AMITY

The older generation’s attempt to save the world brought about an unequal society; now the younger generation has its turn.

The chapters in this trilogy closer alternate between “Then” and “Now.” In the past, Eden, Hutch, Robert, and Katrina try to build a better world from the ruins of the old one, and Preston and Beatrix scheme to make a profit (Preston, in particular, is willing to take extreme, unforgivable action in pursuit of wealth and power). In the present, Ivy and Skyler follow strange instructions from Dr. Blackwell—“Release the grass seeds. Get them to the Titanic”—at first working behind Eden’s and Katrina’s backs. Eventually the adults realize they’ve made a hash of things and relinquish decision-making to the kids. The characters’ worldviews and priorities collide: Some believe Earth can be saved, while some don’t; some believe in money, power, and violence, others in sharing and collaboration. The “Then” chapters helpfully fill in many blanks in the backstory about the parents of Skyler, Ivy, and Durie and how the world they grew up in came to be the way it is. In the fast-paced “Now” chapters, the characters learn more about recent history and bravely take action to change their world. Are they hopelessly idealistic or courageously determined? The story has a smooth forward momentum that will keep series fans engaged. Characters largely present white.

A satisfying, hopeful conclusion to a futuristic dystopia.