Atlantia (298 Pages)

I chose this book, because I have loved everything the author, Ally Condie, has written. For those not familiar with her name, she is known for the Matched trilogy. This book is all about family. It takes place in a dystopian setting of a city that has been constructed beneath the ocean. This occurred after The Divide. The Divide created a civilization above the ocean (known as the Above) and the city Atlantia beneath the ocean (known as the Below. The Above is responsible for keeping the Below supplied through the use of special transports with everything necessary for its survival. The Below is sophisticated in its structure and its ability to provide residents with clean air. Rio and Bay are twin sisters whose mother is the Minister of the Below. There is a secret that all three of them keep from everyone and that is Rio's real voice. She must hide it, for if anyone hears it, they will know she is a Siren. Sirens  are like a cult of people who once were adored and now are feared. They are known as the first miracle, the bats that arrived some time later are the second miracle. Then, all of a sudden, Rio's and Bay's mother dies. She has been poisoned by members of the ruling council. Although Rio has always wanted to go to the Above, she has promised Bay that she will not. And then Bay goes to the above. Rio is devastated. The mystery of their mother's death and Bay's sudden departure make for some exciting reading. Condie is a master of character and setting development. It's a good read!