The Scourge

The Scourge
By Jennifer A. Nielsen
Ani has long heard about the Scourge—a disease that first surfaced in the land 300 years ago but now has returned. When two wardens capture her, saying the governor wants to test five River People for the Scourge, Ani is shocked—the River People have never gotten the Scourge—but also determined to escape. When she tests positive for the disease—after a not-so-pleasant meeting with the governor—Ani is forced to move to Attic Island, where all victims of the Scourge are sent to live out the remainder of their lives. Joined by her best friend Weevil, who goes to the island to be with her even though he has no signs of the disease, Ani can’t help but question everything going on there. After all, as one of the River People, she is feisty and determined and not one to bow down to authority, and even though her very nature puts her at risk, Ani refuses to be broken, especially as she and Weevil start to put the pieces together and find out the Scourge and the island aren’t what the governor has told everyone they are.

What a great story! I loved all of it. Ani was awesome—I loved how she could only stay out of trouble for about two minutes. And Weevil was a great compliment to her; I loved how they were determined to take care of each other. The plot was interesting; I liked seeing the clues unfold and figuring out what was really going on. The story moves quickly, with plenty of action and adventure as well as humor even in the dark situation. Highly enjoyable story!

4.5 stars!