This was an instragram recommended book, so I had no idea what to expect as I began to read. However, within a few pages I was mesmerized and literally couldn't put it down. Based in a dystopian future, Beyond the Third End, is set in a world of dust and poverty, where life is cheap, short and brutish. Is this a version of Earth in the future? It's never made entirely clear if this is Earth or not, but, as the book is only the first in a trilogy, that question may well be answered in due course.
The story's main character is Siri. She and her young, dependent brother Mo, are travelling north. Not really knowing why, only knowing something is pulling them in that direction, and that their father, before he died, told them that was the way they must go. In their travels, they come across brash show-off Kyr, whom at first Siri doesn't trust, yet she accepts the logic of them continuing their quest together. However, when Kyr saves both of them in a dangerous situation and more than proves his worth, Siri begins to think there might be more to him than she at first thought. The tale really gets interesting though, when they meet a tribe of nomads, all also travelling north, and the three have to learn how to abide by tribe customs and law, how to get along with many other characters and to think as a team, rather than just for themselves.
I think this books main strength is its characters, with just a few simple sentences, the author cleverly gives each one depth, making them three dimensional people, with warts and all personalities. No one is perfect. Not even the main character, Siri. Her lack of trust in those around her could be an essential tool for survival in the grim world she inhabits, but, equally, could lead to alienation from those she relies on.
The books abrupt end, literally on a cliffhanger (thanks Ms Boyd) has meant I have book two all ready to read, and I look forward immensely to continue on Siri's quest.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended.