Review: Dystopian science fiction young adult novel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 24, 2014
This novel is a dark fantasy, action adventure, science fiction combination of genres.  Essentially, it follows two characters, Hiro and Olly, who have adopted each other as siblings even though they are not biologically related.  In the opening scene, the two have just made it into the Hunters’ test in the Last Dungeon and it becomes clear very early on that Hiro is, as his name suggests, a boy who relies on strength and “heroic” action as a survival tool.  Olly is a girl who uses her wits and cunning to survive.  This coming of age novel follows the two main characters as they almost stupidly decide to sneak into the Hunters’ test to try and improve their lot in society and their desperate struggle to survive in the Last Dungeon.  The dialogue is excellently crafted and the plot moves along in a very straightforward manner.  It is a good choice for a young adult book and has puzzles and plot twists that young readers will enjoy.  It also has a dystopian, cyberpunk type of feel that places it in the same category of books such as “Hunger Games” while having a metallic independence from that type of book.  The motives of the characters and the overall characterization of Hiro, Olly and the lesser characters was excellently done.  The author clearly understood the idea of character motives and their affect on plot.  The ending was surprising, but the foreshadowing throughout the novel hinted at what might happen at the end.  Great book.  Great read.  I would highly recommend it.