Words used by the author; Bethan Evans to describe her new novel: Necropolis. You know that feeling you get after you’ve been on a rollercoaster, and the first thing you do is shake off the adrenaline and are just j to share your experience of the ride with someone? Well, that’s exactly how I felt after reading my copy of Necropolis.
Bethan doesn’t disappoint, with this highly thought-out dystopian world, and not just a world builds; but a structured framework with underlying foundations!
We follow Wyn, a sixteen-year-old wanting to defy the current world order, where women, unfortunately, have been re-oppressed to more 'traditional' roles as men are now the predominant force. Wyn lives in a city named Suthchester (Suth = Slang for “so use to haters”..interesting choice Bethan😉) and is part of a family made up of “Brothers and Sisters.” Together they form The Old Collection. Instantly I felt held a deeper meaning, that they are merely a number and have been placed in a systemic forced society with undermined roles. A life where modern technology is prohibited; with essential and minimal belongings being the world that they now know.
This is all Wyn has ever known throughout her young life and wants to fight for the right to be classed as an equal in her society! To prove this, Wyn enlists in the army as a male cadet for The Southern Company as part of their National Service. This is where the story unfolds and takes you on a rollercoaster of excitement, emotion, and nail-biting exhilaration!
I am at heart, a horror reader, sinking my teeth into anything gory, psychological, and paranormal. So, when I had the opportunity to read Necropolis; a dystopian story following a young girl who joins the army in a male dominant oppressed world, and had nothing to do with horror, I was like “sure! I’m intrigued”. I was curious how this girl would manage to pull off such a bold move and at such a young age, where the unveiling of her true identity would be a risk to her very own existence!
Necropolis has everything from adventure to suspense! The world build is simply luxuriant which is ironic as it builds up a meagre society where everyone has a role to play in this astringent society! No wonder such a young girl who only knows of this inhibited life would want to fight for something more. Freedom! Especially since Wyn is aware of a life before hers, where equality once prospered.
I had so many questions drill into my head throughout each chapter, as I routed for Wyn. Such as: How will Wyn get into the Army? Will Wyn have help? What about on the inside? What about Wyn's training both physically and visually to pull off being a man!? If successfully enrolled, how would Wyn hide her femininity? What will Wyns call herself amongst the cadets? Finally, would Wyn succeed in her mission? See! So many questions all of which unravel in a dazzling plot and like the author describes “with twists and turns.”
Necropolis: A dystopian world that will leave you mesmerised and wanting more! The protagonist; Wyn, has the edge of Offred in Handmaid’s Tale, the fight of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, and the passion of Tris in The Divergent trilogy! I am thrilled to have read this before its release, as I am excited now for you to buy Necropolis and live the adventure with Wyn! It is no secret, but if you enjoy this book AND YOU WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK, then there will be a sequel!
Available to buy on Amazon 09/02/2021: Necropolis
