XVI by Julia Karr

Karr's debut novel is a must read Dystopian novel.

It is dark, intriguing, exiting and wonderfully crafted. It takes place in the year 2150 in which all females at age 16 must be marked with a XVI tattoo on their wrist. This tattoo signifies that they are "ready" and "willing" to have sex. Society does not allow for free thinking, every conversation can be tracked and heard and if you still have the GPS implant you can easily be found.

The characters are strong and well developed. The storyline is fun and easy to follow, which makes for an enjoyable read. I expect and hope that the sequel will be just as entertaining.

Grade: A

Synopsis [B&N]

Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council–ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world–even the most predatory of men–that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina’s worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina’s mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past–one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.