Book Review: Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony

Title: Restoring Harmony

Author: Joelle Anthony

# Of Pages: 320

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Publication Date: May 13, 2010

Level: Young Adult

Rating:  5 Hearts

Synopsis

(From Barnes&Noble.com)

The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse- one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities.

Molly is relieved to find her grandparents alive in their Portland suburb, but they’re financially ruined and practically starving. What should’ve been a quick trip turns into a full-fledged rescue mission. And when Molly witnesses something the local crime bosses wishes she hadn’t, Molly’s only way home may be to beat them at their own game. Luckily, there’s a handsome stranger who’s willing to help.

My Verdict

This is an awesome book that dystopian lovers are sure to enjoy! I have yet to see any reviews or anything about this book on the blogs I frequent, which is a shame because it’s a great book that I really enjoyed. I’m excited to be writing this review and spreading the word about it! I did read this like 4 months ago so forgive me if things are a little vague.

Author Joelle Anthony did a really good job at creating and describing this world of 2041 so that it was realistic and believable. 

The characters were easily likable and easy to connect with. When Molly’s family is afraid that her grandmother has passed, they decide that she must travel to the US, find her grandfather and bring him to Canada. Did I mention that her grandfather is a doctor and her mother is pregnant with no doctor on the island to deliver the baby? This trip just became so much more important. Molly is afraid to go on this journey but she is the only one in her family who can, so she pushes down her fears and does what she has to for the good of her family. I really liked Molly, she was very likable, determined, and full of heart.

As for the handsome stranger, otherwise known as Spill, he is so very crush worthy! For most of the book you don’t know what Spill’s job is, but you get the feeling it’s not good. But despite being tangled up in a pretty nasty web, he proves himself to be trustworthy and a great friend to Molly and her grandparents.

As the story goes on you can tell that Molly and Spill are developing feelings for each other, but we are left waiting till the last few pages for a kiss. I really liked how their relationship slowly deepened over the story.

Unlike most dystopian novels that are chock full of danger and adventure, this one is more on the tame side. Don’t get me wrong; there is excitement and danger, just not as intense as some of the more popular books out there right now.

Overall, this book had a nicely developed future world, and a great set of characters that you truly care about. I would recommend it to any dystopian fans.