Review: ANOMALY / by Krista McGee

Anomaly / by Krista McGee
Thomas Nelson  ISBN 9781401688721
HS (MS)     Grades 8-12   Rating: 5

Krista McGee, author of several young adult contemporary novels, tries her hand at young adult dystopian fiction. She creates a future world where nuclear war survivors live below ground. Scientists engineer life so emotions and sickness are eliminated, making everyone the same. Thalli, however, asks questions and feels emotions acutely, making her an anomality in a world where being different carries a death sentence.

In Anomaly, Thalli manages to keep her emotions hidden until she experiences a piece of ancient music. So she is scheduled to die. A childhood friend and scientist in training, Berk manages to delay her execution with the excuse of using her to further scientific studies. Thalli meets a man who tells her about the Designer who created all life. The head scientist sets up an elaborate ruse to simulate life above ground and uses her relationship with Berk to force them to make decisions. Thalli must figure out who to trust and what her purpose is in this world.

McGee does an excellent job of creating a plausible, futuristic world. Anomaly is both plot-and character driven, with characters one cares about. The plot twists were incredible and the ending was unexpected. The faith element is integrated and well-done, as Thalli learns about the Designer. Fans of science fiction and Christian fiction, will welcome this series.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thanks to the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

Carol R. Gehringer