Choosing, The

by Rachelle Dekker

[Berls]

3.5 stars

I got this book for review years ago and I really don't know exactly what happened or why I never got around to reading it. Better late than never? I'm kicking myself for how long it took, because The Choosing was quite good and I've already checked out which of my libraries have the second and third book to continue the series.

I really liked the plot/world - it's definitely what propelled me forward and kept me reading. If you like The Handmaid's Tale (tv show, I haven't read the book), the feel is similar. It's not as violent of a society, but the way women are treated and the way religion dictates society have a very similar tenor. I felt the anger at the injustice and had trouble putting it down, worrying about the characters.

However, I think the characters could have been better developed. Besides Carrington and Remko, I really don't feel like we got to know the other characters well enough. I would have liked to know their families better and I wish we knew the Authority members, the Lints, and especially Aaron much better.

The ending wrapped things up pretty well - it feels like an almost HEA, but is also open enough that I was glad to see there are more books. I'm hoping that the trilogy resolves with a removal of The Authority -- but we shall see!