This book was given to me by the Guardian Children's books team. When I got it, I didn't know much about the story. I thought it would be enjoyable, but nothing more. I definitely wasn't expecting it to become one of my favourite books.
Pearl lives at Seed, a cult that worships Nature and despises the Outside. In fact, Pearl has lived at Seed her whole life. Protected by their leader, Papa S, who everyone loves, she thinks her life is perfect.
The people of Seed are one big family, with Papa S as their father and Nature as their mother. In this idyllic setting, Pearl rarely questions her existence until one day, when a family comes from Outside. With them is a boy named Ellis who makes Pearl have feelings she has never felt before. Ellis makes her discover new things about Seed, dark secrets from which Pearl must escape before it's too late.
I was uncertain about reading this book, as it's described as a romantic thriller, and I don't go mad for romantic stories. However, there is actually less romance than I expected there to be, and serious themes like prejudice and adoption are dealt with.
I finished the book in two days. Not because it was simple and short, but because I couldn't put it down. I loved it, the plot was good and it was well-written. I was very interested in the way they lived, the things they did for Nature and their fear of the Outside.
Pearl is an unusual protagonist as she thinks in a different way to us, believing in Nature. For example, if somebody hurt themselves she thinks it is Nature taking revenge on something bad they have done. So I can't say I could relate to her, but I really liked her and loved seeing the world through her eyes.
I would recommend this book to people who are looking for a different read, but still with a bit of romance in it. I give it a 5 out of 5.
• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
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