In a post-apocalyptic world of rigid rules, Althea's luxurious life is turned upside-down when she is kidnapped by the dreaded Variants. Betrayed by those she trusts most, Althea is forced to question everything she thought she knew - including who she is and what she's capable of.
Are the Variants dangerous insurgents or a new breed of human, fighting for freedom?
Althea must separate deception from truth to claim her own power.
This is a fantastic read. It is the first book in a science fiction trilogy by new Australian author, Cheree Peters.
Sixteen-year-old Althea has been the daughter of King Duncan for as long as she can remember, although that is only three years. She is destined to marry Finn and one day rule the kingdom, or so her father thinks.
Slowly things start to unravel as she discovers more about herself, her past and ultimately the awesome power over time that she is learning to control.
But that makes her a Variant, people who received genetic mutations after a toxic accident years ago and have differing degrees of special powers. And Variants are a threat that her father is determined to eliminate.
Will she find out the truth of her true identity and take control over her powers?
This is an easy read that will be most appreciated by younger secondary readers, who will then be waiting eagerly for books 2 & 3.
Reviewed by Rob