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Stratification
In 2023, with global conflict escalating, a paranoid billionaire develops a force field designed to provide safety to those shielded beneath. Five hundred years later, the society under the shield is very different. Gods rule with an iron fist and the lives of everyone else revolves around serving their interests or reproducing the dwindling population.
But the balance of power is about to shift.
Now eighteen, Grady Pryndot sets out on the travels that mark her coming of age. Her mother has never told her the truth about her father. Her teacher has never told her the truth about her legacy. Grady is about to challenge the world order because Grady is not who she thinks she is.
But the balance of power is about to shift.
Now eighteen, Grady Pryndot sets out on the travels that mark her coming of age. Her mother has never told her the truth about her father. Her teacher has never told her the truth about her legacy. Grady is about to challenge the world order because Grady is not who she thinks she is.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
2 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Ilsa Evans
17 books64 followersIlsa Evans is an Australian author. She has written across several genres from light fiction (such as the books that make up the 'laundry series') to more gritty social realism. Two of her books, Broken and Sticks and Stones stem from the findings of a PhD on the long-term effects of family violence that Ilsa completed in 2005. Ilsa teaches creative writing and carries out public speaking when she is not writing. She lives in the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne with her children, assorted pets and several uninvited possums.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 28, 2018
3.5 ⭐️
March 20, 2018
A wonderfully imaginative and compelling book! I could not put it down untill I finished it as there was always something around the corner that I simply had to know! The character development is beautiful and well thought out with many characters that you just love to hate and hate to love! I also really enjoyed the quick witted humor that I find alot of novels can miss out on, particularly in a fantasy type setting. I can’t recommend it enough!
August 25, 2024
I think this book was good. It's set in the future, when the only thing left of humanity in under a dome. I liked this book because it had stuff like gods and demigods in the book which I like. When I first read it I didn't understand the need for the explanation of why they were under the bubble, but then I realized that it was actually important to the storyline. I like how in this book there was a lot of secrets to reveal and mysteries to be solved. I think it was a pretty good book
March 14, 2018
A great read! Protagonist Grady is brave, strong and funny, and the cast of side characters (Koel and my favourite, Dex) are just brilliant. With strong world-building, this is a tightly-written, engrossing and intelligent novel about family and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
December 31, 2018
In 2023, power dynamics have changed after most of society is destroyed. Only one area of civilisation remains beneath a force field, with the 'Gods' and the 'Haven' in control. That is until Grady Pryndot turns eighteen and sets out to travel, learning more about her father, her world, and herself.
"Every system is flawed. The question is whether it works.'
Koel shook his head. 'Works for whom?'
'For everyone. Some better than others, granted. But it works" (199).
Evans has crafted this incredible critique of control, religion, classism and the impact that our actions have on our bodies and environment. Within the dystopian novel she draws upon different elements of Marxism and offers ideas for society that may enable a stronger and more equal future.
The storyline is interesting and the history as well. I would loved to have been able to see more, even charts with families and lineage that could play a part alongside the novel's opening map. Further, Grady shows her resilience and ferocity, which is always a benefit for young women readers.
I think that this novel would make a great film or TV adaptation in particular, as it provides scope an opportunity for development with the characters themselves. This however, aligns with the difficulty I had in remembering which characters were which. And the worry about trope like features throughout the novel. I struggled with a fair few elements whilst reading.
However in saying that. I think it's a really good piece of young adult dystopian fiction. It has its own ability to educate the masses and provide further areas for thought about the future of our planet. I look forward to reading more.
"Every system is flawed. The question is whether it works.'
Koel shook his head. 'Works for whom?'
'For everyone. Some better than others, granted. But it works" (199).
Evans has crafted this incredible critique of control, religion, classism and the impact that our actions have on our bodies and environment. Within the dystopian novel she draws upon different elements of Marxism and offers ideas for society that may enable a stronger and more equal future.
The storyline is interesting and the history as well. I would loved to have been able to see more, even charts with families and lineage that could play a part alongside the novel's opening map. Further, Grady shows her resilience and ferocity, which is always a benefit for young women readers.
I think that this novel would make a great film or TV adaptation in particular, as it provides scope an opportunity for development with the characters themselves. This however, aligns with the difficulty I had in remembering which characters were which. And the worry about trope like features throughout the novel. I struggled with a fair few elements whilst reading.
However in saying that. I think it's a really good piece of young adult dystopian fiction. It has its own ability to educate the masses and provide further areas for thought about the future of our planet. I look forward to reading more.
October 22, 2018
First few chapters was information over load. Felt like I need to get a family chart going on to grasp the character’s name and context. Their conversation were obscure and not in a leave you wanting to know what happened kind of thing but more like what the hell are they talking about.
The book and the writing grew throughout the book and grew a lot better to the point of needing to read everything with the desire to find out what happens.
Our main character Grady, is brave, logical, fierce and funny and in comparison to the other characters she stole the show, ate the peanuts and freed the animals. Unfortunately Grady’s brilliance did distract me from the other characters and I found them dull in comparison. Though I did enjoy their banter and quick wit throughout the book, some authors can’t grasp wit when it comes to characters but Evans nailed it.
The writing was great, very imaginative and compelling and Evans used great descriptive terms to intensify the world building, setting in stone in your memory.
Overall, if you push through the un-captivating start the remainder of the book is rather enjoyable.
The book and the writing grew throughout the book and grew a lot better to the point of needing to read everything with the desire to find out what happens.
Our main character Grady, is brave, logical, fierce and funny and in comparison to the other characters she stole the show, ate the peanuts and freed the animals. Unfortunately Grady’s brilliance did distract me from the other characters and I found them dull in comparison. Though I did enjoy their banter and quick wit throughout the book, some authors can’t grasp wit when it comes to characters but Evans nailed it.
The writing was great, very imaginative and compelling and Evans used great descriptive terms to intensify the world building, setting in stone in your memory.
Overall, if you push through the un-captivating start the remainder of the book is rather enjoyable.
January 13, 2019
I picked this book up on a whim and honestly I'm glad that I did! While some parts of the story were a little confusing (probably because I didn't have to time to read it and forgot about what happened), I still enjoyed it quite a lot. The world building was extremely interesting and very unique which I liked.
July 31, 2019
I wasnt expecting much from this one, however I was pleasantly surprised! There will clearly be a sequel judging from the ending and I cant wait to read it!
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February 4, 2019This book is an entry in the 2018 Aurealis Awards, for which I am a judge. Any review will be withheld until the results of the awards are announced.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews