Evalene's Number (Number, #1)

by Bethany Atazadeh

[writehollydavis]

Evalene's Number was such an enjoyable read and a strong debut for Bethany! I'm sooo glad she got me out of my reading slump because I had just DNF'd a traditionally published book. I know NEVER to judge a book by how it's published because I've read terrible traditionally published books and I've read amazing self-published books (like this one!). I was so intrigued by the plot and wanted to know what was going to happen to both Evalene and Jeremiah, and I love how their two worlds converged.

As far as any constructive critiques, I had wanted a bit more description in the first 1/4 of the book when Evalene was at home. I found myself wondering exactly what this dystopian world looked like. But Bethany did an amazing job with the description from then on! The dialogue was spot on, believable, and realistic and she had the perfect amount and quality of exposition.

I felt like the middle dragged a little when some meals or quieter moments were occurring, but other than that it held my interest to the end. I LOVE LOVE LOVED Evalene's speech to the crowd. It was beautiful and perfect. I'm so excited to read the sequel because I am not ready to leave this wonderful world that Bethany has created! And of course, cliffhangers don't help. ;)