The Liberty Box (Liberty Box, #1)

by C.A. Gray

**Dystopian mind control with metaphysics** The United States is now The Republic of the Americas, and the people are controlled by brainwave technology forcing them to believe that they are prosperous when in reality they are starving. A few rebels know the truth. But can they help to set the others free without losing their own lives in the process?

• ISBN10: 0991185897
• ISBN13: 9780991185894
• Publish Date: 24 October 2015
• Publish Status: Unknown
• Imprint: Wanderlust Publishing
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 334
• Language: English

Reviews

[bamxo]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from VRO.

This book was so intense, but in a good way. I actually found the aspects of the book invading my dreams. The idea of being brainwashed and becoming a malnourished skeleton puppet woman is a little bit too much for my brain to process.

This story was so so well written, clearly, because I was having brainwashy dreams, so detailed and full of life. The characters were well developed. The backdrop characters, were vivid and felt so real in my mind (I pictured the skeleton type malnourished persons from world war z movie)

I adored the FMC, my heart broke when I learned about what they did to the FMCs love. I knew the intensity was going to pick up, and I was not disappointed.
Enter the new MMC, I adore him. Some kind of free mind power mojo, the saviour, atleast I think so. I love that his inner monologue came out so frequently, in the voice of his family.

The rebels all had such personalities, and I think they made such a great family/populus. Development of their own economy as such to keep their people's safe and ordered, was in fact little different to the mind control held over the republic, the caves were just aware of what was happening around them, unwilling to change anyway of life under the thumb of the crone, the republic lived in lies and false prosperity to make the poor poorer, the rich richer. A conservative government ruled by the potentate.

I really don't enjoy politics, but this was done on a fantasy level so I let it slide, the fear of what a system could become is palpable though, with the economic crises all around the world. So this adds an eerie vibe to the book as you read it, thinking, what if something like this really could happen.

The story contained elements of gun violence, death, rebellion, rioting, politics, and brainwashy type stuff.

I didn't know if I would make it to the end, because I really didn't know what to expect next plot wise! There were so many little ideas coming at me from all over, that I felt like I was waiting for some awful event to destroy my vibe, but the hits weren't enough to make me stop! I was too absorbed.

What did make me gasp was the bloody ending, I didn't know it was a series, so hanging me out on a cliffhanger, especially one that resulted in THAT. I was like well damn.

Now I simply must get my hands on the rest of the trilogy.

5* on the edge of my seat stars for this one.

Recommend for YA/NA and all fantasy/thriller/mystery fans.

[lindsey]

(Source: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.)


I was ecstatic when I received an ARC of this book from the author. I've been looking forward to reading a new book from her since I finished the Piercing the Veil series, and The Liberty Box did not disappoint.

After the United States falls due to an economic collapse, it's rebuilt as the Republic, and citizens soon believe they are prosperous once again. Jackson has lived in Iceland with his aunt and uncle since he was very young, but always pictured America, or the Republic, as the land of milk and honey. The letters from his mother reinforce his opinion that the Republic is thriving, and he plans to move there eventually. Unfortunately, he has to travel there sooner than planned so he can attend his mother's untimely funeral. Upon arrival, he is struck by how malnourished everyone looks. The buildings are dilapidated, and his first impression of the famed Republic is definitely not prosperous. He's soon apprehended by an agent, and discovers that something very strange is happening.

Kate is happy in the Republic. She has a wonderful job as a news anchor, and is engaged to a man she loves. Everything is perfect. That is, until she sees a picture of a childhood friend, Maggie, whom she has forgotten about completely. Maggie has been labeled as a traitor to the Republic, and it's Kate's job to write up a profile about Maggie, telling the public about Maggie's traitorous doings, and praising the government in the process. While doing research for the profile, Kate's life is changed completely, and she realizes nothing is as it seems.

The Liberty Box is original and creative, and it made me think. The thought of the government brainwashing citizens into believing everything is fine isn't such a far-fetched idea, and I enjoyed the way it was implemented into this story. The Liberty Box is thrilling and exciting at times, and thought-provoking at others. It's an intelligent dystopian novel, with excellent character development and imaginative world-building. Intriguing and captivating, it's a definite page turner.

And no spoilers here, but the ending blew me away! I was completely blindsided, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next. I would highly recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy well-written and smart dypstopians. It's an incredible start to what is sure to be an amazing series, and it's going to be an agonizing wait for the next book!