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The Weather Wars
Shrinking Sinking Land
One week before the Global Mandatory Hibernation and Flea Wheeler will do anything to avoid a long winter underground. A claustrophobic climate refugee who has been living rough on the flooded streets of Manchester, Flea dreads the day she’ll be forced into shelter so a geoengineering experiment can attempt to reverse the chaotic effects of global warming. Armed with nothing but her stolen umbrella, Flea is on a mission to stay on the surface and somehow survive the extreme weather.
It turns out she’s not the only one. While on the run from the curfew police, Flea falls in with loudmouth vlogger Dylan Moon who believes aliens are controlling the storms and planning a planetary takeover. At first, Flea takes Dil for a conspiracy nut. But after witnessing a series of inexplicable weather events, she realizes there may be some truth to his crazy theories. Is there a dark secret behind the looming climate experiment? Flea has one week left to evade the hibernation order and decide what she truly believes.
It turns out she’s not the only one. While on the run from the curfew police, Flea falls in with loudmouth vlogger Dylan Moon who believes aliens are controlling the storms and planning a planetary takeover. At first, Flea takes Dil for a conspiracy nut. But after witnessing a series of inexplicable weather events, she realizes there may be some truth to his crazy theories. Is there a dark secret behind the looming climate experiment? Flea has one week left to evade the hibernation order and decide what she truly believes.
- GenresClimate Change Fiction
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2018
2 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Kell Cowley
8 books76 followersAuthor Kell Cowley wrote and illustrated her first novel age eight, telling the story of a runaway radish escaping from a salad bowl to explore the far reaches of the garden. She has been perplexing her friends and family with her weird stories ever since. She holds a BA in Performance Writing from the wildly experimental Dartington College of Arts, won a novelist’s apprenticeship with the Adventures in Fiction development scheme and is the co-founder of 'Odd Voice Out' press. When she occasionally closes her laptop or latest reading obsession to spend time in the real world, she will likely be found shambolically running a school library, attempting to act in local plays or eco-warrioring her way towards the apocalypse.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 30, 2018
Shrinking, Sinking Land by Kell Cowley is a wonderfully written apocalyptic novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Kell Cowley created a world where people where being forced underground for a 6 month period called Global Mandatory Hibernation. To stay on the surface was a death sentence. Still, some refugees refused to go. Conspiracy theories abound. Who was responsible, the government? The aliens? Something else? The storyline is fast-paced and unique, filled with twists, danger, intrigue and theories. The characters are endearing and well-developed. Key characters undergo their own paths of personal growth. If you like apocalyptic works this is definitely a must-read!
May 14, 2019
The book's opening line grabbed me. "There are three main ways an umbrella can save your life." This book is set in the near future after the world amid catastrophic climate change. In the days before the population is supposed to take drastic measures and move underground, two wayward youth Flea and Dylan reluctantly join forces to investigate the government's hibernation plans. An underlying theme is the characters connection to home, whether it is a space. a city, family, friends or allies. The characters have vivid voices and I hope there is more to come.
February 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Having not read any Young Fiction before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the fast pace and believable characters kept me hooked to the end. I loved the way that Kell Crowley keeps your interest by introducing so many twists and turns and makes you eager to find out what happens next.
Looking forward to the next one!
Looking forward to the next one!
October 21, 2018
Loved this book! It was a captivating story about the devastating effects of climate change. The mysteries kept me guessing until the end. However my favorite aspect were the characters. I cared so much about every single one of them. Even the ones I wanted to hate. All of them had an interesting back story and believable motivations. Even though there were sides, no one was truly a 'bad guy'. It made for one of the best-written book I've read.
January 3, 2019
"There are three main ways an umbrella can save your life" (Cowley, 1).
Shrinking Sinking Land is a YA dystopian climate fiction novel revolving around the earth we live in and what could happen if we don't take care of our earth - and aliens, of course.
The novel starts off following Flea, a young girl trying to get her mother out of a sinkhole caused by the extreme weather. We are quickly introduced to the scouse accent and Liverpool dialect that she shares with her mother, demonstrating an odd relationship between the two.
The first thing I noticed is that there is a lot of English slang presented right off the bat in this novel. I found the conversation hard to follow as I'm not English (UK) and it definitely distracted from the story and made it hard to continue. However, once you get through the beginning with Flea and her mother, the dialogue starts getting more understandable, and you can focus more on the plot.
The plot was well written and kept my interest throughout the read. I liked that we got to see two point of views throughout, getting a feel for the different types of people trying to survive the climate and counting down to the Global Mandatory Hibernation (see blurb). I also really liked that at the beginning of some chapters, we get a description of certain terms used throughout the novel referring to the climate fiction aspect of the story.
I liked the variety of characters we got to see all experiencing the same event. Flea, Dylan Moon, Nessa, and Bunker Brat were all really interesting to learn about and they worked really well with each other. The chemistry which Cowley created makes the plot even better.
The message I took away from this novel is that not everything is as it seems. The story really takes you into a certain direction until it doesn't. All of a sudden, you're questioning everything that you've read, because the author has a way of making you believe one character over another.
It think the only thing I would ask for more of is descriptions of non traditional sayings, or certain words. We do get that throughout the book, which I really liked, but I felt that there was a need of a few more to clear up dialogue.
Cowley knows how to manipulate a reader, which I think is the whole reason why I kept reading. I just wanted to know more, and of course, we are now awaiting a second book to the series. I look forward to reading and seeing where this adventure takes Flea and Dylan Moon. I have to give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Shrinking Sinking Land is a YA dystopian climate fiction novel revolving around the earth we live in and what could happen if we don't take care of our earth - and aliens, of course.
The novel starts off following Flea, a young girl trying to get her mother out of a sinkhole caused by the extreme weather. We are quickly introduced to the scouse accent and Liverpool dialect that she shares with her mother, demonstrating an odd relationship between the two.
The first thing I noticed is that there is a lot of English slang presented right off the bat in this novel. I found the conversation hard to follow as I'm not English (UK) and it definitely distracted from the story and made it hard to continue. However, once you get through the beginning with Flea and her mother, the dialogue starts getting more understandable, and you can focus more on the plot.
The plot was well written and kept my interest throughout the read. I liked that we got to see two point of views throughout, getting a feel for the different types of people trying to survive the climate and counting down to the Global Mandatory Hibernation (see blurb). I also really liked that at the beginning of some chapters, we get a description of certain terms used throughout the novel referring to the climate fiction aspect of the story.
I liked the variety of characters we got to see all experiencing the same event. Flea, Dylan Moon, Nessa, and Bunker Brat were all really interesting to learn about and they worked really well with each other. The chemistry which Cowley created makes the plot even better.
The message I took away from this novel is that not everything is as it seems. The story really takes you into a certain direction until it doesn't. All of a sudden, you're questioning everything that you've read, because the author has a way of making you believe one character over another.
It think the only thing I would ask for more of is descriptions of non traditional sayings, or certain words. We do get that throughout the book, which I really liked, but I felt that there was a need of a few more to clear up dialogue.
Cowley knows how to manipulate a reader, which I think is the whole reason why I kept reading. I just wanted to know more, and of course, we are now awaiting a second book to the series. I look forward to reading and seeing where this adventure takes Flea and Dylan Moon. I have to give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
November 10, 2018
Shrinking Sinking Land is an excellent work of YA dystopian climate fiction by debut author Kell Cowley, and the first in a continuing series with Odd Voice Out Publishing. The central plot follows our hero Flea Wheeler, a mixed race girl born into a political decision she had no say in: the Geolution. Global Mandatory Hibernation is coming, and the population of Great Britain must take cover in underground shelters as climate change rocks the world with dangerous floods and terrifying storms. Flea braves the storms on a daily basis, a plucky outcast with little to lose, and the threat of being stuck underground terrifies her due to her intense claustrophobia. It’s only when she meets a group of eco-rebels still trying to dig out the real conspiracy behind the Geolution that Flea discovers there may be another way out.
What I adore most about Shrinking Sinking Land is the authenticity of Kell Cowley’s teenage protagonists. They speak with contemporary voices and realistic reactions, both amusing and heartbreaking as the plot expands. I love Flea’s defiance and her fighting spirit against impossible odds, and her fellow castmates fill out a diverse roster of disability, ethnicity and lgbtq personas that are fascinating and highly engrossing to read about. The plot too is enticing as the threat of the Geolution and hibernation hangs over each one of them, and I could wait to grab the next chapter and keep unveiling the mysterious conspiracy that Flea and Dil are working towards. Overall, this is a superb debut novel sure to entertain and engross its audience. Five stars!
What I adore most about Shrinking Sinking Land is the authenticity of Kell Cowley’s teenage protagonists. They speak with contemporary voices and realistic reactions, both amusing and heartbreaking as the plot expands. I love Flea’s defiance and her fighting spirit against impossible odds, and her fellow castmates fill out a diverse roster of disability, ethnicity and lgbtq personas that are fascinating and highly engrossing to read about. The plot too is enticing as the threat of the Geolution and hibernation hangs over each one of them, and I could wait to grab the next chapter and keep unveiling the mysterious conspiracy that Flea and Dil are working towards. Overall, this is a superb debut novel sure to entertain and engross its audience. Five stars!
November 2, 2019
With climate change being one of the big global debates of 2019, this book fits perfectly with today's society. Although this is an extreme, sci-fi novel, it still shows the extent to which the weather could change and what effects it would have on England.
This follows the Scouse Felicity, also known as Flea, in her bid to escape the cleaner cops in Manchester, and their hibernation plan. With her weapon of choice, an umbrella, she sets out to better herself and stay on the surface during the 6 month hibernation. After being arrested, then bailed by a school friend, Flea has to stick by a group of space cases and weave her own way through their conspiracies, helping them stay on the surface too.
This book was a wonderful read, drawing me in and expanding the horizons of the conspiracy theories that could truly be out there. I got this from YALC 2019, and loved every page of it. I hope for a sequel and hope to enjoy that just as much.
This follows the Scouse Felicity, also known as Flea, in her bid to escape the cleaner cops in Manchester, and their hibernation plan. With her weapon of choice, an umbrella, she sets out to better herself and stay on the surface during the 6 month hibernation. After being arrested, then bailed by a school friend, Flea has to stick by a group of space cases and weave her own way through their conspiracies, helping them stay on the surface too.
This book was a wonderful read, drawing me in and expanding the horizons of the conspiracy theories that could truly be out there. I got this from YALC 2019, and loved every page of it. I hope for a sequel and hope to enjoy that just as much.
December 28, 2018
I blame this book for not talking to my husband for 2 days 😂. I could not put it down. I found myself snatching 'just one more page' as I couldn't stop thinking about what Flea and her friends were going to encounter next. My mind was whirring with theories throughout. Very well written! I can't wait for the next one.
July 26, 2020
An unexpected joy.
A self-proclaimed YA novel but don't let that turn you off from picking this gem up. I wish they had had books like this back then, between kids' books and the adult SF section of the library. Good character development and a great story. It covers a lot of very important ideas without being preachy. Sometimes it surprised me with the topics it covered, too.
Thank you, Kell Cowley.
I'll be picking up the next one with bated breath.
A self-proclaimed YA novel but don't let that turn you off from picking this gem up. I wish they had had books like this back then, between kids' books and the adult SF section of the library. Good character development and a great story. It covers a lot of very important ideas without being preachy. Sometimes it surprised me with the topics it covered, too.
Thank you, Kell Cowley.
I'll be picking up the next one with bated breath.
January 25, 2019
Taking a month to read a book (seriously!!)- but I got there despite the sink holes of daily life - and so glad that I did. Felt really attached to the characters as they journeyed through life and came alive. Well done Kelly. But when is the next book coming out.
February 11, 2021
This is simply a good book! The characters feel real, the plot has pace and depth and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages. No spoiler alerts in this review.
For me the author has cleverly woven a picture of the future that resonates with every climate news story that we see around the world today and fully engaging the reader as she does so. Moreover Kell Cowley achieves this with a wit and insight that provokes the reader and leaves them with thoughts and questions long after the final page. I also feel her main protagonist Flea displays the drive and determination that is urgently required by the present and future generations in order to solve our eco-problems.
I would put this book on the recommended reading list for all students in our Schools and Colleges!
For me the author has cleverly woven a picture of the future that resonates with every climate news story that we see around the world today and fully engaging the reader as she does so. Moreover Kell Cowley achieves this with a wit and insight that provokes the reader and leaves them with thoughts and questions long after the final page. I also feel her main protagonist Flea displays the drive and determination that is urgently required by the present and future generations in order to solve our eco-problems.
I would put this book on the recommended reading list for all students in our Schools and Colleges!
August 20, 2021
Teenage climate refugees, weird weather experiments, extreme greens, space cases, cleaner cops, umbrella ninjas and cyborg cats. The Global Mandatory Hibernation is looming as the storm clouds gather over the last week of the surface world. Check out this story of some crazy kids fighting to stay above ground.
June 6, 2020
Loved it, tell me there's going to be a sequel??
December 30, 2018
These days, young adult dystopian novels are a dime a dozen but Shrinking Sinking Land by Kell Cowley has taken the genre in a whole new direction that is both fascinating and fun. The story is set in Great Britain in the not-too-distant-future when violent weather patterns have become the enemy of mankind. The government is sending everyone underground for an enforced six-month hibernation while they do experiments on the atmosphere to get things back to normal. The plot focuses on a ragtag group of people who have no desire to go underground and are suspicious of the motives behind the enforced hibernation. The colorful cast of characters includes Dylan Moon, an internet revolution leader with only a handful of followers, and Flea, a girl from the lower class who is claustrophobic and is ready to fight off anyone who tries to force her to go underground with her trusty umbrella.
I absolutely adored this book. Shrinking Sinking Land has everything a great book should have. Its premise is original and creates a framework that puts our characters in constant suspense. The plot alone deserves a 5-star rating. It moves at a quick pace and never stays in one place for too long. It twists and turns in unexpected directions and kept me guessing right up until the last page. And then there are the characters. Author Kell Cowley has given us one of the most interesting ensemble cast of characters that I've ever read. If you couple that fact with the fast moving plot, you’ll begin to see the genius of this book. Shrinking Sinking Land doesn't slow down the story to tell us about the characters. We learn plenty about them as the action is unfolding and they interact with each other along the way. The characters all have unique personalities complete with back stories, strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. I can’t recommend this book for everyone because it does include some content issues, but I would heartily recommend it for anyone 16 years and up.
I absolutely adored this book. Shrinking Sinking Land has everything a great book should have. Its premise is original and creates a framework that puts our characters in constant suspense. The plot alone deserves a 5-star rating. It moves at a quick pace and never stays in one place for too long. It twists and turns in unexpected directions and kept me guessing right up until the last page. And then there are the characters. Author Kell Cowley has given us one of the most interesting ensemble cast of characters that I've ever read. If you couple that fact with the fast moving plot, you’ll begin to see the genius of this book. Shrinking Sinking Land doesn't slow down the story to tell us about the characters. We learn plenty about them as the action is unfolding and they interact with each other along the way. The characters all have unique personalities complete with back stories, strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. I can’t recommend this book for everyone because it does include some content issues, but I would heartily recommend it for anyone 16 years and up.
October 3, 2020
I'm not usually a YA fiction reader, but this book captured my attention because of the subject matter. Not just any apocalypse, but a climate-driven apocalypse, much like the one we will be facing in a few years time.
The story is captivating, the characters are fully-realised, and the whole thing is awfully believable. I very much enjoyed the book as a whole.
My only complaint is that there's very little resolution at the end, and the sequel isn't out yet. I want to know NOW what happens to Flea, her friends, and the whole world!
The story is captivating, the characters are fully-realised, and the whole thing is awfully believable. I very much enjoyed the book as a whole.
My only complaint is that there's very little resolution at the end, and the sequel isn't out yet. I want to know NOW what happens to Flea, her friends, and the whole world!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews