Despite the aim to protect all people, the Accords do not recognise the rights of Illegals, those who now possess unusual powers and abilities. Ashala Wolf, a Sleepwalker whose dreams have power, is the leader the Tribe, a runaway group of Illegals hiding in the Firstwood. The Tribe consists of children and teenagers who believe they too deserve the protection of the Accords.
Captured and interrogated, Ashala is desperate to protect those who depend upon her. She needs to preserve the safety of the Tribe, but who can she turn to when she is facing a machine that can reveal the secrets of her mind to her captors? Will the Tribe survive the interrogation of Ashala Wolf?
The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is the first book in The Tribe, a new dystopian future series by Australian author Ambelin Kwaymullina. Gripping from the earliest pages, the story contains several unexpected twists that maintain a sense of suspense and keep readers wondering who Ashala can trust as she tries to protect her people.
There is a wonderful sense of emotional connection to the land through Ashala which really appealed to me. While the thriller aspects of the story keep the pages turning, Ashala’s need to have a connection with her past and with her surroundings as well as her need to be true to herself and those she loves adds a real depth and thoughtfulness to the novel.
The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is sure to appeal to readers interested in dystopian fiction. It is also ideal for study in a high school classroom setting, offering a range of themes and issues such as discrimination, ethical leadership and the abuse of authority, the role of technology in society, environmental issues, and the different ways of bringing about change in society amongst many others. Teachers’ notes targeting students in Years 9 – 11 are available at the Walker Books website.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am awaiting the next book in this series with great anticipation.
Title: The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf (The Tribe #1)
Author: Ambelin Kwaymullina
Publisher: Walker Books, $19.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 July 2012
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781921720086
For ages: 13+ years
Type: Young adult fiction