Book Review: The Finisher

by: David Baldacci

This is one of those dystopian type fantasy novels. I stumbled upon this at the Scholastic Book Fair. It was on sale for $9.99 and it was hidden in a corner looking so sad and lonely. Never let it be said I never gave a book a home - lol.

It is about a 14 year old girl named Vega Jane. She is basically on her own. Her parents are in a place called The Care, basically a nursing home and are both unconscious. She has a little brother whom she looks after and a best friend, Delph. She works full-time as a finisher, where she literally finishes projects made of metal, wood or ceramic. She lives in a tiny village that is cut off from anything. They are told there is nothing else and to exit the boundaries is certain death.

But things aren't what they seem. The poor girl is naturally curious, but rarely has her questions answered. They know the founder of their village, but she asks where did he come from if there is nothing else out there? No answer. Her grandfather suffered an "event", but what happened? No answer. What dangers do the "Outliers" present? No answer.

As a reader, you are left with unanswered questions as well. What happened to her parents? How did they end up that way in the Care? Where did the founder come from and what is beyond the village? Is this dystopian or pure fantasy? I'm unsure if this is a series or a stand alone book.

I enjoyed the story, it was engaging to say the least. But the every exciting part left me with more questions than answers, and as I read the last page I was left with a bit of satisfaction at a book well read, but also frustration at what was left unaddressed.

**upadate** I see a rumor there is another book coming in 2015. Maybe some answers!