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** spoiler alert ** This is more like a 2.5 for me. Strengths are great writing and interesting characters.

Unfortunately, this did not work as a dystopian for me. I think one of the biggest issues with writing to a trend is that the reader is always going to compare to the original and often superior trailblazer in the genre. I could not help but compare it to so many other great dystopians while reading this, where the technique and world building are so much better.

I felt the premise of love as a disease fell short, it just felt unrealistic and kind of juvenile. Love and passion are not just about romantic/sexual attraction. I don't buy that taking love out of a society is going to lead to a culture of controllable citizens, rather you will end up with a society of sociopaths who lack empathy and the ability to relate to others, with no motivation to do the things that make society liveable. Raising children simply out of duty with no affection or joy? The argument was not believable to me.

After that crazy cliff-hanger, I checked out reviews for book two and as I understand it, there is a love triangle to look forward to. That just seems so beneath this writer's talent, and frankly, love triangles have become an automatic do not read for me, with a few limited exceptions.