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The Mourners #1
The Mourners: The Deadly Elite
After the American Civil War ends in a stalemate, the southern states become a separate nation and their government is overthrown by Minister Samuel Davis, later known as the Apostate. Over a century later, his followers, the Apolites are thriving in the superstate of Scopus, a seemingly utopian society where a fundamentalist regime has kept their subordinate states in line and more importantly the people themselves, equal. Once a year, all twenty-one-year-old Apolites must take an aptitude test to be assigned their life's work and consequently their place in society. Elide Hester, a mute, studious young woman living in dystopian Texas, who has spent all of her life preparing for the test, is relieved when she receives a high score. But when she is suddenly selected by a deadly pseudo-religious organization to be initiated into their ranks, she discovers that nothing is as it seems, including the country's enigmatic leader himself. And with war threatening their borders, Elide must stay alive long enough to unravel the secrets of their past and master a power that could be the key to ending the war-or risk the destruction of everything she holds dear.
344 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2024
2 people are currently reading
1688 people want to read
About the author
Aminah Fox
6 books51 followersAminah Fox was born in Oakland, California in June 1998. She is an alumna of the University of Toronto (MI in Library & Information Science) and Hofstra University (BA in English, Creative Writing & Literature). Her sophomore novel, The Mourners: The Deadly Elite, was published in 2022. She lives in Texas (USA) and Toronto (CAN).
Keep in touch with her via www.aminahfox.com, on Instagram @aminahsfox, on Twitter @AminahFox, and on Facebook www.facebook.com/AminahFoxOfficial.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 15, 2025
The Mourners ti afferra per il colletto, ti lancia in un'America alternativa post-Guerra civile e ti lascia lì, sperando che tu capisca da solo dove ti trovi.
Benvenuti a Scopus (ex Texas), ora cuore pulsante di un regime fondamentalista che fa sembrare Il racconto dell'ancella una favola progressista. In questa distopia teocratica le donne sono incasellate in ruoli prestabiliti (Madri, mogli. Silenziose, preferibilmente mute). Elide Hester, muta per errore medico, nostra eroina per necessità, a 21 anni viene selezionata per diventare una Mourner - membro di un élite con poteri mentali e zero capacità. L'idea di fondo è interessante: poteri mentali, ordini segreti, accademie oscure e guerre fredde interne. Le vibes sono quelle giuste tra dark academia e thriller distopico, con sprazzi di femminismo sotto assedio. Il problema? Il worldbuilding sembra scritto con l'inchiostro simpatico. Sappiamo che c'è un'America alternativa (ottimo), che il Sud ha vinto la guerra (okay), che esiste questa città-stato inquietante chiamata Scopus (mh) ma il resto è avvolto da nebbia fitta e senza un Gps narrativo. il lettore si perde facilmente.
Il sistema magico promette poteri telepatici, visioni condivise, controllo mentale… e un sacco di paroloni non spiegati. La protagonista scopre i propri doni come una ragazzina che si sveglia con i superpoteri ma senza manuale d’istruzioni. E mentre tu cerchi di capire cosa faccia esattamente un “Apostate” o come funzioni la gerarchia dei Mourner, ti senti come uno studente capitato per sbaglio a lezione avanzata di fisica quantistica, senza aver seguito il corso introduttivo.
Elide è un personaggio interessante, va detto. Muta, ma non passiva. Prende botte emotive e fisiche, ma resta in piedi, incazzata quanto basta. La scelta di renderla non verbale è coraggiosa e ben gestita per la maggior parte del libro. Peccato che intorno a lei gravitino figure che sembrano uscire da un casting di serie YA: il ragazzo oscuro e tormentato, il superiore sadico, l’amica traditrice… Avanti il prossimo cliché.
Se ti piacciono i giochi di potere, i doppi (e tripli) giochi, i governi corrotti, le ribellioni segrete e le organizzazioni ombra, sei nel posto giusto. Ma non aspettarti una rivelazione brillante: alcune trame secondarie si aprono come un portone gotico… e si chiudono come una finestra sbattuta dal vento. Alcuni personaggi sembrano fondamentali e poi spariscono. Altri compaiono a sorpresa e pretendono che tu li conosca già. La sensazione generale è: ottima intenzione, esecuzione un po’ confusa.
The Mourners è un romanzo che batte coi tacchi sulla soglia del genere giusto: intrighi politici, dark academia, fantasie con poteri oscuri. Però a volte inciampa su sé stesso, con world‑building difficilmente penetrabile e magia troppo sfumata.
Se sei disposta ad accettare un po’ di caos narrativo e ti piacciono le storie che parlano di controllo, potere, identità e ribellione, questo romanzo può darti molto.
Benvenuti a Scopus (ex Texas), ora cuore pulsante di un regime fondamentalista che fa sembrare Il racconto dell'ancella una favola progressista. In questa distopia teocratica le donne sono incasellate in ruoli prestabiliti (Madri, mogli. Silenziose, preferibilmente mute). Elide Hester, muta per errore medico, nostra eroina per necessità, a 21 anni viene selezionata per diventare una Mourner - membro di un élite con poteri mentali e zero capacità. L'idea di fondo è interessante: poteri mentali, ordini segreti, accademie oscure e guerre fredde interne. Le vibes sono quelle giuste tra dark academia e thriller distopico, con sprazzi di femminismo sotto assedio. Il problema? Il worldbuilding sembra scritto con l'inchiostro simpatico. Sappiamo che c'è un'America alternativa (ottimo), che il Sud ha vinto la guerra (okay), che esiste questa città-stato inquietante chiamata Scopus (mh) ma il resto è avvolto da nebbia fitta e senza un Gps narrativo. il lettore si perde facilmente.
Il sistema magico promette poteri telepatici, visioni condivise, controllo mentale… e un sacco di paroloni non spiegati. La protagonista scopre i propri doni come una ragazzina che si sveglia con i superpoteri ma senza manuale d’istruzioni. E mentre tu cerchi di capire cosa faccia esattamente un “Apostate” o come funzioni la gerarchia dei Mourner, ti senti come uno studente capitato per sbaglio a lezione avanzata di fisica quantistica, senza aver seguito il corso introduttivo.
Elide è un personaggio interessante, va detto. Muta, ma non passiva. Prende botte emotive e fisiche, ma resta in piedi, incazzata quanto basta. La scelta di renderla non verbale è coraggiosa e ben gestita per la maggior parte del libro. Peccato che intorno a lei gravitino figure che sembrano uscire da un casting di serie YA: il ragazzo oscuro e tormentato, il superiore sadico, l’amica traditrice… Avanti il prossimo cliché.
Se ti piacciono i giochi di potere, i doppi (e tripli) giochi, i governi corrotti, le ribellioni segrete e le organizzazioni ombra, sei nel posto giusto. Ma non aspettarti una rivelazione brillante: alcune trame secondarie si aprono come un portone gotico… e si chiudono come una finestra sbattuta dal vento. Alcuni personaggi sembrano fondamentali e poi spariscono. Altri compaiono a sorpresa e pretendono che tu li conosca già. La sensazione generale è: ottima intenzione, esecuzione un po’ confusa.
The Mourners è un romanzo che batte coi tacchi sulla soglia del genere giusto: intrighi politici, dark academia, fantasie con poteri oscuri. Però a volte inciampa su sé stesso, con world‑building difficilmente penetrabile e magia troppo sfumata.
Se sei disposta ad accettare un po’ di caos narrativo e ti piacciono le storie che parlano di controllo, potere, identità e ribellione, questo romanzo può darti molto.
October 27, 2022
The Mourners is set in America after the Civil War, except the South won and is now Texas. The resulting authoritarian government is known as the Apolite and is a fundamentalist Christian society. The Apolite is currently fighting territory wars with The Outlands. The story follows Elide Hester as she comes of age and learns that there is an entire community of people with telepathic powers. Throughout the story, Elide goes to an academy to grow her powers as the first Teller in over a century. She learns that the world is not the way she grew up believing. Elide has to make a choice of whether she will follow the "status quo" and help to end the war, or to break the mold and change the world.
Likes:
1. Dark academia setting: not as light-hearted as Harry Potter, but not as heavy as The Maidens or Zodiac Academy. Similar to the the feel of Grimrose Girls
2. Magic System: the different types of magic were very well developed and explored throughout the book. I liked the telepathy aspect, it was very unique.
3. Mute and Sign Language Representation: Elide is mute due to medical malpractice. The book does a really good job, especially in the beginning, of demonstrating how hard it is to be disabled and live in a world built for the able-bodied.
Dislikes:
1. The Setting: it is still not clear to me if Texas is a conglomerate of the Confederacy or if it is just the state of Texas. Given that the main focus of the book is the ongoing territory wars, this could have been explained more. I had a very hard time visualizing where Texas was in relation to the Outlands
2. Heteronormativity and Traditional Gender Roles: I didn't like how the world was centered around women being the weaker sex and having no choice. They were also blamed for any sexual encounter, whether it was consensual or not. It was very much just a breeder society. I read to escape from what is going on, and Elide didn't do enough to challenge these roles for my taste.
Likes:
1. Dark academia setting: not as light-hearted as Harry Potter, but not as heavy as The Maidens or Zodiac Academy. Similar to the the feel of Grimrose Girls
2. Magic System: the different types of magic were very well developed and explored throughout the book. I liked the telepathy aspect, it was very unique.
3. Mute and Sign Language Representation: Elide is mute due to medical malpractice. The book does a really good job, especially in the beginning, of demonstrating how hard it is to be disabled and live in a world built for the able-bodied.
Dislikes:
1. The Setting: it is still not clear to me if Texas is a conglomerate of the Confederacy or if it is just the state of Texas. Given that the main focus of the book is the ongoing territory wars, this could have been explained more. I had a very hard time visualizing where Texas was in relation to the Outlands
2. Heteronormativity and Traditional Gender Roles: I didn't like how the world was centered around women being the weaker sex and having no choice. They were also blamed for any sexual encounter, whether it was consensual or not. It was very much just a breeder society. I read to escape from what is going on, and Elide didn't do enough to challenge these roles for my taste.
October 7, 2024
Another five star read this month!
This story is set over a century after the American Civil War, where the southern states became a separate nation. The head of the government is called the Apostate and his followers the Apolites. We get introduced to Elide (the FMC) at the most important moment of her life: all twenty-one-year-old Apolites have to take an aptitude test to be assigned their place in the pseudo-religious society.
But nothing goes as planned and she is initiated in a deadly organization where she discoveres that nothing is as it seems.
I love the dark academia setting in this story. The author did a really good job at describing the details of the school and city.
It took me a while to get into the magic system but since it's all new for Elide too we get to learn right with her. The different types of magic were very well developed and presented through the story. All the different powers were similar but unique at the same time.
The Mute representation was very thought out. In the beginning we get to see how hard it is for Elide because not a lot of people know Sign-Language in her little village. But as soon as she arrives in the big city she's able to communicate more because most people learned Sign-Language at some point in life.
Elides grows so much during the whole book. She starts as this shy and naive girl and turns into a strong woman who stops at nothing to change the world.
If your looking for a fast paced book with a fantastic plot: this is your book.
The book was published in 2022 and I can't believe I've never heard of it before.
All in all a very good first book for a series. I can't wait to read the next book: The Harlots, which was published this summer.
Thank you to @victoryeditingngc and @aminahsfox for the free copy.
This story is set over a century after the American Civil War, where the southern states became a separate nation. The head of the government is called the Apostate and his followers the Apolites. We get introduced to Elide (the FMC) at the most important moment of her life: all twenty-one-year-old Apolites have to take an aptitude test to be assigned their place in the pseudo-religious society.
But nothing goes as planned and she is initiated in a deadly organization where she discoveres that nothing is as it seems.
I love the dark academia setting in this story. The author did a really good job at describing the details of the school and city.
It took me a while to get into the magic system but since it's all new for Elide too we get to learn right with her. The different types of magic were very well developed and presented through the story. All the different powers were similar but unique at the same time.
The Mute representation was very thought out. In the beginning we get to see how hard it is for Elide because not a lot of people know Sign-Language in her little village. But as soon as she arrives in the big city she's able to communicate more because most people learned Sign-Language at some point in life.
Elides grows so much during the whole book. She starts as this shy and naive girl and turns into a strong woman who stops at nothing to change the world.
If your looking for a fast paced book with a fantastic plot: this is your book.
The book was published in 2022 and I can't believe I've never heard of it before.
All in all a very good first book for a series. I can't wait to read the next book: The Harlots, which was published this summer.
Thank you to @victoryeditingngc and @aminahsfox for the free copy.
December 10, 2024
This author has created an intriguing world which is also an alternate timeline of the United States, except in this book the states are far from united. The American Civil War ended in a draw. The southern states are a separate nation whose government is overthrown by Samuel Davis, a minister that will be known as the Apostate. This is the story of a young woman named Elide, a mute that lives in Texas. At twenty-one she believes she is well prepared to take the aptitude test that will designate her life's work. Her hopes for a better life are dashed when she finds out that she was chosen by an elite religious sect that is duty bound to protect their country and the Apostate. With no choice she enters training only to discover that she is a powerful Teller, and that the leader would use her power to end the ongoing war. But Elide is afraid that the Apostate will destroy everything and everyone she loves.
From the frighteningly charismatic, or maybe psychotic, Apostate, to the naive young woman Elide, the characters in this book are all wonderfully written with diverse personalities that kept me engaged in their stories. War, violence, magic, and surprising twists in the plot, this book kept me engrossed from the first page. I recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Hidden Gems.
From the frighteningly charismatic, or maybe psychotic, Apostate, to the naive young woman Elide, the characters in this book are all wonderfully written with diverse personalities that kept me engaged in their stories. War, violence, magic, and surprising twists in the plot, this book kept me engrossed from the first page. I recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Hidden Gems.
August 12, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book!
I so desperately wanted to like this. I love alternate history novels, I think they're so cool and interesting and I usually like books with magic schools in them as well but this one I cannot lie the magic school killed it for me. I made it to around 40% and while I really like the main character, Elide is a very interesting character in my humble opinion and I appreciate that most of the other characters understand sign language! I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about the world she lives in. I also didn't really like the explanation for technological mismatching because why do we have horse drawn carriages to protect their faith but also have cell phones? I can't lie when I say that sending a girl to work in a brothel for "violating purity laws" is absolutely an insane choice either.
There's quite a few confusing narrative choices, including just tossing our mute MC into combat class with no preparation and almost immediately getting her everything rocked. This book even has a sorting ceremony because of course it does, how else are we going to be told that our MC who was basically kidnapped into joining this school is The Chosen One and Special.
I so desperately wanted to like this. I love alternate history novels, I think they're so cool and interesting and I usually like books with magic schools in them as well but this one I cannot lie the magic school killed it for me. I made it to around 40% and while I really like the main character, Elide is a very interesting character in my humble opinion and I appreciate that most of the other characters understand sign language! I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about the world she lives in. I also didn't really like the explanation for technological mismatching because why do we have horse drawn carriages to protect their faith but also have cell phones? I can't lie when I say that sending a girl to work in a brothel for "violating purity laws" is absolutely an insane choice either.
There's quite a few confusing narrative choices, including just tossing our mute MC into combat class with no preparation and almost immediately getting her everything rocked. This book even has a sorting ceremony because of course it does, how else are we going to be told that our MC who was basically kidnapped into joining this school is The Chosen One and Special.
November 12, 2023
Between the complexity of Elide and her growth as a character throughout the novel, the consistently vivid imagery, and the incredible pacing, it is clear that The Mourner's is sure to be an electrifying and haunting series.
Beyond the attention to detail given towards the desires and motivations of each character in the novel, the world-building is top-notch. From the rich history of Scopus hinted at throughout the novel, it is clear how deeply the author cares about her craft. It is no easy task to craft an intricate and multi-faceted dystopian society but Aminah Fox succeeds with flying colors. Perfectly paced with the rising action of the novel, the dystopian nature of Elide's society is subtle - it creeps along the back of your neck, only becoming apparent after it's too late to turn back.
The Mourners: The Deadly Elite is the gold-standard for authors looking to enter the world of dystopian science-fiction and I very much look forward to reading the next installment of this series.
Beyond the attention to detail given towards the desires and motivations of each character in the novel, the world-building is top-notch. From the rich history of Scopus hinted at throughout the novel, it is clear how deeply the author cares about her craft. It is no easy task to craft an intricate and multi-faceted dystopian society but Aminah Fox succeeds with flying colors. Perfectly paced with the rising action of the novel, the dystopian nature of Elide's society is subtle - it creeps along the back of your neck, only becoming apparent after it's too late to turn back.
The Mourners: The Deadly Elite is the gold-standard for authors looking to enter the world of dystopian science-fiction and I very much look forward to reading the next installment of this series.
January 9, 2025
An enjoyable read of an alternate reality of the American Civil War set in Texas. The Mourners reminded me immediately of L. Bardugo's Shadow and Bone series with a slight touch of The Handmaiden's tale (in that there are very specific gender roles where women are the ones who bear the brunt of a male-dominated society).
Elide Hester, a mute orphan, is selected by the Apostate (leader of the southern states) for the powers that she holds, unbeknownst to her. Thrust into an unfamiliar world, and taken from her beloved brother, Elide learns that not all she knew is true as her attraction to the Apostate grows stronger.
Elide is a likeable character that I rooted for throughout her trials (and to 'open your eyes Elide!'). I appreciated such multi-faceted protagonist with sign language representation. While slightly predictable and a little confusing, The Mourners was an enjoyable and quick read -- I look forward to reading the sequel.
Elide Hester, a mute orphan, is selected by the Apostate (leader of the southern states) for the powers that she holds, unbeknownst to her. Thrust into an unfamiliar world, and taken from her beloved brother, Elide learns that not all she knew is true as her attraction to the Apostate grows stronger.
Elide is a likeable character that I rooted for throughout her trials (and to 'open your eyes Elide!'). I appreciated such multi-faceted protagonist with sign language representation. While slightly predictable and a little confusing, The Mourners was an enjoyable and quick read -- I look forward to reading the sequel.
August 26, 2025
I had high hopes for The Mourners, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
The plot and world are an intriguing concept with so much potential. Truly an interesting dystopian twist with a unique magic system.
There are a lot of parallels to Divergent in the beginning (almost too much), but it does veer off into it's own direction. However, the writing and characters left me wanting.
I found the writing to be a bit simple for my taste. It read as though it was written for a middle-grade audience.
The characters are diverse and I did enjoy some of the side characters. I didn't connect very well to the FMC. She comes across as quite juvenile and naive for her age, her inner dialogue was very basic and simple.
I didn't hate the book, but I also didn't love it, and I definitely think it had a lot more potential.
Thank you NetGalley and 22nd Light LLC for the ARC
The plot and world are an intriguing concept with so much potential. Truly an interesting dystopian twist with a unique magic system.
There are a lot of parallels to Divergent in the beginning (almost too much), but it does veer off into it's own direction. However, the writing and characters left me wanting.
I found the writing to be a bit simple for my taste. It read as though it was written for a middle-grade audience.
The characters are diverse and I did enjoy some of the side characters. I didn't connect very well to the FMC. She comes across as quite juvenile and naive for her age, her inner dialogue was very basic and simple.
I didn't hate the book, but I also didn't love it, and I definitely think it had a lot more potential.
Thank you NetGalley and 22nd Light LLC for the ARC
May 26, 2025
A dark, immersive twist on alternate history fantasy, The Mourners blends dark academia, political intrigue, and magic in a world reshaped by a fractured Civil War. I absolutely loved the atmosphere—the school and city are so richly described, it’s easy to feel like you’re walking the halls alongside the characters.
The magic system takes a bit to settle into, but since Elide is learning too, it feels natural to discover it with her. The different magical abilities were a highlight—similar enough to feel cohesive, yet distinct in a way that made each user stand out.
If you enjoy dark academia with a unique alternate history backdrop and layered magic, this is a compelling read with a lot to offer. Definitely excited to see where the story goes next!
The magic system takes a bit to settle into, but since Elide is learning too, it feels natural to discover it with her. The different magical abilities were a highlight—similar enough to feel cohesive, yet distinct in a way that made each user stand out.
If you enjoy dark academia with a unique alternate history backdrop and layered magic, this is a compelling read with a lot to offer. Definitely excited to see where the story goes next!
August 5, 2025
The Mourners promised so much for me to be so disappointed. The South won the war… but it’s very confusing how the new country decided to build their laws and rules. It seems to be super religious, going as far as having Enochs, and severe crime for having relations outside of marriage, but then somehow has magic and is sorta okay with it but not at the same time. They also renamed Houston for some reason? I tried to get past this but couldn’t. I put it down at 45% I just found out that I didn’t actually care, nothing was really happening and everything the world didn’t mesh. I think if the author had not made this a “realistic” fantasy it would have been fine. They already changed some city names so I don’t think it would have been far off.
June 16, 2025
I liked this book and lot more than I thought i would. I wasnt able to put it down! It gave off Divergent vibes and was the perfect followup book after reading the new hunger games book. I personally tend to stick to dark romance and venture out every now and then when something catches my interest. This book definitely caught my eye and im glad that I read it. I like how you get to see Elide be nieve and make mistakes, but that you also get to see her grow and learn from those mistakes and makes sure that she never er repeats those mistakes. I think this was an interesting read and I definitely think more people should be reading it.
October 27, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the advance reader copy.
A fantastic plot with a lot of potential but just missed the mark for me. Things felt underdeveloped, from the setting to the telepathic powers. I did really like the main character, Elide, and enjoyed seeing things from her perspective. I just wish I'd gotten more answers to the basic world building.
A fantastic plot with a lot of potential but just missed the mark for me. Things felt underdeveloped, from the setting to the telepathic powers. I did really like the main character, Elide, and enjoyed seeing things from her perspective. I just wish I'd gotten more answers to the basic world building.
May 10, 2023
This is the best book I’ve read in most recent months. The plot was extremely well written and the book is a very cohesive story. I love the details in this book and read it within a day as I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read other books by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2024
A very interesting story about the civil war in America and this takes Avery different approach. The war ends in a stalemate and life is very different for the south. She is about to learn things are not what she had been taught. Follow her as she navigates her new reality
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was quickly pulled into her tale
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was quickly pulled into her tale
December 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this as a opening chapter to the Mourners series, it had that fantasy element that I was looking for from this type of book. I was never bored when reading this and enjoyed the characters and how they worked in this story. I'm excited to read more in this series and from Aminah Fox.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2025
I got this book in an arc from hidden gems & was very impressed! It only took me a few chapters to be intrigued and I will definitely be continuing to the sequel! There is an academy setting, a class/belief power struggle, it’s dystopian but also has some romance intertwined. The last few chapters really surprised me and I can’t wait to continue elide’s journey!
February 5, 2023
Loved this book
This is a very descriptive and enticing read. I would recommend to adult readers who might have grown up with young adult titles. The author expounds on her characters attributes and their motivations really well. Ends with a cliffhanger so left wanting more
This is a very descriptive and enticing read. I would recommend to adult readers who might have grown up with young adult titles. The author expounds on her characters attributes and their motivations really well. Ends with a cliffhanger so left wanting more
May 10, 2023
I loved this book. If the back story and world building had been expounded on more, it would have been a five star read for me. As it stands, I loved the plot and loved reading the evolution of Elides character. The cliff hanger at the end!! Ugh! Definitely eagerly awaiting the next installment!
April 20, 2025
The author is trying to create a epic fsntasy magic system with a dystopian sci fi fantasy plot. It is very interesting with a hint of *sniff sniff* romance…. This is odd soup but it was a good read if you liked divergent you will dig it.
June 27, 2025
Aminah Fox created such a fascinating world. Alternate timeline if the Civil War ended in a stalemate and the sides still fight every so often. The magic system is unique and interesting. Who can you trust in this world? Who is right and who is wrong? I'm looking forward to reading book 2.
September 8, 2023
Interesting story. Dark-ish one. I like it. Hope next book will be even better :)
December 20, 2024
This is an alternate history book. I really enjoyed reading it. I recommend it if you like fantasy books. The plot was fun. The characters were well written. Just read it!
April 23, 2025
I received this book as part of an ARC book. This book was well written and I can’t wait to start the next book.
July 4, 2025
This book is a combination of "The Hunger Games" series and the "Divergent" series with a dash of "Brave New World". This begins with an alternate and fantastical history of America. After the Civil War, the country remained divided, not by North and South, but by Outlanders and the utopian society designed and maintained by the Apostate and the factions he designed. Each of these factions has different psychic abilities and has its place in the coming war that everyone is preparing for. The main character, Elide, turns 21 and takes the aptitude test that everyone of her age must take, which decides their future placement in the world. She is elated at her high score and has her own decision about how she would like to live out the rest of her life. Still, the Apostate, along with a mysterious and antagonistic pseudo-religious order, has a different route in mind for her. She is pretty much kidnapped after the aptitude test results and taken to a school where she is not allowed to visit anyone or anywhere belonging to the world she grew up in. She is ostracized and bullied due to jealousy and made to develop powers she never knew she had. She is told she is the world's savior, yet she has no idea of her own power or how to begin finding it. As she finally begins to tire of the pressure, becoming less depressed and more of the fighter she really is, she also begins to learn that the world she has known since birth is not what everyone has been told it is. And the State begins to wish they had never trained her so well.
I love dystopian novels, but I do wish this story had more depth to the world in which the characters live, exploring more of the history and how things got the way they are, and more backstory to the characters. This is a great plot, intriguing characters, and a view of society that, aside from the psychic powers everyone seems to have, isn't unlike our own. I would love to read more about how the world came to be as it is after the Civil War, how everyone's powers were used then, if at all, or how they came to be used. Although I am left wondering and wanting more out of this, which is why I give it four stars and not five, this same fact tells me how great this series is, and I will stick with it and read the rest. I'm hoping all my questions will be answered, history will be explored, and the heroine will save the world - in her own way.
I love dystopian novels, but I do wish this story had more depth to the world in which the characters live, exploring more of the history and how things got the way they are, and more backstory to the characters. This is a great plot, intriguing characters, and a view of society that, aside from the psychic powers everyone seems to have, isn't unlike our own. I would love to read more about how the world came to be as it is after the Civil War, how everyone's powers were used then, if at all, or how they came to be used. Although I am left wondering and wanting more out of this, which is why I give it four stars and not five, this same fact tells me how great this series is, and I will stick with it and read the rest. I'm hoping all my questions will be answered, history will be explored, and the heroine will save the world - in her own way.
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