The Layers: Eva

by Stefania Maggi

They’re the “lucky” ones—the ten percent of the world’s population who managed to survive the ravages of global warming. But in the face of worldwide destruction, with the earth’s surface no longer compatible with human life, these men, women, and children soon found themselves with no other choice than to move underground.

Established by the Central Administration (CA), a collection of powerful international corporations, the Layers were meant to provide a temporary refuge until the surface was once again safe to inhabit. Several decades later, citizens are growing wary of the CA’s militaristic control—and rumors that the earth is beginning to heal are sparking an underground rebellion.

Meanwhile, in the dome-like dwelling encompassing the remaining population of the Arctic north, a deadly pandemic is taking hold. After the dome leader, Aniak, disappears while on a journey to find life-saving medication, his fourteen-year-old daughter, Eva, develops a plan of her own—and boldly heads south over stormy seas.

Upon her arrival, Eva joins forces with several members of the growing rebellion as the truth about the surface is finally revealed—but thwarting the CA’s control proves to be more dangerous than they ever imagined.

Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2019

About the author

I grew up in Italy and immigrated to Canada when I was 27 years old leaving a familiar language, my culture, and all my friends and family behind.

When people ask me: “Why did you leave such a beautiful country?” I smile and say, “To find a good job.” But the truth is that I needed to take some distance from a not so great childhood.

I struggled growing up. I was bullied since I was very young. High school was hell due to problems I had with learning. I lost my father when I was 14 years old to a sudden illness, and anxiety made that time of my life very difficult.

I didn’t have much going for myself then. Except that I had a vivid imagination, and a mother who believed in me.

At the end of high school I decided to go to university to study child psychology and my mother consulted with the principal at my school. This is what she told her: “Miss Maggi, your daughter is no material for university. You’ll waste your money if you send her.”

Since that day over 30 years ago, I earned a BA Honours, a Masters degree, and a PhD from prestigious universities. Today, I am a respected professor at a Canadian university and a productive researcher.

How did I get here?

My mom didn’t listen to the principal, but believed in me instead. And I never gave up working towards the achievement of my dreams.

I have dedicated my career to improving the lives of young people. Having experienced adversity first hand, I have a very strong personal motivation to making sure that children are given what they deserve to grow into happy and healthy adults.

Writing The Layers it's been very much part of that journey, because at one point in my career I realized that there's nothing better than the arts to connect deeply with people and make a difference in their lives.

Reviews

[Geraldine Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Layers, by Stefania Maggi, leaves you wanting to dig deeper. The basic premise of this intriguing debut novel, set in the not-so-distant future, is one that captivates: the surface of our planet becomes inhabitable, and the authorities force humans underground to assure their survival.
But, protagonist Eva is one of the lucky few who live in the only Layers above ground; and Eva is also one of the few to question that existence, and to incite change. As she embarks on a quest to find her father and save her people, she discovers there is much more at stake, and her mission becomes a struggle for her own survival and that of many others.
It's a fast-paced story, with a rich vocabulary and entirely compelling characters. The cast and plot fascinate while the deeper symbolism of the story resonates, so you are left wanting more: more Eva, more Layers, more everything.
I would definitely read this and subsequent tales so capably written by this exciting new author.
4/5 stars.

[Darlene Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on a goodreads giveaway. Picture Earth in the future covered with water because of global warming. Life has changed as people now live underground in layers and only in 8 communities. But really this is not completely true as many people live far north in a Dome environment where there is land and climate is changing. I did enjoy reading this book and visualized the descriptive locations the author traveled the reader to. This would make a fabulous movie with special effects and costumes.

[Carolyn Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earth's surface became uninhabitable which forces most of humanity underground. An evil controlling entity knows that the earth has slowly healed along with it's surface but has not let the masses know. A young lady from a above ground self-sustaining group in the Artic sets out to obtain a vital need for her Grandmother from the underground Layers. Her daring trip puts her in perilous dangers at every step. This is a gripping tale that keeps you holding your breath and wondering will she make it or not.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Layers: Eva, by Stefania Maggi, is a standalone novel.

It has been several years since I read this book, so I do not remember it perfectly. From what I remember, I didn't find the worldbuilding all that believable, especially that idea that there are two such different and separate cultures and yet one can sneak into the other so easily. And there is a mystical whale for some reason? It didn't pull together for me, but other people are probably less critical of this book than I am.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Melford D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

won the book from a goodreads giveaway. an okay read. lots of plotholes and inconsistencies. female protagonist is annoying, self-centered, selfish, spoiled, and unpleasant. She is weak and throughout the book she had to rely on men and extreme luck in order to succeed. Rate it 2/5 personally but giving it 3/5 as gratitude for the free book. would not recommend to others.

[Marija · Rating 5 out of 5]

i won this book on Goodreads Giveaways. I can't wait to recive it, it seems great. I'll update my review as soon as i read it

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story line. Certainly sounds like there could be a second one. Will look forward to it.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good premise for a story set in the future, however I found a lot of gaps in the narrative that kept the story from flowing well. Thanks to Goodreads for this giveaway.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's...OK. Not really that worth your time though.

[Gayle Slagle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise behind The Layers: Eva by Stefania Maggi is intriguing and promising; the Earth has been destroyed by global warming after a series of storms, pandemics, and natural disasters. Ninety percent of the population has perished and those who survived have taken refuge in the Layers, a series of underground shelters ruled by CA (Central Communication). One group of survivors live in an aboveground structure covered by a dome. Eva, the main character, is a young girl who lives in this dome. Those living underground have been told that the Dome was destroyed in an explosion. Life in the Dome and in the underground shelters, referred to as Layers 1-3 are described in great detail by the author and the concept behind these shelters is interesting. Where the book falls short is the a lack of development of any of the characters. Eva is an uninteresting character who ends up relying on the help of others and on luck to survive when she travels to the Layers in search of her father. There seems to be none of the heroic in this character, around whom the story is built and who is apparently supposed to be the hero. None of the characters with whom she comes in contact are developed to the point that the reader understands or really even cares about them. Eva is helped by two young men, Eli and Sasha, but a relationship between any of the three never materializes. I felt that the book could have been improved by taking the initial concept behind the book and developing the characters, making them more believable and human instead of the emotionless people in the book. Much of the plot is not explained fully and I simply never felt the connection with the book that would have been necessary in order to enjoy it.