Possession by Elana Johnson

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

Goodreads Summary

This is another dystopian novel with its own set of rigid moves and mind-numbed characters.  Vi is an interesting character, she is "uncontrollable" and tends to go against the grain.  She has been in trouble no less than eight times and doesn't seem to care.  Zenn, the boy she is matched to, is protective, deceptive, and a military man.  Jag is...something completely different, he actively leads the Resistance and is blase about any rules. 

Vi is apprehended due to meeting with Zenn in the park, an activity not allowed.  She is taken to a secret holding, interrogated, and a decision is made to send her to be trained as a Thinker...something she would do anything to avoid.  While waiting for the final verdict, she is placed in the same holding cell as Jag.  The two don't actually get along at first, but it is not long before they are working together to escape...from 2 hour long cold showers to avoid the "mechs" and tasers, they do anything they can to get away. 

Once in the Badlands and out of the so-called Goodgrounds, Vi is left behind by Jag over a senseless argument.  Later on, after Vi makes it to the Badlands, Jag finds her and reveals that he has been looking for her for two days.  They continue from there, trying to avoid deadly secrets and inadvertently revealing some that affect the two of them. 

This novel was certainly interesting, the plot was fairly original and the events were fast-paced.  The characters were somewhat likable, not as much as one might expect as one or more characters would do something unexpected and not necessarily called for.  There were many twists in this novel, the reader really can't guess what is going to happen.  This book is great for young adults/teens who enjoy dystopian novels with an edge of romance.

4 Stars