Publisher: Odyssey Books
Publication Date: 20/10/2020
Length: 300 pages
Genre: Sci-Fi | Dystopian | Young Adult

CW: n/a

When Saxon finds a girl with no memory on the outskirts of the Nevertyre community, his family take her in and nurse her back to health. He is wary of this stranger but compelled to learn more about her. He soon realises the danger they all face.

When Kerina wakes she must fight to make sense of her situation, but she is haunted by images of her past. She is the key to the future, she just doesn’t know it yet.

To find answers Kerina and Saxon must work together. They set off on a quest of self-discovery. Along the way they meet allies, enemies and uncover truths too difficult to accept. Both must leave the past behind and find a way toward their future.

Kerina and Saxon. Two different stories. Two separate lives. One connected future.

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Review

After receiving an email talking about this novel, I was really interested to start reading it as I had just finished a dystopian novel and was still on a kick so I immediately bought it! However, that excitement wasn’t entirely sustained throughout the novel. 

As the novel does alternate between two protagonists it’s important that you’re able to form a bond with both of them. Unfortunately, I only really found myself drawn to Saxon despite the mystery that surrounded Kerina. As a character I felt that Saxon was much more developed and more believable. However, this could also largely be down to the fact that Kerina doesn’t remember who she is therefore her character was slower to develop. Quite a few of the characters also seemed quite similar as they were often sarcastic with witty one liners. 

I thought the plot was very interesting and I did like the concept of the world that Wray had built. I also liked the way that Saxon and Kerina’s story were intertwined and how it all came together. However, despite this I did feel that the pacing of the novel was slightly off at times, sometimes it felt a little rushed (particularly the ending) and some parts felt like they could have been slightly shorter. I feel that this was partly down to the fact that the novel alternates between the two protagonists in short chapters. If the character’s chapters were combined, making them slightly longer, and then alternated I think this would have helped the narrative along. 

Overall, whilst I did have some issues with the novel I did enjoy the plot and I was interested to see where it would go. The novel has a lot of potential but I can also see it being a great read for young adults!