"THE HAVEN," by Carol Lynch Williams, St. Martin's Press, $18.99, e-book $9.99, 224 pages (f) (ages 14 and up)
Utah author Carol Lynch Williams returns with "The Haven," a dystopian story about a group of teens living at the Haven Hospital and Halls. Williams presents an intriguing plot, textured writing and insight on the connection between science, morals and ethics in "The Haven."
Shiloh, who is in her mid-teens, is a Terminal. She lives with other Terminal teens in the Haven, but she is different from them. She remembers things they don't. Like knowing things about the Whole people who live outside the walls of the Haven and memories of her friends leaving and coming back with missing limbs because of the Disease.
When Shiloh starts to wonder how the Terminals get the Disease, she realizes there are others like her. Others who question things. With her friends Abigail, Gideon and Daniel, she finds out the secrets of the Haven and works on a plan to find the Cure for all the Terminals who live there.
This plot, although similar to ones done before, is enticing and intriguing. The story begins and the reader is immersed in Shiloh and her daily rituals at the Haven. The tension rises and the fear for the lives of those at the Haven increases.
Due to some secrets being revealed, Shiloh begins to discover things about the world around her for the first time. Williams writes this brilliantly with texture and prose, and it is both endearing and humorous to see things through Shiloh's eyes.
Addressing the difficult and current topic of science and medicine coexisting with ethics and morality, Williams opens up the debate and leaves room for the readers to form their own opinions on the subject matter. Although the book is set in the future, it isn't hard to believe that this fictional tale could someday be in the daily news.
"The Haven" doesn't have any swearing or other obscene language, the romance doesn't go beyond mild kissing scenes, and there are only mild descriptions of medical amputation.
If you go ...
What: Carol Lynch Williams book signing
When: Saturday, May 17, 7 p.m.
Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com, carollynchwilliams.com
Note: Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of the featured book from The King's English.
Tara Creel is a Logan, Utah, native and mother of three boys. Her email is taracreel@gmail.com, and she blogs at taracreelbooks.wordpress.com.