Book Review: Recruitment (The Resistance Trilogy Book 1) by A.K. DuBoff
It’s not often that a book’s premise pulls me in from the very first page, but Recruitment had me at "assigned birthday." The clever idea of everyone in a dystopian world celebrating their birthday on the same day certainly piqued my curiosity. A.K. DuBoff’s debut in The Resistance Trilogy combines a gripping storyline with rich character development, and what a ride it is!
The novel centers around Kress, a sixteen-year-old girl on the cusp of turning seventeen, the age when the ominous Recruiters come calling. From the get-go, the stakes are high; in Valta, reaching this age signals the end of childhood and the beginning of an uncertain fate. Will Kress lose her life and sense of self in an oppressive regime, or will she find a way to resist? The tension in DuBoff’s writing is palpable, allowing readers to feel Kress’s anxiety about the impending day.
What struck me most about Recruitment is Kress’s vulnerability interwoven with her resilience. As she navigates the intricacies of training with her best friend, Cardyn, and the enigmatic Brohn, a boy she both admires and fears, DuBoff masterfully explores themes of friendship, trust, and the quest for identity amid chaos. Each character brings their unique flair to the narrative: Cardyn’s unwavering loyalty and Brohn’s complex persona kept me on the edge of my seat.
The pacing is spot-on, with adrenaline-pumping training montages juxtaposed against quieter moments of self-doubt and introspection. DuBoff has a knack for crafting vivid imagery—one moment, I was glued to the tension of hand-to-hand combat drills, and the next, I was enveloped in Kress’s yearning for her lost connection with her raven, Render. The training becomes a metaphor for Kress’s fight not only against the enemy but against the confines of a world that attempts to mold her destiny.
I found myself highlighting passages that echoed long after I closed the book. One particularly resonant line—“In training, we become the weapons of our own liberation”—struck me as a powerful reminder of self-agency, even in dark times. It invites readers to consider how we might harness our inner strength to challenge external forces.
As I navigated Kress’s world, I felt a beautiful mix of anticipation and dread, reminiscent of my favorite moments in The Hunger Games and Divergent. For readers who enjoy dystopian narratives filled with action, intrigue, and a splash of romance, Recruitment is sure to offer an exhilarating experience.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Recruitment to anyone searching for a compelling escape into a tightly woven dystopian adventure. A.K. DuBoff’s storytelling not only captivates but also prompts us to question our own powers against societal constraints. Its vivid characters and intricate world-building will linger in your thoughts long after you turn the last page. Whether you’re a seasoned dystopian enthusiast or new to the genre, there’s something in this book that will resonate with you deeply. Trust me; you won’t want to miss it!
You can find Recruitment (The Resistance Trilogy Book 1) here >>