L M Nathan
Scholastic
In a ruined future world, all eighteen-year-olds participate in the 'Virtue Season', during which they are matched up to create genetically diverse couplings and ensure the survival of the human race. Those who are deemed to be flawed are excluded from the ceremony, sterilised and used as slaves. The story is told from the perspective of Manon, who fears being matched with someone she doesn't love, and Agatha, who has seizures and won't be able to marry the boy she loves.
Although billed as a dystopian Bridgerton, the romantic relationships were the least interesting part of this gritty and compelling tale. Manon and Agatha are both fierce, powerful characters fighting to make their own choices in a brilliantly-realised world of misogyny and violence. There are obvious nods to 'Handmaid's Tale' here but the author has created something fresh that raises questions around consent, power and disabilities. This is a great read for older teens that has chilling echoes in the way women are (mis)treated around our world.