Title: Survive the Dome
Author: Kosoko Jackson
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Publication date: March 29, 2022
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Summary
As as apsiring journalist, Jamal wants to make a difference in the world. That’s what brings him to one of the biggest protests in Baltimore against police brutality. He wants to document it in order to show the rest of the world. Especially since Black men just keep getting murdered by the police.
However, right before the protest begins, something happens. The city implements a new safety measure called the Dome. No one can come in, and no one can get out. With no one to turn to, Jamal is unsure of where to go. Until he meets Marco, a hacker determined to take down the police force. Together, they form an alliance to help take down the Dome. No matter the cost.
Review: Survive the Dome
Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! This book was on my radar after reading Kosoko Jackson’s book, Yesterday Is History, and it hits all of the right notes. If you’re looking for a timely YA book that highlights real world issues, this is the book for you!
Kosoko Jackson has a really easy to read writing style that’s fast paced and pulls you along in the story. This specifically works well for this particular story, because everything is happening at a rate that adds stress and anxiety to the characters. What also makes this book work well is the fact that (unfortunately) this is something you could see playing out today. Which honestly makes it feel all the more real.
While the writing and story is relevant, some of the dialog and other writing elements could have used a bit of tweaking. Some of the conversations between characters just didn’t feel realistic to me, and I wanted a bit more character development in the story. It felt like, at times, there was more telling than showing. But I do think that’s something that gets better the more that you write!
All in all, this is a fast-paced, dystopian-esque story that will definitely get you thinking.
4/5 stars