Flashtide

August 1, 2017
Dram and Orion have survived the tunnels of Outpost Five, but they find life on the other side of the dangerous flash curtain just as deadly.Determined to maintain the safe haven of Alara for Naturals, the Congress has assigned members of the three mutant races to the deadly task of acquiring flash dust. Subpars, with their limited immunity to radiation, are forced into the mines. Conjies--Conjurers--who can wield magic, are used sparingly or have their hands taken to ensure their compliance. The Gems, with their genetic modifications, are the most diverse. But members of all three groups are forced to serve or be sacrificed to the flash curtain. Orion is determined to bring down the evil government, but when Dram is taken from her and she is isolated belowground, all seems lost. But then Orion discovers her hidden talent, and everything changes. Readers unfamiliar with Flashfall (2016) will be hopelessly lost, but fans of the unique post-apocalyptic story will be riveted by the blistering pacing and unexpected twists. Diversity in this world is less about skin color or ethnicity and more about mutations. Though the writing is smoother in this volume, it's still hampered by odd pacing and dropped narrative threads. An intriguing follow-up. (Science fiction. 13-16)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2017

Gr 8 Up-In the sequel to Flashfall, Moyer crafts a fast-paced dystopian novel filled with multiple layers. General information about the previous struggles that Orion and Dram faced as mining subpars who survive life in Outpost Five is included. However, this installment is best read in sequence and does not achieve the same effect as a stand-alone selection. The sequel's plot unfolds at a much faster pace with less depth. Dram and Orion continue their rebellion against an oppressive government in Alara and search for a cure to the radiation from the flash curtain. Moyer balances an increasing mood of suspense and desperation as the two central characters are separated and find themselves immersed in the bleakest of circumstances. Readers may parallel scenes of violence and survival with other dystopian novels, such as The Hunger Games. Overall, the plot is quite intricate, requiring readers to recall information about the various challenges associated with life on different outposts and cordons, the names of individual groups, special skills held by each population, and some contextual information from the first installment. VERDICT This is a must-purchase for students who read Flashfall and enjoy fantasy and science fiction.-Monica Cabarcas, Albemarle High School, Charlottesville, VA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.