I can't deny, I am a lover of dystopian novels, especially the ones that include a bit of romance. A story full of action, suspense, and, defiance, is enough to keep readers on their toes. When first hearing about this book, what caught me the most was the mentioning of the comparison to well-known novels like “The Hunger Games" and “Divergent". Having read those books faster than my eyes could make its way across the pages, I was eager to get my hands on “The Gender Game" by author Bella Forrest. I thought to myself how that's quite a bold statement, but my skepticism could not hold me back. I ordered the book shortly after reading its compelling synopsis featured below:

“A toxic river divides nineteen-year-old Violet Bates's world by gender. Women rule the East. Men rule the West. Welcome to the lands of Matrus and Patrus. Ever since the disappearance of her beloved younger brother, Violet's life has been consumed by an anger she struggles to control. Already a prisoner to her own nation, now she has been sentenced to death for her crimes. But one decision could save her life. To enter the kingdom of Patrus, where men rule and women submit. Everything about the patriarchy is dangerous for a rebellious girl like Violet. She cannot break the rules if she wishes to stay alive. But abiding by rules has never been Violet's strong suit. When she's thrust into more danger than she could have ever predicted, Violet is forced to sacrifice many things in the forbidden kingdom ... including forbidden love."

*Before I get into my review, I was not paid to write this, this is an honest review. Also, this review contains spoilers.*

Right off the bat, the story starts off in a high tense situation. The main character, Violet is risking her future to save her brother from being sent off to the mines. (explain why) After getting caught, she gets put into Matrus “system" which happens to be close to a jail, she is forced to protect herself from the other girls. After one fight leads to an accident death committed by Violet, she is forced to make a decision. Die by euthanasia, or go on an undercover mission for the Queen.

The undercover mission requires her to go to Patrus. In order to do this, she must marry another man, whom she's never met. Together, they will work to retrieve an egg. To what, she has no idea what's inside. The egg is of important value to both sides, for a reason that I am sure will be uncovered in the next books. Either way, the payment of retrieving the egg is that she will be reunited with her brother, who she lost in touch with but believes was sent to the mines after her failed attempt reverse his faith.

Once arriving at Patrus, Violet is overwhelmed with culture shock. She must marry a man in order to stay on Patrus land. This man happens to be her partner in crime, who also supposedly works for the Queen, and will help her steal the egg. Together, they come up with the plan that they will steal the egg during an important banquet where the egg is located. They will also set the whole act upon a person of their choice; Viggo.

Now let's talk about Viggo. In order to frame Viggo for the stealing of the egg, Violet must get him to trust her. To do that, she must get close to him. You can hint at where I'm going with this one. What appears to start is a love triangle, mixed up with a whole lot of suspense, and action. What happens after that? I'm afraid this is all that I am willing to dish out.

However, let me say, the ending has me searching at every local library to see if the next book is in stock. Lucky, there are seven books in this series, so you and I don't have to worry about finishing the story too fast.

Buy the first book in the series on Amazon.