By Maria McKenzie
Paperback: 340 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (20 Aug. 2012)
ISBN-10: 1477409157
ISBN-13: 978-1477409152
“Escape” is the captivating first instalment of the Unchained Trilogy, penned by Maria McKenzie. Set in a dystopian future, the novel takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with suspense, action, and thought-provoking themes.
The story revolves around Mia, a resilient and determined young woman who finds herself trapped in a society ruled by a totalitarian regime known as the Directorate. The Directorate controls every aspect of people’s lives, suppressing individuality and freedom. As Mia witnesses the harsh realities of this oppressive world, she becomes increasingly determined to break free and discover the truth behind the Directorate’s control.
One of the strongest aspects of “Escape” is its world-building. Maria McKenzie skillfully constructs a detailed and believable dystopian society, immersing readers in its dark and oppressive atmosphere. The author intricately explores the societal dynamics and power structures, shedding light on the various factions and the struggles faced by the characters within this complex world.
Mia, the protagonist, is a compelling character. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit make her instantly relatable and admirable. As readers follow her journey, they can’t help but become emotionally invested in her pursuit of freedom and justice. McKenzie skillfully portrays Mia’s internal struggles, capturing her doubts, fears, and moments of self-discovery with authenticity.
The pacing of the novel is another commendable aspect. The narrative is filled with tense moments, unexpected twists, and gripping action sequences that keep the reader engaged and eager to uncover the secrets of the Directorate. The author effectively balances the action with quieter, introspective moments, allowing readers to connect with the characters more deeply.
Furthermore, “Escape” delves into thought-provoking themes such as the importance of individuality, power abuse, and the human spirit’s resilience. These themes add depth to the story, prompting readers to reflect on the parallels between the fictional world and our own society.
If there’s any critique to be made, the novel leaves readers yearning for more answers and craving the next instalment in the trilogy. Some readers may want additional character development for certain secondary characters. Still, it’s worth noting that this is just the beginning of the trilogy, and further exploration may occur in subsequent books.
In conclusion, “Escape: Book One of the Unchained Trilogy” is a riveting and thought-provoking dystopian novel that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment. Maria McKenzie’s vivid storytelling, well-developed characters, and immersive world-building make this book a standout in the genre. Whether you’re a fan of dystopian fiction or simply enjoy compelling narratives with strong protagonists, “Escape” is worth picking up.
About the Author
Maria McKenzie worked as a librarian for several years, a position that naturally fit her love for books. Whenever she is not immersed in her own writing or conjuring ideas for a new novel, she relishes the time spent engrossed in a good book. As a hopeless romantic, Maria is partial to engaging love stories and sustains her reading appetite with romantic suspense, thrillers, historical fiction and non-fiction, biographies, and true crime.
From the age of 10, when she first discovered Nancy Drew, Maria started to enjoy reading. However, the idea of writing a novel seemed daunting. She is more of an introvert, internalizing her thoughts and experiences. It wasn’t until later in life that she realized this internalizing process could foster captivating narratives.
Being in an interracial marriage herself, Maria finds it intriguing to delve into the topic of interracial and multicultural romance, especially in the historical context of our nation. She is drawn to crafting stories around these forbidden loves of the past.
She believes that mixed-race romance from bygone decades encompasses a potent emotional mix of conflict and pain, which can fuel compelling narratives. Her conviction is that love knows no boundaries and if two hearts are destined for each other, they will overcome all obstacles.
Maria is an alumnus of Wittenberg University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English. She furthered her education at Atlanta University, receiving a master’s degree in Library Science.
Maria resides in Cincinnati with her husband and their two sons.