Book Review: The V Girl, Mya Robarts

Title: The V Girl
Author: Mya Robarts
Published: 20/06/2014, Mya Robarts
Pages: 363
Source: Netgalley
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3/5

ROMANTIC DYSTOPIA FOR MATURE YA READERS.

In post-apocalyptic North America, rape and sexual slavery are legal. Lila Velez, desperately wants to lose her virginity before the troops visit her town and can take it away by force. She makes plans to seduce her only friend, Rey, the most attractive man in her town. Lila does not love him, but he is the only man that has shown her true affection, an affection she is willing to take as a substitute of love.

Lila's coping mechanism to her mother's rape and kidnapping is her secret. A secret that will bring her closer to Aleksey, a foreign, broody man that she distrusts because his links to the troops and his rough, yet irresistible appearance. He offers Lila an alternative to her plans, a possibility that terrifies her... and tempts her in spite of herself.

All the while Lila will have to find a way to live in the constant company of death, slavery, starvation, sexual abuse and the danger of losing the people she loves the most.

Sue to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

The V Girl is a truly captivating book about a truly horrifying subject - a world where rape is both legal and commonplace. That's just a completely terrifying idea! The V Girl is a very unique (and adult) take on dystopia and it's a tough, but intriguing read.

The world building is good. We see Americans split in two: the Patriots and the Nats with Accord cops from foreign countries trying (in vain) to keep the peace. However, I wish there was more background information into what exactly led America to descend into such a cruel world. The world building also confused me in places, but that may have just been me being stupid.

The V Girl is told from the first person perspective of Mya (an 18-year-old on the path towards recruitment) as she desperately tries to lose her virginity and, therefore, avoid recruitment. Recruitment means rape. I quite liked Lila and I truly felt for her. I loved the close bond she has with her family.

However, her constant backwards and forwards between Aleksey and Rey kind of annoyed me. I was totally on Aleksey's side, even though he was a bit scary and mysterious. Rey, who is supposed to be Lila's best friend, acts like a bit of a twat towards her and didn't take her feelings into account at all. I understand that he has his own family to worry about, but a bit of concern wouldn't hurt.

The pace was quite slow in places, especially with Lila's to-ing and fro-ing, but The V Girl still had me hooked. I wanted to know what Lila would do and if she would succeed in her mission to lose her virginity before the troops came. There were also twists and turns aplenty and the twist near the end literally had a "say what?" reaction. The main plot line is tied up very nicely, but I would have liked to have seen some of the subplots tied up a bit better, i.e. Duque's story.

I did enjoy reading The V Girl, though I wish there was slightly more world building. I would definitely recommend The V Girl to older (i.e. 18+) YA and dystopia fans as it is quite graphic. Mya Robarts is definitely another author I will be keeping an eye on!

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