The UK, year 2139
One hundred and fifteen years ago, a mysterious virus wiped out ninety-five per cent of humanity.
Blackthorn, the largest settlement in England, rose from the ashes of the devastated old world. It is a troubled city, where the workers live in crude shacks, and make do with the worst of everything.
It is a city of violent divisions, crime, and an over-populated jail block―until a charismatic traveller has a miraculous vision and promises to bring hope back to the people’s lives.
Blackthorn falls under Ryder Swift’s spell, and the most devoted of all is the governor’s loyal servant, Lieutenant August Hemsley.
Twenty-one-year-old Evie has lived her whole life in the shacks. She and disillusioned guard Byron Lewis are two of a minority who have doubts about Ryder’s message. Can they stand against the beliefs of an entire city?
This book is set within the world of the Project Renova series, but can be read as a standalone. Backstory regarding what happened in the world during that series is explained so the reader can easily follow along.
Since I’ve read the Project Renova series, I adored the mention of some of those characters – but I also enjoyed meeting these new ones. Evie is a delight – feisty, independent, and smart. She doesn’t automatically drink the Koolaid like most of the folks in Blackthorn – she’s skeptical, asks questions, and has a good head on her shoulders. Female readers will be enraged at the way some women are treated in Blackthorn. It’s scary to think society could regress to that point after a postapocalyptic event.
This author has a talent for character development, and the story is primarily character-driven. I enjoyed the changing POVs between Evie, Byron, and Hemsley, whose character arc is especially riveting. Ryder is charismatic and personable, and perfect to carry out the role he’s been given – but you just never quite trust him.
Blacktorn is a compelling and thought-provoking read I found difficult to put down. As I mentioned, this is a standalone book, but after finishing it, don’t be suprised if you find yourself purchasing the Project Renova series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
The cover definitely drew me in. Dystopian fiction really seems to be on the rise lately. It’s nice this book can be read as a standalone without having familiarity with the series.
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Dystopian and vampires seem to be making a comeback, although I’ve always been fans of both. I think this is a series you’d enjoy, Mae, and the character development is a particular standout.
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It sounds so interesting
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It’s an addictive series and so easy to fall in with the characters and their individual stories. Thanks for visiting!
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Yah if u enjoy someone’s work then u want and tend to finish in one sitting. My pleasure 💕😊
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This series sounds very intriguing. I find myself wondering if our current situation will have an impact on dystopian stories – the creation and the reader popularity- one way or another. It will be interesting to see. But this series looks wonderful. I love character-driven stories ❤️ Great review!
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Thanks, Tessa! When Covid hit, I’d just started reading a dystopian and found it difficult at first, but then I became completely engrossed in the story. Some readers may shy away, but I think the die-hard dystopian fans may not be swayed so easily. If you enjoy character-driven stories, I’d recommend looking into this series.
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Teri, thank you so much! I loved Evie too, she was great fun to write – and I liked Hemsley more and more as I went on. Really appreciate this lovely review xxx
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I could see how Evie would be fun to write (I also have a niece named Evie and saw some similarities), and Hemsley surprised me. Thanks so much for sending me a copy, Terry!
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You are most welcome, Teri! Any time. I hope your niece stays just like my Evie! x
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Gosh, this sounds so good, Teri. That cover! I’m going to add it to my list. Excellent review. 😊
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I predict you’ll love this one and then want to read the series, Jen – and thanks!
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I enjoyed this one. Loved characters and world and theme of religion and belief. I agree, after reading this I want to read all books in series and other books by author. Great review!
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Thanks so much, Yesha! If you enjoyed this, you’ll dive right into the series. Terry has an extensive backlist that could keep you busy for a while, lol.
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I know I saw list of her books and I felt like, once I get her books I’m going to read them for a long time. 😁
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Thanks for reading, Mischenko! And Mae Clair, Tessa, The Bibliophile Writer, Staci, D Wallace, Jacquie, Priscilla – and Yesha, your comments make me very happy. Thank you so much for all your support xx
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Evie sounds like a fabulous character. Good review!
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She is, Priscilla. I’m a sucker for those feisty, independent types.
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This sounds a little too close to our present situation for me, lol. Great review, Teri
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There are some similarities, Jacquie, but I read this one before everything went off the rails. Thanks!
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The timing of the book is rather interesting, Teri. Sounds good, and I’m a fan of character-driven books in general. Ack, there are so many books I want to read. My TBR pile is starting to get up there again!
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It was released before all this happened – and the series has been out for a couple years at least I’m thinking? But yes, the parallels are a bit eerie, Diana. If you enjoy character-driven books, I really think you’d enjoy the series.
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I do love feisty. Evie sounds like a great character. And I really like that cover.
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All the covers for this series have been eye-catching. They also make it easy to tell they’re related. Evie was wonderful – she made me laugh several times.
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