In a future where knowledge is deemed obsolete, memories are routinely wiped, and the government perpetually rebrands itself as a benevolent force, Luccee Winterscott struggles to hold onto a sense of purpose. Despite being urged by her younger brother, Trevers, to embrace the prescribed blissful ignorance, Luccee feels an unshakable yearning for something more meaningful in life. When she discovers her mother’s old diary, Luccee begins to unravel the truth about her past and her family’s role in Earth’s current dystopian state. This revelation ignites her involvement with a small group of dissidents determined to bring about positive change, making the diary a crucial element in their fight against the status quo.

Star Lost: The Luccee Winterscott Series Book 1 by Amy Marie Ayres envisions a dystopian world that feels unsettlingly close to our own. Following multiple failed apocalyptic events, Earth has become a place where brainwashing is the norm, and willful ignorance is the standard. As books and handwritten communication inch closer to being outlawed, Luccee becomes an unwitting anchor for a group of intellectuals who refuse to let go of the old ways and are determined to see justice served for the degradation of their world. With her brother Trevers working for SV Corp, the latest iteration of the oppressive government, Luccee’s quest for truth becomes all the more perilous. In a world where thoughts are monitored, and emotions are seen as weaknesses, simply being human becomes a revolutionary act. Ayres masterfully weaves a narrative that twists and teases, jumping between different perspectives and timelines. Despite this complexity, the story flows seamlessly, avoiding any sense of confusion. Each new revelation builds on the last, driving the plot forward with a compelling momentum toward a cliffhanger that leaves the future of the characters—and the world they inhabit—wide open for exploration in the next installment.

Star Lost offers a chilling look at a dystopian existence where all but the super-rich suffer, and technology dominates every aspect of life. The blend of science fiction and a slowly unraveling mystery makes the book incredibly difficult to put down. I’m eagerly anticipating where the story will go in book 2, Star Sick, and I’m especially interested in learning more about some of the peripheral characters who add depth to this darkly intriguing world. Engaging and thought-provoking from start to finish, Star Lost is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone interested in a gripping tale of resistance against overwhelming odds.

Pages: 249 | ASIN : B0D4KWM4PZ