Review for "Fire Country (The country saga)" by David Estes

Synopsis:

In a changed world where the sky bleeds red, winter is hotter than hell and full of sandstorms, and summer's even hotter with raging fires that roam the desert-like country, the Heaters manage to survive, barely.

Due to toxic air, life expectancies are so low the only way the tribe can survive is by forcing women to procreate when they turn sixteen and every three years thereafter. It is their duty as Bearers.

Fifteen-year-old Siena is a Youngling, soon to be a Bearer, when she starts hearing rumors of another tribe of all women, called the Wild Ones. They are known to kidnap Youngling girls before the Call, the ceremony in which Bearers are given a husband with whom to bear children with.

As the desert sands run out on her life's hourglass, Siena must uncover the truth about the Wild Ones while untangling the web of lies and deceit her father has masterfully spun.

My Review:

4 star rating
*I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

Dystopian is quickly becoming a favorite genre of mine and David Estes has made his way onto my favorite author's list. Estes weaves an interesting story with strong, likable characters, a great easy to follow storyline and an amazing plot with some exciting twists. I really enjoyed how Sienna, the main character, grew from a somewhat weak, follower to a brave individual. She had me routing for her the whole time, while experiencing so many different emotions. I also like how the author created separate countries within one big country and how each country had distinct characteristics and dialect. The only issue I had with the story was the Fire Country "slang." It took me awhile to figure out what some words meant. I felt that it would have been useful to have a reference guide in the beginning. It didn't ruin the story for me, it just made me a little confused at first. I can't wait to read the rest of the "Country Saga" to see what happens. If you like Dystopian books you should give "Fire Country" a try.