Esther lives with her mother, in a disused cold war bunker built into a remote landscape. She doesn’t go out because her mother tells her it’s not safe. The air is dangerous and polluted, too filthy for Esther, with her poor breathing and constant need for inhalers, to survive in. The demon in her chest was always ready to wake up so they must stay inside the Safe House her mother has provided. They have lived together in the house for sixteen years but at twenty-one years of age, she is desperate to get out and experience the outside world. Then a mysterious stranger appears at the house and she begins to question whether she has been lied to all her life.
I liked the way it is written and the characters are easy to identify with. I felt Esther’s frustration at being cooped up in a remote bunker for most of her life. It’s not a funny book but there is humour in the writing. The pace is good and carries the story well. It becomes more and more intriguing as the story unravels. This is a different and interesting read. I found it very well written with a good pace which quickened as the tale progressed.
A very different story with twist. Well drawn characters. What’s not to like? Oh, and a terrific ending. Definitely a recommended read.
My thanks to #NetGalley and #HQ for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My Write 