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Plagued Lands
In a dystopian future, cities surrounded by glass bubbles promise safety from deadly diseases. Martina, a resilient sixteen-year-old from Colombia, struggles to support herself and her younger brother after the death of their parents. Especially with the rising cost of the mandatory medications.
But when Martina spots a lone figure outside the safety of the bubble without a hazmat suit, her steadfast faith in their refuge is thrown into disarray. She worries for her brother’s safety. She can’t bear to lose him too. She’s determined to find the truth lurking beyond their sanitized sanctuary and ensure his protection.
Martina encounters unexpected allies on her mission. Among them is Nathan, a nomad whose unconventional ways intrigue her, and Persephone, a determined pharmacy student with a shared desire for truth. As their paths intertwine, Martina finds herself drawn to both.
Will Martina’s quest for answers unveil the salvation she seeks, or lead her into deeper peril? Can she protect the people she cares about?
But when Martina spots a lone figure outside the safety of the bubble without a hazmat suit, her steadfast faith in their refuge is thrown into disarray. She worries for her brother’s safety. She can’t bear to lose him too. She’s determined to find the truth lurking beyond their sanitized sanctuary and ensure his protection.
Martina encounters unexpected allies on her mission. Among them is Nathan, a nomad whose unconventional ways intrigue her, and Persephone, a determined pharmacy student with a shared desire for truth. As their paths intertwine, Martina finds herself drawn to both.
Will Martina’s quest for answers unveil the salvation she seeks, or lead her into deeper peril? Can she protect the people she cares about?
341 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2024
3 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 13, 2024
ARC
eARC recieved from author.
It is easy to see why this is being made into a movie once you read the book. The narrative will capture your attention from page one, and you can easily imagine the dystopian city.
The writing is wonderful! You'll experience a range of emotions - pity for the siblings and their life; you'll get angry at the government & ministers, for they are so clearly sucking the life out of the poor through the medicines; you feel Martina's hopelessness as well as the hopes she has for her brother's future.
If you've siblings like me and get emotional easily, you'll probably end up in tears at the bond Martina & Sebastian have and what they go through.
Martina's internal and external conflicts are woven seamlessly. Her fear of losing her brother is real and you can feel that fear driving her actions and decisions. This book has so many strong and lovable characters <3
eARC recieved from author.
It is easy to see why this is being made into a movie once you read the book. The narrative will capture your attention from page one, and you can easily imagine the dystopian city.
The writing is wonderful! You'll experience a range of emotions - pity for the siblings and their life; you'll get angry at the government & ministers, for they are so clearly sucking the life out of the poor through the medicines; you feel Martina's hopelessness as well as the hopes she has for her brother's future.
If you've siblings like me and get emotional easily, you'll probably end up in tears at the bond Martina & Sebastian have and what they go through.
Martina's internal and external conflicts are woven seamlessly. Her fear of losing her brother is real and you can feel that fear driving her actions and decisions. This book has so many strong and lovable characters <3
November 7, 2024
I did enjoy this dystopian, YA adventure. It has some interesting ideas as well as being well written & has good levels of action when needed. A twist which was a nice surprise, as there is more going on then the main character is aware of in the overall plot. Overall a good fun read!
August 31, 2024
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. Thoughts and views are my own.
Following in the tradition of dystopian fiction, Plagued Lands dives into a world that's seen better days. With the earth seemingly destroyed by disease, humanity has moved into bubbled cities rife with class divides and corporate greed.
Martina is a window washer for the bubble city of Nuestin. Everyday she and her eight-year-old brother don hazmat-like suits to braves the diseased outside world to clear the grime from the outside city's bubble. It's gruelling work, make all the more gruelling by the pittance they recieve for their efforts—just enough to afford the city's expensive medicines all citizens must take and have enough left over to rent a capsule to sleep in.
All that changes when a freak accident sees Martina caught alone and outside of her bubble...
With echoes of Wool, The Giver, and Fallout, Plagued Lands does a wonderful job of showing the life Martina and the citizens of her bubble have bought into without thinking to question it. In this instance, what I really appreciated was Martina's unwillingness to let go of all her preconcieved notions at once. The bubble cities are all she's ever known—all that conditioning isn't going to vanish overnight. We get to see her internal struggle as she looks to justify her own and her city's behaviour. And bit by bit, we get the satisfaction of watching her character grow as she come to terms with the fact that the institution she believed was protecting her is actually doing just the opposite.
Another aspect I particularly liked is we get to explore both outside the bubble and inside the higher echelons of Neustin's society through Martina. We get to learn with her as she comes to understand how these two very different societies operate, bringing up questions of classism, corruption, violence begetting violence, and where the line is when it comes to ends justifying the means.
And of course, I couldn't do this review without mentioning the bi representation and love triangle, which is something I hadn't encountered before and, as a result, found welcomingly refreshing. I honestly thought I'd be shipping one pair over another by the story's end, but damn if Brooke has played my heart like a fiddle because I couldn't choose who of Martina's love interests I liked more.
And speaking of hearts... That ending 💔
All in all, if you love dystopian YA, Plagued Lands is should be up there on your list. While there's plenty going on the surface to entertain younger readers, more advanced readers can also enjoy the underlying discourse on a range of topical and systemic issues through the lens of science fiction.
Following in the tradition of dystopian fiction, Plagued Lands dives into a world that's seen better days. With the earth seemingly destroyed by disease, humanity has moved into bubbled cities rife with class divides and corporate greed.
Martina is a window washer for the bubble city of Nuestin. Everyday she and her eight-year-old brother don hazmat-like suits to braves the diseased outside world to clear the grime from the outside city's bubble. It's gruelling work, make all the more gruelling by the pittance they recieve for their efforts—just enough to afford the city's expensive medicines all citizens must take and have enough left over to rent a capsule to sleep in.
All that changes when a freak accident sees Martina caught alone and outside of her bubble...
With echoes of Wool, The Giver, and Fallout, Plagued Lands does a wonderful job of showing the life Martina and the citizens of her bubble have bought into without thinking to question it. In this instance, what I really appreciated was Martina's unwillingness to let go of all her preconcieved notions at once. The bubble cities are all she's ever known—all that conditioning isn't going to vanish overnight. We get to see her internal struggle as she looks to justify her own and her city's behaviour. And bit by bit, we get the satisfaction of watching her character grow as she come to terms with the fact that the institution she believed was protecting her is actually doing just the opposite.
Another aspect I particularly liked is we get to explore both outside the bubble and inside the higher echelons of Neustin's society through Martina. We get to learn with her as she comes to understand how these two very different societies operate, bringing up questions of classism, corruption, violence begetting violence, and where the line is when it comes to ends justifying the means.
And of course, I couldn't do this review without mentioning the bi representation and love triangle, which is something I hadn't encountered before and, as a result, found welcomingly refreshing. I honestly thought I'd be shipping one pair over another by the story's end, but damn if Brooke has played my heart like a fiddle because I couldn't choose who of Martina's love interests I liked more.
And speaking of hearts... That ending 💔
All in all, if you love dystopian YA, Plagued Lands is should be up there on your list. While there's plenty going on the surface to entertain younger readers, more advanced readers can also enjoy the underlying discourse on a range of topical and systemic issues through the lens of science fiction.
January 24, 2025
This follows the journey of Martina, a YA trying to survive in a dystopian world who stumbles upon a secret - the impossible truth that everything she has ever known was a lie.
Now she is faced with being hunted down for the secrets she knows, risking her life to try and get back to her brother, and navigating the new role she finds herself in to find freedom and save who she can.
It's a YA dystopian adventure with mystery, drama and suspense. Martina makes new allies along the way, embraces her unexpected romantic feelings, and plans to reveal the truths about their world and the lies they've been brainwashed to believe.
I enjoyed how this explores the lives of different societies, morality, corruption, and internal struggles.
It has a fast paced and emotional ending with lots of great twists.
Now she is faced with being hunted down for the secrets she knows, risking her life to try and get back to her brother, and navigating the new role she finds herself in to find freedom and save who she can.
It's a YA dystopian adventure with mystery, drama and suspense. Martina makes new allies along the way, embraces her unexpected romantic feelings, and plans to reveal the truths about their world and the lies they've been brainwashed to believe.
I enjoyed how this explores the lives of different societies, morality, corruption, and internal struggles.
It has a fast paced and emotional ending with lots of great twists.
February 3, 2025
"Good health to you". This story is a gut punch, but in that way that Stephen King’s works are. Read the blurb and you'll see what it's about, no spoilers here. Martina strives for herself and her little brother in a world dominated by the fear of disease. There's an uncomfortable amount of reality in that fear. It's a futuristic world where the people are relatable, brave and selfish and their choices are based on love.
February 1, 2025
Great book! Loved the bubble cities vs. the outsiders. It's crazy to think this could mirror the real world in the future. It really makes you think about things. Of course, the love triangle was a huge point for this book and a lovely addition to the lgbtq+ community for books.
July 19, 2024
˗ˋˏ Plagued Lands ˎˊ-
☆˙୨ৎ⭒๋࣭⭑ Author: Nikki Brooke ☆˙୨ৎ⭒๋࣭⭑
₊˚⊹♡ Rating: 3 / 5 Stars ₊˚⊹♡
⋆˚✿˖° Review:
I found the plot very interesting, especially living in a post-covid world. i enjoyed the world building that was set throughout the story, and even little details such as currency. for me, there was a pretty large lack of romance, it would be sprinkled in minimally & then next thing the fmc has feelings but then theyre immediately gone? one thing that i struggled to get through would be the writing. I normally never take notice but there were soooo many commas added that didn't make sense to have a pause for. it was a lot of commas and very short sentences. it made the flow very off for me personally. overall it was an okay, average read. nothing over the top, but wasn't horrible.
♡ What I Loved:
- plot, the corruption and rebellion was nice. the ending was also one i wasn't expecting entirely
- parts of the story made you really sit back and think about the situation through different morals
- chapters flowed together, and story was congruent. no time gaps or unexplained time skips.
.ᐟ What I Didn't Like:
- the writing was a big one for me, i constantly would get pulled out of the story because of the mass amount of commas & it made the sentences not flow well a lot of the time
- the fmc was pretty annoying at times, i didn't love her, but didn't hate her. i didn't feel any of the characters really grabbed me.
- the love triangle didn't really make sense to me, probably because of the lack of development there
જ⁀➴ Spice Level: 0, no spice really
— ୨୧₊˚ Would I Recommend It?:
yes, i think that it is overall an enjoyable book. and i think most people would enjoy it. it didn't really grab me, or pull me in, but that doesn't mean it may not to someone else.
₊˚⊹♡ Conclusion:
I think Plagued Lands was truly an average, middle of the road book. nothing that i fell in love with, but also nothing that i hated a lot. if some of the things were fixed that i didn't like, it would have been rated higher. i loved the plot & world building. the character development & relationship building was what lacked a lot for me ₊˚⊹♡
☆˙୨ৎ⭒๋࣭⭑ Author: Nikki Brooke ☆˙୨ৎ⭒๋࣭⭑
₊˚⊹♡ Rating: 3 / 5 Stars ₊˚⊹♡
⋆˚✿˖° Review:
I found the plot very interesting, especially living in a post-covid world. i enjoyed the world building that was set throughout the story, and even little details such as currency. for me, there was a pretty large lack of romance, it would be sprinkled in minimally & then next thing the fmc has feelings but then theyre immediately gone? one thing that i struggled to get through would be the writing. I normally never take notice but there were soooo many commas added that didn't make sense to have a pause for. it was a lot of commas and very short sentences. it made the flow very off for me personally. overall it was an okay, average read. nothing over the top, but wasn't horrible.
♡ What I Loved:
- plot, the corruption and rebellion was nice. the ending was also one i wasn't expecting entirely
- parts of the story made you really sit back and think about the situation through different morals
- chapters flowed together, and story was congruent. no time gaps or unexplained time skips.
.ᐟ What I Didn't Like:
- the writing was a big one for me, i constantly would get pulled out of the story because of the mass amount of commas & it made the sentences not flow well a lot of the time
- the fmc was pretty annoying at times, i didn't love her, but didn't hate her. i didn't feel any of the characters really grabbed me.
- the love triangle didn't really make sense to me, probably because of the lack of development there
જ⁀➴ Spice Level: 0, no spice really
— ୨୧₊˚ Would I Recommend It?:
yes, i think that it is overall an enjoyable book. and i think most people would enjoy it. it didn't really grab me, or pull me in, but that doesn't mean it may not to someone else.
₊˚⊹♡ Conclusion:
I think Plagued Lands was truly an average, middle of the road book. nothing that i fell in love with, but also nothing that i hated a lot. if some of the things were fixed that i didn't like, it would have been rated higher. i loved the plot & world building. the character development & relationship building was what lacked a lot for me ₊˚⊹♡
October 15, 2024
I binged this in an afternoon. An incredible YA dystopian sci-fi. The world was rich with injustice and pain and felt like something that could really happen. I loved the characters and the story felt very complete despite being a short book - I didn't think it would end how it ended but I appreciate what the author did there. Thank you for the ARC opportunity!
Now I do not think this is anti covid rhetoric (it would not get 5 stars from me if that was the case) but I do think it speaks to the tiered health care system in many countries.
Now I do not think this is anti covid rhetoric (it would not get 5 stars from me if that was the case) but I do think it speaks to the tiered health care system in many countries.
July 12, 2024
Loved this book loved the writing style and the plot and story line would deffo recommand this to anyone
August 9, 2024
Well this book was 😩🤌
I mean the plot, the characters everything was really great and also written very nicely. I couldn't put the book down until I could complete it 🥹🤌
I mean the plot, the characters everything was really great and also written very nicely. I couldn't put the book down until I could complete it 🥹🤌
May 9, 2025
I was in a reader block. This book pulled me right out. The reading was smooth. The world building was easy to understand. Interesting plots. Everything you can ask for in a good book.
March 13, 2025
This was a fantastic book and very entertaining. The characters were well developed and the story was gripping, particularly at the end.
October 20, 2024
I didn't think that I was going to enjoy this as much as I did, but I ended up reading this in one afternoon because I was so hooked that I just couldn't put it down.
The starting chapters set the world clearly and concisely, introduce the captivating characters well, and hint at the dilemma early on so that the reader is immediately drawn into the story. It is fast-paced, while also giving enough time to get to know the characters and their backstories. The writing flowed so nicely - Nikki Brooke is honestly a very talented writer and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
This is the first book I've read that actually mentions COVID-19, and this story about a dystopian future after various plagues has been released at an appropriate time post-pandemic. It draws a lot of parallels with our reality, and how misinformation/scare tactics can easily influence people during frightening times.
I love the FMC: strong-willed Martina from Colombia whose only wish is to protect her younger sibling. She reminds me a lot of Katniss from The Hunger Games. I adored the awkwardness of the crush she has on a teenage girl she meets, hinting at her uncertainty about her own sexuality.
The last 30% of the book was so strong. Full of twists and turns, constant action, and one of the most heart-breaking scenes I have read in a long time. I am definitely eager for the next installment of this series!
This story gets a lot of inspiration from The Hunger Games and Divergent, so it would be perfect for fans of those books.
The starting chapters set the world clearly and concisely, introduce the captivating characters well, and hint at the dilemma early on so that the reader is immediately drawn into the story. It is fast-paced, while also giving enough time to get to know the characters and their backstories. The writing flowed so nicely - Nikki Brooke is honestly a very talented writer and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
This is the first book I've read that actually mentions COVID-19, and this story about a dystopian future after various plagues has been released at an appropriate time post-pandemic. It draws a lot of parallels with our reality, and how misinformation/scare tactics can easily influence people during frightening times.
I love the FMC: strong-willed Martina from Colombia whose only wish is to protect her younger sibling. She reminds me a lot of Katniss from The Hunger Games. I adored the awkwardness of the crush she has on a teenage girl she meets, hinting at her uncertainty about her own sexuality.
The last 30% of the book was so strong. Full of twists and turns, constant action, and one of the most heart-breaking scenes I have read in a long time. I am definitely eager for the next installment of this series!
This story gets a lot of inspiration from The Hunger Games and Divergent, so it would be perfect for fans of those books.
February 14, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I was drawn to Martina and her brother and their relationship from the start which kept me reading through the slower build up. Then, the pages really started turning. The antagonist was perfectly despicable and I wanted revenge. I loved the twists on this element toward the end.
However, once I finally made it through the harrowing, heart pounding final scenes, I was reeling from the surprises, maybe sucker punched is a better term. But that’s just me and my needs in a story. I don’t read a lot of dystopian tales, so I’m sure this “what the heck just happened” ending is to be expected in this genre.
The writing was snappy and put me in the scenes and in the characters’ heads. The world building was relatable and immersive. The corporate run society / classism was depicted very well. I wanted to see change along with the rebels. I enjoyed the contrast between the bubble city quarters and the nomadic Terrene Folk.
I did feel that I was left with many open ended questions. The romantic relationships were done in fits and starts and did not go anywhere, at least that felt hopeful, which as a romance enthusiast left me wanting. But again I don’t often read YA, so adult romance with happy ever afters might color my opinion. Perhaps a sequel is on the horizon… hmmm.🤔
I have to add that I enjoyed the youngest characters the best. I’d take Will and Sebastian on my team in a heartbeat. 😊
However, once I finally made it through the harrowing, heart pounding final scenes, I was reeling from the surprises, maybe sucker punched is a better term. But that’s just me and my needs in a story. I don’t read a lot of dystopian tales, so I’m sure this “what the heck just happened” ending is to be expected in this genre.
The writing was snappy and put me in the scenes and in the characters’ heads. The world building was relatable and immersive. The corporate run society / classism was depicted very well. I wanted to see change along with the rebels. I enjoyed the contrast between the bubble city quarters and the nomadic Terrene Folk.
I did feel that I was left with many open ended questions. The romantic relationships were done in fits and starts and did not go anywhere, at least that felt hopeful, which as a romance enthusiast left me wanting. But again I don’t often read YA, so adult romance with happy ever afters might color my opinion. Perhaps a sequel is on the horizon… hmmm.🤔
I have to add that I enjoyed the youngest characters the best. I’d take Will and Sebastian on my team in a heartbeat. 😊
September 16, 2024
The writing was great, but the story failed to meet its potential. I’ve read some awesome dystopian books from authors that didn’t have half the writing talent of Nikki Brooke, and they had my attention from start to finish.
It really started out slow, which made it difficult to continue reading. But once the pace picked up it had me. It really had me. I think a heart-stopping and attention-grabbing prologue would have made it worth the wait.
The “romantic relationships” involving the MC seemed forced (to me) and came across as less than authentic. Martina and Nathan came across as awkward (not in a cute way), while the relationship with Persephone seemed forced and sped up in the beginning although it later became a bit more genuine.
Overall, a great idea. Not bad and not good, but not something I would want to read again.
It really started out slow, which made it difficult to continue reading. But once the pace picked up it had me. It really had me. I think a heart-stopping and attention-grabbing prologue would have made it worth the wait.
The “romantic relationships” involving the MC seemed forced (to me) and came across as less than authentic. Martina and Nathan came across as awkward (not in a cute way), while the relationship with Persephone seemed forced and sped up in the beginning although it later became a bit more genuine.
Overall, a great idea. Not bad and not good, but not something I would want to read again.
October 24, 2024
This book had an extremely interesting concept, and I was very interested in learning more about the bubbles and life in the bubbles. Maybe I would have liked to learn more about Martina’s world with Sebastian before Martina travelled outside of the bubble.
I also would have loved more descriptive writing to help to create different worlds. I appreciate Persephone’s character but would have preferred no romantic connection with Martina. I would have loved them as accomplices and teammates, the romantic connection didn’t feel organic to me.
I also would have loved more descriptive writing to help to create different worlds. I appreciate Persephone’s character but would have preferred no romantic connection with Martina. I would have loved them as accomplices and teammates, the romantic connection didn’t feel organic to me.
August 18, 2025
such a interesting view on the end of the world just loved it
September 16, 2024
While this is not my preferred genre, this book was one pretty great. It did take me a bit to get into it, but once I got used to the flow of things, this was a great book! Lots of details on the characters and the setting. I can see why it is being turned into a movie!
June 20, 2024
Plagues lands by nikki brooke was everything a good novel should be. It had the perfect world building for a dystopian novel, emotions that could be felt through the pages, characters that were deeply related with and last but not the least, excellent sentence phrasing.
Novels including this genre are often difficult to connect with, for me, because the world building is just too much but Plagued lands was anything but that. It was easy to visualize Neutsin- the city surrounded by a glass bubble to prevent diseases from spreading. There was not even a single thing i disliked about this book.
The way Martina cared for her brother and was ready to let the entire world burn for his sake was ✨️chef's kiss.✨️ The way Nikki portrayed the Terrane folk ( people living outside the bubble), it was hard to hate on Mother jessica for the backup plan she had up her sleeve.
Novels including this genre are often difficult to connect with, for me, because the world building is just too much but Plagued lands was anything but that. It was easy to visualize Neutsin- the city surrounded by a glass bubble to prevent diseases from spreading. There was not even a single thing i disliked about this book.
The way Martina cared for her brother and was ready to let the entire world burn for his sake was ✨️chef's kiss.✨️ The way Nikki portrayed the Terrane folk ( people living outside the bubble), it was hard to hate on Mother jessica for the backup plan she had up her sleeve.
July 31, 2024
A year or two ago I was a beta reader for a book called The Huxian Fox, it was not the type of book I usually read, but I found that I absolutely loved it. So when Nikki Brooke posted on her Instagram that she was looking for ARC readers for her new book I was all for it. I didn't care what the book was about if she was able to make me enjoy space treasure hunters I knew I could trust her to make me fall in love again.
Nikki does a wonderful job of building a world that you can’t help but be sucked into. A world that is vivid, relatable and believable. She makes it so easy to care for and relate to all the characters, who aren’t just 2 dimensional and generic, but complex. And keeps you invested in what is going to happen to all of them, especially when there is no clear right way to achieve the end goal.
I loved this book. And recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great dystopian sci-fi.
Nikki does a wonderful job of building a world that you can’t help but be sucked into. A world that is vivid, relatable and believable. She makes it so easy to care for and relate to all the characters, who aren’t just 2 dimensional and generic, but complex. And keeps you invested in what is going to happen to all of them, especially when there is no clear right way to achieve the end goal.
I loved this book. And recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great dystopian sci-fi.
September 19, 2024
Loved loved loved this book! I’m a sucker for a YA Dystopian and this did not disappoint! I was hooked from the first page and devoured the entire book in two days.
Loved the fast paced - ness of the story and I found the whole story played out like a movie in my head ☺️
I read somewhere it’s potentially being made into a film which would be amazing!
Highly recommend!
Loved the fast paced - ness of the story and I found the whole story played out like a movie in my head ☺️
I read somewhere it’s potentially being made into a film which would be amazing!
Highly recommend!
June 18, 2025
Fantastic!
This is a wonderful, rich and intriguing dystopian tale. The characters are varied and memorable. The premise is plausible enough to draw your interest immediately. Well worth reading.
This is a wonderful, rich and intriguing dystopian tale. The characters are varied and memorable. The premise is plausible enough to draw your interest immediately. Well worth reading.
July 2, 2024
This was my first ever ARC and I feel awful that I am not giving it 5 stars but it just didn’t hit that for me.
I genuinely loved the story and I was able to read it in one day because of how enthralled I was. However, it was too short. It’s very surface level when it comes to the characters and the relationships. The world building is also lacking. We are told a lot of things but we don’t really see them. I wish more time had been spent building up each act of the story and letting the world and characters breath.
Spoilers after this………………………..
The death of the main character’s brother in the third act is a part that should have broken me but it didn’t because I wasn’t that invested in these people because I barely knew them. The reason it worked so well in the Hunger Games is because it took three books to get there. It was earned. This was not.
I love the LGBTQ representation in this however dual love interests in such a short story really detracts from any emotional depth and impact either character has because all the interactions are so diluted.
As someone who prefers some sort of satisfying ending, this was not checking off that box. The main character is honestly worse off emotionally and even physically in the end than she was in the beginning. It’s probably a bias from me but I probably wouldn’t pick up a book two if this was a series because book one was so defeatist.
I did enjoy the story, just wish there was more of it.
I genuinely loved the story and I was able to read it in one day because of how enthralled I was. However, it was too short. It’s very surface level when it comes to the characters and the relationships. The world building is also lacking. We are told a lot of things but we don’t really see them. I wish more time had been spent building up each act of the story and letting the world and characters breath.
Spoilers after this………………………..
The death of the main character’s brother in the third act is a part that should have broken me but it didn’t because I wasn’t that invested in these people because I barely knew them. The reason it worked so well in the Hunger Games is because it took three books to get there. It was earned. This was not.
I love the LGBTQ representation in this however dual love interests in such a short story really detracts from any emotional depth and impact either character has because all the interactions are so diluted.
As someone who prefers some sort of satisfying ending, this was not checking off that box. The main character is honestly worse off emotionally and even physically in the end than she was in the beginning. It’s probably a bias from me but I probably wouldn’t pick up a book two if this was a series because book one was so defeatist.
I did enjoy the story, just wish there was more of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2024
The characters and world building were top notch. And keep the tissues handy. The characters were so well thought out as well as the plot. This is definitely one of the best well thought out books I have read in a very long time. I came back to also say I am so eager for the next book I bought Book 1. This is an author I enjoyed and you will too.
December 1, 2024
Such a good read! The whole story is intense and really makes you think about what could be a possible future. I was really into it to the point that I was staying up nearly all night reading...a perfect example of a good book in my books! I would absolutely recommend it!
November 13, 2024
Really enjoyed this story. I would highly recommend reading. Love how the main character lives in a dome with the rest of society to find out there maybe more to this sheltered community.
November 23, 2024
Would Read Again
LOVED IT!!!!! Amazing and compelling!!!!!! Such imagination and vision. Great character development and super strong ending. I can’t wait for more!!!
LOVED IT!!!!! Amazing and compelling!!!!!! Such imagination and vision. Great character development and super strong ending. I can’t wait for more!!!
December 23, 2024
I wasn't expecting to like this book so much. A new author, never sure what to expect. Very riveting story, lots of twists and turns.
January 26, 2025
Here is my review for Plagued Lands by Nikki Brooke
I found this one a bit hard to get into at first but once I got into the story I really enjoyed it and found I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know how it ended. Martina was one of the main characters, she was only sixteen and she looked after her younger brother Sebestian. They lived in the Nix part of the bubble city which was the poor part. One day, Martina spotted a lone person outside the bubble and she wondered how he survived outside the bubble without a hazmat suit or the daily meds they had to take. Martina and Sebestian, both, had to work to survive and they worked on cleaning the windows of the bubble city. It wasn’t a well paid job but if Martina was promoted to the abseil job like she trained for, it was better paid. They could eat better as well. Martina is finally promoted to the abseiling job and she loves it. The first day with the extra credit, she treated herself and Sebestian to a slap up meal and dessert. On the second day, a storm hits and she doesn’t get down in time, she gets caught up in it. She finally gets down then spots someone so follows them and ends up in the old city. She has lost them, hurt her ankle but then she is found by Nathan and Will who help her back to their camp. She is surprised to see more people out in the open, breathing okay and they seem to be surviving. The people at camp were wary of Martina in her hazmat suit but mother Jessica made her feel welcome, had a quick feel of her ankle and said it might just be a sprain and with some rest, it will get better. So they find a tent for Martina to rest up in. Nathan and Will sit with her to keep her company. It’s later that night she finds out that she will not be going back to the bubble city for another couple of days. The camp will be moving on then and they will drop her off too. She wants to be left on her own after that news. This was a brilliantly written story which I really enjoyed once it really got going and got interesting about viruses, infections, deaths, daily medication and shutting sections down for quarantine. It was extremely well plotted and the author used her imagination well to think it through. There are some good characters in this story, mainly Martina, Nathan, Will, mother Jessica and Persephone. Some of these helped Martina immensely and helped with her plans. Once upon a time I didn’t read fantasy, now I’m so pleased I do as there are some great stories in this genre.
Blurb :
In a dystopian future, cities surrounded by glass bubbles promise safety from deadly diseases. Martina, a resilient sixteen-year-old from Colombia, struggles to support herself and her younger brother after the death of their parents. Especially with the rising cost of the mandatory medications.
But when Martina spots a lone figure outside the safety of the bubble without a hazmat suit, her steadfast faith in their refuge is thrown into disarray. She worries for her brother’s safety. She can’t bear to lose him too. She’s determined to find the truth lurking beyond their sanitized sanctuary and ensure his protection.
Martina encounters unexpected allies on her mission. Among them is Nathan, a nomad whose unconventional ways intrigue her, and Persephone, a determined pharmacy student with a shared desire for truth. As their paths intertwine, Martina finds herself drawn to both.
Will Martina’s quest for answers unveil the salvation she seeks, or lead her into deeper peril? Can she protect the people she cares about?
I found this one a bit hard to get into at first but once I got into the story I really enjoyed it and found I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know how it ended. Martina was one of the main characters, she was only sixteen and she looked after her younger brother Sebestian. They lived in the Nix part of the bubble city which was the poor part. One day, Martina spotted a lone person outside the bubble and she wondered how he survived outside the bubble without a hazmat suit or the daily meds they had to take. Martina and Sebestian, both, had to work to survive and they worked on cleaning the windows of the bubble city. It wasn’t a well paid job but if Martina was promoted to the abseil job like she trained for, it was better paid. They could eat better as well. Martina is finally promoted to the abseiling job and she loves it. The first day with the extra credit, she treated herself and Sebestian to a slap up meal and dessert. On the second day, a storm hits and she doesn’t get down in time, she gets caught up in it. She finally gets down then spots someone so follows them and ends up in the old city. She has lost them, hurt her ankle but then she is found by Nathan and Will who help her back to their camp. She is surprised to see more people out in the open, breathing okay and they seem to be surviving. The people at camp were wary of Martina in her hazmat suit but mother Jessica made her feel welcome, had a quick feel of her ankle and said it might just be a sprain and with some rest, it will get better. So they find a tent for Martina to rest up in. Nathan and Will sit with her to keep her company. It’s later that night she finds out that she will not be going back to the bubble city for another couple of days. The camp will be moving on then and they will drop her off too. She wants to be left on her own after that news. This was a brilliantly written story which I really enjoyed once it really got going and got interesting about viruses, infections, deaths, daily medication and shutting sections down for quarantine. It was extremely well plotted and the author used her imagination well to think it through. There are some good characters in this story, mainly Martina, Nathan, Will, mother Jessica and Persephone. Some of these helped Martina immensely and helped with her plans. Once upon a time I didn’t read fantasy, now I’m so pleased I do as there are some great stories in this genre.
Blurb :
In a dystopian future, cities surrounded by glass bubbles promise safety from deadly diseases. Martina, a resilient sixteen-year-old from Colombia, struggles to support herself and her younger brother after the death of their parents. Especially with the rising cost of the mandatory medications.
But when Martina spots a lone figure outside the safety of the bubble without a hazmat suit, her steadfast faith in their refuge is thrown into disarray. She worries for her brother’s safety. She can’t bear to lose him too. She’s determined to find the truth lurking beyond their sanitized sanctuary and ensure his protection.
Martina encounters unexpected allies on her mission. Among them is Nathan, a nomad whose unconventional ways intrigue her, and Persephone, a determined pharmacy student with a shared desire for truth. As their paths intertwine, Martina finds herself drawn to both.
Will Martina’s quest for answers unveil the salvation she seeks, or lead her into deeper peril? Can she protect the people she cares about?
November 18, 2024
This YA dystopian tale reminds me very strongly of the latter half of the Divergent series merged with the betrayals of hunger games - a future city separated from the outside world for fear of a terror that destroyed the world we know, and a female FMC pulled between two versions of the truth and the figures of power that represent them.
In this future earth, the big bad that destroyed the planet is deadly disease. One of many bubble cities (existing within a glass dome, protected from the outside world's airborne diseases) run by large pharmaceutical companies, Neustin in Texas is home to our bilingual, bisexual and utterly determined 16-year-old FMC - Martina - and her cheeky 8-year-old younger brother (Sebastian). Living unsupported (their parents die before the book starts) in the poorest quarter of the city, Martina and Sebastian work diligently to earn a meagre living cleaning the outside of the glass that protects the richer quarters (the poor quarters largely living without a view of the outside world), while 'kept safe' by hazmat suits and intensive hygiene practices. They firmly believe (as does the rest of the population) that the only way to survive is to spend every spare penny on mandatory medications. This is until a mystery figure is seen walking out in the dusty wilderness.... without a hazmat suit!
During the following life-altering events, we follow Martina as she tries desperately to keep her brother safe, while trying to find out the truth... can people survive out in the open? Along the way, we meet a mix of characters including Persephone (a pharmaceutical intern, who is as rebellious as she is beautiful) and Nathan (a gorgeous outsider, who would idolise Gale if he ever met him), both of which act as love interests. While we are on this topic, this book has a sad ending and is frequently violent, but it is clean. There is some hand-holding and kissing, but that's it. If you don't mind your kids watching hunger games, this is a safe read for them too.
Given the similarities, some of the big twists were a little predictable (the only thing that kept it from a 5 star read for me), but that doesn't reduce their impact. By the end of the book, you will be on the edge of your seat as desperate as Martina to see the two youngest kids (Sebastian and Will - Nathan's younger brother) survive and for the city to escape the rule of the pharmaceutical company.
There are some strong covid parallels (which the author acknowledges in her comments at the end), so this is definitely a book for critical thinkers. But it is a great exercise in understanding that two opposing opinions/motivations, can agree on a single course of action. It also allows for constructive discussion about the corruption that comes, not just from power, but also love. Just how many people are you willing to hurt to save your loved one? 1? 10? A street? A neighbourhood? How about a city? Is widespread inequality and hardship an acceptable price to ensure universal safety? How about a few deaths? But only in the poor quarters of course!
Overall, this book is a classic YA dystopian adventure read, the characters are likeable and relatable, and the fact that it's a teenager saving the universe again isn't as jarring as in some stories (largely because she's effectively been a mum to her younger brother for years). I would highly recommend this book to lovers of the Divergent series, hunger games and hidden truths.
For transparency, I was delighted to receive an e-ARC copy of this book for review and look forward to supporting the author's future work - including the movie that this book will shortly be turned into
In this future earth, the big bad that destroyed the planet is deadly disease. One of many bubble cities (existing within a glass dome, protected from the outside world's airborne diseases) run by large pharmaceutical companies, Neustin in Texas is home to our bilingual, bisexual and utterly determined 16-year-old FMC - Martina - and her cheeky 8-year-old younger brother (Sebastian). Living unsupported (their parents die before the book starts) in the poorest quarter of the city, Martina and Sebastian work diligently to earn a meagre living cleaning the outside of the glass that protects the richer quarters (the poor quarters largely living without a view of the outside world), while 'kept safe' by hazmat suits and intensive hygiene practices. They firmly believe (as does the rest of the population) that the only way to survive is to spend every spare penny on mandatory medications. This is until a mystery figure is seen walking out in the dusty wilderness.... without a hazmat suit!
During the following life-altering events, we follow Martina as she tries desperately to keep her brother safe, while trying to find out the truth... can people survive out in the open? Along the way, we meet a mix of characters including Persephone (a pharmaceutical intern, who is as rebellious as she is beautiful) and Nathan (a gorgeous outsider, who would idolise Gale if he ever met him), both of which act as love interests. While we are on this topic, this book has a sad ending and is frequently violent, but it is clean. There is some hand-holding and kissing, but that's it. If you don't mind your kids watching hunger games, this is a safe read for them too.
Given the similarities, some of the big twists were a little predictable (the only thing that kept it from a 5 star read for me), but that doesn't reduce their impact. By the end of the book, you will be on the edge of your seat as desperate as Martina to see the two youngest kids (Sebastian and Will - Nathan's younger brother) survive and for the city to escape the rule of the pharmaceutical company.
There are some strong covid parallels (which the author acknowledges in her comments at the end), so this is definitely a book for critical thinkers. But it is a great exercise in understanding that two opposing opinions/motivations, can agree on a single course of action. It also allows for constructive discussion about the corruption that comes, not just from power, but also love. Just how many people are you willing to hurt to save your loved one? 1? 10? A street? A neighbourhood? How about a city? Is widespread inequality and hardship an acceptable price to ensure universal safety? How about a few deaths? But only in the poor quarters of course!
Overall, this book is a classic YA dystopian adventure read, the characters are likeable and relatable, and the fact that it's a teenager saving the universe again isn't as jarring as in some stories (largely because she's effectively been a mum to her younger brother for years). I would highly recommend this book to lovers of the Divergent series, hunger games and hidden truths.
For transparency, I was delighted to receive an e-ARC copy of this book for review and look forward to supporting the author's future work - including the movie that this book will shortly be turned into
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