Retra doesn’t want to go to Ixion, the island of ever-night, ever-youth and never-sleep. Retra is a Seal – sealed minds, sealed community. She doesn’t crave parties and pleasure, experience and freedom.
But her brother Joel left for Ixion two years ago, and Retra is determined to find him. Braving the intense pain of her obedience strip to escape the only home she’s ever known, Retra stows away on the barge that will take her to her brother.
When she can’t find Joel, Retra finds herself drawn deeper into the intoxicating world of Ixion. Come to me, whispers a voice in her head. Who are the Ripers, the mysterious guardians of Ixion? What are the Night Creatures Retra can see in the shadows? And what happens to those who grow too old for Ixion?
Retra will find that Ixion has its pleasures, but its secrets are deadly. Will friendship, and the creation of an eternal bond with a Riper, be enough to save her from the darkness?Listen well, baby bats. Burn bright, but do not stray from the paths. Remember, when you live in a place of darkness you also live with creatures of the dark. (From Goodreads)
I feel a bit neutral about his book. I didn't love it and I didn't dislike it. It was perfectly good and I found it enjoyable. It is different from your typical dystopia out there - pursuing pleasure instead of order - although order still plays a huge role whether the characters would like to admit it or not. The concept of Ixion was fascinating. Especially for the age group - where being young is a party. You can go, have people take care of all your needs, and you only need to have fun and remember to sleep every once in awhile. Sounds ideal, right? Right. (Ok. If I were 18 still, it would sound ideal. I think I'm aging way too fast - because this lifestyle sounds way too exhausting for me).
Retra was an interesting heroine. She chose to go to Ixion, but she didn't want to be there. As much as she wanted to escape the rigid obedience of the dystopian society she was raised in, she was also very reluctant to let go of her upbringing. I guess she wasn't really just escaping either - she's after her brother - who I actually think is a bit selfish and misguided. But she experiences this major change half way through the book and her character does a 180. That change is what sets Retra apart from other heroines. She doesn't change because she learns more or grows into herself - she changes because she is forced. It's not gradual either. One page she is Retra the Seal and on the next she's completely different. That was a bit jarring, but in a good way.
All the creatures, gangs, politics, rules, etc. of Ixion were a little hard to keep track of, but it didn't impede my understanding or enjoyment of the book. There's a lot of set up in this book, so I imagine the second would have the opportunity to be a lot more action and not as much explanation. There were a few characters, like Joel and Markan (the possible love interest...), who weren't fully fleshed out in this book and I'm really curious to know more about them. And the pirate! I got so excited that there was a pirate in this book and she barely made an appearance. Although, I think that might be a bigger part in book two, which makes me excited to continue in the series.
I can't put a finger on anything in this book that is lacking, but it just didn't have that extra umph - or it just didn't quite draw me in enough for me to go crazy about. Still, I'm really happy that I read it and I would recommend it to fans of dystopia who are getting a bit tired of the same plot lines and stock characters - because this one does (thankfully) break away from those things.
This book was published in Australia - so thanks so much to Dani @ Refracted Light for organizing the book tour and allowing me to read it!
