Wells, Robinson E.
VARIANT
New York : HarperTeen, 2011
IL YA
ISBN 0062026089

Benson Fisher has just received a scholarship to Maxfield High. It was a way to a better life. But…is it better? There was something strange about this school. It was enclosed inside a razor wire fence and there were cameras watching the student’s every move. There were no teachers, no grades and only four rules. And, no one ever left. Ever.

The school was divided into three different gangs: Society, Havoc and Variant , who have come to an agreement that will keep them at peace, most of the time. (Think Lord of the Flies). Until…Benson stumbles on to the school’s real secret. He must join one of the gangs in order to survive. He is determined to escape but is there anyone that he can trust?

Variant is full of action and surprises (including a rough game of paintball) so it is an excellent choice for both male and female readers. It is told strictly from Benson’s point of view and ends with a cliff-hanger that will have readers waiting for the next book in the series. Those who like reading about Dystopian Societies like in Hunger Games and The Maze Runner will enjoy Variant.

The sequel to Variant is Feedback.