The Charity Chip

The Charity Chip
Life on the streets of Lima is already difficult for Julio, but now that digital money has replaced hard currency, survival is virtually impossible. Isak comes to his rescue and offers him a chance at a better life through a hi-tech humanitarian program. The only catch is a microchip implanted between the thumb and forefinger of the hand. At first life improves dramatically, but when another participant dies mysteriously, Julio suspects that the chip does more than just dispense charity. Now he must uncover the truth behind the charity chip before someone else suffers the same fate.

My thoughts: This book was hard to put down from the get go! It has an interesting mix of mystery, street ethics, and showing how life is on the streets of another country. I thought the characters were well written, and I found their characters development was well portrayed. It was interesting to put things in perspective and wonder how one would survive on the streets in a similar situation. The only drawback for me is that I felt like the last few chapters were a bit violent, though I didn't think the writer went overboard with the violence. It probably made it more realistic, but it bothered me a bit. For that reason, I would say that the story is more for older teens or young adults.
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.