Vivian versus America is the sequel to Vivian versus the Apocalypse, which I haven't read, however I managed to understand most of it anyway, though I would recommend reading Vivian versus the Apocalypse first.
The weather is crazy and unpredictable. America is in turmoil, ruled by a cult known as the Church of America, leading believers to think that the apocalypse is nigh and that they must be good and do everything they say in order to be raptured by God. Non believers are persecuted and have to hide to remain safe. Vivian Apple, a 17 year old girl, discovers that the first rapture was a fake, and that the people who supposedly went to heaven and were saved by God were actually brutally murdered. She realises the Church of America have lied about everything. Along with her best friend, the brave and outspoken Harp, she is determined to bring America the truth.
My favourite thing about this book is the characters. Vivian and Harp both felt very real and easy to identify with, loveable heroes without being too perfect. Vivian's development throughout the story is also something I liked, as she goes from being shy and doubtful to being much braver, willing to take risks and speak out to save the people she loves. She is aware of this, and is constantly trying to keep herself as 'Vivian 2.0' rather than 'Vivian 1.0'.
The plot itself is clever and well written, if sometimes slightly predictable. The idea is very original and not something I have seen before. Vivian versus America certainly kept me hooked, however I feel in the currently massive Dystopian Young Adult genre, it has a lot to compete with.
Overall I would rate it a 7/10, not being higher purely because I have read better books in this genre, and recommend it to teenage girls. It is a perfect book to curl up with and read in one sitting, not too long or too short and with characters you fall in love with.
• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
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