So how did she survive? After all, everyone in the Arclight knows that in the war between Fade and Human, it's the Fade who win.
Tightly constructed with a plot that twists, turns, weaves and backflips, Arclight is narrated from Marina's perspective, enabling us to experience her confusion as everything she believes to be true is put to the test. In a world where nothing is as it seems, who can she trust? Why can't she remember her life before the Arclight? What is it about the Dark that calls to her? And are the Fade really what they seem?
While some of the sci-fi clichés — such as the 'technology gone wrong' scenario — do make an appearance, Arclight's real strength lies in its characters. This is less an action-packed thriller than it is a story about identity and the importance of memories.
From Tobin, a young man refusing to believe that his father is dead, despite all evidence to the contrary; to Rue, a Fade who has a connection to Marina that can't be denied; from Honoria, the matriarch of the Arclight, determined to keep her people safe no matter what the cost; to Marina herself, who seems destined to never quite belong — each one is a character of depth and complexity. Combine this with atmospheric writing and Arclight makes for a satisfying read.
I was delighted to see that the story will be continuing in Meridian.
Title: Arclight
Author: Josin L. McQuein
Publisher: Electric Monkey, $16.95 RRP
Publication Date: October 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781405263948
For ages: 15+
Type: Young Adult
