Blurb:
A thousand years in the future, the last of humanity live inside the walls of the totalitarian Kingdom of Cutta. The rich live in Anais, the capital city of Cutta, sheltered from the famine and disease which ravage the rest of the Kingdom. Yet riches and power only go so far, and even Anaitians can be executed. It is only by the will of the King that Nate Anteros, son of the King’s favourite, is spared from the gallows after openly dissenting. But when he’s released from prison, Nate disappears.
A stark contrast, Catherine Taenia has spent her entire life comfortable and content. The daughter of the King’s Hangman and in love with Thom, Nate’s younger brother, her life has always been easy, ordered and comfortable. That is, where it doesn’t concern Nate. His actions sullied not only his future, but theirs. And unlike Thom, Catherine has never forgiven him.
Two years pass without a word, and then one night Nate returns. But things with Nate are never simple, and when one wrong move turns their lives upside down, the only thing left to do is run where the King’s guards cannot find them – the Outlands. Those wild, untamed lands which stretch around the great walls of the Kingdom, filled with mutants and rabids.
My Review:
This book is a mixture of Dystopian, Sic-fic and Post-apocalyptic genre. It was a new experience reading this book as this was my first read of these genres. The story takes place in the Kingdom of Cutta ruled by a brutal King where punishments were unbearable.
The first chapter of this book describes how cruel the punishments were given to the prisoners and that explained the vicious rule of the King Markas. Even though there were not much detailing about the world set up I loved the simple nature of it. The plot was something different and unique which kept me hooked till the end. The character development was so perfect and beautiful.
I love the author’s way of including triangle love in the most beautiful way. While reading this book I remember the Tv show “The Vampire Diaries” because of the triangle love, but unlike the show, I loved Catherine’s (the protagonist) character. She was loyal to her love, Thom, even when he was not with her. At the same time, she cared for Nate, Thom’s elder brother.
There is a very gradual improvement in Catherine and Nate’s relationship from enemies to friends. Nate was that “Protective Big Brother” with a charming attitude. I loved the way he cared for his younger brother. There was a true brotherhood bonding between them. I wish there were more scenes of Thom and Nate.
The only thing I’m not satisfied with is that there were not much clear explanations about the mutants. There were few questions unanswered in this book and the ending was a cliffhanger. I was not ok with that until I came to know that this is the first book in “The Outlands Pentalogy”. So there are four more books in this series to enjoy Rebecca’s writing style and to get more of Catherine and Nate. I’m sure I will read them all sooner or later. Recommended to all who want to read something different and beautiful.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.7/5
*Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book. I was compensated for the time and effort required to read and review the book, but my opinions remain honest and unaffected.*
Deepireads 