“Beth and Ryan were holding hands.”

From Kristen Simmons’ Article 5.

After war nearly destroyed America, the country has tried to piece itself back together and avoid a repeat of history by changing laws and people’s way of life.  The two biggest being the creation of the Federal Bureau of Reformation (FBR) and the writing of morals-focused Bill of Rights.  Ember has not does anything personally to break the new laws of high morality, but because she was born to an unwed mother, she has spent her life as an illegal, less-than citizen on the run.  When Ember and her mother were captured, the pair were separated, and Ember was sent to a FBR-run rehabilitation center in West Virginia.  Desperate to escape before she is “reformed,” Ember attempts to escape several times with no luck until she is helped by the understanding and attractive Chase.  Following any lead she can to find her mother, Ember and Chase head to Virginia and then Tennessee desperate to find her before the FBR agents can find them.  While on the run, Ember and Chase learn of a resistance movement that has set up an underground railroad of sorts that helps those that the FBR has deemed criminal to escape to safety.  One bright moment comes through the arrival of resistance member Sean who provides valuable information, before Ember is again placed in grave danger at the hands of the relentless FBR.  Each step of their dangerous journey is further complicated as every clue seems instead to lead to missed connections, FBR attacks, and heartbreaking devastation.

The first book in this dystopian young adult trilogy is edgy and thrilling, creating a steady foundation for the rest of the following books.  Simmons does well to create a world that is unique, but similar enough to the reader’s world to be chilling.  Article 5 is a page-turning read that easily draws readers into the story.