Review: Deviants by Maureen McGowan

Title: Deviants (The Dust Chronicles, #1)
Author: Maureen McGowan
Pages: 319
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Children's Books
Release Date: October 30, 2012

In a post-apocalyptic world, where the earth is buried by asteroid dust that’s mutated the DNA of some humans, orphaned, sixteen-year-old Glory must protect her younger brother and escape the domed city that’s been her entire world.

Outside in the ruins, they’re pursued by the authorities and by sadistic, scab-covered Shredders who are addicted to the lethal-to-humans dust now covering the planet. Glory’s quests to transport herself and her brother to safety make up the thrilling and fascinating first volume of The Dust Chronicles.

My Thoughts: Three years ago Glory's father murdered her mother and paralyzed her younger brother Drake. Her father turned out to be a Deviant, which are humans with powerful and usually dangerous abilities. He was thrown out of the domed city of Haven and perished in the hands of the Shredders, psychotic creatures that enjoy torturing and killing humans. Since then, Glory has been taking care of her brother in secret. Because after the death of their parents, Glory and Drake have discovered that they are Deviants as well. And Deviants aren't welcomed in Haven.

With its fast pace and intriguing setting, Deviants was a book I found myself easily getting sucked into. The story was unique, yet familiar at the same time. For instance, the people in charge of Haven aren't that different from other authority figures found in most post-apocalyptic novels. They are strict, controlling, and keeping many secrets from the citizens. But I think that's to be expected in a world that was nearly destroyed. What stood out for me in this book was the world outside Haven. The Deviants and Shredders and how they came to be. I can't get into much detail, otherwise it would be a spoiler, but I wasn't expecting some of the things that happened and were revealed in this book. It made some moments pretty shocking and exciting.

Then there's the main character Glory. She's a determined girl who basically had to grow up quickly and become the parent to her younger brother. I like that she loves Drake and will do anything and everything to protect him. I did get frustrated with her a lot though. She had a tendency to not trust people and jump to conclusions quickly. It made sense that she would be that way, considering the betrayal she felt after what her father did, but there were instances where I felt she could have sought out answers first. There's also some romance in this book, a bit of a love-triangle involving Glory and two very different guys. I'm normally not a fan of love-triangles; however, while I think it's obvious who Glory will end up with, it doesn't seem like it's going to be easy. I'm actually really curious how this one is going to work out.

Deviants was an adventurous and thrilling start to a new series. As I mentioned before, it was a fast-paced read and very easy to become pulled into the story. I recommend it to those who can't get enough of the post-apocalyptic and dystopia genres.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to Amazon Children's Publishing for the ARC!