Slated by Teri Terry - 3/5

I first read this book as a pre-teen and I loved it. Back then, YA felt like the pinnacle of great literature – though it was also all I was reading. I never finished the trilogy, and over time I forgot most of the story, aside from the premise and a few small spoilers.

Spotting it in a charity shop for £2.50, I couldn’t resist a reread. The concept is gripping: young people are Slated, their memories erased, supposedly to give them a second chance after their involvement in terrorism. Each Slated wears a Levo that monitors their emotional state; dip too low, and it can be dangerous or even fatal. They must remain calm, happy, and nonviolent, but as with any government, things aren’t as clean-cut as they seem.

We follow Kyla, Slated at sixteen, who doesn’t quite fit the mold. It’s not perfect literature, but it’s compelling, fast-paced, and surprisingly thoughtful for YA. Reading it again felt like reconnecting with my younger self, familiar, comforting, and thrilling all over again. A great read for younger audiences, full of intrigue, heart, and ideas that stick.