Dystopian thrillers have gained popularity among young adult (YA) readers. This exciting genre explores declining societies and government oppression, providing a platform for examining complex themes. The Outlaws by Emory Faith, the first in a trilogy, transports readers to the year 2100 with a group of 20-year-olds navigating a world on the verge of extinction.
The world has run out of oil, has been devastated by flood and destroyed by war. Only 3 major cities have survived, ruled by King George from London. Welcome to the future, the year 2100. The world has been rebuilt and reimagined: strict laws and rationing have allowed humanity to survive – everybody has a job and are assigned Roles. But peace is very fragile, it is at risk from the Outlaws who live outside the city walls.
In this novel, we follow the Knight brothers, Johnny and Mike, and their friends who have just graduated from school. Mike has been assigned a Role in Engineering Tech, while Johnny has been assigned a Role in Guards (not what he wanted). As they settle into their new Roles, Mike’s scientific genius leads him to a ground-breaking discovery that could revolutionise the world’s depleted energy resources. But that discovery brings danger, not just for himself but for the entire world.
Overall, The Outlaws is a dystopian thriller that travels along at a fast pace. It is more than just a story of oppression, survival and conflict; it is a thought-provoking exploration of the choices we make and the power those choices can have. Packed with action, adventure, fighting, betrayal and relationships, it has everything to draw the reader into the narrative that is as authentic as it is imaginative.
The story is told in the first person from the point of view of Johnny. It will challenge your perceptions of power, resilience, and the responsibility that comes with knowledge.
Set 75 years in the future where war and flood have destroyed a good majority of the world (which is not too hard to believe). Food is rationed and implanted chips determine how much food you require per day. Alcohol is banned and tech is advanced and very hi-tech. Combined this creates a peaceful society within the city walls. But outside the walls is a different matter. A group known as The Outlaws rule. They are led by a very dramatic and brutal leader. Peace is fragile and a new war is about to start between the two factions.
The characters of Johnny, Mike, Cal, Scarlet and Winter are all well-crafted by the author, each one bringing something unique and different to the story. Each representing the internal and external struggles that define their world.
An action-packed adventure set in London ravaged by war and flood, in a world that could not be too far from the truth and is very believable. With its themes of war, climate change, the reliance on oil and plastics, it is a very relevant and thought-provoking read, one that teenagers and adults will enjoy reading.
The Outlaws will keep readers engrossed. It a story where you find it quite difficult to find a good stopping point for the night as you just want to read more – you are lost in the adventure. While it is a fictional story, it is founded in some very real environmental and social issues, wrapped up in a well-crafted adventure that thrills and entertains.
I loved reading The Outlaws, I was so absorbed in the story I just couldn’t put it down so found it a quick and very enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the the second (and third) part of the trilogy.
The Outlaws delivers some very powerful messages in an exhilarating adventure that will resonate with young adult readers and adults alike. It has the perfect blend of action, betrayal, science, and moral dilemmas.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £9.99 (Paperback) / £4.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit emoryfaith.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
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