All leisure and hobbies are banned in the future. If you are caught doing anything that benefits yourself rather than society (or something that the president perceives on this way) you are at risk of being publicly executed. This is bad news for Breel who loves drawing and has been caught twice already. After being assigned a job she learns of others who are questioning the current rule and have has to decide if she will risk it all for greater freedom, knowing many have been killed for having the same dreams.

This book is incredibly addictive in the way that YA dystopian novels so often are. Seve al aspects of the world were chillingly believable, although the guaranteed employment doesn't sound too bad (although I'd hate to end up doing something I don't enjoy). I have seen several people compare this to the Hunger Games (and I can definitely see similarities between this book and the revolutionary parts of that series), but the first part of this book actually reminded me a lot of the City of Ember (although it's been a good while since I read that book).

I really enjoyed the set up, although I know others have found it a bit slow. I have always been a fan of world building though and enjoyed seeing how this world fits together. Although the romance was a bit out if nowhere, I did enjoy the partnership and interactions between Breel and Cafrec.

While this book book was definitely a fun read (and I'll probably read the sequel) it did become a little messy towards the end. Big plot points felt a little rushed and felt a bit smooshed together, especially in light of the slower build up. While faster pasted, more action filled segments are definitely not inherently bad, I just felt like parts were less fleshed out than others. But that being said, this didn't take away much from the quality and enjoyment of this book. I'd definitely recommend it it to those who enjoy YA dystopian stories! ( )

The story follows Breel and Cafrec, seen from Breel's perspective. The story also follows Breel's secret rebellion against society forbidding art. The pacing is slow at first and takes time for action to take place. But the pace picks up as Breel continues to rebel and life-changing truths are revealed. This YA and romance story is extremely descriptive and pleasant to read.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author. ( )

If you liked Hunger Games, then this book will appeal.
Breel was a very relatable character, wants to keep her parents happy, loves her little brother and adores her uncle.. The whole, not allowed to have hobbies thing also will make people relate to her, as being told to not do something we love would be so hard.
Finishing school and moving into the work world is a huge step, and in this world it is even more strange as they are suddenly on their own, being watched unbeknownst to them. The use of keeping people isolated and lacking social opportunities to meet others was a cleaver tactic,
The only thing that annoyed me about the book was the constant use of Leader of Tomorrow being used instead of words like students or coworkers. Just became very repetitive to read, and unneeded.
And yes it ends in such a way you can tell its a series, not my type of ending either. ( )

Sketching Rebellion offers the glimpse into the lengths that people go to either conform to the norm or to seek freedom from it. Lexum is ruled with a iron fist by President Tatum, whose government enforces that the collective whole is more important than the individual and anything not done for the whole society is not permitted. Breel has a love for drawing but is forbidden from doing it because she has been assigned to the Computer Programmer Career Group and not the Illustrator. Therefore, her art is considered to be only for her own benefit, not the collective whole. However, she secretly draws in her room, driven by the memory of missing uncle, until she receives her second Warning just before her graduation from being a Leader of Tomorrow into a Leader of Today. The next time she is caught stepping outside of the bounds that have been set for her, she will be executed in what is called Mortae (literally "death" or "dead"). Breel manages to keep her promise to not draw anymore but soon finds herself drawn into something more dangerous after she begins her new job. Overall, the book presents an interesting dilemma: how far is too far when asking people to sacrifice for the collective good? Be forewarned that this book is part of a series and therefore ends on a pretty major cliffhanger as well as dealing with some heavy topics.
( )

Unveiling Defiance and Artistry in "Sketching Rebellion"

Felicia Ketcheson's "Sketching Rebellion" paints a vivid dystopian world where conformity is paramount, and personal expression is crushed beneath the weight of oppressive norms. In this enthralling tale of rebellion and artistry, Ketcheson introduces us to seventeen-year-old Breel, a young artist who defies the city of Lexum's rigid rules to pursue her passion for drawing.

Set in a society where autonomy is sacrificed for uniformity, Breel is an anomaly, viewing her world through a lens that questions the injustices perpetuated by a controlling regime. As she grapples with the loss of her uncle and the secrets he left behind, she finds refuge in her forbidden drawings—an act of rebellion that symbolizes her quest for personal identity.

Ketcheson's narrative weaves a tapestry of tension and intrigue, capturing Breel's courage as she navigates the challenges of an authoritarian society. Breel's artistic creations become the embodiment of her resistance, representing the defiance of one against a monolithic regime. As the possibility of a resistance group emerges, Breel stands at a crossroads, torn between the safety of conformity and the allure of a world that could celebrate her talents.

"Sketching Rebellion" explores the intricate relationship between creativity and defiance, illuminating how art can serve as a catalyst for change in the face of oppression. Ketcheson crafts Breel as a relatable and inspiring protagonist whose journey mirrors the struggles of those who seek to challenge the status quo and foster meaningful transformation.

Through Ketcheson's eloquent prose, readers are immersed in a world where fear is countered by the indomitable human spirit. The author's skill in building tension and cultivating emotional depth allows readers to not only witness Breel's awakening but also resonate with her struggles against societal constraints. The exploration of identity, resilience, and the power of self-expression forms the heart of this narrative, making it a compelling read for readers of all ages.

"Sketching Rebellion" transcends its dystopian setting to address universal themes of individuality, creativity, and the capacity of art to transcend boundaries. As Breel's choices ripple through the pages, readers are challenged to reflect on their own agency in shaping the world around them. Ketcheson's ability to craft a gripping tale while embedding it with deeper philosophical questions elevates the novella into a thought-provoking and poignant experience.

In "Sketching Rebellion," Felicia Ketcheson deftly melds rebellion with artistry, delivering a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page. With a fearless protagonist, a well-constructed dystopian backdrop, and a celebration of the human spirit's yearning for freedom, this novella stands as a testament to the power of creativity to ignite change in even the most oppressive of worlds.