CLIMATE OF CHAOS

Residents of Cascadia, an environmentally devastated Pacific Northwest region, have a choice: fend for themselves in the lawless, storm-battered wild or endure lifelong servitude as citizens of the Aegis Corporation in return for food, shelter, and healthcare.

Small, independent communities, like the Conclave on Bainbridge Island, where Fox LaRosa lives, have survived outside Seattle’s Zones for 122 years. But with a lethal virus known as the Vi spreading unchecked, fear drives some people to trade their freedom for citizenship’s benefits—even though it comes with risks. Resisting orders can be fatal; a future as body parts awaits many at Harvest House. When her sister, Rabbit, is detained by Aegis in Seattle, Fox and her friends become determined to rescue her, contravening the Conclave’s decision. Fox, best friend Cely, ex-boyfriend Asher, and fellow Conclave member Eamon infiltrate Aegis in search of Rabbit. Using an extendable cane (with a hidden blade) for the chronic hip pain she experiences following a childhood injury, Fox endures exhausting trials and revisits her feelings for Asher. When Rabbit is publicly paraded as someone who’s immune to the Vi and possessing antibodies that are essential to the vaccine, Fox becomes skeptical about the Vi’s origin and spread. Readers seeking robust worldbuilding and a detailed backstory for this setting may be disappointed, but the fast-paced, well-executed, suspense-driven plot will keep them entertained. Fox and Rabbit present white, and the diverse cast of secondary characters adds depth.

An exciting, high-stakes story offering relevant social commentary.