The Third by Abel Keogh

The man with the deep voice chuckled. “A breeder like you needs to be taught some parenting skills, like how to rock it to sleep.” The man swung the little girl back and forth by her leg. Ransom cringed as the baby’s head just missed the car’s front wall.

Publisher: Cedar Fort Inc.

Published: April 8, 2011

Received: Via Netgalley with permission from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:

When Ransom Lawe, a recycler in the Pacific Northwest, finds out his wife is pregnant with their third—and therefore illegal—child, he’s forced to choose between the government who proclaims a desire to save the planet and his hope for a place where his family can live in freedom. But with the Census Bureau Sentinels closing in on his wife and unborn child, Ransom’s choice will either save his family or tear them apart forever.

Abel Keogh offers a stark and haunting look at a not-so-distant future in this chilling new novel. Crossing lines between good and evil, freedom and oppression, and political and environmental responsibility, The Third is a gut-wrenching tale of intense loyalty and unconditional love.

My Review:

As you all know, I normally only read YA novels, but I was intrigued by this title and storyline. I am so glad that I decided to give this book a try, I ended up loving it! This book has a frustrating storyline, but is beautifully written.

The book takes place in the year 2065. Things have changed a lot from now til then. The government has taken over regulating everything from food to all power sources. They blame everything on the people and say that the earth was never taken care of especially with overpopulation. They even regulate how many children you can have. You are only allotted 2, but can purchase a child “credit” from someone else if they decide not to have any.

Ransom and his wife Teya are just trying to make it. They have 2 children and it tends to be a struggle to even put food on the table. Often they go hungry so that their two boys can eat. When Teya tells Ransom that she is three months pregnant, with their third, they struggle to figure out what their options are and how they are going to get by without the government finding out.

This book made me really think about what our world could come to eventually. It was interesting to see the references made back to the past which is what earth is like today. The reasoning given for the changes were very understandable.

My favorite character would have to be Dempsey. He is Ransom’s friend from work. Dempsey is a sly old man with a lot of knowledge about the way the world use to work and how it works today.

If you are a dystopian fan than I HIGHLY recommend this book. I very much enjoyed it and it was left open which could mean a sequel? I would love to find out more about Ransom and Teya’s journey to finding peace and happiness in which to raise their children.