The Line by Terri Hall (Line #1)

Released: March 4th, 2010

Publisher: Dial
Pages: 219
Rating: 4/5

Rachel thinks that she and her mother are safe working for Ms. Moore at her estate close to The Line, an electrified border of the Unified States, but when Rachel has an opportunity to Cross into the forbidden zone, she is both frightened and intrigued.

Teri Hall's The Line is an intriguing introduction to a new dystopian series. 

At 220 pages, The Line is a pretty fast read - I was able to read it in one sitting, actually. It has an engaging concept, and it's pretty high in entertainment value. Language-wise and content-wise, it did feel as though the novel is geared towards the younger spectrum of YA.

One of the most important aspects of successful dystopian science fiction - regardless of whether it's YA or adult - is the ability to make readers think. The Line does that - quite well, I might add. It was really interesting to see the way that the society depicted here functions, how certain aspects pertain to our society. Hall managed to intersperse the information throughout the course of the book to enhance world-building, which was great to see.

I'll admit - at the beginning, I was a little wary; the story was starting out kind of slowly, there were some events where I was like, "just did what?" and there was a fair bit of telling (as opposted to showing). But if you find yourself having those same doubts when first starting out - hang in there! The story really picks up, and the intricacies of the plot start to come to light.

It's odd though; in spite of everything, The Line just has that extra little quality, that sort of charisma, that simply makes it a likeable book. More than anything, The Line feels like it's really just setting the stage for what's to come. And considering the ending it left off with? Definitely looking forward to finding out what happens next.

All in all, Teri Hall's The Line is an entertaining and likeable quick-read.