Think you've read all the dystopians out there and nothing can possibly surprise you, let alone blow your mind to pieces? Well, think again! Aimee Carter's latest YA novel has everything an awesome dystopian story should have - a thrilling, well-thought-out premise, complex world-and-character building, breathtaking action and a fabulous shock factor with a side of WOW! It's fresh. It's original. And it's certainly worth picking up. 
 The world Aimee Carter has crafted is quite a fascinating one. Twisted and disturbing in more ways than you can imagine. The political scene is described in detail - with lots of intrigue, dark secrets and backstabbing. As the story progresses, we learn all we need to know about the history of the world, too. For a fast-paced and action-packed story, PAWN's worldbuilding is surprisingly thorough. Most importantly, there's no info-dumping. We learn things as we go farther into the story. Things about the political situation and the family in charge of the country, as well as what is happening behind the scenes (economic situation, brewing rebellion, corruption). All that is revealed to us one thing at a time, and it's cleverly incorporated into the action, in that it doesn't weigh down on the pacing. Moreover, there are aspects of the story that will send a cold shiver down your spine and make your jaw drop to the floor. Trust me on this one, you'll be just as shocked and mind-numbingly disturbed as I was when you'll learn what Elsewhere really is. Aimee Carter does not hold back in this book. 
 If you've read The Goddess Test series, you're probably well aware of how entertaining and captivating Aimee's prose is. She knows exactly what to do to keep her readers glued to the pages. PAWN is no exception. If anything, it's even more absorbing and compelling. The swiftly moving action is full of unexpected twists and turns. There's always something happening - no breaks, no slower moments, no boring descriptions and pointless chit-chats. It's 100% pure entertainment, sprinkled with drama and intrigue. 
 The characters are likeable, even our badass little Kitty with her cute little name. If you think that a heroine with a name like that can't possibly be fierce and feisty, well, you're wrong. By the end of the book, our little kitten morphs into a real lioness. 
 There's a love story in this book, too, though it takes the back seat to everything else. Just the way I like it! And thankfully, no love triangles and no sappiness! PAWN is essentially about Kitty and how she finds herself between a rock and a hardplace. Manipulated, threatened and forced to cooperate, she has to make some really difficult decisions. Decisions that will affect not only her life, but also the lives of everyone she knows, everyone she cares about. This story is about sacrifice, freedom, fighting for yourself, but also fighting for what is right, what is worth fighting for. Even if it means letting go of your dreams and saying goodbye to your life. It's also about realizing that even in the worst situations, faced with our worst fears, we are still the ones in charge of our fates. And when standing at the crossroads, we're the ones deciding which road we'll take. 
 So, if you're looking for a fresh and entertaining new dystopian series to get lost in, but you're also craving complexity and meaning, PAWN is the book you should read next.