Title: The Choosing
Author: Rachelle Dekker
First published May 19, 2015
464 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781496402240 (ISBN10: 1496402243)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
In a world where being Chosen is everything, Aurora knows failure is not an option. But when her Choosing ceremony goes awry, she finds herself stripped of her privileged life and forced into a menial existence as a Scrub.
As she navigates this new reality, Aurora begins to question the Authority and their teachings. When rumors of a rebellion surface, Aurora is torn between her loyalty to the Authority and her growing doubts.
But when she’s offered a chance at a better life, Aurora can’t help but wonder if it’s too good to be true. With danger lurking at every turn and the threat of corruption at the highest levels, Aurora must decide who to trust and how far she’s willing to go to uncover the truth.
About the Author
Rachelle Dekker, daughter of acclaimed author Ted Dekker, has always sought to uncover truth through the power of storytelling. After completing her studies in communications, she spent several years working in marketing and corporate recruitment before making the bold decision to pursue writing as a full-time career.
Rachelle currently resides in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their feline companion, Blair, who is quite the diva. To learn more about Rachelle and her work, visit her website at www.rachelledekker.com.
Editoral Review
Rachelle Dekker’s debut novel, The Choosing, offers readers a glimpse into a dystopian society filled with rigid social hierarchies and the struggle for personal freedom. Published in 2015, The Choosing centers around the character of Carrington Hale, as she undergoes the rigorous selection process designed to determine one’s life path, a process that will ultimately determine her fate.
Dekker expertly paints a picture of a world where every individual is expected to adhere to their assigned life path with blind devotion, regardless of personal preference or passion. As a result, the society in which Carrington lives is tightly controlled, and variations from the norm are punished harshly.
However, Carrington’s dreams take her on a journey of self-discovery, and she ultimately ends up on a path filled with danger and uncertainty. The Choosing provides a thought-provoking exploration of themes of identity, societal conformity, and the universal search for meaning in life.
Dekker engages the reader with her vivid descriptions of a dystopian world, drawing them into her characters’ struggles, hopes, and fears. The characters in The Choosing are complex and multi-dimensional, with Carrington and Remko Brant at the core of the story, and their relationship adds a compelling layer of tension to the narrative.
Overall, The Choosing is a well-crafted novel with striking imagery, excellent pacing, and a storyline that will captivate readers from the beginning to the end. However, the book’s primary limitation is its predictability – readers familiar with the dystopian genre may find themselves anticipating many twists and turns.
Despite its flaws, The Choosing is a must-read for fans of the dystopian genre. Its powerful message about the dangers of blind obedience, the importance of following one’s passions, and the pursuit of personal freedom make it a timely and relevant read that is perfect for our current era.
In conclusion, I would give The Choosing 4 out of 5 stars. Its strong character development, vivid imagery, and exploration of significant themes make it an excellent debut novel from Rachelle Dekker.
I would recommend this book to fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and other dystopian novels, as well as readers who enjoy exploring complex character relationships and the struggle for personal freedom.
