Katie Kacvinsky released a sequel to her dystopian novel, Awaken, called Middle Ground. Since I liked its predecessor (until its-non-ending), I got this book and finished reading it today.
This story takes place almost immediately after the events of its predecessor. Maddie is supposed to be keeping a low profile, since she is technically supposed to be in a detention center. Of curse, this proves impossible for our rebellious heroine, because almost as soon as the book begins, we find her causing a ruckus in a virtual dance club in L.A. and nearly getting arrested. And guess who had already been there? Justin.
Maddie isn't immediately arrested, but the very next day, Damon, her probation officer, comes to her brother's apartment, where she is staying while she's in California, and takes her to the local detention center. What is supposedly a rehabilitation clinic, detention centers end up being torture centers. I refuse to describe exactly how this is, because it is so disturbing one has to read it for themselves to actually believe it.
I still liked this book, but not nearly as much as its predecessor, mainly because of the scenes in the detention center. Just the same, it had added morals to its overall theme: live. Now it's: live, and stay strong.
I can't decide which dystopian government has disturbed me the most: The government in The Giver, Matched, or this series- all have their ways of manipulating people to their ideals so they can be controlled easier. I guess that's part of why these stories have so much appeal- everyone loves to hate them.
Again, this series has seemed to have less to do with rebelling over abuse of technology, and more to do with Justin and Maddie's relationship. Not that I don't LOVE Justin and wish I had one for myself, but I would appreciate it if the content of a book actually followed its official plot.
As seems cliche for this genre, the story didn't end: it stopped, leaving it open for a potential sequel. This ANNOYS ME to no end! I want to know the resolution of THIS BOOK'S CONFLICT in THIS BOOK, NOT the sequel which is creepier than its predecessor.
Sorry if I'm ranting, this is just my opinion. This book is good, and it's another one of those books I recommend, but at the same time don't recommend
