They’re known as Firestarters. Boomers. Skychangers. The government calls them Illegals—children with inexplicable abilities—and detains them in menacing facilities so that society is kept out of harm’s way. Ashala Wolf and her Tribe of fellow Illegals have taken refuge in the Firstwood, a forest eerily conscious of its inhabitants, where they do their best to survive and where they are free to practice their abilities. But when Ashala is compelled to venture outside her territory, she is betrayed by a friend and captured by an enemy. Injured and vulnerable, with her own Sleepwalker ability blocked, Ashala is forced to succumb to a machine that will pull secrets from her mind. It’s only a matter of time before the machine ferrets out the location of the Tribe. Her betrayer, Justin Connor, is ever-present, saving her life when she wishes to die and watching her every move. Will the Tribe survive the interrogation of Ashala Wolf?
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“A dystopian adventure from Australia breaks the mold…The indigenous Australian author draws from a vast, rich cultural tapestry that will be new to many readers. If an ‘exhilarating dystopia’ strikes you as oxymoronic, this vivid, original debut just might change your mind.”
— Kirkus Reviews
" so confusing can be good at times but i had to force myself to finish it sadly i thought it would be more interesting. "
— chloe , 11/22/2023Ambelin Kwaymullina loves reading sci-fi and fantasy books and has wanted to write a novel since she was six years old. She comes from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. When not writing or reading, she works in cultural heritage, illustrates picture books, and hangs out with her dogs. She has previously written a number of children’s books, both alone and with other members of her family. She lives in Australia.
Candice Moll is an Australian actor who has been performing professionally since the age of fourteen. Her audiobook narrations include Spellbound, Out of This Place, and Simian’s Lair.