XVI by Julia Karr

XVI by Julia Karr

Release Date: January 6, 2011
Publisher: Speak

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 272
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis: 

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.

XVI is a very well-written 2011 debut novel. I really enjoyed this book! I'm not really a science fiction fan but I'm glad I decided to read this book.  It's set in a futuristic time period in 2150 where being sixteen means you're legal and ready for sex. What?! It's scary to think about living in a world like that. I am turning 16 in a couple of months and I agree with Nina's point of view in this society 100%


The plot was very strong and consistent, I read this book in one sitting. I was confused a bit in the beginning by the new futuristic words that were used but by the middle I was catching on. 


I'm not sure if this will be a series but there is is definitely potential for one. The ending was really great on its own, but i think there were still some questions left open.


Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book and I think it was a really good choice for my first debut novel of the year.