Slated by Teri Terry

Brief Summary:
Kyla’s memory has been erased,
her personality wiped blank,
her memories lost for ever.

She’s been Slated.

The government claims she was a terrorist and that they are giving her a second chance - as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla’s mind. Someone is lying to her, and nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust in her search for the truth?


Positive Content:
Kyla is an innocent, sweet character who easily springs off the page.  You can't completely relate to her - given her situation, with her memory being wiped and all - but, by the end of the book, she feels like a friend.

She may have been a terrorist in the past, but she certainly isn't inclined to violence now.  She does make mistakes, but she's not evil at heart.  She has a kind, gentle heart, even though she really doesn't know who she is.


Possible Objectionable Content:
There isn't a lot of bad content, but the idea of having terrorists having their memory wiped can be a little bit scary at times. This book has a bit of a psychological thriller element, so there are a few themes that require thought.  For that reason, this book would be better for older ages who can process what they think about how the government treats teenage terrorists.  Is their system of Slating a good one?  It's definitely an idea that takes thought.
Kyla breaks the rules of her foster family a few times and also lies to the authorities.  In a nightmare, she has visions of a man smashing her fingers with bricks.  There are multiple mentions of violence, but Kyla doesn't get involved in fights.
Two characters have a friendship which turns into a romantic relationship, but it's innocent and sweet.  Kyla's older sister often sneaks out with a boy who her parents don't approve of, and use Kyla to cover for them.

Conclusion:
This series doesn't get near enough popular acclaim. Kyla is one of the strongest heroines out there in modern young adult fiction.  Even with having no memory, she has so many different layers to her.  She's strong.  She's sweet.  She's innocent.  She doesn't fit into any one stereotype, unlike many other YA characters.  The way she navigated herself through this story wasn't forced at all.  It was natural.  

And the writing was incredible. It pulled me in and kept me hooked for the entire 300 pages.  There weren't many dull moments.  When Kyla has a few glimpses into her past, the dreams and flashbacks weren't boring and irrelevant. They gave snippets of information, revealing just enough to explain parts, while also leaving mystery. I couldn't say enough praise about the way this story was structured and written.

The cliffhanger at the end was agonizing, but promising.  I didn't like the cliffhanger - at all - but I think my main disappointment was that this book had to end. It was one of the best, most creative things I've ever read.


Rating: 10/10
Recommended Age: 14+
Genre: Dystopian/Thriller
Part of a series?: Slated series, book one.