With novels from Tony Bertauski, Susan Kaye Quinn, and more, this boxed set seemed like a must-read collection. It introduces readers to a wealth of dystopian authors, offering a chance to find new favorites and series, and to follow some truly fascinating new ideas.

One of the great features of this boxed set is the inclusion of short essays from each author, describing what they think dystopian fiction should mean, and why they write it. Another is the wealth of thought-provoking ideas. Should we increase the size of our prison populations? Should we enforce marriage on those who “go too far”? Can politicians be trusted?

There’s a sense of Lord of the Flies threaded through these tales, plus some Orwellian darkness, and plenty of imagination. I’ve finished reading Open Minds (a new favorite series), Prison Nation (more please), Daynight (surprisingly absorbing), and the Annihilation of Foreverland (very cool) so far. The rest are definitely on my to-read list, but I thought I should post a review now or I’ll never get around to it.

This e-boxed set is highly recommended – great essays, great introduction to lots of authors’ works, and some really great reads. Even if one or two of the books don’t grab you, there’ll be something in there for anyone who loves dystopian YA.

Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review. ( )