The Unidentified by Rae Mariz

Title: The Unidentified 

Author: Rae Mariz

Pages: 304

Genre: YA/ Teen Dystopian

Source: Book It Forward ARC Tours

Kid knows her school’s corporate sponsors not-so-secretly monitor her friendships and activities for market research. It’s all a part of the Game; the alternative education system designed to use the addictive kick from video games to encourage academic learning. Everyday, a captive audience of students ages 13-17 enter the nationwide chain store-like Game locations to play.

When a group calling themselves The Unidentified simulates a suicide to protest the power structure of their school, Kid’s investigation into their pranks attracts unwanted attention from the sponsors. As Kid finds out she doesn't have rights to her ideas, her privacy, or identity, she and her friends look for a way to revolt in a place where all acts of rebellion are just spun into the next new ad campaign. [via GoodReads]

I truly loved this book.  I found it to be very unique.  Ms. Mariz creates a not-too-distant future that seems very credible.  I loved how the kids had their own way of talking and awesome gadgetry.  Although at first glance it appeared to be a story full of high school drama set within a futuristic setting, it instead ended up being a story with a much more deeper meaning. 

Imagine a world where standing out only leads to creating a trend.  Sponsors entice the students to create cliques.  If you're unique or trendy, this only means that some corporation will sponsor you (you'll be "branded") and therefore market you and your style out so that other kids can replicate it.  You're cool if you're branded and if you can't afford to make your own fashion statement, you're a nobody.  Kid is a nobody.  She hangs out with her friends, gets good grades and does what she must to avoid game over (expulsion).  But when a prank in school by a group calling themselves "The Unidentified" catches her attention, she finds that her investigative skills are put to the test.

This book is the extreme of what would happen if we let consumerism and materialism rule our lives.  It also makes you think back on how much we rely on social networks, the internet, computers and even our  phones.  I love how Ms. Mariz expertly blended typical YA topics (BFF's, cute boys, and even self-discovery) with technology and dystopian elements.  This really made for interesting reading.  Kid's voice drew me in from the start.  She had this loner aspect to her that I really looked up to - especially since she lives in a world where being a loner is not a good thing.

The Unidentified was unputdownable.  I loved the dystopian-ness of it and the unique storyline.  For fans of futuristic YA, dystopian goodness and a stay up late because you-can't-stop-until-you-finish-it read - this is one you'll want to pick up.

My Rating: