Nineteen-year-old Ness lives in a dark Gotham City-style world, ruled by gangs and corrupt politicians, but even worse, everyone is at risk of irreversibly transforming into their worst nightmare and Ness has never recovered from the trauma of her beloved sister changing into a giant spider and going on a murderous rampage. Now alone in the world, Ness has survived by making a home amongst the ‘Friends of the Restful Soul’ which is possibly a cult but also provides counselling and support for those traumatised by Nightmares. But the Friends are becoming tired of Ness’s fearful responses to Nightmares and her general lack of usefulness after years of trauma therapy, and she suspects she might soon be evicted from her safe haven. She grasps at a courier job as an opportunity to redeem herself but it unexpectedly thrusts her into danger and a vast conspiracy that undermines everything she thought she knew. However, she also finds an unlikely ally…
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one but I was thoroughly beguiled – the world that Rebecca Shaeffer has created is equally thrilling and terrifying. I love the fact that Ness is irredeemably cowardly for most of the book but her slowly kindling courage is revealed as she begins to trust and open up to Cy. I also loved her relationship with her friend Priya and the narrative device of having to face your worst fears for fear of turning into them. A witty, fast-paced and engaging read – I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Swimming in Books 