When people trade their freedom for safety, sometimes they get neither. For Martina, the young teen protagonist of Nikki Brooke's novel Plagued Lands, this is her reality. She lives in a dystopian future of totalitarianism perpetuated by a pharmaceutical company under the guise of health. Along with her 8-year-old brother Sebastian, she scratches out a living washing the dome that encases her sterile city as the elite lives in luxury. One day, Martina's understanding of existence takes a troubling hit as she discovers a world she thought was extinct. People and animals are alive outside the dome. And they are not sick or dying as she believed. As Martina explores this world, she understands that much of what she regards as truth is a lie. However, that knowledge has a cost, and it's a price that may be too high to pay.

Thought-provoking at times and touching at others, Plagued Lands by Nikki Brooke is a carefully balanced science fiction tale. The intricate plot follows Martina as she discovers the true identity of the world while also maturing and recognizing herself. Multiple powerful themes such as greed, good versus evil, self-discovery, and sacrifice permeate this clever story and fit seamlessly into the narrative. Strong character development is present via a cast that includes Martina, Persephone, Nathan, and Doctor Lederman, a James Bond-level villain. A brisk pace combined with a clear writing style makes Plagued Lands a fascinating read for young and older adults alike and serves as a subtle reminder that sometimes in life, there are no simple truths or answers, just more questions, and deceit.

Plagued Lands by Nikki Brooke is a dystopian novel that follows the story of Martina Monsalve, a sixteen-year-old girl living in a society where strict health regulations govern life. She works diligently with her brother, Sebastian, cleaning windows in a bubble city to survive. All her income is spent on medication and food, leaving her with none for education or pleasure. The privileged on the other hand enjoy the best that money can buy and profit from selling medication. One day, Martina and Sebastian see a mysterious man in the deserted wasteland outside their city bubble, and their curiosity leads them to wonder about the possibility of surviving outside. Due to an accident, Martina suddenly finds herself thrown out of the bubble, setting off a chain of events that leads her to a nomadic community that thrives outside the harsh realities of the bubble. This discovery challenges her long-held beliefs about safety, disease, and the societal structures that have controlled her life.

Plagued Lands is a captivating story that blends themes of adversity, societal challenges, greed and capitalism, and the quest for freedom. It has elements drawn from the recent COVID-19 pandemic and perfectly highlights the stark contrasts between the privileged lives of the wealthy and the struggles of the working class. Martina is an intriguing character with a multifaceted personality. She is gentle and loving with her loved ones, an unstoppable force when she is facing danger, and a doubtful girl full of fear when confronted with her own guilt and insecurities. Readers will relate to her struggles and be inspired to speak the truth and fight for justice. The story also explores Martina’s sexuality, delving into themes of self-discovery and acceptance. The story has an open ending that leaves potential for sequels. I hope the author has plans for future installments because I am curious about the fate of various characters. Overall, Plagued Lands is a thought-provoking and engaging read that encourages reflection on societal issues and personal resilience.