The Grid by Paul Teague

The Grid by Paul Teague is a dystopian sci-fi story of a post-apocalyptic society that chills the reader. However, before you start reading this book I must forewarn you of the massive cliff hanger. Not just one small thread is left hanging for the next book. The story just stops, as if someone has taken a sword and chopped off the ending.

The plot, at its most basic, is nothing new. A few elite, wealthy individuals have easy lives, as long as they play by the rules, the vast majority are repressed and live in horrid conditions. I know, sounds just like The Hunger Games. At least the similarities, for the most part, stop there. What is different is that the characters lack the depth you find in truly great dystopian stories. Oh, the world is different; don’t misunderstand me on that point. There is lots of action too and the plot moves along rapidly, more like an action/thriller novel.

In this post-apocalyptic world the haves and have nots are highly segregated and the whole city in which they live is protected by a concrete wall that lets no one in or out. People, regardless of class, are ruled by the heavy hand of Fortrillium which is tightly controlled by one person Damien Hunter. One misstep and you can end up in The Soak the prison where people never escape. No trial, no justice unless you want to take on The Grid and only one person has ever done that and survived.

Despite the dangers, a group of young people, made up of both classes of society, are determined to find answers. They have all lost loved ones at the hands of Damien and now they want answers and revenge. These answers will come at a high cost and that is if they can survive The Grid.

This is not a bad story. I just never felt connected to the characters. I want to be drawn into the story; and I miss that element when it is not present and no amount of action will make up for it. If you like dystopian stories that have a lot of action The Grid is one book you should read.