The Undying Tower: The Undying Trilogy

By Author / Illustrator

Melissa Welliver

Genre

Dystopian

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

UCLan Publishing

ISBN

9781915235862

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

01-08-2024

Synopsis

What if living forever was a death sentence? Decades after the discovery that a small percentage of the population has stopped ageing, the Avalonia Zone is in crisis. From overpopulation to food shortages, the 'Undying' have been blamed for the state's problems, banished to the fringes of society, and punished for every minor infraction.

When 16-year-old Sadie takes the fall for an attack by a rebel group, The Alchemists, she suddenly finds herself wrenched away from her quiet life and from her ailing father. Armed with little help and even less knowledge, Sadie is thrust into a cold and cryptic 'correctional facility' - The Tower.

Here she'll have to rethink everything she's been told about the Undying population in an attempt to save the life she knows, protect a group of unlikely friends, and give voice to the voiceless in a society on the brink of catastrophic upheaval.

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Reviews

Clair

Melissa Welliver's debut novel The Undying Tower is an exhilarating start to The Undying Trilogy. From the very first page, I was thrust into a gripping narrative that sets the stage for a future world torn apart by division and conflict.

The premise centres around a society where a subset of the population, known as 'The Undying', has stopped aging, creating a stark divide between them and 'normal' human beings. This divide leads to the Undying being marginalised and scapegoated for the world's dwindling resources - a theme that resonates powerfully in today's socio-political climate.

The action kicks off immediately with a chilling rebel attack, capturing the reader's attention and setting the pace. The protagonist, Sadie, is a compelling character. She is resilient, intelligent and relatable. Her journey becomes even more riveting when she is thrust into a new reality amongst the Undying, forcing her to confront her own beliefs and the injustices of her society.

What sets The Undying Tower apart from many young adult dystopias is its absence of a romantic subplot. Instead, Melissa Welliver focusses on the action and the mystery surrounding The Tower itself. This made it a far more realistic and enjoyable read.

Melissa Welliver's writing is sharp and engaging, crafting a storyline that is both intricate and compelling. She delivered high-stakes drama and adventure. I will definitely be reading more from this author. It was also refreshing to find a teen novel without any swearing.

For fans of series like The Hunger Games, Divergent or The Maze Runner, The Undying Tower promises a thrilling ride filled with thought provoking themes and well-developed characters. I can't wait to get my hands on the next instalment in The Undying Trilogy.

Content: Young Carer, Single parent family

312 pages / Reviewed by Clair Bossons, school librarian