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Hilo Dome
FOR FANS OF THE HUNGER GAMES AND DIVERGENT
Two hundred years in the future, the isolated domed city of Hilo, Hawaii is one of the few cities to have survived the Great War, a global nuclear holocaust. Nathan Ohana, a teenager living in Hilo, is having trouble fitting in at his school. He doesn' t look like anyone else, and he is unable to speak. He does, however, possess a special sensory capability similar to ESP. A blessing and a curse, this ability enables him to discover a disturbing and possibly dangerous plan by the government of Hilo, one that would threaten the existence of the Ferals, the people who survived the radiation and are living outside the dome.
When it becomes evident to others that Nathan knows something he should not, he is pursued by the Hilo police and is accidentally swept away by the Wailuku River into an alien and frightening existence outside the dome. Kayli Pahinui, a Feral, rescues Nathan and brings him home with her to the village of Honoli'i. Puzzled by what he sees at first, Nathan comes to find he belongs in this very different world. However, a peaceful existence in a beautiful village is not to be. A new threat arises from the leeward side of the island that could mean the downfall of both Hilo and Honoli'i. Nathan, Kayli, and Kayli' s father, Sam, face incredible dangers and challenges as they try to warn the citizens of Hilo and unite with the people who shunned them so many years ago before the war.
By working together, it just may be possible to overcome this new and deadly threat.
Two hundred years in the future, the isolated domed city of Hilo, Hawaii is one of the few cities to have survived the Great War, a global nuclear holocaust. Nathan Ohana, a teenager living in Hilo, is having trouble fitting in at his school. He doesn' t look like anyone else, and he is unable to speak. He does, however, possess a special sensory capability similar to ESP. A blessing and a curse, this ability enables him to discover a disturbing and possibly dangerous plan by the government of Hilo, one that would threaten the existence of the Ferals, the people who survived the radiation and are living outside the dome.
When it becomes evident to others that Nathan knows something he should not, he is pursued by the Hilo police and is accidentally swept away by the Wailuku River into an alien and frightening existence outside the dome. Kayli Pahinui, a Feral, rescues Nathan and brings him home with her to the village of Honoli'i. Puzzled by what he sees at first, Nathan comes to find he belongs in this very different world. However, a peaceful existence in a beautiful village is not to be. A new threat arises from the leeward side of the island that could mean the downfall of both Hilo and Honoli'i. Nathan, Kayli, and Kayli' s father, Sam, face incredible dangers and challenges as they try to warn the citizens of Hilo and unite with the people who shunned them so many years ago before the war.
By working together, it just may be possible to overcome this new and deadly threat.
- GenresYoung Adult
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 3, 2025
Hilo Dome had an intriguing premise, an immersive setting, and an interesting start. It's set on the big island of Hawaii about 200 years after a nuclear war destroyed most of the world, and the domes were the only safe places for human society. There are many restrictions to make sure everyone can live, but those restrictions are about to become much worse. Nathan is unique among his peers on the dome. He cannot speak, but can hear the thoughts of others around him. He's also rather creative and curious, and had plenty of potential. The characters of the dome also seemed interesting.
However, once Nathan left the dome, my interest dropped dramatically sadly. The story had a lot of potential, but it felt like the urgency was removed with a years-long time skip. What also didn't help was a mostly vague objective for the main players in the conflict, and I struggled to figure out what factions wanted what after a while. The characters felt too one dimensional for my liking, and most of them were shaped into basic roles and not much else. Nathan had a bit more going for him, but eventually, he faded away as well. The pacing was also way off for me. Too many times, things were summarized instead of us experiencing what was going on. The time skip also decreased the urgency and some of the solutions felt a bit too easy. There wasn't enough exploration of the dome losing resources either, or the consequences of separating from the rest of the island, as everything was poured into a more simplistic good vs. evil with a third faction. The setting had some interesting parts, but the potential wasn't fulfilled. The ending didn't hit me at all also because of that.
Apparently, this is a series, but I'm not sure if I want to continue on from this book.
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and Histria YA. All opinions are my own.*
However, once Nathan left the dome, my interest dropped dramatically sadly. The story had a lot of potential, but it felt like the urgency was removed with a years-long time skip. What also didn't help was a mostly vague objective for the main players in the conflict, and I struggled to figure out what factions wanted what after a while. The characters felt too one dimensional for my liking, and most of them were shaped into basic roles and not much else. Nathan had a bit more going for him, but eventually, he faded away as well. The pacing was also way off for me. Too many times, things were summarized instead of us experiencing what was going on. The time skip also decreased the urgency and some of the solutions felt a bit too easy. There wasn't enough exploration of the dome losing resources either, or the consequences of separating from the rest of the island, as everything was poured into a more simplistic good vs. evil with a third faction. The setting had some interesting parts, but the potential wasn't fulfilled. The ending didn't hit me at all also because of that.
Apparently, this is a series, but I'm not sure if I want to continue on from this book.
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and Histria YA. All opinions are my own.*
June 16, 2025
I wanted to like this, I really did. The premise was interesting. And I loved the setting. But the execution didn't do it for me. Something about how the character talked really bugged me. It didn't come across as genuine. I'm sure some people will love it, just not me.
April 21, 2025
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In a genre flooded with recycled dystopias and overcooked wastelands, Hilo Dome stands out like a plumeria blooming through ash. Set against the haunting beauty of a post-nuclear Hawaii, this tale offers not only fresh terrain but a meditation on identity, community, and the illusions of safety.
At the heart of the story is Nathan Ohana, a fourteen-year-old whose journey begins within the sterile safety of a domed city and spirals outward—both physically and emotionally—into a world far more alive, and far more dangerous, than he was raised to believe. What makes Hilo Dome stand out is not just its original setting, but the sincerity of its emotional core. The reader isn’t simply dragged through another battle for survival, but invited into a deeply personal story of rediscovery.
The relationship between Nathan and Kayli is particularly well-crafted, evolving with a natural, unforced rhythm that never dips into melodrama. Their bond—one that begins in shared bloodlines and blossoms into something quietly powerful—is the beating heart of the book. It anchors the plot, keeping it grounded even as the story crescendos into conflict and action.
Perhaps the most intriguing device is “thalk,” a form of telepathic communication that avoids the usual sci-fi clichés. It’s employed with restraint and elegance, acting more as a deepening of intimacy between characters than as a gimmick. The ability doesn’t overshadow the human moments but amplifies them.
Another thing that sets Hilo Dome apart is its unflinching respect for its cultural backdrop. Hawaiian traditions, language, and ways of life aren’t sprinkled in for aesthetic, but are woven into the fabric of the world with purpose and reverence. That authenticity is no accident. The author, who lived in O‘ahu for many years while serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy, brings a palpable understanding of the land and its people. It shows in the rhythm of the dialogue, in the landscape, in the way characters relate to both nature and one another. This grounding gives the speculative elements their weight and makes the world feel not just imagined, but remembered.
The pacing is thoughtful, measured in places, explosive in others, but never lags.
The first installment in a series, Hilo Dome offers not only a satisfying conclusion but a promise of more journeys, discoveries, and emotional growth to come. It shows a vision of the post-apocalypse that is lush rather than desolate, communal rather than isolating. It takes familiar tropes and reshapes them through a fresh lens, all while delivering a story that is human, grounded in culture, and brimming with heart. Readers looking for an adventure that respects both mind and spirit will find plenty to love here.
Highly recommended for fans of The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Tribe, and anyone tired of gray, gritty futures with nothing left to fight for.
Review copy provided by IPG @ NetGalley
In a genre flooded with recycled dystopias and overcooked wastelands, Hilo Dome stands out like a plumeria blooming through ash. Set against the haunting beauty of a post-nuclear Hawaii, this tale offers not only fresh terrain but a meditation on identity, community, and the illusions of safety.
At the heart of the story is Nathan Ohana, a fourteen-year-old whose journey begins within the sterile safety of a domed city and spirals outward—both physically and emotionally—into a world far more alive, and far more dangerous, than he was raised to believe. What makes Hilo Dome stand out is not just its original setting, but the sincerity of its emotional core. The reader isn’t simply dragged through another battle for survival, but invited into a deeply personal story of rediscovery.
The relationship between Nathan and Kayli is particularly well-crafted, evolving with a natural, unforced rhythm that never dips into melodrama. Their bond—one that begins in shared bloodlines and blossoms into something quietly powerful—is the beating heart of the book. It anchors the plot, keeping it grounded even as the story crescendos into conflict and action.
Perhaps the most intriguing device is “thalk,” a form of telepathic communication that avoids the usual sci-fi clichés. It’s employed with restraint and elegance, acting more as a deepening of intimacy between characters than as a gimmick. The ability doesn’t overshadow the human moments but amplifies them.
Another thing that sets Hilo Dome apart is its unflinching respect for its cultural backdrop. Hawaiian traditions, language, and ways of life aren’t sprinkled in for aesthetic, but are woven into the fabric of the world with purpose and reverence. That authenticity is no accident. The author, who lived in O‘ahu for many years while serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy, brings a palpable understanding of the land and its people. It shows in the rhythm of the dialogue, in the landscape, in the way characters relate to both nature and one another. This grounding gives the speculative elements their weight and makes the world feel not just imagined, but remembered.
The pacing is thoughtful, measured in places, explosive in others, but never lags.
The first installment in a series, Hilo Dome offers not only a satisfying conclusion but a promise of more journeys, discoveries, and emotional growth to come. It shows a vision of the post-apocalypse that is lush rather than desolate, communal rather than isolating. It takes familiar tropes and reshapes them through a fresh lens, all while delivering a story that is human, grounded in culture, and brimming with heart. Readers looking for an adventure that respects both mind and spirit will find plenty to love here.
Highly recommended for fans of The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Tribe, and anyone tired of gray, gritty futures with nothing left to fight for.
Review copy provided by IPG @ NetGalley
May 16, 2025
Book Review: Hilo Dome by Jack Bartley
A Dystopian Masterpiece Where Survival Meets Human Resilience
Jack Bartley’s Hilo Dome transports readers to a hauntingly plausible future—two centuries after a global nuclear war—where the last remnants of humanity cling to survival within the domed city of Hilo, Hawaii. Blending the tension of The Hunger Games with the claustrophobic intrigue of Divergent, this novel explores themes of isolation, societal control, and the unyielding human spirit in the face of existential threats.
Key Strengths
-Immersive World-Building: Bartley crafts a vivid, atmospheric setting where the dome is both sanctuary and prison, with its own rigid hierarchies and hidden dangers. The decaying remnants of pre-war Hawaii add a layer of melancholy beauty.
-Pulse-Pounding Plot: The story grips from the first page, balancing survivalist action with deeper mysteries about the dome’s governance and the truths buried beyond its walls.
-Thematic Depth: Beyond its thriller exterior, the novel interrogates power, sacrifice, and what it means to rebuild civilization—or repeat its mistakes.
Potential Considerations
-Familiar Tropes: While expertly executed, some dystopian elements (e.g., oppressive leadership, teenage defiance) may feel familiar to genre veterans.
-Pacing: Early chapters focus heavily on exposition, though the payoff in the second half is worth the buildup.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-World-Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A fully realized, haunting future.
-Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Protagonists shine; some side roles lack depth.
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Fresh twists on classic dystopian themes.
-Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) – Equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Like a siren song from the apocalypse—impossible to ignore.
Ideal Audience
-Fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, or Wool.
-Readers who crave dystopias with lush settings and philosophical undertones.
-Anyone intrigued by the collision of survival instincts and societal decay.
Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Jack Bartley for the advance review copy. Hilo Dome is a testament to the genre’s enduring power—and Bartley’s skill at reinventing it.
Final Verdict
With its razor-sharp tension and richly drawn world, Hilo Dome cements Bartley as a rising voice in dystopian fiction. While it treads familiar ground at times, its emotional core and explosive climax leave a lasting impression. A must-read for those who like their end-of-the-world tales equal parts brutal and beautiful.
Note: This review reflects the ARC edition; minor changes may appear in the final publication.
A Dystopian Masterpiece Where Survival Meets Human Resilience
Jack Bartley’s Hilo Dome transports readers to a hauntingly plausible future—two centuries after a global nuclear war—where the last remnants of humanity cling to survival within the domed city of Hilo, Hawaii. Blending the tension of The Hunger Games with the claustrophobic intrigue of Divergent, this novel explores themes of isolation, societal control, and the unyielding human spirit in the face of existential threats.
Key Strengths
-Immersive World-Building: Bartley crafts a vivid, atmospheric setting where the dome is both sanctuary and prison, with its own rigid hierarchies and hidden dangers. The decaying remnants of pre-war Hawaii add a layer of melancholy beauty.
-Pulse-Pounding Plot: The story grips from the first page, balancing survivalist action with deeper mysteries about the dome’s governance and the truths buried beyond its walls.
-Thematic Depth: Beyond its thriller exterior, the novel interrogates power, sacrifice, and what it means to rebuild civilization—or repeat its mistakes.
Potential Considerations
-Familiar Tropes: While expertly executed, some dystopian elements (e.g., oppressive leadership, teenage defiance) may feel familiar to genre veterans.
-Pacing: Early chapters focus heavily on exposition, though the payoff in the second half is worth the buildup.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-World-Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A fully realized, haunting future.
-Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Protagonists shine; some side roles lack depth.
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Fresh twists on classic dystopian themes.
-Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) – Equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Like a siren song from the apocalypse—impossible to ignore.
Ideal Audience
-Fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, or Wool.
-Readers who crave dystopias with lush settings and philosophical undertones.
-Anyone intrigued by the collision of survival instincts and societal decay.
Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Jack Bartley for the advance review copy. Hilo Dome is a testament to the genre’s enduring power—and Bartley’s skill at reinventing it.
Final Verdict
With its razor-sharp tension and richly drawn world, Hilo Dome cements Bartley as a rising voice in dystopian fiction. While it treads familiar ground at times, its emotional core and explosive climax leave a lasting impression. A must-read for those who like their end-of-the-world tales equal parts brutal and beautiful.
Note: This review reflects the ARC edition; minor changes may appear in the final publication.
May 11, 2025
Thank you, #NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group, for allowing me to read Hilo Dome in exchange for my honest review. #HiloDome #NetGalley
Hilo Dome offers an interesting perspective on dystopian YA. Instead of showcasing a controlled society, this novel highlights the aftermath of environmental destruction and the reality that the safety and comfort of the Dome were meant to be temporary. It does demonstrate how different types of people can come together to achieve something by working as a team. It remains unclear in this new post-nuclear world whether other Domes are still functioning, and this is something I was curious about as a reader.
At the heart of the story is a boy named Nathan Ohana, who lives in the Hilo Dome, located in Hawaii. Unlike the rest of the people in the Dome, Nathan cannot speak; he communicates using ASL. He can also hear other people's thoughts. All of this changes when Nathan overhears the wrong conversation, forcing him out of the Dome.
This is where the real story begins, in Nathan's life outside the Dome. Nathan quickly realizes that there is a whole village of people like him! Watching Nathan grow throughout the book illustrates the dynamic and complex character development filled with a wide range of emotions. He's lost his parents and discovers that his "parents" are not his "parents." He is also developing feelings for Kayli. In addition to all of this, he needs to help the Hilo Dome people.
Do I think middle school students would read this novel? Maybe the concept of the novel might grab a few students' attention.
Hilo Dome offers an interesting perspective on dystopian YA. Instead of showcasing a controlled society, this novel highlights the aftermath of environmental destruction and the reality that the safety and comfort of the Dome were meant to be temporary. It does demonstrate how different types of people can come together to achieve something by working as a team. It remains unclear in this new post-nuclear world whether other Domes are still functioning, and this is something I was curious about as a reader.
At the heart of the story is a boy named Nathan Ohana, who lives in the Hilo Dome, located in Hawaii. Unlike the rest of the people in the Dome, Nathan cannot speak; he communicates using ASL. He can also hear other people's thoughts. All of this changes when Nathan overhears the wrong conversation, forcing him out of the Dome.
This is where the real story begins, in Nathan's life outside the Dome. Nathan quickly realizes that there is a whole village of people like him! Watching Nathan grow throughout the book illustrates the dynamic and complex character development filled with a wide range of emotions. He's lost his parents and discovers that his "parents" are not his "parents." He is also developing feelings for Kayli. In addition to all of this, he needs to help the Hilo Dome people.
Do I think middle school students would read this novel? Maybe the concept of the novel might grab a few students' attention.
September 15, 2025
I was disappointed by this book. Set in Hawaii, I was expecting a slightly different take on the "we have lived inside since the great war but now we have to leave our protection, but we think people may have survived outside" trope.
Unfortunately, the writing style felt juvenile, telling, explaining, and repeating information, instead of showing. Main character Nathan came across as younger than the 14 years he started the story as. Most characters felt flat or not believable (particularly the chief and his abrupt view change later in the story).
There was a lot of focus on food and survival and building stuff as though the author was desperate for the reader to knew he'd dome his research on the region. There was very little tension in the story, despite what could have been a high stakes situation.
There were moments that where hard to believe such as running into a small 'village/family group' while scouting that the main village who'd been there for 200 years knew nothing about, but they did know about the people who lived on the opposite side of the island.
Towards the end of the story, it felt like the author remembered he was writing YA and needed to add a romance, but as the the writing style was so distant, there was no emotional connection with anyone, and the 'romantic' moments felt forced.
Overall, the story could have been good, but fell flat.
Unfortunately, the writing style felt juvenile, telling, explaining, and repeating information, instead of showing. Main character Nathan came across as younger than the 14 years he started the story as. Most characters felt flat or not believable (particularly the chief and his abrupt view change later in the story).
There was a lot of focus on food and survival and building stuff as though the author was desperate for the reader to knew he'd dome his research on the region. There was very little tension in the story, despite what could have been a high stakes situation.
There were moments that where hard to believe such as running into a small 'village/family group' while scouting that the main village who'd been there for 200 years knew nothing about, but they did know about the people who lived on the opposite side of the island.
Towards the end of the story, it felt like the author remembered he was writing YA and needed to add a romance, but as the the writing style was so distant, there was no emotional connection with anyone, and the 'romantic' moments felt forced.
Overall, the story could have been good, but fell flat.
January 23, 2025
I was a bit leery of reading a post-apocalyptic book, considering the times we live in. I prefer to read Terry Pratchett or Jasper Fforde, Tom Holt, Sarah Vowel. But, I am so glad I did read this and the other two in the series.
Slight spoiler ahead-
Clearly, I would be no help in this future world where a knowledge of tides, currents, land masses and all that really become crucial. I can barely tell a robin from a seagull. But some people do know all this! In a world utterly transformed from today’s electronic info, old skills are paramount. A story of true human perseverance, with hope around the corner.
I am not fond of the hook, “If you liked …. whatever, read this". But in this case, it’s apt.
Read this!
Slight spoiler ahead-
Clearly, I would be no help in this future world where a knowledge of tides, currents, land masses and all that really become crucial. I can barely tell a robin from a seagull. But some people do know all this! In a world utterly transformed from today’s electronic info, old skills are paramount. A story of true human perseverance, with hope around the corner.
I am not fond of the hook, “If you liked …. whatever, read this". But in this case, it’s apt.
Read this!
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