Bethany Wiggins' Stung receives mixed reviews. Readers praise its fast-paced narrative, engaging post-apocalyptic world, and strong female protagonist. However, some criticize its predictable plot and underdeveloped secondary characters. The romance aspect is polarizing, with some finding it compelling and others deeming it clichéd. Overall, it's a thrilling but flawed dystopian novel.

Readers who enjoy dystopian young adult fiction with strong female leads and intricate world-building will relish Stung by Bethany Wiggins. Fans of The Maze Runner by James Dashner and Divergent by Veronica Roth will appreciate the suspense and action. Suitable for ages 12 and up, it blends science fiction with elements of romance.

In Bethany Wiggins' Stung, 17-year-old Fiona "Fo" Tarsis wakes in a post-apocalyptic world where honeybees are extinct, and society has collapsed. With a mysterious tattoo marking her as a dangerous Level Ten vaccine recipient, Fiona must evade both beasts and humans to uncover the truth about her family and her past, all while exploring themes of humanity and violence through gender dynamics. Instances of rape and sexual assault are implied as inherent dangers for Fiona and women outside the wall.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Gritty

- Stung by Bethany Wiggins is inspired by the mythology of "Sleeping Beauty," but with a unique dystopian twist involving bees and a post-apocalyptic world.
- The novel won the Utah Beehive Book Award, which is decided by a children's choice voting program.
- The book is often praised for its fast-paced narrative and is popular among young adult readers for its unique blend of science fiction and fairy tale elements.

Bethany Wiggins

Novel

Stung

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Stung and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Stung Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

Stung Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-15

Stung Chapters 9-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-23

Stung Chapters 16-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-30

Stung Chapters 24-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-39

Stung Chapters 31-39 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Stung Character Analysis

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Themes

Stung Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Stung Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Stung Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Stung Essay Topics

Introduction

Stung Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Stung Before Reading

During Reading

Stung During Reading

After Reading

Stung After Reading

Stung

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Stung?

Reading Age

Book Details