A Journey Through the Collective: My Thoughts on Apprentice (Volume 1) by Kristen Young
When I first stumbled upon Apprentice (Volume 1) from The Collective Underground, I was immediately drawn in by its fascinating premise: a dystopian world ruled by the enigmatic Love Collective, where young minds are molded to fit the expectations of a totalitarian regime. Kristen Young’s writing has garnered impressive accolades, including the Realm Makers Book of the Year, and I was excited to see what all the buzz was about. Little did I know, I was in for a gripping journey that would challenge my perception of memory, identity, and belonging.
At the heart of this tale is Flick, a remarkably gifted protagonist who possesses an uncanny ability to remember almost everything—except the first five years of her life. This paradox is not just a plot device; it raises profound questions about identity and the complexity of memory. Flick’s journey to the Elite Academy, a symbol of success within the Love Collective, is marred by terrifying hallucinations that blur the lines between her reality and the nightmares of someone else. As we follow her, we witness not just her struggles but the chilling society she inhabits, where children are taught to report “Haters” and adhere to a stringent “proper lexicon.” The eerie parallels to real-life indoctrination left me reflecting long after I closed the book.
Young’s writing style is both vivid and immersive. The pacing strikes a careful balance, offering enough space for character development while keeping the plot engaging. Flick’s memories are thoughtfully interspersed throughout the narrative, offering readers insight into her psyche and guiding us through her fragmented past. I particularly enjoyed the moments when her memories appeared on the page, complete with timestamps—these snippets lent a personal touch that allowed for deeper connection to her character.
One of the standout elements for me was the richly constructed world. I could easily picture Flick’s environment, from the starkness of the nursery to the grandeur of the Elite Academy. Other characters, from the enigmatic Dorm Leader Akela to Flick’s adversaries Myk and Fedge, are well-drawn, each contributing to a storyline that felt both expansive yet precise. While I found some secondary characters slightly overwhelming at first, by the end, I was able to follow the intricate tapestry of relationships, leading me to appreciate the nuanced dynamics of this tightly-knit society.
Memorable quotes from the book resonate deeply—one in particular, where Flick grapples with her hallucinations, asks, “What if the nightmares are the truth I’ve been denied?” This line encapsulates the heart of the narrative: the struggle to reconcile the uncertainties of her past with the societal expectations that bind her present.
If you enjoy tales that intertwine action with deeper philosophical questions, Apprentice is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent, and it stands as a testament to how we can be shaped by our societies and yet still seek the truth within ourselves.
In closing, this book not only entertained me; it challenged me to ponder what it means to belong in a world that demands conformity. As someone who thrives on character-driven stories, I found Flick’s journey to be not just compelling but genuinely impactful. I’m more than ready for the next volume, eager to discover where Flick’s quest for truth will lead her next. If you’re looking for an engaging read that offers both adventure and introspection, Kristen Young’s Apprentice might just be your next favorite book!
You can find Apprentice (Volume 1) (The Collective Underground) here >>