Reviewed by Allison Fraclose for TeensReadToo.com
Every 15-year-old in the walled city of Noveskina is about to take part in Demonstration Day...except Miri. Unlike Eris, with the power to fly, and her best friend, Jalene, who can tell the most incredible stories, Miri has not developed a Talent. Jalene swears that their friendship will not change on the day of their Masking, when they will officially become adults of Noveskina and bonded with the rest of their age-mates, but Miri isn't so sure. If she doesn't find her Talent, she will be doomed to a life in the lower classes, bringing shame on her family of Important Officials. In this city, where voices are regulated by the Mask you wear, she may lose all privilege to speak her mind.
As Masking Day arrives and Miri still has not found her Talent, her parents force their decision on her, but Miri is determined to keep her friendships alive. When she witnesses parts of a secret ritual, Miri finds herself on the run, expelled from the life she knew and the people she loves. Suddenly, more is on her shoulders than her place in society, while she discovers much more about her world than she was ever allowed to know.
I loved the imagery throughout this book, and was entranced with the workings of Miri's world. Throughout it all, Miri's trials are sure to resonant with most anyone who has ever struggled to live up to their promised potential. This story breathes with a rich harmony that leaves the reader captivated up until the last page.
Every 15-year-old in the walled city of Noveskina is about to take part in Demonstration Day...except Miri. Unlike Eris, with the power to fly, and her best friend, Jalene, who can tell the most incredible stories, Miri has not developed a Talent. Jalene swears that their friendship will not change on the day of their Masking, when they will officially become adults of Noveskina and bonded with the rest of their age-mates, but Miri isn't so sure. If she doesn't find her Talent, she will be doomed to a life in the lower classes, bringing shame on her family of Important Officials. In this city, where voices are regulated by the Mask you wear, she may lose all privilege to speak her mind.
As Masking Day arrives and Miri still has not found her Talent, her parents force their decision on her, but Miri is determined to keep her friendships alive. When she witnesses parts of a secret ritual, Miri finds herself on the run, expelled from the life she knew and the people she loves. Suddenly, more is on her shoulders than her place in society, while she discovers much more about her world than she was ever allowed to know.
I loved the imagery throughout this book, and was entranced with the workings of Miri's world. Throughout it all, Miri's trials are sure to resonant with most anyone who has ever struggled to live up to their promised potential. This story breathes with a rich harmony that leaves the reader captivated up until the last page.
