Title: Terra
Author: Gretchen Powell
Published: Dec 12 2102-Hopewell Media
Format: Paperback
Website: www.gretchenpowell.com
Source: Received a copy from the author in exchange for a honest review
A broken and desolate Earth. A young girl struggling to survive. A lost boy with a powerful secret.A discovery that will change everything.In the distant wake of a plague that has decimated the Earth's population, humanity is split in two: The rich and powerful live in skycities that float overhead, while those who remain on the ground have gathered in settlements strewn across a dying planet. Eighteen-year-old Terra Rhodon is a terrestrial--a denizen of the barren groundworld--who makes her living as a scav. Long abandoned by her father, her caregivers gone, Terra supports herself and her younger brother, Mica, by scouring the earth for discarded scraps and metals to recycle for profit. One day, while on a routine scavenging run, she discovers something that shocks her home settlement of Genesis X-16. When the value of her discovery is revealed, Terra's world is turned upside down.Terra suddenly finds herself asking questions no one will answer. Her search for the truth leads her to Adam--a beguiling skydweller unlike any she has ever met. But Adam has secrets and a quest of his own, and with him by her side, the world Terra thought she knew begins to unravel. Soon her discoveries unearth a terrifying conspiracy that has the potential to shatter everything--a revelation that will test the bonds of loyalty, family, and love.
Author: Gretchen Powell
Published: Dec 12 2102-Hopewell Media
Format: Paperback
Website: www.gretchenpowell.com
Source: Received a copy from the author in exchange for a honest review
A broken and desolate Earth. A young girl struggling to survive. A lost boy with a powerful secret.A discovery that will change everything.In the distant wake of a plague that has decimated the Earth's population, humanity is split in two: The rich and powerful live in skycities that float overhead, while those who remain on the ground have gathered in settlements strewn across a dying planet. Eighteen-year-old Terra Rhodon is a terrestrial--a denizen of the barren groundworld--who makes her living as a scav. Long abandoned by her father, her caregivers gone, Terra supports herself and her younger brother, Mica, by scouring the earth for discarded scraps and metals to recycle for profit. One day, while on a routine scavenging run, she discovers something that shocks her home settlement of Genesis X-16. When the value of her discovery is revealed, Terra's world is turned upside down.Terra suddenly finds herself asking questions no one will answer. Her search for the truth leads her to Adam--a beguiling skydweller unlike any she has ever met. But Adam has secrets and a quest of his own, and with him by her side, the world Terra thought she knew begins to unravel. Soon her discoveries unearth a terrifying conspiracy that has the potential to shatter everything--a revelation that will test the bonds of loyalty, family, and love.
My Thoughts
Gretchen Powell’s debut is a YA dystopian with a sci-fi twist. The science fiction part was a surprise, a pleasant surprise nevertheless.
Thanks to Powell’s attention to detail the book had exceptionally amazing world building. This dystopian world was described vividly allowing the reader to picture the skycities and Terra Rhodon’s life on the barren earth. Terra also earns brownie points for originality because I haven’t seen the concept of ‘scavenging’ in any other YA dystopian novels.
The protagonist, Terra Rhodon was forced to grow up too fast due to the absence of parents. Because of this she’s forced to take care of her 13 year old brother, Mica. It was easy to like Terra because she was a brave, stubborn, sarcastic and strong character who was willing to do whatever it takes to survive the harsh conditions. She also has a great sense of humor especially when it comes to her little brother. The interactions between Terra and her brother were adorable and helped lighten the tone of the book.
“Why aren't you at school?" I ask suddenly.
"It's a holiday," he says, a little too quickly.
"Right. What holiday would that be? National Talk Out of Your Ass Day?”
Adam, Terra’s mysterious, blue-eyed love interest enters the story claiming to be a researcher. Their romance was cute and awkward but sadly it lacked depth. Their relationship progresses way too quickly so the romance falls into dreaded insta-love category. I hope to see their relationship explored a bit more in the next book.
“Looks like sunsets are growing on you.”The book was well paced, not too fast and not too slow. There were quite a few unexpected turns and the little plot twists kept me on the edge.
Overall, a great debut-one that I'd recommend to fans of dystopia and post-apocalyptic genres. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger so yes I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
My Rating
LOVE the cover... it's gorgeous. And the storyline certainly sounds like something I would enjoy. I'm going to add it to my GR TBR list! Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteYes, the first thing I noticed was the gorgeous cover too. Thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteSounds interesting. Wish authors would take that we are all sick of insta love and give us something believable instead. Good plotline though, will see what the reaction to book 2 is before I take the plunge!
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't full blown out insta love but yes it was veering dangerously close to that region! I hope you enjoy it when you read it-Thanks for stopping by,Trish! :)
DeleteI really want to read this one, I'm a bit of a dystopian junkie so I think I'll probably like it!
ReplyDeleteOooh yay another dystopian junkie! I hope you enjoy it when you read it,Sarah! :)
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