What do you think?
Rate this book
Solis
From the authors of Sanctuary comes a haunting near-future companion tale about undocumented immigrants subjected to deadly experiments in a government labor camp and the four courageous rebels who set into place a daring plan to liberate them.
The year is 2033, and in this near-future America where undocumented people are forced into labor camps, life is bleak. Especially so for seventeen-year-old Rania, a Lebanese teenager from Chicago. When she and her mother were rounded up by the Deportation Force, they were given the brutal job of digging in the labor camp’s mine searching for the destructive and toxic, but potentially world-changing chemical, aqualinium. With this chemical the corrupt and xenophobic government of the New American Republic could actually control the weather—ending devastating droughts sweeping the planet due to climate change. If the government succeeds, other countries would be at their mercy. Solidifying this power comes at the expense of the undocumented immigrants forced to endure horrendous conditions to mine the chemical or used in cruel experiments to test it, leaving their bodies wracked in extreme pain to the point of death. As the experiments ramp up, things only get worse. Rania and her fellow prisoners decide to start a revolution; if they don’t, they know they will die.
Told by four narrators—Rania, Jess (a former teenage Deportation Force officer), Vali, and Vali’s mother Liliana—Solis is about the courage and sacrifice it takes to stand and fight for freedom.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2024
17 people are currently reading
4780 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Read
April 27, 2025This was...a LOT. I really loved Sanctuary and Solis is a sequel- a near future dystopia where climate change is a bigger crisis and populist politics in the United States have led to the expelling of anyone who is not a natural born citizen.
Solis takes place after the events of book 1 and it's incredibly bleak and horrific. Some of the scenes of torture and death are so gruesome and over the top they would feel more at home in an adult horror novel than a YA dystopia. And while I'm not opposed to realistically depicting some horrific things in literature for teens, I'm just not sure there's a good reason for some of the more extreme things beyond shock value. If the idea is to realistically reflect the treatment of migrants at border crossings, there is enough horror in those stories already without manufacturing things that feel more akin to Nazi concentration camps and then some. It feels like horror for horror's sake in a way that the first book didn't. That felt like a timely warning of the direction things have been heading, whereas this goes way beyond that.
On top of which, the ending is very abrupt and not hopeful enough to balance out everything else. I don't know, there were elements of this I liked but it was a bit of a shock after Sanctuary. Read with care. I received a copy of this book for review via Goodreads, all opinions are my own.
Solis takes place after the events of book 1 and it's incredibly bleak and horrific. Some of the scenes of torture and death are so gruesome and over the top they would feel more at home in an adult horror novel than a YA dystopia. And while I'm not opposed to realistically depicting some horrific things in literature for teens, I'm just not sure there's a good reason for some of the more extreme things beyond shock value. If the idea is to realistically reflect the treatment of migrants at border crossings, there is enough horror in those stories already without manufacturing things that feel more akin to Nazi concentration camps and then some. It feels like horror for horror's sake in a way that the first book didn't. That felt like a timely warning of the direction things have been heading, whereas this goes way beyond that.
On top of which, the ending is very abrupt and not hopeful enough to balance out everything else. I don't know, there were elements of this I liked but it was a bit of a shock after Sanctuary. Read with care. I received a copy of this book for review via Goodreads, all opinions are my own.
August 30, 2024
3 Stars
I'm conflicted by this. While I really enjoyed how this dystopian world draws from real, practical concerns of the contemporary political sphere (something that a lot of YA dystopia refuses to engage in, despite good dystopia really needing that political element), it also felt at times a little... too much. It didn't quite strike the balance for me between horrific human rights violations and, well, character integrity. It should also be noted that this book calls itself a "companion" to Sanctuary, and while I do think it can be read independently (like one should expect with a companion book), it really does benefit from having read the first book. It isn't quite a true companion piece, since it draws POV characters from the first and is in many ways just a direct continuation.
There's obviously more to say here, but I'm saving all of that for my full review at Gateway Reviews, which will go live on November 1, 2024. Stop by if you get the chance.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
I'm conflicted by this. While I really enjoyed how this dystopian world draws from real, practical concerns of the contemporary political sphere (something that a lot of YA dystopia refuses to engage in, despite good dystopia really needing that political element), it also felt at times a little... too much. It didn't quite strike the balance for me between horrific human rights violations and, well, character integrity. It should also be noted that this book calls itself a "companion" to Sanctuary, and while I do think it can be read independently (like one should expect with a companion book), it really does benefit from having read the first book. It isn't quite a true companion piece, since it draws POV characters from the first and is in many ways just a direct continuation.
There's obviously more to say here, but I'm saving all of that for my full review at Gateway Reviews, which will go live on November 1, 2024. Stop by if you get the chance.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
April 9, 2025
I tried. I couldn’t make it all the way to the end. The premise is too close to what could actually happen in this country.
December 20, 2024
It did not help that I read 70% of this book in the few days before the 2024 US Presidential Election. I appreciate that in the authors’ notes that they said they intentionally were choosing the bleakest, most graphic/violent future they could imagine….so I guess they got that right. But it just felt so explicit and to what end?
July 28, 2024
Picking up right where Sanctuary left off, Solis, told with multiple points of view (including several recurring characters from Sanctuary), is a rebellion story. All hope is lost after the government of the New American Republic hunted down the undocumented immigrants and forced them to work in labor camps against their will. California has become a sanctuary refuge and is organizing plans to fight against the New American Republic by liberating the labor camps and intercepting information that the government has gathered on how to combat climate change. They are in a race against time to set their plans into action with their highly trained special force called Solis.
While very difficult to read at times, I really enjoyed Sanctuary, the book that came before Solis, and I would definitely recommend reading Solis after Sanctuary, since it informs the reader on important background and character details. Despite being a very powerful novel, Sanctuary was extremely bleak overall. Therefore, I was really looking forward to Solis, especially after reading the blurb and seeing that it was about a rebellion group. However, the pacing was a little bit off and the ending seemed abrupt and incomplete (possibly because there could be another book in the works?). While Sanctuary felt like a haunting cautionary tale of the future, Solis felt unnecessarily grim at times. I had to put it down for a while and come back to it because in my opinion, it was overly painful and depressing without a lot of plot development in the middle. If these authors decide to write a follow-up to Solis, I will definitely read it, because the story is unique and important, but overall, this one didn't hit the same for me as Sanctuary.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulsen Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
While very difficult to read at times, I really enjoyed Sanctuary, the book that came before Solis, and I would definitely recommend reading Solis after Sanctuary, since it informs the reader on important background and character details. Despite being a very powerful novel, Sanctuary was extremely bleak overall. Therefore, I was really looking forward to Solis, especially after reading the blurb and seeing that it was about a rebellion group. However, the pacing was a little bit off and the ending seemed abrupt and incomplete (possibly because there could be another book in the works?). While Sanctuary felt like a haunting cautionary tale of the future, Solis felt unnecessarily grim at times. I had to put it down for a while and come back to it because in my opinion, it was overly painful and depressing without a lot of plot development in the middle. If these authors decide to write a follow-up to Solis, I will definitely read it, because the story is unique and important, but overall, this one didn't hit the same for me as Sanctuary.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulsen Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
August 11, 2024
In a bleak 2033 America, undocumented immigrants are imprisoned in labor camps where they are forced to mine a powerful chemical called aqualinium, which the oppressive government aims to exploit for weather control. Seventeen-year-old Rania and her fellow prisoners must band together to ignite a revolution or face certain death as the cruel experiments intensify.
I absolutely had zero idea there was a companion book to this so it just got added to my TBR. This book is terrifying. Not in a horror/slasher way (though some parts are truly gruesome), but in the way that it feels like this could happen at any point in time. I legitimately had goosebumps so many times while reading because it felt too freaking real. My jaw was clenched and my heart was racing. It’s a sign of a very good book and incredibly talented writers. I will be thinking about this one for a long time.
The bravery. The will. The love. The care. The hope. The friendship. The death. The despair. The resistance. The shame. Freedom and liberty.
Absolutely a book that should be read and discussed. If anyone else has read it, I want to know your thoughts.
*I was provided a digital copy of this book by the publisher, all thoughts are my own.*
I absolutely had zero idea there was a companion book to this so it just got added to my TBR. This book is terrifying. Not in a horror/slasher way (though some parts are truly gruesome), but in the way that it feels like this could happen at any point in time. I legitimately had goosebumps so many times while reading because it felt too freaking real. My jaw was clenched and my heart was racing. It’s a sign of a very good book and incredibly talented writers. I will be thinking about this one for a long time.
The bravery. The will. The love. The care. The hope. The friendship. The death. The despair. The resistance. The shame. Freedom and liberty.
Absolutely a book that should be read and discussed. If anyone else has read it, I want to know your thoughts.
*I was provided a digital copy of this book by the publisher, all thoughts are my own.*
November 22, 2024
Sanctuary and Solis are near future dystopians about a torn America with a tyrannical president who fights to deport every immigrant. In Sanctuary, we find out that California has seceded from the other 49 states and becomes a sanctuary "state" for any and all people trying to find safety. Solis picks up with the world in a climate crisis and the new United States Republic creating concentration labor camps in order to find a solution.
The scariest part of reading this book was seeing the direct correlation to the times we're in today. Sadly, the people who really need to read this series and learn the message it tells, are most likely not going to.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
The scariest part of reading this book was seeing the direct correlation to the times we're in today. Sadly, the people who really need to read this series and learn the message it tells, are most likely not going to.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 24, 2024
This book felt uncomfortably timely, considering what’s been in the news lately. I was supposed to see this author speak at an event a few months ago, and sadly she had to cancel, I would have loved to hear her talk about this.
The novel is heartbreaking and gruesome, told from multiple points of view. There is so much loss and pain. Though the ending, while a bit rushed and scattered, wraps up with a bit of hope.
I didn’t realize this was a sequel when I read it, so I’ll need to backtrack to Sanctuary which I’ve heard is the stronger of the two novels.
Thank you Penguin Group and Netgalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The novel is heartbreaking and gruesome, told from multiple points of view. There is so much loss and pain. Though the ending, while a bit rushed and scattered, wraps up with a bit of hope.
I didn’t realize this was a sequel when I read it, so I’ll need to backtrack to Sanctuary which I’ve heard is the stronger of the two novels.
Thank you Penguin Group and Netgalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
September 26, 2024
Actual rating: 4.5 stars ✨
December 30, 2024
75% of this felt like shock value trauma porn.
Read
January 6, 2025ooof that was A LOT
October 23, 2024
Loved this, and Sanctuary!! Perfectly written, however the closeness to the world we now live in. I needed to try and separate the politics of it, to truly enjoy it. That it's just fiction. I will think of these characters for a long time.
October 13, 2024
This book was really interesting. I enjoyed that the plot took from current events and I enjoyed seeing one viewpoint of what could happen in the near future. I did feel like the book had a slow start, and it took me a little while to get into it. Additionally I found it hard to keep the characters straight, until about the 50% mark. The 50% was definitely where the book picked up. I enjoyed the twists and turns. I mainly enjoyed the ending, although I think it could've used a short epilogue at the end to show where the characters end up. Overall it was a good book, but there were a few aspects the book could've benefitted from.
As someone who didn't read Sanctuary, I felt like this book could definitely be read as a stand alone, and I didn't feel like I needed to read Sanctuary to understand this.
As someone who didn't read Sanctuary, I felt like this book could definitely be read as a stand alone, and I didn't feel like I needed to read Sanctuary to understand this.
October 14, 2024
Full review in its optimum format can be found on my blog, Cierra’s Cynosure, here.
Solis picks up one year after the events of its companion novel, Sanctuary. I found that having read Sanctuary first, I had the clearest context for all of the character relationships and crossovers that continued into this title. Nevertheless, the authors do a great job at bringing readers up to speed about the overarching world events and connections we learned about from book one, and you end up in the same place regardless. I enjoyed the new element of the four main characters now telling the story from start to finish in their own chapters. I was a bit skeptical at first because following that many storylines can be challenging, but each character’s voice is resoundingly clear and their personalities are distinct.
Though brief, this book is dark and heavy. Mendoza and Sher unapologetically explore the depravity that occurs when corruption and bigotry fester in politics and climate change poses an ever-increasing threat to life. How an authoritarian political system takes hold as a result, and humans who present as “different” (read: anyone who is not a white U.S. citizen), are alienated and reduced to slaves. It is especially upsetting to be reviewing such work in present-day 2024, where we are on the cusp of yet another deeply consequential presidential election here in the United States, and we just passed the first anniversary of world’s most digitally documented genocide taking place in Gaza.
Like Sanctuary, the message of Solis is loud and clear: the gross crimes against humanity depicted in this novel are not an impossibility. One critique of this title that I’ve pondered before writing this review is that the violence depicted is so extreme that it reads more like shock value and therefore dampens the impact. I’ve contended with this argument because I think there is some merit to it. For instance, in Sanctuary, the on-page corruption mirrored the anti-immigration political rhetoric that was circulating here in the States so closely that the corruption and violence felt domestically possible. However, the corruption and now extended depravity depicted in Solis feels so much like an extreme escalation that it no longer feels domestically possible. So if you’re an American reader reading this book and thinking, “That would never happen here,” I could see you sharing this criticism. However, a beautiful perspective I’ve gained from reading Mendoza and Sher’s work is that the violence they write about extends far beyond the United States. And so I want to be very careful with falling into that mindset, because even if it feels like this could never happen on U.S. soil, it can—and very much is—happen elsewhere in the world where it is endorsed by the U.S.
There are a lot of themes I could pick out and dissect in Solis, and I think that is why I am so drawn to Mendoza and Sher’s work. I did find myself feeling like I wanted more resolution by the end of the novel, though, because it ends rather abruptly. I wanted to learn what Jess’ plans were moving forward to continue dismantling the system she was part of. I wanted more opportunity to bask in the relief I felt when Vali and her mom Liliana were finally reconnected.
In all, Solis is an allegorical book that serves as a warning of what could happen when corruption and climate change go unchecked. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, young adult political “dystopia” that will make you question the way the real world is heading, this is the book for you.
Solis picks up one year after the events of its companion novel, Sanctuary. I found that having read Sanctuary first, I had the clearest context for all of the character relationships and crossovers that continued into this title. Nevertheless, the authors do a great job at bringing readers up to speed about the overarching world events and connections we learned about from book one, and you end up in the same place regardless. I enjoyed the new element of the four main characters now telling the story from start to finish in their own chapters. I was a bit skeptical at first because following that many storylines can be challenging, but each character’s voice is resoundingly clear and their personalities are distinct.
Though brief, this book is dark and heavy. Mendoza and Sher unapologetically explore the depravity that occurs when corruption and bigotry fester in politics and climate change poses an ever-increasing threat to life. How an authoritarian political system takes hold as a result, and humans who present as “different” (read: anyone who is not a white U.S. citizen), are alienated and reduced to slaves. It is especially upsetting to be reviewing such work in present-day 2024, where we are on the cusp of yet another deeply consequential presidential election here in the United States, and we just passed the first anniversary of world’s most digitally documented genocide taking place in Gaza.
Like Sanctuary, the message of Solis is loud and clear: the gross crimes against humanity depicted in this novel are not an impossibility. One critique of this title that I’ve pondered before writing this review is that the violence depicted is so extreme that it reads more like shock value and therefore dampens the impact. I’ve contended with this argument because I think there is some merit to it. For instance, in Sanctuary, the on-page corruption mirrored the anti-immigration political rhetoric that was circulating here in the States so closely that the corruption and violence felt domestically possible. However, the corruption and now extended depravity depicted in Solis feels so much like an extreme escalation that it no longer feels domestically possible. So if you’re an American reader reading this book and thinking, “That would never happen here,” I could see you sharing this criticism. However, a beautiful perspective I’ve gained from reading Mendoza and Sher’s work is that the violence they write about extends far beyond the United States. And so I want to be very careful with falling into that mindset, because even if it feels like this could never happen on U.S. soil, it can—and very much is—happen elsewhere in the world where it is endorsed by the U.S.
There are a lot of themes I could pick out and dissect in Solis, and I think that is why I am so drawn to Mendoza and Sher’s work. I did find myself feeling like I wanted more resolution by the end of the novel, though, because it ends rather abruptly. I wanted to learn what Jess’ plans were moving forward to continue dismantling the system she was part of. I wanted more opportunity to bask in the relief I felt when Vali and her mom Liliana were finally reconnected.
In all, Solis is an allegorical book that serves as a warning of what could happen when corruption and climate change go unchecked. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, young adult political “dystopia” that will make you question the way the real world is heading, this is the book for you.
January 19, 2025
- Interesting read, the plot was exciting and well-paced. characters were well-rounded and we got a good sense of their connections and sympathized with them.honestly i dont really have much to say about the actual story compared to my thoughts about the deeper thees.
- This is a dystopian set in the near future and based on current U.S. politics. which are only getting more extreme since this book was published. While this story is still an overdramatization of existing sociopolitical issues, the commentary is fitting. Political themes about immigration and racism are kept more simple in the book, bc it is for teens after all. I think there can be a lot more explored about American hypernationalism, racist ideas, immigration. there was brief mentions of things like replacement theories and the misconception that immigrants steal jobs. i think a more advanced explanation of these themes could be explored in an adult telling of this type of novel. but also, i wouldn't want to read adult fiction that basically sci-fi dystopian about very real, distressing political topics. It works for teen fiction bc its an accessible way for them to understand. For adults, they need to get into nonfiction, to actually explore the realities of our political climate.
- i also feel like this will create an actual real conversation and strengthen the argument. otherwise i'm sure many conservatives reading this story would laugh "oh what a bunch of 'radical' liberal nonsense and fear mongering, this is their fantasy of fears etc..." and then they'll go join armed gangs that hunt down, capture, and end up shooting immigrants in the desert at the Mexico-US border. yes it's real. (ex: Arizona Border Recon) Anyway, the thing is, we as a nation do need to have dialogue and understand each of the conflicting viewpoints on immigration. To understand where restrictive immigration ideas come from and everything. The character of Jess to me was very important to have, for people who are born into white nationalism that glorifies exclusion of immigrants as a "solution" to the nation's problem. They hold this belief without understanding its never that simple. And there need to be practical solutions to create relief for this issue.
There needs to be a practical, thought out plan between "open borders" and "deport them all." And its not difficult to achieve that. Most of our immigration policy is already in that middle ground, it just needs more efficiency to actually process many of the immigration cases in the overburdened system... and honestly it takes much larger, worldwide cooperation, where countries of origin become stable, then the immigration flow won't be severe. So when nationals like the US instead use developing countries as cheap labor or staging ground for geopolitical conflicts and proxy wars and coups, we're not really gonna achieve any type of global peace that would diminish emigration out of those countries.
- as I read it, I saw how it reflected so many actual existing realities. the immigration enforcement alr exists, detention centers where people are kept for years as they're processed. the brutality of the soldiers reminds me exactly of the IDF israeli military. the breaking into homes, hunting people down, rounding people up into refugee camps and prison torture camps israel does are exactly whats described in this book. The mining slave labor camps literally already exist around the world, most notoriously in places like the DR of Congo where lithium, cobalt, etc is mined for the profit of American tech companies that readers like you and me buy from. So that's a reality check.
- This is a dystopian set in the near future and based on current U.S. politics. which are only getting more extreme since this book was published. While this story is still an overdramatization of existing sociopolitical issues, the commentary is fitting. Political themes about immigration and racism are kept more simple in the book, bc it is for teens after all. I think there can be a lot more explored about American hypernationalism, racist ideas, immigration. there was brief mentions of things like replacement theories and the misconception that immigrants steal jobs. i think a more advanced explanation of these themes could be explored in an adult telling of this type of novel. but also, i wouldn't want to read adult fiction that basically sci-fi dystopian about very real, distressing political topics. It works for teen fiction bc its an accessible way for them to understand. For adults, they need to get into nonfiction, to actually explore the realities of our political climate.
- i also feel like this will create an actual real conversation and strengthen the argument. otherwise i'm sure many conservatives reading this story would laugh "oh what a bunch of 'radical' liberal nonsense and fear mongering, this is their fantasy of fears etc..." and then they'll go join armed gangs that hunt down, capture, and end up shooting immigrants in the desert at the Mexico-US border. yes it's real. (ex: Arizona Border Recon) Anyway, the thing is, we as a nation do need to have dialogue and understand each of the conflicting viewpoints on immigration. To understand where restrictive immigration ideas come from and everything. The character of Jess to me was very important to have, for people who are born into white nationalism that glorifies exclusion of immigrants as a "solution" to the nation's problem. They hold this belief without understanding its never that simple. And there need to be practical solutions to create relief for this issue.
There needs to be a practical, thought out plan between "open borders" and "deport them all." And its not difficult to achieve that. Most of our immigration policy is already in that middle ground, it just needs more efficiency to actually process many of the immigration cases in the overburdened system... and honestly it takes much larger, worldwide cooperation, where countries of origin become stable, then the immigration flow won't be severe. So when nationals like the US instead use developing countries as cheap labor or staging ground for geopolitical conflicts and proxy wars and coups, we're not really gonna achieve any type of global peace that would diminish emigration out of those countries.
- as I read it, I saw how it reflected so many actual existing realities. the immigration enforcement alr exists, detention centers where people are kept for years as they're processed. the brutality of the soldiers reminds me exactly of the IDF israeli military. the breaking into homes, hunting people down, rounding people up into refugee camps and prison torture camps israel does are exactly whats described in this book. The mining slave labor camps literally already exist around the world, most notoriously in places like the DR of Congo where lithium, cobalt, etc is mined for the profit of American tech companies that readers like you and me buy from. So that's a reality check.
November 4, 2024
Sequel to Sanctuary, Solis continues the story of Vali after finding sanctuary in the newly freed California (now known as the Commonwealth of California), as well as her mother who was captured by the deportation forces and sent to a concentration labor camp. We are also given the POV's of Rania, a young Lebanese girl, and Jess, a former deportation force officer.
It's now 2033: Vali has joined California's resistance group, SOLIS, who has made it their mission to find and free the people enslaved by the New American Republic's DF forces. Vali makes it onto the secret Special Ops team known as Condor, whose primary focus is to infiltrate the labor camp and stop the mining of aqualinium. Vali's mom, Liliana, is a laborer in this camp, along with Rania, Vali's school friend from Chicago. Somehow they must all come together to stop the New American Republic's mining & refining of Aqualinium, and free the slaves of the camp.
Although Solis isn't marketed as a direct sequel to Sanctuary, there are a lot of callbacks to Sanctuary that I really liked. The introduction to 3 new POV's: Vali's mom, Rania, & Jess. However - all 3 characters were in Sanctuary, and we are now expanding upon them. I loved the callbacks to these characters from Sanctuary, and how interconnected their stories are in Solis.
Just like Sanctuary, Solis is a dystopian fantasy that has very real potential with our political climate in the US. I read this only about a month before the election, and writing this review just days before the election. It's crazy to read this story, and see people who are the physical embodiments of those in charge of the New American Republic literally running for office IRL. Solis is a prophecy for what could come if we're not careful, and that takes my empathy for the characters up a notch as it's not far off from what is currently happening at the camps currently at our borders. Solis is a gut wrenching read.
Thank you to Paola Mendoza & Abby Sher, Penguin Group, & NetGalley for the eARC!
It's now 2033: Vali has joined California's resistance group, SOLIS, who has made it their mission to find and free the people enslaved by the New American Republic's DF forces. Vali makes it onto the secret Special Ops team known as Condor, whose primary focus is to infiltrate the labor camp and stop the mining of aqualinium. Vali's mom, Liliana, is a laborer in this camp, along with Rania, Vali's school friend from Chicago. Somehow they must all come together to stop the New American Republic's mining & refining of Aqualinium, and free the slaves of the camp.
Although Solis isn't marketed as a direct sequel to Sanctuary, there are a lot of callbacks to Sanctuary that I really liked. The introduction to 3 new POV's: Vali's mom, Rania, & Jess. However - all 3 characters were in Sanctuary, and we are now expanding upon them. I loved the callbacks to these characters from Sanctuary, and how interconnected their stories are in Solis.
Just like Sanctuary, Solis is a dystopian fantasy that has very real potential with our political climate in the US. I read this only about a month before the election, and writing this review just days before the election. It's crazy to read this story, and see people who are the physical embodiments of those in charge of the New American Republic literally running for office IRL. Solis is a prophecy for what could come if we're not careful, and that takes my empathy for the characters up a notch as it's not far off from what is currently happening at the camps currently at our borders. Solis is a gut wrenching read.
Thank you to Paola Mendoza & Abby Sher, Penguin Group, & NetGalley for the eARC!
September 9, 2024
3.5 ✨
"I am Isabel Zambrano... I am a good child. I obey the rules. I am everything.
Blessings to all!"
It was really hard to read this because it’s realistic, if our history has taught us anything is that everything is cyclical. There’s that famous saying that history usually repeats itself, I like to say it also rhymes because sometimes when it does repeat itself it comes out with something new: good or bad, better or worse. In this case, America falling into a dictatorship and entrapping immigrants is very likely with or political climate and it’s interesting how the country that built itself by saying “Come to America for a better life” in order to get more labor, is so adamantly oppose to it now. A country built by immigrant, stolen from natives, and claimed by others, wants people out. That said, coming with something new: the ability to have the liberty to write something like this, or mentioning how it impacts climate change, or tech, since now everything is documented in real time.
SOLIS was scary for that. Because it did include parts from not just America’s past but the world as a whole, because at the end of the day what do you do when you want to eradicate a whole group of people? Lock them up, kill them all, manifest destiny, yadda, yadda, yadda.
“This was not how I imagined this mission. I thought we would be heroes. Fighting the bad guys and ensuring our country's future. Instead, I have become a monster just like them. We are all now living in the time of monsters. How do I escape?”
On a more technical side, I didn’t read the first book of the series, I didn’t realize it was the second of a series until I was halfway through, but you can definitely read this as a standalone. What I wish - which I may very well get on book 1 when I read it - is a little more characterization. It felt very ‘we need to just tell the story so we can’t focus on making the connections, we’ll just dedicate a line to it and move on’. Though, I guess in a book trying to tell you how possible this situation can be, it’s hard to focus on individual characters. But I do wish we could explore situations more instead of going quickly from point A to point B. Tell the story, do not just elaborate around the outline (Or at least don’t make it seem like you’re just elaborating around the outline).
I appreciated Liliana, it’s nice to follow the eyes of an adult in a dystopian novel. More of this please! I like the idea of Jess, it’s terrifying that some people forget others are human but it’s good that people can break out of lies they’re told through reading what she went through.
A good and devastating read, but I will go back to read 1 and will definitely read 3.
"I am Isabel Zambrano... I am a good child. I obey the rules. I am everything.
Blessings to all!"
It was really hard to read this because it’s realistic, if our history has taught us anything is that everything is cyclical. There’s that famous saying that history usually repeats itself, I like to say it also rhymes because sometimes when it does repeat itself it comes out with something new: good or bad, better or worse. In this case, America falling into a dictatorship and entrapping immigrants is very likely with or political climate and it’s interesting how the country that built itself by saying “Come to America for a better life” in order to get more labor, is so adamantly oppose to it now. A country built by immigrant, stolen from natives, and claimed by others, wants people out. That said, coming with something new: the ability to have the liberty to write something like this, or mentioning how it impacts climate change, or tech, since now everything is documented in real time.
SOLIS was scary for that. Because it did include parts from not just America’s past but the world as a whole, because at the end of the day what do you do when you want to eradicate a whole group of people? Lock them up, kill them all, manifest destiny, yadda, yadda, yadda.
“This was not how I imagined this mission. I thought we would be heroes. Fighting the bad guys and ensuring our country's future. Instead, I have become a monster just like them. We are all now living in the time of monsters. How do I escape?”
On a more technical side, I didn’t read the first book of the series, I didn’t realize it was the second of a series until I was halfway through, but you can definitely read this as a standalone. What I wish - which I may very well get on book 1 when I read it - is a little more characterization. It felt very ‘we need to just tell the story so we can’t focus on making the connections, we’ll just dedicate a line to it and move on’. Though, I guess in a book trying to tell you how possible this situation can be, it’s hard to focus on individual characters. But I do wish we could explore situations more instead of going quickly from point A to point B. Tell the story, do not just elaborate around the outline (Or at least don’t make it seem like you’re just elaborating around the outline).
I appreciated Liliana, it’s nice to follow the eyes of an adult in a dystopian novel. More of this please! I like the idea of Jess, it’s terrifying that some people forget others are human but it’s good that people can break out of lies they’re told through reading what she went through.
A good and devastating read, but I will go back to read 1 and will definitely read 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
Whew. That hurt.
Solis is a bleak, devastating dystopian story following a group of prisoners (mostly undocumented immigrants & a lot of children) who are forced into dangerous labor and medical experiments by an extremist government.
It’s 2023, and the New American Republic is obsessed with mining toxic aqualinium in order to control the weather and tamper the impact of climate change. If America is the first to succeed with its aqualinium experiments, they’ll be the most powerful country in the world.
The story is split between four narrators, most of them held in the horrific labor camp. The final narrator is training with the resistance (SOLIS) in California, which has seceded from the rest of the US. There’s a dangerous plan in motion to free the prisoners and destroy the aqualinium research and mine.
It is a really, really bleak and disturbing story. There’s a lot of child death and torture, and of course tons of xenophobia and racism and homophobia as well. I found this tough to read as an adult, and would definitely encourage parents/educators to take caution and make sure this book is the right fit for the teenager you know.
There are sparks of revolution and sparks of hope - and compassion and strength from those going through the most horrific experiences - but I wasn’t quite sure what to walk away with here. Perhaps that this is possible. This could happen anywhere. These are the ripple effects of welcoming hatred & bigotry, of dismissing our impact on each other & the earth, of corrupt politicians. You’re bearing witness to so much trauma as a reader. A lot of it is heightened, but some of it is indeed closer to our current reality (in the US and outside of the US).
I appreciated the character development and do feel as though I got to know our narrators. The writing was very simple and very direct.
I wished for a bit more resolution and framing at the end, especially because this is a young adult book. I wanted a smidge more hope or ferocity or empowerment. But the final sentences were quiet.
CW: death (child/parent), murder, slavery, genocide, racism, torture, drug use, emotional abuse, gun violence, gore, suicide, vomit, excrement, police brutality, deportation, fire, confinement
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
Solis is a bleak, devastating dystopian story following a group of prisoners (mostly undocumented immigrants & a lot of children) who are forced into dangerous labor and medical experiments by an extremist government.
It’s 2023, and the New American Republic is obsessed with mining toxic aqualinium in order to control the weather and tamper the impact of climate change. If America is the first to succeed with its aqualinium experiments, they’ll be the most powerful country in the world.
The story is split between four narrators, most of them held in the horrific labor camp. The final narrator is training with the resistance (SOLIS) in California, which has seceded from the rest of the US. There’s a dangerous plan in motion to free the prisoners and destroy the aqualinium research and mine.
It is a really, really bleak and disturbing story. There’s a lot of child death and torture, and of course tons of xenophobia and racism and homophobia as well. I found this tough to read as an adult, and would definitely encourage parents/educators to take caution and make sure this book is the right fit for the teenager you know.
There are sparks of revolution and sparks of hope - and compassion and strength from those going through the most horrific experiences - but I wasn’t quite sure what to walk away with here. Perhaps that this is possible. This could happen anywhere. These are the ripple effects of welcoming hatred & bigotry, of dismissing our impact on each other & the earth, of corrupt politicians. You’re bearing witness to so much trauma as a reader. A lot of it is heightened, but some of it is indeed closer to our current reality (in the US and outside of the US).
I appreciated the character development and do feel as though I got to know our narrators. The writing was very simple and very direct.
I wished for a bit more resolution and framing at the end, especially because this is a young adult book. I wanted a smidge more hope or ferocity or empowerment. But the final sentences were quiet.
CW: death (child/parent), murder, slavery, genocide, racism, torture, drug use, emotional abuse, gun violence, gore, suicide, vomit, excrement, police brutality, deportation, fire, confinement
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
May 25, 2024
What worked: Horrific dystopian world where undocumented citizens are rounded up and forced into labor camps. This novel follows the first book SANCTUARY where readers are introduced to a world that goes topsy-turvy and where a nightmare world comes to those not deemed citizens of the US.
SOLIS shows us the world of the camps where SANCTUARY introduces readers to what leads up to the changes in laws that deem those not citizens of the United States if they don't fit certain criteria. Readers are also introduced to someone who is indoctrinated into this belief and her struggles when she ends up in the camp.
In SOLIS we see Vali who has escaped to California 'sanctuary' but wants to find her mother who was taken to one of the camps. Liliana, her mother, witnesses firsthand the horrors of the camps and the 'true' purpose behind them. The undocumented citizens have to mine a mineral in hopes of using it to harvest rain. There are brutal conditions which include those who are 'harvested' to test the mineral in action. With the ability to create rain comes global power as it's scarce due to Global warming. The depictions of the camps with the cruelty and horrors are haunting.
There's Jess, a former DF member who let some undocumented citizens flee. She's imprisoned in the camp in Arizona. Her own older brother, whom she once idolized, is behind her torture and beatings.
There's also hope that shines in this bleak landscape. The gentle songs from Kenna. Rania, a Lebanese teen from Chicago, holding on to the spark of love with Kenna. And the rumors of Solis, an organization, that is against the horrors of the roundups.
Powerful, gut-wrenching portrayal of a dystopian world that shows the horror when some groups of people are less valued. But also the portrayals of courage and hope to stand up against injustices.
Original post: https://www.yabookscentral.com/solis/
SOLIS shows us the world of the camps where SANCTUARY introduces readers to what leads up to the changes in laws that deem those not citizens of the United States if they don't fit certain criteria. Readers are also introduced to someone who is indoctrinated into this belief and her struggles when she ends up in the camp.
In SOLIS we see Vali who has escaped to California 'sanctuary' but wants to find her mother who was taken to one of the camps. Liliana, her mother, witnesses firsthand the horrors of the camps and the 'true' purpose behind them. The undocumented citizens have to mine a mineral in hopes of using it to harvest rain. There are brutal conditions which include those who are 'harvested' to test the mineral in action. With the ability to create rain comes global power as it's scarce due to Global warming. The depictions of the camps with the cruelty and horrors are haunting.
There's Jess, a former DF member who let some undocumented citizens flee. She's imprisoned in the camp in Arizona. Her own older brother, whom she once idolized, is behind her torture and beatings.
There's also hope that shines in this bleak landscape. The gentle songs from Kenna. Rania, a Lebanese teen from Chicago, holding on to the spark of love with Kenna. And the rumors of Solis, an organization, that is against the horrors of the roundups.
Powerful, gut-wrenching portrayal of a dystopian world that shows the horror when some groups of people are less valued. But also the portrayals of courage and hope to stand up against injustices.
Original post: https://www.yabookscentral.com/solis/
June 11, 2025
as i was reading this book, protests against ICE deportation have been proliferating in the city of LA. my news feed has been flooding with headlines of law enforcement releasing tear gas on crowds and arresting hundreds of demonstrators. it is all deeply upsetting and i believe solis is a haunting prognostication of the united states today. in this novel, authors paola mendoza and abby sher imagine a future u.s. set in the 2030s where california has seceded from the "other 49" and where military units hunt down illegal immigrants to mine a fictional mineral named aqualinium. they are driven by the hope to win a "water race" by controlling the weather patterns, the key to eliminating the effects of global warming before other nations. it is a prescient warning and a harrowing portrait of the state of a modern capitalist society, plagued by xenophobia, political power struggles, and veritable hate and violence.
as a warning, the subject matter in this story is remarkably dark. the characters, rania and kenna, are two girlfriends struggling to survive in an immigrant detainment facility, plotting an escape to california, and comforting the young children beside them. in the camp, the conditions are brutal; the thick cloud of grimy air from the mines is palpable as we learn in epistolary format the story of liliana, a colombian mother torn apart from her daughter, valentina, who secretly is training with a resistance group, called SOLIS that plans to restore freedom to the detained individuals. jess is also symbolic of how when children are spoonfed ideologies by their parents--i.e., white supremacy, the great replacement theory, and fascism--they are taught that hate is the only way to be accepted and to belong. while solis is a work of fiction, the issues it contends with are very, very real. it is a wake-up call for resilience, for social change, and for hope.
as a warning, the subject matter in this story is remarkably dark. the characters, rania and kenna, are two girlfriends struggling to survive in an immigrant detainment facility, plotting an escape to california, and comforting the young children beside them. in the camp, the conditions are brutal; the thick cloud of grimy air from the mines is palpable as we learn in epistolary format the story of liliana, a colombian mother torn apart from her daughter, valentina, who secretly is training with a resistance group, called SOLIS that plans to restore freedom to the detained individuals. jess is also symbolic of how when children are spoonfed ideologies by their parents--i.e., white supremacy, the great replacement theory, and fascism--they are taught that hate is the only way to be accepted and to belong. while solis is a work of fiction, the issues it contends with are very, very real. it is a wake-up call for resilience, for social change, and for hope.
November 23, 2024
4.25 Stars.
I really enjoyed this book. It is an extremely horrific dystopian novel and yet not outside the realm of possibility given the events that have occurred throughout history. It was definitely very emotional and tough to read at times, especially since there isn’t much hope for a large part of the novel. The horrible treatment of humans in this book made me feel distraught, angry and disgusted.
I liked how they added the point of view of Jess to show how an average person can be manipulated by people in a position of authority to contribute to something awful. I felt it was important to show people that they are at risk of also being manipulated in this way.
I also loved the resilience shown in Rania, Lilliana and Vali. It is rare to read a book where I love all of many POVs, but all of these characters were intriguing and I felt like the main plot was advancing continuously regardless of whose POV it was, so it didn’t feel disjointed.
My only critique of this book is that the ending seemed a bit rushed. I wish they had given us a bit more hope after being crushed emotionally by the rest of the novel. The whole book I was looking forward to the resolution and when it happened, it didn’t feel nearly as triumphant as I had hoped. But maybe they are setting us up for a sequel or another companion novel that will pick up where this one left off.
Overall if you are looking for a disturbing, gripping and emotional YA dystopian novel that will leave you thinking, this book definitely delivers.
I really enjoyed this book. It is an extremely horrific dystopian novel and yet not outside the realm of possibility given the events that have occurred throughout history. It was definitely very emotional and tough to read at times, especially since there isn’t much hope for a large part of the novel. The horrible treatment of humans in this book made me feel distraught, angry and disgusted.
I liked how they added the point of view of Jess to show how an average person can be manipulated by people in a position of authority to contribute to something awful. I felt it was important to show people that they are at risk of also being manipulated in this way.
I also loved the resilience shown in Rania, Lilliana and Vali. It is rare to read a book where I love all of many POVs, but all of these characters were intriguing and I felt like the main plot was advancing continuously regardless of whose POV it was, so it didn’t feel disjointed.
My only critique of this book is that the ending seemed a bit rushed. I wish they had given us a bit more hope after being crushed emotionally by the rest of the novel. The whole book I was looking forward to the resolution and when it happened, it didn’t feel nearly as triumphant as I had hoped. But maybe they are setting us up for a sequel or another companion novel that will pick up where this one left off.
Overall if you are looking for a disturbing, gripping and emotional YA dystopian novel that will leave you thinking, this book definitely delivers.
October 6, 2024
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Nancy Paulsen Books and NetGalley for an electronic advanced readers copy of this novel.
In 2033, the America as we know it is gone. California has seceded due to a tyrannical dictator of a president who won't leave office and the attack of any illegal or legal immigrant who comes to the country. The non-white people are rounded up and taken to labor camps to mine an element that can supposedly control the rain, which would change the global landscape as water is a precious commodity.
Solis but Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher is told from different viewpoints, both inside the camp and by a member of Solis, the group from California who are trying to free the workers. It looks like this is an offshoot of Sanctuary, which I have not read. I still understood most of it so I don't think reading Sanctuary is completely necessary but probably fills in and deepens a lot of the characterization.
It was a fast read, somewhat depressing but hopeful.
In 2033, the America as we know it is gone. California has seceded due to a tyrannical dictator of a president who won't leave office and the attack of any illegal or legal immigrant who comes to the country. The non-white people are rounded up and taken to labor camps to mine an element that can supposedly control the rain, which would change the global landscape as water is a precious commodity.
Solis but Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher is told from different viewpoints, both inside the camp and by a member of Solis, the group from California who are trying to free the workers. It looks like this is an offshoot of Sanctuary, which I have not read. I still understood most of it so I don't think reading Sanctuary is completely necessary but probably fills in and deepens a lot of the characterization.
It was a fast read, somewhat depressing but hopeful.
Read
November 17, 2024Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a free eARC of Solis in exchange for my honest review. I have not read the book Sanctuary, which is a prequel to Solis even though they both are said to be standalone novels. But I requested a copy of Solis because I am interested in hard-hitting YA novels.
Unfortunately I agree with other reviewers who critique the unnecessary amount of horrific scenes without tactful reflection of the US’s racism and xenophobia. All four POVs in Solis read as first person letters or diary entries. While this format is effective in conveying characters’ feelings and experiences, the writing style felt very immature. Even when considering that 3/4 characters are teenagers, I wanted more depth from the narration, which mostly consists of just a recount of events- like “We did this and then we did this. I couldn’t bear to watch when the soldiers did this. Then we went back to our cage and did this.”
While I am usually interested in dystopian fiction, I can’t say I would recommend Solis.
Unfortunately I agree with other reviewers who critique the unnecessary amount of horrific scenes without tactful reflection of the US’s racism and xenophobia. All four POVs in Solis read as first person letters or diary entries. While this format is effective in conveying characters’ feelings and experiences, the writing style felt very immature. Even when considering that 3/4 characters are teenagers, I wanted more depth from the narration, which mostly consists of just a recount of events- like “We did this and then we did this. I couldn’t bear to watch when the soldiers did this. Then we went back to our cage and did this.”
While I am usually interested in dystopian fiction, I can’t say I would recommend Solis.
October 23, 2024
Solis by Paola Mendoza & Abby Sher
Rating: 3.5 stars
This dystopian novel caught my interest with its unique near-future setting and themes of immigration, resistance, and survival. The story is set in 2033 and follows Rania, a Lebanese teenager forced into a labor camp, as she fights against a corrupt government exploiting undocumented immigrants. Told from multiple perspectives, the book gives a broad view of the rebellion and its impact.
While the world-building was interesting, the pacing felt a bit slow at times. This book is a companion to Sanctuary, and though it can be read on its own, I think those familiar with the first book will get more out of it. Overall, it’s a compelling read with strong political themes and messages of courage and perseverance.
Tropes
🚨 Dystopian world
💪 Resistance/rebellion
✊ Underdog vs. corrupt government
🌍 Climate change
💥 Multiple POVs
Rating: 3.5 stars
This dystopian novel caught my interest with its unique near-future setting and themes of immigration, resistance, and survival. The story is set in 2033 and follows Rania, a Lebanese teenager forced into a labor camp, as she fights against a corrupt government exploiting undocumented immigrants. Told from multiple perspectives, the book gives a broad view of the rebellion and its impact.
While the world-building was interesting, the pacing felt a bit slow at times. This book is a companion to Sanctuary, and though it can be read on its own, I think those familiar with the first book will get more out of it. Overall, it’s a compelling read with strong political themes and messages of courage and perseverance.
Tropes
🚨 Dystopian world
💪 Resistance/rebellion
✊ Underdog vs. corrupt government
🌍 Climate change
💥 Multiple POVs
September 30, 2024
Solis is definitely a dystopian book. It entertains the idea of California splitting from the remaining 49 states, with undocumented immigrants working in a labor camp. The book ultimately is about sacrifice and freedom, and the story is told through 4 narrators. I think that the different narrators was a large benefit to the book. It helped me keep track of what was going on in each of the relevant areas, so I had a useful timeline for both. I think the book covered a lot of ideas and concepts in a limited amount of time, but not in a bad way where I was concerned about keeping track of all of it. Maybe another 20 pages or so would have been beneficial (maybe more background with some of the characters?), but overall I am very content with how the story concluded.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC!
October 11, 2024
Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for sending me a copy to read and review!
I read the synopsis of this book and needed it. I was sold on dystopian. Then I learned that it has a companion novel, Sanctuary, so I read that one first. Technically you don’t have to read it first but I feel like you would miss a lot if you didn’t. Much like Sanctuary, Solis, is following Vali who was our main character in book one, but we also get more perspectives as well. This book is full of heartbreak and acts that I can’t even imagine humans doing to each other. It again is very close to what’s happening in our world currently and what has happened in the past. It has definitely left a lasting impression and I urge everyone to pick it up. And bonus points because there’s some queer romance in it as well.
I recommend everyone to read this book.
I read the synopsis of this book and needed it. I was sold on dystopian. Then I learned that it has a companion novel, Sanctuary, so I read that one first. Technically you don’t have to read it first but I feel like you would miss a lot if you didn’t. Much like Sanctuary, Solis, is following Vali who was our main character in book one, but we also get more perspectives as well. This book is full of heartbreak and acts that I can’t even imagine humans doing to each other. It again is very close to what’s happening in our world currently and what has happened in the past. It has definitely left a lasting impression and I urge everyone to pick it up. And bonus points because there’s some queer romance in it as well.
I recommend everyone to read this book.
March 8, 2025
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JayGTheAwkw...
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
It is 2033, and the government of the New American Republic has begun hunting down immigrants and forcing them into labour at camps against their will. A rebellion group, based out of California is attempting to fight against the New American Republic to free the people in the camps.
I did not read Sanctuary, so maybe that is why I wasn't super into this book as I didn't have any background information on the story or these characters... I was not a fan of the ending, and just felt as if nothing was really resolved and I was left feeling very unsatisfied.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
It is 2033, and the government of the New American Republic has begun hunting down immigrants and forcing them into labour at camps against their will. A rebellion group, based out of California is attempting to fight against the New American Republic to free the people in the camps.
I did not read Sanctuary, so maybe that is why I wasn't super into this book as I didn't have any background information on the story or these characters... I was not a fan of the ending, and just felt as if nothing was really resolved and I was left feeling very unsatisfied.
October 17, 2024
The fascist US government has established the Deportation Force, ostensibly to remove immigrants - actually they are being forced into slave labor mining aqualirium near the southern border, which may solve the world-wide water shortage. Liliana serves as a mom to the other captives while hoping that her own children made it safely to the independent country of California. While Lilian’s daughter trains with elite California soldiers for a rescue mission, those within the camp try to maintain their humanity as they find a way to resist. Worryingly believable dystopia. EARC from Edelweiss.
December 2, 2024
This was a companion to sanctuary, which actually was pretty breathtaking. Although you didn’t have to read that one, I’m glad i did. The novel picks up right where the last one finished. I thoroughly enjoyed the point of view of Jess. Some of the things that happened to her was quite satisfying (sorry). I honestly just feel i didn’t care for this one bc it was way too many character POV’s and some just didn’t stand out to me enough to help me determine who they were while reading.
I know some people felt this was way too much for a ya dystopian book, but honestly isn’t that what makes it dystopian? Sadly this is reality
I know some people felt this was way too much for a ya dystopian book, but honestly isn’t that what makes it dystopian? Sadly this is reality
April 13, 2025
4.5: Reading Sanctuary a few years ago felt like foreshadowing to our future, but still had enough sci-fi dystopian elements to be difficult to grasp. Reading Solis in 2025 didn't feel so fictionalized. I'm privileged and know I likely won't experience the racism and bullshit Hispanic people and those who look Hispanic experience, but this novel hit too close to home with the immigration enforcement and camps. Overall this companion was a good followup to the first novel. I was left with some questions at the end and there were some plot holes, but I enjoyed seeing familiar characters and meeting new ones as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews