I'm a little conflicted about my review for this book. I saw it in Galway before the author came for a reading and signing, and though I couldn't make it to the reading, I got a signed copy. And signed copies are always better. :)
Also she is sixteen. SIX-TEEN.
There is nothing I could have written at sixteen of my own creation that was like this. She is only going to get better and better at writing, and that is going to be an interesting read itself!
Also, the premise of this book is uh-maaaaaz-ing. I really wanted to find out about oasis of Oasis, the gene virus, the Celian Towers... and the cover is just to die for.
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON
But. The largest middle of the book tired me out. It was just a lot of characters talking to each other and walking in and out of a house. The girl, Quincy, at least acknowledged that there was absolutely no reason for characters to do anything she said, but then they did anyway. WHY?
Also, she reminded me too much of Katniss. Not because I think she's a copy, but because she has this terrible, self-centred, negative attitude the whole time. I was actually delighted when she chose her own freedom over the life of Random Girl called Beatrice, and that she wasn't immediately conflicted. New theme! But, then she got conflicted. And had to save a little sister. Zzz. And I just always end up hating these self-centred girl protagonists. They get everything they want and yet they do nothing but be negative and complain.
Kole was also pretty one dimensional. Or maybe two dimensional. He kind of swung between being two different characters, and I didn't really care about him.
Clarke, Lacey and Jay I LIKED. They had potential. They are tropes, but I like tropes. I don't know why we had the red herring of Clarke being dangerous, but maybe it will come into play in the future. Lacey was lovely, and I really enjoyed her brief reappearance in the kitchen despite the fact that she was dead (yo, editors!!!). Jay is also terribly interesting. I want to know what's going on there, Mr Knife-smile.
Now, I'm finished criticising this brave teenage author, and I don't do it out of meanness. I want to know what happens next. :D
Because the end was good. It was short, and there was more running around than necessary, and it was rushed more than I wanted it to be, but it was GOOD.
The author has a talent for reconnecting little dropped breadcrumbs in the book, like Bea's cancer, later on in the novel. Things I would have missed or forgotten if I had given up on that tiresome middle section.
There was very little about the actual Celian City in this book, despite the jacket and summary promises. However, now I look forward to finding out more about it, since Quincy is going to be there for a little while! Where did celian come from? Is it related to the virus and the cure? What are the differences between the Celian City and the Inner Circle? I want to know what life is like there.
The virus and the secretly developed Cure were interesting, and I liked that it wasn't shrouded in mystery. It was just a thing. I would love to learn more about life before Oasis, with the virus, and what it did to people. Does everyone really have the cure? Or is there a chance it could come back?
Who are Genesis?
How did they hack the computer in Quincy's workplace?
Why are there leftover houses outside the walls?
What country are we even in?
Will someone please draw a map of this world, and some art of the Celian City!!!!
I actually do look forward to the next book, and best of luck with ALL your writing, Eilís!