(M) Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Reading Level: Ages 14 and up
Paperback: 318 Pages
Release Date: June 28, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Narration: First Person: Lexi
Genre: New Adult Dystopian
Challenge: Dystopian
Source: Netgalley

The Sinners Series:
Book One: Branded
Book Two: Untitled
Book Three: Untitled

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Abi's
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Missy's
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Goodreads Synopsis:

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. 

Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.

The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. 

I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. 

My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

My Mini Review:

Since I marked this novel as a DNF, this review only reflects the portion that I read.

I loved the dystopian world that Abi created, but I wasn't too crazy about how it was executed. This novel had serious potential, but unfortunately, it fell flat. The heroine kept on telling herself to stay strong, which was admirable, but her actions contradicted her words. The romance, if you can even call it a romance, grated on my nerves. It isn't quite able to be labeled an Insta-Love, but it was close enough. Considering her location, her past, and his position in The Hole, the relationship they had was unrealistic and not even the slightest bit believable, at least in my opinion. And even if I was able to overlook a romance that had no foundation, it was hard to believe that she cared about him at all by the impulsive actions she took, never hesitating to put both their lives, as well as her friends' lives, in harms way.

Heroine- 1.5/5
Romance- 1/5 
Action- 1.5/5
A lot of things were happening, but I just couldn't bring myself to care.
Overall- 1/5