About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager begins asking complex questions about systemic inequality, the ethics of productivity, or the legacy of colonialism. It is a powerful tool for navigating the transition from seeing the world in black and white to understanding the nuances of social justice and the weight of institutional power. Through the lens of a high stakes dystopian thriller, the story invites readers to consider the value of human life beyond economic output. The narrative follows seventeen year old Mora, a survivor of an invasion who must literally pay the government for the right to exist. When she risks everything to save a young boy from execution, the story shifts from a tale of survival to one of active resistance and moral courage. While it contains intense themes of grief and systemic oppression, it ultimately offers a message of hope and the transformative power of human connection. It is best suited for mature teens who enjoy fast paced action paired with deep, philosophical underpinnings.
