A Review of Proxy

Proxy by Alex London
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Proxy is an original way of re-working the older story of the Whipping Boy, set in a city where the class system is based on debtors and patrons/creditors--those who hold the poor people's debt. In between are middlemen companies who arrange these debt contracts. Syd has been in debt since he was small, and Knox's father owns his debt. Every time Knox does something wrong, Syd is punished while Knox watches from afar.

I just honestly can't figure out why so many people liked this book so much. Maybe it's the tie-in to The Whipping Boy, but even though I'm a fan of dystopians and re-workings of old stories, I really prefer The Whipping Boy. In the original, there's a lot of character growth, but in this one, there really isn't. Sure, some of the characters' choices are forced to change because of the circumstances they find themselves in, and their actions indicate they're experiencing growth, but their innermost thoughts don't. Knox finally performs what seems to be a selfless act at the end, but I get the sense it's all still to spite his father. And Syd, as usual, lets it happen because, as he has since he knew who Knox was, he sort of feels like Knox owes it to him. I just found it hard to care for either of these characters. Knox because he was so self-centered and entitled, and Syd because he really could care less about people beyond his own small circle. I also had no clear love interest to root for, which was a little disappointing. There doesn't have to be a lot, but it can add depth to a story, depth that I feel Proxy could have really used--all of the sudden, choices become more complicated, decisions more weighty, ideals and outlooks are less clear. but with every character running around in their own bubble, they just sort of drifted along with the events happening to them, pretending they were making choices (and they were, in a few cases) but mostly just being shepherded from one place to another.

It was interesting, a fast read, and it wasn't too hard to finish, hence the three stars. I just didn't find it very special. I'm sure some people will enjoy the fast-paced action or the world-building, it just wasn't really my type of story. Just be aware that if you like character-based stories, you may not love this one, whereas if action and tech ideas are more your thing, you'll probably enjoy it.

This digital copy of Proxy was given to me by NetGalley & Penguin Young Readers Group in exchange for an honest review.

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