Friday, March 9, 2018

‘Perfected’ (Perfected, #1) by Kate Jarvik Birch

4.5 stars - Excellent writing, captivating dystopian / science fiction novel.

Set in the present-day, the US government has approved of humans owning other humans.  These genetically engineered 'pets' are bred like dogs in order to attain certain features, such as beauty and small stature.  Ella is one such pet, bred at a kennel with 19 others and trained in posture, conversations with adults and composing one's features to always seem happy.  Though pets are given etiquette and voice lessons and are trained to play at least one musical instrument, they are never taught how to read or swim or fend for themselves.  They are bred and trained to be completely dependent upon their owners.

Ella is chosen by the congressman who made all of this come about; the one who introduced the legislation and pushed it through to approval.  Naturally, it is only fitting that he and his family have one of these pets after he fought so hard.  Each member of his family seems to have a different opinion regarding humans-as-pets; from the young daughter who likes to play dress-up and hairdos with Ella, to the congressman’s wife who is clearly annoyed that her husband brought a second pet into their home, after some unsavory events occurred with their first one.

Though we see Ella put on display for many of the congressman’s friends, donors, and political connections, other characters are introduced who view the practice of humans-as-pets to be the creepy slavery that it is.  When Ella is exposed to other aspects of life, away from the rich and powerful, she questions whether being a pet is really all that bad, if it allows her this luxurious lifestyle.

It is the congressman’s teenage son who has the most powerful reaction to Ella, and sparks feelings and desires in Ella that she was never trained to understand or deal with.  Being together would be wrong, according to everyone’s views, except that it feels so right.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

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