(book) Slated by Teri Terry

Synopsis:

Kyla’s memory has been erased,

her personality wiped blank,

her memories lost for ever.

She’s been Slated.

The government claims she was a terrorist, and that they are giving her a second chance - as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla’s mind. Someone is lying to her, and nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust in her search for the truth?

Review:

Clearly, I wouldn't miss a dystopian YA book. From the synopsis, the cover, and the premise - I'm hooked.

I have to separate this book into two different things, as I read it in two sittings and had different experiences reading different parts of the book. The first half was exhilarating, a wonderful feeling as if I were to ride a rollercoaster for the first time ever, not knowing the twists and turns and just enjoying the ride. The second half felt like riding the rollercoaster for the second and third time, still enjoyable and losing that oomph and wow factor.

I appreciated how the author managed to peel the layers of mystery one by one, building suspense through a practically unknown world of Slateds and Naturals. I loved finding out tidbits like why one was to be slated, that is, having his or her memory erased, as well as personality. Then we found out that this was set in London in mid 2000, and that there were Lorders (Law and Order Officials) to wipe off terrorism. One mystery after another, one interesting detail after another, and it was like this hide and seek cat mouse game that made me turn page after page, couldn't get there fast enough.

The characters are interesting. I like the main character best, Kyla. I also love how twisted everybody is - they are not what they seem. The mother, the father, the sister, the boyfriend, the frenemy, everyone has a unique and distinct back story that makes us not entirely convinced whether they are good or bad.

However, I was rather turned off by the slow pace after the first half. I also couldn't get a handle on Ben - who is Ben? What made him do the things he did and what happened next? The initial reasoning was not strong enough, in my opinion, and Ben became this shadow of the person described in the first half of the book. There is nothing more disappointing than a disappointing male lead.

That being said, I still look forward to the next book: Fractured. 80 more days!

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.