Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

Series: Uninvited (bk. 1)

Genera(s): Dystopian Sci-fi/Thriller/Romance

Subjects: genetics, psychology, psychopaths, murder, love

Setting: Texas, in March, 2021

POV/Tense: 1^st person POV, present tense: Davy

Age/Grade Level: Teen

Length: 372 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

List Price: $17.99

Publisher: HarperTeen

Summary/ product description: “The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.”

My Review: Uninvited was a very unique kind of Dystopian book. It’s set in the near-future in which people are tested for the “kill-gene” and ostracized for having it. This book brought up a ton of questions about psychology and prejudice. It’s a book that can make a good discussion. Uninvited was so different from the Firelight series, but Sophie’s writing style is still the same with it.

I love getting to read in first-person present tense. It makes the story so much more thrilling and really brings out the main character’s voice. Davy was a unique character, but somewhat similar to Jacinda in some ways. Rather than being a shape-shifter, Davy is a musical prodigy. She can play any instrument without having to be taught. She can sing songs from memory. She never expected that she’d have the kill-gene.

Davy does not seem like a psychopath at all. Psychopaths don’t feel remorse or guilt. They’re manipulative and like to hurt people and things. Davy’s not like that at all. It’s a major surprise that she has this gene. It brings up the idea of nature vs. nurture. Davy was nurtured and cared for. She has a brother that looks out for her, a mother and father who adore her. She was accepted Julliard, she’s got serious talent, and a boyfriend named Zac.  She has no built up anger. She has everything going for her. Then she loses everything. She’s uninvited from her private school, sent to public school to be in a caged classroom with five other carriers.

I think that being labeled as a carrier is what causes most carriers to become violent. There are real sociopaths out there, and then there are people who got stuck with bad genetics. Go and ruin those people’s lives by taking away everything they want to do and they’re bound to become violent. These people clearly don’t understand that it’s the situation that’s causing their actions and not their genes.

I liked Sean. He was very protective of Davy. He was gentle and silent and sometime a bit broody, but not a dangerous as he looked. He only beat up the guys who mean to Davy. There’s a little romance here and there, but it’s just enough and sure to grow throughout the series. I also liked Gil. He’s a computer geek and a carrier. He’s not violent. He’s a wimp, but a really nice guy. He becomes a good friend to Davy.

This story took a twist when Davy is sent to a training camp. This camp made me think of the Dauntless faction in Divergent. Davy trains hard in hopes of having a chance to be something more, and get her mark removed. She doesn’t want to kill. She wants her old life, but that won’t happen. This story is full of action toward the end. I recommend it if you enjoyed Divergent, Blackout by Robison Wells, Shatter Me and other dystopian books.

Cover Art Review: I love the hair with the DNA strands intertwined. It was done in Photoshop, not actually sculpted. It has a nice layout.