Akin to Blood Red Road with elements of Mad Max, Dustborn by Erin Bowman is an exciting YA standalone that reminds me why I love the dystopian genre. Bowman wastes no time setting up the dire situations that are the stark reality in the dust-storm-ravaged wasteland that is our setting. The bleak world is reflected in our MC, Delta, whose capacity for hope is tested again and again as her losses mount and struggles abound. She is not an immediately likeable character, but her rough edges hold a kind of familiarity that many readers will recognize in themselves.
Asher, on the other hand, is a bright counterpoint to Delta’s pessimism. His unflinching faith and optimism help to keep the story moving when all hope seems lost. I loved Reed’s character as well. I was simultaneously drawn to him and wary of him. The possibility of betrayal haunts his every move.
There are so many ups and downs in Dustborn. It’s gritty, hopeful, tragic, and exciting. There’s violence, but there is also love. I could feel the desperation leaking from the pages. The twists kept me guessing and the characters kept the story alive. Fans of YA dystopian fiction are sure to enjoy this harrowing tale of faith, trust, survival, and family.
Thank you to The Book Terminal for sending me a free copy of Dustborn in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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About the Author
Erin Bowman is the critically acclaimed author of numerous books for children and teens, including the Taken Trilogy, Vengeance Road, Retribution Rails, the Edgar Award-nominated Contagion duology, The Girl and the Witch’s Garden, and the forthcoming Dustborn. A web designer turned author, Erin has always been invested in telling stories—both visually and with words. Erin lives in New Hampshire with her husband and children.
You can visit her online at embowman.com, on twitter @erin_bowman, or on instagram @heyerin.