Review of The Moon Dwellers by David Estes

The Moon Dwellers by David Estes Book 1 of The Dwellers series Genres: Action Adventure, Romance,    Young Adult

     Adele is a Moon Dweller. A second class citizen in a world where the differences in the social and economic class structure is exceedingly prominent. Tristan is a sun dweller, one of the elite in a class of aristocrats. He isn't just one of the privileged few, he is the president's eldest son and heir to inherit the right to rule. Adele was just one in a crowd of many as Tristan remotely waved from a float in a parade passing by. Their eyes met, their gazes locked. Against all odds and reason, Tristan knew he had to find Adele. He had to meet her and talk to her. He felt an unexplainable pull towards her.

     You can't pigeonhole this YA fiction into one specific genre. It has all the elements of action & adventure, comedy, tragedy, romance, and suspense all rolled into one magnificent story by author David Estes.

     This book is action packed as five teens run for their lives through a dystopian underground world. They face prison breaks, bombings, evil blood thirsty guards, and mercenaries as they race through caverns trying to rescue family members from a government gone awry.

     Teenagers are sarcastic, there is no way around it. It can be very frustrating when it is your own child trying to shirk their homework or chores. Put five teenagers together and it can be a hilarious combinations. Zingers and comebacks fly with great speed as these heroic teens use sarcastic wit as a weapon to hold off their fears and insecurities.

     The real tragedy is the crumbling of the government. The earth has already been rendered uninhabitable and the citizens have lost their liberties, their security, and many have even lost hope. Be prepared for a whole range of emotions, anger at the authoritarians, fear at how simply and easily democracy crumbles, sadness at the senseless destruction and loss.

     Does love at first sight exist? Can fate intervene to make sure two people will finally come together over all odds? Is there such a thing as soul mates and the possibility that our souls will automatically recognize its mate? Even if you don't believe in the yucky love stuff, this story will still pull at your heart strings.

     Expect to find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat, turning pages as fast as your eyes can read. I suggest you clear your schedule, have snacks handy and get comfy. There is just no good place to set this book aside even for a quick trip to the facilities. It is fast paced with new obstacles behind every turn.

     The main characters are incredibly three dimensional. Their histories are tragic, with so much anguish survived in their childhood. The reader can't help but root them on and yearn for their success. It is going to be a very long wait for the sequel to be published in September.

I give it 5 stars!