In a society banned together by fear lies Bliss Creek, the perfect example of what can be accomplished if everyone simply complies with the social contract, the details of which are dictated by people they cannot see, who were elected by votes they did not cast, and all the questions these issues raise remain unasked. The fear stems from attacks that are constant and always on the outside of the walls, where the zoneless meet their fate for all to see on the never-ending news broadcasts. The area protected by Branch's army, called the Zones, is an ever-changing expanse depending on the cooperation provided by the people within. Bliss Creek is in the center of Zone 8, claimed to be the safest of all the Zones, or, perhaps, the most cooperative.
Iz is a 17-year-old girl who wakes up in a hospital bed just outside of Bliss Creek, completely void of any memories. Making her way home and into her life, she has a constant wariness following her. In her home, there is no evidence of her having ever lived there, no pictures, no notes, no nick knacks. While her parents dote on her, and appear to love her, she continues to be haunted by the scraps of hidden clues she finds in her house, and in the dark recesses of her mind, indicating that things are not as they seem. These niggling little remnants of the past coupled with the strangeness of life in Bliss Creek make it difficult for Iz to accept the status quo.
The choice to pursue a seemingly fruitless search into who she once was, where she came from, and why life in this sleepy little zone appears so inauthentic, or to simply continue in the safe, quiet existence she currently leads, is a constant internal battle for Iz. Will she decide to pursue the truth as to who she really is, or quietly live out her days as the person they all want her to be?
This is one of my new favorites. I read it in one day! It reminds me of The Hunger Games series. Bliss Creek is set in a dystopian period, and the world is divided into zones. Most people live peacefully in zones with a group of individual rebels fighting with the zones. The story is a mystery of what happened to Iz wrapped into her unfolding love story. AL Willingham writes so descriptively she makes me feel like I am Iz, and gives me get a visual picture of the setting. I love Iz and I am very protective of her. I want to I can't wait to see the rest of the books. AL please publish more!!!
Debi Burrows
This book hooked me right away. A great dystopian story which kept me rooting for Iz to figure what had happened to her so I could know too. Looking forward to the next one.
Grayson Weithman
The author really has a way of painting a picture. I felt like I knew and could relate to Iz, the main character, from the first page. I can't wait to see what comes next! Definitely recommend!!!
Melissa Duffy
This book grasped my attention from the first page to the last page. Enjoyed the storyline. Looking forward to book 2.
Cassandra Parks