Guardian of the Dark

by Beverley Spencer

Gen has lived his whole life in a society ruled by order and obedience. Now he and Duff want to make a break for freedom. But do they dare enter the forbidden tunnels ... and defy the Guardian who controls their entire world?

Genres: Science Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Sol]

Another entry in the "children's underground dystopia" microgenre. So far I am aware of Journey Outside (1969), Shadow of the Gloom-World (1977), The City of Ember (2003), and now Guardian of the Dark (1992). It seems the world can only sustain one each decade or so. There may be a couple undiscovered around the 50s, 80s and the 10s.

Very short, and doesn't do much to set itself apart from the others. You can probably guess what happens. The ending is slightly bittersweet: The boy's father must hide his love for his son and banish him, so that he can remain with those who cannot adapt to the outside world, the two never seeing each other again.

[Myra]

Perfectly fine middle-grade novel. Nothing specifically to recommend it but nothing wrong with it.

[Tanaya]

Loved this book when I was a kid.