4 Star Post Apocalyptic Adventure set in Oz
This story was so easy to read and very enjoyable. It was refreshing that it took place in Australia with the Oz vernacular flavouring the telling, as a kiwi I very much enjoyed this.
The story is told from the perspective of our two main protagonists Starla, a big deal city girl and Ari, a nobody waif trying to grind out a living in the wastelands. When Starla’s world comes crashing down a chance encounter with Ari sets them on a path that will change them both forever.
The tale is well written and flows so smoothly that the pages just turn themselves. The dialogue is really good and the relationship between Starla and Ari builds throughout from one of suspicion to reluctant trust and then friendship. The story is at times harsh but this growing relationship is heart-warming and carries the story as their adventures twist them this way and that, challenging their understanding of the world.
Refreshingly, this post-apocalyptic adventure has no ravenous zombies. The monsters in this tale are all human, with the odd (mutated?) Dingo thrown in the mix. I have no hesitation recommending this book to anyone that loves, wasteland/post-apocalyptic books. Book Two ‘Ari Goes To War’ is due out soon I believe.
A D Green 