her father and her have worked hard to hide her uniqueness from the Council. So when her father reveals she is a genetically altered Sensitive created by the Order, just as her mother, Phoebe realizes her life and the lives of anyone close to her are in danger. Her father and her soon discover their days are numbered and they plan to escape while they still can. But, the Order knows of Phoebe's existence and Matthew, a Prescient who sees the future, soon understands that Phoebe may hold the key to restore the balance between the Order and the Council. Now, Matthew must do whatever it takes to ensure Phoebe survives, but can his team rescue her before it's too late?
The Balance is an awesome young adult read. There is a little something for everyone with science, suspense, and even a bit of romance. Michael Selden is an award winning author and his talent shines through in his newest novel. The story is well put together with skillful writing and believable characters. The ending was so intense that I was on pins and needles with the imminent danger awaiting Phoebe. Kudos to the author for another well written captivating read.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Balance.
Phoebe knows she's different. She's always been troubled with vivid dreams and voices in her head have plagued her as long as she can remember. Her father and her have worked hard to hide her uniqueness from the Council. So when her father reveals she is a genetically altered Sensitive created by the Order, just as her mother, Phoebe realizes her life and the lives of anyone close to her are in danger. Her father and her soon discover their days are numbered and they plan to escape while they still can. But, the Order knows of Phoebe's existence and Matthew, a Prescient who sees the future, soon understands that Phoebe may hold the key to restore the balance between the Order and the Council. Now, Matthew must do whatever it takes to ensure Phoebe survives, but can his team rescue her before it's too late?
The Balance is an awesome young adult read. There is a little something for everyone with science, suspense, and even a bit of romance. Michael Selden is an award winning author and his talent shines through in his newest novel. The story is well put together with skillful writing and believable characters. The ending was so intense that I was on pins and needles with the imminent danger awaiting Phoebe. Kudos to the author for another well written captivating read.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Balance.
