The Book of Ivy

“The Book of Ivy” is the first novel in a duology written by Amy Engel. This novel is set in a dystopian America, after a brutal nuclear war, a small group of survivors eventually banded together, but there was conflict over which family would govern the new nation. The novel follows Ivy Westfall, who is the daughter of the losing family, the Westfalls. Ivy must marry the son of the winning side, the president's son, named Bishop Lattimer. After marrying Bishop, Ivy has a mission to kill him and restore her family name.

The novel was entertaining, and the plot is heavy on the romance, the novel was a fast and quick read, I gave the novel a 3/5 Stars.

Wow, I hate Ivy's family so much. Like I actually loathe them.

Ivy Westfall is the granddaughter of the founder of her town but there is one problem, her grandfather lost the war to the Lattimer family which means that they are in power of her town. The Westfall family wanted democracy after the war. The truce between the Westfall family and Lattimer's was only supposed to be temporary.

Now that Ivy is sixteen, she is able to participate in the tradition of marring someone from the wealthy side of the town. She is supposed to marry Bishop Lattimer, the presidents son. Originally her sister was supposed to marry Bishop. Her family has come up with a plan though. To kill Bishop, the president, and to take over their town again.

Now you know where this is going... books like this are pretty predictable but it doesn't mean I like them any less. I actually really enjoyed The Book of Ivy and I couldn't put it down the day I decided to read it. I really enjoyed Ivy's character and personality. Her family made her seem like she was weak and would not be able to fulfill her duty to kill Bishop but I knew she was stronger than they thought.

Bishop was a lovely character to read about. As the book went on, I started to like him more and more. I actually instantly liked him once he we introduced. I know you're supposed to hate him because he is the enemy of the narrator, but I could tell instantly by the way he acted, that he was not like his father. That he would win over Ivy and that there was a hidden meaning on why he waited to marry her and not her sister, Callie.

I really enjoyed reading about how Bishop and Ivy got to know each other more each day. How they would open up to each other even though they have no had that ability before this marriage. I could tell that Bishop wanted to get to know her right away. He never resented her for the forced marriage that was put on them like in some other books. Which usually makes it easier for the girl to do her job, but in this case, I think Ivy caved quicker than it would of been if he treated her bad.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it. I was interested the second I read the synopsis and I was not let down. The next book comes out in less than a year but I need it now! Can't wait to see what happens to Ivy and how Bishop will be in the next book. Pick it up!