Author: Pam Bachorz
Genre: YA science-fiction, fantasy
Published: December 14th 2010
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Pages: 272
Source: Purchased Paperback
Available at: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Jacket Summary:
The town of Candor, Florida, is perfect.
Teens respect their elders, do their chores, and enjoy homework. But being a Candor resident comes with a steep price rag – succumbing to the subliminal messages that control every action.
Oscar Banks, son of the town’s founder, is the perfect Candor teen: class president and top student. But it’s all a cover. He knows Candor’s secret, and how to get select kids out – for a price.
But when Nia moves to town, Oscar is smitten by her – and her ability to see through his disguise. He can’t stand to see her changed by the Messages. Now he must decide: help Nia escape from Candor and risk losing her forever, or keep her close and risk exposure.
My Rating of this Book – 4 out of 5 Stars
My Review:
Candor was a thrilling novel that kept me at the edge of my seat. The suspense was amazing, and the concept was horrifying. This novel brings up several social norms and values, each one being similar to something I heard during my life: “The great are never late;” “Respectful space in every place;” “Academics are the key to success.” Innocent enough, right? That’s what I loved. In this town, things are really not what they seem. And it actually makes you wonder, “What if?” What if you had no choice? What if you were forced to conform? These thoughts sent shivers through me while I read Candor. A perfect town? Brainwashed teens? Losing one’s identity? It’s my perfect nightmare, which is why it hooked me into the plot in the first place.
And that’s also why I love Oscar and Nia. They were the sore thumb that stuck out in this town. Oscar is a great main character. You can slip right into his head: see what he sees, feel what he feels. I felt for him throughout the entire novel as he tries to protect not only himself, but Nia as well. As for Nia, I loved her rebellious behavior. Her attitude was spicy, always looking for trouble. She and Oscar were a perfect fit, and the romance between them was just heartwarming.
There was really only thing that disappointed me. For a book with such thrills and chills, there was absolutely no mystery to how the book was going to end. No surprising twists. No unexpected turn of events. It ended just as I figured it would. However, it did not take away from the fact that it was a good read.
Kelsey Ketch 