Book Review: Tetherless

IndieBookView

Nov 30

Tetherless

by C.K. O'Donnell

Genre: Young Adult / Sci-Fi & Fantasy

ISBN: 9781734506334

Print Length: 336 pages

Reviewed by Lindsay Crandall

Set in the not-so-distant future of 2040, Tetherless follows Abbie as she navigates adolescence in her home of Eureka, California, just outside the gates of Port Allegiance.

Life in Eureka is hard. Homelessness and hunger run rampant through the community that was devastated when coronavirus relief programs were cut off. Abbie lives with an alcoholic father and sick mother; both are struggling with guilt over the death of her younger brother. She is in an abusive relationship with Ty, who has never had to face the consequences of his actions, thanks to his father, a local police officer who bails his son out of every infraction. Her biggest supporter and teacher is her Uncle Jesse. It's Jesse who encourages Abbie to apply for a job in Port Allegiance, a seemingly idyllic city filled with riches and opportunities for a better life.

Contrary to her expectations, Abbie lands a job at Redwood Manor, the home of the most affluent family in Port Allegiance, a job that might finally see her dreams of college come true. She is also able to reconnect with a friend from her past, one she never thought she'd see again. Everything appears perfect, but nothing at Redwood Manor is as it seems. Abbie soon uncovers horrors inside that she couldn't have ever imagined; "The grass isn't always greener…"