State of Grace

Lord of the Flies dances merrily with disturbed dreams of a utopian society in Badger’s beautifully macabre take on the perfect world. Wren lives an ideal life filled with laughter, few responsibilities, and a clear set of rules delineated in the Books of Dot. Days are spent swimming and playing with friends; nights are spent hooking up or relaxing. Every need is met, every whim indulged—as long as all worship is given to the almighty, benevolent creator, Dot, and the rules are followed. The positive is prized, the negative hidden away in shame. Slowly, cracks appear in the facade—a look here, an unkind word there, and fuzzy memories that start shouting to make themselves heard. Along with Blaze, a fellow “creation,” Wren begins to question all she’s ever known until all she can think of is escape. Masterfully subtle and detailed descriptions guide readers through a delightful, occasionally dark evaluation of the difference between real life and the lure of a promised ideal. A rushed cliffhanger ending is the only drawback to this entertaining and highly thought-provoking narrative. Ages 14–up. (Sept.)