In Pacifica, Kristen Simmons has created a world where climate change has impacted the world so negatively that the world we know today doesn’t exist any longer and I have to say, it is quite frightening that this could probably actually happen. It's no secret that I love the stories that Simmons writes and this one is no different. From start to finish I was immersed in this story of politics, friendship, and family. Also – the cover is amazing! As always...no spoilers below.

This book is told from two very different perspectives. We get Marin, a corsario pirate, and Ross, the son of the president. At the center of this story is something called the Relocation Act. The president has developed a program that will allow five hundred “lucky” lottery winners amongst the shorelings to relocate to a place called Pacifica which Marin knows doesn’t exist because she has been out there. Those opposed to the relocation support revitalization near the shore to make life better for that group and because there is such opposition between the groups, riots occur almost every night. As a way to get away from the boredom of another political event, Ross and his best friend Adam, decide to go see what’s happening.

As far as characters go, I thought Simmons did a fantastic job of developing both Marin and Ross. From the first page we see what kind of life Marin comes from and how that has shaped her. As the story moves forward, we get to learn more about her corsario roots and exactly why she couldn’t go back. I love that she is always willing to do what she can for those she cares about.

As for Ross, he first comes across as a bit spoiled and the fact that he is looking for adventure amongst the danger that the shorelings live in day to day, made me a bit annoyed with him at first. With that said, when he and Adam get into real trouble, Ross finally realizes it’s not a game and his choices have real consequences. He also decides he is going to do whatever is necessary to bring Adam home.

I thought the secondary characters added depth to the story and were just as well developed. We get to learn more about Ross’s family and those who surround them as well as Marin’s family and why she is living with the shorelings instead of her corsario family. There are some key individuals introduced who both help and cause problems for these two along the way.

There is a lot of action in this book and Marin and Ross face a lot of challenges and danger from the second they meet. Simmons does a great job of using this to propel the story along while still focusing on the characters and what the core of the story is.

Overall this book feels relevant to some key political things going on in our world today and while this is a fictional story, it felt very realistic to me and with that said, somewhat frightening. Adding to the story is the personal perspective that Simmons has included by tying this to her family history with internment camps during WWII. For me, this made the story even more impactful and don’t miss the author’s note when you read this book to read about Simmon’s family background.

In the end, I loved this book you guys...Kristen Simmons has written another fantastic story that has interesting characters, lots of action, danger and my favorite, swoons. Definitely add this to your TBR now if it isn't there already. As a standalone you won’t have to worry about waiting for the next book and I count it as a win that Simmons didn’t make me cry like a baby in this one.

Thank you to the publisher and author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.