Inside the Palisade by K. C. Maguire

by K.C. Maguire

Omega has grown up surrounded by women – literally. Inside the palisade, women fall in love, marry and raise daughters, relying on an artificial insemination process known as the Procedure. But something goes horribly wrong. One day, Omega comes face to face with a mythical monster – a man – within the society’s walls. Men had been eradicated long ago to protect women from the threat of violence. But this boy is not what Omega has been led to believe. And he needs her help. She soon finds herself embroiled in a manhunt headed by a vigilante Protector, Commander Theta. When she falls into Theta’s clutches, Omega realizes that there’s more to the banishment of men, and to her own past, than she’s ever known. Ultimately, she is forced to make a choice between betraying the lost boy and betraying her society, a decision complicated by the realization that she has more in common with him than she cares to admit, and the fact that she is developing feelings for him.

Genres: Science Fiction, Romance

Paperback

First published August 28, 2015

About the author

K C Maguire is the pen-name of Jacqui Lipton who has a love for all things literary. She holds an M.F.A. from Vermont College of Fine Arts, as well as an LL.B. from the University of Melbourne, and an LL.M. and Ph.D. in intellectual property law from Cambridge University. She teaches law and writing and works as a freelance editor in her (free?) time. She is repped by Jane Dystel at Dystel Goderich and Bourret Literary Management.

Reviews

[Yuki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received this in exchange for an honest review.

This book has a decent writing style and a seemingly very interesting plot, enough to get the readers all hooked up. Rarely does an idea of a world where genders are divided by a giant wall cross my mind. The characters are somewhat annoying, but I can see that their actions are legitimate. A little more on the prose and this would be nearly perfect.

The only thing that I'm concerned with is with the nonexistence of religion in this dystopia, Omega knowing the world "pray" is quite strange, isn't it?

Also, thanks goes to the author for kindly providing me a copy of this book :).

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

K.C. Maguire’s Inside the Palisade is a fast-paced adventure in a female dystopian world where men are objectified as sperm-donors. Maguire has developed a gripping and convincing environment where woman and even gender are controlled, and men are mysterious beings called “deman.” But all that changes when eighteen-year old Omega meets a “deman” in the woods and finds herself not only fascinated but drawn to him. Romance is in the air and we soon root for the couple who don’t seem to have a chance. An engrossing read. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Randi Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I would recommend it to anyone. It is not the first of her stories that I have read but it is my favorite so far. I can't wait for more of her books!

[Sherry Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start off by saying this was the easiest decision to give this book 5 stars. Hell 5 stars is not enough!

I normally can find at least a few spelling errors or mistakes with books. I couldn't find any in this book.

The plot in this story had me hooked from the very start. I had to go to work half way through the book and all day at work I just thought about reading it. what a masterpiece! K.C. Maguire is a freaking genius! The book actually touches on quite a few hot button subjects subtly. When I started to see the connections I was just thrilled!

I am now just hoping that maybe there will be a second book. This book is amazing by itself but damn it has me hooked! I am dying to know what is outside the Palisade!

I have read thousands of books in the last 20 years and this just made #2 on my all time favorite books.

if you have not received a copy to review and are trying to decide to buy this or not, BUY IT! I promise you will not regret it.

I am also so very thrilled that K.C. Maguire was so kind to give me an autographed copy of this. I will treasure this forever. thank you so much for the opportunity to read this. it has made my year!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this straight through in one sitting. I loved the characters--the main characters are great, and even the supporting characters are highly individualized and interesting people. The dystopian setting feels plausible enough to be relatable, and the plot moves quickly--no dull moments! Highly recommended.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, plot-driven book. It has a young female protagonist who discovers and eventually comes to terms with her true identity in a society with many secrets. The dialogue is excellent. Not a word is wasted and I think this one will definitely appeal to YA readers.

[Dee Leone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maguire has created a interesting world with an intriguing concept. What would happen if only women lived behind closed walls to stay safe from "demen" who may or may not still exist outside the palisade?

The premise is intriguing and the characters are well-developed. I enjoyed the world building as well as the suspenseful plot. The themes and issues covered are thought-provoking to say the least. I highly enjoyed this quick read. Hopefully there will be a sequel. "Outside the Palisade" perhaps?

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely written as a YA novel, but this story of a future society consisting of women only can be enjoyed by adults. The central character is likable and others in the fairly small cast are good or bad as needed. It appears there will be a sequel and I liked this well enough to see where Omega and company head next.

Borrowed from Enki.

[Monica Shaughnessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dystopian winner. Written with clean, descriptive prose, Inside the Palisade explores issues of gender and the inequities that inherently come with such assignments. Like all-good sci-fi, this tale starts with a "what if" and expands into a well-rounded look at feminism gone wrong. Yes, it's YA. But it remains accessible to adults wanting more meat and meaing behind their fiction. :-)