What do you think?
Rate this book
Outliers
Everybody knows that Earth is an uninhabitable wasteland. The last of humanity has lived on Mozaan--a healthy, domed chunk of land suspended above Earth--for almost two hundred years. Renee thought life on Mozaan was good. It had been, until the night they came.
Renee and her friends each have a strange ability--which they hadn't hid well enough to save them from the Takers. When Renee's life and family are destroyed, she and her friends must live in hiding if they want to survive. But, can they hide forever? The Takers are coming, and Renee is about to discover new, jarring truths about Mozaan, Earth, and herself.
Renee and her friends each have a strange ability--which they hadn't hid well enough to save them from the Takers. When Renee's life and family are destroyed, she and her friends must live in hiding if they want to survive. But, can they hide forever? The Takers are coming, and Renee is about to discover new, jarring truths about Mozaan, Earth, and herself.
- GenresDystopia
318 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2018
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Pearce
3 books16 followersS.M. Pearce is the author of queerplatonic NA dark fantasy, Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty, and 2018 YA dystopian novel, Outliers.
S.M. is also a history student at the University of Toronto, and lives in Ontario, Canada with her family.
S.M. is also a history student at the University of Toronto, and lives in Ontario, Canada with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 28, 2019
A young adult, dystopian novel, I was keen to give this first of a trilogy a go. Yet, despite the basic storyline being intriguing, I felt that the author was seriously lacking in depth, that would have given a lot more length to this 300-page read.
The plot twists reminded me a bit of ‘X-Men’ as it is revealed that central characters have special powers, such as making fire and mind-reading. Living on an “alternate planet”, above Earth, after all of our resources have been exhausted, was a pretty cool idea. The writer adds more futuristic elements such as how the government are controlling society and the advances in technology. This was an example of where there could have been added detail because I feel that the author glossed over this futuristic setting; there was so much scope for added detail and I feel that this would have made the story even more interesting.
This lacking detail was recurrent throughout the novel. When new ideas or settings were presented, I feel the plot could have benefited from further development. Yes, this would have seriously extended the story, but I think it would have showcased the writer’s creative talents and made the story far more exciting. Instead, the plot feels “safe” and unwilling to take risks with going off tangent or even adding a flashback or two. This is the first of a trilogy, so I hope the author adds more information about plot developments to encourage further creative ideas.
All being said, I did enjoy this read, despite what it lacked in the narrative. The characters were all varied and it was sweet to see different relationships develop. The “average” nature of the plot left me feeling underwhelmed, so I really hope that ideas are extended in the next book. A promising start, but I consider that the writer still has a lot more to offer.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The plot twists reminded me a bit of ‘X-Men’ as it is revealed that central characters have special powers, such as making fire and mind-reading. Living on an “alternate planet”, above Earth, after all of our resources have been exhausted, was a pretty cool idea. The writer adds more futuristic elements such as how the government are controlling society and the advances in technology. This was an example of where there could have been added detail because I feel that the author glossed over this futuristic setting; there was so much scope for added detail and I feel that this would have made the story even more interesting.
This lacking detail was recurrent throughout the novel. When new ideas or settings were presented, I feel the plot could have benefited from further development. Yes, this would have seriously extended the story, but I think it would have showcased the writer’s creative talents and made the story far more exciting. Instead, the plot feels “safe” and unwilling to take risks with going off tangent or even adding a flashback or two. This is the first of a trilogy, so I hope the author adds more information about plot developments to encourage further creative ideas.
All being said, I did enjoy this read, despite what it lacked in the narrative. The characters were all varied and it was sweet to see different relationships develop. The “average” nature of the plot left me feeling underwhelmed, so I really hope that ideas are extended in the next book. A promising start, but I consider that the writer still has a lot more to offer.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2020
I’d like to thank the author for allowing me to read a e-copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
"The Powers didn’t feel so out of control anymore. Now I just had to worry about the battle that might very well kill us all.”
I felt like this book was a good start to a new series, especially being the author’s debut novel. If you’re a fan of the YA Dystopian genre, and if you enjoy “founding families”, then you might very much enjoy this book! I also love when books have chapter titles so that was another plus!
When books are action packed in the first chapter, it immediately sucks me in and that’s exactly how this book started. Renee and her family are attacked and then the journey begins.
I felt like Renee was a very likeable MC, but she did frustrate me at time. There were a few times where Renee seemed like she was giving up or feeling sorry for herself, and I wanted to shake her. Sure, that’s something we all go through but every time she proved herself capable, she’d seem to act like a “damsel in distress” shortly after. She definitely had the potential to be a very bad ass heroine and I’m hoping the author is building up to that. There were also quite a few repetitive descriptions here and there that I felt could’ve been left out.
Overall the plot was great and I enjoyed the characters and their relationships/friendships. Although I didn’t deeply connect with any of them, I found them all likeable and interesting. I also loved the telepathic conversations in the book!
I think it was a awesome debut novel and I’m excited to see what the author does next.
3.5/5 🌟's
"The Powers didn’t feel so out of control anymore. Now I just had to worry about the battle that might very well kill us all.”
I felt like this book was a good start to a new series, especially being the author’s debut novel. If you’re a fan of the YA Dystopian genre, and if you enjoy “founding families”, then you might very much enjoy this book! I also love when books have chapter titles so that was another plus!
When books are action packed in the first chapter, it immediately sucks me in and that’s exactly how this book started. Renee and her family are attacked and then the journey begins.
I felt like Renee was a very likeable MC, but she did frustrate me at time. There were a few times where Renee seemed like she was giving up or feeling sorry for herself, and I wanted to shake her. Sure, that’s something we all go through but every time she proved herself capable, she’d seem to act like a “damsel in distress” shortly after. She definitely had the potential to be a very bad ass heroine and I’m hoping the author is building up to that. There were also quite a few repetitive descriptions here and there that I felt could’ve been left out.
Overall the plot was great and I enjoyed the characters and their relationships/friendships. Although I didn’t deeply connect with any of them, I found them all likeable and interesting. I also loved the telepathic conversations in the book!
I think it was a awesome debut novel and I’m excited to see what the author does next.
3.5/5 🌟's
March 9, 2019
First, I'd like to thank the author S.M. Pearce for reaching out and sending me an ebook copy of "Outliers" in exchange for an honest review. I'd also like to thank her for being so patient as it's taken MONTHS for me to post this. I've since bought my own paperback copy, and am so happy I did, the cover is gorgeous!
3.5/5 🌟
I love when stories begin with an action scene, so naturally I was hooked from the beginning when Renee and her family are attacked by Takers! The story follows an exciting journey as Renee and her friends try to piece together what is happening on Mozaan that had me turning the page for more answers.
Pearce has a great talent for visuals! I could picture myself running alongside the characters for each step, especially during action scenes. I definitely think that those are the greatest strength of this book.
Unfortunately, I didn't see that within the characters themselves. Their personalities weren't as strong as I think they could have been, and a lot of the conversation/connection between them seemed forced. I also couldn't visualize the characters as well as I would have liked.
The main character, Renee, was particularly inconsistent and kind of annoyed me. At some points she was a strong leader, while in other parts she was naïve and needed to be coddled. Just when I thought her character might have shown some growth, she receded back to being a weak character. I hope to see her character develop more in the next book!
There were some other minor inconsistencies throughout the book, and some scenes/characters that didn't seem to serve the plot so much as filling the space between major events. Personally, I could have done without the fluff and filler in those areas (especially toward the beginning).
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and think the trilogy has great potential with some more character development. I cannot wait to see where these characters end up in the next book, and will definitely be purchasing a copy when it is released!
3.5/5 🌟
I love when stories begin with an action scene, so naturally I was hooked from the beginning when Renee and her family are attacked by Takers! The story follows an exciting journey as Renee and her friends try to piece together what is happening on Mozaan that had me turning the page for more answers.
Pearce has a great talent for visuals! I could picture myself running alongside the characters for each step, especially during action scenes. I definitely think that those are the greatest strength of this book.
Unfortunately, I didn't see that within the characters themselves. Their personalities weren't as strong as I think they could have been, and a lot of the conversation/connection between them seemed forced. I also couldn't visualize the characters as well as I would have liked.
The main character, Renee, was particularly inconsistent and kind of annoyed me. At some points she was a strong leader, while in other parts she was naïve and needed to be coddled. Just when I thought her character might have shown some growth, she receded back to being a weak character. I hope to see her character develop more in the next book!
There were some other minor inconsistencies throughout the book, and some scenes/characters that didn't seem to serve the plot so much as filling the space between major events. Personally, I could have done without the fluff and filler in those areas (especially toward the beginning).
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and think the trilogy has great potential with some more character development. I cannot wait to see where these characters end up in the next book, and will definitely be purchasing a copy when it is released!
September 7, 2018
Great Sci-Fi!! Author had my attention from the very first chapter. I will be buying the other two when they come out!!
September 13, 2018
This New Teen Dystopian Sci-Fi Is A Winner 🏆👍🌍
Renee is around 15-ish on the day she's eating in her garden with her brother Damion, Bestfriend Xavier & female bestie Ariana as well as her parents & Xavier's Mum. Suddenly black clad operators are making their way into their home,garden & it's terrifying! Her Dad hands a cube to her big brother & tells him to get them all out of there. The parents then turn to face the black clad operators to try & slow them down. Ariana then Xavier get pushed through the teleportation device that the cube turned into. Renee turns to check on her parents & sees them being violently taken down & cuffed with green glowing cuffs but more are within feet of grabbing her & Damion, he says sorry and pushes her through too then stamps on it to save them! It's the last they all see of them!😭😞
With their lives blown apart they need to try & think fast.💥 Xavier takes point & gets them to his Aunts house. They're safe for a while & go back to school but in a much poorer district! Things are ticking along but they're all still grief stricken. They soon have to run again & it becomes very clear they're 'Wanted' because they've all developed Gifts!😳 Renee can read people's minds, Xavier can create fire & Ariana has a blue force-field😎🔥👤
Once they've successfully escaped & have food and shelter sorted they decide they'll start warning others like them that the 'Taker's' are out there & want them all dead so they must not show or discuss their gifts with anyone!! This is their lives for a couple of years until they try to help the wrong person and get captured!!😱😢 What happens next is even more shocking than all that's gone before 😉👍
This was an enjoyable read. I liked the teens, they made a good unit & their friendship was solid & forged in fire! 💕 The events after their capture were really good. I like where this series is going!!
Debbie, 1970, UK
Renee is around 15-ish on the day she's eating in her garden with her brother Damion, Bestfriend Xavier & female bestie Ariana as well as her parents & Xavier's Mum. Suddenly black clad operators are making their way into their home,garden & it's terrifying! Her Dad hands a cube to her big brother & tells him to get them all out of there. The parents then turn to face the black clad operators to try & slow them down. Ariana then Xavier get pushed through the teleportation device that the cube turned into. Renee turns to check on her parents & sees them being violently taken down & cuffed with green glowing cuffs but more are within feet of grabbing her & Damion, he says sorry and pushes her through too then stamps on it to save them! It's the last they all see of them!😭😞
With their lives blown apart they need to try & think fast.💥 Xavier takes point & gets them to his Aunts house. They're safe for a while & go back to school but in a much poorer district! Things are ticking along but they're all still grief stricken. They soon have to run again & it becomes very clear they're 'Wanted' because they've all developed Gifts!😳 Renee can read people's minds, Xavier can create fire & Ariana has a blue force-field😎🔥👤
Once they've successfully escaped & have food and shelter sorted they decide they'll start warning others like them that the 'Taker's' are out there & want them all dead so they must not show or discuss their gifts with anyone!! This is their lives for a couple of years until they try to help the wrong person and get captured!!😱😢 What happens next is even more shocking than all that's gone before 😉👍
This was an enjoyable read. I liked the teens, they made a good unit & their friendship was solid & forged in fire! 💕 The events after their capture were really good. I like where this series is going!!
Debbie, 1970, UK
July 22, 2020
Author sent me an e-copy of their book in exchange of an honest review.
This book is about three young individuals with exceptional supernatural abilities, and they are being hunted by the government Mozaan. Renee has telepathical abilities, Ariana can create a force field and Xavier can bend fire.
It starts with an action scene and hooks you up instantly. That's a big plus as an opener. From Renee's first person narration we get information about the system they're living in. I am not going to talk about it to avoid adding spoilers to the review, but honestly I expected much more from the worldbuilding, and it was lacking. We had enough details to keep the story going on, but it could be much, much better.
Also first half of the book had pacing issues, and sentences were mostly short. It felt like I am reading middle grade book and not YA. Sure, characters were 15 but I am sure Renee was intelligent enough to form more complex sentences.
The characters and dynamics between them were bland. I have no idea about Xavier for example, except his fire bending ability or nightmares. Ariana has shown the most personality. Damion is a leader and can heal people. Renee is just your usual sarcastic YA heroine. That's it.
Characters used the word "stuff" a lot. That annoyed me. One page had that word four times.
Second half of the book is much much better. A specific event which is related to the truths Mozaan hides happens and things get more interesting. I still don't understand why Mozaan keeps Outliers alive though. Not sure if that's a plothole or not.
The book/series(?) definitely has potential but it needs a good editor, and more fleshed out characters as well as worldbuilding. I thank S.M. Pierce for providing me an e-ARC of their book.
This book is about three young individuals with exceptional supernatural abilities, and they are being hunted by the government Mozaan. Renee has telepathical abilities, Ariana can create a force field and Xavier can bend fire.
It starts with an action scene and hooks you up instantly. That's a big plus as an opener. From Renee's first person narration we get information about the system they're living in. I am not going to talk about it to avoid adding spoilers to the review, but honestly I expected much more from the worldbuilding, and it was lacking. We had enough details to keep the story going on, but it could be much, much better.
Also first half of the book had pacing issues, and sentences were mostly short. It felt like I am reading middle grade book and not YA. Sure, characters were 15 but I am sure Renee was intelligent enough to form more complex sentences.
The characters and dynamics between them were bland. I have no idea about Xavier for example, except his fire bending ability or nightmares. Ariana has shown the most personality. Damion is a leader and can heal people. Renee is just your usual sarcastic YA heroine. That's it.
Characters used the word "stuff" a lot. That annoyed me. One page had that word four times.
Second half of the book is much much better. A specific event which is related to the truths Mozaan hides happens and things get more interesting. I still don't understand why Mozaan keeps Outliers alive though. Not sure if that's a plothole or not.
The book/series(?) definitely has potential but it needs a good editor, and more fleshed out characters as well as worldbuilding. I thank S.M. Pierce for providing me an e-ARC of their book.
August 3, 2020
Thank you to the author for letting me read a copy and I loved it! I don’t usually read dystopian novels because it’s “been there done that” story line but not in this one! It takes place in a world above Earth because Earth is uninhabitable and everyone on this new world are genetically designed. Turns out though that some of these people have developed powers/abilities that are unintended. and big shocker..(not really) the government fears them. The book starts off immediately with action and keeps it coming so the story doesn’t get too conservational. The characters (Renee, Xavier, Ariana and Damion) are realistic in their behaviors, worries and actions. Romance is not the focus of this story either, it’s survival and acceptance of self. There’s death, action, hard choices, emotional distress and overcoming obstacles. The powers, world and technology are unique in that it brings into the light all the potential issues of messing with genetics and what could happen when ethical and good choices are not made or brought up. It does not end with a cliff hanger but leaves room for a sequel! I look forward to the next book!
August 15, 2020
I'd like to thank the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Outliers is a YA Dystopian book that starts off fast paced and hooks you instantly! The last of humanity lives on a healthy chunk of land suspended above the wasteland that was once Earth, called Mozaan. After years on the run, Renee and her friends are captured and eventually cast down to Earth, where they discover a group of others with special abilities living at the Base. Together they must stop the Takers from destroying the life they have built.
I thought the character development could have been deeper, but the story line is fantastic. It's a Dystopian without being super predictable or overdone! It feels a bit slow in the middle but picks up again quickly and doesn't stop. The chapters have titles, which I love! I like that while the romance doesn't have a whole lot of lead up, it feels natural and made me feel personally invested.
I am excited to read more from S. M. Pearce and to see where this story goes in the future!
Outliers is a YA Dystopian book that starts off fast paced and hooks you instantly! The last of humanity lives on a healthy chunk of land suspended above the wasteland that was once Earth, called Mozaan. After years on the run, Renee and her friends are captured and eventually cast down to Earth, where they discover a group of others with special abilities living at the Base. Together they must stop the Takers from destroying the life they have built.
I thought the character development could have been deeper, but the story line is fantastic. It's a Dystopian without being super predictable or overdone! It feels a bit slow in the middle but picks up again quickly and doesn't stop. The chapters have titles, which I love! I like that while the romance doesn't have a whole lot of lead up, it feels natural and made me feel personally invested.
I am excited to read more from S. M. Pearce and to see where this story goes in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2018
Awesome book! I don't usually even write reviews, but i LOVED this story! It was so interesting I couldn't put it down until the end!! I connected with the characters so much, especially Ariana, and i really felt like I was there in the book! Couldn't recommend it more!
August 26, 2018
Great story. Very descriptive and creative. All the small details included make the story so real! Highly recommend this book! Can’t wait to see what book #2 has to offer!!
November 12, 2018
Renee and her family live on Mozaan, a large island floating over a now uninhabitable Earth. Some people, including Renee and her friends, have developed special powers. Those with these abilities, the outliers, have to keep them hidden or else a segment of the military known as the Takers will imprison them.
When a team of Takers storms Renee’s house, she and two friends narrowly escape while her brother and parents get captured. The trio of teens attempt to keep their powers hidden and survive the best they can, but eventually, Takers catch up with them. They are discarded and thrown (literally) off the island. Miraculously surviving the fall, Renee realizes that Earth’s surface isn’t what she expected, she isn’t the only survivor, and her life is still in danger.
Since the author is a teen, I tempered my expectation—particularly because this is her first novel. However, I was blown away by how excellent this book is! The plot is engaging and immediately pulled me in, the settings are interesting and beautifully described, the characters are dynamic and grow through the story, and the pacing is perfect with plenty of action and emotion. Also, the author doesn’t shy away from dark and complex themes, crafting a mature and entertaining story.
Only one little detail bothered me. When their parents were taken, the teens assumed their moms and dads had died. Since there was the chance the parents were still alive, I was shocked that the main characters simply assumed their loved ones were dead and never tried searching for them. Everything is addressed by the end of the book, but it bugged me.
Although this book is the first of a planned trilogy, there’s a satisfying amount of resolution at the end and a hook for the next couple books. I hope the author keeps working on the series because I’m definitely going to read book two!
Anyone who enjoys young adult dystopian, sci-fi, or fantasy will love this novel. S.M. Pearce already shows a ton of talent, and I’m looking forward to following her writing career.
When a team of Takers storms Renee’s house, she and two friends narrowly escape while her brother and parents get captured. The trio of teens attempt to keep their powers hidden and survive the best they can, but eventually, Takers catch up with them. They are discarded and thrown (literally) off the island. Miraculously surviving the fall, Renee realizes that Earth’s surface isn’t what she expected, she isn’t the only survivor, and her life is still in danger.
Since the author is a teen, I tempered my expectation—particularly because this is her first novel. However, I was blown away by how excellent this book is! The plot is engaging and immediately pulled me in, the settings are interesting and beautifully described, the characters are dynamic and grow through the story, and the pacing is perfect with plenty of action and emotion. Also, the author doesn’t shy away from dark and complex themes, crafting a mature and entertaining story.
Only one little detail bothered me. When their parents were taken, the teens assumed their moms and dads had died. Since there was the chance the parents were still alive, I was shocked that the main characters simply assumed their loved ones were dead and never tried searching for them. Everything is addressed by the end of the book, but it bugged me.
Although this book is the first of a planned trilogy, there’s a satisfying amount of resolution at the end and a hook for the next couple books. I hope the author keeps working on the series because I’m definitely going to read book two!
Anyone who enjoys young adult dystopian, sci-fi, or fantasy will love this novel. S.M. Pearce already shows a ton of talent, and I’m looking forward to following her writing career.
October 28, 2018
First off - the writing is refreshing. Within the first chapter and scene, it felt like it could have been my family with the dialogue and interactions between the characters (who hasn’t kicked or annoyed their sibling under the table?). Secondly, I feel like the plot was a realistic version of science fiction/fantasy. Sometimes you read these books where all of a sudden, a 15 year old has mountains of powers and can do all of the things and are blowing up worlds. These kids were kids and their reaction, especially in the beginning when they found themselves in the alley were, I felt, spot on (I tend to judge a book by the first reactions of major events, thankfully this one passed!!) Like I said - this was such a refreshing read. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I will leave this here... if you want a great read that is fresh, relatable and instantly hooking... stop looking and read this book. I am very excited to see what this author has coming next! PS can I also say that I’m happy the main characters have normal names that I can actually pronounce without assistance? lol
September 25, 2018
Absolutely enjoyable. I can't wait for more books from this author.
August 1, 2020
A brilliant read for anyone who is a fan of sci-fi and dystopian fiction!
June 1, 2024
Really enjoyed this book and hope to read more set in this world.
April 18, 2025
It was amazing, I love dystopian books and this is one of my top five! Plus, they have superpowers, so make it top 3!
___STATUS UPDATE__
I GOT A SIGNED OUTLIERS BOOK AND SOME MERCH SENT TO ME FROM S.M. PEARCE!!!! AHHH!
___STATUS UPDATE__
I GOT A SIGNED OUTLIERS BOOK AND SOME MERCH SENT TO ME FROM S.M. PEARCE!!!! AHHH!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews