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The Wall Within
Australia lost the war. Now Tess must face spirits from the past, the new boy in town – and The Wall.
Life couldn’t get much worse for sixteen-year-old Tess Jones.
Her parents are dead. Her best friend hates her. She’s stuck living with her horrible Aunty Jo. She’s starving. And to top it off, there’s a strange new guy in town who brings bad news.
But Tess’s problems didn’t start today. They started more than eighty years ago when Australia was split in two.
The Axis control the north. The Allies cling to the south. In between them stands The Wall.
When Tess starts getting advice from her dead parents and gains the courage to escape her life, she discovers an inner strength that was there all along.
The Wall Within is a story of survival, friendship, and hidden power – where one girl’s discovery could unravel everything.
Life couldn’t get much worse for sixteen-year-old Tess Jones.
Her parents are dead. Her best friend hates her. She’s stuck living with her horrible Aunty Jo. She’s starving. And to top it off, there’s a strange new guy in town who brings bad news.
But Tess’s problems didn’t start today. They started more than eighty years ago when Australia was split in two.
The Axis control the north. The Allies cling to the south. In between them stands The Wall.
When Tess starts getting advice from her dead parents and gains the courage to escape her life, she discovers an inner strength that was there all along.
The Wall Within is a story of survival, friendship, and hidden power – where one girl’s discovery could unravel everything.
260 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 6, 2026
ARC Review ~
A captivating debut into the YA genre by Laura Morris.
Morris has struck the perfect balance between hope and despair, and it is sure to resonate with younger readers (approx 13-15 yo).
Through every chapter, I was asking myself, who can Tess trust? Can she even trust herself? Such is the undercurrent of mystery and uncertainty that surrounds Tess. There are some interesting supernatural elements and some pretty dark moments that Tess endures as well. But there’s also the element of hope woven throughout. In a dystopian world such as ‘The Wall Within’, it is this hope which propels the story forward at a steady pace.
The shock that I experienced at some of the twists, reminded me of just how sheltered my life is. Dystopian worlds are not for the faint of heart. That said, the young love, the imperfect characters and the enduring belief that they’re invincible, reminds me of those rose coloured glasses we wear as teenagers.
The emotional depth of the story, with Tess’s dead loved ones being with her, is simultaneously reassuring and frightening. But it’s undeniable the impact that it has.
Will there be another instalment? Because I have questions that weren’t addressed during the story and I’m desperate to understand……
Thank you to the author and Hawkeye Publishing for the opportunity to review this story.
A captivating debut into the YA genre by Laura Morris.
Morris has struck the perfect balance between hope and despair, and it is sure to resonate with younger readers (approx 13-15 yo).
Through every chapter, I was asking myself, who can Tess trust? Can she even trust herself? Such is the undercurrent of mystery and uncertainty that surrounds Tess. There are some interesting supernatural elements and some pretty dark moments that Tess endures as well. But there’s also the element of hope woven throughout. In a dystopian world such as ‘The Wall Within’, it is this hope which propels the story forward at a steady pace.
The shock that I experienced at some of the twists, reminded me of just how sheltered my life is. Dystopian worlds are not for the faint of heart. That said, the young love, the imperfect characters and the enduring belief that they’re invincible, reminds me of those rose coloured glasses we wear as teenagers.
The emotional depth of the story, with Tess’s dead loved ones being with her, is simultaneously reassuring and frightening. But it’s undeniable the impact that it has.
Will there be another instalment? Because I have questions that weren’t addressed during the story and I’m desperate to understand……
Thank you to the author and Hawkeye Publishing for the opportunity to review this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Australia lost WWII and now Axis control the North, the Allies cling to the South and in between them stands The Wall. The South is starving, fighting for basic survival as their waterways are poisoned and food stores stolen. Amongst the desperation, a 16yo girl dares to hope for a better future.
Life couldn’t get much worse for Tess Jones. Her parents died protesting against Axis' splitting of Australia. She has been left in the care of her abusive Aunt and forced to endure daily bullying at the hands of her former best friend. When a new boy, Raze, turns up in town from the North, Tess's world turns upside down. She must learn to trust not only Raze but the spirits of those she has loved and lost.
The Wall Within is a Young Adult Dystopian novel that I would recommend for readers 12yo+. As a debut author, Laura Morris has created a post war landscape full of great extremes. Laura's worldbuilding vividly highlights the stark contrast between the barren South and the prosperous North. While the first half moves at a measured pace (a little slower than I would have liked), the story gains significant momentum in the second half. As the first book in a series, the slower pace feels intentional, allowing Laura to establish the world and its foundations before the story expands.
I could also see The Wall Within working well as a cross-curricular text for Australian Year 10 History and English, encouraging discussion about World War II, alternate history, and the consequences of conflict. However, I can definitely see the appeal for a broader audience as well.
"The Wall Within has the potential to resonate with a new generation of readers in much the same way Tomorrow, When the War Began (John Marsden) introduced many Australian teens to dystopian and speculative fiction. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series as they are released.
Thank you to Laura Morris and Hawkeye Publishing for the gifted ARC - I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Life couldn’t get much worse for Tess Jones. Her parents died protesting against Axis' splitting of Australia. She has been left in the care of her abusive Aunt and forced to endure daily bullying at the hands of her former best friend. When a new boy, Raze, turns up in town from the North, Tess's world turns upside down. She must learn to trust not only Raze but the spirits of those she has loved and lost.
The Wall Within is a Young Adult Dystopian novel that I would recommend for readers 12yo+. As a debut author, Laura Morris has created a post war landscape full of great extremes. Laura's worldbuilding vividly highlights the stark contrast between the barren South and the prosperous North. While the first half moves at a measured pace (a little slower than I would have liked), the story gains significant momentum in the second half. As the first book in a series, the slower pace feels intentional, allowing Laura to establish the world and its foundations before the story expands.
I could also see The Wall Within working well as a cross-curricular text for Australian Year 10 History and English, encouraging discussion about World War II, alternate history, and the consequences of conflict. However, I can definitely see the appeal for a broader audience as well.
"The Wall Within has the potential to resonate with a new generation of readers in much the same way Tomorrow, When the War Began (John Marsden) introduced many Australian teens to dystopian and speculative fiction. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series as they are released.
Thank you to Laura Morris and Hawkeye Publishing for the gifted ARC - I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2026
The Wall Within was such an engaging YA dystopian read with plenty of heart, mystery, and hope woven throughout.
Set in an alternate Australia divided by war and separated by the imposing Wall, we follow sixteen-year-old Tess as she struggles to survive after losing her parents while living under the cruel control of her aunt. When a mysterious new boy, Raze, arrives and strange messages from her late parents begin guiding her, Tess is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her world. As Tess and Raze begin discovering they both possess unusual powers they can’t fully explain, the mystery deepens and the stakes become even higher.
I really enjoyed watching Tess grow from someone trapped by fear into a determined, courageous young woman. Her journey of self-discovery felt authentic, and I loved the blend of dystopian adventure, supernatural elements, friendship, and slow-building romance. The world-building was unique, with an alternate-history Australia that kept me intrigued from start to finish, and the story carried an underlying message about resilience, hope, and finding strength within yourself.
The only thing that left me a little unsure was the ending. I’m not sure if this is the first book in a series, but it definitely felt like the story didn’t end, with plenty of unanswered questions and room for more. It wasn’t enough to stop me enjoying the book, but I would have loved a little more closure.
Overall, this was a compelling debut, and if there is another book planned, I’d definitely be interested to see where Tess and Raze’s journey goes next. If you enjoy YA dystopian fiction with strong female characters, hidden powers, mystery, dystopian worlds, and plenty of emotional moments, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a read.
Set in an alternate Australia divided by war and separated by the imposing Wall, we follow sixteen-year-old Tess as she struggles to survive after losing her parents while living under the cruel control of her aunt. When a mysterious new boy, Raze, arrives and strange messages from her late parents begin guiding her, Tess is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her world. As Tess and Raze begin discovering they both possess unusual powers they can’t fully explain, the mystery deepens and the stakes become even higher.
I really enjoyed watching Tess grow from someone trapped by fear into a determined, courageous young woman. Her journey of self-discovery felt authentic, and I loved the blend of dystopian adventure, supernatural elements, friendship, and slow-building romance. The world-building was unique, with an alternate-history Australia that kept me intrigued from start to finish, and the story carried an underlying message about resilience, hope, and finding strength within yourself.
The only thing that left me a little unsure was the ending. I’m not sure if this is the first book in a series, but it definitely felt like the story didn’t end, with plenty of unanswered questions and room for more. It wasn’t enough to stop me enjoying the book, but I would have loved a little more closure.
Overall, this was a compelling debut, and if there is another book planned, I’d definitely be interested to see where Tess and Raze’s journey goes next. If you enjoy YA dystopian fiction with strong female characters, hidden powers, mystery, dystopian worlds, and plenty of emotional moments, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When Laura reached out to me and asked if I would like to read and review her debut dystopian novel, I said, sign me up!
The Wall Within tells the story of Tess Jones as she struggles to survive in an alternate Australia. The Axis Powers have won World War II and the country is split in two. The Axis controls the north, while the Allies cling to the south, and between them stands the wall.
Tess is orphaned and forced to live with her cruel Aunt Jo. I don’t want to give too much away, but this book was absolutely fantastic!
It is a young adult novel, and I think it is so exciting when a new author comes onto the scene with a love of reading herself and publishes a YA book with the hope of encouraging more young people to read. As a teacher herself, Laura has such a wonderful passion for getting young people engaged with books.
Laura was inspired by her own fascination with history, as well as her family’s wartime experiences, and you can really feel that passion woven throughout the story.
This book explores so many important themes, including bullying, resistance, resilience and authoritarianism. It is thought provoking, gripping and such an impressive debut.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars!
A huge thank you to Hawkeye Publishing and Laura for sending me a copy of The Wall Within to read and review. 💕📖
The Wall Within is available from 12 September through Hawkeye Publishing.
The Wall Within tells the story of Tess Jones as she struggles to survive in an alternate Australia. The Axis Powers have won World War II and the country is split in two. The Axis controls the north, while the Allies cling to the south, and between them stands the wall.
Tess is orphaned and forced to live with her cruel Aunt Jo. I don’t want to give too much away, but this book was absolutely fantastic!
It is a young adult novel, and I think it is so exciting when a new author comes onto the scene with a love of reading herself and publishes a YA book with the hope of encouraging more young people to read. As a teacher herself, Laura has such a wonderful passion for getting young people engaged with books.
Laura was inspired by her own fascination with history, as well as her family’s wartime experiences, and you can really feel that passion woven throughout the story.
This book explores so many important themes, including bullying, resistance, resilience and authoritarianism. It is thought provoking, gripping and such an impressive debut.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars!
A huge thank you to Hawkeye Publishing and Laura for sending me a copy of The Wall Within to read and review. 💕📖
The Wall Within is available from 12 September through Hawkeye Publishing.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This YA Dystopian was so completely different from anything I have read before.
This is an alternate Australia after the war, with a wall that separates North from South.
South has nothing. They struggle to survive. North has it all, speaks German and has soldiers with machine guns patrolling.
Tess is from the south. Her parents are gone, so she lives with her abusive aunt. She has no friends, only peers who taunt and tease her. She also has a secret. But she wants out. She wants to go over the wall.
Then she meets Raze. He is from the North and is sick. He needs to get back for medicine. They head out on a journey to the wall. She thought she finally had a friend.
This book was powerful. There were some strong emotional scenes in this book. There were a lot of references to WW2, but altered to fit the year 2030. So check your triggers.
I'm intrigued to find out more about Tess and the people trying to help her.
Great debut novel.
This is an alternate Australia after the war, with a wall that separates North from South.
South has nothing. They struggle to survive. North has it all, speaks German and has soldiers with machine guns patrolling.
Tess is from the south. Her parents are gone, so she lives with her abusive aunt. She has no friends, only peers who taunt and tease her. She also has a secret. But she wants out. She wants to go over the wall.
Then she meets Raze. He is from the North and is sick. He needs to get back for medicine. They head out on a journey to the wall. She thought she finally had a friend.
This book was powerful. There were some strong emotional scenes in this book. There were a lot of references to WW2, but altered to fit the year 2030. So check your triggers.
I'm intrigued to find out more about Tess and the people trying to help her.
Great debut novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an amazing read! Congratulations to new and upcoming author Laura Morris on an engaging and captivating debut.
The Wall Within weaves together a fascinating local setting, historical events and a compelling dystopian theme, creating a story that draws you in from the very beginning. I personally haven’t explored much dystopian fiction before, but after reading this book, I can definitely say that my genre preferences have expanded!
From start to finish, putting this book down proved to be a challenge. It is an edge-of-your-seat read that keeps you turning the pages, eager to discover what happens next.
I highly recommend The Wall Within to young teens through to adults. It is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will appeal to anyone who enjoys an intriguing story with a unique blend of history, suspense and dystopian fiction.
Congratulations, Laura, on an incredible achievement!
The Wall Within weaves together a fascinating local setting, historical events and a compelling dystopian theme, creating a story that draws you in from the very beginning. I personally haven’t explored much dystopian fiction before, but after reading this book, I can definitely say that my genre preferences have expanded!
From start to finish, putting this book down proved to be a challenge. It is an edge-of-your-seat read that keeps you turning the pages, eager to discover what happens next.
I highly recommend The Wall Within to young teens through to adults. It is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will appeal to anyone who enjoys an intriguing story with a unique blend of history, suspense and dystopian fiction.
Congratulations, Laura, on an incredible achievement!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Wall Within was such an interesting read. The premise really makes you think, especially with this alternate version of Australia divided into the North and South. I couldn’t help wondering how different our lives could have been if World War II had ended differently.
This is perfect for YA dystopian readers. There’s zero spice, but plenty of strong found family vibes. I did find the first half a little slower, but once the story picks up, the second half is action-packed and full of twists and turns.
Tess is a great FMC. She’s a young girl who’s grown up the hard way and has learned not to expect too much from life. Then Raze shows up and suddenly gives her something she hasn’t really had before: hope.
The alternate history mixed with dystopian elements made this feel different from a lot of the dystopian books I’ve been reading lately, and I’m definitely interested to see where the story goes next.
Thankyou Laura Morris and Hawkeye publishing for the advanced copy.
This is perfect for YA dystopian readers. There’s zero spice, but plenty of strong found family vibes. I did find the first half a little slower, but once the story picks up, the second half is action-packed and full of twists and turns.
Tess is a great FMC. She’s a young girl who’s grown up the hard way and has learned not to expect too much from life. Then Raze shows up and suddenly gives her something she hasn’t really had before: hope.
The alternate history mixed with dystopian elements made this feel different from a lot of the dystopian books I’ve been reading lately, and I’m definitely interested to see where the story goes next.
Thankyou Laura Morris and Hawkeye publishing for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really enjoyed The Wall Within….This was my first book by this author, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect.
I really liked the way the author described everything. I could picture the scenes in my head while reading, and it felt like I was actually inside the story with Tess and Raze. I kept wondering what was going to happen next, so I was really hooked.
I also liked the YA dystopian setting and the idea of Australia being divided by The Wall. Tess already has so much going on, and then things just keep getting more complicated.There was always something happening, which made me want to keep reading.
And now I’m wondering…..… is there a Book 2?I’m really curious about what happens next. It definitely left me wanting more. Well, it doesn’t hurt to suggest, right? 🙈😆
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Thank you to the author and Hawkeye Publishing for the ARC!
I really liked the way the author described everything. I could picture the scenes in my head while reading, and it felt like I was actually inside the story with Tess and Raze. I kept wondering what was going to happen next, so I was really hooked.
I also liked the YA dystopian setting and the idea of Australia being divided by The Wall. Tess already has so much going on, and then things just keep getting more complicated.There was always something happening, which made me want to keep reading.
And now I’m wondering…..… is there a Book 2?I’m really curious about what happens next. It definitely left me wanting more. Well, it doesn’t hurt to suggest, right? 🙈😆
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Thank you to the author and Hawkeye Publishing for the ARC!
September 27, 2026
A gripping YA read that fans of John Marsden and Jessica Townsend will love.
We see the protagonist's natural immaturity and teenage angst mixed with intriguing supernatural powers that grow in line with Tess' self confidence, inner strength, and belief in her abilities, which can present quite violently. The author uses vivid imagery to describe a divided Australia, and explores themes of trust, friendship, family, loss, love, revenge, and an overwhelming desire for survival. The reader is also challenged to consider how we determine if the victors of war are the good or bad guys, depending on the information we absorb.
I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of Tess and Raze's adventures as they continue their quest.
We see the protagonist's natural immaturity and teenage angst mixed with intriguing supernatural powers that grow in line with Tess' self confidence, inner strength, and belief in her abilities, which can present quite violently. The author uses vivid imagery to describe a divided Australia, and explores themes of trust, friendship, family, loss, love, revenge, and an overwhelming desire for survival. The reader is also challenged to consider how we determine if the victors of war are the good or bad guys, depending on the information we absorb.
I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of Tess and Raze's adventures as they continue their quest.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC review
The wall within is a dystopian YA fantasy, set in an Australia that has lost ww2 and has been annexed by a wall separating the north and south of QLD.The story follows Tess and Raze as they journey to the wall to get to the north and cure raze of his poisoning. The catch? They both have powers, and raze has been poisoned in his escape from the north
I won’t go too much further into the story than that, but it is an incredible novel that flies by. The pacing is great and I was turning every page excited to see what came next.
My only criticism? I wish it was longer. I read it in one sitting and I want more.
I’m excited to see what comes next
The wall within is a dystopian YA fantasy, set in an Australia that has lost ww2 and has been annexed by a wall separating the north and south of QLD.The story follows Tess and Raze as they journey to the wall to get to the north and cure raze of his poisoning. The catch? They both have powers, and raze has been poisoned in his escape from the north
I won’t go too much further into the story than that, but it is an incredible novel that flies by. The pacing is great and I was turning every page excited to see what came next.
My only criticism? I wish it was longer. I read it in one sitting and I want more.
I’m excited to see what comes next
September 13, 2026
What can I say - a 'Tomorrow, When the War Began' tragic? Now I'm on tenderhooks for 'The Wall Within' sequal! I loved how Laura has woven a touch of supernatural into dystopia. How could I not? I grew up on Superman and Flash Gordon, never really knowing when my powers would kick in.
Loved every minute - the in-the-moment feeling the author's present tense prose evokes, never knowing what's around the corner - somehow aware the shattered world Tess and Raze inhabit could one day (once again) be ours.
A 'must-read' reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's prizewinning 'The Road.
Steve Hawe stevehawe.com
Loved every minute - the in-the-moment feeling the author's present tense prose evokes, never knowing what's around the corner - somehow aware the shattered world Tess and Raze inhabit could one day (once again) be ours.
A 'must-read' reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's prizewinning 'The Road.
Steve Hawe stevehawe.com
Review of advance copy received from Author
A dystopian set in Australia twisting historical events into the storyline. Dual POV following Tess and Raze the adventures kicks off straight away and is sure to peak the interest of a young adult audience. Both characters are imperfect making them more likely to resonate to their readers. The story deals with your typical dystopian issues such as oppression and resistance but also blends teenage drama into the story, friendships, bullying and first love, that all makes for an engaging read.
I would recommend this at the young end of YA 13+
I would recommend this at the young end of YA 13+
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is an outstanding debut YA novel from Laura Morris. The premise is excellent and one that has been grappled with for nearly a century - what would the world look like if the Allies hadn't won WWII?? The novel has all the elements of Young Adult Fiction - multiple voices, dystopia, magical realism, and at times a tinge of horror. I can see this novel being a firm favourite for school students around Australia.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is definitely a YA novel for younger audience,but it still delivers a great dystopian storyline with fantasy elements plus, it's set in Australia! And definitely worth a read
It features a dual POV following
Tess and Blaze, which I always love. It’s well written and takes you on a real journey of self discovery, navigating who to trust, friendships, bullying and survival and hope
With plenty of twists, turns, and suspense. I think this is definitely worth picking up and reading 🖤
It features a dual POV following
Tess and Blaze, which I always love. It’s well written and takes you on a real journey of self discovery, navigating who to trust, friendships, bullying and survival and hope
With plenty of twists, turns, and suspense. I think this is definitely worth picking up and reading 🖤
September 14, 2026
Such a great Aussie book!
I loved this book so much that I read it in one night. The vivid character and setting descriptions made me feel like I was right there. I appreciated reading about familiar local areas on the Sunshine Coast. The twists and turns had me glued to every page and I can’t wait for a sequel. A strong female teenage hero as the main character was refreshing and inspiring. I highly recommend this book!!!
I loved this book so much that I read it in one night. The vivid character and setting descriptions made me feel like I was right there. I appreciated reading about familiar local areas on the Sunshine Coast. The twists and turns had me glued to every page and I can’t wait for a sequel. A strong female teenage hero as the main character was refreshing and inspiring. I highly recommend this book!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a riveting read from start to finish. A young girl struggles with her past and finds her future with the help of a rogue young man. She has to figure out who she is and where she belongs in order to fulfill her potential. A book filled with adventure, murder, control, twists and turns. Who can Tess trust?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Laura Morris makes an impressive entrance into young adult genre with this book. The story follows two teenagers from different sides of the wall. Forced together in unusual circumstances. It was a book that you didn't want to end.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book is a interesting read, I liked the references to history and I enjoyed the main characters very much and the plot flowed nicely. It was a page turner that I couldn't really put down, I wanted to know what happened next. I will be recommending it to my teen kids.
Review of advance copy
My pre-teen boy read this book in just a couple of days and enjoyed it immensely. He commented on the many twists and turns which kept him on the edge of his seat until the very end. He’s already asking about the sequel.
October 1, 2026
Fantastic school holiday read!!! So much suspense. Love the depth of characters in Tess and Raze. Having grown up in Brisbane, I loved all the local references woven into the story. You've got me hooked for the next one!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very exciting book. The author has created a distopian world with fantasy elements that leave the reader wanting more. Looking forward to future endeavors from this debut author.
September 15, 2026
One of those books that pulls you through the story, building as it goes, making you want to find out where it heads off to next.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews