Review: A compelling journey to escape a strict regime, striking out on their own to find a better life!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 16, 2014
In a dystopian future, we meet teenagers on the cusp of adulthood, Karas and her friends Connor & Cassi. They live in the region of Bailar, Texas where their lives are strictly regimented by the government. Divided by class and the rank of priviledge, your destiny is almost pre-ordained by your lot in life. The product of an alcoholic mother and a father who disappeared when she was one year old, Karas has already had a difficult life where her circumstances force her to grow up a lot faster than anyone could ever rightfully expect.Attending the town parade where prisoners are escorted down the road for all to see, both Connor and Karas see people they haven't seen in a long time and their lives are changed forever for it. These people in the parade are Strikers, people who attempted to leave Texas, which is an illegal act. And for that, the penalty is death within 24 hours. Pushed into taking action, they find some allies in their scheme to break them free and craft a plan. The plan goes terribly awry.On the run and being chased, Karas and her friends head out southeast to escape into another territory. But it's a long and dangerous journey, fraught with peril and terror as they try to escape those who would kill them. As she travels, her newfound companions tell her stories of the lands beyond her own and of the propaganda she's been fed since childhood. Told from a tight first person point of view, we see everything Karas sees and feel what she feels. We also learn more about her and her friends with all of their quirks and endearments that help us see them as real people with a rich history together.This dystopian landscape provides the imaginative background where the entire story plays itself out, giving us as readers the chance to really dive into Karas's head, see what motivates her and watch her grow as she struggles to survive. The author does a great job making us care for all of her characters, fear for them when they're in danger and be happy when a budding romance blossoms. We feel deep sadness at their losses and root for them as they try to overcome one troublesome obstacle after another.There is also much suspense as the Texans doggedly chase after them, with scenes alternating between the solitude of the wilderness they travel through punctuated by moments of sheer terror as their pursuers get too close and attempt to outsmart them at every turn. It's a skillful mix of tension as well as camaraderie as Karas explores the wonders of a world far from Bailar that she's never seen before. By the time we reach the explosive finale, all personal secrets are revealed and everything is put on the line in one final push to reach the salvation that only freedom can offer them.The authors first original novel outside of the Silo Saga is a well-written and thoughtful tale brought to life featuring a memorable backdrop, original characters and a driving story!Please note that I was given an Advanced Reading Copy of this ebook. A favorable review was not asked for nor expected. No worries, as the story was highly enjoyable!