Recently, I have been reading a few YA dystopian novels, and here is another fabulous read. Mutate, set in the city of Galex, is the scary story of what could potentially go wrong with chromosome mutations… The story launches straight in, dragging you along into everyone’s’ fear and wondering what the best way of dealing with the changed scenery would be. Galex sounds tense but safe, until you learn about the growing risks.

Hetty Waite, the author, has done a great job in setting the scene. I was fascinated to read about the way those with the Y chromosome were at risk of a mutation that would leave those nearest and dearest dead or at least in horrendous danger. Hetty has painted the picture vividly, of those male family members suddenly turning into gruesome monsters, destroying everyone near them, making Mutate a fast paced, gripping read. I had to keep reading, to see how dreadful the danger was going to be..

The main character, Cara, is one of my favourites, no doubt the aim of this story! She’s secretly in love with one of the hated Ys, and has to keep secrets, especially as her sister, Myla, is in charge of Galex. Myla is driven by her hatred of Ys, and even her sister is not safe if Myla finds out Cara’s secret. Tension between the sisters is there from the start, but their love is evident, and I enjoyed the growing differences between them, wondering how far they would grow apart.

I loved how Hetty portrayed Brown, one of the Ys, and Cara’s lover. Hetty doesn’t make light of the difficult circumstances and the horrendous choices that are placed on Brown and Cara. Mutate has quite a lot of sci-fi details, but doesn’t swamp you with them. It’s vivid in its depictions, and occasionally rather detailed about the horrors of Galex, but Hetty tells the story in a matter of fact way, that makes it feel less gruesome.

The characters are great, and I found myself hoping the very best for them, wondering what would happen to them all! The ending is satisfying, although it makes me rather desperate for book 2. I love the changes that take place in the young girls that have been trained by Cara. I love Cara’s heart for them, and the way she offers understanding and forgiveness to those that have caused her so much trouble.

I enjoyed Mutate, shuddering along with them when confronted by monsters and feeling the people’s fear, the Ys’ frustration and anger, and Cara’s concern for her people. I hope justice will be done to those that caused her so much grief and trouble…

I received a copy through Reading Between the Lines but was under no pressure or obligation to write a favourable review.