Yellow Locust

March 15, 2018
In a dystopian future North America, Selena, a young white woman who is an adept street fighter, is sent across the country on a critical mission to save the world with her younger brother in tow. Born into the elite, Selena's parents--as part of their underground fight against a tyrannical regime--have gained access to insider information about yellow locust, an extremely toxic weed infesting the country. This weapon of biological warfare has choked out crops and fouled the water supply. Selena's mission is to carry information about plans for a new, terrifying weapon west across the continent on a data stick to the one governing body, the Republic of California, that could possibly combat this evil. The plot may have a familiar ring and feel not-so-original, but fans of female brawlers will find ample thrills in the gritty recounting of numerous fights: Selena is a tough scrapper. She also meets serape-draped knife fighter Marcus Ramirez from Juarez, raising the possibility of a romance. Cursing abounds, but the occasionally challenging vocabulary doesn't always sit comfortably with the depiction of prairie wastelands. Secondary characters from lands akin to Mexico and Japan add diversity to the cast.The complex plot and vivid sense of place are strengths; will appeal to those who like kick-ass heroines. (Science fiction. 14-18)

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May 1, 2018

Gr 10 Up-The tale of siblings Selena and Simon who are on a journey across the country in the land of America-that-Was. Selena and Simon traverse this desolate landscape with few resources, harboring a secret data stick, which contains secrets their parents died for. It is their responsibility to deliver the data stick to the Republic of California-the last place of freedom left in this world. When the two reach Fallowfield, an apparent oasis amid the desolation of the poisoned lands of Middle Wastes, they wonder if its offerings are too good to be true. It doesn't take long for Selena to realize that evil lurks within the city, especially in the form of the deceptively welcoming mayor. Selena is called upon to use her advanced fighting skills to protect and provide for them while they try to escape Fallowfield and deliver the data stick to the Republic of California before it's too late. An interesting blend of dystopian and climate fiction, teens who enjoy novels like Moira Young's Blood Red Road or Justin Cronin's The Passage will probably enjoy this one for its similar use of strong world-building and deep characterization. VERDICT Purchase wherever postapocalyptic fiction circulates well.-Tabitha Nordby, Red River College, Man.

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