06/28/2021
Acriche’s debut ushers readers to a future New York City, circa 2048, where corruption spills into the streets and a border of light and dark divides Manhattan at 14th Street. High schoolers Casey and her best friend Jennifer live a relatively comfortable life until they discover that Jennifer’s crush Martin has been recruited by the ICP, the Independent Coalition Party, a formidable organization recruiting for the military’s endless wars at the southern border and overseas—and though it’s dangerous to question the ICP’s actions, Casey and Jennifer are certain Martin would never voluntarily sign up. When Casey risks her life to go behind enemy lines as a recruit she quickly discovers that she’s in over her head.
Acriche proves masterful at getting clear, inventive action onto the page and keeping it moving. When Casey reluctantly dashes down a “woodsy incline” outside a parking garage, Acriche writes “So, down she went, slipping and sliding—first on her feet, then on her ass, then back on her feet.” Readers will zip with the hero through the twists and dramatic fights. Casey’s courage extends beyond her years, as she slowly comes to realize that life will never be the same after her covert mission. Although the story centers on Casey, Jennifer plays a strong supporting role, sacrificing her entire way of life in the name of truth, and a sweet romantic subplot balances the tense themes and gives the reader a chance to breathe between the action.
The book opens with a map of this future New York, to orient readers to the setting and major scenes, but Acriche foregoes info-dump exposition about this dystopian future, instead plunging readers right into it. Stimulating discussion questions at the end will spark debate about privilege, family, friendship, and sacrifice. Readers of all ages will warm to Casey, as she finds more confidence and strength with each chapter.
Takeaway: A great escape for anyone who loves a dynamic young hero fighting a corrupt government.
Great for fans of: Tehlor Kay Mejia’s We Set the Dark on Fire, Axie Oh’s Rebel Soul.
Production grades Cover: A Design and typography: A Illustrations: A Editing: A Marketing copy: A
"Indelible characters populate a diverting, near-future tale of combating oppression." -Kirkus Reviews
"Marc Daniel Acriche is deftly cinematic in his storytelling. He doesn't just build a vivid world, he inhabits the world with convincing, dynamic characters." -Laura Jean Hocking, filmmaker
"A great escape for anyone who loves a dynamic young hero fighting a corrupt government. Great for fans of Tehlor Kay Mejia's We Set the Dark on Fire and Axie Oh's Rebel Soul." -Booklife Reviews (editor's pick)
2021-04-30
In this debut dystopian novel, a teen joins the fight against a totalitarian force’s hold on mid-21st-century New York City.
Casey Parker is lucky to live in an uptown New York apartment in 2048. To preserve electricity, authorities schedule regular power outages—usually downtown. Things aren’t likely to improve if Michael Hargrove wins the mayoral election. He heads the Independent Coalition Party, a military-type unit so intimidating that criticizing it publicly is dangerous. When the “almost-boyfriend” of her best friend, Jennifer Hargrove—Michael’s daughter—becomes an ICP Recruit and unexpectedly vanishes, Casey helps look for him downtown during a blackout. She learns the hard way just how the ICP enlists people when two strangers, stepping out of an unmarked van, suddenly chase her. Surprisingly, her father comes to her rescue; she hasn’t seen him in over a year after the ICP’s corruption charges ruined his police career. Her dad is secretly part of the Resistance against the ICP, which is reputedly abducting and brainwashing “Recruits” to be soldiers. Finding where this atrocity takes place would expose Michael’s nefarious organization. So Casey agrees to leave the Resistance’s protection, knowing fully well the ICP will grab her. But the plan—monitor Casey with a tracking device—doesn’t quite work out. Now she’s on her own in enemy territory, trying to convince other Recruits what’s happening and hoping she can withstand brainwashing tactics. If Casey can escape, she’ll lead the Resistance right back to the ICP’s hideout. She has other allies as well, including Jennifer, who unquestionably disapproves of her father’s work. Acriche simplifies his tale by confining the action to New York. The story hints at greater problems (for example, “travel restrictions” between states) as well as Michael’s potentially expanding his diabolical scheme. Though the cast is extensive, characters enter and exit the tale organically as Casey’s adventure continues. For example, she meets members of the Resistance before mingling with other ICP Recruits. These characters are often surrounded by mystery: Some die without warning; some vanish; and some may be involved in a double-cross. Class distinctions in the story are apparent; “the have-nots” are left in the dark during the scheduled outages. There’s moreover an implication that Michael is racist, but this is more an individual trait as a villain than commentary on widespread discrimination. The author writes in a crisp, easygoing style even when describing Casey’s facing danger: “As expected, a drone—black and menacing—hovered in the clearing….She turned, pressing her back against the tree, willing herself small. If the thing had a heat sensor, she was screwed.” In the same vein, the abundant profanity in the narrative and dialogue is generally flippant—expressing annoyance more often than anger or hostility. While the novel’s latter half offers exciting action scenes, it feels a bit rushed. In particular, Casey has a romantic relationship that, without much development, has very little impact. Still, the ending is memorable, and this book could act as either a stand-alone or the start of a series.
Indelible characters populate a diverting, near-future tale of combating oppression.
