A review by wheems01
Truth by Julia Karr

4.0

Nina Oberon is back in this sequel to Karr's XVI. Truth takes place immediately after XVI ends. Nina and her sister are still attending school, and living with their grandparents. When Child Protective Services issue a writ declaring Nina's grandparents unsuitable guardians, and Pops finds himself arrested by B.O.S.S. Nina and her sister find themselves in a whole lot of trouble. What will happen to them, how will they elude the government this time?

Something about Karr's writing style just draws me into her novels. I don't know what it is about the way she writes, but it is so accessible and inviting even when I am tired after a day of work. A couple of times I was so tired when I got home I didn't want to read until I picked up Truth then I became so engrossed that I didn't want to put it down.

This novel is definitely a continuation of the first. Which means, you really must read the first to understand the situations in this novel.

That being said, I really enjoyed this sequel. Although not as thoroughly terrifying as the first novel, this one definitely had you on the edge of your seat as you watched Nina try to navigate the system once more.

Karr's dystopia is very involved and heavily regulated. It is a world where the media runs the nation, and because of their antifeminist tendencies, they have created a world where it is dangerous to be a woman. Once again sex is a central topic in this novel, but it is only really talked about.

Nina Oberon is becoming more and more of an adult as these novels progress, and it is refreshing to see a character change and grow. She is a strong female character who wants to do the right thing, and seeks to make her world a better place.

Overall this is a wonderful continuation of the series. In many ways, this book was even better than the first. Karr knows how to build tension and keep the reader engaged. Her writing just keeps getting better. I love these novels and can't wait to read more.

Cautions for sensitive readers: While there is no explicit sex in this novel there is discussion of sex slavery and an attempted rape. There is definitely some violence in this novel.