young readers
El Octavo Clan (The Eighth Clan)
What used to be the flourishing city of New York is now a ruin of glass and metal, submerged in polluted water, with only the top floors of the skyscrapers poking out. The few survivors of the catastrophe have divided into clans and specialized their crafts to find a means of living. Survival, however, is a constant fight, because resources are scarce in the city now called Nyork by its inhabitants.
In this hostile environment, there is little hope for the small group of Seagrass Shepherds, the only remaining members of their clan that have not been enslaved or killed by the omnipotent Techs and their assassins, the Predators. Belonging to the weakest clans of Nyork, they live in the lower apartments touching the water, under the constant threat of being attacked by one of the dreadful monsters that lie in wait beneath the surface.
As their leader, it is young Syren’s responsibility to assure their survival during the cold period that is approaching. Surrounded by enemies, there is only a remote chance that either of the seven clan members will make it. Then, suddenly, Logan comes to their world, and with him the chance of a better life for all of them. But in order to achieve this, the Seagrass Shepherds have to confront their worst enemies and accept the risk that not all of them will make it. In their incessant struggle to survive, Syren has to realize more than once that following the voice of her heart is not always the best choice for the rest of the clan – especially when it comes to Logan.
A thrilling fantasy novel with a breath-taking plot full of love, hatred, jealousy, conspiracy, courage and revenge, that shows how hard it can be to put one’s wishes aside for the good of the community. All this happens in front of the impressive scenery of a semi-submerged New York that is slowly being recaptured by nature.
Spain: Ediciones B (Spanish and Catalan), April 2015 (294 pp.; age 16+); Brasil: Rocco
» Text in: German
