The Line by Teri Hall – Review

Synopsis via goodreads:

An invisible, uncrossable physical barrier encloses the Unified States. The Line is the part of the border that lopped off part of the country, dooming the inhabitants to an unknown fate when the enemy used a banned weapon. It’s said that bizarre creatures and superhumans live on the other side, in Away. Nobody except tough old Ms. Moore would ever live next to the Line.

Nobody but Rachel and her mother, who went to live there after Rachel’s dad died in the last war. It’s a safe, quiet life. Until Rachel finds a mysterious recorded message that can only have come from Away. The voice is asking for help.

Who sent the message? Why is her mother so protective? And to what lengths is Rachel willing to go in order to do what she thinks is right?

First off, I have to say I don't think I am a fan of dystopian novels, honestly there's only been one I really REALLY enjoyed and that was The Maze, other's I have tried well, I just don't think they are my "thing." That being said, The Line was one, that when I read the synopsis, I just knew it was one I wanted to dive into, as soon as I could – so I preordered it! Amazingly, it arrived yesterday, luckily I was just finishing up The Body Finder so I was able to pick it up right away.

The Line is a quick read, and in the beginning I felt it dragged a bit, I know that being a first novel and with it being a dystopian, some slowness is to be expected. I totally understand the author desires to introduce us into the story gradually, which Teri Hall did a nice job at.. I can say I was never "lost" with in the story, however I will say I was a touch board, and wondered if I was wrong about my initial feelings, after reading the synopsis.

Thankfully, I had patience and it paid off, in a BIG way!

I enjoyed Rachel's character – though she felt a bit naive at times, I believe that had a lot to do with how and where she was brought up. She seemed to grow a lot in the span of the novel, which I enjoyed watching – and in the end she became quite brave!

That being said, I felt a bit disconnected from the other characters. Rachel's mom as well as Ms. Moore. It was also weird that Rachel called her mom both mom and Vivian, I thought at first maybe it was just there culture that the children referred to there parents by there first names, but then she would switch and call her mom. She also referred to her dad as dad, not Daniel – so that left me a bit puzzled. I just had to wonder, why? I felt very much like Rachel loved and respected her mom, so it just left me puzzled.

The premise of The Line is excellent as well as unique. My interests are very "peeked" and I can't wait to see what happens next and to learn more about "Away" as well as discover some of the hidden secrets which Rachel's mom has been hiding from her for so long. I can only hope that Away (The Line #2) offers some answers, the name itself leads me to believe it will.

Honestly, I don't want to say to much more about this novel, it's a bit hard to review, since the part I want to talk about most (the end), is the part I can't talk about because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. The ending is well I can only say it rocked my socks off...in a WOW kind of way!

Bottom Line – A uniquely intriguing, start I was both excited and captivated by the plot and the characters, I can NOT wait to see where this story will take us...and to find out what happens next. Teri Hall has a one of a kind, writing style with an unmatched plot line...now if 2011 was next month I could say I was a happier girl, but...as such, they say patience is a virtue, though I am not sure I want to be THAT virtuous. I give The Line 3 mushrooms and am VERY excited, and trying to be patient while awaiting the sequel Away, due out in 2011.

I am also very excited to add another dystopian novel to my list of "likes."

The Line
Written by: Teri Hall
220 Pages
Published: March 4, 2010
Publisher: Dial