Author: Parker Peevyhouse
Publisher: Tor Teen
Released: January 14^th, 2020
Received: NetGalley
Rating:

I received a copy of Strange Exit through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Strange Exit is the latest speculative science fiction novel from the mind of Parker Peevyhouse, and it is a unique reading experience. This novel blends post-apocalyptic fiction with simulations, debates about human nature, and so much more.

Lake is a determined and driven girl. Every day she goes out there and she searches for survivors in a shredded and desolate space known as earth. And every day she tries to talk them into going home. For you see, Lake is aware of a secret they’ve locked away in their minds; they’re all in a simulation.

The problem is; Lake needs everyone to leave the simulation before they can go home. She, along with dozens of other children, are on board a spaceship – their life raft, so to speak. But the spaceship won’t head back to earth until each and every one of them have left this simulation. That’s where Lake’s job begins.

“You were in the simulation. Now you’re out.”

Strange Exit was a thrilling and unique reading experience. One that blended lots of expectations and tropes into something completely new and different. It was a whirlwind of a read – the sort of novel I just couldn’t put down until I finished it.

Strange Exit caught my attention with that unique and interesting name. But it was the description that sold me. I’ve always loved the concept of joined simulations for people in cryosleep, and this novel had such a unique take on the experience. How could I say no?

There was a lot to enjoy about this novel, from Lake’s perspective and challenge, to the multiple layers of writing and plots. Picture Inception, but in book format, and with simulations instead of dreams. And now you’ve got a solid understanding of what you’re about to dive into here. And yes, it is worth reading.

Lake’s character was an interesting one. She was determined and stubborn, yet lonely and vulnerable. And then there’s Taren, who’s basically the polar opposite of her in every way. It was interesting to see these two in such stark contrast. Two different characters, with different ways of thinking, trying to solve the same problem. I loved it.

What really blew me away was the level of intricacy that Peevyhouse wove into his novel here. It was brilliant. And it really earned the title of speculative fiction in my mind. Add in the post-apocalyptic feeling, and this was one complex situation.

This was the first novel I’ve read by Peevyhouse, but I can honestly and safely say that I was impressed by what I read here. I’m absolutely going to do my best to keep his future works on my radar, especially if they’re anything like Strange Exit.