I loved the unique and troubling premise of Hit. It's definitely a "what would you do?" kind of book.
The country has been bought by Valor Savings. The national debt became so huge, that this company bailed it out and now controls everything. Patsy has been forced to become an assassin to save her and her mother's lives. Her mother built up so much debt that when Valor demanded immediate payment in full, there is no way she can. The only choice is death or for Patsy to become a debt collector for five days.
No one in the country knows this is going on. Patsy poses as a mail person. She gives these victims the same ultimatum that she got. If they refuse, she shoots them with a gun provided by Valor.
The idea that the fine print on a credit application could allow this to happen gets you thinking. How often do you "read the fine print?" Well, none of these people did and now Valor is allowed to basically do whatever they want. Scary.
The premise is intriguing and the book moves at a good pace. There's more to the story, including a romantic interest, but I don't want to spoil anything. You do have to suspend some disbelief, since it seems so easy for Patsy to kill people. I mean, she's upset but she gets over it way to easily. She doesn't consider giving up her own life and her mother's. She pretty much accepts her fate and gets on with it. I don't really think that is realistic. I'm sure there would be much more mental turmoil than is depicted in Hit. There are also a couple places where the violence is pretty graphic and gory, so prepare for that.
But it is a compelling read and a great one for discussion. This was chosen by my kids in book club, and I can't wait to discuss this with them next week at our meeting. Pick this one up if you get a chance. It can't help but make you think.
Published by Simon Pulse, April 14, 2015
Copy obtained from the library
324 pages
Rating: 3.5/5
I have had this one my list for a while. I keep thinking about just reading it. it does sound good.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun one (and I see the sequel is just out). I'll add them both to my TBR list and see if my school library has them
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