[Review] The Haven by Carol Lynch Williams

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Title: The Haven

Author: Carol Lynch Williams (Website)

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Genre: Young Adult - Science Fiction

Release Date: March 4, 2014 

Format: eARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis via Goodreads:

For the teens at The Haven, the outside world, just beyond the towering stone wall that surrounds the premises, is a dangerous unknown. It has always been this way, ever since the hospital was established in the year 2020. But The Haven is more than just a hospital; it is their home. It is all they know. Everything is strictly monitored: education, exercise, food, and rest. The rules must be followed to keep the children healthy, to help control the Disease that has cast them as Terminals, the Disease that claims limbs and lungs—and memories. 

But Shiloh is different; she remembers everything. Gideon is different, too. He dreams of a cure, of rebellion against the status quo. What if everything they’ve been told is a lie? What if The Haven is not the safe place it claims to be? And what will happen if Shiloh starts asking dangerous questions?

This book starts off a little slow and quickly reminds you of a few movies and popular books that are out there. With that said, the plot does pick up, as Shiloh is introduced to Gideon, and carries you quickly through this one-sitting read. 

Overall the storyline is predictable, but interesting enough to keep reading to confirm those suspicions. The main characters, Shiloh and Gideon, are likable but lack real depth and there's not enough background, feels or swoon to keep you emotionally attached as a reader. I think the book would've benefited from a straight third person narrative or duel point-of-views, in order to expose Gideon's back story since he's able recall more memories from the past than Shiloh. The same goes for the secondary characters, Daniel and Abigail, we just never really form an attachment to the duo. 

World building... This is set in a future Earth world. However, there are some questions about what is and isn't available in the world vs. what's available at The Haven. The Haven itself is using a couple of advanced medical technologies yet we're not clear on the current electronic communications. At certain points bits are revealed but usually chapters too late.

As the plot moves on, betrayals are revealed along with surprise assistance for The Cause. These add some needed twists and turns, but are underdeveloped with a feeling of incompleteness as the novel comes to a close. With 224 pages, the ending is wrapped up quickly, almost too easily, and leaves questions behind.   

I really did enjoy this book, despite my criticisms. Honestly, I was found wanting more answers as it ended. I can see this being more of a middle grade or early high school read. The simple plot and lower page count is better suited for the age group. 

3 Stars: Good read, would recommend younger YA readers who enjoy science fiction, or have an interest in the medical, technology, or science fields.