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Children of Fate #1
Anomaly
Piper Manning survived the apocalypse. Barely.
She recovered from the virus that killed millions, but it left behind a new, uncontrollable power that's forced her to isolate herself from others - for their sake.
Then an injured boy shows up at her mountain hideaway. And what hurt Seth is out to get her, too.
Now she's on the run, risking everything for a shot at an actual future. But to get there, she'll have to trust a stranger, control her abilities ... and face her ghosts.
Because the end of the world was just the beginning.
A high-octane YA debut, Anomaly will force you to question destiny, memory and how far you would go to survive.
She recovered from the virus that killed millions, but it left behind a new, uncontrollable power that's forced her to isolate herself from others - for their sake.
Then an injured boy shows up at her mountain hideaway. And what hurt Seth is out to get her, too.
Now she's on the run, risking everything for a shot at an actual future. But to get there, she'll have to trust a stranger, control her abilities ... and face her ghosts.
Because the end of the world was just the beginning.
A high-octane YA debut, Anomaly will force you to question destiny, memory and how far you would go to survive.
400 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2024
22 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Emma Lord
1 book20 followersEmma Lord is an award-winning Australian author with a love of all things sci-fi, fantasy and horror. She’s a sucker for a fictional apocalypse, but can’t shake a nagging suspicion she’d be among the first to die if a real one hit. Anomaly is her debut novel and incorporates everything she loves in a story: an apocalyptic setting, creepy monsters, and a young woman more powerful than she appears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 13, 2024
A unique and unputdownable addition to the OzYA scene.
Guys, this book. The whole thing reads like an action movie—fast, twisty, and utterly impossible to put down. Can attest that I read it in one night. It simultaneously hit my craving for classic, high-octane, post-apocalyptic fun (think A Quiet Place meets Stranger Things) while providing a beautiful and nuanced look into grief. Fans of 'unlikeable' female characters who are actually just trying their best okay!!, this one's for you.
Guys, this book. The whole thing reads like an action movie—fast, twisty, and utterly impossible to put down. Can attest that I read it in one night. It simultaneously hit my craving for classic, high-octane, post-apocalyptic fun (think A Quiet Place meets Stranger Things) while providing a beautiful and nuanced look into grief. Fans of 'unlikeable' female characters who are actually just trying their best okay!!, this one's for you.
August 31, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Wow! What an amazing debut novel Anomaly by Australian author Emma Lord is. If you love YA fiction, or have young adults who love to read, this book is brilliant and I highly recommend it!
Grief, fear and a post apocalyptic world is what Piper Manning and her dog Griff face everyday after recovering from a virus that killed millions. With a fear of the uncontrollable power the virus left her with, she isolates herself from others in the mountains. It’s here, early in the story that we are shown the strength of Piper’s character, setting us up to be emotionally invested in her.
While risking a hike to find food she stumbles across the seriously injured Seth and soon finds that what hurt Seth is out to get her too. On the run, Piper has no choice but to trust Seth, who it’s clear is full of secrets, I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out if we should be trusting him or if he was setting her up! But the banter between the two was fun, and as others come into the story there’s a lot of witty conversations that had me smiling.
The action sequences and pace had me on the edge of my seat. I really appreciated the scene setting and the character development. I am from the Tomorrow, When the War Began initial release generation and while this is a completely different genre and scenario, it reminded me so much of that high octane, must devour series.
Anomaly is a great addition to the Young Adult genre and I highly recommend it.
A huge thank you to Affirm Press and the author for sending me a copy of this book! I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Wow! What an amazing debut novel Anomaly by Australian author Emma Lord is. If you love YA fiction, or have young adults who love to read, this book is brilliant and I highly recommend it!
Grief, fear and a post apocalyptic world is what Piper Manning and her dog Griff face everyday after recovering from a virus that killed millions. With a fear of the uncontrollable power the virus left her with, she isolates herself from others in the mountains. It’s here, early in the story that we are shown the strength of Piper’s character, setting us up to be emotionally invested in her.
While risking a hike to find food she stumbles across the seriously injured Seth and soon finds that what hurt Seth is out to get her too. On the run, Piper has no choice but to trust Seth, who it’s clear is full of secrets, I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out if we should be trusting him or if he was setting her up! But the banter between the two was fun, and as others come into the story there’s a lot of witty conversations that had me smiling.
The action sequences and pace had me on the edge of my seat. I really appreciated the scene setting and the character development. I am from the Tomorrow, When the War Began initial release generation and while this is a completely different genre and scenario, it reminded me so much of that high octane, must devour series.
Anomaly is a great addition to the Young Adult genre and I highly recommend it.
A huge thank you to Affirm Press and the author for sending me a copy of this book! I cannot wait to see what comes next.
August 27, 2025
Update - last book for readers cup question writing for the year. Yay.
Very tense, very suspenseful.
Surprising.
Open ended.
Very tense, very suspenseful.
Surprising.
Open ended.
September 4, 2024
This one started out very strong and I was super excited for the premise. The plot and ideas are very intriguing and the story action packed, but I felt it wasn’t overly unique. It felt a lot like Stranger Things to me.
It was a little predictable for me personally, but I think that’s to be expected with YA reads. Some pretty intense scenes throughout though, and a great ending left open for more in the series. Lots of revelations happening throughout that will keep a lot of readers hooked.
The post apocalyptic world has been written very well, and it’s easy to imagine what it would be like to live in this world where monsters roam, and it’s a fight to survive.
Thank you so much to affirm press for this copy for review!
It was a little predictable for me personally, but I think that’s to be expected with YA reads. Some pretty intense scenes throughout though, and a great ending left open for more in the series. Lots of revelations happening throughout that will keep a lot of readers hooked.
The post apocalyptic world has been written very well, and it’s easy to imagine what it would be like to live in this world where monsters roam, and it’s a fight to survive.
Thank you so much to affirm press for this copy for review!
March 3, 2025
DNF- I couldn't get into it and it didn't really explain the plot to start with. I gave it 6 chapters and then gave up.
April 4, 2025
I came upon this because I love the other Emma Lord's books - but this was fun too!
A fast paced sci-fi horror, with scary monsters and high stakes. The way the flashbacks are presented through the antagonist point of view is super clever.
A fast paced sci-fi horror, with scary monsters and high stakes. The way the flashbacks are presented through the antagonist point of view is super clever.
February 27, 2025
This was one of those books that just grabbed me from the first page. I knew right away that I was going to like the main character, style, and story—and I did! When a virus sweeps the world, killing almost everyone, 17-year-old Piper Manning wakes up from its effects changed. Electricity now runs hot through her veins, and she needs to learn to control it before she can risk finding her family.
When another teen, Seth, ends up on her isolated farm and they save each other from an otherworldly creature, Piper discovers the virus was not the worst thing to happen to the world, and that her devastating power may have some use after all. Layered with flashbacks, expertly revealed secrets, a plot that goes in some very intriguing directions, and the kind of ending that leaves things open for the next book, this is definitely one for fans of supernatural YA with a difference.
When another teen, Seth, ends up on her isolated farm and they save each other from an otherworldly creature, Piper discovers the virus was not the worst thing to happen to the world, and that her devastating power may have some use after all. Layered with flashbacks, expertly revealed secrets, a plot that goes in some very intriguing directions, and the kind of ending that leaves things open for the next book, this is definitely one for fans of supernatural YA with a difference.
April 7, 2025
i need the next one please🤭
May 4, 2025
Wow. What an amazing book!
This was not my usual book, but I picked it up because the author is Australian and it's her debut book. It was so well written (and if you don't know by now, I really appreciate a well-written book). It's a YA paranormal horror story, set in post-apocalyptic Australia. Piper Manning has survived the virus that ripped through the world, but she's woken with strange abilities that make her unsafe to be around other people. When she discovers an injured boy in her place of lonely isolation, it's the beginning of everything changing for her. They're both keeping secrets from each other, but they're forced to work together to run from the monsters and seek help and sanctuary.
The links and clues throughout this book! I admit, I did guess a few things (okay, maybe it was only one thing), but it was all so brilliantly woven together, revealed at just the right time.
Piper was a very complex character, relatable without necessarily being 'likeable', which made her feel real. The flashbacks were great for filling out Piper's character and slowly revealing the pain in her past. These were sometimes inserted right when I wanted to read more about the present action (which is brilliantly annoying) but there was enough mystery built around Piper's emotional wound that I was also eager to learn what the flashbacks revealed.
I couldn't agree more with the comment about Doctor Who monsters and I always appreciate a DW reference!
I loved Seth's badass move at the end! And his sassy comment about it.
We're left wondering if we'll get a second book. I'd love to read more about Piper and Seth. This was a brilliantly written book full of action and suspense, while also dealing sensitively with grief.
Tropes:
*post-apocalyptic Australia
*creepy monsters
*YA horror
*paranormal abilities
*flashbacks
*snarky banter
*running for their lives
*they're both hiding something
Content warning: coarse language (multiple uses of f (maybe about 10, I didn't count), several uses of sh), death of family members (past), blood, fighting for life against monsters, physical abuse, imprisonment
No intimacy rating (this had no romance)
This was not my usual book, but I picked it up because the author is Australian and it's her debut book. It was so well written (and if you don't know by now, I really appreciate a well-written book). It's a YA paranormal horror story, set in post-apocalyptic Australia. Piper Manning has survived the virus that ripped through the world, but she's woken with strange abilities that make her unsafe to be around other people. When she discovers an injured boy in her place of lonely isolation, it's the beginning of everything changing for her. They're both keeping secrets from each other, but they're forced to work together to run from the monsters and seek help and sanctuary.
The links and clues throughout this book! I admit, I did guess a few things (okay, maybe it was only one thing), but it was all so brilliantly woven together, revealed at just the right time.
Piper was a very complex character, relatable without necessarily being 'likeable', which made her feel real. The flashbacks were great for filling out Piper's character and slowly revealing the pain in her past. These were sometimes inserted right when I wanted to read more about the present action (which is brilliantly annoying) but there was enough mystery built around Piper's emotional wound that I was also eager to learn what the flashbacks revealed.
I couldn't agree more with the comment about Doctor Who monsters and I always appreciate a DW reference!
I loved Seth's badass move at the end! And his sassy comment about it.
We're left wondering if we'll get a second book. I'd love to read more about Piper and Seth. This was a brilliantly written book full of action and suspense, while also dealing sensitively with grief.
Tropes:
*post-apocalyptic Australia
*creepy monsters
*YA horror
*paranormal abilities
*flashbacks
*snarky banter
*running for their lives
*they're both hiding something
Content warning: coarse language (multiple uses of f (maybe about 10, I didn't count), several uses of sh), death of family members (past), blood, fighting for life against monsters, physical abuse, imprisonment
No intimacy rating (this had no romance)
September 13, 2024
4.5 ⭐
I received an ARC of Emma Lord's debut novel, Anomaly, from Affirm Press for an honest review, and I can honestly tell you that I ADORED this book.
It's a captivating dystopian YA story set in Australia after a virus has decimated the world's population. Piper survived the virus, but it changed her forever, leaving her with powers she doesn't understand and can't control. Her life shifts even more when she stumbles upon Seth, an injured stranger who brings unknown danger with him.
I can't believe this is Emma Lord's debut novel—it's so beautifully written. The characters are richly developed, and sensitive topics like bullying, isolation, and grief are handled with such care.
Piper is living in denial, struggling to come to terms with her grief, her powers, and her new reality. I totally get it; if I had to deal with what she does, I’d be living in denial too... I loved her transformation from a scared, hiding girl to a strong, independent, woman who doesn't take shit and fights for herself and others.
Seth forces Piper out of isolation, and she truly thrives. I loved their banter, the mystery surrounding Seth, and the fact that from the start, he’s willing to do anything in his power to help.
The dual timelines and the way the past is uniquely incorporated are occasionally creepy but add a brilliant layer of depth to the story.
The mystery aspect of the book had me questioning everything—who, where, why, how?! It had me feeling like a conspiracy theorist, I came up with so many theories and I was completely wrong
This story gives off The Last of Us and Stranger Things vibes, and I ate it up!
I loved this book so much that I now own two copies and bought one for a friend so I can talk about it with someone. Do yourself—and me—a favor and read this book!
I received an ARC of Emma Lord's debut novel, Anomaly, from Affirm Press for an honest review, and I can honestly tell you that I ADORED this book.
It's a captivating dystopian YA story set in Australia after a virus has decimated the world's population. Piper survived the virus, but it changed her forever, leaving her with powers she doesn't understand and can't control. Her life shifts even more when she stumbles upon Seth, an injured stranger who brings unknown danger with him.
I can't believe this is Emma Lord's debut novel—it's so beautifully written. The characters are richly developed, and sensitive topics like bullying, isolation, and grief are handled with such care.
Piper is living in denial, struggling to come to terms with her grief, her powers, and her new reality. I totally get it; if I had to deal with what she does, I’d be living in denial too... I loved her transformation from a scared, hiding girl to a strong, independent, woman who doesn't take shit and fights for herself and others.
Seth forces Piper out of isolation, and she truly thrives. I loved their banter, the mystery surrounding Seth, and the fact that from the start, he’s willing to do anything in his power to help.
The dual timelines and the way the past is uniquely incorporated are occasionally creepy but add a brilliant layer of depth to the story.
The mystery aspect of the book had me questioning everything—who, where, why, how?! It had me feeling like a conspiracy theorist, I came up with so many theories and I was completely wrong
This story gives off The Last of Us and Stranger Things vibes, and I ate it up!
I loved this book so much that I now own two copies and bought one for a friend so I can talk about it with someone. Do yourself—and me—a favor and read this book!
November 30, 2024
3.5 Stars
Completely unexpected!
When I started reading ‘Anomaly,’ I thought it was going to be similar to Mark Smith’s ‘Winter’ series or Claire Zorn’s ‘The Sky So Heavy’, but it quickly took off in a completely unexpected direction! It was very welcome too, because although I love Smith and Zorn’s work, I wanted to read something different from those and I most certainly got what I asked for! It was apocalyptic, rural-Australian, but also…paranormal? Loved, loved, loved the idea.
The majority of the story (90%) had me absolutely sold, but the end wasn’t my favourite. It felt a bit rushed, like it had been preparing for the possibility of a sequel, but then deciding against it. I think it could have had potential for a sequel, but I don’t see that happening now, which is a bit sad! It felt very CW at times, and for once I wanted to scream for another season, another few chapters.
When the whole universe is at stake, you can’t finish it off in two chapters, uh-uh. That’s too Promised Neverland season 2/Charlotte for me!
Other than that, I really enjoyed this, and I will happily recommend it to my students and fellow YA enthusiasts!
Completely unexpected!
When I started reading ‘Anomaly,’ I thought it was going to be similar to Mark Smith’s ‘Winter’ series or Claire Zorn’s ‘The Sky So Heavy’, but it quickly took off in a completely unexpected direction! It was very welcome too, because although I love Smith and Zorn’s work, I wanted to read something different from those and I most certainly got what I asked for! It was apocalyptic, rural-Australian, but also…paranormal? Loved, loved, loved the idea.
The majority of the story (90%) had me absolutely sold, but the end wasn’t my favourite. It felt a bit rushed, like it had been preparing for the possibility of a sequel, but then deciding against it. I think it could have had potential for a sequel, but I don’t see that happening now, which is a bit sad! It felt very CW at times, and for once I wanted to scream for another season, another few chapters.
When the whole universe is at stake, you can’t finish it off in two chapters, uh-uh. That’s too Promised Neverland season 2/Charlotte for me!
Other than that, I really enjoyed this, and I will happily recommend it to my students and fellow YA enthusiasts!
October 18, 2024
My, my, this book was not what I expected, at all!!!
It had a very interesting, unique concept that almost reminded me of The 5th Wave and The Darkest Minds.
The writing style is one of my favorite, with it being so immersive that it brought everything to life so vividly.
Even though there was no romance, I could feel the tension between Piper and Seth, which I loved!
There were things left open that I would have liked to have seen a final ending for, which is the only reason why this isn't a full 5 Stars.
Overall, the meaning behind this story of grief, loss and love is what really made me love it so much! 4.5 Stars
It had a very interesting, unique concept that almost reminded me of The 5th Wave and The Darkest Minds.
The writing style is one of my favorite, with it being so immersive that it brought everything to life so vividly.
Even though there was no romance, I could feel the tension between Piper and Seth, which I loved!
There were things left open that I would have liked to have seen a final ending for, which is the only reason why this isn't a full 5 Stars.
Overall, the meaning behind this story of grief, loss and love is what really made me love it so much! 4.5 Stars
October 21, 2024
This was a fun apocalyptic fiction. Piper has been hiding out on her Aunty’s farm after most of the population died of the infection, only she woke up different. She’s running out of food and decides to raid the neighbouring property. Then she finds a half dead teen on the way home, and there are monsters following him.
This has some flashback chapters speckled throughout, and a unique narration style in places that suggest her mind is fracturing, which added another aspect to the stakes. The writing in general is just very approachable and engaging.
The tension builds really well as new elements come to light, and I will forever love a travelling apocalypse story. The pacing is perfect and it kept me gripped the entire time.
The zombies in here are freaking amazing and super creepy, as all intelligent monsters are.
The end sets up for a follow on, so while we have some answers there isn’t full resolution.
This has some flashback chapters speckled throughout, and a unique narration style in places that suggest her mind is fracturing, which added another aspect to the stakes. The writing in general is just very approachable and engaging.
The tension builds really well as new elements come to light, and I will forever love a travelling apocalypse story. The pacing is perfect and it kept me gripped the entire time.
The zombies in here are freaking amazing and super creepy, as all intelligent monsters are.
The end sets up for a follow on, so while we have some answers there isn’t full resolution.
February 25, 2025
Our Review...
Piper Manning knows she is different, very different. She is cracking with energy. She is also alone, except for her faithful companion Griff and together they scavenge for food in isolated cabins in the mountains and by the lakes , far away from the virus that has killed millions until they come across Seth, who is brutally injured and the nightmarish creature who has been pursuing him. Seth himself is not all that he seems and harbours his own secrets and demons.
Faced with a series impossible moral dilemmas and high octane challenges (think A Quiet Place meets Stranger Things) Piper must continually reassess where she places her trust.
Anomaly totally swept me away, if you’re in the mood for a wild ride dystopian novel with depth and empathy, as well as humour and great banter, this is the novel for you.
Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books
Piper Manning knows she is different, very different. She is cracking with energy. She is also alone, except for her faithful companion Griff and together they scavenge for food in isolated cabins in the mountains and by the lakes , far away from the virus that has killed millions until they come across Seth, who is brutally injured and the nightmarish creature who has been pursuing him. Seth himself is not all that he seems and harbours his own secrets and demons.
Faced with a series impossible moral dilemmas and high octane challenges (think A Quiet Place meets Stranger Things) Piper must continually reassess where she places her trust.
Anomaly totally swept me away, if you’re in the mood for a wild ride dystopian novel with depth and empathy, as well as humour and great banter, this is the novel for you.
Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books
September 15, 2024
Piper Manning survived the apocalypse. Barely.She recovered from the virus that killed millions, but it left behind a new, uncontrollable power that's forced her to isolate herself from others — for their sake.
Then an injured boy shows up at her mountain hideaway. And what hurt Seth is out to get her, too.
Now she's on the run, risking everything for a shot at an actual future. But to get there, she'll have to trust a stranger, control her abilities … and face her ghosts.
Because the end of the world was just the beginning.
.
The plot and setting were both really immersive, the characters were relatable and had me rooting for them throughout the whole book. A perfect fast-paced dystopian novel - 5/5 stars
Then an injured boy shows up at her mountain hideaway. And what hurt Seth is out to get her, too.
Now she's on the run, risking everything for a shot at an actual future. But to get there, she'll have to trust a stranger, control her abilities … and face her ghosts.
Because the end of the world was just the beginning.
.
The plot and setting were both really immersive, the characters were relatable and had me rooting for them throughout the whole book. A perfect fast-paced dystopian novel - 5/5 stars
August 22, 2024
4.5 stars.
This book is fast paced and hooks you in from the very beginning. It is a debut for Emma Lord however it does not feel it. This book is so well written and the imagery and storyline is fantastic with a touch of creepiness. I loved the banter and dry humour throughout. I really enjoyed the characters and their journey. The story is action packed and I could totally see this as a movie. If you are in the mood for a dystopian, I highly recommend checking Anomaly out!
This book is fast paced and hooks you in from the very beginning. It is a debut for Emma Lord however it does not feel it. This book is so well written and the imagery and storyline is fantastic with a touch of creepiness. I loved the banter and dry humour throughout. I really enjoyed the characters and their journey. The story is action packed and I could totally see this as a movie. If you are in the mood for a dystopian, I highly recommend checking Anomaly out!
October 26, 2024
One of the best YA science-fiction, futuristic world books I have read in a long time. Love the Australian voice focus! It had a bit of The Bravest Minds / Stranger Things / Quiet Place / The day after tomorrow vibes, and was well-written with interesting characters (not just the main characters Seth and Piper, but also the secondary characters were fantastic!). I like the twist at the end as well and I am looking forward to a sequel!
January 10, 2025
✨3✨
While I liked this book, I think there were elements to it that were a bit too farfetched to me. It starts off with a post apocalypse monster/zombie Esque vibe, and for things to have changed so drastically by the end, with mad plot twists, it almost felt like a cop out? Not because I have anything against the themes shown later in the book, but just because with how it started, that wasn't how it felt like it should have gone. Would still recommend though.
While I liked this book, I think there were elements to it that were a bit too farfetched to me. It starts off with a post apocalypse monster/zombie Esque vibe, and for things to have changed so drastically by the end, with mad plot twists, it almost felt like a cop out? Not because I have anything against the themes shown later in the book, but just because with how it started, that wasn't how it felt like it should have gone. Would still recommend though.
November 1, 2025
Absolutely blown away by this one. I forgot I had placed this on hold and by the time I borrowed it, I'd forgotten the plot entirely, which made every ounce of this story an absolute delight to experience. I love a post-apocalyptic/sci-fi novel with strong female characters who take no shit. Can't wait to see what's next for Piper.
Warning for this novel: the dog doesn't die, but the good boy does get injured a few times.
Warning for this novel: the dog doesn't die, but the good boy does get injured a few times.
February 10, 2025
While I do think this had potential and I see it as value as someone writing an apocalypse YA book, I could not get into it. It's a me problem. I know it is. I cannot get into Australian books by Australian authors set in Australia. Piper and Seth were okay characters but I could not get into the story
May 19, 2025
Read it thinking it was YA, definitely was not. It was like the Walking Dead baby edition. The plot was EXTREMELY isolated, literally had two main characters and nothing else. The plot read like a YA in the beginning, and the end was closer to a Goosebumps novel. The entire text hinted at a romance sub-plot, but it dissolved completely as NOTHING happened.
June 2, 2025
3.5
The first few chapters were a bit of a slog, but I'm glad I pushed through. It's a fun book with similar vibes to Stranger Things, but in Australia. Generally I don't love Aussie fiction, but I found this enjoyable (in spite of the use of brand names popping up throughout, that always annoys me in a book).
The first few chapters were a bit of a slog, but I'm glad I pushed through. It's a fun book with similar vibes to Stranger Things, but in Australia. Generally I don't love Aussie fiction, but I found this enjoyable (in spite of the use of brand names popping up throughout, that always annoys me in a book).
September 2, 2024
Absolutely thrilling from start to finish, high energy and high adrenaline. I was hooked. What a beautiful method of exploring some complex ideas around grief while still having an immersive dystopic world to sink your teeth into. Love love love.
Read
September 6, 2024Absolutely thrilling post-apocalypse sci-fi set in Australia! Secrets, monsters, and mysterious powers are just the beginning in this action-packed adventure. For fans of Tomorrow, When the War Began and The Last of Us!
December 29, 2024
A fast-paced dystopia with an engaging writing style to keep you hooked.
I really enjoyed this read, although I do feel a little like I didn't get the full picture. Certain details I'd been waiting for never really came to light.
I really enjoyed this read, although I do feel a little like I didn't get the full picture. Certain details I'd been waiting for never really came to light.
January 15, 2025
I enjoyed this. Kind of miss the post apocalyptic YA books that are those random publications you find in the libraries. But I did think it was a standalone when I bought it. It was in the last 50 pages that I came to the realisation I had in fact accidentally started a new series.
December 26, 2024
I'm very grateful to Affirm Press for sending me an ARC of this exciting new AUSTRALIAN DYSTOPIAN novel in exchange for an honest review. We know I love Australian YA and I've been waiting a long time for dystopia/apocalyptic fiction to make a comeback, so I was very hyped for this.
First and foremost, I have to compliment the writing. I feel like writing as an art has been really forgotten lately in the trope-machine publishing era we've been in. It's all about getting characters into situations and the rest of what can make a book shine is left behind.
But in Anomaly, the prose is stunning. The way the author uses metaphors and careful word choices to evoke incredibly engaging and vivid descriptions and emotions is fantastic. I haven't seen this in a long while (at least, in a way that feels natural and not flowery). Especially considering how action-packed the book is, the author still took her time to give each sentence and each word purpose.
We're showing instead of telling, and we're doing it WELL!
Also, the dialogue was natural and fun, with lots of banter as well as emotional moments. Except for quite a bit of incorrect/weird punctuation that I'm sure will be ironed out before the final book goes to print, this book was just fantastically written.
Anomaly reminded me of The Fifth Wave, which I loved *back in the day*. A plague, a girl living alone trying to survive, and the sudden arrival of a mysterious boy. While it relied on a lot of tropes and didn't bring much that felt very new to the dystopian genre (I would have liked it to feel a little more unique but that's just me), the way it was distinctly Australian was so fun. We really don't have much Australian dystopia so that was a huge plus for me!
This book dives into grief and shows a main character who is surviving physically but is in quite a numb state mentally. To be honest flashback sections with Piper's past didn't really match the character I saw in the main storyline - maybe because it's showing the angry girl she was before losing her father and the more subdued, grieving girl she is now? This didn't totally land for me but I did find the flashbacks a great way to learn more about Piper and also ground the book in reality a bit considering it's so action-heavy and apocalyptic. I also enjoyed Piper's character in the sense that she's a real person genuinely struggling with all that's happened. She may have powers, but she isn't a typical hero, and that made the book feel very real.
Where Anomaly dropped off a bit for me was the side characters and the fact that it's set over only a few days. I also enjoyed Frankie and Aaron's characters although I'd have liked to explore those more. Overall since we're only spending a few days with these characters, we don't get to see any strong relationships and dynamics build between them.
The character I struggled most with was the MMC Seth. He seemed nice, but that was the only personality trait I got from him since he was so secretive the entire time. In case it isn't clear, there is NO romance in this book. There's some attraction between Seth and Piper, but that's all. I had no problem with this, but I know some readers may find this disappointing. Personally, I just wanted to spend more time with Seth to see who he was as a person. He didn't have to reveal all his secrets to just have a bit more characterisation. He's a likable MMC though so I'm excited to see the development between Piper and Seth if there are sequals.
On that note, I was also disappointed by the ending. I realised in the final chapters that this book felt more like a prequel than a standalone story or even the first in a series (and I'm not sure if it's been announced whether this is a series yet). Maybe, again, because this book was set in such a short time period that we didn't get to really sit with the characters, relationships or world.
There's also the big reveal at the end regarding the 'why' of the world ending, but it didn't pay off particularly well because things weren't really explained. We spend an entire book not knowing what's going on and having lots of action sequences, seemingly to only get to the actual plot at the end . . . It seemed to me like all of this could have been condensed into the first half of a novel, with the second half going deeper.
Usually the above points would make me drop a book to three stars but honestly I really enjoyed reading this! Likely due to how good the writing was; I was so engaged the entire time. This still felt close to a five star read for me if not for feeling a bit like it was half a book.
I'm very very excited for a sequel, if that's happening, because I'd love to have more of my questions answered and spend more time in this world and with these characters. There is so so much potential here for a great series, and considering that the main disappointment here was that I just wanted MORE, I'll be getting my hands on future books asap.
(Side note, I ironically binged this book due to a power outage that meant I couldn't work . . . I don't want to say it's fate, because Piper Manning doesn't believe in fate, but . . .)
First and foremost, I have to compliment the writing. I feel like writing as an art has been really forgotten lately in the trope-machine publishing era we've been in. It's all about getting characters into situations and the rest of what can make a book shine is left behind.
But in Anomaly, the prose is stunning. The way the author uses metaphors and careful word choices to evoke incredibly engaging and vivid descriptions and emotions is fantastic. I haven't seen this in a long while (at least, in a way that feels natural and not flowery). Especially considering how action-packed the book is, the author still took her time to give each sentence and each word purpose.
We're showing instead of telling, and we're doing it WELL!
Also, the dialogue was natural and fun, with lots of banter as well as emotional moments. Except for quite a bit of incorrect/weird punctuation that I'm sure will be ironed out before the final book goes to print, this book was just fantastically written.
Anomaly reminded me of The Fifth Wave, which I loved *back in the day*. A plague, a girl living alone trying to survive, and the sudden arrival of a mysterious boy. While it relied on a lot of tropes and didn't bring much that felt very new to the dystopian genre (I would have liked it to feel a little more unique but that's just me), the way it was distinctly Australian was so fun. We really don't have much Australian dystopia so that was a huge plus for me!
This book dives into grief and shows a main character who is surviving physically but is in quite a numb state mentally. To be honest flashback sections with Piper's past didn't really match the character I saw in the main storyline - maybe because it's showing the angry girl she was before losing her father and the more subdued, grieving girl she is now? This didn't totally land for me but I did find the flashbacks a great way to learn more about Piper and also ground the book in reality a bit considering it's so action-heavy and apocalyptic. I also enjoyed Piper's character in the sense that she's a real person genuinely struggling with all that's happened. She may have powers, but she isn't a typical hero, and that made the book feel very real.
Where Anomaly dropped off a bit for me was the side characters and the fact that it's set over only a few days. I also enjoyed Frankie and Aaron's characters although I'd have liked to explore those more. Overall since we're only spending a few days with these characters, we don't get to see any strong relationships and dynamics build between them.
The character I struggled most with was the MMC Seth. He seemed nice, but that was the only personality trait I got from him since he was so secretive the entire time. In case it isn't clear, there is NO romance in this book. There's some attraction between Seth and Piper, but that's all. I had no problem with this, but I know some readers may find this disappointing. Personally, I just wanted to spend more time with Seth to see who he was as a person. He didn't have to reveal all his secrets to just have a bit more characterisation. He's a likable MMC though so I'm excited to see the development between Piper and Seth if there are sequals.
On that note, I was also disappointed by the ending. I realised in the final chapters that this book felt more like a prequel than a standalone story or even the first in a series (and I'm not sure if it's been announced whether this is a series yet). Maybe, again, because this book was set in such a short time period that we didn't get to really sit with the characters, relationships or world.
There's also the big reveal at the end regarding the 'why' of the world ending, but it didn't pay off particularly well because things weren't really explained. We spend an entire book not knowing what's going on and having lots of action sequences, seemingly to only get to the actual plot at the end . . . It seemed to me like all of this could have been condensed into the first half of a novel, with the second half going deeper.
Usually the above points would make me drop a book to three stars but honestly I really enjoyed reading this! Likely due to how good the writing was; I was so engaged the entire time. This still felt close to a five star read for me if not for feeling a bit like it was half a book.
I'm very very excited for a sequel, if that's happening, because I'd love to have more of my questions answered and spend more time in this world and with these characters. There is so so much potential here for a great series, and considering that the main disappointment here was that I just wanted MORE, I'll be getting my hands on future books asap.
(Side note, I ironically binged this book due to a power outage that meant I couldn't work . . . I don't want to say it's fate, because Piper Manning doesn't believe in fate, but . . .)
September 30, 2024
I am a judge for the 2024 Aurealis Awards. This review is my personal opinion and does not reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinators, or the Aurealis Awards management team.
November 16, 2024
Similar plot
December 23, 2024
this book was so beautifully written for a debut novel.
there was a small section where i got kind of bored but that’s bound to happen. this made me feel everything.
cried - check x2
there was a small section where i got kind of bored but that’s bound to happen. this made me feel everything.
cried - check x2
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