The Only Boy
Jordan Locke
Publication date: December 17th 2013
Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult
Mary is stuck in Section One, living with three hundred women in a crumbling hospital. She wonders what life was like two centuries ago, before the Cleansing wiped out all the men. But the rules—the Matriarch’s senseless rules—prevent her from exploring the vacant city to find out.
Taylor’s got a dangerous secret: he’s a boy. His compound’s been destroyed, and he’s been relocated to Section One. Living under the Matriarch means giving up possessions, eating canned food and avoiding all physical contact. Baggy clothes hide his flat chest and skinny legs, but if anyone discovers what lies beneath, he’ll be exiled. Maybe even executed.
Mary’s never seen a boy—the Matriarch cut the pictures of men from the textbooks—and she doesn’t suspect Taylor’s secret. If she knew, she might understand the need to stop the girls from teasing him. If she knew, she might realize why she breaks the rules, just to be near him. Then again, she might be frightened to death of him.
Taylor should go. The Matriarch is watching his every move. But running means leaving Mary—and braving the land beyond the compound’s boundaries.
REVIEW
Wow! This book was exciting and so different from what I was expecting.
I will admit that I didn't really read the blurb ( I hate reading blurbs because sometimes they give too much away ) and I'm actually glad I didn't, because it allowed me to find the little gems that were placed throughout this book, and to enjoy every second without knowing exactly what was around the next corner.
I'm not a huge fan of Dystopian fiction, but I have to say that most of the books in this genre that I have had the pleasure of reading have been amazing and this one ranks right there among my favorite.
Rich, clean and crisp - the writing was superb. I felt like I was right there with the characters as they struggled in a world full or rules and deception. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea of a disease that wiped out most of every living thing on this planet, except for the female species. It certainly was enthralling. This book is filled with a number of exciting characters, some endearing, others I loved to hate.
But, as entertaining as this book was, it also held strong message. It showed the lengths humans are willing to go to for survival, but also our selfishness and self-righteousness.
This story was fascinating and thrilling. Fans of David Estes' Dwellers and Country Sagas will absolutely love this story. A great read.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jordan Locke lives in Connecticut with his wife, two lively daughters and a well-behaved whippet. A graphic designer by trade, his creativity spilled over into the literary world. After years of writing, reading and learning the craft, his fifth novel, The Only Boy, brought him offers of representation from two well-known agents. Now, after the dog is fed and the kids are in bed, you will find him tapping away at the keyboard.
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