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Shesus
TheRose, 15, lives in isolation in the last protected forest of The Americas with her mother Mooma and 9 year old sister, Bugbee. When their mom vanishes, the girls are forced to venture into a world poisoned by ‘The Big Sick.’ Following the secret map encoded in Mooma’s beaded necklace, TheRose and Bugbee must navigate the strange mall dwellings that the last vestiges of mankind are forced to live in order to survive—intent on solving the mystery of their mother’s disappearance. In the process, they discover the real story behind their father’s death, who the legendary enigmatic character Shesus really is and why they are all being relentlessly pursued by the sinister and all—powerful Govercorp, as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance.
- GenresDystopia
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Hilary Shepard
1 book6 followersI started out as an actress and appeared in tons of movies and tv shows from a Golden Girls to CSI To 40 Year Old Virgin and The Addams Family. Most importantly, I played the evil queen Divatox in the PowerRangers Movie and on Tv ( so be afraid!!) as well as Lauren the wack- job on Star Trek Deep Space Nine. As a writer I created the show Material World for the CBC for which I won a Canadian Emmy YAY!! And have written for the websites Crazy Sexy Cancer and The Conversation. I also co created 3 award winning board games with my best friend actress Daryl Hannah ( yes, the mermaid from Splash!) called LIEbrary ( a bluffing game with books) Famous Last Lines and Call It!! Whew. SHESUS is my first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 5, 2013
A dramatic dystopian tale with a hint of secrecy that is simply spellbinding!
‘Shesus’ is a most unusual tale in both concept and originality of prose, hence I was drawn to it like a Moth to a flame (or as someone who seeks out new, exciting reads). Targeted towards the younger, young adult (teenage) reader this story highlights the importance of family, friendship and the environment. Shesus is wonderfully imaginative and full of rich detail, so as to paint a clear picture of the magical fantasy setting. The captivating characters brought such vibrancy as to grasp my attention, as too did the mystery that left me sat in suspense throughout. As a fan of this genre I was unsure of how this book would live up to expectations, and so I was delighted when I began reading and felt drawn to the story instantly. On reflection I felt like I had encountered a great book, similarly to Veronica Roth’s Divergent for example.
Set in the year 2315. Planet Earth has become hostile, polluted and encumbering a great plague. The human race lives in fear of ‘mother nature’ and all hide in the shadows. 15 year old The Rose and her sister Bugbee with their mother Mooma take sanctuary in Eden; the last protected forest in the America’s with unpolluted air. Their ‘comfort zone’ is threatened when Mooma unexpectedly disappears and so begins a dangerous journey into the unknown…
Hilary Shepard’s spectacular YA novel surpassed all expectations and pleasantly surprised me. I loved the characters and found myself quickly becoming attached to them and their quest to save their mother, whilst also seeking out answers to the bigger picture. Wonderfully atmospheric and piquant, the use of imagery and language evoked memories and awoke all senses. This heartwarming tale filled with hope and love is an enchanting read that I would not hesitate to recommend to the younger reader and teenager, looking for something refreshingly distinctive and new.
*I won a paperback copy of Shesus by Hilary Shepard through a Goodreads, First-Read giveaway.*
‘Shesus’ is a most unusual tale in both concept and originality of prose, hence I was drawn to it like a Moth to a flame (or as someone who seeks out new, exciting reads). Targeted towards the younger, young adult (teenage) reader this story highlights the importance of family, friendship and the environment. Shesus is wonderfully imaginative and full of rich detail, so as to paint a clear picture of the magical fantasy setting. The captivating characters brought such vibrancy as to grasp my attention, as too did the mystery that left me sat in suspense throughout. As a fan of this genre I was unsure of how this book would live up to expectations, and so I was delighted when I began reading and felt drawn to the story instantly. On reflection I felt like I had encountered a great book, similarly to Veronica Roth’s Divergent for example.
Set in the year 2315. Planet Earth has become hostile, polluted and encumbering a great plague. The human race lives in fear of ‘mother nature’ and all hide in the shadows. 15 year old The Rose and her sister Bugbee with their mother Mooma take sanctuary in Eden; the last protected forest in the America’s with unpolluted air. Their ‘comfort zone’ is threatened when Mooma unexpectedly disappears and so begins a dangerous journey into the unknown…
Hilary Shepard’s spectacular YA novel surpassed all expectations and pleasantly surprised me. I loved the characters and found myself quickly becoming attached to them and their quest to save their mother, whilst also seeking out answers to the bigger picture. Wonderfully atmospheric and piquant, the use of imagery and language evoked memories and awoke all senses. This heartwarming tale filled with hope and love is an enchanting read that I would not hesitate to recommend to the younger reader and teenager, looking for something refreshingly distinctive and new.
*I won a paperback copy of Shesus by Hilary Shepard through a Goodreads, First-Read giveaway.*
June 25, 2013
I loved this book! Not only was the future world the author created true to life but hysterically funny! I loved the exciting adventure story and the love story , and I really got attached to the characters! I couldn't put it down! The message resonated for days! Good for kids 11 and up but grown ups will love it too!
January 11, 2014
In the year 2300, decades after cancer turned into an epidemic called the Big Sick, the people of Earth decided that it was Nature causing the illness and declared that GMOs (genetically modified organisms) were the way to go to stay healthy.
But some people decided that Nature was actually their saving grace and spurned technology in favor of living an old-fashioned lifestyle of organic food and living quarters.
That family, the deceased Radish (born Johnlennon), Mooma (Darylhannah) and their children, TheRose and Bugbee, live a happy life until the Govercorp decide to bomb their natural home due to a phantom threat of sickness.
It's up to TheRose and Bugbee to find their grandmother JJ (Janisjoplin) in the "mall" where everyone lives their synthetic lives and stop Johnnyseed, their father's old business partner, from destroying their home and, with it, their mother and the cure for the Big Sick.
But who can be trusted and what secrets will they uncover about their family's past?
Actress Hilary Shepard's (Star Trek, Full House, Deep Space 9) first foray into the world of YA fiction is a dystopian, sci-fi delight for the mind. The book is for the naturalists and nature activists, the young, the old, the sci-fi lovers and anyone interested in reading her interpretation of what really could happen to our world one day.
Yes, activists will devour this book, with its vegetarian, anti-GMO message (I did!), as well as its metaphorical commentary on Hollywood and our desire to stay young and be "perfect". But, as I said, anyone will enjoy this book with its strong teen lead and great supporting cast.
As a little bonus, Ms. Shepard references today's elite in show business and many of the best musicians in the sixties.
The book also features an introduction by acclaimed actress Daryl Hannah (Kill Bill, etc.).
For young and old, for activists and sci-fi fans, this book is a must read! Again, I thank Malena Public Relations for bringing such amazing talent to my attention!
5/5--so enjoyable!
But some people decided that Nature was actually their saving grace and spurned technology in favor of living an old-fashioned lifestyle of organic food and living quarters.
That family, the deceased Radish (born Johnlennon), Mooma (Darylhannah) and their children, TheRose and Bugbee, live a happy life until the Govercorp decide to bomb their natural home due to a phantom threat of sickness.
It's up to TheRose and Bugbee to find their grandmother JJ (Janisjoplin) in the "mall" where everyone lives their synthetic lives and stop Johnnyseed, their father's old business partner, from destroying their home and, with it, their mother and the cure for the Big Sick.
But who can be trusted and what secrets will they uncover about their family's past?
Actress Hilary Shepard's (Star Trek, Full House, Deep Space 9) first foray into the world of YA fiction is a dystopian, sci-fi delight for the mind. The book is for the naturalists and nature activists, the young, the old, the sci-fi lovers and anyone interested in reading her interpretation of what really could happen to our world one day.
Yes, activists will devour this book, with its vegetarian, anti-GMO message (I did!), as well as its metaphorical commentary on Hollywood and our desire to stay young and be "perfect". But, as I said, anyone will enjoy this book with its strong teen lead and great supporting cast.
As a little bonus, Ms. Shepard references today's elite in show business and many of the best musicians in the sixties.
The book also features an introduction by acclaimed actress Daryl Hannah (Kill Bill, etc.).
For young and old, for activists and sci-fi fans, this book is a must read! Again, I thank Malena Public Relations for bringing such amazing talent to my attention!
5/5--so enjoyable!
August 16, 2013
okay i got a copy through the goodreads first read program (i honestly did not expect to win)
from the first page the book had me captivated.
i really like how the author personlized it to suit all.
i also loved the little twist in the words
also the name therose was a bit weir with the 'the' but.....
anyway i totally loved all of the different dystopian gadgets.
anyway i liked the idea and the root of the story and all the tiny little twists. so overall a fantastic book and i loved the whle idea and all.
:)
g
from the first page the book had me captivated.
i really like how the author personlized it to suit all.
i also loved the little twist in the words
also the name therose was a bit weir with the 'the' but.....
anyway i totally loved all of the different dystopian gadgets.
anyway i liked the idea and the root of the story and all the tiny little twists. so overall a fantastic book and i loved the whle idea and all.
:)
g
August 18, 2016
The book was very good, this book was set in another time period, sort of like a dystopian themed book. Shesus was first an unusual title but while you're reading it, you discover that the title actually means 'she's us'. Fantastic, great, a book well done.
January 1, 2017
I love it.I think it was an entertaining and wonderful book.
July 26, 2013
I would give this book 3.5 stars, but Goodread's accursed rating system thwarts me again. Anyway, here's a summary of the book as I see it...
The year is 2315. Earth has become an extremely hostile planet, with toxic air, dried up and polluted oceans, and a plague known as The Big Sick that comes without warning. Mankind now lives in malls, and live in fear of the deadly "Mother Nature". In the midst of all this lives a 15-year-old girl named TheRose (yes that is her real name), her 9-year-old sister Bugbee (again, real name), and her mother Mooma. They all reside happily in Eden, the last Protected Forest in the Americas, and one of the cleanest places in the world. However, the paradise comes to an abrupt halt when Mooma disappears, and TheRose and Bugbee are forced to leave their safe haven to search for their mother. Along the way, they come across several adventures that could change their life for good.
I got this book for free through a giveaway hosted at Goodreads First Reads, and I was obviously excited when I got it. I mean a free book? With names like TheRose, Bugbee, and Mooma? Not to mention with a hint of mystery, a genre I absolutely adore? But despite all this excitement, I was also skeptical about this book too. I am not usually a fan of dystopian fiction, and I wasn't sure whether this one would be one of the many that bores me to tears, or one of the few that actually revive my hope in the genre.
The answer was one of the few. Shesus was amazing, with it's lovable characters, great humor, and its lush imagery, which had me imagining it playing out as if in a movie. I was never bored with this book, as it flowed well, at a steady pace. It also didn't go on too long, so as to lose the reader's patience, which was another point in its favor.
That isn't to say this book was perfect. Although the books had some plot twists that I never would have expected, it also had some pretty predictable parts as well. Some of what the characters did sounded so juvenile, that they gave away some of the subplots in the book. In addition, there were some passages that I couldn't understand, but that could have been because of typos present in my copy.
In the end, Hilary Shepard's debut novel wasn't a huge disappointment. I would recommend it to pre-teens and teens, as well as those who are fans of the environmental fantasy Little Fur.
The year is 2315. Earth has become an extremely hostile planet, with toxic air, dried up and polluted oceans, and a plague known as The Big Sick that comes without warning. Mankind now lives in malls, and live in fear of the deadly "Mother Nature". In the midst of all this lives a 15-year-old girl named TheRose (yes that is her real name), her 9-year-old sister Bugbee (again, real name), and her mother Mooma. They all reside happily in Eden, the last Protected Forest in the Americas, and one of the cleanest places in the world. However, the paradise comes to an abrupt halt when Mooma disappears, and TheRose and Bugbee are forced to leave their safe haven to search for their mother. Along the way, they come across several adventures that could change their life for good.
I got this book for free through a giveaway hosted at Goodreads First Reads, and I was obviously excited when I got it. I mean a free book? With names like TheRose, Bugbee, and Mooma? Not to mention with a hint of mystery, a genre I absolutely adore? But despite all this excitement, I was also skeptical about this book too. I am not usually a fan of dystopian fiction, and I wasn't sure whether this one would be one of the many that bores me to tears, or one of the few that actually revive my hope in the genre.
The answer was one of the few. Shesus was amazing, with it's lovable characters, great humor, and its lush imagery, which had me imagining it playing out as if in a movie. I was never bored with this book, as it flowed well, at a steady pace. It also didn't go on too long, so as to lose the reader's patience, which was another point in its favor.
That isn't to say this book was perfect. Although the books had some plot twists that I never would have expected, it also had some pretty predictable parts as well. Some of what the characters did sounded so juvenile, that they gave away some of the subplots in the book. In addition, there were some passages that I couldn't understand, but that could have been because of typos present in my copy.
In the end, Hilary Shepard's debut novel wasn't a huge disappointment. I would recommend it to pre-teens and teens, as well as those who are fans of the environmental fantasy Little Fur.
August 17, 2013
N.B. I received a free, signed copy from the author through the Goodreads First Reads program.
First, let me just say that I thought based on the title that this was going to be a very blatant female Jesus story because of the title. While it kind of is, it isn't as blatant as I expected and at least there's a nice story reason for "Shesus" which I will not spoil. When selecting the star-rating for this book, I was torn. I don't think that it deserves the four I gave it, but it deserves more than a three. If Goodreads would allow it, I'd have given it 3.5. Since we can only do full stars, I decided to round to the nearest star.
I really enjoyed the story's setting. I can see it as a plausible, if frightening, possible future for mankind and for Earth. It was a little confusing at first, but I think that's because the characters themselves are a little confused. I think it reads well as the reader is also trying to learn as the characters do. I enjoyed Seven's character quite a bit. The entire novel makes one think about the environment, our choices going forward, etc. in a way that is different than one would think.
I will also say that you can tell that this is a first novel\first time author. Nothing against Hilary Shepard, but there is just something that I feel...it feels as if it could use some more refinement. I'm not sure if that makes any sense, and I can't exactly figure out what I mean by that myself, so take that for whatever it's worth. I would read more by her without a doubt so it's not a negative, just something that is there.
Finally, I think that the main reason why I would only give this 3.5 and not a full 4 (Goodreads limitations notwithstanding), is that I felt the ending was really abrupt. I don't know how else it could have ended, but I wanted more to the end.
One final comment: if there is another edition, I would definitely suggest a better editor, as there are quite a few spelling and typographical errors and some grammatical errors (usually subject\verb agreement) throughout the novel.
First, let me just say that I thought based on the title that this was going to be a very blatant female Jesus story because of the title. While it kind of is, it isn't as blatant as I expected and at least there's a nice story reason for "Shesus" which I will not spoil. When selecting the star-rating for this book, I was torn. I don't think that it deserves the four I gave it, but it deserves more than a three. If Goodreads would allow it, I'd have given it 3.5. Since we can only do full stars, I decided to round to the nearest star.
I really enjoyed the story's setting. I can see it as a plausible, if frightening, possible future for mankind and for Earth. It was a little confusing at first, but I think that's because the characters themselves are a little confused. I think it reads well as the reader is also trying to learn as the characters do. I enjoyed Seven's character quite a bit. The entire novel makes one think about the environment, our choices going forward, etc. in a way that is different than one would think.
I will also say that you can tell that this is a first novel\first time author. Nothing against Hilary Shepard, but there is just something that I feel...it feels as if it could use some more refinement. I'm not sure if that makes any sense, and I can't exactly figure out what I mean by that myself, so take that for whatever it's worth. I would read more by her without a doubt so it's not a negative, just something that is there.
Finally, I think that the main reason why I would only give this 3.5 and not a full 4 (Goodreads limitations notwithstanding), is that I felt the ending was really abrupt. I don't know how else it could have ended, but I wanted more to the end.
One final comment: if there is another edition, I would definitely suggest a better editor, as there are quite a few spelling and typographical errors and some grammatical errors (usually subject\verb agreement) throughout the novel.
July 30, 2013
Shesus was a wonderful book that captivated me from the first page. The book is set in the future around the year 2300. The big sick has killed off most of mankind and most of the survivors live in underground malls hiding from the big sick and mother nature. The story follows TheRose, a girl who has grown up in one of the last protected lands of the Earth. TheRose lives in the protected land called Eden with Mooma, her mother, and BugBee, her younger sister. Her mother disapears one day and they follow a map into the underground malls. While there they discover a plan by Govercorp to destroy the protected land and create another mall.
TheRose is a simple heroine that is seen in many books. She is clueless in ways such as how the malls run yet understands nature better than most. She leads her sister on an adventure with danger at every turn. TheRose has a sense of humor and ends up finding love in this world. She was an enjoyable character to follow as it was easy to relate to her personality traits such as having a strong will.
I enjoyed the plot of uncovering the mysteries of her father's death, her parents past, and Govercorp. This book held my attention. At times it was slower and filled with more details and imagery while at other times fast paced creating a perfect balance.
I am glad I got a good reads first reader's copy of this book and look forward to reading more of Hilary Shepard's writing. This book had a unique twist compared to the thousands of other dystopian books and introduces a different version of the future that has not yet been seen.
TheRose is a simple heroine that is seen in many books. She is clueless in ways such as how the malls run yet understands nature better than most. She leads her sister on an adventure with danger at every turn. TheRose has a sense of humor and ends up finding love in this world. She was an enjoyable character to follow as it was easy to relate to her personality traits such as having a strong will.
I enjoyed the plot of uncovering the mysteries of her father's death, her parents past, and Govercorp. This book held my attention. At times it was slower and filled with more details and imagery while at other times fast paced creating a perfect balance.
I am glad I got a good reads first reader's copy of this book and look forward to reading more of Hilary Shepard's writing. This book had a unique twist compared to the thousands of other dystopian books and introduces a different version of the future that has not yet been seen.
October 2, 2013
Shesus was featured in Coast Magazine as one of its "Cool Reads," so I decided to pick it up. It ends up being a very cool read! Hilary Shepard creates a futuristic world where an all-powerful Govercorp manages to deceive humankind into fearing nature so that everyone will rely on artificial products. Even entire environments are artificial as people live in malls that simply mimic nature. Fifteen-year-old TheRose is the exception. She lives with her family in the last protected forest. Her life is tied to Mother Nature in ways the rest of the world can't even comprehend. When TheRose's mother disappears, she and her sister must venture into the strange, artificial world where danger forces them to find tremendous courage not only to save their own mother, but also to save what's left of Mother Nature.
Hilary Shepard does a fabulous job creating a dystopian world that's entertaining and eye-opening. Hers is obviously an extreme version of humanity's disconnect from the environment, but I found myself thinking about parallels in today's world. Her message comes through clearly and it is a powerful one. Shepard's play on language, as she borrows current celebrity names and current places and ideas for her futuristic world, brings a little fun to the pages. The love story gives it passion, and the hero's journey makes it inspiring. Shesus has all the ingredients for a terrific book!
Hilary Shepard does a fabulous job creating a dystopian world that's entertaining and eye-opening. Hers is obviously an extreme version of humanity's disconnect from the environment, but I found myself thinking about parallels in today's world. Her message comes through clearly and it is a powerful one. Shepard's play on language, as she borrows current celebrity names and current places and ideas for her futuristic world, brings a little fun to the pages. The love story gives it passion, and the hero's journey makes it inspiring. Shesus has all the ingredients for a terrific book!
September 15, 2013
**I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway**
Before I do anything else, thank you Hilary for giving me this book. I was soo happy when it came in the mail!
Now, onto the book. Shesus had me pulled in from the first page. What suprised me the most was that it wasn't exactly what I expected, but even better! I love the enviromental aspect, the creative title 'Shesus', the awesome plot and how the romance was there, yet not overpowering like some other novels, especially dystopia. The little personal touches and modern day references I enjoyed a lot. This future was one of the most possible and realistic versions that our world could be, and that scared me. The characters were all really creative, and I was so sad when I finished it, cause I didn't want it to end!
I would definitely reread and recommend this novel! 4 stars!
Before I do anything else, thank you Hilary for giving me this book. I was soo happy when it came in the mail!
Now, onto the book. Shesus had me pulled in from the first page. What suprised me the most was that it wasn't exactly what I expected, but even better! I love the enviromental aspect, the creative title 'Shesus', the awesome plot and how the romance was there, yet not overpowering like some other novels, especially dystopia. The little personal touches and modern day references I enjoyed a lot. This future was one of the most possible and realistic versions that our world could be, and that scared me. The characters were all really creative, and I was so sad when I finished it, cause I didn't want it to end!
I would definitely reread and recommend this novel! 4 stars!
August 1, 2013
This book is very mind-blowing! i like it very much!
December 7, 2013
I am a sucker for dystopian adventures. I don't know why, but there is something romantic about the treacherous journey to find an impossible slice of utopia.
"Shesus", from the first glimpse, seemed to be exactly what I love in a dystopian story. However, I soon found that I was wrong, in a good way. What I found was that "Shesus" takes us on a different sort of Journey. In fact, what we have is actually a utopian world surrounded by dystopia. Too often we are shown the devastation or government control, without seeing the beauty until the end. That is where "Shesus" is different.
How can that be, you ask?
Simply put, the earth is in a constant state of repair. It is the humans that are unintentionally forcing dystopia upon the Mother Earth. In "Shesus" we are introduced to the last remnants of natural earth, within the Protected Forrest. Those that still believe in the planet's healing powers, and strive to protect her from evil corporations that seek to control her embrace, are a limited force among those that have surrendered to living within the protected malls of the technological world. In this Young Adult novel, we are introduced to TheRose and Bugbee, two young intellectuals with a mission to save their protected land and share their utopia with the world.
"TheRose, 15, lives in isolation in the last protected forest of The Americas with her mother Mooma and 9 year old sister, Bugbee. When their mom vanishes, the girls are forced to venture into a world poisoned by ‘The Big Sick.’ Following the secret map encoded in Mooma’s beaded necklace, TheRose and Bugbee must navigate the strange mall dwellings that the last vestiges of mankind are forced to live in order to survive—intent on solving the mystery of their mother’s disappearance. In the process, they discover the real story behind their father’s death, who the legendary enigmatic character Shesus really is and why they are all being relentlessly pursued by the sinister and all—powerful Govercorp, as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance."
"Shesus" is filled with multi-layered characters, each unique in their own ways. Set in the year 2315, the futuristic tale is filled with so much nostalgia, that even those with a dislike for futuristic tales will enjoy the story within the pages. Characters such as Janisjoplin (JJ), Johnyseed, Johnlennon, Darylhannah, and many more, reflect the celebrities after which they are named in glimpsing familiarity, yet bring forth their own uniqueness to draw you into their story.
Of all the characters, my absolute favorite has to be Seven. A genetically engineered baby, his poise and intellect, coupled with his innocent banter, inserts a slice of comedic relief, yet a strong sense of empathy for the journey he shares with Bugbee and TheRose.
While the obvious undertone of the book is one of Earthly preservation and caution for what might occur if we do not treat the planet with more respect, it is also a tale of togetherness, family, and the importance of new friends. Hilary Shepard has done what many writers can only dream of. She has formed her reoccurring dreams into a masterpiece, dare I say an instant classic, that is sure to resonate for generations to come. This is a tale that I, as a 36 year old man, enjoy immensely as it tugged at my heart at times, and reminded me of the imaginary journeys I took as a young child. This is a tale that my youngest daughter, twelve years of age, has become exited to begin reading as I shared with her the beautiful characters within. This is a tale that I will proudly display on my bookshelf alongside other inspiring authors such as Harper Lee, William Golding, Clive Barker, Charles Day, Peter Giglio, Shannon Michaels, and many more.
This is a book that I highly recommend to any lover of fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure. Unlike other popular books of similar themes, such as "the Hunger Games" and "the Host", "Shesus" gives us an astounding glimpse at the positive side of a dystopian world, allowing us to glimpse the beauty before the distress and how the journey unfolds.
"Shesus", from the first glimpse, seemed to be exactly what I love in a dystopian story. However, I soon found that I was wrong, in a good way. What I found was that "Shesus" takes us on a different sort of Journey. In fact, what we have is actually a utopian world surrounded by dystopia. Too often we are shown the devastation or government control, without seeing the beauty until the end. That is where "Shesus" is different.
How can that be, you ask?
Simply put, the earth is in a constant state of repair. It is the humans that are unintentionally forcing dystopia upon the Mother Earth. In "Shesus" we are introduced to the last remnants of natural earth, within the Protected Forrest. Those that still believe in the planet's healing powers, and strive to protect her from evil corporations that seek to control her embrace, are a limited force among those that have surrendered to living within the protected malls of the technological world. In this Young Adult novel, we are introduced to TheRose and Bugbee, two young intellectuals with a mission to save their protected land and share their utopia with the world.
"TheRose, 15, lives in isolation in the last protected forest of The Americas with her mother Mooma and 9 year old sister, Bugbee. When their mom vanishes, the girls are forced to venture into a world poisoned by ‘The Big Sick.’ Following the secret map encoded in Mooma’s beaded necklace, TheRose and Bugbee must navigate the strange mall dwellings that the last vestiges of mankind are forced to live in order to survive—intent on solving the mystery of their mother’s disappearance. In the process, they discover the real story behind their father’s death, who the legendary enigmatic character Shesus really is and why they are all being relentlessly pursued by the sinister and all—powerful Govercorp, as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance."
"Shesus" is filled with multi-layered characters, each unique in their own ways. Set in the year 2315, the futuristic tale is filled with so much nostalgia, that even those with a dislike for futuristic tales will enjoy the story within the pages. Characters such as Janisjoplin (JJ), Johnyseed, Johnlennon, Darylhannah, and many more, reflect the celebrities after which they are named in glimpsing familiarity, yet bring forth their own uniqueness to draw you into their story.
Of all the characters, my absolute favorite has to be Seven. A genetically engineered baby, his poise and intellect, coupled with his innocent banter, inserts a slice of comedic relief, yet a strong sense of empathy for the journey he shares with Bugbee and TheRose.
While the obvious undertone of the book is one of Earthly preservation and caution for what might occur if we do not treat the planet with more respect, it is also a tale of togetherness, family, and the importance of new friends. Hilary Shepard has done what many writers can only dream of. She has formed her reoccurring dreams into a masterpiece, dare I say an instant classic, that is sure to resonate for generations to come. This is a tale that I, as a 36 year old man, enjoy immensely as it tugged at my heart at times, and reminded me of the imaginary journeys I took as a young child. This is a tale that my youngest daughter, twelve years of age, has become exited to begin reading as I shared with her the beautiful characters within. This is a tale that I will proudly display on my bookshelf alongside other inspiring authors such as Harper Lee, William Golding, Clive Barker, Charles Day, Peter Giglio, Shannon Michaels, and many more.
This is a book that I highly recommend to any lover of fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure. Unlike other popular books of similar themes, such as "the Hunger Games" and "the Host", "Shesus" gives us an astounding glimpse at the positive side of a dystopian world, allowing us to glimpse the beauty before the distress and how the journey unfolds.
April 30, 2024
It’s been a while since I read this book, but it was very cute, and I hope Hilary writes a sequel someday!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews