Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Article 5 is the first book in a YA dystopian trilogy that I bought. In the future United States, there was another war. Most cities are down to rubble, and almost everybody lives off of food stamps. This war also destroyed all American values. Bill of Rights? Gone. Doesn't exist. Instead, the president and government created the Moral Statutes, all the things defining the perfect citizen, including sticking with traditional gender roles and national religion. People who get arrested don't come back. No more trials or fines- either end up in jail for life or executed.

Ember Miller clearly remembers what life used to be when the US was a democracy. But she has learned to hide and blend in. That is, until now. The latest changes to the Statutes include that you cannot have a "valid" kid without being married. Ember does not have a dad. This violates the 5th article, causing the Moral Militia to arrest her mother and take Ember to a rehabilitation facility where she is government property. To make things worse, the officer that arrests Ember's mother is Chase, her ex-boyfriend.

This book is a real dystopian. Everything caused by humans, no aliens or natural disasters. Instead we have brutality, lack of compassion, and rights and liberties out the window like they never existed. The thing readers don't know is why the world is the way it is. Yes, there was a war three years ago. But we don't know what country attacked us, or if we attacked them, or if it was a civil war. That is really the only thing that bothers me.

The cover is amazing! The immense detail of the buildings is extraordinary. The cover really drew me in, more than anything. Another thing I really liked was Ember's personality and values. She is definitely not perfect, and she showcases what it means to be human. She is also a big rebel. She probably sets the record in their world for the most laws broken. She is so determined, and she faces internal conflict with not knowing what to do or how to fight, she just knows she wants to protect Chase and rescue her mother. She grows in confidence throughout the story.

This book is an epic journey of taking Ember to safety. It was also sweet. Chase and Ember were together before Chase was pulled away into war. Along their journey, they discover each other again and realize that they never actually broke up and that they are still in love. This would be an amazing movie.

I recommend that you read this book, and I am glad that I bought it! I cannot wait to read the next book, Breaking Point, which I plan to buy as well!

Title: Article 5
Author: Kristen Simmons
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 384
Series: Yes, Book 1
Rating: 4 Stars
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