"...gripping dystopian tale [...] exploring survival, humanity, and self-acceptance."
“...emotional authenticity combined with solid world-building makes this a standout in the YA genre.”
“A compelling SF survival saga”
Sample Chapters
Discussion Questions
There were multiple antagonists in the book. Who or what do you think was the primary antagonist?
Do any of the characters remind you of people you know?
What are the key themes explored in the book?
Do you think Raphael was telling the truth when he confessed to Diego about his own parent’s abuse? Or was that just manipulation? Why did he keep the selfie with Diego?
Consider Diego’s interactions with Raphael. Is there some way he could have acted differently to avoid how things turned out?
What do you think of Diego’s disfigurement and gift as a metaphor for dealing with adolescence and accepting who he is, warts and all?
It was never resolved who tampered with the back door being left unlocked, leading to Julian’s death. Who do you think did it? Why?
Was it wrong for Diego to lock Donna up? What else could he have done?
Could Diego have interacted in a better way with Luca after taking him to Medbay? Did he have the right answers? What was the most important thing he did?
Is the ending satisfying? If so, why? If not, why not… and how would you change it?
Have you learned something new or been exposed to different ideas because of this story?
How might this story have played out differently if it was the girls being exiled instead of the boys?
Writing Challenges
Rewrite the final scene where Luca and Diego reconnect, but do it as if the story was flipped, where it was Lucia (Luca) and Diana (Diego). How would it have played out differently?
Consider the different plot structures, such as 7-point or chaistic. Identify the different points in the story: Inciting Event. Midpoint. Climax.
It is never explained why Charlie Ring collapsed into decompression. In Atom Bomb Baby, we learn that the Kraal do not interact with inanimate objects—so what could have caused the calamity on Charlie Ring? Was it intentionally caused, or accidental? Is there a story in this?
It is never explained what happened to Julian’s remains, nor what Meddi was going to propose as her experimental procedure. Is there a story in this?
