ARC Review: How We Became Wicked by Alexander Yates

Title: How We Became Wicked
Author: Alexander Yates
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Horror
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Publication Date: July 23rd 2019

Summary: 

A plague, called Wicked, is pulsing through the world; and in its wake, it’s dividing the population into thirds: The WICKED: Already infected by the droves of Singers, the ultraviolet mosquito-like insects who carry the plague, the Wicked roam the world freely. They don’t want for much—only to maim and dismember you. But don’t worry: They always ask politely first...The TRUE: The True live in contained, isolated communities. They’re the lucky ones; they found safety from the Singers. And while the threat of the Wicked may not be eliminated, for the True, the threat has certainly been contained... The VEXED: The Vexed are the truly fortunate ones—they survived the sting of the Singers, leaving them immune. But they’re far from safe. The Vexed hold the key to a cure, and there are those who will do anything to get it.

To be brutally honest, I never head of How We Became Wicked until I spotted it on NetGalley. Immediately the summary sucked me in. Ultra-violet mosquitoes that spread a plague that causes people to become incredibly violent and sadistic, sign me up! This book had my name written all over it. How We Became Wicked wasn't just a book about a world that had ended, but the sacrifices you make for the ones you love and how dark secrets can have really deadly and horrid consequences. I ended up loving How We Became Wicked a lot more then I thought I was going too.

How We Became Wicked is told in two point of views: Astrid and Natalie. Astrid has recently broke up with her childhood best friend Hank, but there is one problem. They are the youngest people in their domed town leaving people disappointed in them no longer being together. When the light house on the island across from where Astrid and Hank live begins to go off, Astrid begins to ask questions that lead to dark and deadly consequences. Natalie lives on the island that Astrid is asking question about. Her mother is heavily pregnant and her grandfather is locked in the light house because he became Wicked years prior. But when Natalie's mother goes into labor and gives birth to a baby girl it is up to Natalie to take her to the mainland and have her bitten by the bugs, its the only way to get her vexed, immune, to the virus just like Natalie and her mother. Only once on the mainland Natalie learns that her and her tiny family aren't the only survivors and there are people looking for answers too. 

I really enjoyed the writing style of How We Became Wicked. The characters and setting became alive in front of my eyes. The terror of the Wicked and how sadistic and terrifying they are was palpable. I waited a majority of the book for Natalie's and Astrid's paths to cross, only to be let in on the most amazing plot twist I've read in a while. I didn't expect the twist at all, but looking back at certain things that happened, it makes perfect sense. Overall I really enjoyed How We Became Wicked and hope we will get to see more of Natalie and Astrid's story.