My Rating: ★★★★☆

Author: Gabrielle Zevin

Narrator: Ilyana Kadushin

Length: 10 hrs.

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

My Review: Sixteen-year-old Anya’s life is complicated to say the least. Both parents were murdered after mafia related incidents, one of which left her older brother mentally handicapped. Being the daughter of New York City’s most popular crime boss isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. She lives with her previously mentioned brother, Leo, her younger sister Natty and her bedridden grandmother.

As the audiobook continues, we see Anya faced with choices to make about the family business, chocolate. Since chocolate is illegal in 2083 in New York City, they’re never easy decisions, especially when they come knocking on your door. The stash of delicious chocolate hidden in her grandmother’s closet is treasured and sought out by Anya’s ex-boyfriend just before the story starts to unravel.

Someone has tainted the chocolate of the Balanchine family and Anya is the first suspect. She has all the reason in the world to want to poison her ex-boyfriend right?

Gabrielle Zevin has another winner on her hands! This is a great young adult novel that I found constantly kept me entertained. What a great start to a series that I’m hoping continues to follow the life of Anya. She’s such a strong, layered lead character that has so much more to offer in my eyes.

I am unsure as to why caffeine is illegal and chocolate is contraband, but who am I to argue! Heck, it’s 2083 in this novel and things are VERY different. Water is rationed so outrageously, showers are on timers, lakes are empty or non-existent and pools are empty. Great, great start to a new series and I can’t wait to hear more.

Don’t let the young adult tag deter you, Zevin’s writing is brilliant.

Check out the trailer for this audiobook here!

Narrator Review: You might recognize Ilyana Kadushin’s voice from her narration of Twilight and again, she doesn’t disappoint. She did a fantastic job of voicing the characters, especially Anya and older brother, Leo. She moved between characters smoothly and her voice is far from dull and boring. Such an great listen.

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of this audiobook from the publisher.