2020: Injection

By: Ashley McCoury

Narrated by: Lauren Garvin

A new world order has come. Society as we know it is no longer. Religion, politics, entertainment, and consumerism do not exist. All are equal, all are the same. No color, no gender, no difference. The human brain is rewired to rid itself of all nasty emotions, all preferences, and all nonconformity.

A young girl on the brink of losing herself to this society that condemns and exterminates human emotions is thrust into a war she didn't know existed. Who can she trust? And, who is the true enemy?

©2021 Covenant Books (P)2022 Ashley Nicole McCoury

Familiar Story Relevant to Today

I listened to this book during a long car ride and found myself looking for parallels in today's world. It wasn't hard to find. Ashley McCoury seems to have updated the "Hunger Games" or "Divergent" series to today's world in a dystopian future where abortions are criminal, and where some people are selected for an injection and others to continue the human race. Without giving too much away, before Alex can receive the "injection" she escapes an attack on her community and is introduced to a whole new world and discovery about herself. I loved the thoughts we see her struggle with -- love, pain, abuse, abandonment, spirituality and more. I didn't realize this book would not wrap up nicely and now I'm left to wonder what will happen next!!

Wow

If I’m going to be completely honest here, I was a little apprehensive over what this book actually was when I saw the title. However, reading the blurb, it sounded interesting. I felt it was pretty thought-provoking in a few ways. I’m not vastly knowledgeable about dystopian reads, so I think that’s where that came into play for me. I thought the way that Alex not only viewed the world she was in as well approached it was intriguing. You have a young person who is trying to figure out their role in society. All the while the government is trying to control its people in any way it can. It makes you stop and go, “whoa, are we all that far off of this at this point?”. Which I found both scary and interesting. I loved her story. Again, totally not what I expected! But, I did enjoy it.

The narration was on point, I love the inflection of the narrators' voice. I felt like I was part of the story and not just being "read" to. Well done!

Intriguing

Love this book, makes you really think about the future and what is important. Can’t wait for more .

Not what I expected!

This book would be a great movie adaptation! A sci-fi story like no other, this novel is cleverly written with tons of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. There is a mystery-element to it as well, the character developments have you questioning things throughout, which kept me engaged in the plot. The narrator had a very fitting tone for the story as well, which I am often times picky about when listening to audiobooks. This author really makes you question the possibilities of a dystopian future surrounding a Hunger Games-type societal system.

Awesome Book

This was an amazing book. Once I started listening to the book on Audible, I couldn’t stop! There were unexpected twists and turns and true character development. I definitely recommend it!

Thirsting for More!!

Given the title of this book, it is not what you may initially think. I loved every facet of this book from beginning to end and I wish it never ended!! The author is extremely creative in developing a dystopian society. I felt like with most dystopian novels, there are similarities, but the author was very particular in making sure that this dystopia was different. There were surprises and twists and more than enough to keep your attention! The narrator did a wonderful job with inflection, enunciation, and bringing the various characters to life. I would recommend this audiobook to a young adult crowd and up due to specific content that would be unsuitable for little ears.

Sci-Fi fantasy that will take you on a adventure.

This book is sci-fi at its finest. Looking at the cover and then reading the description had me baffled when I started to listen to it. It definitely was not what I expected but in a great way. They have been mentioned already but this book reminded me of the books like the Divergent series or Hunger Games rolled up in one. Both series had strong female warriors and so does this one in Alexandra (Alex). She is 17 and has been groomed since she was 5. She is giving a choice in this new order world. To be a baby carrier or be injected and stripped of every emotion that makes us different. She embarks on an adventure for survival. Her character has a maturity beyond her 17 years. Along the way she meets Marek and Kasi and a slew of different characters. In this storyline about losing emotion you will find adventure and love, redemption and remorse and of course the enemy, evil. A society that wants to control every aspect, even the birth of a new generation.
Ashley McCoury is an incredible creative writer. She creates a world full of twists and turns. And an ending that may have ended the story but gives way for another adventure to follow. She moves you through scene after scene with vivid descriptions and remarkable settings. I could picture what they were wearing and get a sense of the smells. Truly gifted.
Lauren Garvin’s narration breathed life into this story. Her voice brought a calm and confident side to Alexandra. And at times an emotionless masculine voice. Garvin kept it at a fast but not forced pace. I enjoyed listening to her. I recommend this book to those who like this young adult fantasy genre. Books like the Maze Runner by Dashner and Legend by Marie Lu are similar, but each have their own unique story lines and followers. I would also recommend listening to this book. It brought an interesting element to the story.

Interesting concept

The concept of this book was so interesting. It gave of some Hunger Games vibes mixed in with some controversial topics that mix with modern-day current events. I wish there was more depth given to the backstory and the details were more prevalent throughout the book. There is so much potential here, but it felt like I was listening to a summarized version of it, leaving out all of the descriptions that allowed me to visualize the story being told. The evolving relationship between Francisco and Alexandra was a hard one to get on board with. I sure hope the cliffhanger ending means that there is a sequel in the works.

Not what I expected...

After listening to the sample, I decided to give this one a try and I have to say, I was blown away - even more so at the fact that this is the author's debut novel. I often struggle with audiobooks, but the narrator did a phenomenal job with this story told in Alexandra's POV. Personally, I don't think the cover and description do the book justice but if you are looking for something outside the "norm", you should absolutely give this one a try but know it may stir a lot of emotions, especially with current events.

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect but I was instantly drawn in and NEEDED to know what was going to happen with Alexandra/2020. Even though I listened to the audio, I still found myself on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it was all going to play out. There were a few great twists I didn't see coming and I love how parts of the story became intertwined. Even after finishing it, I'm not entirely sure if some of the characters are good or bad and I would love the next book to see how everything plays out.

SO good - an audiobook worth getting lost in

I’ll admit it - I usually listen to audiobooks to zone out a bit during my long commutes. Sometimes I can’t recall much of what’s happening.
Not with this audiobook! From the very beginning when we are introduced to ‘2020’ as she prepares for her life to be changed forever . . . to Alexandra experiencing a lot of life in a short period of time. I’m hopeful for her, her story and the journey.
It’s hard to go into much detail without spoiling the story but you won’t regret downloading this book.

I was also quite impressed with the narration. As our character progressed, so did the way in which she spoke. It added a great dimension that I wasn’t expecting.