HOL

Author: Jacque Castle
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction

Jacqui is rather new to the scene of novel writing, having published her first book, The Seclusion in 2018, and having only one other book (the sequel) under her belt. Though she is not prolific in her writing, however, does not diminish her accomplishments. Already she has won several awards for her literature, including the 2020 Indie Author of the Year, Foreword Indies Book of the Year for Science Fiction, and winner of the North Carolina Writing Project. Not bad for a young freelance writer!

This young mother of two claims that it was during the Presidency of Donald Trump that she got the idea for the book. Drawing heavily on the border wall, which was mimicked in the book, her outlook of a bleak future was, admittedly, her way of dealing with the real-life happenings in America. This is not meant to disparage any person, including the then-President, Castle claims that it was merely her own personal concerns that drove the book’s concept. She did say that it was ‘very cathartic’, as one can only imagine.

The Presidency aside, she also used such classic writers such as George Orwell and Ray Bradbury for information, as well as modern authors Neil Gaiman. Even with such lofty inspiration, writing the book was not an easy process and took over two years to complete. A journalist by trade, she admits that her first draft read more like a newspaper/journal entry than a novel. However, after much tweaking of her writing style, she definitely hit her stride.

The Seclusion is the first book in a trilogy and I will definitely be keeping my eye out for future installments of the story. If you like dystopian literature, do yourself a favor and check her out; you will not be disappointed!

Source

Title: The Seclusion
Author: Jacqui Castle
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction
Series: Yes (first book in Trilogy)

Brief Summary:

The story is set in the year of 2090 and revolves around a young woman named Patricia “Patch” Collins. Patch is a field agent for the Board (the ruling government of New America) and is dedicated to the Board and all it stands for, at least initially. She has spent her life (20 plus years) firmly entrenched in the rhetoric fed to her daily, and considers those who defy them to be traitors of the worst sort. The Board, after all, has taken great lengths to take care of its citizens, even going to such lengths as building a wall to seclude America from the rest of the world. The Board has also banned all books/information on the history of America before the seclusion, and the citizens are forbidden to try and breach the Wall. Dissidents are dealt with harshly, and once caught by Compliance Officers (a form of police), the traitor is never seen again.

And then, while on a routine field assignment with her partner and best friend, Rexx, they find a van filled with relics from Before, and everything changes. Questions and doubts are raised, and everything Patch thought she knew about her world is harshly brought into a new light. The two find themselves deemed as traitors and are forced to make a run for it, and they manage to breach the Wall and escape. Life ‘outside’ is nothing like they imagined, and the events change Patch’s life forever.

Here is what Goodreads has to say:

In the year 2090, America has walled itself off from the rest of the world. When her father is arrested by the totalitarian Board, a young woman sets out to escape the only country she’s ever known.

While on a routine assignment scouting the viability of dwindling natural resources outside the massive urban centers most American citizens call home, Patricia ’Patch’ and her co-worker Rexx discover a relic from the past containing dangerous contraband―unedited books from before The Seclusion. These texts will spark an unquenchable thirst for the truth that sees Patch’s father arrested by the totalitarian Board.

Evading her own arrest, Patch and Rexx set out across a ruined future United States, seeking some way to escape the only home they’ve ever known. Along the way, they learn about how their country came to be this way and fall in love. But their newfound knowledge may lead to their own demise.

My take on things:
People, I cannot stress this enough: if you are a fan of this genre, RUN as fast as you can and get a copy of this book!! I don’t make the claim lightly; it is seriously that good. I devoured the book eagerly, and have now started on the sequel, which is proving to be equally as thrilling as its predecessor. And, even though there is the usual romance found in most teen/young adult novels, it takes a back seat to the main plot. Well-written and engaging, this one will make you feel like you are there sharing Patch’s struggles and heartbreak. Now, what are you waiting for?! Shoo, go get this book!!!

Title: The Chasm
Author: Jacqui Castle
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction
Series: Yes (2nd book in trilogy)

Brief Summary:
The book continues the efforts of Patricia “Patch” Collins as she leads the fight against the all-powerful Board that now governs America. Patch has managed to make it over the Wall to the other side, and is doing her best to convince the Canadian government to intervene on behalf of the American people. For their part, they want no part of it, citing trade agreements between the two countries. Despite the fact that getting help is not as easy as she first thought it would be, Patch and some newfound friend go to extreme measures to get the proof needed to support her claims against the Board. Along the way, old enemies will resurface and allies will be found in the most unexpected of places.

Here is what Goodreads had to say:

Two months have passed since Patch Collins narrowly escaped the Board, leaving her loved ones behind to navigate the escalating tensions in America. Patch finds herself in an unfamiliar world, struggling with her mental health, and surrounded by those who abandoned the very idea of American diplomacy long ago.

When a familiar enemy resurfaces and she learns the previously unknown fate of a loved one, Patch must make a choice: stay and live a life of relative safety, or risk everything to expose the Board’s actions to the world.

My take on things:
As far as sequels go, this did not disappoint. From the first page it kept me enthralled and I almost hated to see the story end. It took me through the gamut of emotions and was a roller-coaster ride of the best kind. I cannot wait for the 3rd installment of this series, though unfortunately, the author has not released a date yet.