Solis

August 15, 2024
Resistance and a fight for freedom in the face of unspeakable horrors. In a bleak, near-future dystopian world in which the New American Republic has built walls along its borders and commits acts of terrorism against undocumented immigrants, four women from different backgrounds are brought together by a labor camp. The prisoners are forced to dig for aqualinium, a toxic chemical that could bring much-needed rain to a land affected by climate change-induced drought. Jess is a white girl who at 16 volunteered to join the Deportation Force; after killing a man, she let other "illegals" go, and now she's being severely punished for her treason. One fellow prisoner is queer, Lebanese Rania, whose visa was invalidated when the tyrannical president banned everyone from predominantly Muslim countries. Working beside them is Liliana, a Colombian woman who recently learned of the resistance group SOLIS. Unbeknownst to her, Vali, the daughter she longs to reunite with, has joined SOLIS' Special Ops team with one goal in mind: rescuing her mother. Although the book explores important subjects and the scenes of graphic violence are visceral, overall, readers will feel as if they're being told a story rather than being immersed in one. Extensive exposition and repetition slow the choppy narrative, yet the resolution, though satisfying, feels rushed. Nevertheless, the characters are three-dimensional, and their deep connection and care for one another are highlights of the story. A gripping concept let down in the execution. (authors' notes)(Fiction. 14-18)

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August 1, 2024
Grades 9-12 Set in an alarmingly near future, Mendoza's sequel to her novel Sanctuary describes a nightmarish United States in which all immigrants, regardless of current status, are categorized as illegal. The border wall is now equipped with electricity and land mines; those caught by the Deportation Force (DF) are sent to a huge labor camp where they mine for a new element, aqualinium, which promises to help create rain and solve the massive drought experienced around the world. The New American Republic wants to use that knowledge to increase its power over other countries. The labor camp is horrific; the prisoners sicken from their work and are tormented by the DF soldiers. The novel is told through four characters: Jess, Rania, and Liliana, prisoners at the labor camp, and Vali, a soldier in SOLIS, a resistance group trying to liberate the camp and get vital information about aqualinium. The plot is tautly written and the pace increases rapidly toward the climax. The ending suggests that there is more to come.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.