A Journey Beyond the Gates: My Thoughts on Designed: A Young Adult Dystopian Romance
When I stumbled across Designed by K.A. Riley, I wasn’t just drawn in by its eye-catching cover or the tantalizing whispers of a dystopian romance; I felt an electric pull. With comparisons to giants like Suzanne Collins and Veronica Roth, I knew I was walking into a world that could leave me breathless. Little did I know just how deep that breathless feeling would go.
Set in a chillingly plausible future of 2055, we follow seventeen-year-old Mireya, one of the last remaining youths sheltered within a heavily fortified military base. The narrative kicks off when she literally runs into Heath, a mysterious delivery guy with ties to the corporation shrouded in secrets—the ominous Gideon Corp. Their first encounter is more than just a narrative device; it’s the catalyst that unravels Mireya’s comfortable but claustrophobic world.
What struck me most about Mireya was her internal conflict. She thrives in her safe, controlled environment, yet the moment she questions her reality, her character arc begins to evolve gracefully. Riley does a remarkable job of balancing Mireya’s naiveté with her burgeoning curiosity, and I found myself rooting for her as she ventured beyond the gates for the first time. Each step she takes into the unknown mirrors our own quests for identity and freedom—a theme that resonates profoundly today.
The pacing of Designed is something that kept me on the edge of my seat. Moments of intense action intertwine seamlessly with moments of quiet reflection, allowing us to sit with Mireya’s realizations about her friends, her past, and who she might become. Riley strikes this balance so beautifully that I found myself inhaling the pages, eager to discover more yet reluctant to rush through the experience.
One of my favorite passages beautifully encapsulates the emotional and philosophical heart of the book: “How can you trust your heart… when you’re not even sure it’s real?” This line lingered in my mind long after I put the book down. It speaks to the very essence of Mireya’s journey—a quest not just for answers but for authenticity in a world built on facades and secrets.
Riley’s prose is vivid and immersive, effortlessly building a world where every corner hides a potential danger or epiphany. The lush descriptions transport you right into this bleak yet fascinating future. As a reader who often yearns for both escapism and food for thought, I felt richly satisfied.
Designed is a treasure chest for those who love young adult dystopian stories filled with romance, intrigue, and a healthy dose of self-discovery. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoyed The Hunger Games or Divergent—but also to anyone grappling with their own questions of identity and belonging.
Whether you binge the series or savor it slowly, Riley’s work promises to linger in your thoughts, just as it has in mine. So, grab a copy, journey beyond the gates, and let Mireya’s story inspire you to question the confines of your own world. It’s a journey worth taking, and I can’t wait to hear where it takes you!
You can find Designed : A Young Adult Dystopian Romance here >>