THE GAP

Anne’s YA novel, the first in a series, follows two members of rival communities as they struggle to overcome deep-seated hostilities that could destroy both factions.

The planet Naisyle is divided by a massive rift called the Gap that has separated two divergent populations for countless eons. On one side of the Gap is a low-tech village inhabited by people who have made the chasm a forbidden zone; they blame their rivals for the mysterious kidnappings of wayward children and careless scouts. On the other side is a technologically advanced city populated by people who see their opposite number as violent barbarians. When 18-year-old Astraea Elms’ little brother, Tarek, disappears in the Gap, her village quickly plans a rescue attempt, even though they have no idea where he is or whether he’s even still alive. The dangerous mission goes sideways, and Astraea finds herself a prisoner in Syong City’s Zenith building, the shining centerpiece of the Syong City government. After recently losing his father to a genetic brain disorder—a condition that he has unfortunately inherited—20-year-old Jassien “Jas” Marcello has taken over leadership of the Zenith building. When he meets Astraea, one of the outsiders who attacked his city, he does the unthinkable: He falls in love with the enemy. As the two learn more about one another, they discover that they may not be enemies after all. While the novel’s deft worldbuilding, plot intricacy, and pacing are all noteworthy, the real fuel to this story is the deeply emotional—and tumultuous—connection between Astraea and Jas. The organic development of their bond is tonally perfect, equal parts innocent, naïve, and passionate: “Our kissing…awakened something inside of me I didn’t know existed. I want more, like a bug bite wants to be scratched. I can’t get enough.” This first volume sets up a saga with the potential to rival The Hunger Games series in terms of narrative quality and commercial appeal.

An engaging fusion of SF, romance, and YA elements.