ARCLIGHT

In a dystopian future colony that holds back the monsters that have taken over the world, a girl tries to find her place.

Marina has few friends in the Arclight compound. She was found outside, the only known survivor of the Fade, the light-fearing creatures who inhabit the Dark in swarms and who absorb any human they contact into their own species. Most in the colony fear that Marina could be dangerous. Only when Marina and friend Tobin leave the colony do they discover the truth—not only about themselves and their families, but also about the Fade and their own colony. McQuein’s ruined future world at first seems as out of focus as her difficult-to-see monsters. For at least the first third of the book, readers must infer as much as they can from little information, giving the story the feel of a sequel to another book. Those who persist in piecing together the bits of plot will be rewarded. Relationships take on more meaning as characters confront a reality they had never suspected, and the suspense thickens. Marina especially stands out as an interesting and spunky character, enough of a rebel to take some major chances.

A tension-filled read for those who wait.