Pacifica by Kristen Simmons (Review & #Giveaway)


If you're looking for a Dystopian you can easily jump into and
come out satisfied in the end, definitely check this one out...

Pacifica
by Kristen Simmons
YA Dystopian
Hardcover & ebook, 384 Pages
March 6th 2018 by Tor Teen

Summary

Marin is cosario royalty, a pirate like her father and his father before him. Sailing the ocean to chase adventure is in her blood. But these days no one cares that the island town her people call home is named after her grandfather. They have a new leader, one who promises an end to their hunger – and one who thinks that girls are meant for the kitchen or the brothel. Marin knows she's meant for more than that, and with the sudden influx of weapons on the island, and rumors of a pending deal with the enemy oil nation in her wake, she knows a big score to gain the council's favor is the only way to save her people, and herself.

Ross lives a life of privilege. As the president's son he wants for nothing, but he longs for a life of adventure. On a dare, he convinces his best friend Adam to sneak out to the Docks, the site of local race riots between the poor Shorlings and the upper class. But when Adam is arrested along with the other Shorlings, and not even the president is willing to find him, Ross finds himself taking matters into his own hands. He journeys back into the Docks, ready to make deals with anyone, even a beautiful pirate, if it means Adam's safe return.

When Marin and Ross meet in dangerous Shoreling territory he sees a way to get his friend back and she sees her ticket home. The ransom a president’s son would command could feed her people for years and restore her family’s legacy. But somewhere in the middle of the ocean, Marin must decide if her heart can handle handing over the only person who has ever seen her as more than a pirate.

Praise for PACIFICA

“Simmons (Article 5, 2012; Metaltown, 2016) excels at dystopian fiction, and her admirable latest takes to the sea. …A breathtaking story full of high-seas adventure, power struggles, romance, betrayal, and more... Simmons’ great-grandmother was taken to a Japanese internment camp during WWII, and her experiences influence those of Marin and the pirates. ...Non-stop action and surprises will keep readers enthralled through both rough waters and smooth sailing alike.” ―Booklist, starred

"A harrowing world where overpopulation is rampant and pollution stifling. The characters creep into your heart with raw, familiar issues of love, friendship, and family ties, careening you on a plot fraught with just as many twists as there are pieces of trash in the ocean. Pacifica will have you breathlessly fearing our own future." ―New York Times bestselling author Sara Raasch

Praise for KRISTEN SIMMONS

"Like The Handmaid's Tale, Simmons's book serves as essential commentary on women's rights." ―Cosmopolitan.com on The Glass Arrow

“I’m clutching my mangled heart and smiling madly, so it’s that kind of book. Such gorgeous heartbreak! Smart, absorbing, and deeply human.” ―New York Times bestselling author Laini Tayloron Metaltown

“A compelling, inspiring read. The characters had me rooting for rebels, fights worth fighting, and girls with gumption. By the time it was over, I had my fist in the air.” ―New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake on Metaltown

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My Review

PACIFICA is a thrilling story full of end-of-the-world adventure, friendships among some easily likable characters, and some sweet romance. Fans of the young adult genre and dystopians will find much to love here!

I quite adored these characters! They had a lot of challenges that seriously made them rethink their world view and also developed who they each were as individuals. I enjoyed seeing their progression. I especially loved the friendships and how many different types there were. There were best friends, son and parents, daughter and mother, daughter and surrogate mother and surrogate father, strangers who band together under the circumstances, allies, and then love interests. Of course I loved Merin and Ross the most. They were so easy to relate to and cheer on to the bitter end.

I also thought this dystopian world was quite interesting with several moving pieces. I liked that not only were their nations on the brink of war, there were also political factions, cultural factions, and renegade groups. I appreciated how well the author handled everything and making the world com alive while also keeping the main characters the focus. It was also nice to read a book that wasn't part of a series. Refreshing even.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed this one from beginning to end. It's a page-turner with a moving plot and a sweet romance.

Content: Some swearing, violence, and suggestive content.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the the publisher through Jean BookNerd Tours, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way.

About the Author

Photo Content from Kristen Simmons

KRISTEN SIMMONS is the author of the ARTICLE 5 series, THE GLASS ARROW, and METALTOWN. She has worked with survivors of abuse and trauma as a mental health therapist, taught Jazzercise in five states, and is forever in search of the next best cupcake. Currently she lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, where she spends her days supporting the caffeine industry and chasing her delightfully rambunctious son.


Tour-Wide Giveaway


- 2 Winners will receive two sets of Kristen’s books (Article 5, The Glass Arrow and Metaltown) in a TOR Teen Tote.
- Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter | Ends March 30th

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