Dualed by Elsie Chapman
Release Date: February 26, 2013
Publisher: Random House
Genre: Young Adult Sci-fi
ISBN: 978-0-307-93154-2
Source: Library
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In the city of Kersh, everyone must eliminate their genetic Alternate twin, raised by another family, before their twentieth birthday. West Grayer, 15, has trained as a fighter, and has one month to hunt and kill her Alt. A tragic misstep shakes her confidence. Guilty, grieving, she feels unworthy, runs from her Alt and from love – both can destroy her.

First off, what a synopsis! Short but to the point! As soon as I read, “eliminate their genetic Alternate twin, raised by another family,” I knew I was in. I wanted to dive into this book right away, so I am glad that I finally had the opportunity to read this book. Then, as I read and figured out what the misstep was and West was faced with even more as the book went on, I was even more happy to devour the book.

I loved the world building, especially what comes with being idle, active, and complete. There’s so much weight that comes with these words, I could write an essay on the beyond triple meanings here but I’ll just say that these titles to describe where a person is at in life, on their mission, it really moved me.

Yes, I admit, West did irritate me in the beginning when her friend, Chord became active and she, still an idle, wouldn’t let him process this life or death situation officially beginning. Yes, time is of the essence but everybody reacts to change differently and she completely disrespected his choice. His life, his choice. And she was very persistent where she had no right to be. No can fault West for panicking and wanting Chord to stay alive. But when it comes down to it, everyone has to kill their Alt on their own, so let him do it how he wants to do it after he takes a few minutes to process being an active. Right?

Yeah. West got the idea when her time came. She finally understood what Chord felt and that character growth was very much appreciated. I wouldn’t say that it’s a spoiler to say that she becomes an active because one can assume after reading the synopsis that that’s obviously going to happen for the main character. It’s what West does before she becomes an active that affects the decision making process after she becomes an active that really shakes things up. She’s skilled but she could be better and at times, it seems like she’s gotten way over her head. But she keeps going and gets what’s required of her done which I was frightened and excited to see all at the same time.

Throughout all of this, I love that Chord never leaves West’s side, no matter how much she tries to shake him. West and Chord both want to help each other and seeing the lengths that they will go for each other in their own ways made for a complex and fun contrast. I really enjoyed that. The romance came second. The fact that these two were the last ones standing among their loved ones and needed and wanted to hold onto each other came first. As someone who isn’t all that moved by romance elements, I appreciated that this was secondary and really bloomed at the end of the book.

Simply put, I really enjoyed reading this story of survival. Though West was questioning the system quite a bit which made me think that she would stumble upon news about the system that she’d have to uncover for the good of the people. Now that this typical dystopian pattern didn’t take place, I’m actually glad. Relieved. Yes, this is a “fight to the death” scenario that carries the entire book that’s all this story needs in terms of familiar patterns. It’s the familiar with a twist and Chapman really makes it her own and it works.

Still, the doubts about how this world can carry own the way it can weigh on me and if those doubts hadn’t been planted OR had been planted and simply carried through on the doubts, this book would have made a fine stand alone. Yet, there’s a sequel. And of course, I will be reading that shortly. This book had me on edge on every page and I am dying for more conflict within this world so I am looking forward to read Divided. Dualed has thirteen fairly long chapters full of cat and mouse play so if you’re in for a chase, this is the book for you!

Dualed by Elsie Chapman is available today.