Reviews for Burrowed
Publishers Weekly
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Kaley’s debut, a cleverly crafted exploration of the morality surrounding a genetic virus, captivates with inventive science and adventure. In the far future, a genetic plague has separated humanity into the physically weak but intellectually gifted Subterraneans, who live underground to protect themselves from disease, and the hardy but feeble-minded Omniterraneans, who toil above ground to grow food and provide supplies for the Subters. Zuzan Cayan is a sickly 19-year-old albino Subter with an intelligence score off the charts. Because her life expectancy is only four-and-a-half more years, her job prospects are limited—until geneticist Maven Ringol sees her potential and recruits her for an important mission: curing the disease that keeps the Subters underground so that society can be reunited in future generations. They must hurry as the Omnits respond to false reports that the Subters are trying to kill them with increasing threats and bombings. Meanwhile, betrayal brews within some Subter factions. Despite a few side plots that distract from the urgency of the mission, the well-developed characters, thorny moral questions, and intricate science will keep readers attentive. Those who like meticulous detail and compassionate characters in their science fiction will enjoy this riveting thriller. Agent: Ali Herring, Spencer Hill Assoc. (Jan.)
Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.
Because of a devastating disease, humanity has split into two different types: Subterraneans, superintelligent, below-ground dwellers with fragile immune systems, and Omniterraneans, farmers and providers for the Subterraneans. All children are born from the Omniterraneans but taken underground and cared for by the Subterraneans. Subterraneans have been searching for a way to solve the differences between the two groups. The story opens with a young girl, who hasn't earned her name yet, aging out of her nursery and moving into a school where all children are assessed for their future jobs. She is eventually head hunted by an elite scientist to work on the genetic project that could reunite the two groups of humanity. Ultimately, this is the story of a young girl in extreme and unfortunate circumstances, who just might be able to help those around her and better her world a bit. Despite the bleak surroundings, she is able to remain kind and hopeful for the future of people. The girl and the situation make for a great read for fans of postapocalyptic novels.
