Title: A Want So Wicked
Author: Suzanne Young
First published June 26, 2012
282 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062008268 (ISBN10: 0062008269)
Rating: 3.99
Overview
Seventeen-year-old Elise wakes up one day with no memory of who she is, but that’s not the most bizarre thing that’s happening to her. Elise is suddenly able to see into the lives of complete strangers, and they’re warning her about the impending arrival of the Darkness.
Elise is torn between two guys, Abe, the bad boy who scares and attracts her, and the enigmatic Harlin, who seems to have a deep connection with her. As she tries to piece together her past, Elise discovers terrifying secrets about herself and the world around her.
Who is she really, and what role will she play in the coming Darkness?
About the Author
Meet Suzanne Young, a celebrated author whose novels, including The Program and The Treatment, have earned her a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. When she’s not writing, Suzanne is sharing her passion for literature with high school students in Tempe, Arizona.
She’s an avid book lover who can’t get enough of a good story. To learn more about Suzanne and her work, check out her website at www.suzanne-young.blogspot.com.
Editoral Review
In A Want So Wicked, Suzanne Young continues the thrilling journey of the previous book, The Program, with deeper emotions and intense action. Young is a New York Times bestselling author famous for her engaging young adult (YA) novels, and this one is no exception.
A Want So Wicked is a YA dystopian novel with themes of depression, loss, and love. It explores the consequences of The Program, which is a government-regulated therapy that erases the memory of teenagers to prevent suicide.
In this world, the main protagonist, Elsie, is battling the urge to get rid of all her memories after losing her love, Smith, to the therapy. Elsie would go to any extent to get her memories and love back, even if it means aligning with the people’s program.
Young has done a great job of creating characters that the readers can emphatically root for throughout the book. Elsie is relatable in many ways, especially when she is dealing with grief and loss.
The secondary characters, like Justin and Jim, also have depth and add to the richness of the story. The pacing of the book is spot-on, with twists and turns that keep the reader on their toes.
The world-building is well-crafted, and the writing is easy to follow, making it a quick read. However, the book has some limitations.
The scenes are at times repetitive, and some characters’ attitudes toward The Program are one-dimensional. Moreover, the themes of mental health could have been explored in more depth.
Overall, A Want So Wicked is an entertaining read with strong character development and a beautiful storyline. Fans of dystopian YA novels like The Maze Runner and The Hunger Games will find Young’s work appealing.
This book is great for teenagers and adults struggling with issues of grief, loss, and moving on, making it a fitting read for the current times. In conclusion, this book gets a rating of four out of five stars.
Young has crafted a beautiful story that will keep the reader enthralled until the end. Despite some limitations, this novel is worth reading, as it highlights the importance of memory and love in a world that often tries to numb our pain.
A Want So Wicked is a great addition to the dystopian YA genre, and we highly recommend it.
