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Feral Rising
Alé Aragón wasn’t supposed to come back. Once written off as powerless, he survived a horrific encounter that should have killed him—and returned changed. Now reclassified and thrust into the spotlight, Alé has become the face of a growing movement for Deficient rights in a world split between those who celebrate his survival and those who wish he had stayed dead.
When a brutal attack rocks Alé’s school, the prefecture responds by tightening its grip to restore order. Alé is recruited into a top-secret security program that he hopes will keep the people he loves safe.
But as Alé’s training intensifies, his peers begin losing their memories. Uncovering what’s happening could save his friends—and a boy with super strength he can’t stop thinking about—but it may also confirm a terrifying fear: that Alé poses far more danger to the world than anyone realizes.
When a brutal attack rocks Alé’s school, the prefecture responds by tightening its grip to restore order. Alé is recruited into a top-secret security program that he hopes will keep the people he loves safe.
But as Alé’s training intensifies, his peers begin losing their memories. Uncovering what’s happening could save his friends—and a boy with super strength he can’t stop thinking about—but it may also confirm a terrifying fear: that Alé poses far more danger to the world than anyone realizes.
310 pages, ebook
Published October 15, 2026
About the author
Michael Solis
10 books30 followersMichael Solis is the author of the YA sci-fi novel Deficient, winner of a Reviewers’ Choice Award from YADudeBooks and nominee for the Pushcart Prize, the Stonewall Book Award, and the PEN/Hemingway Award. He serves as Executive Director of Writers & Books, a literary arts nonprofit and independent bookstore in Rochester, NY, and is an active member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA), where he co-chairs the MG/YA Committee.
For nearly two decades, Michael worked in development and humanitarian action across Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Latin America. A graduate of Princeton University, he also holds master’s degrees in Human Rights Law and Gender Studies.
Drawing from his queer identity and global humanitarian work, Michael’s stories explore power, belonging, and transformation. Beyond the page, he enjoys teaching yoga and creating spaces where people can connect through story.
Michael also shares essays and reflections on writing, creativity, and life on his Substack, Journeys & Words.
For nearly two decades, Michael worked in development and humanitarian action across Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Latin America. A graduate of Princeton University, he also holds master’s degrees in Human Rights Law and Gender Studies.
Drawing from his queer identity and global humanitarian work, Michael’s stories explore power, belonging, and transformation. Beyond the page, he enjoys teaching yoga and creating spaces where people can connect through story.
Michael also shares essays and reflections on writing, creativity, and life on his Substack, Journeys & Words.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book series.
Firstly, I'll start with my rating, this one is a 4.6 rounded up to a 5. The majority of the book was a 5 star experience and I adored the world buiding, great characters and how ambitious the plot was this time around.
I enjoyed the development of Ale and everything that's been set up in this. It feels very hunger games, divergent and maze runner coded but with its own twists.
I genuinely love how nostalgic it makes me feel to the Sky High movie so thank you for this! I'm living my dreams by reading about a world as fun and exciting as this!
My only issue would be and I'll say this to not spoil anything, I wish it was a little bit more clear what happens to Y and L. Maybe that's meant to be that way and I'm dying to know where all that goes so I will be looking forward to book 3 🫶🏾 truly enjoy this world, thank you!
Firstly, I'll start with my rating, this one is a 4.6 rounded up to a 5. The majority of the book was a 5 star experience and I adored the world buiding, great characters and how ambitious the plot was this time around.
I enjoyed the development of Ale and everything that's been set up in this. It feels very hunger games, divergent and maze runner coded but with its own twists.
I genuinely love how nostalgic it makes me feel to the Sky High movie so thank you for this! I'm living my dreams by reading about a world as fun and exciting as this!
My only issue would be and I'll say this to not spoil anything, I wish it was a little bit more clear what happens to Y and L. Maybe that's meant to be that way and I'm dying to know where all that goes so I will be looking forward to book 3 🫶🏾 truly enjoy this world, thank you!
October 16, 2026
I've followed Michael Solis for years. When Deficient came out, I loved it….a boy the world had written off, in a society that ranks people by their powers, finds out he's more than anyone thought. I couldn't wait to dive into the next one. Feral Rising definitely exceeded any expectations I had for it!!!
Right away you know this isn't going to be a simple victory lap. Alé is "the boy who returned." He came back from the dead and broke the classification system, and now the same people who treated him like dirt want to be close to him. Solis doesn't let that slide. The hardest question in the book comes early, from a journalist: What gives you the right to speak for the Deficiently Accelerated when you're no longer one of them???
I froze right along with Alé, and that question follows him through the whole story and stuck with me long after I finished. It's about belonging, about who gets to speak for whom, and about the bitter feeling of being accepted only after you've changed.
Yalamba is still the heart of this series though, Kazuki….still himself, and Gwen grew into one of the most complicated characters I've read in a long time.
I read the book first and then listened to the audiobook, and the audio made it feel like a completely new book. Michael narrates it himself, and you can hear how much these characters mean to him. When an author gives voice to their own story, it lands differently: Alé's panic, Yalamba's warmth, and the cold, silky menace of the villains all come through.
Even though I knew what was coming, the last chapters hit me harder the second time. If you've only read it, listen to it too.
And that ending……….Dude. I won't spoil anything, but I sat there staring at nothing for a solid minute afterward. Solis spends the whole book building to a reveal that changes how you see everything from the first chapter on, and then he just leaves you hanging. I need Part 3 …….like yesterday.
Michael, if you're reading this: thank you for Alé, for Yals, definitely Landon (😉) and for a story about people the world tried to throw away.
P.S. -Please write faster. 😄
Right away you know this isn't going to be a simple victory lap. Alé is "the boy who returned." He came back from the dead and broke the classification system, and now the same people who treated him like dirt want to be close to him. Solis doesn't let that slide. The hardest question in the book comes early, from a journalist: What gives you the right to speak for the Deficiently Accelerated when you're no longer one of them???
I froze right along with Alé, and that question follows him through the whole story and stuck with me long after I finished. It's about belonging, about who gets to speak for whom, and about the bitter feeling of being accepted only after you've changed.
Yalamba is still the heart of this series though, Kazuki….still himself, and Gwen grew into one of the most complicated characters I've read in a long time.
I read the book first and then listened to the audiobook, and the audio made it feel like a completely new book. Michael narrates it himself, and you can hear how much these characters mean to him. When an author gives voice to their own story, it lands differently: Alé's panic, Yalamba's warmth, and the cold, silky menace of the villains all come through.
Even though I knew what was coming, the last chapters hit me harder the second time. If you've only read it, listen to it too.
And that ending……….Dude. I won't spoil anything, but I sat there staring at nothing for a solid minute afterward. Solis spends the whole book building to a reveal that changes how you see everything from the first chapter on, and then he just leaves you hanging. I need Part 3 …….like yesterday.
Michael, if you're reading this: thank you for Alé, for Yals, definitely Landon (😉) and for a story about people the world tried to throw away.
P.S. -Please write faster. 😄
October 24, 2026
I start by saying how much I really enjoyed this book. Even though I hadn’t read the 1st book in the series, this didn’t impact on my enjoyment at all. I sampled the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed the narration provide by author Michael Solis too. The cadence was a little faster than most books, and I found I prefer this. This enhanced my listening enjoyment, accompanied by engaging intonation, energy and character voice depictions.
Alé Aragón the main protagonist, whilst I wasn’t sure what he stood for at the beginning, comes through as a humble, very kind-hearted character- probably as a result of being determined a Deficient – someone without special abilities.
He was once written off as powerless, but he survived a horrific encounter that should have killed him—and returned changed, maybe even wrong... He is therefore reclassified and thrust into training. Everyone knows who he is and many resent him. This means he and indeed his family may not be safe.
Alé is recruited into a top-secret security training program but he soon learns that his friends and his peers begin losing their memories. Alé is unsure whether he poses a risk to others. He knows he is different, but he cannot trust people to share his most intimate thoughts. He has to act and speak very carefully, but that is difficult when he is put in danger and may be a target. His inner thoughts offer a great insight into his critical thinking and personal development. There is great tension and a real fear of threat and injury. The fantasy element means the story can shift in many directions, keeping you on your toes. Alé is sincere, reflective and cares about others. He doubts himself and captures well the insecurities young people have, as they attempt to fit in and be accepted by their peers. It reads like a YA book, save there was a small depiction of homosexual intimacy, that would IMO exclude it from this. Overall it’s a great adventure, with great pace, world building, character development and a hopeful sense of overcoming adversity. The next instalment should be one readers won’t want to wait too long for.
Alé Aragón the main protagonist, whilst I wasn’t sure what he stood for at the beginning, comes through as a humble, very kind-hearted character- probably as a result of being determined a Deficient – someone without special abilities.
He was once written off as powerless, but he survived a horrific encounter that should have killed him—and returned changed, maybe even wrong... He is therefore reclassified and thrust into training. Everyone knows who he is and many resent him. This means he and indeed his family may not be safe.
Alé is recruited into a top-secret security training program but he soon learns that his friends and his peers begin losing their memories. Alé is unsure whether he poses a risk to others. He knows he is different, but he cannot trust people to share his most intimate thoughts. He has to act and speak very carefully, but that is difficult when he is put in danger and may be a target. His inner thoughts offer a great insight into his critical thinking and personal development. There is great tension and a real fear of threat and injury. The fantasy element means the story can shift in many directions, keeping you on your toes. Alé is sincere, reflective and cares about others. He doubts himself and captures well the insecurities young people have, as they attempt to fit in and be accepted by their peers. It reads like a YA book, save there was a small depiction of homosexual intimacy, that would IMO exclude it from this. Overall it’s a great adventure, with great pace, world building, character development and a hopeful sense of overcoming adversity. The next instalment should be one readers won’t want to wait too long for.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the ARC of this book
Of course I had to request the second part after the first one. And nooooo, why would you end it like that? Now I have to wait for MONTHS before the next book comes out :((
I couldn't help compare this book to the divergent series as a lot of events were very similar to it. Maybe the author took inspiration from it which is perfectly fine. I loved seeing how Ale was growing. There were of course many times where I was screaming at Ale for being so naive and trusting. But at the end of the day, he is just a fifteen year old baby and well, I don't remember trying to fight the evil people when I was fifteen. So yeah, the boy is a better person than I was.
I was sad about lack of Landon in the first half of the book (I like that guy) to the point I feared that author planned to do something terrible... Well, I wouldn't say everything was all flowery stuff. There was angst, adequate level of devastation and sadness and frustration. No emotion that this book evoked felt too much or too less.
Also, loved the narrator. I always wondered if the narrator is able to convey how author want the book to be delivered whenever I listened to an audiobook. Well, since the narrator and the author were the same person this time, I didn't have to wonder about that. I really loved the part where he sang the anthem, which was melodious, unlike how some narrators sing the songs in the book in monotonous voice (almost like they're just reading and not trying to sing).
Warning to people though! This book ends on a sort of cliffhanger! Be prepared to lay in your feelings without the next part in sight, young audience!
Also, for the funsies:
Of course I had to request the second part after the first one. And nooooo, why would you end it like that? Now I have to wait for MONTHS before the next book comes out :((
I couldn't help compare this book to the divergent series as a lot of events were very similar to it. Maybe the author took inspiration from it which is perfectly fine. I loved seeing how Ale was growing. There were of course many times where I was screaming at Ale for being so naive and trusting. But at the end of the day, he is just a fifteen year old baby and well, I don't remember trying to fight the evil people when I was fifteen. So yeah, the boy is a better person than I was.
I was sad about lack of Landon in the first half of the book (I like that guy) to the point I feared that author planned to do something terrible... Well, I wouldn't say everything was all flowery stuff. There was angst, adequate level of devastation and sadness and frustration. No emotion that this book evoked felt too much or too less.
Also, loved the narrator. I always wondered if the narrator is able to convey how author want the book to be delivered whenever I listened to an audiobook. Well, since the narrator and the author were the same person this time, I didn't have to wonder about that. I really loved the part where he sang the anthem, which was melodious, unlike how some narrators sing the songs in the book in monotonous voice (almost like they're just reading and not trying to sing).
Warning to people though! This book ends on a sort of cliffhanger! Be prepared to lay in your feelings without the next part in sight, young audience!
Also, for the funsies:
Review of advance copy received from Author
After recently discovering a late-blooming special power, a teenager begins dangerous training with his academy’s intelligence unit, where nothing is what it seems. I loved the heartwarming themes naturally woven throughout the plot-forward YA sci-fi novel, including discovering one's found family, standing up for what's right no matter the cost, and celebrating each person's unique self and power.
This dystopian sequel held so many twists and turns. While I don't want to give away any important plot points, here are some exciting tidbits: A friend becomes a traitor. Dangerous secrets are kept to protect others. A family splits apart and new alliances emerge. A sweet romance slow-burns forward. The main character changes in ways I never expected, culminating in a shocking cliffhanger that leaves me needing to read the next book in the series.
While the narration brings readers up-to-date quickly, I suggest beginning your journey into this rich universe with DEFICIENT to fully appreciate the characters and their journeys. Trigger Warning: There are several somewhat graphic battle scenes. However, the author does not go into much explicit detail, and their inclusion felt necessary for the plot rather than gratuitous.
This review is based on my reading of an ARC copy. I also listened to a preview of the author expressively narrating the audiobook. This action-packed sci-fi would be an excellent choice while doing chores, exercising, and passing time during long car rides. Which is exactly how I plan to appreciate the third book in the series when it comes out.
This dystopian sequel held so many twists and turns. While I don't want to give away any important plot points, here are some exciting tidbits: A friend becomes a traitor. Dangerous secrets are kept to protect others. A family splits apart and new alliances emerge. A sweet romance slow-burns forward. The main character changes in ways I never expected, culminating in a shocking cliffhanger that leaves me needing to read the next book in the series.
While the narration brings readers up-to-date quickly, I suggest beginning your journey into this rich universe with DEFICIENT to fully appreciate the characters and their journeys. Trigger Warning: There are several somewhat graphic battle scenes. However, the author does not go into much explicit detail, and their inclusion felt necessary for the plot rather than gratuitous.
This review is based on my reading of an ARC copy. I also listened to a preview of the author expressively narrating the audiobook. This action-packed sci-fi would be an excellent choice while doing chores, exercising, and passing time during long car rides. Which is exactly how I plan to appreciate the third book in the series when it comes out.
October 23, 2026
I really enjoyed Feral Rising. This was such a fun mix of YA sci-fi, superpowers, suspense, and some surprisingly dark moments. Alé is the kind of character I immediately wanted to root for, especially as he tries to figure out who he can actually trust while dealing with people who see him as dangerous simply because he is different.
What really worked for me was the way the story uses superpowers to explore discrimination, identity, belonging, and what happens when people in power decide who is valuable and who isn't. As a queer reader, I especially appreciated Alé's story and the way his relationships and feelings were handled without making his sexuality feel like the only thing that defined him.
The mystery surrounding the attacks, the memory loss, and what is really happening behind the scenes kept me guessing. There were several moments where I thought I had things figured out and then the story took me somewhere else. I also loved the found-family elements and the relationships between the characters because they gave the bigger sci-fi story a lot more heart.
This definitely has some darker and more intense moments than I expected, and I liked that. Feral Rising left me wanting to know what happens next, which is always a good sign for me. Definitely recommend this one to readers who enjoy queer YA sci-fi with superpowers, conspiracies, complicated characters, and a story that has something to say underneath all the action.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mintaka Press for the advanced copy.
What really worked for me was the way the story uses superpowers to explore discrimination, identity, belonging, and what happens when people in power decide who is valuable and who isn't. As a queer reader, I especially appreciated Alé's story and the way his relationships and feelings were handled without making his sexuality feel like the only thing that defined him.
The mystery surrounding the attacks, the memory loss, and what is really happening behind the scenes kept me guessing. There were several moments where I thought I had things figured out and then the story took me somewhere else. I also loved the found-family elements and the relationships between the characters because they gave the bigger sci-fi story a lot more heart.
This definitely has some darker and more intense moments than I expected, and I liked that. Feral Rising left me wanting to know what happens next, which is always a good sign for me. Definitely recommend this one to readers who enjoy queer YA sci-fi with superpowers, conspiracies, complicated characters, and a story that has something to say underneath all the action.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mintaka Press for the advanced copy.
October 26, 2026
Some stories are compelling because their heroes must fight to survive, but Feral Rising adds another layer by asking what happens when survival changes how the world sees you. Michael Solis builds an intriguing mix of supernatural suspense, science fiction, and emotional coming of age around Alé Aragón, a young man whose unexpected return transforms him from an overlooked outsider into a symbol of a much larger struggle.
What makes the premise especially engaging is the tension between Alé’s desire to protect the people he loves and the growing fear that he himself may be dangerous. The discrimination surrounding the Deficient rights movement adds meaningful social commentary, while the mysterious memory losses and secret security program promise plenty of suspense.
I also appreciate the personal stakes woven into the larger conflict, particularly Alé’s friendships, his search for belonging, and the possibility of a deeper romantic connection. These elements give the story emotional weight beyond its extraordinary abilities and dangerous mysteries.
For readers who enjoy young adult science fiction and fantasy with complex characters, questions of identity, and a darker edge, Feral Rising offers an intriguing continuation of the Deficient universe.
What makes the premise especially engaging is the tension between Alé’s desire to protect the people he loves and the growing fear that he himself may be dangerous. The discrimination surrounding the Deficient rights movement adds meaningful social commentary, while the mysterious memory losses and secret security program promise plenty of suspense.
I also appreciate the personal stakes woven into the larger conflict, particularly Alé’s friendships, his search for belonging, and the possibility of a deeper romantic connection. These elements give the story emotional weight beyond its extraordinary abilities and dangerous mysteries.
For readers who enjoy young adult science fiction and fantasy with complex characters, questions of identity, and a darker edge, Feral Rising offers an intriguing continuation of the Deficient universe.
November 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I really do enjoy listening to this series with Michael Solis's lovely narration, but the books are definitely a bit flawed.
Spoiler for book one in the series: the enemies to lovers thing drives me INSANE when it's not just like "our families don't like each other" and it is instead "I bullied you and made your life miserable for ten years". I hate it. It romanticises awful behaviour. Anyway, that storyline continues in this book and it was not one that I enjoyed.
I saw the twist coming - that this book is inspired by another famous novel which I enjoyed - but I do think it worked really well here. I'm not sure I enjoyed much by way of character arcs in this book though, for any of the main four, and I think my favourite character was really screwed over.
These books are well-written and I think the author has real talent. I know this review feels very negative in tone but I do think they're good books - it's just that the negatives really stuck with me for this one.
Spoiler for book one in the series: the enemies to lovers thing drives me INSANE when it's not just like "our families don't like each other" and it is instead "I bullied you and made your life miserable for ten years". I hate it. It romanticises awful behaviour. Anyway, that storyline continues in this book and it was not one that I enjoyed.
I saw the twist coming - that this book is inspired by another famous novel which I enjoyed - but I do think it worked really well here. I'm not sure I enjoyed much by way of character arcs in this book though, for any of the main four, and I think my favourite character was really screwed over.
These books are well-written and I think the author has real talent. I know this review feels very negative in tone but I do think they're good books - it's just that the negatives really stuck with me for this one.
Review of advance copy
Alé’s journey from underdog to champion able to face down conspiracies and power games at the highest level in this precarious, super-charged world is compelling and clearly told. The writer navigates the shifting identities and complex plot devices clearly, and the story unfolds nicely. Alé’s lack of confidence holds him back at first. Watching him come into his own is a nicely rewarding. He holds fast to his old friends and his close relationship with his mother even as the world calls upon him to play an ever bigger role, to face ever larger dangers. While adult readers may sometimes be frustrated by Alé’s frequent hesitancies and immaturities, these obstacles are eventually overcome with shattering results for his future. Feral Rising nicely raises the ante from the first book in the series and sets the stage for future adventures
October 8, 2026
Review of both the ARC and ALC from NetGalley.
Feral Rising by Michael Solis is the sequal to Deficient, following the previously "deficient" student come to terms with having found out he does indeed have powers, whilst battling the political and social implications.
Having only recently read Deficient, I was pleasantly surprised to see Feral Rising had been published and jumped at the chance to read the advanced copies. I was fortunate to receive both audio and ebook advanced copies, which enabled me to experience both the written and spoken versions of the novel, as well as read the novel at a convenient time for me. I found the tone of the written and spoken versions to be quite divergent. The written novel told a much darker story with peril and danger, whilst the audiobook (narrated by Benjamin Koenig) had the same issue as Deficient in that the tone of voice was overly childlike and exaggerated, coming across as more of a teenager's issues than the depth of the plot itself showed.
The overall premise was again really interesting and the speed of the narrative was well paced. The story was interesting and the existing character interactions were believable and showed development through the plot - some of the newer characters did seem to be dropped in without clear motives or ideologies.
Overall this was an enjoyable story, however I did prefer the ebook to the audiobook.
Feral Rising by Michael Solis is the sequal to Deficient, following the previously "deficient" student come to terms with having found out he does indeed have powers, whilst battling the political and social implications.
Having only recently read Deficient, I was pleasantly surprised to see Feral Rising had been published and jumped at the chance to read the advanced copies. I was fortunate to receive both audio and ebook advanced copies, which enabled me to experience both the written and spoken versions of the novel, as well as read the novel at a convenient time for me. I found the tone of the written and spoken versions to be quite divergent. The written novel told a much darker story with peril and danger, whilst the audiobook (narrated by Benjamin Koenig) had the same issue as Deficient in that the tone of voice was overly childlike and exaggerated, coming across as more of a teenager's issues than the depth of the plot itself showed.
The overall premise was again really interesting and the speed of the narrative was well paced. The story was interesting and the existing character interactions were believable and showed development through the plot - some of the newer characters did seem to be dropped in without clear motives or ideologies.
Overall this was an enjoyable story, however I did prefer the ebook to the audiobook.
October 17, 2026
I love the direction this series is headed! This series feels so comforting, and the characters have made such a great family to each other. I know there's so much more for Alé to conquer, and I cannot wait to see how he does it in the next books.
I really love Yalamba, but I wish her and Alé didn't immediately make up after everything. It felt a bit weird and out of place. Also, the ending had me so tense! I'm honestly kind of mad that I binged these first two books so fast, because now who knows how long we'll have to wait until we get the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really love Yalamba, but I wish her and Alé didn't immediately make up after everything. It felt a bit weird and out of place. Also, the ending had me so tense! I'm honestly kind of mad that I binged these first two books so fast, because now who knows how long we'll have to wait until we get the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2026
Big thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for granting me an arc of this book!
OMFG. The second installment in the Deficient series is even MORE suspenseful than the previous book. I’m so grateful that i got to read this early on. Truly an experience. This book has blown off my expectations and i cannot fathom how appalled i am after the ending. I’m out of words. This is slowly becoming one of my favorite series, Micheal Solis you’ve outdone yourself. P.S i need the third book like oxygen right now.
OMFG. The second installment in the Deficient series is even MORE suspenseful than the previous book. I’m so grateful that i got to read this early on. Truly an experience. This book has blown off my expectations and i cannot fathom how appalled i am after the ending. I’m out of words. This is slowly becoming one of my favorite series, Micheal Solis you’ve outdone yourself. P.S i need the third book like oxygen right now.
October 21, 2026
Another incredible book by Michael Solis! It’s the kind of book that draws you into its world and makes you want to keep reading to see what happens next. The characters' relationships, self discovery, and super powers are what I particularly love about this book, and the series overall!
This story is filled with suspense, deeper themes of identity, acceptance, and standing up against injustice. I especially enjoyed the spooky aspects of the story, and can't wait to read the rest of the series!
This story is filled with suspense, deeper themes of identity, acceptance, and standing up against injustice. I especially enjoyed the spooky aspects of the story, and can't wait to read the rest of the series!
October 20, 2026
Feral Rising, book 2 in The Deficient series, blew me away. From the moment I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I loved the world building in this book. It brings the characters we know from book 1 outside of Achewon Academy, where they face new challenges and discover they have been misinformed about the world outside their prefecture. Book 3 can't come soon enough!
July 17, 2026
Deficient (book 1) was an incredible, queer YA take on a murder mystery, but Feral Rising is a mind-blowing adventure and another genre-bending beast entirely. Book 2 finds Alé facing newfound fame and scrutiny after having come back from death at the end of book 1 through a newly manifested and previously unheard of power, making him the titular "Feral." Some admire him; some see him as a threat to their civilization. But the author doesn't give this formerly powerless(?) teenager much time to adjust to his new normal. [Spoilers ahead for book 2!]
A matter of pages into the book, there is a gruesome attack on his school that mirrors the fear of school shootings in the modern United States of Dystopia we live in. Alé is then recruited into a secret governmental force that trains in a simulator that feels entirely too real for comfort. He discovers a friend might be a foe (or at least complicit in the evils he faces). He finds and quickly loses a kind mentor. He can't stop thinking about kissing his former bully with super strength. His parents part ways. Oh, and there is a possibility that there's a monster lurking beneath his skin that no one else sees (a brilliant metaphor for internalized homophobia). That Solís is able to weave all of these threads together into one compelling page-turner is impressive. But he also does so with such affection for his characters and an irrepressible humor, even as he places them squarely in the crosshairs. Get ready for a nail-biting cliffhanger at the end of this volume as Alé faces his biggest challenge yet: Who is he really?
Received ARC from the author
A matter of pages into the book, there is a gruesome attack on his school that mirrors the fear of school shootings in the modern United States of Dystopia we live in. Alé is then recruited into a secret governmental force that trains in a simulator that feels entirely too real for comfort. He discovers a friend might be a foe (or at least complicit in the evils he faces). He finds and quickly loses a kind mentor. He can't stop thinking about kissing his former bully with super strength. His parents part ways. Oh, and there is a possibility that there's a monster lurking beneath his skin that no one else sees (a brilliant metaphor for internalized homophobia). That Solís is able to weave all of these threads together into one compelling page-turner is impressive. But he also does so with such affection for his characters and an irrepressible humor, even as he places them squarely in the crosshairs. Get ready for a nail-biting cliffhanger at the end of this volume as Alé faces his biggest challenge yet: Who is he really?
Received ARC from the author
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