Lyn has grown up in the limelight, mostly because of her mother and fathers. Yes, plural. Seven Gladiators have been father and stepfather to Lyn, but now they are all gone. The last, like the others was killed in the ring. It was unbelievable! Everything she has wanted to escape, the gladiator life, her mother, and marriage come crashing down on her at once. Suddenly, she is now required to marry her father's killer. Everything in her cries out, but there is another option: she can enter the ring herself and fight her father's killer.
I'm not that fond of books that I can't place in a definite time period. Girl in the Arena, seems to be set in a parallel or alternate world. It's in the future in some ways, but also feels very contemporary. This bothered me, but eventually I adapted, mostly because Lyn is a fascinating character, as are her circumstances. She faces life bravely, with a huge, caring heart and the mind of a teenager forced to be the grown-up. At the same time, she is a genuine teenager with a stubbornness and determination that ties her to her principles and pulls her through as she faces an unjust and cruel system.
Obviously, violence is an integral part of the story, but it is certainly not venerated. While the novel has something of a Dystopian feel that teens will be drawn to, it's strongest appeal lies in the coming of age story that Lyn transitions through.
Origianlly published 10/14/2011
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