"A thrilling eco- survival adventure set in a dystopian vision of our near future"
February 2020 Debut of the Month
Debut novelist Nicola Penfold has talked of inspiration from reading about what author Richard Louv called “nature-deficit disorder”. Her strong belief that humans need a connection with nature to be truly happy shines through this powerful story and the creation of the nightmare world that Juniper and her little brother, Bear inhabit. They live with their grandmother in a walled city from which nature has been banished, following an apocalyptic tick-borne disease released by ReWilders willing to sacrifice humans to save the planet. Fifty years on nature flourishes beyond the walls. Within them humans struggle to artificially create what they need to live. Juniper and Bear have always known they have a resistance to the disease, just as they know that their parents are still living in the wild. Juniper always planned their eventual escape, but they must leave urgently when the authoritarian regime reveals a dangerous scheme to farm their blood. What follows is a thrilling and utterly convincing escape and a perilous journey. The rigours of outdoor living and survival are not glossed over- the reader really fears for these characters and feels every setback. Success is won through bravery and persistence and the sibling relationship is beautifully conveyed. Bear is a very recognisable six-year old boy who both frustrates and astonishes his sister. There are no easy solutions to problems and no miraculous happy ending. This is powerful and believable storytelling which will keep readers gripped and inspire lots of discussion about the vulnerability of nature and what humans are doing to the planet. An outstanding debut, beautifully written and utterly compelling.
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Two children battle to free themselves from the tyranny of the city and return to the beauty, and danger, of the wild, in this beautiful story of loss, love and strength.
Why should I read it? Apart from the first line, which I find too preachy, I absolutely loved this story. I loved the characters and how they talk - Juniper's thought process is great to hear - her worries and challenges. Bear is young and sweet and talks like that too. As you read through the chapters you are slowly but cleverly pulled into this world, this city, where everyone tries to survive without ever getting anything new or wild. As the story progresses you really want the children to succeed in their quest. The description is beautiful and the story rolls along at a good pace, with challenges at the right moments to keep you guessing. It really feels as though its written by an author with their own unique voice. It reminds me a little of Jess Butterworth or Eva Ibbotson.... Read Full Review
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