A Ward of the State

Title: A Ward of The State

Author: M E Wright

Genre: Sci Fi Political

Series: The Unborn Child Protection Act series

Publisher: Merrywood Publishers

Published Date: 2025

Book Length: 302

Format Read: E Book supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review

Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend

About Book: She was raised to think for herself. Now, she’s being told who to become.

Allison Maxwell has spent the last two years in Hamburg with her father, growing up in a world that values intellect and independence. But when a spike in global tensions forces her to return to Manhattan, she finds herself trapped in a version of home that no longer makes sense.

At Vanguard Preparatory Academy—a school reserved for the children of the powerful elite—boys are trained to lead, while girls are moulded to submit. She’s confused by lessons that feel like systemic indoctrination and disturbed by the trap masked by patriotism and prayer.

As Allison resists the rules shaping her future, she bonds with Michelle, a sharp-witted student who sees through Vanguard’s polished façade. Together, they begin to question not just the school but the world that built it. And when family secrets come to light, Allison is forced to confront a chilling reality: the system isn’t broken—it’s working exactly as designed.

Set in 2042, A Ward of the State is a dark, psychological commentary on control, compliance, and the quiet rebellion of a girl who refuses to be reshaped. M.E. Wright deftly explores the interpersonal dynamics of family, agency, and inner resilience in this thought-provoking third novel in The Unborn Child Protection Act saga.

My Thoughts: A Ward of the State by M.E. Wright is the third instalment in the Unborn Child Protection Act series, a science fiction political thriller set in the not-so-distant year of 2042. The story follows Allison Maxwell, who finds herself torn between two vastly different worlds as she shuttles between her parents, each living on different continents with contrasting lifestyles that reflect the stark political and social divides of their respective countries.

Wright crafts a futuristic tale that explores not only the dynamics of a wealthy family but also the rigid structures they inhabit. At the heart of the story is Allison's return to Manhattan, where she enrols at Vanguard Preparatory Academy—a prestigious institution for the children of the elite. What seems like a beacon of privilege quickly reveals itself to be a tool of control, where boys are moulded to lead and girls are trained to submit.

While the chapters felt somewhat long and occasionally tempted me to skim, the pacing remained steady, and the narrative was easy to follow. Wright’s writing style made it simple to connect emotionally with the characters, particularly Allison as she navigates the unsettling expectations placed upon her.

The novel is not just about family dynamics; it’s about the broader implications of control, compliance, and the consequences of choices. Wright skilfully portrays a world where love must adapt to survive, and rebellion is a quiet but powerful act of defiance. Parts of this imagined future are genuinely chilling—a reflection, perhaps, of the unknown and the uneasy feeling it brings.

A Ward of the State is a dark, psychological exploration of systemic power and the fight for individuality within a controlled society. Wright’s narrative is thought-provoking, and I think will challenge readers to consider the consequences of unchecked authority and the resilience needed to resist it. I think fans of The Handmaid's Tale or 1984 will enjoy reading this as it explores themes of societal control, political indoctrination, and gender roles in speculative futures.