In a nation comprised of islands, all of the power lies in the hands of a small group of landowners known as the Zunft. Oppressed Cottagers make up the rest of the population, and, increasingly, revolution is in the air. Fifteen-year-old Tamsin plays her role by setting a warehouse on fire, signaling the start of the Rising, while 14-year-old twins Tommy and Bern are the sons of the most ruthless of the Zunftmen. While Bern participates enthusiastically in his father's quest for power, Tommy has a gentle nature. When he finds Tamsin badly burned by the warehouse fire, he carries her to a nearby cottage for help rather than turn her over to Zunft authorities. The moral goodness of the Cottagers is reiterated throughout the book, which, despite a large cast of characters, keeps the overall theme of good-versus-evil unchallenged. But future volumes may have some surprises, as Tamsin soon assumes a leadership role in the revolution, becoming a character reminiscent of Katniss Everdeen. A refreshing absence of romance may appeal to readers.

Taking an underclass uprising as its starting point, this debut novel tackles the complex social and political aftermath from the intersecting perspectives of Tommy, son of an establishment leader, and Tamsin, daughter of one of the "August 5" rebels. As change progresses, both rise to leadership roles. A rushed climax detracts only slightly from thoughtful, realistic world-building and character development.

Gr 7 Up-This morsel for the hungry dystopian fan fails to satisfy. Helland's debut novel examines a crumbling castelike society as teens on either side of the privilege line are thrust into social turmoil. However, once the rare glimpses of action or reaction regarding the collapse of the "Zunft"-dominated society are washed away, readers are left to wade through clunky descriptions of politics, both in exposition and poorly presented fictional journalism. This work lacks the opportunities for emotional investment or self-identification that have made so many others in this genre successful. The characters are caricatures. Bern, the twin of protagonist Tommy, functions only as a foil for his more progressive brother through constant espousal of one-dimensional prejudices. Tamsin, the daughter of a "revolutionary" from the rebelling Cottager class, demonstrates little emotional complexity beyond a shallow faith in her father's views. When these two opposites finally meet, no spark, drama, or clash overcomes the ponderous anticipatory exposition. While the author covers a wide range of complex political concepts and the book is marketed as a YA novel, the overall tone seems middle grade throughout, which will confuse readers with its consequentially juvenile treatment of momentous revolutionary politics. There is so much implied action that readers do not seethe oppression of the Cottagers, the widespread subjugation of largely undeveloped female charactersthat by the end of the novel, effective world-building has failed. VERDICT This latest dystopian addition falls flat under the weight of tired, overworked genre tropes. Chelsea Woods, New Brunswick Free Public Library

In the world of The August 5, there are two groups of people: the affluent, landowning Zunft and the Cottagers, thought only to be programmed to obey the Zunft. Tensions between the two groups have always been high, but everything changes when Tamsin, daughter of a Cottager revolutionary, literally lights a match to begin war. Unfortunately, the revolution does not happen that quickly. As a result, Tamsin is sent away to the city with a new identity, and her father, along with the other members of the August 5 fighters, is captured. Tommy, son of an anti-Cottager political leader, and his twin brother are sent to boarding school in the same city. Tommy soon learns how far his father will go to gain power. When Tommy and Tamsin's paths cross, they realize that the future lies not with their fathers but with themselves.The August 5 is told in alternating perspectives, which allows readers to see the society from both sides. Excerpts from Cottager and Zunft newspapers at the beginning of chapters further add to the world-building. As expected, Tommy realizes that his family is on the wrong side of the conflict, but Helland does a good job of not simplifying the underlying issues. Tamsin and Tommy learn that both of their families believe they are right and that no side is free from blame. While there is a satisfying resolution, there is room for future books. Recommend this to teens who like political thrillers.Marissa Lieberman.