Book Review: Vevin Song by Jonathan Neves Mayers

     When the lightbirds came to the world humans had to build underwater domes in order to survive. These giant creatures were violent, killing any human they found in the light, but water was able to harm or kill them. Humans have lived in the domes for decades, with only a select few venturing to the surface for small scouting parties. Marla, who was rescued from lightbirds as a baby, has spent all her life that she can remember inside the dome with her adopted brother, mother, and father. Now that she is an adult and has been given a job she loathes she needs some form of escape. This escape is generally a party after work. After one such party Marla sprouts wings from her back and is captured by a ranking official within the dome to be tested on. Her escape to the surface comes with sacrifices and she will never be able to return home. But, there may be something more to the lightbirds than was previously known as she discovers she can communicate with them via their song. 

    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is very much so a Young Adult Fantasy, although the characters are over 18. Personally, I am almost 30 so a 19 or 20 year old is still going to be considered young adult. Open to interpretation on your part for that. The book also has some post-apocalyptic aspects since the book is set after a cataclysmic event (the Vevin's coming to Earth) forced daily life for humans to forever change. 

    We follow Marla as she tries to survive in a job she hates within the dome, through her struggles as she changes, then onto the surface where she must face a whole new set of challenges. Along the way she must give up what family she has left, but gains someone she thought long lost. The reasons behind the long separation aren't revealed for quite a bit of time in the book, but I think the only person oblivious to that reason was Marla herself. That or I have been reading waaaay too many of a certain genre. 

    I have personally never understood societies depicted in books where leaders choose the career path for the citizens. It never makes any sense to me. You are way more likely to do better in a job you enjoy versus a job you hate. Yes, using food as a payment method is a good way to make sure that they absolutely do their assigned roles, and can never exceed a certain hierarchy. Still, it seems like it would only breed dissent. 

    That being said, I completely enjoyed this book and don't have any complaints about it. I look forward to more from this author in the future. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here.