Latest Read: Crewel

Here are the basics ...
Book: Crewel (Crewel World #1)
Author: Gennifer Albin
Site: http://genniferalbin.com/
Category: Young Adult - Dystopian

Summary: Adelice Lewys is gifted with the ability to weave time with matter. She’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested. Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her — tonight. And once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back. (Adapted from Goodreads.com) 

[Note: ARC c/o BEA! Book officially available October 16, 2012!]

My thoughts…

The good:  This was definitely one of the more creative dystopian fiction novels that I've read.  It's part dystopian and part science fiction mixed in with some heavy influences from The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.  I liked this whole notion of women being chosen to weave time, matter and basically life (although - couldn't they have had a more pleasant sounding title than Spinsters? Just saying!).  Spinsters are portrayed as being beautiful women living an ultra-glamorous life but we, through the eyes of Adelice, quickly learn that it's not all it's cracked up to be.  Adelice is pretty much clueless about the life she's been (literally) thrown into but she knows she doesn't want it.  I enjoyed her feistiness (when she showed it) and slow discovery of her own skill.  There's also a bit of a love triangle going on but it's pretty clear from the start who's the one for her.  Eventually, the book takes a very interesting turn and ends on a note that I didn't see coming. So, I have no idea what to expect from the next novel! But I consider that a good thing.

The bad:  It's a slow moving book and there are lots of secrets that we don't get answers to until later.  I think it might've been worth it to explain more things sooner; to give Adelice more time to take action.  As much as I enjoyed the spark in her character, I feel like she didn't really come into her own until she realized what she needed to do.  And once she start making decisions, then the book really picked up.

Do I recommend?:  If you're a fan of dystopian fiction, creative world-building and strong feminist themes - I think it's an enjoyable read and worth picking up.

Happy reading!