Kayla Howarth

I really enjoyed this book. The Institute advertises about how safe it is for people with "defects" or special abilities. It is not quite as they make it seem. Deceived by one she trusted, Allira is just trying to keep herself and her brother safe. However, staying safe means doing things she doesn't agree with.

I really like the story-line in this book. Of course, it left off with a cliffhanger and many questions unanswered. I will definitely be reading book 2.

Dystopian with an interesting setting. While the world has certainly been changed by a cataclysmic event, the world is not in ruins. I like that it depicts a government dealing with the disaster in a realistic way as opposed to having everything go to hell. I also like the fact that the country where this story takes place is never named. It’s a nowhere island, which could therefore be anywhere.
The characters are relatable and mostly likeable. I don’t read a lot of YA because the show more characters tend to be more immature than any teen I’ve ever met, but I didn’t encounter that problem here.
I’m a sucker for an interesting antagonist, and I would’ve liked to know more about Drew’s motivations. All in all, this is a promising start to the series. show less

[The Institute] by [Kayla Howarth] is an intense thriller with a futuristic lean. The main character Allira and her family have spent their lives hiding that her brother was "defective". "Defectives" go to the Institute where they are said to be kept safe and taken care of, but no one who has gone there is heard from again. Will one mistake trip them all up and find the true nature of the Institute?

The characters were typical for a YA audience but definitely good. The intertwining of the show more relationships and emotions makes this plot. There were some unexpected surprises as well as issues that are still up in the air. Guess the second book is a must read to clear those questions up. show less

Had a surprise ending.