Scripted by Maya Rock
Synopsis:
To the people suffering on the war-torn mainland, Bliss Island seems like an idyllic place. And it is: except for the fact that the island is a set, and the islanders’ lives are a performance. They’re the stars of a hit TV show, Blissful Days—Characters are adored by mainland viewers, yet in constant danger of being cut if their ratings dip too low. And no one really knows what happens to cut Characters.
Nettie Starling knows she’s been given the chance of a lifetime when a producer offers suggestions to help her improve her mediocre ratings—especially when those suggestions involve making a move on the boy she’s been in love with for years. But she’ll soon have to decide how far she’s willing to go to keep the cameras fixed on her. . . especially when she learns what could happen to her if she doesn’t.
Review:
Nettie lives a real-life soap opera. And it’s a role she can rarely step out of or speak freely because of it. When a character is cut from the show, they become a Patriot – though no one really knows what that means. Until Nettie and her friend decide to find out.
Scripted is a dramatic, near-future dystopia on a Truman Show or Ed TV-like island. There is great character development. And the drama and suspense made for a highly enjoyable read. As Nettie becomes more involved with a clause in her contract which pushes her to do suggestions from the producers, her decisions seem to affect those around her in unexpected ways. And events build to a thrilling and unpredictable conclusion.