Ash

In a future world where people's lives are dictated by the destinies projected for them at birth, Madden Sumner is at the top: a member of the Purple ring and slated to become one of the ruling Minister of the Seven. Dax Harris is at the bottom, one of the Ash ring and a "Blank,%E2%80%9D with no recorded destiny. Events conspire to bring these two heroines into conflict with the system that keeps their society running: Dax's brother is executed for failing to achieve his destiny, while Madden seeks long-hidden information about the past. Soon, these rivals-turned-allies join the renegade Revenants, an organization dedicated to opposing the destiny system. Petroff (the Bedeviled series) and first-time author Manley offer an entertaining story, but the dystopian elements are overfamiliar, and the system governing this society feels arbitrary, especially once it's revealed how easy it is to thwart destiny. First in a planned series, the novel alternates between Dax and Madden's perspectives; however, the voices blend together, making it hard to differentiate between them. A dystopian tale that doesn't find its own identity. Ages 13%E2%80%93up. (Mar.)