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When Children Roam Free
Escaping her prison almost killed her. Not going back surely will.
Raised in the Population Initiative Terminal alongside those who will one day repopulate the Earth, Lenali Canahan suspects something wicked lurks beneath the benevolent surface of the sanctuary city. Tired of rotting in the trenches of a perfect society, Lenali is willing to die to uncover its secrets and prove her worth. Until those secrets lead her to a place where there are things worse than death.
Outside.
Abandoned beyond the PIT’s walls, Lenali is captured by Ra Westerlund, a foul-mouthed, scarred, half-giant seeking vengeance on all those Inside. Trapped in a wild land where maiming the children saves their lives, Lenali must agree to help Ra unite the tribes of Mer, Avians, and bio-humans to end the atrocities the PIT has unleashed. Success will bring peace forever, but to get there, Lenali will have to defeat the ultimate evil.
An evil that runs through her veins as well.
When Children Roam Free is a full-length, adult dystopian dark fantasy. Perfect for readers who enjoy a dystopian/post-apocalyptic setting with found family, enemies to lovers, and a dash of sci-fi and horror.
Raised in the Population Initiative Terminal alongside those who will one day repopulate the Earth, Lenali Canahan suspects something wicked lurks beneath the benevolent surface of the sanctuary city. Tired of rotting in the trenches of a perfect society, Lenali is willing to die to uncover its secrets and prove her worth. Until those secrets lead her to a place where there are things worse than death.
Outside.
Abandoned beyond the PIT’s walls, Lenali is captured by Ra Westerlund, a foul-mouthed, scarred, half-giant seeking vengeance on all those Inside. Trapped in a wild land where maiming the children saves their lives, Lenali must agree to help Ra unite the tribes of Mer, Avians, and bio-humans to end the atrocities the PIT has unleashed. Success will bring peace forever, but to get there, Lenali will have to defeat the ultimate evil.
An evil that runs through her veins as well.
When Children Roam Free is a full-length, adult dystopian dark fantasy. Perfect for readers who enjoy a dystopian/post-apocalyptic setting with found family, enemies to lovers, and a dash of sci-fi and horror.
- GenresDystopia
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2025
About the author
Gillian Rose
1 bookGillian Rose is a rising voice in dark dystopian fantasy, weaving gripping tales that transport readers to worlds both haunting and beautifully complex. With her debut novel, When Children Roam Free, she invites us into a future where survival is uncertain and hope is a dangerous, fragile thing. A lifelong lover of books, Gillian draws inspiration from her deep passion for storytelling, blending chilling narratives with a raw, imaginative edge.
Outside of writing, Gillian is an avid reader with a particular affinity for exploring the darker corners of speculative fiction. Her love for dystopian themes and complex characters fuels her own storytelling, where moral ambiguity and emotional depth collide. As she continues to develop her craft, Gillian remains dedicated to creating stories that provoke thought, spark discussion, and stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page
Gillian is a native Texan, and when not writing or reading, you can find her traveling the state with her husband and four children.
Outside of writing, Gillian is an avid reader with a particular affinity for exploring the darker corners of speculative fiction. Her love for dystopian themes and complex characters fuels her own storytelling, where moral ambiguity and emotional depth collide. As she continues to develop her craft, Gillian remains dedicated to creating stories that provoke thought, spark discussion, and stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page
Gillian is a native Texan, and when not writing or reading, you can find her traveling the state with her husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 14, 2025
Dystopian fiction like you’ve never seen it before!
This is the most under hyped book I have read in all of 2025, and I’ve read a lot.
Mer? Avians? Biohumans?
Yes please. Enter the world of the PIT, where the population inside is being carefully monitored and regulated, until such time that the outside world is inhabited again, and can be successfully repopulated.
Life is mundane, follow the rules in place by leadership(for the most part), take the prescribed pills daily, go to work, come home, rinse, repeat. And if you’re lucky, you may get permission to have a child, an embryo created and heavily supervised in a lab.
Until one day, everything changes, and our fmc Lenali, finds herself on the outside.
She begins questioning everything, and the answers she receives only unlock more questions.
Can she, along with her new friends, unlock the rest of the mysteries locked inside the PIT she grew up in? Or is she doomed to remain an outsider, even among outsiders?
This book was fast paced, addictive, and high stakes, with all the best parts you love in a dystopian story. However, the premise is unique, with fearless warriors doing everything in their power to protect their families, even if it means physically maiming them.
While Lenali uncovers secrets outside the PIT, and inner strength inside herself, you’ll find yourself completely invested, and unable to close the book until the very last page has been turned!
BRB, going to tell all my friends to go get this book, yesterday!!!
This is the most under hyped book I have read in all of 2025, and I’ve read a lot.
Mer? Avians? Biohumans?
Yes please. Enter the world of the PIT, where the population inside is being carefully monitored and regulated, until such time that the outside world is inhabited again, and can be successfully repopulated.
Life is mundane, follow the rules in place by leadership(for the most part), take the prescribed pills daily, go to work, come home, rinse, repeat. And if you’re lucky, you may get permission to have a child, an embryo created and heavily supervised in a lab.
Until one day, everything changes, and our fmc Lenali, finds herself on the outside.
She begins questioning everything, and the answers she receives only unlock more questions.
Can she, along with her new friends, unlock the rest of the mysteries locked inside the PIT she grew up in? Or is she doomed to remain an outsider, even among outsiders?
This book was fast paced, addictive, and high stakes, with all the best parts you love in a dystopian story. However, the premise is unique, with fearless warriors doing everything in their power to protect their families, even if it means physically maiming them.
While Lenali uncovers secrets outside the PIT, and inner strength inside herself, you’ll find yourself completely invested, and unable to close the book until the very last page has been turned!
BRB, going to tell all my friends to go get this book, yesterday!!!
December 31, 2025
Easy four stars to end the year!
This was dark dystopia fantasy that had so many elements. I truly did not know where Lenalis story was going until the end. That twist when everything hit the fan? Holy cow. This gave divergent meets several other fantasy elements into one book and I ate it UP!
This was dark dystopia fantasy that had so many elements. I truly did not know where Lenalis story was going until the end. That twist when everything hit the fan? Holy cow. This gave divergent meets several other fantasy elements into one book and I ate it UP!
January 21, 2026
I’m honestly still in SHOCK while I write this review…
This is my first fantasy book I’ve ever read, and I went in blind. I know nearly nothing about aspects of the fantasy genre, but let me tell you..this was an amazing start to my fantasy reading journey!
The writing style was smooth, pacing was phenomenal, world building was understandable, and characters were well created! I never once felt confused on what the author was trying to portray (again, never read any fantasy book before!). This story took me a little longer to read, but it was because I found myself wanting to marinate on the story! I wanted to spend as much time in the world(s) created within these pages. This book had me gasping, crying, cheering, nearly throwing it across the room, and even making cinnamon rolls…yes literal cinnamon rolls (read it and you’ll understand why 🤤).
Gillian Rose, great job!! You knocked this out of the park and I’m already prepared to start bullying you into writing another book! I NEED more.
Readers: Put this book somewhere in your TBR stack for 2026, you won’t regret it!!
This is my first fantasy book I’ve ever read, and I went in blind. I know nearly nothing about aspects of the fantasy genre, but let me tell you..this was an amazing start to my fantasy reading journey!
The writing style was smooth, pacing was phenomenal, world building was understandable, and characters were well created! I never once felt confused on what the author was trying to portray (again, never read any fantasy book before!). This story took me a little longer to read, but it was because I found myself wanting to marinate on the story! I wanted to spend as much time in the world(s) created within these pages. This book had me gasping, crying, cheering, nearly throwing it across the room, and even making cinnamon rolls…yes literal cinnamon rolls (read it and you’ll understand why 🤤).
Gillian Rose, great job!! You knocked this out of the park and I’m already prepared to start bullying you into writing another book! I NEED more.
Readers: Put this book somewhere in your TBR stack for 2026, you won’t regret it!!
October 20, 2025
Amazing!!! The PIT is safe, the PIT will help the world. But what if it doesn’t. What if the world is much bigger than you can imagine? And what if there are evils that exist that you had never imagined.
This was fantastic and so well written. Amazing characters and a plot twist that you don’t see coming!!
This was fantastic and so well written. Amazing characters and a plot twist that you don’t see coming!!
January 31, 2025
Review:
This book was an absolute page turner! From the very first chapter, it had me hooked, and I couldn’t put it down. The suspense, the twists, and the way the story unfolded kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The characters were so well developed, and the plot was full of surprises that I never saw coming.
It was a wonderful read! Engaging, thrilling, and beautifully written. Every chapter left me wanting more, and by the time I reached the end, I wished there was another book to dive into right away. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and captivating story. It’s definitely a must read!!
This book was an absolute page turner! From the very first chapter, it had me hooked, and I couldn’t put it down. The suspense, the twists, and the way the story unfolded kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The characters were so well developed, and the plot was full of surprises that I never saw coming.
It was a wonderful read! Engaging, thrilling, and beautifully written. Every chapter left me wanting more, and by the time I reached the end, I wished there was another book to dive into right away. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and captivating story. It’s definitely a must read!!
January 6, 2026
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this book, but it absolutely delivered. The story follows Lenali, who was raised in the Population Initiative Terminal, and her journey to uncover the secrets beyond the PIT’s walls. I really enjoyed the relationships between the characters and how they’re formed throughout Lenali’s journey. The story doesn’t shy away from the horrors the fmc had to endure, which made it both heartbreaking and powerful. And while parts of it were devastating, the ending was incredibly beautiful and I would recommend this to any dystopian dark fantasy lover.
September 18, 2025
Imagine growing up in a world built inside a large dome and thinking the government is protecting you from outside threats and a world that no longer exists. Now imagine those thoughts being ripped from you and discovering you were instead being held prisoner away from an entire world outside with biohumans. I couldn’t put the amazing dystopian book down. I felt like I was in there fighting with the characters and a part of the world! Highly recommend reading this!
December 19, 2025
I was so enthralled by this book, it was my “before bed” read and although it took me a while to finish it, I so glad I SAVORED it. I could have easily devoured it in a day or two but I wanted to take my time and really enjoy things as they came. Looking forward from more from this author!
December 3, 2025
I’ve been pondering what to rate this book, there were so many aspects of it that I found unique but I also had a few issues with some repetition, character development when it comes to emotions and the logic behind certain reveals.
I will say, the world building had a lot of originality mixed with some familiar concepts.
The PIT is a society meant to follow specific rules and always fed the idea that the “outside” far too dangerous. So, that’s why when people turn 50, they’re sent to a “rejuvenation center” where the idea is that they’re frozen until it’s time to repopulate the earth.
Everyone is given pills that are not only their food and water but it keeps them aging. You also can’t have children until you’ve proven you’re a good rule abiding citizen (mostly tracked by society credits). The “Board” has to approve of any couples that want to have children. These children are supposed to be grown in a clinic and then sent to families that were approved
Early on, we meet our FMC, Lenali Canahan. She’s an outcast in this society mainly because of her red hair that stands out, but also has an ability others don’t have. She can heal broken bones nearly overnight. Something she was told was just an experimental enhancement when she was a baby.
She’s determined to get into the rejuvenation center because she has a suspicion that they’re not being told the entire truth. She believes the board is hiding something more.
Eventually she meets Talon, who she seems to be romantically interested in at first. Until she learns that he’s part of the board and that he’s been going outside of their walls. Naturally, she sneaks into one of the trucks they planned to take with them on their next trip out. Just to be blow up shortly after leaving.
There, she’s kidnapped by Ra Westerlund because he believes she’s a “Harvester”. Lenali is confused by his accusations and has a hard time believing her whole life has been a lie at first, then she sees it all for herself.
We get the enemies to lovers throughout the book, I’d say it was meant to be a slow burn but I feel like some of the tension was missing. Lenali hates Ra at first and he hates her back, but then we see where she starts noticing how attractive he is. However, we don’t really see a lot of that internal battle that readers crave when it comes to slow burn tension. It felt more external than anything where it didn’t exactly make their true emotions clear.
The repetition I mostly noticed was the overuse of the word “and”. It was constantly used when it came to descriptions of either characters or surroundings. Which made it seem more like I was reading a list than just being shown.
Last but not least, the logic. There’s a big reveal at the end where we finally learn the truth behind the PIT but I feel like it came with little to no context throughout the book. No lore or anything else to truly back up the explanation. The only thing it was really tied to were Lenali’s extra ability and her red hair.
I would say, the book seemed to lack more depth when it came to lore and character emotions. The world building was fantastic though, so it still made it enjoyable but it didn’t really provide that deep immersion I crave as a reader.
Final rating? 3.5 ⭐️!
I will say, the world building had a lot of originality mixed with some familiar concepts.
The PIT is a society meant to follow specific rules and always fed the idea that the “outside” far too dangerous. So, that’s why when people turn 50, they’re sent to a “rejuvenation center” where the idea is that they’re frozen until it’s time to repopulate the earth.
Everyone is given pills that are not only their food and water but it keeps them aging. You also can’t have children until you’ve proven you’re a good rule abiding citizen (mostly tracked by society credits). The “Board” has to approve of any couples that want to have children. These children are supposed to be grown in a clinic and then sent to families that were approved
Early on, we meet our FMC, Lenali Canahan. She’s an outcast in this society mainly because of her red hair that stands out, but also has an ability others don’t have. She can heal broken bones nearly overnight. Something she was told was just an experimental enhancement when she was a baby.
She’s determined to get into the rejuvenation center because she has a suspicion that they’re not being told the entire truth. She believes the board is hiding something more.
Eventually she meets Talon, who she seems to be romantically interested in at first. Until she learns that he’s part of the board and that he’s been going outside of their walls. Naturally, she sneaks into one of the trucks they planned to take with them on their next trip out. Just to be blow up shortly after leaving.
There, she’s kidnapped by Ra Westerlund because he believes she’s a “Harvester”. Lenali is confused by his accusations and has a hard time believing her whole life has been a lie at first, then she sees it all for herself.
We get the enemies to lovers throughout the book, I’d say it was meant to be a slow burn but I feel like some of the tension was missing. Lenali hates Ra at first and he hates her back, but then we see where she starts noticing how attractive he is. However, we don’t really see a lot of that internal battle that readers crave when it comes to slow burn tension. It felt more external than anything where it didn’t exactly make their true emotions clear.
The repetition I mostly noticed was the overuse of the word “and”. It was constantly used when it came to descriptions of either characters or surroundings. Which made it seem more like I was reading a list than just being shown.
Last but not least, the logic. There’s a big reveal at the end where we finally learn the truth behind the PIT but I feel like it came with little to no context throughout the book. No lore or anything else to truly back up the explanation. The only thing it was really tied to were Lenali’s extra ability and her red hair.
I would say, the book seemed to lack more depth when it came to lore and character emotions. The world building was fantastic though, so it still made it enjoyable but it didn’t really provide that deep immersion I crave as a reader.
Final rating? 3.5 ⭐️!
July 11, 2026
EASILY one of my favorite reads of 2026. I couldn't put this book down.
The world-building in WHEN CHILDREN ROAM FREE is absolutely incredible, and the characters are so well-rounded and fleshed out that I can't believe they're fictional. This book is dystopian but fantasy. It's sci-fi and apocalyptic. It's dark and twisty yet fantastical. It has mystery and suspense, action, profanity, tension, secrets, and hybrid characters. I'm livingggggggg for it all.
And the twists?!?! THE TWISTY TWISTS!?
I gasped out loud.
Do you like these things:
Dystopian/fantasy
Enemies-to-lovers
No spice/ closed door
Incredible world-building
Lyrical writing
Hybrid characters
Broody MC
Capable FMC
Chaotic villain
Action, suspense, mystery
Found family
Good vs evil
Sanctuary city
Because if you like those things, you're gonna like this book.
The world-building in WHEN CHILDREN ROAM FREE is absolutely incredible, and the characters are so well-rounded and fleshed out that I can't believe they're fictional. This book is dystopian but fantasy. It's sci-fi and apocalyptic. It's dark and twisty yet fantastical. It has mystery and suspense, action, profanity, tension, secrets, and hybrid characters. I'm livingggggggg for it all.
And the twists?!?! THE TWISTY TWISTS!?
I gasped out loud.
Do you like these things:
Dystopian/fantasy
Enemies-to-lovers
No spice/ closed door
Incredible world-building
Lyrical writing
Hybrid characters
Broody MC
Capable FMC
Chaotic villain
Action, suspense, mystery
Found family
Good vs evil
Sanctuary city
Because if you like those things, you're gonna like this book.
January 31, 2025
"When Children Roam Free" follows Lenali, a perceptive and determined female lead who questions the true nature of her sanctuary city, the PIT. Her journey begins when she sneaks outside its walls, uncovering a vibrant world filled with brilliant imagery and mystical beings.
Along the way, she encounters a compelling cast of characters, including Ra, a brooding half-giant driven by a thirst for revenge, and his brilliant sister Marchelane, who creates the perfect man in her robot husband, Jasper. The narrative also introduces Jett, the charismatic leader of the Mermaids and Marchelane's ex, adding layers of complexity to the interpersonal dynamics.
The novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and the quest for the truth, underscored by the importance of friendship and community. Lenali’s interactions with Ra, Marchelane, and other fantastical beings illuminate the struggles and triumphs that define their world.
Gillian Rose’s writing is rich with alluring imagery, bringing to life a diverse array of creatures, from Avians to Mermaids. Her vivid descriptions and character-driven storytelling create an immersive experience that draws readers into the magical yet perilous world surrounding Lenali. The character development is particularly noteworthy, as each character, from the revenge-seeking Ra to the inventive Marchelane, brings a unique perspective to the narrative.
This book will resonate with adult readers who enjoy dark fantasy and post-apocalyptical dystopian narratives. It offers valuable insights into the nature of revenge, love, truth, and acceptance, making it a thought-provoking read.
Beautifully written and crafted! I can't wait to see what Gillian Rose brings us next!
Along the way, she encounters a compelling cast of characters, including Ra, a brooding half-giant driven by a thirst for revenge, and his brilliant sister Marchelane, who creates the perfect man in her robot husband, Jasper. The narrative also introduces Jett, the charismatic leader of the Mermaids and Marchelane's ex, adding layers of complexity to the interpersonal dynamics.
The novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and the quest for the truth, underscored by the importance of friendship and community. Lenali’s interactions with Ra, Marchelane, and other fantastical beings illuminate the struggles and triumphs that define their world.
Gillian Rose’s writing is rich with alluring imagery, bringing to life a diverse array of creatures, from Avians to Mermaids. Her vivid descriptions and character-driven storytelling create an immersive experience that draws readers into the magical yet perilous world surrounding Lenali. The character development is particularly noteworthy, as each character, from the revenge-seeking Ra to the inventive Marchelane, brings a unique perspective to the narrative.
This book will resonate with adult readers who enjoy dark fantasy and post-apocalyptical dystopian narratives. It offers valuable insights into the nature of revenge, love, truth, and acceptance, making it a thought-provoking read.
Beautifully written and crafted! I can't wait to see what Gillian Rose brings us next!
January 31, 2025
I loved this book so much!! I had to force myself to put it down so that I could be productive. The characters are all unique and as you read you build a relationship with them, personally Kalari was my favorite. I couldn’t believe it when I found out this was the author’s debut novel, I can’t wait to see what else she puts out. If I could read one book forever it would be this one, the found family dynamic is so rich that I feel like a part of the story and I didn’t know what to do when it was over. Part two when????
September 28, 2025
Lenali Canahan has spent her life within the walls of the Population Initiative Terminal, destined to help repopulate the earth. But when she witnesses something forbidden inside the Reproduction Center, cracks begin to appear in the carefully constructed story she’s been told and each new revelation only widens the gap between truth and the world she thought she knew. Lenali ventures out into the walls beyond the PIT, where she finds that there are things worse than death. Secrets are uncovered, hard truths are learned, and Lenali must now decide where her true loyalties lie. Will Lenali stand up for the truth or venture back into the safety of a life she once knew?
When Children Roam Free is a fast-paced, dystopian fantasy that dives deep into the themes of personal discovery, truth seeking, and the importance of found family. This story will keep you engaged and guessing "what's next" from the very first page. I found myself thinking several time that I had figured out where the story was going next, only to be completely blown away by the twists and turns Gillian Rose takes the reader on. The story is beautifully written, intelligently crafted, and one that will stick with you well beyond the final scene. This story is easily the most underrated book I have read this year.
Weather you are an avid dystopian fantasy reader or someone who usually doesn't reach for the genre, this book will leave in awe and asking for more.
When Children Roam Free is a fast-paced, dystopian fantasy that dives deep into the themes of personal discovery, truth seeking, and the importance of found family. This story will keep you engaged and guessing "what's next" from the very first page. I found myself thinking several time that I had figured out where the story was going next, only to be completely blown away by the twists and turns Gillian Rose takes the reader on. The story is beautifully written, intelligently crafted, and one that will stick with you well beyond the final scene. This story is easily the most underrated book I have read this year.
Weather you are an avid dystopian fantasy reader or someone who usually doesn't reach for the genre, this book will leave in awe and asking for more.
October 3, 2025
The dystopian world the author created is so fascinating that I honestly could have read an entire book just about the PIT alone. The layers of control, secrecy, and the quiet sense of menace built such a strong foundation and I loved how the characters themselves weren’t encouraged to question it, so as readers we got to slowly uncover the truth right alongside the FMC. It made the mystery feel deliberate and powerful.
The FMC herself was a fantastic main character. She felt real.. flawed, questioning, and determined, and I loved experiencing the world through her perspective. Once the story moved Outside, I was completely hooked. The outside world was gritty, strange, and so richly imagined that I could happily have spent a whole book exploring the different tribes, people, and cities on the other side of the walls. There’s just so much there to dig into, and it made the world feel massive in scope.
The relationships also stood out. I enjoyed the way the two love interests were written, they each added something different to the story without taking away from FMC’s arc. It felt balanced and natural, which isn’t always easy to pull off.
Overall, the vibe of this book was exactly what I want in dystopian fantasy: eerie, mysterious, and expansive, but always grounded in strong characters. I loved it, and I’m already hoping for more set in this world.
The FMC herself was a fantastic main character. She felt real.. flawed, questioning, and determined, and I loved experiencing the world through her perspective. Once the story moved Outside, I was completely hooked. The outside world was gritty, strange, and so richly imagined that I could happily have spent a whole book exploring the different tribes, people, and cities on the other side of the walls. There’s just so much there to dig into, and it made the world feel massive in scope.
The relationships also stood out. I enjoyed the way the two love interests were written, they each added something different to the story without taking away from FMC’s arc. It felt balanced and natural, which isn’t always easy to pull off.
Overall, the vibe of this book was exactly what I want in dystopian fantasy: eerie, mysterious, and expansive, but always grounded in strong characters. I loved it, and I’m already hoping for more set in this world.
May 30, 2026
starts as dystopian sci fi thriller, ends in urban Romantasy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this book. You have an interesting sci-fi concept and world building that doesn’t feel tacked on. A mixture of interesting characters and situations which lead into an even better survival horror from escaping the dystopia.
However, what begins as a high tension high stakes story quickly changes into a fairly bog standard Romantasy.
Enemies to lovers very quickly, and the idea of survival horror in a resource starved post apocalypse quickly vanishes when every where they go is basically a fantasy fae court filled with opulent food and bedding, every character is absurdly attractive, and the “biohumans” are just hybrids.
The reveal at the end as to what the PIT is happens so absurdly fast, and the conclusion as well that we really don’t get any true sense of dread. Lots of great potential story about the dystopia gets sidelined because the protagonist is in love.
Overall it’s an enjoyable read, has a very strong start and first half, but the second half really fumbles trying to decide what kind of story this wants to be.
If you’re a fan of sci fi and Romantasy, this is a phenomenal 5/5 book for you. I personally think the balance gets thrown off from the overemphasis on that aspect, but still enjoyed it for what it was.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this book. You have an interesting sci-fi concept and world building that doesn’t feel tacked on. A mixture of interesting characters and situations which lead into an even better survival horror from escaping the dystopia.
However, what begins as a high tension high stakes story quickly changes into a fairly bog standard Romantasy.
Enemies to lovers very quickly, and the idea of survival horror in a resource starved post apocalypse quickly vanishes when every where they go is basically a fantasy fae court filled with opulent food and bedding, every character is absurdly attractive, and the “biohumans” are just hybrids.
The reveal at the end as to what the PIT is happens so absurdly fast, and the conclusion as well that we really don’t get any true sense of dread. Lots of great potential story about the dystopia gets sidelined because the protagonist is in love.
Overall it’s an enjoyable read, has a very strong start and first half, but the second half really fumbles trying to decide what kind of story this wants to be.
If you’re a fan of sci fi and Romantasy, this is a phenomenal 5/5 book for you. I personally think the balance gets thrown off from the overemphasis on that aspect, but still enjoyed it for what it was.
February 22, 2025
The author has built a world that is both intricate and captivating, so much so that you'll find yourself yearning for a map to trace Lenali's perilous journey. Lenali herself is a standout protagonist, a character caught between the crushing weight of the PIT's oppressive society and the alluring whispers of forbidden knowledge. Unlike typical 'chosen one' tropes, Lenali is a proactive force, driven to dismantle the injustices around her. The dystopian elements are powerfully rendered, creating a chilling atmosphere of control and technological overreach. While the infusion of fantasy adds an intriguing dimension, its execution occasionally feels less fluid. The strength of the characters and the immersive world, however, more than compensate, offering a fresh and compelling take on familiar themes.
November 24, 2025
When Children Roam Free surprised me in the best way. Lenali is a character you instantly feel for trapped in a “perfect” society that clearly isn’t what it seems. Once she escapes the PIT, the story shifts into a gripping, rough-edged adventure that kept me hooked.
Her dynamic with Ra is messy, tense, and strangely heartfelt, and the world outside the walls is vivid, dangerous, and full of unexpected depth. As the truth about Lenali’s past comes out, the stakes get even higher. This is a sharp, emotional dystopian tale with real weight behind it. I couldn’t put it down.
Her dynamic with Ra is messy, tense, and strangely heartfelt, and the world outside the walls is vivid, dangerous, and full of unexpected depth. As the truth about Lenali’s past comes out, the stakes get even higher. This is a sharp, emotional dystopian tale with real weight behind it. I couldn’t put it down.
August 30, 2026
🎙️I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I was very intrigued with this story. It’s a dystopian sci-fi, enemies to lovers type with a curious fmc named Lenali. She lives underground in a place called the PIT and longs for something more than the mundane life she and everyone lives like down there.
Escaping and making her way to the outside she realizes that everything is not what it seems. She fights for freedom and love. But will it be worth it?
Great overall story. Would recommend.
I was very intrigued with this story. It’s a dystopian sci-fi, enemies to lovers type with a curious fmc named Lenali. She lives underground in a place called the PIT and longs for something more than the mundane life she and everyone lives like down there.
Escaping and making her way to the outside she realizes that everything is not what it seems. She fights for freedom and love. But will it be worth it?
Great overall story. Would recommend.
February 1, 2025
What an amazing book! I am absolutely in LOVE with the characters and the adventure is something I could experience over and over. The book really balances itself out well with the dystopian fantasy, adventure, sci-fi, horror, and romance. The author has created something amazing here and I can't wait to see if she delivers more.
September 12, 2026
A very good read!
Gillian has a very good prose when it comes to scenes and describing the world and atmosphere. Engaging and immersive.
The characters were fun and I liked that they were in an older category for dystopia which was refreshing! The plot was in depth and I definitely didn’t expect the twist!
Overall, a great read! I recommend it to any dystopian fan.
Gillian has a very good prose when it comes to scenes and describing the world and atmosphere. Engaging and immersive.
The characters were fun and I liked that they were in an older category for dystopia which was refreshing! The plot was in depth and I definitely didn’t expect the twist!
Overall, a great read! I recommend it to any dystopian fan.
February 24, 2026
Such a cool take on the dystopian genre with elements of fantasy and horror!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story!
April 16, 2026
Interesting concept
Kind of interesting plot. Different from the usual stuff. By the end it did sort of feel like a mishmash of things. Overall it was a decent read.
Kind of interesting plot. Different from the usual stuff. By the end it did sort of feel like a mishmash of things. Overall it was a decent read.
May 26, 2026
amazing!
the theme is new and exciting, even for a dystopian novel. the world building is perfectly executed, the twists were unexpected. such a great book!
the theme is new and exciting, even for a dystopian novel. the world building is perfectly executed, the twists were unexpected. such a great book!
June 6, 2026
I couldn’t put it down!
What a wild ride this book is. I can only hope a sequel will follow. I am only sad it wasn’t longer.
What a wild ride this book is. I can only hope a sequel will follow. I am only sad it wasn’t longer.
January 14, 2026
I loved this book so so much.. I do wish it was longer at the end. It felt like it built up so much and ended too quickly. Still a very good book!
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