Review - Breathe (Breathe #1) by Sarah Crossan

Title: Breathe

Author: Sarah Crossan

Series: 1st

Pages: 373

Published: October 2nd 2012 by Greenwillow 

ISBN: 9780062118691

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

 

Description:  Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe . . . The world is dead.   The survivors live under the protection of Breathe, the corporation that found a way to manufacture oxygen-rich air.  Alina has been stealing for a long time. She's a little jittery, but not terrified. All she knows is that she's never been caught before. If she's careful, it'll be easy. If she's careful.  Quinn should be worried about Alina and a bit afraid for himself, too, but even though this is dangerous, it's also the most interesting thing to happen to him in ages. It isn't every day that the girl of your dreams asks you to rescue her.  Bea wants to tell him that none of this is fair; they'd planned a trip together, the two of them, and she'd hoped he'd discover her out here, not another girl. And as they walk into the Outlands with two days' worth of oxygen in their tanks, everything they believe will be shattered. Will they be able to make it back? Will they want to? 

I Give This ...

I wasn't sure  what to think of this.  It sounded like a different sort of dystopian world and I was afraid to have too high of hopes that this could be great.  My fears weren't entirely accurate.  I'm not sure if it will be the next big thing, but it's worth the read.

I think Alina was my least favorite character.  She seems to make rash decisions with very little thought to the outcome.  Her heart is in the right place though and I think that was made me like her at all.  She truly believes in the cause.  It's the details she doesn't care about.

Quinn was charming.  He may have the top of the line thing going for him, but it doesn't define who he is.  In fact, I think just the opposite is true.  He strives to prove that he can stand on his own to feet.  That it's not his father's money or position that will open doors for him.  He may be slightly delusional with that thought, but it's pure.  I also really loved that he is completely clueless to Bea's true feelings.  I think it fits right in to the rest of his personality.

I think it's Bea who makes this story.  Every girl who's liked a friend will identify with her feelings for Quinn.  She struggles with them everyday while trying to remain the ever faithful friend.  I love that she's in sync with what's going on around her.  She knows her place in life and questions the system.  It doesn't take much for her to see the truth and begin to see that what she's been taught is a lie.  I think she's the driving force behind everyone's involvement.   

I was impressed with background information on why there is no air and what the government is doing to keep it that way.  It seems to often a story forgets to fill in the blanks.  I want to know details and I got them here.   I look forward to the squeal!