Sketching Rebellion is a YA novel that takes place in the city-state of Lexum where societal benefit over individual expression is law. Everything is dictated to you: job, friends, food, and even furniture. Creativity is outlawed and individual belief is punished by public execution. Those that turn you in get rewarded.

The book has some Hunger Games vibes that ask the question: can there be a freer world when individuals are brave enough to stand up against governmental conformity and fight through seemingly impossible odds?

Overall, a good start to a soon-to-be series. The world-building was interesting and the backdrop all too close to a future reality of our own. The characters were engaging and the pacing was quick. My only issue was the main character, Breel, and the way she reacted to people around her at times. This is wholly do to the fact though that she is 17 and has reactions that show she has zero life experience. If I was 17 again, I could have related to her more but being 20 years past that, her reactions and thoughts on people were a bit immature and a little off-putting. This is more of an indictment on me as the reader though and not really being the intended audience of the book.

Even with that, I recommend the book and am looking forward to the next in the series. This is great for those with kids or young adults as there is no language or sexual content, however, there is some disturbing public violence but nothing too graphic.

Thanks to Felicia Ketcheson and Netgalley for the free copy so I could voluntarily review this! Happy reading everyone!

The thought-provoking and engrossing book Sketching Rebellion is set in the dystopian metropolis of Lexum, where resistance is met with dire repercussions and individual choice is restricted. Breel uses art as a means of protesting the repressive system that stifles uniqueness and self-expression. The gripping and deeply moving tale "Sketching Rebellion" examines the value of uniqueness, bravery, and the quest for freedom in the face of injustice. This was an extremely fascinating and eye-opening read.

A good YA dystopian book that focuses on extreme conformity and everyone focusing on the collective with no individual choices allowed. It was a good, quick read, although it was a slow start.

Once I got into it, the pace picked up with quite a lot happening quite quickly, which kept me interested.

There was a bit of a love interest, but it wasn't overdone, which was nice.

The biggest problem was the lack of comprehension around genetics and DNA. This could be misleading for younger readers who do not know about DNA and could lead them to believe that DNA and genetics could work like this with loyalty and obedience genes, for example.

I have no idea if the computer programming language is accurate or not.

In a world where Divergent meets The Giver, where personal choice is about as welcome as a cat at a dog show, enter Breel, a Leader of Tomorrow who's about to doodle her way into defiance. "Sketching Rebellion" is like rebellion 101 with a splash of romance, a hint of resistance, and a generous serving of action-packed twists.

Pros:
🌟 Four stars for this rebellion-infused masterpiece! I love this book – it's an excellent read that's practically a brushstroke away from perfection.

😍 Love the worldbuilding and themes – it's a dystopian oppression with a splash of hope and romance.

🎭 Although a bit slow at first, the story picks up in the latter half, serving action and twists like a rollercoaster.

🔥 And the way the story ended! Ohhh! It's like a mic drop with the promise of a sequel that has me already practicing my happy dance.

Cons:
🤔 The only downside is the slow start, but hey, slow burns can be like a fine wine – you appreciate them more with time.

Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley and the talented author, Felicia Ketcheson, for the rebellious journey through Lexum. This review reflects my independent artistic rebellion, and all opinions are as uniquely mine as Breel's art. 🎨📚

Felicia Ketcheson's 'Sketching Rebellion' is a notable contribution to the young adult dystopian genre, presenting a unique twist on the theme of societal conformity. Set in the rigid city of Lexum, where personal choice is forbidden and defiance severely punished, the story follows seventeen-year-old Breel, an artist who dares to challenge the status quo.

Breel's journey, marked by her passion for art and her struggle against an oppressive regime, is a highlight of the novel. Ketcheson skillfully depicts Breel's growth, portraying her evolving beliefs and determination in a way that resonates with the reader. The character's internal conflicts and development are well-crafted, making her journey both believable and inspiring.

The novel's approach to dystopia is refreshingly different. Instead of focusing on inequality, it delves into the dangers of extreme conformity, offering a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by similar narratives. This thematic focus adds depth to the story and provokes thought about the value of individuality in a society that demands uniformity.

While some plot twists in the book are predictable, Ketcheson also delivers some genuine surprises, keeping the narrative engaging and unpredictable. The balance between expected and unforeseen developments maintains the reader's interest throughout the story.

'Sketching Rebellion' is a well-written and thought-provoking addition to the YA dystopian landscape. It's a must-read for fans of the genre and will particularly appeal to those who enjoyed series like 'The Hunger Games,' 'Divergent,' and 'Matched.' Ketcheson's novel is not just an entertaining read but also a poignant commentary on the importance of self-expression and the power of art as a form of resistance. With its engaging storyline and relatable protagonist, 'Sketching Rebellion' earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars and is highly recommended to anyone seeking a novel that combines action with deeper societal reflections.

This is an interesting premise, but one that has been used before for dystopian series. The technology used in the series is a little dated, we’re supposed to believe this is the future and the characters are using technology that’s old by today’s standards? Also, I think the author has an incomplete understanding of how DNA works. There isn’t such a thing as a loyalty gene, or a single creative gene. Many characteristic are nurture and nature.