The First Principle by Marissa Shrock

What would you do if you lived in a world where your decisions were taken away from you? Would you try and beat the odds by fighting the system or join the majority, letting the government tell you what you can and can’t do, read, or believe?

This is exactly what Vivica Wilkins faces in this young adult book, The First Principle. In this futuristic novel, the citizens of the United Regions of North America must conform to the government regime. If not, they’re punished.

In the opening, Vivica defends a classmate for trying to hide her pregnancy for fear of having to terminate it. The young girl tries to run, but is shot with a tranquilizer and taken away. The school is left in shock at the brazen treatment.

Days later, Vivica finds herself in the same predicament—pregnant and caught between two worlds. As the daughter of the next presidential candidate, does she conform and terminate the pregnancy (they don’t call it killing) or does she join the rebellion and save the life growing inside her?

Torn at what to do, she begins to read the old forbidden version of the Bible given to her by her baby’s father and investigates what the rebellion is all about. She discovers all is not what it seems and danger lurks around every corner.

An assassin’s bullet finds its mark and kills the resigning president, but fails at their attempt to take out the presidential candidate—Vivica’s mother. The rebellion is blamed, but were they set up?

Vivica struggles with the regime she’s known all her life and the new world the rebels are showing her. Can she terminate the life growing inside her and turn away from her mother for this faith she can’t see or feel?

The First Principle is Marissa Shrock’s first novel, but you would never know it! This book had me hooked from the start. I loved the world Ms. Shrock created with her United Regions of North America, which includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It’s believable. The government regime reminded me of The Capitol in The Hunger Games. They needed to be in control of every aspect of their citizen’s lives. They were always watching. Telling you what to read, eat, believe, etc.

Ms. Shrock’s characters are well rounded. Vivica is strong-willed, but with a soft heart. She’s not scared to stand up against her mother.

The book is labeled as young adult, but even adults will love it. I did! It’s fast-paced with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Who is behind the conspiracy? Can you figure it out? Don’t be so sure!

I give The First Principle 4.5 stars. I sure hope Ms. Shrock will continue with more in this dystopian series. If you liked The Hunger Games, you will love this book.

Pick up this delightful novel and find out how a teen handles an adult situation. You won’t be able to put it down.

I promise!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.)

Contest!!

I would like to give away my copy of The First Principle. The contest rules are simple—leave a comment on the blog and you will be entered. Bonus entry– if you leave a comment AND share this post on Facebook you will get two entries (tag me on Facebook or let me know in the comments). Contest closes Saturday, Jan 24th at midnight. Enter now! (Open to residents of the USA and Canada only.)