Synopsis:
A thousand years in the future, the last of humanity live inside the walls of the totalitarian Kingdom of Cutta. The rich live in Anais, the capital city of Cutta, sheltered from the famine and disease which ravage the rest of the Kingdom. Yet riches and power only go so far, and even Anaitians can be executed. It is only by the will of the King that Nate Anteros, son of the King’s favourite, is spared from the gallows after openly dissenting. But when he’s released from prison, Nate disappears.
A stark contrast, Catherine Taenia has spent her entire life comfortable and content. The daughter of the King’s Hangman and in love with Thom, Nate’s younger brother, her life has always been easy, ordered and comfortable. That is, where it doesn’t concern Nate. His actions sullied not only his future, but theirs. And unlike Thom, Catherine has never forgiven him.
Two years pass without a word, and then one night Nate returns. But things with Nate are never simple, and when one wrong move turns their lives upside down, the only thing left to do is run where the King’s guards cannot find them – the Outlands. Those wild, untamed lands which stretch around the great walls of the Kingdom, filled with mutants and rabids.
Favorite Lines:
“’I want to set everything on fire.’ ‘You should’ve just said that, darling. We’ve got some things for that.’”
“Stories of how the moon had fallen in love with the sun but could never touch her, for she burned far too bright and her brightness could never be shared. The only time the moon could be with the sun were those rare moments when they eclipsed each other in the sky, kissing for a brief moment before separating again for an age.”
“I could give you a hundred reasons why I love you already. I want a thousand more.”
“My mind is my own. My soul is Tommy’s. And darling, whether you ever care or not, my heart is yours.”
My Opinion:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
A Touch of Death is the first book in Crunden’s The Outlands Pentalogy. Set in a dystopian society, it follows Catherine and Nate as they are on the run from a government who wants them dead.
I thought the concept was interesting and the writing was well done. I would say that it isn’t my usual style preference for writing, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. It was very creative and had a lot of twists and turns that kept me wanting more throughout the journey.
The only thing I can say is that I hope for more romance in the next one. For obvious reasons (when you read it), that wasn’t possible much in this one. But a girl can dream.
Summary:
Overall, I enjoyed this book despite it not being in my usual interest range. If you like adventure, mystery, dystopian societies, and a hint of romance then this book is for you. Happy reading.
Likely Story 