Ahoy there mateys! When I read the author’s first novel . . . it walked the plank. However, I liked enough of the underlying writing to be willing to give the author’s second novel a chance. I am glad I did. This young adult dystopian fantasy novel was very much worth reading. It was surprising, thoughtful, moving, and not at all what I was expecting. Though to be fair I didn’t know what to expect when I picked it up.

This novel is not your typical dystopian novel. It appears to be set in a world like ours that has been destroyed in some way. The society has rebuilt and is seemingly succeeding. However the book begins with the end of a war with a god where no one truly understands what has happened. But the war and its subsequent consequences are really the background for the “true” story of a girl named Hallie, her farm, and her relationships with her sister and the folks from surrounding farms. While the overall plot was engaging, it was watching Hallie’s choices and growth that made the book so special.

I actually thought all the characters in this book were interesting. I really liked Heron, Tyler, and Nat in particular. The small world of Hallie’s farm and the surrounding homesteads and town was detailed and rich in a clear, simple and lovely way. And the ending was truly satisfying. Glad I didn’t give up on this author. I will certainly read her next book.

If you like this review, see others at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/