ARC Review & Giveaway: State of Grace by Hilary Badger

Sunday 14 September 2014

State of Grace by Hilary Badger
Released: 24th September 2014
Published by: Hardie Grant Egmont
Genre: YA Utopian/Dystopian
Source: Publisher
Pages: 294
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Goodreads | Bookworld | Book Depository
Ever since she was created, Wren has lived in an idyllic garden with her friends. Wren's deity Dot ensures the trees are laden with fruit and the water in the lagoon is crystal clear. Wren and her friends have everything they could possibly need right there, in Dot's Paradise. If only Wren could stop the strange, disturbing visions she's started having. Do these visions make her less worthy of Dot's love? And what does Blaze, the most beautiful and mysterious of Dot's creations, know about what's going on in Wren's head?

Wren is desperate to feel Dot's love, just like everyone else. But that's harder than ever when a creation she's never met before arrives in the garden. He claims to be from outside and brings with him words and ideas that make Wren's brain hurt. Gradually Wren and Blaze uncover the truth: they're part of a clinical trial of an ominous drug called Grace. And as she deals with this disturbing knowledge, Wren confronts a horrific secret from her past.

Now she must decide whether to return to the comforting delusion of faith or fight for the right to face the very ugly truth.
Thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

These days we're all hearing about the dystopian novels that have been dominating the shelves. Offering something very different, Hilary Badger's YA debut subverts the genre to present a world which seems at first to be utopian in nature until some of its inhabitants begin to question everything they knew. 'State of Grace' is an intriguing, creepy and enticing read of a Wren's struggle to either remain in an artificial state of bliss or come back to her own reality where there are harsh truths to be learned. 

I start thinking about completion night, how if I show Dot I'm a good believer, then I might be one of her chosen ones. And obviously I want to be chosen. I want it more than anyone has wanted anything.

The first thing that I really loved about this novel was the great worldbuilding. In the beginning you're thrown into this modern variation of the 'Garden of Eden' where the elusive 'Dot' is treated as a god by the people in creation. There are the 'Books of Dot' that dictates how the teens in this world live, as well as things being described as 'dotly' or 'predotly' depending on whether they are seen as right or wrong. Reading this in some areas was reminiscent of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley regarding the subtle conditioning and unwavering belief that their world is a perfect one. People can 'hook up' with whoever they want and are given a purpose by picking the 'newfruit' on a daily basis. There was an underlying eerie tone though, which makes you realise that being 'dotly' doesn't necessarily mean happiness for all. What the author did so well was to explain all of this in a way that didn't detract from the story itself. Instead of having a possible information overload, I was immersed into the story and the setting which lies under the guise of a utopian state. 

All I  can say is, it's hard reshaping everything you believe. Even when you think you've done it, your old ideas have this habit of popping up to make you doubt yourself. 

The characters in 'State of Grace' are fascinatingly complex, especially considering the situation that they're in. We learn about Wren's inner turmoil over wanting to believe what she knows or defying the rules of her seemingly blissful imprisonment. Her friend Fern, the fanatic Gil and of course the enigmatic Blaze all have their own roles to play in the novel which shift over time. Wanting to find out what could possibly happen next to the characters when new twists came along made this book addictive and enjoyable, especially when it shifts focus to a version of our own society in the not too distant future. 


FINAL THOUGHTS

'State of Grace' is a riveting read that turns the dystopian craze on its head. I can honestly say it is a refreshing novel unlike anything I have read before in this genre. With a seemingly utopic premise, well developed characters and an enthralling plot; this is one you won't want to miss.






22 comments :

  1. This sounds AWESOME. I love the flowers on the cover :) and a "utopian" society that turns out to be something else? That's cool. I love the idea of a modern Garden of Eden. Just really appeals to me. As for my ideal utopia...endless time to read books :) also endless chocolate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds like an awesome world to me! Books + chocolate = awesomness :p

      Delete
  2. This does sound pretty good, and I really like the concept behind it. So happy about the world building too, a book like this would definitely benefit from good world building so it's nice to know that's the case. Glad you liked it, and congrats on your own blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Alise :) Yep, worldbuilding definitely plays a huge part in novels like these to bring the story together.

      Delete
  3. This sounds absolutely awesome! I LOVE dystopians, but I am getting a little tired of the same old same old. But this?! Very unique. And the cover is kind of catchy too since it's so unusual. I always love complex characters so gah! What am I waiting for?!! *adds on Goodreads*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right? Dystopians after a while can seem to go by the same 'formula' at times, and it was so nice to read something that took a whole new spin on the genre!

      Delete
  4. Oh my, this sounds awesome. I'm usually fairly hesitant about reading dystopia books nowadays--they just all seem to be so similar to each other, and don't bring many new things to the genre, so it's wonderful to see a book that's not like that. And I'm completely in love with that cover. <3 Awesome review, I'll definitely be checking this one out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The cover definitely stands out on a shelf for sure! Thanks for stopping by Kara :)

      Delete
  5. Wow, something that hasn't been done before in the dystopian world? That sounds pretty unique. I am loving your new blog Genie, it is beautiful! Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jeann! It's so nice to have a refreshing change in these types of stories.

      Delete
  6. Excellent, excellent review. Doesn't sound like my piece of pie but it does sound well-written. Glad you liked this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Steph :) It probably isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I'm glad that it worked for me!

      Delete
  7. Omgosh, when did you start your own book blog? :D I love the layout!!

    This book really reminds me of The Giver, since I just watched it yesterday. The utopian society has a lot of similarities, and I can also see the similarities you've drawn with Brave New World. So glad you enjoyed this one, it sounds like a cool premise! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been in the works for a while, but I only just released it on Sunday so it's all brand new! :)
      I've been meaning to see The Giver, and I think now that you mention it it'd be interesting to see if there are any overlaps with this book.

      Delete
  8. This sounds awesome, I think it's about time the dystopian genre got shaken up by something different! As much as I love them, it's time for something new and original and State of Grace sounds just like what I'm looking for! Can't wait to read this one. And my ideal utopia? Would just be one big library! Maybe combined with a stable? Haha better not dream too much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've got to agree with you there - to be honest anything bookish related for me would represent a perfect world :) Hope you get to read this one, it certainly offers something out of the ordinary!

      Delete
  9. I can't wait to read this one, it sounds so incredibly different to anything else out there. I love the premise of the utopian society, it's a bit like living in the garden of Eden and having a stranger come in and tell them a few home truths. I love how well developed even the secondary characters are. Awesome review poppet, really excited for this one <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly, and it was definitely something refreshing and different in many ways. It's always good to have the secondary characters have some depth as well as the protagonist, which was also a good sign. Thanks for stopping by Kelly! <3

      Delete
  10. Wonderful Eugenia! I haven't heard of this book before, but after reading your review, it's definitely going on my TBR! Thanks for the giveaway as well. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome Ebony, hope you get to read it :)

      Delete
  11. Love the new blog, it is so pretty.
    This books sounds pretty good, thanks for the chance to win it.
    A perfect Utopian world for me would be that reading was considered one of the most important things and you could take time out from work or whatever whenever you wanted just to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rochelle and you're welcome :) Reading would definitely be important, especially if we could actually have more time to do it!

      Delete

Feel free to leave a comment below - I love reading them!