Readers looking for an exciting dystopian adventure with elements from classic westerns and science fiction epics can look no further than Erin Bowman’s young adult novel Dustborn. This tale of love, loss, and hope when there seems to be nothing to live for proves to keep readers interested from beginning to end.
Erin Bowman’s Dustborn follows the life of Delta of Dead River, a young woman living in the vast deserts known as “The Wastes”. Living in The Wastes proves difficult for the majority of the different packs who have no choice to live there—they constantly search for water, food, and have little to no shelter to shield themselves from the burning heat and raging storms. For Delta, life has been more difficult than others because the has a secret that could cost her her life—she was branded with a map to a paradise called The Verdant when she was a child alongside her best friend, Asher. The map to The Verdant is crucial to the survival of the people of The Wastes, but no one except for the rumoured “gods touched” can read it. When Delta’s village Dead River is attacked by men in dark clothing known as the Loyalists and Asher goes missing, Delta knows that she needs to find the leader of these men known as the General. With her pack gone and only the barren landscape in front of her, Delta sets out on a mission to find the General and save her family before it’s too late.
One of the strongest aspects of Dustborn are the characters that the reader is able to meet throughout the entirety of the novel. Delta is well-rounded, strong, and has a snarky sense of humour that keeps readers wondering what she could come up with next. In addition, with her resourcefulness in The Wastes and the sheer willpower Delta has in finding her family, readers know that Delta is a character to root for. Aside from Delta, another character that becomes one of the most enjoyable aspects of the novel is the old woman Harlie that Delta and Asher meet as they trek through The Wastes. Despite living completely on her own trying to complete a seemingly impossible invention, Harlie remains spunky and proves that she has a zest for life. Following Harlie on her journey with Delta and Asher proves to warm readers hearts and prove that old age does not mean that life’s adventures come to an end.
In addition to the well-rounded and interesting characters, another aspect that readers may enjoy is the emphasis on interpersonal relationships throughout the novel. From the very beginning, it is clear that family is the most important thing to Delta and many others in The Wastes—the people living in their packs are the only people they can truly trust. Delta’s bravery in fighting against the General and beating the odds in order to save her family even in her weakest moments shows readers that even when a person is at their lowest point they can still fight for what they believe in and the people they love.
While the majority of characters that the reader meets throughout the novel are well-rounded and memorable, there are a few who’s stories can be evolved more in order for the reader to fully understand them. Reed, one of the elite Loyalists that serve the general, is introduced as such and becomes an integral part to the effort to save Delta’s pack. However, there is not much backstory provided for Reed and this fact makes it difficult for readers to feel like they know him and can root for him. Additionally, it would be helpful for the General to have a backstory as well. All of the information that is provided to the reader about this dictator is that he is vicious, cunning, and willing to do anything in order to read the map and get to The Verdant. If the reader is able to learn more about the General, they would be able to understand just how evil this antagonist is.
Overall, Dustborn is a true adventure of the importance of family and the importance of trusting in one another. Delta is a fierce main character and through her valiant efforts and the relationships she makes throughout the novel, readers looking for a strong female lead will find what they are looking for.
Dustborn is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Delta of Dead River sets out to rescue her family from a ruthless dictator rising to power in the Wastes and discovers a secret that will reshape her world in this postapocalyptic Western mashup for fans of Mad Max and Gunslinger Girl.
Delta of Dead River has always been told to hide her back, where a map is branded on her skin to a rumored paradise called the Verdant. In a wasteland plagued by dust squalls, geomagnetic storms, and solar flares, many would kill for it—even if no one can read it. So when raiders sent by a man known as the General attack her village, Delta suspects he is searching for her.
Delta sets out to rescue her family but quickly learns that in the Wastes no one can be trusted—perhaps not even her childhood friend, Asher, who has been missing for nearly a decade. If Delta can trust Asher, she just might decode the map and trade evidence of the Verdant to the General for her family. What Delta doesn’t count on is what waits at the Verdant: a long-forgotten secret that will shake the foundation of her entire world.
