Nine - Rachelle Dekker

Nine from Christy award winner Rachelle Dekker is an eerie and uncomfortable story set in a dystopian world and told at a breathless pace with lots of twists and turns which frequently left this reader at least off balance.

 

Zoe Johnson lives a quiet life staying away from inquisitive people and keeping to herself - and keeping her uncomfortable past well distanced.  Until the day amnesiac Lucy walks into the diner where Zoe works.  At first Zoe thinks her biggest concern is to protect the naïve and vulnerable Lucy from the predatory trucker who offers to ‘help’ her, but it is soon clear that the predators hunting Lucy are numerous, ferocious, and closing in fast.  

On the run and desperate, Zoe soon questions who – or what – is Lucy?  And in many ways, Lucy is asking the same thing.  Who is she, what is her purpose, and where does she belong?  

Then there is the mysterious Black Project which Lucy is fleeing.  And can anyone be trusted?

 

For the reader, the book raises questions too:  Who are we, really?  Are we the result of genetics, programming, our own choices, or a mix?  Are we what others say we are?  Can we change, and what gives us the power to do so?  

 

For those who enjoy Ted Dekker’s novels and those who have already discovered Rachelle Dekker’s novels, this will be a compelling read.  Be warned though, you’ll need your wits about you, and this is a graphically told novel with a lot of explicit violence which is not only perpetrated by The Bad Guys.  In fact, knowing who The Bad Guys are is not always as obvious as you might think.  Dekker writes cleverly in a way which keeps you off balance and uncertain as to some of her characters actions and motives.  

FBI Agent Tom Seeley is searching for Lucy - but is he aiming to help her or imprison her?  And what exactly are his feelings for Zoe.  His attraction to Zoe was for me at least was entirely unconvincing and even at times annoyingly so.  

If you're looking for a relaxing read, this isn't it, but if you like complex thrillers with plots and characters you have to concentrate on this is for you.  It's a far from cosy read which will keep you questioning right to the end.

9780800735968, Revell

For transparency, I was sent an advance copy of this book, but I was not required to write any specific or favourable review. All views herein are my own.