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The Exiles #1
The Vanishing
Description: It all begins with a game. Six teenagers from around the world receive a mysterious VR headset and are dropped into RIZE: a hyper-realistic survival simulation game where the Earth still lives and breathes as it used to. But when tragedy strikes, the 17-year-olds are faced with a radical choice: to remain obedient heirs to a broken world or take their virtual civilization offline and build it for real.
In a daring heist, the six disappear. They flood the system with fake identities, hijack their supplies, and vanish into the Pacific Northwest to build The Ark: an off-grid homestead rooted in ancient wisdom, the science of permaculture, and the hope of creating a blueprint to save the world.
At first, The Ark feels like utopia. Spring brings blossoms and blurred boundaries. But love entangles. Ideologies fracture. Winter descends. A traitor is unmasked, and survival turns brutal. As the outside world hunts them, and the true creator of RIZE is revealed, cracks in their idyllic community begin to form. They had set out to save the world, but now they’re fighting to save themselves.
Forget fantasy—this is real. No superpowers. No monsters. Just ordinary teenagers daring to fight for something better as they navigate the wonder and horror of the world they’ve inherited.
"At a time when dystopia has never felt so urgent and close to home, THE EXILES is as prescient as it is a page-turner. Kelsey Crane crafts a world just a breath away from our own, where flawed, fierce teen heroes dare to reimagine their future—and in doing so, inspire her readers to believe in change. A bold, timely reinvention of the genre from a promising new voice in the YA space."
—Lauren Oliver, New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall and Delirium
In a daring heist, the six disappear. They flood the system with fake identities, hijack their supplies, and vanish into the Pacific Northwest to build The Ark: an off-grid homestead rooted in ancient wisdom, the science of permaculture, and the hope of creating a blueprint to save the world.
At first, The Ark feels like utopia. Spring brings blossoms and blurred boundaries. But love entangles. Ideologies fracture. Winter descends. A traitor is unmasked, and survival turns brutal. As the outside world hunts them, and the true creator of RIZE is revealed, cracks in their idyllic community begin to form. They had set out to save the world, but now they’re fighting to save themselves.
Forget fantasy—this is real. No superpowers. No monsters. Just ordinary teenagers daring to fight for something better as they navigate the wonder and horror of the world they’ve inherited.
"At a time when dystopia has never felt so urgent and close to home, THE EXILES is as prescient as it is a page-turner. Kelsey Crane crafts a world just a breath away from our own, where flawed, fierce teen heroes dare to reimagine their future—and in doing so, inspire her readers to believe in change. A bold, timely reinvention of the genre from a promising new voice in the YA space."
—Lauren Oliver, New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall and Delirium
- GenresDystopiaYoung Adult
330 pages, Paperback
Published August 18, 2026
About the author
Kelsey Crane
1 book40 followersKELSEY CRANE is a storyteller, gardener, and apprentice of regenerative living. A certified permaculturist and ambassador for the Rodale Institute, she learns from the teachers, growers, and Indigenous leaders quietly building the future, and brings what she gathers to the page with care and curiosity. Her fiction explores the collision of ecological collapse and radical transformation, always with unshakable optimism—a hope she holds, as a mother, for every child inheriting this world. Kelsey lives in Los Angeles with her family.
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June 11, 2026I loved this book from start to finish. It is a compelling and timely novel that is beautifully written. The story of a group of teenagers who must grapple with the extraordinary environmental destruction and construct a world of their own first in the physical world and subsequently in the virtual world.
Their journey takes twists and turns as they create their world and then deal with deception, betrayal along with the normal journey a group of teenagers must undergo as they continue their path to maturity.
You will be both deeply touched and wildly amazed as you read this poetic book. It sets forth the prominent issues facing the world today and provides both caution and hope. Kelsey Crane is a richly talented author who you will want to both know about and follow the trajectory of what will be an extraordinary career as a novelist. Run don’t walk to get your copy when it is released this summer!!
Their journey takes twists and turns as they create their world and then deal with deception, betrayal along with the normal journey a group of teenagers must undergo as they continue their path to maturity.
You will be both deeply touched and wildly amazed as you read this poetic book. It sets forth the prominent issues facing the world today and provides both caution and hope. Kelsey Crane is a richly talented author who you will want to both know about and follow the trajectory of what will be an extraordinary career as a novelist. Run don’t walk to get your copy when it is released this summer!!
July 12, 2026
ARC REVIEW — book out August 18 🌟
what an impressive debut novel !!!
i had the pleasure of reading The Vanishing as an ARC, and i’m so grateful i got to discover this story before its release. for a debut novel, i was genuinely impressed. thank you so much Kelsey for trusting me with your book.
The Vanishing follows six teenagers from different corners of the world who receive a mysterious VR headset and are invited to test RIZE, an ultra-realistic survival simulation. but when the game reveals the devastating truth about the future of their world, they make the impossible choice to disappear and build a new life off the grid, hoping to create a better future together.
one of my favorite things about this book was the story itself. it felt so unique and unlike anything i’ve read before, which made the whole reading experience even more captivating.
i also really enjoyed the different points of view that added so much depth to the story and kept me invested from beginning to end. and the dynamic between the characters was definitely one of the best thing for me ! i loved watching their relationships evolve and seeing how they all brought something different to the story.
also… Kelsey Crane’s writing is engaging and easy to get lost in, and she does such a great job balancing mystery, adventure, and emotion. i can’t wait to the rest of the trilogy.
what an impressive debut novel !!!
i had the pleasure of reading The Vanishing as an ARC, and i’m so grateful i got to discover this story before its release. for a debut novel, i was genuinely impressed. thank you so much Kelsey for trusting me with your book.
The Vanishing follows six teenagers from different corners of the world who receive a mysterious VR headset and are invited to test RIZE, an ultra-realistic survival simulation. but when the game reveals the devastating truth about the future of their world, they make the impossible choice to disappear and build a new life off the grid, hoping to create a better future together.
one of my favorite things about this book was the story itself. it felt so unique and unlike anything i’ve read before, which made the whole reading experience even more captivating.
i also really enjoyed the different points of view that added so much depth to the story and kept me invested from beginning to end. and the dynamic between the characters was definitely one of the best thing for me ! i loved watching their relationships evolve and seeing how they all brought something different to the story.
also… Kelsey Crane’s writing is engaging and easy to get lost in, and she does such a great job balancing mystery, adventure, and emotion. i can’t wait to the rest of the trilogy.
July 27, 2026
I don’t think I’ve ever read a modern dystopian-esque novel that captures both a coming-of-age story and found family quite like The Vanishing.
Since this is an ARC, I’ll be keeping this review completely spoiler-free.
The worldbuilding perfectly straddles the line between modern-day and post-apocalyptic. Imagine our current society—but just a few steps further down the path we’re already on. Climate change. Smog. Food shortages. Supply chain disruptions. The slow unraveling of civilization under the weight of technology, war, and depleted natural resources. It’s unsettling because it’s believable. Every piece of this world feels close enough that you can easily picture yourself living in it.
Then there are the characters.
Six teenagers from different countries, cultures, and walks of life each receive a mysterious VR headset on their doorstep. No note. No return address. Just their name.
Inside this virtual world, they’re forced to rely on skills and knowledge they’ve either inherited or learned in order to survive and build a new society. What begins as a game slowly transforms into something much bigger when the six strangers decide to bring what they’ve learned into the real world.
I absolutely adore authors who create layered, complex characters and give each one meaningful opportunities to grow, and Kelsey Crane does exactly that.
These six adolescents—each between seventeen and eighteen years old—carry their own histories of trauma, grief, and hardship. Watching them slowly become a family, complete with love, friendship, disagreements, and heartbreak, was one of my favorite parts of the novel.
What I appreciated most was that the story never treats a fresh start as a magical cure-all. Their pasts don’t disappear simply because they’ve entered a new chapter. The wounds they carry continue to influence their choices, their relationships, and the challenges they face. I loved that. Just because we leave difficult situations behind doesn’t mean we leave without scars, and those scars can still shape who we become if we don’t learn to heal from them.
And when I tell you this book delivers on emotional tension… holy cow.
These six teenagers think they know what to expect, only to be thrown into situations no one could have anticipated or controlled. I was constantly on the edge of my seat—mouth hanging open, butt cheeks clenched—talking to the characters like they could somehow hear me. The emotional highs and devastating lows hit exactly when they needed to, and I never knew what was coming next.
Kelsey Crane’s writing is incredibly immersive without ever becoming bogged down in description. She paints vivid settings and raw emotion with just the right amount of detail, and the pacing is phenomenal. Every quiet moment serves a purpose, every intense moment lands, and together they create a story that kept me completely captivated from beginning to end.
The Vanishing releases August 18, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re a fan of grounded dystopian fiction, found family, character-driven stories, and emotional coming-of-age journeys, this is one you’ll want to preorder.
I already need the next installment.
Since this is an ARC, I’ll be keeping this review completely spoiler-free.
The worldbuilding perfectly straddles the line between modern-day and post-apocalyptic. Imagine our current society—but just a few steps further down the path we’re already on. Climate change. Smog. Food shortages. Supply chain disruptions. The slow unraveling of civilization under the weight of technology, war, and depleted natural resources. It’s unsettling because it’s believable. Every piece of this world feels close enough that you can easily picture yourself living in it.
Then there are the characters.
Six teenagers from different countries, cultures, and walks of life each receive a mysterious VR headset on their doorstep. No note. No return address. Just their name.
Inside this virtual world, they’re forced to rely on skills and knowledge they’ve either inherited or learned in order to survive and build a new society. What begins as a game slowly transforms into something much bigger when the six strangers decide to bring what they’ve learned into the real world.
I absolutely adore authors who create layered, complex characters and give each one meaningful opportunities to grow, and Kelsey Crane does exactly that.
These six adolescents—each between seventeen and eighteen years old—carry their own histories of trauma, grief, and hardship. Watching them slowly become a family, complete with love, friendship, disagreements, and heartbreak, was one of my favorite parts of the novel.
What I appreciated most was that the story never treats a fresh start as a magical cure-all. Their pasts don’t disappear simply because they’ve entered a new chapter. The wounds they carry continue to influence their choices, their relationships, and the challenges they face. I loved that. Just because we leave difficult situations behind doesn’t mean we leave without scars, and those scars can still shape who we become if we don’t learn to heal from them.
And when I tell you this book delivers on emotional tension… holy cow.
These six teenagers think they know what to expect, only to be thrown into situations no one could have anticipated or controlled. I was constantly on the edge of my seat—mouth hanging open, butt cheeks clenched—talking to the characters like they could somehow hear me. The emotional highs and devastating lows hit exactly when they needed to, and I never knew what was coming next.
Kelsey Crane’s writing is incredibly immersive without ever becoming bogged down in description. She paints vivid settings and raw emotion with just the right amount of detail, and the pacing is phenomenal. Every quiet moment serves a purpose, every intense moment lands, and together they create a story that kept me completely captivated from beginning to end.
The Vanishing releases August 18, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re a fan of grounded dystopian fiction, found family, character-driven stories, and emotional coming-of-age journeys, this is one you’ll want to preorder.
I already need the next installment.
August 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (rounded up to 5)
I really loved this story! 🌎🎮🌱 It follows six teenagers from around the world who each receive a mysterious VR headset and are dropped into RIZE, a hyper-realistic survival simulation. The story starts off a little slower as you get to know each teen and the bleak version of the world they're living in, but stick with it. Around the 20% mark, something shocking happens that completely changed the trajectory of the story, and from that point on, I was HOOKED! 😳
One thing I really appreciated was that this book didn't go in the direction I expected. Instead of focusing solely on the simulation, the story evolves into the teens going off the grid to build The Ark, which was a back-to-basics community centered around nature, self-sufficiency, and surviving together. 🌿🏕️ I'll admit I got a little lost during some of the day-to-day life at The Ark, but I also found it fascinating to watch these teens wrestle with what it means to live more intentionally and reconnect with the natural world. It raised some interesting questions about technology, climate change, and the kind of future we're building without ever feeling preachy.
The climax was exciting and gave me The Host meets The Village vibes, and I was here for it. 💚 The found family dynamics really shine, and I loved seeing the relationships between the characters develop as the stakes continued to rise. And that ending?! 😱 What a cliffhanger! I'll definitely be picking up the next book because I have to know where this story goes.
Overall, I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy YA dystopian fiction with found family, survival and climate crisis themes, and stories that explore humanity's relationship with nature. 🌎✨ Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Plant a Revolution LLC for the advance reader eBook in exchange for my honest review.
I really loved this story! 🌎🎮🌱 It follows six teenagers from around the world who each receive a mysterious VR headset and are dropped into RIZE, a hyper-realistic survival simulation. The story starts off a little slower as you get to know each teen and the bleak version of the world they're living in, but stick with it. Around the 20% mark, something shocking happens that completely changed the trajectory of the story, and from that point on, I was HOOKED! 😳
One thing I really appreciated was that this book didn't go in the direction I expected. Instead of focusing solely on the simulation, the story evolves into the teens going off the grid to build The Ark, which was a back-to-basics community centered around nature, self-sufficiency, and surviving together. 🌿🏕️ I'll admit I got a little lost during some of the day-to-day life at The Ark, but I also found it fascinating to watch these teens wrestle with what it means to live more intentionally and reconnect with the natural world. It raised some interesting questions about technology, climate change, and the kind of future we're building without ever feeling preachy.
The climax was exciting and gave me The Host meets The Village vibes, and I was here for it. 💚 The found family dynamics really shine, and I loved seeing the relationships between the characters develop as the stakes continued to rise. And that ending?! 😱 What a cliffhanger! I'll definitely be picking up the next book because I have to know where this story goes.
Overall, I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy YA dystopian fiction with found family, survival and climate crisis themes, and stories that explore humanity's relationship with nature. 🌎✨ Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Plant a Revolution LLC for the advance reader eBook in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2026
4.5 stars - Wow, this book had right away with the concept but kept me with the storytelling and writing style. I found this concept interesting, and it felt like it was something that could happen in the future. 6 teenagers meet in a VR video game and then connect in real life to try to rebuild a society, and the world is falling apart because of how adults handled everything.
Something I thought Crane did really well was developing the voices and storylines of each of the 6 main characters. Sometimes when you have so many different POVs, it can get confusing who is who and separate character traits, but I thought Crane did a great job with this. Establishing each character's role in the VR game, which then translated to the real world, also helped. I also liked how we did not switch POVs from chapter to chapter but within the chapters, so we got to see and hear more from each character.
I also thought the side plot with the FBI agent was really interesting and am excited to see more of her in the rest of the series. I know because they are off the grid, we can't see how the rest of the world is reacting to these 6 teenagers disappearing; we see a little bit of it with one of the characters when she calls her friend but I would love to see how the others' friends and families are reacting to them disappearing!
There was also a twist at the end I was not expecting and made me even more excited for the next book in the series!
Something I thought Crane did really well was developing the voices and storylines of each of the 6 main characters. Sometimes when you have so many different POVs, it can get confusing who is who and separate character traits, but I thought Crane did a great job with this. Establishing each character's role in the VR game, which then translated to the real world, also helped. I also liked how we did not switch POVs from chapter to chapter but within the chapters, so we got to see and hear more from each character.
I also thought the side plot with the FBI agent was really interesting and am excited to see more of her in the rest of the series. I know because they are off the grid, we can't see how the rest of the world is reacting to these 6 teenagers disappearing; we see a little bit of it with one of the characters when she calls her friend but I would love to see how the others' friends and families are reacting to them disappearing!
There was also a twist at the end I was not expecting and made me even more excited for the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
At last, a science fiction novel that offers hope for a world facing the consequences of climate change.
In her exciting debut novel, Kelsey Crane awakens readers to the environmental challenges threatening our planet while imagining a creative and inspiring path toward recovery. The story follows six teenagers from around the world, each representing a unique archetypal role, who are mysteriously invited to participate in a virtual reality game. What begins as an immersive adventure soon evolves into a real-life struggle for survival.
As the teens unite to build a new natural order, they draw upon ancient farming techniques and sustainable practices. Along the way, readers learn about regenerative agriculture as Crane skillfully blends real scientific principles with a rich fantasy narrative. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and surprising turns that keep the story engaging from beginning to end.
Romance, cinematic action, and suspense abound, making this novel both thought-provoking and entertaining. More importantly, it offers a rare vision of optimism in the face of global environmental challenges. This inspiring book encourages young people to think creatively about the future and their role in shaping it. Engaging, educational, and hopeful, it should be required reading for high school students everywhere.
In her exciting debut novel, Kelsey Crane awakens readers to the environmental challenges threatening our planet while imagining a creative and inspiring path toward recovery. The story follows six teenagers from around the world, each representing a unique archetypal role, who are mysteriously invited to participate in a virtual reality game. What begins as an immersive adventure soon evolves into a real-life struggle for survival.
As the teens unite to build a new natural order, they draw upon ancient farming techniques and sustainable practices. Along the way, readers learn about regenerative agriculture as Crane skillfully blends real scientific principles with a rich fantasy narrative. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and surprising turns that keep the story engaging from beginning to end.
Romance, cinematic action, and suspense abound, making this novel both thought-provoking and entertaining. More importantly, it offers a rare vision of optimism in the face of global environmental challenges. This inspiring book encourages young people to think creatively about the future and their role in shaping it. Engaging, educational, and hopeful, it should be required reading for high school students everywhere.
August 3, 2026
3,5⭐️
I got kindly sent this arc to review!
You follow 6 teenager in this dystopian world. The book starts with them jumping into a virtual survival game. You jump back into the game and into their real lives. They get to know each other through this survival game and they find out that they all want a better world and have nothing to lose. It’s a raw story about how we are destroying our world, and we should all try to save it.
I really like this idea of being in a game, I’m a gamer myself so I was super giddy about this part. Sadly this isn’t what you follow throughout the whole book. I love the different characters, they all had such different personalities. I did kinda struggle in the beginning to follow the 6 pov, but that’s a me thing. I will instantly forget the person I just read about.
All in all a really fun good YA dystopian. You could really feel the author her love for plant and nature, which I adored. I love plants. I love the secret that we discover at the end, I wasn’t even question that bit anymore. It’s super quick and easy read, I feel like this book could be a total hit with teenagers. I would’ve loved it!! (I stil really enjoyed it, but I do think a younger audience will be hooked more).
Thank you for letting me read and review this 🥰
I got kindly sent this arc to review!
You follow 6 teenager in this dystopian world. The book starts with them jumping into a virtual survival game. You jump back into the game and into their real lives. They get to know each other through this survival game and they find out that they all want a better world and have nothing to lose. It’s a raw story about how we are destroying our world, and we should all try to save it.
I really like this idea of being in a game, I’m a gamer myself so I was super giddy about this part. Sadly this isn’t what you follow throughout the whole book. I love the different characters, they all had such different personalities. I did kinda struggle in the beginning to follow the 6 pov, but that’s a me thing. I will instantly forget the person I just read about.
All in all a really fun good YA dystopian. You could really feel the author her love for plant and nature, which I adored. I love plants. I love the secret that we discover at the end, I wasn’t even question that bit anymore. It’s super quick and easy read, I feel like this book could be a total hit with teenagers. I would’ve loved it!! (I stil really enjoyed it, but I do think a younger audience will be hooked more).
Thank you for letting me read and review this 🥰
Read
July 7, 2026Kelsey Crane’s The Vanishing is a captivating and timely novel that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The story combines environmental issues, technology, friendship, and survival in a way that feels both relevant and thought-provoking. While exploring serious topics about the future of our world, the novel also delivers a powerful message of hope and reminds readers that change is possible.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is the use of multiple points of view. Seeing events through different perspectives helps readers connect with the characters and understand their unique motivations and struggles. The characters are also incredibly well-developed and diverse, with personalities, backgrounds, and experiences that make them feel both realistic and relatable.
I particularly loved the found-family dynamic that develops throughout the story. The relationships between the characters felt genuine, with the conflicts and romantic tension adding emotional depth to the storyline. I can’t wait to see how this dynamic evolves throughout the series.
Kelsey’s writing is beautiful and immersive, making it easy to become completely absorbed in the story. Her descriptions of the natural world are vivid and poetic, creating a strong appreciation for the environment and what’s at stake if action is not taken. At the same time, the pacing keeps the story exciting, with moments of tension, unexpected twists, and emotional depth that kept me hooked.
What stood out most to me was the way the novel balances its warnings about environmental destruction with a message of hope. Rather than presenting the future as completely hopeless, The Vanishing shows how community, determination, and compassion can inspire meaningful change.
Overall, The Vanishing is an engaging and memorable read with compelling characters, strong themes, and excellent writing. It is a book that not only entertains but also encourages readers to think critically about the world around them and the future they want to be a part of creating.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is the use of multiple points of view. Seeing events through different perspectives helps readers connect with the characters and understand their unique motivations and struggles. The characters are also incredibly well-developed and diverse, with personalities, backgrounds, and experiences that make them feel both realistic and relatable.
I particularly loved the found-family dynamic that develops throughout the story. The relationships between the characters felt genuine, with the conflicts and romantic tension adding emotional depth to the storyline. I can’t wait to see how this dynamic evolves throughout the series.
Kelsey’s writing is beautiful and immersive, making it easy to become completely absorbed in the story. Her descriptions of the natural world are vivid and poetic, creating a strong appreciation for the environment and what’s at stake if action is not taken. At the same time, the pacing keeps the story exciting, with moments of tension, unexpected twists, and emotional depth that kept me hooked.
What stood out most to me was the way the novel balances its warnings about environmental destruction with a message of hope. Rather than presenting the future as completely hopeless, The Vanishing shows how community, determination, and compassion can inspire meaningful change.
Overall, The Vanishing is an engaging and memorable read with compelling characters, strong themes, and excellent writing. It is a book that not only entertains but also encourages readers to think critically about the world around them and the future they want to be a part of creating.
July 31, 2026
4.5/5 🌟
A near future YA dystopian about a group of teens who can no longer sit around watching the world around them die while the powers that be sit back and do nothing. This rag tag group of unlikely friends sets off to rebuild the world in the backcountry of Oregon.
I love a YA dystopian and this was a whole different take on the genre that I really enjoyed! The world is crumbling, being lost to climate change and the greed of those in power. But a group of teens take back their power and find a remote location to rebuild and start to live off the land with the hopes that they can teach others to do the same and reverse some of the damage done to the earth.
The characters were engaging, each with their own set of skills to help build a new world. They’re a diverse group from all over the world with different experiences and knowledge to contribute. I loved the mental health rep and acceptance in the story as well!
If you enjoy a survival dystopian story I highly recommend checking out this debut!
A near future YA dystopian about a group of teens who can no longer sit around watching the world around them die while the powers that be sit back and do nothing. This rag tag group of unlikely friends sets off to rebuild the world in the backcountry of Oregon.
I love a YA dystopian and this was a whole different take on the genre that I really enjoyed! The world is crumbling, being lost to climate change and the greed of those in power. But a group of teens take back their power and find a remote location to rebuild and start to live off the land with the hopes that they can teach others to do the same and reverse some of the damage done to the earth.
The characters were engaging, each with their own set of skills to help build a new world. They’re a diverse group from all over the world with different experiences and knowledge to contribute. I loved the mental health rep and acceptance in the story as well!
If you enjoy a survival dystopian story I highly recommend checking out this debut!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Survival is the Ultimate Beta Test.
What would you do if you were given the chance to build a better world?🌎
Thank you, Kelsey Crane, for the opportunity to read and review The Vanishing. It was an absolute pleasure to step into the world you created and spend time with Astrid, Teo, Yekta, Ishaan, Rosalina, and Jayden. Each character felt unique, authentic, and impossible not to root for.
In a genre flooded with predictable dystopias, Kelsey Crane’s The Vanishing: The Exiles, Book One delivers a breath of crisp, dangerous air. The story hooks you immediately with a premise that feels terrifyingly plausible: in a fractured near-future of permanent orange skies and failing power grids, six teenagers across the globe receive an anonymous package containing a next-generation VR headset for a mysterious survivalist game called RIZE. What follows is an addictive blend of high-stakes wilderness survival and intense character drama, written in a clear, compelling human tone that flows naturally from start to finish.
Meet the Players:
Crane handles an ensemble cast beautifully, giving each character a distinct voice and a compelling, real-world trauma that drives their behavior inside the game:
Astrid (The Visionary - USA): Neurodivergent, hyper-observant, and deeply isolated in the real world, Astrid treats strategy not just as an instinct, but as the air she breathes. In life, her goal was to disappear; in RIZE, she quickly becomes the perceptive anchor the group needs to stay alive.
Teo (The Creator - Mexico): A brilliant youth mentor burdened by a sinking hometown and overwhelming grief, Teo brings practical crafting skills and a soulful depth to the team. His ability to forge weapons and sing around the campfire makes him an instant, magnetic leader.
Yekta (The Caregiver - Iran): Having lost her parents to war, Yekta finds solace in the virtual soil. Her "green-thumbed magic" and knowledge of ecosystems allow her to nurture life in a world that feels more real to her than the rubble back home.
Ishaan (The Healer - India): A seventeen-year-old prodigy surgeon reeling from a tragic, highly publicized failure in the operating room. Inside RIZE, his analytical, calculating mind allows him to engineer complex filtration systems, even as he struggles with social skills and immense guilt.
Rosalina (The Explorer - USA): A fierce, reckless protestor carrying the heavy trauma of a school shooting. Fueled by a burning inner rage, she channels her restless energy into becoming a fearless tracker and fire-starter for the group.
Jayden (The Rebel - China): A legendary, untraceable hacker who literally erased his own digital existence at age thirteen after being neglected by his parents. He masks his profound loneliness with quick wit and a desire to master the game's mechanics, though the wild quickly reminds him that nature cannot be hacked.
Tension You Can Feel.
The brilliance of The Vanishing lies in how it seamlessly bridges the gap between the virtual and the physical. When the characters put on their headsets, the simulation is shockingly absolute: the scent of damp earth, the rough texture of tree bark, the sting of cold river water, and even hunger pangs feel entirely tangible.
The stakes are masterfully introduced via a visual interface: five glowing health hearts in the corner of their vision. The teenagers quickly realize that time never stops in RIZE; when they log off to face their grim realities, their avatars remain behind as empty, starving shells.
Watching this group of brilliantly flawed strangers slowly drop their guards and synchronize their unique skillsets to build a home from scratch is profoundly engaging. From weaving waterproof baskets to stomping out sustainable cob bricks, Crane highlights the beauty of human collaboration against the backdrop of an impending winter and lurking predators.
The Verdict:
The Vanishing is a beautifully paced, atmospheric thriller that thrives on its rich character development. It captures the heavy, claustrophobic weight of teenage angst and global anxiety, while offering a beautiful, albeit dangerous, digital escape. By the time Jayden finds himself undone by the unforgiving physics of a river current, or Astrid finds herself holding a mysterious turquoise bead, you are completely invested in their collective survival. This is a phenomenal start to The Exiles series, leaving readers desperately eager to find out what happens when winter fully sets in.
This is an ambitious, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional start to The Exiles series. I laughed, worried, cried, and cheered for these characters.
If you love dystopian fiction with unforgettable characters, found-family friendships, survival elements, slow-burn romance, adventure, and a powerful message about hope, The Vanishing deserves a place on your TBR.
What would you do if you were given the chance to build a better world?🌎
Thank you, Kelsey Crane, for the opportunity to read and review The Vanishing. It was an absolute pleasure to step into the world you created and spend time with Astrid, Teo, Yekta, Ishaan, Rosalina, and Jayden. Each character felt unique, authentic, and impossible not to root for.
In a genre flooded with predictable dystopias, Kelsey Crane’s The Vanishing: The Exiles, Book One delivers a breath of crisp, dangerous air. The story hooks you immediately with a premise that feels terrifyingly plausible: in a fractured near-future of permanent orange skies and failing power grids, six teenagers across the globe receive an anonymous package containing a next-generation VR headset for a mysterious survivalist game called RIZE. What follows is an addictive blend of high-stakes wilderness survival and intense character drama, written in a clear, compelling human tone that flows naturally from start to finish.
Meet the Players:
Crane handles an ensemble cast beautifully, giving each character a distinct voice and a compelling, real-world trauma that drives their behavior inside the game:
Astrid (The Visionary - USA): Neurodivergent, hyper-observant, and deeply isolated in the real world, Astrid treats strategy not just as an instinct, but as the air she breathes. In life, her goal was to disappear; in RIZE, she quickly becomes the perceptive anchor the group needs to stay alive.
Teo (The Creator - Mexico): A brilliant youth mentor burdened by a sinking hometown and overwhelming grief, Teo brings practical crafting skills and a soulful depth to the team. His ability to forge weapons and sing around the campfire makes him an instant, magnetic leader.
Yekta (The Caregiver - Iran): Having lost her parents to war, Yekta finds solace in the virtual soil. Her "green-thumbed magic" and knowledge of ecosystems allow her to nurture life in a world that feels more real to her than the rubble back home.
Ishaan (The Healer - India): A seventeen-year-old prodigy surgeon reeling from a tragic, highly publicized failure in the operating room. Inside RIZE, his analytical, calculating mind allows him to engineer complex filtration systems, even as he struggles with social skills and immense guilt.
Rosalina (The Explorer - USA): A fierce, reckless protestor carrying the heavy trauma of a school shooting. Fueled by a burning inner rage, she channels her restless energy into becoming a fearless tracker and fire-starter for the group.
Jayden (The Rebel - China): A legendary, untraceable hacker who literally erased his own digital existence at age thirteen after being neglected by his parents. He masks his profound loneliness with quick wit and a desire to master the game's mechanics, though the wild quickly reminds him that nature cannot be hacked.
Tension You Can Feel.
The brilliance of The Vanishing lies in how it seamlessly bridges the gap between the virtual and the physical. When the characters put on their headsets, the simulation is shockingly absolute: the scent of damp earth, the rough texture of tree bark, the sting of cold river water, and even hunger pangs feel entirely tangible.
The stakes are masterfully introduced via a visual interface: five glowing health hearts in the corner of their vision. The teenagers quickly realize that time never stops in RIZE; when they log off to face their grim realities, their avatars remain behind as empty, starving shells.
Watching this group of brilliantly flawed strangers slowly drop their guards and synchronize their unique skillsets to build a home from scratch is profoundly engaging. From weaving waterproof baskets to stomping out sustainable cob bricks, Crane highlights the beauty of human collaboration against the backdrop of an impending winter and lurking predators.
The Verdict:
The Vanishing is a beautifully paced, atmospheric thriller that thrives on its rich character development. It captures the heavy, claustrophobic weight of teenage angst and global anxiety, while offering a beautiful, albeit dangerous, digital escape. By the time Jayden finds himself undone by the unforgiving physics of a river current, or Astrid finds herself holding a mysterious turquoise bead, you are completely invested in their collective survival. This is a phenomenal start to The Exiles series, leaving readers desperately eager to find out what happens when winter fully sets in.
This is an ambitious, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional start to The Exiles series. I laughed, worried, cried, and cheered for these characters.
If you love dystopian fiction with unforgettable characters, found-family friendships, survival elements, slow-burn romance, adventure, and a powerful message about hope, The Vanishing deserves a place on your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Huge thank you to Kelsey Crane for an ARC of her debut, The Vanishing (Book One of The Exiles). This book I think has the potential to be one of the more interesting YA releases of 2026 because of the questions it makes you ponder.
It follows six teenagers from around the world who receive mysterious VR headsets and enter RIZE, a survival simulation set on a healthier version of Earth. After a tragedy, they decide not merely to play at building a better civilization but to disappear into the Pacific Northwest and attempt to create one in reality through off-grid living, permaculture, and radical self-sufficiency. In short, an Ark.
It was like if the technology of 3 Body Problem met with the world of Ready Player One and merged with Into the Wild. I'd say it's less dystopian (unless we get more info on the exterior world in the next book) and more YA climate-fiction romance, like a YA version of contemporary “collapse fiction” and solarpunk ideals colliding with human nature. It's a fascinating take on the dystopian genre that is often dominated by rebellions, chosen ones, and evil governments.
The mainstream world is more ecologically focused with favored social classes than totalitarian and oppressive I felt. Less focus on the political structure and more on the environment itself and how younger generations will adapt. Pre/ borderline dystopian. However, having only 20 harvests left before the world is unsustainable is pretty oppressive.
The transition from simulation to reality was interesting. You don't generally see that but honestly, with the way AI has taken root, I see more people enjoying the real world again and I enjoyed that turn of events.
"𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘧."
This book aims to ask if young people genuinely knew how to build a better society, could they actually do it? History suggests the answer is usually for about six months, before a fallout. Human beings are remarkably talented at turning utopias into cautionary tales.
YA dystopias often stumble when they become vehicles for ideas rather than stories but this one is different. It stresses the importance of permaculture, sustainability, and social reform, yes, but thankfully the characters turn out to be messy, selfish, jealous, and contradictory at times too.
Kelsey excelled at building a multicultural cast and incorporating important environmental themes. There is a little romance sub-plot that was actually nice to have. There is also some tension between idealism and reality between the six. The Ark begins as a dream of sustainability, cooperation, and renewal, but human nature proves far more complicated than any simulation. Friendships fracture, loyalties shift, and the line between visionary leadership and dangerous fanaticism begins to blur.
Most chapters contain the perspectives of all the six teens and much of their dialogue is philosophical discussions that occasionally slow the momentum, but the interpersonal conflicts and the few chapters by the seventh character, a cyber-security FBI agent, keeps it interesting. I need to know more about her!
It's a thoughtful, ambitious debut that seems more interested in rebuilding the future than merely surviving it. And I have SOO many questions so I'm going to need book 2 ASAP! 🙌
It follows six teenagers from around the world who receive mysterious VR headsets and enter RIZE, a survival simulation set on a healthier version of Earth. After a tragedy, they decide not merely to play at building a better civilization but to disappear into the Pacific Northwest and attempt to create one in reality through off-grid living, permaculture, and radical self-sufficiency. In short, an Ark.
It was like if the technology of 3 Body Problem met with the world of Ready Player One and merged with Into the Wild. I'd say it's less dystopian (unless we get more info on the exterior world in the next book) and more YA climate-fiction romance, like a YA version of contemporary “collapse fiction” and solarpunk ideals colliding with human nature. It's a fascinating take on the dystopian genre that is often dominated by rebellions, chosen ones, and evil governments.
The mainstream world is more ecologically focused with favored social classes than totalitarian and oppressive I felt. Less focus on the political structure and more on the environment itself and how younger generations will adapt. Pre/ borderline dystopian. However, having only 20 harvests left before the world is unsustainable is pretty oppressive.
The transition from simulation to reality was interesting. You don't generally see that but honestly, with the way AI has taken root, I see more people enjoying the real world again and I enjoyed that turn of events.
"𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘧."
This book aims to ask if young people genuinely knew how to build a better society, could they actually do it? History suggests the answer is usually for about six months, before a fallout. Human beings are remarkably talented at turning utopias into cautionary tales.
YA dystopias often stumble when they become vehicles for ideas rather than stories but this one is different. It stresses the importance of permaculture, sustainability, and social reform, yes, but thankfully the characters turn out to be messy, selfish, jealous, and contradictory at times too.
Kelsey excelled at building a multicultural cast and incorporating important environmental themes. There is a little romance sub-plot that was actually nice to have. There is also some tension between idealism and reality between the six. The Ark begins as a dream of sustainability, cooperation, and renewal, but human nature proves far more complicated than any simulation. Friendships fracture, loyalties shift, and the line between visionary leadership and dangerous fanaticism begins to blur.
Most chapters contain the perspectives of all the six teens and much of their dialogue is philosophical discussions that occasionally slow the momentum, but the interpersonal conflicts and the few chapters by the seventh character, a cyber-security FBI agent, keeps it interesting. I need to know more about her!
It's a thoughtful, ambitious debut that seems more interested in rebuilding the future than merely surviving it. And I have SOO many questions so I'm going to need book 2 ASAP! 🙌
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💫I never, ever would have thought that a book set in a post-apocalyptic world about teenagers*with no spice*would be right up my alley. I’m so shocked and struggling to find the right words that I don’t even know how to describe what’s in it.
I usually only read romance and dark romance, so when I had the chance to read this book early,thanks to the author, my curiosity got the better of me.
☀️I find the writing style wonderful and unique!
it’s absolutely perfect in how it explains complicated hacker code and procedures in a way that even a simple person like me, can understand. And I’m really not a coding person😩
🌎there’s such deep knowledge in the world around us:
in our lives, about what’s wrong with things right now, starting with globalization, how we produce our food, continuing on to how we treat nature, where we live, what we do, what kind of relationships we have, what kind of friends we have, what our family backgrounds are-it covers everything, absolutely everything, and it’s so complex that even now I’m searching for the right words, and I can’t believe what I just read.
🌝It all started when a few teenagers, or rather, six of them, got caught up in a game where they didn’t know the rules, but found themselves in a world with fresh air, a forest landscape, a stream, and a clearing-and in this dystopian world, that’s a complete anomaly; there’s nothing like that. Everything is polluted, built on lies, and mired in filth, stench, and smog.
🌸🌺The characters are completely unique.
each with their own distinct background, where they came from,and yet they form a family that’s unstoppable and utterly one-of-a-kind.
For me, this gives me a huge boost to dare to take action and create a better world, and somehow look back at our roots-which we’ve long since forgotten-that everything comes comes from nature, and everything we take, we must give back- it’s as complex as nature itself and Mother Nature, who created this world of ours
💥☄️⚡️I never would have thought the storytelling would captivate me this much, or that I’d care so deeply about the fates of these people and what they’re building—that the idealism would be portrayed so realistically, that a society*a mini-society*would come to life, and that from within this society, a few teenagers would change the world. It’s mind-blowing to me, and I don’t know how many years the author must have spent writing this book—the kind of knowledge and background research that went into it completely blew me away.
I recommend this book to everyone—even if you’ve never read a dystopian book in your life, and even if you’ve never read a single page—and I recommend that you just give it a try because this kind of shift in perspective and this kind of freshness and novelty, I think everyone will really enjoy it.
🌞🌜So I’m very happy that I got to be a part of this story, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how it continues, because I sense that a lot has changed and come to a close, but I feel like there’s still so much I want to discover, and I want the ARK MISSION to succeed, so I can ,,see,, how this kids make their dreams come true.⚡️🪐
💫I never, ever would have thought that a book set in a post-apocalyptic world about teenagers*with no spice*would be right up my alley. I’m so shocked and struggling to find the right words that I don’t even know how to describe what’s in it.
I usually only read romance and dark romance, so when I had the chance to read this book early,thanks to the author, my curiosity got the better of me.
☀️I find the writing style wonderful and unique!
it’s absolutely perfect in how it explains complicated hacker code and procedures in a way that even a simple person like me, can understand. And I’m really not a coding person😩
🌎there’s such deep knowledge in the world around us:
in our lives, about what’s wrong with things right now, starting with globalization, how we produce our food, continuing on to how we treat nature, where we live, what we do, what kind of relationships we have, what kind of friends we have, what our family backgrounds are-it covers everything, absolutely everything, and it’s so complex that even now I’m searching for the right words, and I can’t believe what I just read.
🌝It all started when a few teenagers, or rather, six of them, got caught up in a game where they didn’t know the rules, but found themselves in a world with fresh air, a forest landscape, a stream, and a clearing-and in this dystopian world, that’s a complete anomaly; there’s nothing like that. Everything is polluted, built on lies, and mired in filth, stench, and smog.
🌸🌺The characters are completely unique.
each with their own distinct background, where they came from,and yet they form a family that’s unstoppable and utterly one-of-a-kind.
For me, this gives me a huge boost to dare to take action and create a better world, and somehow look back at our roots-which we’ve long since forgotten-that everything comes comes from nature, and everything we take, we must give back- it’s as complex as nature itself and Mother Nature, who created this world of ours
💥☄️⚡️I never would have thought the storytelling would captivate me this much, or that I’d care so deeply about the fates of these people and what they’re building—that the idealism would be portrayed so realistically, that a society*a mini-society*would come to life, and that from within this society, a few teenagers would change the world. It’s mind-blowing to me, and I don’t know how many years the author must have spent writing this book—the kind of knowledge and background research that went into it completely blew me away.
I recommend this book to everyone—even if you’ve never read a dystopian book in your life, and even if you’ve never read a single page—and I recommend that you just give it a try because this kind of shift in perspective and this kind of freshness and novelty, I think everyone will really enjoy it.
🌞🌜So I’m very happy that I got to be a part of this story, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how it continues, because I sense that a lot has changed and come to a close, but I feel like there’s still so much I want to discover, and I want the ARK MISSION to succeed, so I can ,,see,, how this kids make their dreams come true.⚡️🪐
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I picked up The Vanishing drawn by its premise…. six teenagers from around the world receive mysterious VR headsets, enter a hyper realistic survival simulation called RIZE that shows Earth as it once was, and then make the radical decision to abandon the broken real world and try building something better offline. (Sounds a little like the Maze 🤔)
What starts as a game soon becomes more, a disappearance into the Pacific Northwest, and the creation of The Ark (an off grid homestead grounded in ancient knowledge, and stubborn hope.)
This is a YA dystopia that feels uncomfortably close to home rather than distant spectacle. No superpowers, no monsters, just ordinary 17 year olds confronting a world of pollution, scarcity, and systems that no longer serve them.
The choice they face…. remain obedient heirs to a failing civilization or risk everything to try living differently lands had me turning those pages. The early sections in the simulation and the transition to building The Ark are particularly effective at making the environmental stakes personal and tangible.
What worked best for me was the found family dynamic and the focus on the daily work of creating a community. Spring at The Ark brings the expected blossoming and blurred boundaries…. love, ideology, and personality clashes. Winter brings its own issues and external pressure harden everything.
The characters had great backgrounds, traumas, and skills, watching them try (and sometimes fail) to become a functioning unit was really compelling (I’d happily watch this on the big screen.)
Utopia is fragile. Relationships tangle. Trust fractures. A traitor emerges. Survival gets brutal. These elements keep the story from feeling naïve. At the same time, the book never fully abandons hope, the sense that young people might still be able to live a different life from their parents.
Pacing is deliberate in places. Getting to know six distinct points of view and settling into the rhythms of The Ark takes time, and some of the day to day details may feel slower if you’re primarily looking for high stakes thriller momentum. But once the external pressure and internal cracks intensify, the tension rises effectively.
The writing is clear, strong on atmosphere and emotional moments without becoming too much.
As a debut and the first in a series, The Vanishing sets up larger questions about technology, nature, community, and what it actually costs to try changing the trajectory of a damaged world. It left me invested in the characters and curious about where the story goes next.
If you like character driven YA that treats climate crisis and found family seriously then give this one a go.
It’s thoughtful and often moving.
I’m glad I read it, and I’ll be looking for Book Two.
🦋
*copy supplied for review
What starts as a game soon becomes more, a disappearance into the Pacific Northwest, and the creation of The Ark (an off grid homestead grounded in ancient knowledge, and stubborn hope.)
This is a YA dystopia that feels uncomfortably close to home rather than distant spectacle. No superpowers, no monsters, just ordinary 17 year olds confronting a world of pollution, scarcity, and systems that no longer serve them.
The choice they face…. remain obedient heirs to a failing civilization or risk everything to try living differently lands had me turning those pages. The early sections in the simulation and the transition to building The Ark are particularly effective at making the environmental stakes personal and tangible.
What worked best for me was the found family dynamic and the focus on the daily work of creating a community. Spring at The Ark brings the expected blossoming and blurred boundaries…. love, ideology, and personality clashes. Winter brings its own issues and external pressure harden everything.
The characters had great backgrounds, traumas, and skills, watching them try (and sometimes fail) to become a functioning unit was really compelling (I’d happily watch this on the big screen.)
Utopia is fragile. Relationships tangle. Trust fractures. A traitor emerges. Survival gets brutal. These elements keep the story from feeling naïve. At the same time, the book never fully abandons hope, the sense that young people might still be able to live a different life from their parents.
Pacing is deliberate in places. Getting to know six distinct points of view and settling into the rhythms of The Ark takes time, and some of the day to day details may feel slower if you’re primarily looking for high stakes thriller momentum. But once the external pressure and internal cracks intensify, the tension rises effectively.
The writing is clear, strong on atmosphere and emotional moments without becoming too much.
As a debut and the first in a series, The Vanishing sets up larger questions about technology, nature, community, and what it actually costs to try changing the trajectory of a damaged world. It left me invested in the characters and curious about where the story goes next.
If you like character driven YA that treats climate crisis and found family seriously then give this one a go.
It’s thoughtful and often moving.
I’m glad I read it, and I’ll be looking for Book Two.
🦋
*copy supplied for review
Review of advance copy received from Author
There are debut novels that show promise, and then there are debut novels that arrive feeling as though they have been patiently waiting years for the right voice to bring them into the world. The Vanishing: Book One of The Exiles belongs firmly in the latter category.
What struck me first was the beauty of Kelsey Crane's prose. This is a novel with a great deal to communicate - history, world building, relationships, and the complex realities of a dystopian future - yet it never feels burdened by exposition. Crane possesses a rare gift for weaving information seamlessly into passages of genuine lyricism. Her writing is poetic without becoming indulgent, thoughtful without sacrificing momentum. More than once, I found my heart racing with anticipation even as I lingered over the elegance of a particular sentence or image.
The novel's six-point-of-view structure is one of its greatest strengths. Each character emerges with a distinct voice and perspective, but what fascinated me most was watching them come alive through one another's eyes. Crane understands that we are revealed not only by what we think of ourselves, but by how we are seen, loved, misunderstood, and challenged by others. The result is a cast that feels remarkably vivid and human.
What elevates The Vanishing beyond many entries in the dystopian genre is its commitment to hope. Rather than simply presenting a broken future, Crane asks what might be required to heal one. Through the determination, courage, and growth of her young protagonists, she offers readers something increasingly rare: a reason to believe that meaningful change is possible. The novel invites us not only to imagine a different future but to consider our own role in shaping it.
Perhaps most impressive is the confidence of the storytelling. This does not read like the tentative work of a new novelist finding her footing. It reads like the first installment from a writer who has been carrying these ideas for a long time and has finally found the perfect medium through which to share them.
I finished The Vanishing eager for the next book in The Exiles series, but also eager to see where Kelsey Crane's imagination leads next. She is an exciting new voice in fiction—one with a unique perspective, a gift for language, and something meaningful to say. I, for one, don't want to miss a single step of the journey.
What struck me first was the beauty of Kelsey Crane's prose. This is a novel with a great deal to communicate - history, world building, relationships, and the complex realities of a dystopian future - yet it never feels burdened by exposition. Crane possesses a rare gift for weaving information seamlessly into passages of genuine lyricism. Her writing is poetic without becoming indulgent, thoughtful without sacrificing momentum. More than once, I found my heart racing with anticipation even as I lingered over the elegance of a particular sentence or image.
The novel's six-point-of-view structure is one of its greatest strengths. Each character emerges with a distinct voice and perspective, but what fascinated me most was watching them come alive through one another's eyes. Crane understands that we are revealed not only by what we think of ourselves, but by how we are seen, loved, misunderstood, and challenged by others. The result is a cast that feels remarkably vivid and human.
What elevates The Vanishing beyond many entries in the dystopian genre is its commitment to hope. Rather than simply presenting a broken future, Crane asks what might be required to heal one. Through the determination, courage, and growth of her young protagonists, she offers readers something increasingly rare: a reason to believe that meaningful change is possible. The novel invites us not only to imagine a different future but to consider our own role in shaping it.
Perhaps most impressive is the confidence of the storytelling. This does not read like the tentative work of a new novelist finding her footing. It reads like the first installment from a writer who has been carrying these ideas for a long time and has finally found the perfect medium through which to share them.
I finished The Vanishing eager for the next book in The Exiles series, but also eager to see where Kelsey Crane's imagination leads next. She is an exciting new voice in fiction—one with a unique perspective, a gift for language, and something meaningful to say. I, for one, don't want to miss a single step of the journey.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kelsey Crane’s debut novel is exactly what we need in a world that is struggling to balance itself. We have become too comfortable and have allowed ourselves to forget that Earth needs our love and protection. If we don’t, generations to come will be left with a barren wasteland that will be impossible to come back from.
The Vanishing left me feeling so much! Following six teens: Teo, Astrid, Yekta, Ishaan, Jayden, and Rosalia, all come from incredibly different backgrounds, but all long for the same thing. Connection, family, an escape from their difficult lives, and to no longer feel alone. They all have special skills that can help them build a new community and try to save Earth.
Kelsey’s writing is absolutely beautiful. The way she describes the wilderness and plant life (which she knows A TON about) but also technology is amazing. I can only imagine how much research she did. She also tied in mental health, domestic violence, family system issues, and reminded us of the fears that our youth face every day.
Kelsey pulls you in right away, throws you a few twists and turns, then BAM, hits you with an ending that I never saw coming!! I hope that after reading this, people will reflect on the impact we are having on the land, and work to find ways that we can help make a better world for our kids. They need us as much as we need them to move forward!!
The Vanishing will make you feel things like sadness, happiness, true fear, joy, love, connection, and understand that we need to stand up and make a change. I can’t wait for book two!!
The Vanishing left me feeling so much! Following six teens: Teo, Astrid, Yekta, Ishaan, Jayden, and Rosalia, all come from incredibly different backgrounds, but all long for the same thing. Connection, family, an escape from their difficult lives, and to no longer feel alone. They all have special skills that can help them build a new community and try to save Earth.
Kelsey’s writing is absolutely beautiful. The way she describes the wilderness and plant life (which she knows A TON about) but also technology is amazing. I can only imagine how much research she did. She also tied in mental health, domestic violence, family system issues, and reminded us of the fears that our youth face every day.
Kelsey pulls you in right away, throws you a few twists and turns, then BAM, hits you with an ending that I never saw coming!! I hope that after reading this, people will reflect on the impact we are having on the land, and work to find ways that we can help make a better world for our kids. They need us as much as we need them to move forward!!
The Vanishing will make you feel things like sadness, happiness, true fear, joy, love, connection, and understand that we need to stand up and make a change. I can’t wait for book two!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kelsey Crane’s The Vanishing: The Exiles, Book One is the first book in a fantastic, new climate fiction series. Kelsey immediately draws the reader in with a gripping story about teens from all over the world who are mysteriously drawn together to engage in a virtual reality world known as RIZE. But RIZE is not merely a game….
Through each of the six teens' different points of view, we learn about their cultures, past trauma and how they can combine their skills for the future well–being of the Earth. I found myself completely enthralled in their adventures and the development of their characters. The Vanishing is well-researched, with Kelsey sharing her knowledge about sustainable and regenerative environmental practices. Despite this being a work of fiction, I learned so much. I found myself researching more about greywater systems- something I hadn’t previously known much about. The writing is just so beautiful and creates a striking image in the mind’s eye such as “ the fire-blackened trees loom like skeletal fingers pointed ominously at the sky." I had to constantly remind myself that this book was the author’s debut novel, because it read like the work of a far more seasoned writer. The Vanishing comes to a thrilling conclusion, with a satisfying, hopeful ending and one that leaves the reader craving the next installment. The Vanishing is cutting edge climate fiction and will inspire readers to realize the impact that they can have on the future of our treasured planet.
Through each of the six teens' different points of view, we learn about their cultures, past trauma and how they can combine their skills for the future well–being of the Earth. I found myself completely enthralled in their adventures and the development of their characters. The Vanishing is well-researched, with Kelsey sharing her knowledge about sustainable and regenerative environmental practices. Despite this being a work of fiction, I learned so much. I found myself researching more about greywater systems- something I hadn’t previously known much about. The writing is just so beautiful and creates a striking image in the mind’s eye such as “ the fire-blackened trees loom like skeletal fingers pointed ominously at the sky." I had to constantly remind myself that this book was the author’s debut novel, because it read like the work of a far more seasoned writer. The Vanishing comes to a thrilling conclusion, with a satisfying, hopeful ending and one that leaves the reader craving the next installment. The Vanishing is cutting edge climate fiction and will inspire readers to realize the impact that they can have on the future of our treasured planet.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I got my hands on this book I’ll admit I was a little skeptical. It sounded like the kind of book I would have loved when I was younger though, so I decided to give it a go.
And... wow. No regrets.
This book is like a really unique blend of The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin, Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden, and Gone Dark by Amanda Panitch.
The story follows six teenagers from across a dying Earth who are each mysteriously gifted a virtual reality headset. Inside the VR world, they meet one another and have to figure out how to survive in a forest. Sounds simple enough. But throw in an FBI agent tracking one of them down, the death of a parent, climate instability, slow-burn romance, a dash of mental health struggles, and a group of complete strangers who become determined to fix this whole mess, and now you’ve got an unputdownable book!
No spice here, but plenty of tension and romance to make up for it. There’s also some gorgeous LGBTQ+ representation that feels completely natural to the story. This is YA without feeling immature in the slightest.
I’ve said before that I don’t usually love multiple POVs, and that’s still true. But this book establishes that structure from chapter one, so I settled into it really quickly. Each perspective felt distinct, and the transitions were seamless.
This book genuinely blew me away. Five stars.
If you’ve been reading a little too much romantasy lately (hi, it’s me), this is the perfect palate cleanser. I highly recommend this book, I’ll be talking about this one for the rest of the year.
And... wow. No regrets.
This book is like a really unique blend of The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin, Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden, and Gone Dark by Amanda Panitch.
The story follows six teenagers from across a dying Earth who are each mysteriously gifted a virtual reality headset. Inside the VR world, they meet one another and have to figure out how to survive in a forest. Sounds simple enough. But throw in an FBI agent tracking one of them down, the death of a parent, climate instability, slow-burn romance, a dash of mental health struggles, and a group of complete strangers who become determined to fix this whole mess, and now you’ve got an unputdownable book!
No spice here, but plenty of tension and romance to make up for it. There’s also some gorgeous LGBTQ+ representation that feels completely natural to the story. This is YA without feeling immature in the slightest.
I’ve said before that I don’t usually love multiple POVs, and that’s still true. But this book establishes that structure from chapter one, so I settled into it really quickly. Each perspective felt distinct, and the transitions were seamless.
This book genuinely blew me away. Five stars.
If you’ve been reading a little too much romantasy lately (hi, it’s me), this is the perfect palate cleanser. I highly recommend this book, I’ll be talking about this one for the rest of the year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kelsey Crane’s writing keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first chapter to the last. This story is so painfully needed in our world today and Kelsey saw the gap and filled it. I adored every second of this book - the romantic tension, the character development and the way every character felt real, flawed and borderline impossible not to root for.
In all honesty, this book made me sit and think about some incredibly important questions about the real world as Kelsey has so beautifully woven themes of community, environmental responsibility, connection and what it means to be human into this story. It’s so well done that you don’t even realise how much you’ve reflected on until you get to the end.
The world building in this novel is to be commended. I started and finished this book on a plane, and I hadn’t even realised it was time to land because I was caught up in turning each page. This book made me laugh, stressed me out and made me fall in love with characters I can’t wait to read about again. I am so excited for the rest of the series.
The Vanishing is a book that will stay with you forever and it is a beautiful way to help us educate a younger generation about the future of our world.
In all honesty, this book made me sit and think about some incredibly important questions about the real world as Kelsey has so beautifully woven themes of community, environmental responsibility, connection and what it means to be human into this story. It’s so well done that you don’t even realise how much you’ve reflected on until you get to the end.
The world building in this novel is to be commended. I started and finished this book on a plane, and I hadn’t even realised it was time to land because I was caught up in turning each page. This book made me laugh, stressed me out and made me fall in love with characters I can’t wait to read about again. I am so excited for the rest of the series.
The Vanishing is a book that will stay with you forever and it is a beautiful way to help us educate a younger generation about the future of our world.
August 19, 2026
I really enjoyed discovering this universe and getting to know all the characters as they find themselves in a world that is slowly falling apart. I especially loved the contrast between a struggling reality and this more comforting world surrounded by nature, while also discovering what it takes to survive and return to the most basic aspects of human life.
The way the story moves between the real and virtual worlds is one of my favorite parts. It also touches on so many important and current issues, from bullying, violence and war to environmental problems, disease, and access to water. It really makes you think about how much technology and our personal data have become part of our everyday lives, and whether sometimes going back to something simpler might be exactly what we need.
I also loved the idea that every character has their own skills and that, together, they can create something better and more real than anything virtual. The treasure-hunt aspect added an extra layer of mystery that made me want to keep reading to find out what would happen next.
And special mention to this book for making me want rain more than I ever have before. 😂🌧️
A thought-provoking and addictive read that left me wanting to keep turning the pages. I’m already looking forward to continuing the adventure! 🤍
A Thought-Provoking Adventure That Leaves You Wanting More
The way the story moves between the real and virtual worlds is one of my favorite parts. It also touches on so many important and current issues, from bullying, violence and war to environmental problems, disease, and access to water. It really makes you think about how much technology and our personal data have become part of our everyday lives, and whether sometimes going back to something simpler might be exactly what we need.
I also loved the idea that every character has their own skills and that, together, they can create something better and more real than anything virtual. The treasure-hunt aspect added an extra layer of mystery that made me want to keep reading to find out what would happen next.
And special mention to this book for making me want rain more than I ever have before. 😂🌧️
A thought-provoking and addictive read that left me wanting to keep turning the pages. I’m already looking forward to continuing the adventure! 🤍
A Thought-Provoking Adventure That Leaves You Wanting More
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book completely pulled me in from the first page and refused to let go. What begins as a gripping, high-stakes adventure quickly unfolds into something much deeper—a story about courage, belonging, idealism, and what it truly means to build a better world.
Kelsey has created characters who feel incredibly real: flawed, passionate, hopeful, and heartbreakingly human. I found myself deeply invested in each of their journeys, rooting for them, worrying about them, and thinking about them long after I put the book down.
What impressed me most was the way the story balances action and suspense with profound questions about community, purpose, and the future we are creating. The world-building is immersive, the pacing is addictive, and the emotional depth gives the story a lasting impact.
This is the kind of book that entertains but also invites reflection. It's ambitious, TIMELY, and beautifully written. I laughed, I cried, I stayed up far too late reading "just one more chapter."
The Vanishing is an unforgettable debut and the beginning of a series that I cannot WAIT to get my hands on.
Kelsey has created characters who feel incredibly real: flawed, passionate, hopeful, and heartbreakingly human. I found myself deeply invested in each of their journeys, rooting for them, worrying about them, and thinking about them long after I put the book down.
What impressed me most was the way the story balances action and suspense with profound questions about community, purpose, and the future we are creating. The world-building is immersive, the pacing is addictive, and the emotional depth gives the story a lasting impact.
This is the kind of book that entertains but also invites reflection. It's ambitious, TIMELY, and beautifully written. I laughed, I cried, I stayed up far too late reading "just one more chapter."
The Vanishing is an unforgettable debut and the beginning of a series that I cannot WAIT to get my hands on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In a world of uncertainty, this story is the glimpse of hope that we need! The beautifully written characters are enough to bring you in (Rosalina being my favorite stubborn, badass queen), but the scarily similar realities that we occupy keep you wanting to know more. These kids are given an opportunity to conquer the forces that are set to destroy our Earth with their own talents and roots. This first story is inspiring and reinforces the idea that it is up to the younger generation to make that change.
The reality is that we need to wake up and we need to go back to our roots in nature and community in order to thrive. This story is a playbook on how to do so! I was immediately immersed in a sort of "solar punk" world that the author built that pairs modern technology and imagination with the beauty of the outdoors and creation by hand. This book is everything we want to imagine our future to be. The future we were promised.
With everyone coming to a collective realization that we cannot continue on this trajectory, The Vanishing is a perfect story at a perfect time. I cannot wait to see where my favorite characters go from here! <3
The reality is that we need to wake up and we need to go back to our roots in nature and community in order to thrive. This story is a playbook on how to do so! I was immediately immersed in a sort of "solar punk" world that the author built that pairs modern technology and imagination with the beauty of the outdoors and creation by hand. This book is everything we want to imagine our future to be. The future we were promised.
With everyone coming to a collective realization that we cannot continue on this trajectory, The Vanishing is a perfect story at a perfect time. I cannot wait to see where my favorite characters go from here! <3
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC review through Netgalley
In a single sentence: I couldn't put it down.
The story revolves around 6 teens fighting to fix a crumbling world and balance human existence and nature, and in a currently crumbling world, their hope and optimism provides a beacon for us all.
The book is incredibly well researched, and even details that appear a little off at first, make sense when you follow the reasoning and read climate change data. Tech and medicinal concepts are explained in a way that is understandable to everyone while still staying realistic.
There is no lack of diversity since our characters come from all walks of life and different corners of the world, bringing their experiences, strengths, and flaws to the table in a way that feels authentic. The story explores grief, domestic violence, war, societal pressure, mental illness, loneliness, and more through each of our characters. You love them, you feel annoyed at them for making poor decisions, and you truly care about their fates.
I can't wait for this book to be published so that others can also enjoy the beautiful story our author has woven for us, and I can't wait until the second book!
In a single sentence: I couldn't put it down.
The story revolves around 6 teens fighting to fix a crumbling world and balance human existence and nature, and in a currently crumbling world, their hope and optimism provides a beacon for us all.
The book is incredibly well researched, and even details that appear a little off at first, make sense when you follow the reasoning and read climate change data. Tech and medicinal concepts are explained in a way that is understandable to everyone while still staying realistic.
There is no lack of diversity since our characters come from all walks of life and different corners of the world, bringing their experiences, strengths, and flaws to the table in a way that feels authentic. The story explores grief, domestic violence, war, societal pressure, mental illness, loneliness, and more through each of our characters. You love them, you feel annoyed at them for making poor decisions, and you truly care about their fates.
I can't wait for this book to be published so that others can also enjoy the beautiful story our author has woven for us, and I can't wait until the second book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Part dystopian, part eco-fiction, part mystery, and entirely unique!
The first book in a planned trilogy, The Vanishing follows 6 teenagers who are all looking for a place to fit in. The first part of the book delves into their individual stories as they start playing a video game as a means of escaping their real-world pressure (e.g., feeling unloved, unseen, unappreciated, and unaccepted). From there, it takes a turn as they decide to band together and build a world of their own.
What first pulled me into the book was all the backstories, the emotions Kelsey captured, and the different experiences that can have such profound impacts on people.
What kept me engaged (and looking forward to the next book!) is the challenges and hope that comes along with creating a new society. How they experience obstacles and overcome them. How there is better ways to protect and take care of the planet. And the message that I assume will come up which is that just because it’s idealistic, doesn’t mean it can’t be the catalyst to build a better world.
Thanks to Kelsey Crane for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The first book in a planned trilogy, The Vanishing follows 6 teenagers who are all looking for a place to fit in. The first part of the book delves into their individual stories as they start playing a video game as a means of escaping their real-world pressure (e.g., feeling unloved, unseen, unappreciated, and unaccepted). From there, it takes a turn as they decide to band together and build a world of their own.
What first pulled me into the book was all the backstories, the emotions Kelsey captured, and the different experiences that can have such profound impacts on people.
What kept me engaged (and looking forward to the next book!) is the challenges and hope that comes along with creating a new society. How they experience obstacles and overcome them. How there is better ways to protect and take care of the planet. And the message that I assume will come up which is that just because it’s idealistic, doesn’t mean it can’t be the catalyst to build a better world.
Thanks to Kelsey Crane for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow- what an incredibly suspenseful, moving and thought-provoking read. The story follows a group of young adults, complicated and curious, heartbroken yet hopeful, as they navigate a dystopian, climate-change ravaged world. The mystery of how they all came together- and what they do with their merged energies- pulls you in from page one. Kelsey Crane's writing is emotional and true especially as we consider how not so very far off from real life the scenes she paints are. Gave me chills! It's also clear that Kelsey did an incredible amount of research- each character's back story is meticulous and detailed and each of their myriad strengths are beautifully depicted. The description of Yekta's innate ability to pull medicine and healing from the earth through her knowledge is poignant and affecting. "How wild," Kelsey writes in character..."All this magic available right beneath our feet." But the book is not just a cautionary tale or a call to action (though I will be giving it to my three children to read and be informed by)! It's also a romance, a cat and mouse thriller and above all a love story to our beautiful planet and its inhabitants. Cannot wait for book two!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow- what an incredibly suspenseful, moving and thought-provoking read. The story follows a group of young adults, complicated and curious, heartbroken yet hopeful, as they navigate a dystopian, climate-change ravaged world. The mystery of how they all came together- and what they do with their merged energies- pulls you in from page one. Kelsey Crane's writing is emotional and true especially as we consider how not so very far off from real life the scenes she paints are. Gave me chills! It's also clear that Kelsey did an incredible amount of research- each character's back story is meticulous and detailed and each of their myriad strengths are beautifully depicted. The description of Yekta's innate ability to pull medicine and healing from the earth through her knowledge is poignant and affecting. "How wild," Kelsey writes in character..."All this magic available right beneath our feet." But the book is not just a cautionary tale or a call to action (though I will be giving it to my three children to read and be informed by)! It's also a romance, a cat and mouse thriller and above all a love story to our beautiful planet and its inhabitants. Cannot wait for book two!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Inventive and compelling, The Exiles feels eerily timely: if the climate is changing, why aren’t we? Turning a hyper-realistic survival simulation game into reality is an ambitious real-world challenge.
This is a epic novel about science, society, sex, and survival from an emerging American writer with a sharp eye for the tension between beautiful visions and ugly realities. It is a witty yet poignant exploration of how a broken world might endure—if the game can take hold in the real world.
What I found appealing is that, as you enter a surreal dystopian landscape, the story imagines survival skills grounded in ancient wisdom, homesteading, and permaculture, while also embracing emerging cultural shifts and modern living. As the challenges intensify, the novel becomes a powerful reminder that saving the world may require first saving ourselves.
This is a striking exploration of individuals facing unknown and heroic challenges in order to succeed and survive. And, as in life itself, they must do whatever it takes. The Exiles resonates with passion.
This is a epic novel about science, society, sex, and survival from an emerging American writer with a sharp eye for the tension between beautiful visions and ugly realities. It is a witty yet poignant exploration of how a broken world might endure—if the game can take hold in the real world.
What I found appealing is that, as you enter a surreal dystopian landscape, the story imagines survival skills grounded in ancient wisdom, homesteading, and permaculture, while also embracing emerging cultural shifts and modern living. As the challenges intensify, the novel becomes a powerful reminder that saving the world may require first saving ourselves.
This is a striking exploration of individuals facing unknown and heroic challenges in order to succeed and survive. And, as in life itself, they must do whatever it takes. The Exiles resonates with passion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Vanishing is a unique and thought-provoking debut that blends mystery, adventure, and emotion into a compelling story. The premise is fresh and nothing like I’ve ever read before, and Kelsey Crane creates a world that feels immersive from the very beginning.
One of the book's biggest strengths is its cast of characters. Each brings a unique perspective to the story, and their interactions make for an engaging, character-driven read. The multiple POVs work really well to build the world and keep the story moving.
Kelsey's writing is accessible, descriptive, and keeps the story moving at a great pace while weaving in meaningful themes about humanity, connection, and the future of our world. Fans of YA dystopian fiction, found family, and stories that explore hope, resilience, and the future will find a lot to enjoy here.
Thank you, Kelsey, for giving me the privilege and opportunity to read your debut novel before publishing! I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very keen for the next book! Xx
One of the book's biggest strengths is its cast of characters. Each brings a unique perspective to the story, and their interactions make for an engaging, character-driven read. The multiple POVs work really well to build the world and keep the story moving.
Kelsey's writing is accessible, descriptive, and keeps the story moving at a great pace while weaving in meaningful themes about humanity, connection, and the future of our world. Fans of YA dystopian fiction, found family, and stories that explore hope, resilience, and the future will find a lot to enjoy here.
Thank you, Kelsey, for giving me the privilege and opportunity to read your debut novel before publishing! I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very keen for the next book! Xx
August 18, 2026
*ARC review* 3.75⭐️
I was sent this book as an eARC and I enjoyed it. It was a bit slow at first because you are being introduced to all the characters and their background. But it picks up as you read along. There are 6 teens who are chosen to participate in a VR game and it’s never said who sent them. Each teen has a special skill. One is good with hunting another with foraging etc. They need to work together to use their skill to build homes and survive in the VR game. It all takes a turn when they believe they can apply the same skills to build their own “Utopia” in the real world. Only they quickly find out it’s much harder to achieve than in the game. Kelsey’s writing is beautiful and descriptive. I enjoyed her character dialogue and their development. It’s my first dystopian novel and I’m glad I read it. I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys gripping dystopian YA novels.
I was sent this book as an eARC and I enjoyed it. It was a bit slow at first because you are being introduced to all the characters and their background. But it picks up as you read along. There are 6 teens who are chosen to participate in a VR game and it’s never said who sent them. Each teen has a special skill. One is good with hunting another with foraging etc. They need to work together to use their skill to build homes and survive in the VR game. It all takes a turn when they believe they can apply the same skills to build their own “Utopia” in the real world. Only they quickly find out it’s much harder to achieve than in the game. Kelsey’s writing is beautiful and descriptive. I enjoyed her character dialogue and their development. It’s my first dystopian novel and I’m glad I read it. I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys gripping dystopian YA novels.
August 18, 2026
I could not put this book down. I mean that literally - I was thinking about these characters while washing dishes, wondering what was going to happen next. That's not a small thing for a debut novel to pull off.
Astrid was the character that got me. Her fierceness, her rage, her courage to keep going while the world around her is crumbling in the coldest and most indifferent way - there's an old soul quality to her that made her feel less like a "teen protagonist" and more like someone who has actually lived through something.
What struck me most is how visceral Kelsey Crane's writing is. This isn't a book you read so much as one you're inside of - the imagery put me physically in the environment with these six kids, which is a rare kind of talent for a first novel.
I am not going to spoil where it goes, but the world these kids are trying to rebuild, after adults broke the one they had, gave me a lot to sit with. Excited for the sequel!!
Astrid was the character that got me. Her fierceness, her rage, her courage to keep going while the world around her is crumbling in the coldest and most indifferent way - there's an old soul quality to her that made her feel less like a "teen protagonist" and more like someone who has actually lived through something.
What struck me most is how visceral Kelsey Crane's writing is. This isn't a book you read so much as one you're inside of - the imagery put me physically in the environment with these six kids, which is a rare kind of talent for a first novel.
I am not going to spoil where it goes, but the world these kids are trying to rebuild, after adults broke the one they had, gave me a lot to sit with. Excited for the sequel!!
Review of advance copy
June 14, 2026I’m going to bet I’m one of the older beta readers…and I, like my younger counterparts, was unable to put this extraordinary book down!
Kelsey masterfully explores the urgent themes of our times - environmental distress, human isolation, and our shared fears for the future.
Through gorgeous prose and raw, vulnerable characters, she tackles these modern dilemmas unflinchingly.
These young characters will tear at your heartstrings. As they struggle to protect the Earth and build a communal existence, you will find yourself cheering for them - even when they make poor decisions that made me wince and ache for them.
I cannot wait to read this series with my grandchildren! These are exactly the kind of brave characters who can inspire the very generation (s) that will inherit the future. Congratulations on an amazing book; you have given this grandmother much hope!
Kelsey masterfully explores the urgent themes of our times - environmental distress, human isolation, and our shared fears for the future.
Through gorgeous prose and raw, vulnerable characters, she tackles these modern dilemmas unflinchingly.
These young characters will tear at your heartstrings. As they struggle to protect the Earth and build a communal existence, you will find yourself cheering for them - even when they make poor decisions that made me wince and ache for them.
I cannot wait to read this series with my grandchildren! These are exactly the kind of brave characters who can inspire the very generation (s) that will inherit the future. Congratulations on an amazing book; you have given this grandmother much hope!
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