This lacks the power and intensity of Lois Lowry's The Giver (one of my all-time favorite adolescent novels!) but it's still a good read. Kira is a likeable and interesting character and she generates a great deal of sympathy from the reader. Her world is a futuristic one without technology. It is a deeply flawed society and, as always, has secrets that Kira can help to uncover. Kira has an adorable and funny side-kick in young Matt and his dog, Branch. This may not grip adolescents as quickly as The Giver, but it's a worthwhile read from a very talented author.