Stung
By: Bethany Wiggins
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Genre: Distopian YA
Rating:
There is no cure for being stung.
Fiona doesn’t remember going to sleep. But when she opens her eyes, she discovers her entire world has been altered—her house is abandoned and broken, and the entire neighborhood is barren and dead. Even stranger is the tattoo on her right hand—a black oval with five marks on either side—that she doesn’t remember getting but somehow knows she must cover at any cost. She’s right.
Those bearing the tattoo have turned into mindless, violent beasts that roam the streets and sewers, preying upon the unbranded while a select few live protected inside a fortress-like wall, their lives devoted to rebuilding society and killing all who bear the mark.
Now Fiona has awakened branded, alone—and on the wrong side of the wall.
Could you imagine going to sleep when you’re 13 and waking up at 17? Well that’s what happens to Fiona. Not only does she wake up 4 years later but everything is different. Her house is a wreck, her family is missing and the world outside her house is desolate.
I liked how the author doesn’t give us the background story of what’s going on, up front. Instead, we uncover things right along side Fiona. Like why there are people out there who are like zombies. What turned them into the mindless killers that they’ve so clearly become? I liked that everything that takes place in the story has a purpose and by the time you get to the end you sit back and think “So that’s what happened!”.
Even though Fiona seemed quite immature at times, you have to remember, she has the mindset of a 13 year old. She never had those 4 years to grow and develop. So of course her reactions to certain things will be that of a child. At first I thought I might have problems with the hero of the story due to how he treats Fiona. However, I slowly softened up to him and realize that even though I may not know why he’s so high strung, he’s been in this world of death and decay for 4 years. Then as the story progresses, you find out more of what’s going on, and it all sort of makes sense.
This was definitely a fun read. I think it’s perfect as just a stand alone novel but the ending is left open like the there might be another book in the works. I hope not though, because I think that this is perfect just the way it is.
“I would rather die a thousand times at your hands than see you captured. Even if you eat my heart. Because you already own it.” -Bowen
I haven’t read this book, but it looks pretty intense. I think this is another book that’s going to be in my TBR pile 🙂
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I think your review is fair. That is great quote btw, one of my favorites from the book.
Wow love the quote I have seen some great things about this book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Great review.
Thank you! This is a great review.