About the Book

Book: Apprentice

Author: Kristen Young

Genre: Christian Science Fiction

Release Date: October 20, 2020

The Love Collective is everywhere.
It sees everything.
Be not afraid.

Apprentice Flick remembers everything, except the first five years of her life. And for as long as she can remember, Flick has wanted to enter the Elite Academy—home to the best, brightest, and most loyal members of the Love Collective government.

Flick’s uncanny memory might get her there, too … even if it is the very thing that marks her as a freak. But frightening hallucinations start intruding into her days and threaten to bring down all she has worked so hard to accomplish. Why is she being hijacked by a stranger’s nightmare over and over again?

Moving to the Elite Academy could give Flick the future she’s always wanted. But her search for truth may lead to a danger she cannot escape.

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MY REVIEW

Reading a science fiction book takes me completely out of my comfort zone. I rely on the author to present a story that soars me to places only found in the author’s imagination. I had high hopes that I would find myself in another world where strange things happened and unexplained actions took place. I am happy to say that the author achieved this with exceptional details.

I don’t think I remember much of anything when I was five years old, so having a character have the same issue didn’t seem so far fetched. But little did I know that Flick’s memories were the key to her nightmares and I began to wonder what she had to fear? It was kinda scary to think a group of children were in a place completely controlled by those who demanded obedience and their memories were lost. I felt shivers go up and down my spine as I followed Flick on her journey. The rules were simple in the Love Collective. Obey orders, don’t ask questions and remember that love is the key. Or is it?

The author masterfully uses tech words and objects to draw readers in. There are dark secrets and twists that made me literally jump out of my chair. Just when I think Flick is doing well, something is thrown at her to test her dedication. I think Flick is someone that a lot of young children can relate to as they read how she is bullied. She is out to prove something but will she achieve her goal? I kept thinking about robots and how they are programmed to obey.

What really creeped me out was how Flick was always being watched. Someone is afraid she will remember something, but what could it be. Is she the key to freedom or will she fail and be trapped in this world will control is the main objective? I was happily reading along when bam the author throws a curve ball. Nothing is as it seems and no I didn’t expect it and all I can say is I must get the next book in the series soon. The author leaves us hanging but oh my is it clever and readers will anxiously be waiting for the next book. This quote really had me thinking ;”Not everyone wants to know the truth.” Maybe the truth will be painful and not knowing it will keep us safe. Flick is on the cusp of gaining all her memories and we are on the edge of our seat waiting for the unexpected. Hold on readers till the next in the series is ready so we can continue our journey with Flick.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

About the Author

Kristen Young is an Aussie children’s and youth worker who always has a notebook on hand to catch ideas for her fiction and non-fiction. She loves hanging out with her family, watching movies with subtitles, and chocolate.

More from Kristen

An interview with Kristen Young

Q: How long have you been writing?

I was the kid who used to create little booklets and puzzle magazines for the family. So writing is something that I’ve been doing for a long time. It wasn’t quite publication-worthy back then, but it was fun. I had to practice a little more before people outside my family wanted to see it.

Q: Where do you write?

Anywhere I have access to a laptop or a pen. I have a desk at home where most of the writing happens, but I usually carry a notebook in my bag in case inspiration hits when I’m out. People think I’m a little eccentric when I’m madly scribbling in the middle of the supermarket. But I have to get that scene idea down before I forget!

Q: What is your writing Kryptonite?

Distractions. For me, writing preparation is a little like building a house of cards — that process of getting my thoughts in order and working out the story direction. Distractions are like the gust of wind that knocks the whole construction over. I usually wear noise-cancelling headphones to try and keep me focused on the process.

Q: Where’s your favourite story setting?

I’m still looking for that wardrobe with a door to Narnia.

Q: What’s the first book that made you cry?

I’m not sure if I can share that without giving spoilers! But I’d have to say Charlotte’s Web. When I read that as a child, it had me wrecked for ages.

Q: Have you read anything that totally changed your idea of the way fiction could be written?

There are a couple of books that totally changed my view of fiction. The first was Margaret Atwood’s novel The Blind Assassin. I was totally captivated by the way she mixed newspaper articles and other media with the narrative sections. It was mind-blowing at the time.

Jasper Fforde’s series that started with The Eyre Affair was also pretty amazing. It took a whole pile of literary references and completely messed with them. It was enormous fun.

Q: So why set something in a world called the “Love Collective”?

I like words, and I’m fascinated by the way people often play with them, or even weaponise them. I kind of wanted to explore this word ‘love’ and what it means. In English, we have this one word to refer to so many different kinds of concepts. I wanted to write an exciting story, so it seemed right to have this concept as a backdrop behind the action, where you’re asking, “What does this mean?”

Q: Your main character never forgets anything. Is she like you?

No way. I think Flick’s memory is a bit of wish fulfilment from me. It was so hard writing her, because I forget so many details! In some ways forgetting is protective. But in other ways I’d love to have her memory.

Q: What can we expect in the rest of the Collective Underground Trilogy?

I can’t tell you the whole story, that would ruin the fun. But in the first book, Flick’s world has started really small, and she’s going to broaden her horizons. She’ll get to explore more of this Love Collective. There also might be some more danger, too. Or more love. We’ll see…