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Juno #1
Juno of Taris
Juno is young; she has no authority, no power, and to question the ways of Taris is discouraged. She knows what it’s like when the community withdraws from her – turning their backs and not speaking to her until she complies.
The Taris Project was the brainchild of a desperate twenty-first-century world, a community designed to survive even if the rest of humanity perished. An isolated, storm-buffeted island in the Southern Ocean was given a protective dome and its own balmy climate. And now Juno is one of 500 people who live there – but what has happened to the outside world in the years since Taris was established? The island has not been in contact with Outside since the early years of its existence.
Juno yearns to know about life Outside, just as she yearns to be allowed to grow her hair. It is a rule on Taris that all must have their heads shaved bare. But is it a rule that could be broken? Danger awaits any who suggest it.
The Taris Project was the brainchild of a desperate twenty-first-century world, a community designed to survive even if the rest of humanity perished. An isolated, storm-buffeted island in the Southern Ocean was given a protective dome and its own balmy climate. And now Juno is one of 500 people who live there – but what has happened to the outside world in the years since Taris was established? The island has not been in contact with Outside since the early years of its existence.
Juno yearns to know about life Outside, just as she yearns to be allowed to grow her hair. It is a rule on Taris that all must have their heads shaved bare. But is it a rule that could be broken? Danger awaits any who suggest it.
363 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2008
39 people are currently reading
1304 people want to read
About the author
Fleur Beale
45 books149 followersFleur Beale is the author of many award-winning books for children and young adults, best known for her novel I am not Esther which has been published worldwide.
Beale was one of six children of a dairy farmer Cedric Corney and of a teacher and author Estelle Corney (née Cook). She was born in Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand, on the farm where her father was born. Beale grew up in the town before attending Victoria University, Wellington and Christchurch Teachers' Training College, where she met her husband. Since 1985 she has taught at Melville High School in Hamilton, Waikato and in Wellington. Beale's first stories were written for the children's radio programme Grandpa's Place. Her first book was a small reader and picture book for young children and she started to write for teenagers in 1993. Her stories often involve troubled adolescents engaged in outdoor activities.
Beale was a finalist in the Aim Children's Book Awards (junior fiction) and her 1998 novel I am not Esther was shortlisted for the senior fiction section of the 1999 New Zealand Post Children's Awards. In 1999 she was awarded the Children's Writing Fellowship at Dunedin College of Education and quit teaching to write full time. Her 2001 novel Ambushed was a finalist for the Junior Fiction section of the 2002 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Her 2004 account of how an indigenous girl discovers how her education can save her tribal lands (My Story A New Song in the Land. The Writings of Atapo, Pahia, c.1840) received a Notable Book award in 2005 as did Walking Lightly.
Beale was one of six children of a dairy farmer Cedric Corney and of a teacher and author Estelle Corney (née Cook). She was born in Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand, on the farm where her father was born. Beale grew up in the town before attending Victoria University, Wellington and Christchurch Teachers' Training College, where she met her husband. Since 1985 she has taught at Melville High School in Hamilton, Waikato and in Wellington. Beale's first stories were written for the children's radio programme Grandpa's Place. Her first book was a small reader and picture book for young children and she started to write for teenagers in 1993. Her stories often involve troubled adolescents engaged in outdoor activities.
Beale was a finalist in the Aim Children's Book Awards (junior fiction) and her 1998 novel I am not Esther was shortlisted for the senior fiction section of the 1999 New Zealand Post Children's Awards. In 1999 she was awarded the Children's Writing Fellowship at Dunedin College of Education and quit teaching to write full time. Her 2001 novel Ambushed was a finalist for the Junior Fiction section of the 2002 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Her 2004 account of how an indigenous girl discovers how her education can save her tribal lands (My Story A New Song in the Land. The Writings of Atapo, Pahia, c.1840) received a Notable Book award in 2005 as did Walking Lightly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 3, 2019
Control. Subjagation. Preventing the spread of knowledge. Destruction of books. Control.
A fabulous book about 500 people living in a biosphere, for two hundred years. Or is it 200 years?
So many questions.
Eleven year old Juno asks too many questions, which makes her a risk to a society clinging to their carefully manufactured lives.
This was my daughter's school book, and I devoured it!
Fleur Beale weaves a clever story about love, loss, and hairstyles, with enough friction to keep you guessing. A thriller cunningly disguised as a YA dystopian book.
A fabulous book about 500 people living in a biosphere, for two hundred years. Or is it 200 years?
So many questions.
Eleven year old Juno asks too many questions, which makes her a risk to a society clinging to their carefully manufactured lives.
This was my daughter's school book, and I devoured it!
Fleur Beale weaves a clever story about love, loss, and hairstyles, with enough friction to keep you guessing. A thriller cunningly disguised as a YA dystopian book.
February 4, 2017
Disappointed, thought it was going to be good. The way they solve the problem is so unfulfilling and boring. It's poorly executed and I wouldn't recommend. In this book there was only one part I enjoyed and it wasn't even that great
July 21, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and am excited to read the other 2!!!
October 23, 2019
the end of the book is such a cliffhanger. I mean does the ship land or not? do the people onboard the ship mean well, or not ??????????? Answers people, Answers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2016
Beales novel has an unsophisticated plot and writing style, undeveloped characters and the themes of identity and belonging are poorly executed. The characters were obtuse and were difficult for me to connect with which affected how enjoyable the story. ‘Juno of Taris’ seemed like it would be a novel filled with danger and passion and a good read overall, but it was a substandard book that, personally, did not appeal to me.
July 11, 2017
This is my first YA novel by a New Zealand author and I was thrilled by how good it was. The setting is mysterious and unfolds gradually. What I loved most was Juno and the messages the author gave us about the importance of being an independent thinker in a world where everyone is telling you that is dangerous. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 9, 2021
This story still plays on my mind today, I read it in my childhood. I couldn't for the life of me remember the name or author but I am so glad I did find it in the end!
July 31, 2019
Dystopia for kids with a lot of dramatic running and shouting in some scenes. Beautiful hibiscus and frangipani imagery, loved the tropical setting, but would have preferred more physical setting detail.
Read this for work, and the student I'm tutoring who is studying Juno of Taris is super into the story.
Read this for work, and the student I'm tutoring who is studying Juno of Taris is super into the story.
August 26, 2014
Sort of stumbled across this book due to it being on special. I had seen it in book stores before but never looked at it due to the cover. It just didn't appeal to me. It was a great book though and I read it in a matter of days. Set in the future Juno lives on an island covered by a large bubble to control the atmosphere (kind of like in the Simpson movie) and they are cut off from the rest of the world. Their lives are controlled by a group of people who insist on such things as everyone shaving their hair. Interesting read. Pity books like these are not promoted more in NZ as they should be since it is written by an NZ author.
November 11, 2015
Found this book quite boring until the later chapters
May 22, 2024
I just finished reading this book for a novel study. Yes, like many of the other people here.
I wouldn't call Juno of Taris bad. In fact, if you like books that focus on world building and keeps you asking questions, it's great.
The main problem is in the characters. Juno's age means that her older friends intrigue you more. In a short story, a young child taking down the dystopian government is meaningful and inspiring. In a multi-chapter story, it makes the protagonist feel naive, unreliable and hard to relate to. The characters all have stories going on in the background. In terms of worldbuilding, this really adds depth to the story. However it also pulls your interest to irrelevant parts of the story, leading to disappointment when your favorite characters don't get mentioned more.
It was very easy to write a character essay for Juno. Almost too easy, because her personality is the bare bones of a YA dystopian protagonist. Rebellious, an outcast who has been raised in a bad society.
Vima, who is a little bit older, has better understanding of the situation and arguably faces the majority of the problems in the book would have been a good protagonist.
Silvern, who we later learn is much better at hiding her own transgressions as well as having a personality outside of 'rebellious,' would have been a good protagonist.
Fisa, who has to keep control of a crumbling island while not being aware of her closest friend's crimes and trying to hide the secret of her daughter, before dying so the citizen's of Taris could see freedom. She would have been a good protagonist.
Asides from this obvious issue, I would recommend this book. It's a break from the same stale American dystopian you've heard a million times- and the worldbuilding truly is unique. If you like mind games and psychology, or books about cults and control, choose this book. If you're looking for thrilling rule breaking and violence that keeps you awake reading till early morning, ask for another option.
I wouldn't call Juno of Taris bad. In fact, if you like books that focus on world building and keeps you asking questions, it's great.
The main problem is in the characters. Juno's age means that her older friends intrigue you more. In a short story, a young child taking down the dystopian government is meaningful and inspiring. In a multi-chapter story, it makes the protagonist feel naive, unreliable and hard to relate to. The characters all have stories going on in the background. In terms of worldbuilding, this really adds depth to the story. However it also pulls your interest to irrelevant parts of the story, leading to disappointment when your favorite characters don't get mentioned more.
It was very easy to write a character essay for Juno. Almost too easy, because her personality is the bare bones of a YA dystopian protagonist. Rebellious, an outcast who has been raised in a bad society.
Vima, who is a little bit older, has better understanding of the situation and arguably faces the majority of the problems in the book would have been a good protagonist.
Silvern, who we later learn is much better at hiding her own transgressions as well as having a personality outside of 'rebellious,' would have been a good protagonist.
Fisa, who has to keep control of a crumbling island while not being aware of her closest friend's crimes and trying to hide the secret of her daughter, before dying so the citizen's of Taris could see freedom. She would have been a good protagonist.
Asides from this obvious issue, I would recommend this book. It's a break from the same stale American dystopian you've heard a million times- and the worldbuilding truly is unique. If you like mind games and psychology, or books about cults and control, choose this book. If you're looking for thrilling rule breaking and violence that keeps you awake reading till early morning, ask for another option.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2017
Set in the near future (and probably nearer than you think), Juno of Taris benefits from a heroine who is curious, tenacious and observant. Although the story being told isn't one that relies TOTALLY on the actions of an 11-14 year-old, the fact that Juno is able to build relationships with her classmates, older people, and her grandparents means that it's believable as her actions (or support of actions) affects the whole 500-person community.
The structure of the society (and how older people use rules and control of information to maintain that structure) is thematically similar to Beale's Esther series about a fundamentalist sect, but the near-future sci-fi setting allows her more breadth and creativity.
The structure of the society (and how older people use rules and control of information to maintain that structure) is thematically similar to Beale's Esther series about a fundamentalist sect, but the near-future sci-fi setting allows her more breadth and creativity.
December 12, 2018
An Australian teen novel. Juno lives on Taris, an enclosed post-apocalyptic island meant to protect its inhabitants from the dangers of Outside in perfect peace and harmony. But the pressures of conformity and obedience also exact a price--one that unruly, rebellious Juno is unwilling to pay. This is not new ground (reminds me of dystopias like The Giver, Fahrenheit 451, and even The Truman Show), but it's well done. Juno is a lovable and appealing heroine, and her relationship with her peer group or "learning stratum" shows a strong character development. The island gossip, always introduced with the phrase "Have you heard?" is especially well done and gives an effect almost like a Greek chorus.
March 19, 2018
The first half of this was engaging and well constructed; a teenage protagonist growing up in an isolated society that has been set up under a giant dome for protection against ecological disaster in the outside world. Due to the society's isolation a unique and oppressive culture has developed - but Juno is not one to conform. This was a great set-up, but sadly the second half disintegrated into a series of town 'meetings' where teenagers and adults shouted at one another and revealed long held secrets. It was like something from the plot of 'Home and Away'. I was so tired of yet more meetings and shouting matches by the end that I skimmed to the finish.
May 18, 2023
interesting enough, though the characters fail to feel fully fleshed out. the one part that irrationally bothered my speech pathologist/child development heart was Hera speaking in sentences by 2 and also the way she seemed to have full comprehension of the complex conversations happening around her - idk if it was part of the sci fi-ish vibe to the island but it really took me out of the story every time.
August 26, 2017
I'm 80% through this book and have found the whole thing slow. I feel like the main character is too young to relate to and 'Vima' would have been a better main character. Honestly not a lot has gone on so far and it IS a book I can put down. Overall it's not terrible, just not action packed and fast paced.
August 14, 2019
I honestly hate forcing myself to finish books I don’t want to finish cause it slows me down from reading other stuff that may actually be worth my time, but sadly I had to finish it for English. This was just real slow? It gets better I guess but it doesn’t change the fact that it was messy, predictable and flat out boring.
April 8, 2023
I’m 14 and loves this book I read all of the series got my books from school, only just got into reading thanks to my grandma, I’d say it’s a good book for if your wanting to escape your reality and be in another.
September 28, 2017
It was a bit confusing at first with all the names, but you soon start to become part of Taris.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2019
Really enjoyed this dystopian novel. Control and unquestioning ways can only last for so long
April 23, 2019
Love everything Fleur Beale writes and this is no exception. A Prediction of our future even?
April 21, 2020
It was a lovely, relaxing read! It was a sweet wee story, would definitely recommend if you'd like to get lost in a world that isn't your own.
July 6, 2020
Love this book. Will always be one of my favorites.
March 25, 2023
Love the book, Fleur Beale is one of the best NZ authors ever!
April 25, 2023
If you like science fiction you could like this book, but it was very boring for me.
June 15, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
November 3, 2023
So many plot twists I could've never imagined. Can't wait to read the second book and to see who stays and who go's. I wonder what Vima's child will be called.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
reread after many years.
still holds up as a good book where I don't see the next surprise coming.
curious as to what my life on Taris would be like... I connect with Juno in so many ways!
still holds up as a good book where I don't see the next surprise coming.
curious as to what my life on Taris would be like... I connect with Juno in so many ways!
September 18, 2024
Took me a wee bit to get into the vibes of the book and understand what character was which but I really enjoyed it once I did!
July 15, 2012
Juno of trais ....
How I got to read the book :
My story of reading this book is kind of funny because I would never have read it if it wasn't for a school project. It all started on th first day of school, the start of the year I tried to get into the book but found it to hard so I left it in my bookshelf till now when it's term 3 at school and I have to read it for homework during the holidays anyway so I started this book slowly and found it let's just say boring but I couldn't stop I had to read it weather I wanted to or not. After a couple of chapters in I started to see that the story line was getting more and more interesting as I read, not to long after I found myself hocked and couldn't put the book down and after two more days I was finished , that night I told mum she had to read it. Me who started out hating the book wanted my whole family to read it so that I could talk to them about the book and so they had the same excitement as me. Also on that same night I told mum that I would be very upset I there wasn a second book and mum said that the book was pretty old and that if there was going to be a second book it'd be out by now! So as upset as I was I looked I up on the Internet and to my surprise I found that its a trilogy !! can u believe it two more books for me to look forward to and enjoy wowowowowowowowowow I was soooooooo excited that i jumped up to tell everyone. Soon I will have finished all the books can't wait :)
The book :
Juno of trais is about a population of people called the Trais Project who are a community designed to survive even if the rest of humanity is perished. An isolated island in the southern ocean was given a protective dome and it's on balmy climate. And now Juno is one of the 500 people who live there - but what has happened to the outside world in the years since trais was established? The island has not been in contact with the outside since the early years of its existence.
So Juno being a naughty child does things that are not tolerated in trais and ends up putting her and her family and friends in danger but from whom or what ? Juno wants the truth but her questions and there answers bring danger.
( I am Juno daughter of trais. I have a story to tell. It is of the last days of trais, and of what went on before. I tell it to honour those who created trais, those who worked to keep it viable , and those who strove so hard to keep the dream of it alive. I tell to remember and understand. )
My rating for this book :
I rated Juno of trais five out of five for I loved the book and can't wait to read the next two in the series it was well written and a great read for anyone and I deeply and seriously think you should read this amazing book anyway whats the worst thing that could happen you hate the book of love the series so much that you finish them all and want to read more when thats the end ?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews