Restoring Harmony Review

Author: Joelle Anthony
Release date: May 13, 2010
Pages: 320 (Paperback)
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Most appropriate for ages: 12+
Where I got it: From Around The World Tours
Challenges it counts for: Dystopian Challenge

The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse—one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities. Molly is relieved to find her grandparents alive in their Portland suburb, but they’re financially ruined and practically starving. What should’ve been a quick trip turns into a full-fledged rescue mission. And when Molly witnesses something the local crime bosses wishes she hadn’t, Molly’s only way home may be to beat them at their own game. Luckily, there’s a handsome stranger who’s willing to help. Restoring Harmony is a riveting, fast-paced dystopian tale complete with adventure and romance that readers will devour.
---------------------------------------------
From the first few pages I could tell that Restoring Harmony would be good, and I was right.

I love dystopias. A lot. But some are just a little harder to imagine would actually happen. Restoring Harmony wasn't like that. It was so easy to imagine our world crumbling the way it did in this novel. It was really realistic to the point that it was almost frightening, but more like a car crash that you can't look away from.

I really liked the main character, Molly. She never gave up, and always stayed optimistic. I loved Spill. A lot. Even Molly's grandparents, who I first thought would annoy me, ended up growing on me. By the time I finished Restoring Harmony I felt like I was leaving an old friend's house.

The writing was really impressive. The thing that struck me most about Joelle Anthony's writing is the good story-building, which was excellent.

The ending was perfect. It pretty much guaranteed that this is a stand-alone book, which kind of makes me sad, but it least it didn't leave me hanging. All in all, this was a really good book. If you like dystopias then give Restoring Harmony a chance.