So…I’m not really sure what to say about Captives by Jill Williamson. I could say that Inspirational fiction finally has contender on the dystopoian fiction scene, but it’s probably not dismal enough for you if you’re a die-hard dystopian fan. (Unlike myself-sick of it already.) Or I could say that Captives is Teen Inspy fiction at it’s best. Williamson mimics the most popular themes in current teen dystopian fiction, skillfully incorporates biblical and social themes into her own unique story, and simultaneously raises the bar for everyone else. Of course, if you’ve read any of Jill’s other books, you probably expected no less. Personally, I think Captives is my favorite Jill Willamson book yet! It was awesome. But then, I kind of expected it to be awesome.
Don’t miss the chance to read Captives yourself, let me know what you think of the blurb below and I’ll enter you in a drawing for your own copy!
One choice could destroy them all.
When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he’d find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many—including his fiancée, Jem–taken captive. Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe.
Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Land has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago … and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams.
Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only his people, but also find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone inside the Safe Lands.
Can Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Land’s façade before it’s too late?
Still not sure? Check out the prologue and first chapter here or learn how Jill got the idea for the Safe Lands series here.
Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Captives by Jill Williamson by clicking on the links above, and click here for more information about Team Novel Teen.
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ADDLibrarian 
Actually, as a die-hard dystopian fan myself, I think Jill really hit the nail on the head. The genre is supposed to make you sick and make you think – check. But it’s almost supposed to pull you into a completely new future world – also check. And it has to have a really strong, diverse cast of characters – check again. Imminent danger (like, I don’t know, the Thin Plague, the girls’ procedure…) – check. Yeah, this one is right up there with The Hunger Games. Above Matched, I’d even say!
(Also, love the Teen Inspy bit! I’m a judge for the YA category this year, actually. 😀 This book definitely would’ve been worthy of nomination!)
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Great perspective Emily, thanks! Dystopian is typically too depressing for me, but I loved Captives. I think that the Christian worldview is what makes the difference for me, it allows for more hope. 🙂 I loved that Captives has elements from other popular dystopian teen fiction, but is still it’s own completely unique world!
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It was definitely a great book! Liked your comments.
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Thanks for the review, Claire! I’m so glad you liked the story. 🙂
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I expected it to be awesome, too! And it did not disappoint. 🙂
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Can’t wait to read this. Sounds awesome.
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This sounds awesome! Can’t wait to read it 🙂
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Captives is definitely a great addition to the dystopian world. Finally a christian dystopian! 😀
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I’m game to read it! I’ve had fun with others in this genre, although they aren’t my typical read.
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I think that’s part of why I’m so excited to read this–it’s a Christian take on a dystopian. I’m not a huge fan of contemporary books, usually, so I don’t read a lot of books that’re specifically geared towards the Christian market. But Captives seems really fresh in that respect.
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Liked your review!
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This is the second Christian dystopian novel I’ve read. Given some of its themes, I wouldn’t recommend it to middle schoolers, only high schoolers and adults.
However, the other series (Swipe by Evan Angler) is a good read for middle schoolers. I also know of two other Christian dystopian novels coming out this year: Anomaly (Krista McGee) and Remant (Lisa T. Bergren). I’m looking forward to these books too. It is good to see more entries into this genre!
Kudos to Jill for a well-written dystopian novel — no, it is a well-written novel of any genre, but then that’s what we expect of Jill. If you haven’t read it yet, get your copy of Captives now!
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