Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is a very good first book in a new YA Fantasy series. In a dystopian world decades in the future, Blue Haven is a 17 year old who dreams of becoming a warrior. Over 150 years ago the Shadow Elves, humans infected by a zombie apocalypse-like plague, ravaged the world and decimated the population. Blue lives in a small farming community in the Smoky Mountains, where they are the last survivors of their world and not much happens. But Blue’s superhuman sight is showing her troubling images of green-eyed strangers and handsome Shadow Elves. But, that can’t be right because leaders of her village insist the Shadow Elves were all killed and they are safe. As Blue investigates her visions, she discovers the leaders may have lied. About everything.

I got hooked on this book from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. The author does a great job of worldbuilding and setting the mood of an apparent quiet village with dangerous undertones. Blue is a total bad-ass and takes looking out for her friends and family seriously. She’s been trained to fight by her father and when her curiosity starts getting her into dangerous situations, she is aided by her best friends and love interest. I liked how Blue didn’t back down from what she thought was right, even when shouted down by those in authority. The book is paced well and has plenty of action. It ends on a big cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Katie and Brey PA and the author. All opinions are my own.