Book Review: The Book of Ivy

After a brutal nuclear war, the United States was left decimated. A small group of survivors eventually banded together, but only after more conflict over which family would govern the new nation. The Westfalls lost. Fifty years later, peace and control are maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing side to the sons of the winning group in a yearly ritual. 
This year, it is my turn. 
My name is Ivy Westfall, and my mission is simple: to kill the president’s son—my soon-to-be husband—and restore the Westfall family to power. 
But Bishop Lattimer is either a very skilled actor or he’s not the cruel, heartless boy my family warned me to expect. He might even be the one person in this world who truly understands me. But there is no escape from my fate. I am the only one who can restore the Westfall legacy.
Because Bishop must die. And I must be the one to kill him…(goodreads)

Plot: There was a nuclear war, entire populations have been decimated and civilization has to start building from the bottom up. Where one family found itself in a leadership position, the losing side found itself on the poor side of town with nothing but time to get its revenge. Enter Ivy. 

I'm always a fan of deception and political intrigue, so I was hooked from page one. Amy Engel did a great job of voicing the urgency of the task as well as Ivy's inner turmoil of following orders and doing what's right. 

Characters: The story is told from Ivy's point of view, and I really enjoyed how her view of Bishop changed as she started letting her guard down. It was really beautiful to see her father's teachings chipping away as she started to experience life-real life- for herself. I would have loved some more insight to the secondary characters, like Ivy's family. 

World Building: My of my questions involved the world. We are told that there was a nuclear war, but with who? I wish there was some more background to Engels' world, but I suppose I'll have to be patient and see what comes of the sequel, The Revolution of Ivy. 

Short N Sweet: The Book of Ivy was a nice slow start, and I'm curious to see what the future novel will bring to light. 

Labels: 3 stars, amy engel, book review, entangled teen, review, the book of ivy