Sun Catchers

by Daniel Stefanov Georgiev

One day it started snowing… and it never stopped.

The world froze beneath endless steel skies, and humanity learned to survive by stacking itself in layers. The privileged claimed the surface, where warmth still lingered. Below them, in the deep and forgotten layers, people learned to ration warmth, hope, and time.

Sol lives in Layer 5–where cold is a sentence, not a season.

As leader of the Sun Catchers, Sol carries the weight of impossible choices. Every decision saves someone, but always at a cost. Every victory leaves scars. There are no good options anymore–only lesser evils. Yet despite the rot creeping through the lower layers, Sol clings to a fragile dream: that one day, the snow will melt. That children will dance on grass he has only ever known through forbidden texts. That Layer 5 might live instead of merely endure.

Hope, he knows, is dangerous. But without it, they are already dead.

When the Sun Catchers uncover a new source of power–one capable of defying the cold itself–it threatens to shatter everything Sol believes in. The energy is unstable, corrupting, and born from the very darkness humanity has spent generations fleeing. To use it may save Layer 5. To lose control of it may doom them all.

Worse still, the power awakens something in Clare–Sol’s greatest anchor and deepest vulnerability. Her abilities are terrifying, misunderstood, and tied to the shadows below, where things still move in the dark. The Sun Catchers fear her. Their enemies hunt her. And Sol must decide whether love is a strength… or the final weakness that will break him.

As the layers tremble and old systems begin to fracture, Sol is forced to confront a truth no leader wants to face: salvation and destruction may come from the same source.

In a world where warmth is currency, morality is negotiable, and miracles are paid for in blood, the Sun Catchers must choose what they are willing to become.

Because when humanity turns its back on the sun, there may be no way back.

Hope burns. Survival is simple.

For there is nothing sacred beneath steel skies.

239 pages, ebook

Published January 31, 2026

About the author

Daniel Georgiev (Also known as "Blentkills") is a passionate storyteller and the author of captivating low and high-fantasy novels that transport readers to richly imagined worlds. With a deep love for crafting intricate plots and compelling characters, Daniel’s works blend the epic scope of high-fantasy with the grounded, intimate storytelling of low-fantasy, offering something for every fan of the genre.

Guided by a lifelong fascination with the complexities of human nature and the power of imagination, Daniel weaves tales that explore themes of resilience, identity, and the blurred line between good and evil. His writing invites readers to reflect on the choices that define us while embarking on thrilling adventures through realms both magical and familiar.

Explore his books and connect with him for insights into his creative process, upcoming releases, and the art of world-building.

Reviews

[Momma T's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go put this one on your list now. What a great immersive experience. Are you lucky enough to bask in the glorious light, or are you doomed to live in darkness.

The found family that the author introduces you to has a depth like no other. They need each other to navigate a world that they try so hard to just survive in. The chill, the danger, the glimpse of a different life all brought together throughout this action-packed read.

And then an explosive ending. The WTF?? The, let's go back and re-read that because I'm certain I didn't get that right. The punch to the gut when you figured out you read it right.

ALSO - Preorder this sucker. The art throughout, on every page. The fiver plates (which you learn about). The chapter headers. It's beautiful. It's a great trophy book for your shelves and Kindle.

[Megan Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a little speechless. It is not often I am left without words.
Sol, Dallas, Kael, and Clare all felt so real. Their connection to each other and their community runs deeper than these pages.
The Fiver Art! Momma T I see you! I love it!
Daniel has built a dark dystopian world where light and heat is precious. Where the roots of this found family start long before the moment we jump into Sol's world. From Sol's daring expeditions to Clare's inner strength.
This novel hints at a past cataclysm, a desperate humanity, and monstrous magic from the depths of shadow itself.
What lengths will humanity go to to survive and squirrel away the most precious of resources. Our sun. I want to dive into this dystopian ice bound world and learn more. I want to know more about Sol and his scarf. Dallas and his armor. Kael and his blades! I want to know them all better.
The ending caught me off guard and had me about screaming! But I won't spoil it. Find out for yourself in Sun Catchers. My only complaint...book 2 isn't out yet.

[GheridenTheBookBard · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars

Sun Catchers pulled me in with its bleak, chilling premise. In a world buried under endless snow, where warmth and sunlight are privileges reserved for the few, survival feels fragile and unfair.

We follow Sol and the Sun Catchers, the story centers on found family, sacrifice, and the defiance of bringing light to people the world has forgotten. The characters feel grounded and purposeful, each adding something meaningful to the group dynamic and emotional weight of the story.

The pacing stays tight and urgent, balancing tension with just enough breathing room to let the stakes sink in.

The worldbuilding is especially strong, layered and immersive without overexplaining, making the cold feel oppressive and the hope feel earned.

Overall, Sun Catchers is a sharp, thoughtful dystopian read that left a strong impression. If you like survival driven stories with heart, moral weight, and a unique setting, this one is well worth your time.

[Noëmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honour and pleasure of reading this book already. And let me tell you, you don‘t want to miss out on this!

A dystopian world burried under snow and ice where you have to catch the energy of the sun to survive but it‘s forbidden to do so? A mystery of a man who does it anyway? Found family, wonderful friendships, a touch of romance, a mystery to be solved, monsters, ambiguous grey characters….what more do you need?

Well the next book of course!

But this one has a story that will not let you go. The main characters will tell you their stories from their POV‘s, you also get wonderful illustrations and the author is spoiling you with heartfelt, witty and funny fivers. Also wonderfully illustrated!

[Jack Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about time we got a dystopian tale from Daniel!

Daniel is a master at crafting worlds, magic systems and characters. All this can be found very early on in this tale.

Sol, has a very interesting burden he places on himself to help those around him. Very easy to relate too, despite the world he is from.

Clare, a very interesting character arc that still surprises me to this day!

I honestly would love to gush even more about this book but I'd rather avoid spoilers. Read it and enjoy!

[Swaathi Sundaramurugan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of the story is interesting and kept me hooked. The world building is rich and characters feel real. The ending took me by surprise and I'm excited to know what happens next!

I definitely recommend the book!

[Marina Garnica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is a rollercoaster of emotions. I think I have gone through all stages, from fun, surprise, angry, happy, weirded out, enlightening (oh I start to understand well), to hate a character, to not care about another, to love a character, to the "what on earth Daniel!".
I am sure I am leaving out some emotions but the last third of the book made it impossible for me to leave the couch and the book, I'll be recovering in my corner.

Best work from the author, really, grab it even if dystopian fantasy is not your thint

[Micki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great young adult fantasy novel! The author is a great writer, the prose just flows and pulls you deeper into the book. It’s clear the author has an entire world built for these characters, and I liked that the story changed points of view throughout. A few times it felt like the author knew the world so well sometimes forgot to give the reader enough information to join in . But for the most part things were explained eventually and the ending had a twist that was fantastic, if a bit dark. Still worth a read!

[Kassie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really intriguing story with a unique premise! Different than anything I've ever read. Super well written and immediately hit action with a sense of urgency. I did have a hard time following some of what was happening in the beginning, but it all came together. The concept of the fiver is awesome, it makes me wonder what mine would be!

[Stephanie Shady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sun Catchers was a fast-paced read with pacing that was quick and consistent, balancing action, allowing the story to keep its energy. The storyline doesn’t linger too long on details, keeping the plot moving steadily from start to finish. An engaging read the entire way through.

This was my first experience reading a dystopian story, and I found the world both intriguing and unsettling. The technology and environment were easy to envision in my mind, though some aspects of the society felt vague. I’m the type of reader who prefers rich backstories and layered history, so I would have enjoyed more context about how everything came to be.

The world itself felt tense and unsafe, with fascinating elements in how society functioned. Rather than relying on lengthy explanations or info-dumping, the book focused on survival, emotion, and rebellion, exploring themes of inequality that felt very relevant to the real world. It took a little time to adjust to the setting and the story’s pace, but once I did, I was completely immersed.

I really enjoyed the alternating first-person POV between the two main characters. It’s one of my favorite ways to tell a story, especially when the characters are in different places at the same time. The shifts in perspective added depth, tension, and emotional contrast, particularly as each character faced their own challenges. Seeing what both were thinking and feeling in real time made the story feel vivid and immersive.

The ending was beyond spectacular — I honestly don’t even know how to describe how perfect it felt. Phenomenal. It wrapped up the story in such a powerful and meaningful way that I was speechless. It’s rare for an ending to feel both unexpected and exactly right.

It’s one of those stories that will stay with you after you close the book.

[Meagen Jongewaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never know what to expect when reading a Dystopian story, and Sun Catchers is no exception. The bond between the characters is powerful, albeit at times unsettling, with plot twists you won’t see coming. And the idea of Fivers? Original and chilling, a great concept in this unknown world.
While I found at times to be confused on what was going on, the end pulled it together for the most part, but left things open that there may be more to come? If so, I will be signing up!

[Aubrey Cleeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sun Catchers is a dystopian story which follows Sol and his group as they fight against the repression and bitter cold that they are subjected to living in Layer 5. There is a cyberpunk element to the story, with technology and weaponry helping them in their various quests, and they are all driven by the desire to have a better life for themselves and the people they lead within the Layer.

I enjoyed the dialogue and banter between the group, as well as the relationship between Sol and Clare, which progressed naturally. The author establishes a sense of longing between Sol and Clare which deepens as Clare falls into deeper trouble, and I also enjoyed the interaction between Sol, Dallas and Kael, his closest friends, and the rift between Sol, Vance and Leonora. They were a tight group with a good natural rapport so I was caught a little off guard during the story as their aims fractured and fell out of line. There is a betrayal plot which I really found engaging, especially when they presented their viewpoints to one another.

The group go on various quests throughout the story and a lot of the action is melee-based, with weaponry being conjured by nano-technology which makes Sol’s scarf into a powerful force. There are fights with the delver beasts and other people, and the author does a great job in detailing the action, making it an exciting and absolute joy to read. I like Sol as a main character, as his determination, selflessness, and leadership really takes centre stage, and also Clare as a second point of view, whose bravery in the face of danger and slow revelation of her own powers was well crafted, as were the tender moments between them. The theme that unites the Sun Catchers is selflessness - they sign up for their work to benefit the whole community they lead, and they do so with endless optimism and drive. I enjoyed the lore and hearing about the fivers, which led to some sad moments where the group either wrote or read about people’s last words to their families.

Sun Catchers ends with a lot of questions unanswered and it looks like this book is a setup to what will become a fascinating series. With a strong set of characters, a strong lore, and a fight waiting to be had, I look forward to seeing what unfolds.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s rare a book has me enthralled and gutted in equal measure. Sun Catchers is what dystopian sci-fi is meant to be. Sun Catchers is one of those books that make you wonder about the “What If’s”. This book felt like an old school Syfy movie. Although fiction in nature it delves into the narratives of the “haves and the have nots” as well as how humanity truly reacts when faced with unimaginable odds.

After a cataclysmic storm humanity is now a world encased in snow, stacked according to layers. Those who are privileged occupy the higher levels basking in warmth and beautiful weather while those less fortunate remain in the lower levels fighting for their very lives.

Imagine living in a world where warmth is a luxury that doesn’t come easy. The Sun Catchers from layer 5 are led by Sol, who embarks with his team on missions to capture heat from the sun to take it back to the dwindling members residing on layer 5. Everything changes during a mission when Sol and his team find a new source of power that is dangerous and all-consuming but powerful enough that it cannot be ignored and maybe the solution to their problems.

Our characters Sol, Kael, Clare, Dallas steals your heart. You can't help but fall in love with each of them, their banter and comradery. They were more than friends; they were family. The author does an amazing job describing the missions, the danger, the hopelessness and fear experienced through the eyes of Sol and friends. For such a short book there was no shortage of danger, romance, friendship, manipulation and betrayal.

I truly enjoyed this story and as mentioned before I was both enthralled and gutted in equal measure and I need book 2 now because I have so many possible “what if” scenarios running through my head and I need some closure or something to help ease the WTF moments that occurred during the last few chapters of this book.

[A. Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book immediately drew me into a frozen world where surviving is not just hard, but also takes careful planning, is complicated, and feels very real. The story centers on sacrifice, and you can feel that tension throughout. Sol feels the weight of Layer 5 deeply, as if it’s a part of him. The world is described in detail, especially the stacked layers, where being warm means you have more, and staying alive always comes with a cost. Quotes like “A specific price I paid every time” and “Warmth fades unless rekindled” show the emotional cost of leading in a place where hope is risky. You can sense the exhaustion, responsibility, and constant threat of loss.

What stood out most to me was the bond between Sol, Clare, Kael, and Dallas. Their chosen family relationship adds real emotional depth to the story. Even in the hardest times, their loyalty and connection keep them together. Clare is especially memorable, she’s strong, mysterious, and connected to something darker. When Sol hears, “They speak to me… They seek communication,” it changes the story and makes things feel even more unsettling. The story moves at a good pace, with bursts of action and tension, especially during the Delver Beast attacks and the growing danger from the unstable energy source. The repeated line, “If lost, follow warmth inward,” becomes more than just advice; it feels like the heart of the book. This is a dystopian fiction with real risks, detailed worldbuilding, and characters you truly care about. It’s tough, emotional, and leaves you with a lasting ache that makes you want to read the next book right away.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sun Catchers by Daniel Georgiev is a dystopian world type story. Now I’ve read and been a fan of this author’s past works which were fantasy so I was excited to give this a whirl. The line “One day it started snowing and it didn’t stop” got me thinking… What would I do in that situation? What about resources, food, heat and electricity? How would I survive? All these questions before I even opened the book; so I was intrigued on how the characters would manage these feats. Also, there’s no spoilers since I feel this is a book you need to experience for yourself.
I will say the characters themselves are the biggest highlight for me. All of them are well done but I will say that Sol is my stand out of the bunch. I could relate to him the most; with his need to help everyone. Something else I appreciated was reading all the characters point of views. Loved, loved, loved the concept of the fiver! (Curious to what mine would be) I will say at least on my end there were a few times I got confused during my reading but I overall had great reading experience. (But things do get cleared up the further you get into it) The ending of this book; the lead up to it was fantastic and I didn’t want to stop reading but seriously that twist!!!
I thought it was well written with the characters and the world itself feeling alive. The story provoked a spectrum of emotions all across the board. The plot is unique and moves at a very steady pace and it draws you in to the point you don’t realize how much time has passed. The way it was described made it easy to picture what you were reading.
This is another book to add to my favorites list by this author; I can’t wait to see what is next! I highly recommend not only checking this book out but all the other books that have been written. Two thumbs up!

Favorite line:
They may call him a hero, or “The Sun Catcher”
But to me…
He was the sun.


Final review:
5 out of 5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Or…
5 out of 5 snowflakes (❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️)

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story creates a world that pulls readers into its frozen landscape. The setting feels solid and grounded. Characters face threats from the environment and from shadows behind the scenes. Daniel builds tension through these external challenges and the internal mystery of leadership. The pacing keeps the stakes high while the group works to protect their community. This focus on survival and loyalty makes the stakes feel personal. The writing establishes a sense of place that remains in the mind after the book closes. Every mission adds a new piece to the puzzle of who controls this society. The balance between action and world building is handled with care. It is a work that values strategy and teamwork over simple solutions.

Reading this book brings a sense of anticipation and focus. The struggle against the cold evokes a feeling of resilience. It makes a person appreciate the strength of a group that stays together under pressure. There is a quiet satisfaction in watching the mystery unfold layer by layer. The story leaves a feeling of curiosity about the future of these people. It provides a mental escape into a place where every choice matters for the survival of the collective. The bonds between the characters create an emotional anchor that feels steady. Each chapter offers a sense of discovery that is both calming and engaging. This narrative leaves the reader with a feeling of respect for the endurance of the human spirit.

[LeeEllen Belcher (Caw) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up for this scale.
Warnings (using @closeddoorromance's guides): severe swearing (fword used a lot),
One scene above level 3 intimacy (spice): no clothes, touching, and descriptive

This science fiction dystopian fantasy was not what I was expecting! The world-building was very descriptive and phenomenal, I could tell it was our world in a devastating future. I really enjoyed the teamwork and camaraderie between the main characters, and how they were the heroes of humanity. I also liked the subtle shift of the twists towards the end that I didn't see coming. Also, the underlying plot didn't feel like something extra it added to the futuristic feel, and the overall story felt very nostalgic!
Sol leads Layer 5's Sun Catchers, the only way for them to stay warm on their now snowing planet. With his team they go on dangerous missions that are vital to their survival. When they make astonishing discoveries on the lower layers they're shocked to learn what past generations had done. They never thought that their lives would drastically change as they seek out the only hope they have left.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review.
All opinions are my own.

[Eve Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sun Catchers is a quietly powerful novel that invites the reader into a slower, more reflective emotional space. This is not a story driven by constant action or dramatic twists, but one shaped by introspection, atmosphere, and the subtle weight of inner experience. The prose itself feels intentional—measured, gentle, and contemplative—encouraging you to pause and absorb rather than rush forward.

What I appreciated most is how the book honors the quieter moments of being human. There is a strong sense of observation here: noticing small emotional shifts, fleeting connections, and the way meaning often reveals itself indirectly. As someone who values stories that explore the inner world just as much as the outer one, I found this deeply resonant. It mirrors how real life unfolds—rarely in grand declarations, but in accumulated moments that slowly shape us.

The pacing may feel understated for readers who prefer fast-moving plots, but that restraint is part of its strength. It allows space for reflection and invites the reader to bring their own experiences into the story. This is a thoughtful, emotionally grounded read for those who enjoy literary fiction that values nuance, presence, and quiet depth over spectacle.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in a futuristic dystopian world where endless snow has forced humanity to live underground. Sol, who is from Layer 5 has some unique abilities. The first is that he is able to catch the sun’s rays to help charge the bunker he and his family, friends and community live in. This he must do by making a regular and precarious trip to the surface evading nightmarish beasts and even other people who live on higher Layers in his bunker. The second is he seems to have a sentient scarf that can morph into weapons or tools. Which comes in very useful. When he and his friends are on the surface trying to evade the aforementioned beasts they discover that Claire, one of their own, has a unique and scary superpower of her own. Investigating this they uncover a conspiracy that involves human testing, the mysterious Layer 10 and a plan that could end the snow forever. But this could put the whole group in danger and some of them may not survive. This is a fun, intriguing read. The writing style is descriptive and fast paced with equal amounts of humour, action, thrills and suspense. There was a shocking twist at the end that I didn’t see coming and it all ended on a somber note but I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this.

[Zakiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If the light won’t save us... I’ll reach for the darkness”
I was able to read this book early, and let me tell you what a privilege that was. This is a book you will need as soon as you possibly can.

The book is set in a world where the heat we take for granted every day has been replaced with bone-chilling frost. This was my first time reading from this author, and it was absolutely jaw-dropping. The characters, Sol, Clare, Dallas, and Kael, all felt incredibly real. They all had their own personalities and were a lovely found family.
There were so many shocking moments in the book that I had to pause to process them. I won't describe them here, though; you'll have to get the book yourself.
The novel showcases humanity and its capacity to evolve in the face of the impossible. And how far will our heroes go to create a better world for themselves and the people around them?
And don't let me get started on the ending. It was so good it was devious. Another thing you'll just have to read yourself to experience.

Order this as soon as you can. Preorders would be fantastic, but just make sure to get it the first second that you can. I promise you won't regret it.

[Julia G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I did had a chance for an advanced copy, so I'd like to thank Daniel for giving me another book that I can review.

First of all a dystopian book?
Those are pretty hard to read.
With all the fantasy books Daniel wrote, I was happy to see another genre.
Not in a bad way.

We follow two characters in a 1st pov, called Sol and Clare. I love the way how Daniel writes characters. It pulls you in the book as if you're either the character or that you're standing next to them. And the bond between these two and the other characters are so well written.

I always say art drawings can make a difference and the art that this book has is cheff kisses.

For me the book is fast-paced in a good way and it still had the depth the storyline had from the beginning 'till the end.

I usually give a spoiler or a piece of the storyline, but after reading the whole book, I decided not to write too much :).

There are open questions but after reading that ending, I can't wait for a second book.

Once again, thank you Daniel for giving me the chance to read another wonderful book of yours.

[Luc]

I finished Sun Catchers feeling both heavy and strangely hopeful. This isn’t just a dystopian story about an endless winter or a society divided into layers—it’s a deeply human novel about leadership, sacrifice, and the quiet cost of choosing hope when hope feels reckless.
Sol is not a heroic figure in the traditional sense. He’s exhausted, burdened, and constantly aware that every choice he makes saves someone while condemning someone else. That weight is present on every page, and it makes his journey feel painfully real. Clare, in particular, stands out as the emotional core of the story. She embodies fear and tenderness at once, and the way others project their hopes and terrors onto her is both heartbreaking and believable.
What stayed with me most is the atmosphere. The cold is everywhere—not just in the environment, but in the moral decisions, the strained relationships, and the compromises people make to survive.

The ending doesn’t offer comfort, but it does offer momentum. It leaves you thinking about what survival really means, and what we’re willing to become to protect the people we love.

[Hough Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sun Catchers is a brutal, atmospheric slice of post-apocalyptic horror that somehow finds room for hope without going soft. The premise is instantly gripping, a world buried under endless snow, with humanity stacked into layers where warmth is currency and cruelty is policy. Layer 5, where Sol and the Sun Catchers cling to survival, feels cold in a way that gets under your skin. Then there’s Level 6, a deeper, darker nightmare that supplies the real horror, and the book wastes no time dragging you towards it.

The action is sharp, cinematic, and relentless. Nano-tech weapons, close-quarters chaos, and Delver Beasts that feel properly alien, not just re-skinned monsters. But it’s not action for action’s sake, the fights land because they’re always tied to consequences, fear, and impossible choices.

What really works is Sol’s leadership burden, the constant moral compromise, and the way hope is treated as both fuel and liability. Clare’s arc adds a tense emotional core, and the worldbuilding stays clear while still feeling vast, oppressive, and lived-in. A grim, high-momentum read with real stakes.

[Chastity Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Borrowed the hardcover from a friend.
Great Dystopian! Interesting writing style. I will be reading more from Daniel Georgiev for sure.
Layers of humanity have peeled back what is and isn't wrong for people to do to each other. When the uppers 'forget' about the lower levels they are left to survive on their own in a dying world.
Sol and his friends have to do something to help their friends and family.
My fav was Dallas.
Claire felt like an insert, like they needed a girl on the team here she is. She didn't do much until the end when she was suddenly vital. That is one of my complaints. I would have loved to learn more about Sol's role and his scarf. The other is that the ending felt rushed. I did appreciate the extra stuff at the end though.
I loved the eternal snow and cold. I could feel it coming from the pages. I loved that they weren't white pages. I love that more authors are learning how to do this for shorter books like this one.
I also loved the fivers and the attachment we get to the world through them.
A great read for anyone who likes dystopian novels with found family, light romance, and mystery.

[BookishBabes98 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this book a 3.3 rating which rounded down to a 3 (BUT I want to continue to the next book)

I was asking questions during the entire book from start to finish. While some questions made sense story wise (you can't know everything especially if the characters don't know), I do believe some questions should've been answered while reading. There were different times where a description or a short explanation might have helped elevate a paragraph or a section of the story, or could've added some depth to the story. Other times, it felt like the story was jumping around a bit in a way that made it difficult to follow.

That being said, I am interested to see the next book, the cliffhanger at the end left me wondering what is going to happen next! I loved the characters, the plot twists, the heartbreak and happiness that you found through out the story and how it starts to tie together. I hope to see some of my questions answered in the next book, and if not more descriptions, I hope that the context clues make it a little easier to unravel some of the mystery.

[Matthew Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book’s Amazon page says its 250 or so pages. That is padded, however, with plenty of pictures. Ultimately that’s fine. This is a relatively fast paced story that to me felt young adult at several points. In the sense of straightforward writing. The characters are interesting enough, and the action is understandable. Interested from the opening chapters, I kept reading in one sitting with few lulls. The ending (no spoilers) was not what I expected, but suits the overall mood of the story.

Did have a few nick-picks. For starters, every chapter starts with “Sol’s Point of View” or “Clare’s Point of View”. Just their name would have sufficed, and frankly most novels don’t even need that. The reader should be able to tell from the text who the viewpoint character is. Though this is a first person narrative, so such titles might help younger readers. The distinct viewpoints are (just) unique enough that you can usually tell who is narrating regardless.

Read the first chapter and if you like it, keep going. It’s short enough.

[Freya Kissane · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot of things I really liked about Sun Catchers. The world building was solid, it reminded me of Silo (which I mention as flattering comparison as its a fabulous tv show). I don’t often mention this in a review but the book’s design and formatting were of outstanding quality. I particularly enjoyed the images that were interspersed between each of the chapters that contained the various fivers of both known and unknown characters. This novel is told in several different perspectives and while I think it would contain slight spoilers to mention them all in a review, I will comment on the main two, Clare and Sol. To me, chapters in Sol’s perspective felt slightly more authentic than Clare’s but I can acknowledge that plot elements may also contribute to this. Overall, the book was an engaging story that kept me guessing with its twists and turns and although I come away from the end of the novel still not being entirely sure what happened perhaps that will be clarified in a future instalment. I’ll certainly keep my eye for a sequel.

[Wes Hubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sun Catchers is a science fantasy built on a world that has multiple physical layers. There are layers beneath the surface that are in survival mode while the surface is in living mode. It seems like the world is a dystopian Earth because it involves humans and humanity, but the levels get colder instead of hotter the deeper you go so maybe it’s a new world that humans colonized. That part wasn’t really made clear. It is an interesting story with lots of great drama points are there are conflicts between the people in level five, conflict between levels, and conflicts between the strange creatures that inhabit the lower levels and humans. These are played out well although,toward the end of the book when more weird creatures are being revealed, my logical mind wondered at their existence and their powers. The characters are really relatable and the tension between the core group feels real. There are some twists that keep you interested although the end bent my mind a little. Still, it was a great story with a lot of appeal to fans of science fantasy.

[Kristina Kamaeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel took me a while to get into, because it felt like a comic book, featuring lots of action, characters behaving like superheroes, fantastic weapons (Sol’s scarf can turn into almost anything), and cheeky banter.
The story grew more engaging as I delved deeper and became better acquainted with the characters.
I especially liked the romance between Sol and Clare; their relationship was full of tenderness, passion, and care for each other. Well done!
There were emotional moments and unexpected twists.
The book explores themes of love, friendship, responsibility, fear, death, and betrayal.
Fans of fast-paced action and epic battles will appreciate the fight scenes.
The plot twist involving Clare and the delver beasts was my favorite.
One of the questions that bothered me while reading concerned how they fought and defeated the delver beasts. I got the impression that they had no physical bodies; at least their corpses were never mentioned.
The ending? I wish for another one. It was cruel.

[KP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sun Catchers was a great read, jam-packed with interesting technology and magic, all within a cold dystopian world.

The layered society creates a very intriguing base for the story, almost like a combination of the Silo series and the Hunger Game’s districts. While a little simplified, it provides a very efficient backdrop to the narrative.

There is a consistent pace that does not let up, helped by the first person POV and the smaller cast of characters we follow. Most chapters have a reveal and / or action, and almost all end on cliff hangers that kept me wanting to read just one more chapter!

The ending is probably the highlight for me, felt very satisfying while still being a bit of a surprise too, which is not an easy blend.

One point I’d add is that it does tend a bit young adult, with little subtext and reasonably predictable developments.

Sun Catches is a fun, fast-paced dystopian read, and can comfortably be enjoyed in one sitting, though would suit a snowy day in particular!