With the rise of a fascist regime in Europa, Roosmarijn and her girlfriend Zayneb are desperate to flee persecution. Their escape from Amsterdam fails as they get separated and Roosmarijn is determined to reunite eight-year-old Tim with his mother.
When Roosmarijn is captured by the authorities her old friend Erik comes to the rescue. As a little white lie spirals into a web of deception, Erik may not turn out to be the hero he appeared. As Roosmarijn uncovers the plans of the new regime, she comes up against a battle of time and deception, confronted with the difficult choice of staying truthful to herself and knowing she may never see Zayneb again.
When the Robins Left is a suspense-filled speculative fiction novel that deals with themes of responsibility, identity, and guilt.
Hazel Bergen was born in The Netherlands but is now based in the Deep South of New Zealand. She writes speculative fiction, short stories, long novels and anything in between. She creates realistic dystopian futures that provide challenging social commentary on the status quo. Her suspense-filled stories stay with you long after you have put them down.
When she is not writing, Hazel likes to go hiking in the Southern Alps or getting lost in the woods.
She is currently writing the Europa Series set in the near future in a Europe fraught with political tension as it recovers from the adjustments to climate change. Book 1 in the Europa Series is When the Robins Left is a dystopian political thriller.
With the rise of a fascist regime in Europa, Roosmarijn and her girlfriend Zayneb are desperate to flee persecution. Their escape from Amsterdam fails as they get separated and Roosmarijn is determined to reunite eight-year-old Tim with his mother. When Roosmarijn is captured by the authorities her old friend Erik comes to the rescue. As a little white lie spirals into a web of deception, Erik may not turn out to be the hero he appeared. As Roosmarijn uncovers the plans of the new regime, she comes up against a battle of time and deception, confronted with the difficult choice of staying truthful to herself and knowing she may never see Zayneb again. When the Robins Left is a suspense-filled speculative fiction novel that deals with themes of responsibility, identity, and guilt.
So at first I thought it was a little slow to get into but once things got going... I read straight through not being able to put it down. And now I can't wait for the second book. I always read dystopian fiction and some seem so far fetched to happen... not this one.
This novel of espionage was fast-paced. Her characters were very believable and the storyline could very well happen. Roosjamarie is a great heroine in this story. She must find a way to save her friend's child and then herself. But, before this can happen she has many perils to navigate.
This book describes in a detailed way what could happen in the foreseeing future with developments as are currently occurring in the world. Captivating, with surprising twists and viewpoints. I finished reading this book in one day and can’t wait for the next one.
This book really kept me in suspense all the way to the end. It really makes the reader think, what would I have done? The author creates a realistic nerve-wracking storyline set against a dystopian background of future Europe. It reminds me of the Black Mirror series so it's a must read if you are into it, but don't expect to much sunshine, rainbows or unicorns.
A throughly enjoyable read that I couldn't put down. Great story telling that brought me along for the ride while we navigated through the twists and turns of an eerily plausible dystopian world. Can't wait for the sequel.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Think “1984,” and Hitler’s rhetoric and you have the basis of Roosmarijn Vermeulen’s dilemma. As Roosmarjin lives a comfortable, unaware life, her friend and partner is caught in an untenable situation. As Zayneb describes the reality of her existence to her friend, Roosmarjin must come to grips with the two different worlds in her country.
In an attempt to help Zayneb, Roosmarjin gets caught up in the injustices rampant in their country. Whether understood by the citizens, everyone’s life is being controlled by the ruling elite. And Roosmarjin sees the reality first handed.
Ms. Bergen presents her tale with strong characters, a believable world and danger everywhere. How will Roosmarjin escape this soul draining existence, or can she? With no money, no passport, no one to help she wonders if it will be at all possible. You can find out be reading this engrossing, well plotted tale of well-intentioned people losing their way.
I absolutely loved this book. It paints an eerie and compelling picture of a dystopian Europe. The characters are very real and the story, although terrifying, is also very believable - the setting of events in real places helps to create a sense that this could really happen. The plot just keeps on unfolding, twisting and turning - I couldn't put the book down and for the first time in ages had to continue reading during the night to find out what happens. Looking forward to the next installment.
This version of a grim dystopian future for Europe provides a graphic warning of the consequences when fascist ideas become too popular… The message the story conveys, struck so close to home - I live in Flanders - that it made me feel really uncomfortable. An absolute page-turner! I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.