Post contains affiliate links; I received this book to review. Opinions shared are mine.
When author Joel Ohman offered to send me a copy of his books Meritropolis and Meritorium for review, I immediately thought, based on the book summary, that these would be perfect for my middle grade students. As I learned more about the story, it became clear that this series is even more suited to the curriculum content. Deep questions about the impact of chemicals in our environment, or the need to defend those less fortunate, can stir up excellent class discussions. While the futuristic tale appears to be loosely based on ideas similar to that of Hunger Games or Maze Runner, the Meritropolis world is completely new to dystopian fiction. Meritorium presents the same hero characters from book 1, while in a completely different scenario. It’s exciting, adventurous, and totally spellbinding!
In this sequel, the main character Charley meets his next big challenge in the Meritorium. The new location bears some similarities to, say, the Roman Empire while holding onto the unique features of the System. One of my favorite features of Ohman’s imagination — the creative animal combinations he writes about in the Meritorium world! Each chapter begins with a newly combined hybrid, and features an illustration of the beast. This helps to really put the animals, and later the Bramble, in the forefront of the highly energized story. Since I’m a parent and a teacher, I’m always concerned about “mature” content in books. Thankfully, both Meritropolis and Meritorium are very clean, and free from profanity. There are a few suggestions of sex, but nothing is graphically described. I also appreciated the way that Ohman tastefully worked in biblical references. The big questions about accepting cultural norms, a person’s worth, and social standing really come through in this series. It’s a great way to introduce these elements to your dinner table discussion; read these books with your teen and start a great conversation.
One lucky reader will win a copy of the first book in the series – Meritropolis (winner’s choice – ebook, audiobook, or print). To enter, check out the form below. The giveaway is open to US readers, ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Good luck!
thank you for posting!
I love the new animal combos!
I like the whole plot of the story. It sounds really interesting.
I love dystopian novels-this looks like a good one!
I enjoy books that are not like other books. This story is really different. I think I would like to know how it comes out.
I love dystopian reads!! Always very interesting!
This book looks awesome! I love Dystopian reads!
I like that it is based in year AE3.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review Meritropolis and Meritorium! I am hard at work on book #3 right now! – Joel
I like the Dystopian theme and the setup of assigning people’s worth is intriguing.
I like the premise of the story, it sounds like an exciting read ♡ Thank you
Besides the story I love the BONUS 17 Original Artwork on each chapter that has illustrations that precede each chapter. Thanks for sharing.
I think I would really enjoy this book! Sounds like a great read!
This book sounds like it be a great read
I like the idea of a dystopia book that makes clear how silly the idea is that people’s value is based on what they do.
The Animal Hybrid aspect to me is interesting about the book.
I like that the story is about a big brother taking down the system because his brother is killed.
I love that the Brother is standing up for his younger brother who was killed