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Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Kat Kirsten's dystopian novel And So It Begins presents alternating views from Amity and Luke. Accompanied by Amity's German Shepherd, Sarge, Amity and Luke have been hiding from The Guardianship and The Force. The Reaver, Ren Keres, has caused death and destruction, hunting anyone related to the Rebellion. When officers send gas into the hideout, Luke tries to buy Amity time to escape, but he ends up with burns all over his body. Amity drapes Luke over Sarge’s back and continues to walk on. An old woman offers refuge to the group and uses medicinal plants to heal Luke. Barely recovered, Luke catches sight of a car belonging to The Force headed to the house. Nan refuses to go with Amity and Luke. Luke has to force Amity to leave, and they escape into the woods. A message appears on Luke's wrist communicator demanding Amity's surrender or the deaths of those around her would be imminent.
Kati Kirsten details the internal struggles confronting Amity and Luke. Luke feels remorse for the deaths he caused when he was part of The Force. Amity has lost family and friends since the catastrophic Undoing. I felt that Luke's dedication and love for Amity were redeeming qualities. Conversely, Amity's depression and sorrow fill her mind. Luke and Amity faced starvation, torture, and death. The book detailed the barbaric tests Amity endured in enough detail so that I could envision the psychological toll it took. Tragedy appears to be the norm for everyone. Ren Keres seems to target children. I believe that in her mind she saw that children could reform humanity. The intrigue in the story is fascinating. I recommend And So It Begins to readers who like dystopian novels full of action, suspense, and a unique view of the psyche of the protagonists.
