Reviewed by: Lindsey Megan Brown

Introduction

Title: The First Principle

Author: Marissa Shrock

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Publication Date: January 1, 2015

Format: Paperback

Length: 235 Pages

OVERVIEW

This dystopian futuristic young adult novel challenges the mind and soul of readers. In the future United Regions of North America, Vivica Wilkins appears to be a normal sixteen-year-old girl despite being the daughter of a governor. Even after she defends a pregnant girl in her school from being treated harshly by Population Management, Vivica believes in what the government tries to do. That is, until she finds out about her own pregnancy. Now, Vivica must decide to terminate or try to hide her pregnancy from her mother and the people who want her mother to become the next president.

Marissa Shrock mixes the struggle of teenage love, unexpected pregnancy, and on-the-run drama into one incredible book. Vivica’s perspectives on underage pregnancy, government conspiracies, and faith in God are in sharp contrast to the views of her mother. However, even the alliance of rebels Vivica aligns with puts pressure on her to conform to mob mentality. Being very young, Vivica’s own desires as a sixteen-year-old girl cause her to sway from maturity to fantasy and from optimism to defeatism. This page turner deals with many underage pregnancy problems and coming-of-age questions, while also keeping the reader wondering what will come next for Vivica and the youth revolution.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Teens

Christian Impact

Vivica’s perspectives on underage pregnancy, government conspiracies, and faith in God are tested.

Lindsey Megan Brown is a professional writing major at Taylor University and a freelance writer for Chruch Libraries and The Aboite Independent.

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