Reviewed by Sarina
TITLE: The Outsiders
SERIES: Second Chances #1
AUTHOR: L.J. LaBarthe
PUBLISHER: Less Than Three Press
LENGTH: 207 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 31, 2017
BLURB:
Ninety-nine years after going into cryo, Matty wakes up to a world he doesn’t know, with no memories of the world—or the man he loves—that he left behind. This new world is full of suspicion and darkness, humanity having moved underground in the aftermath of the mysterious Event.
And as Matty’s memories return, along with his beloved Arkady, instead of his life getting easier, he finds his new reality only getting more complicated—and more dangerous.
REVIEW:
I’d like to think I’m fairly familiar with this author and the types of books she writes since I’ve read more than a few but I have to admit that she caught me by surprise with this one! When Matty wakes up from a 99 year sleep in cryo, he has no memories of who he is, where he came from or why he was in cryo to begin with. As he slowly begins to figure out his own past, it quickly becomes clear that he has way more questions than answers and that the society he’s found himself a part of isn’t as idyllic as people seem to think it is. When Matty finally remembers who he really is, and the events that took place before he found himself a living popsicle, it becomes even more imperative he escape the city he’s found himself in so he can search out the truth. Luckily he won’t have to go it alone as the people he was working with before have awakened with him. Getting out is easier said than done, however, and escaping to the surface might just be its own death sentence.
Oh, I really like this; there was a slight sci-fi feel to the story due to the cryogenics used but it was pretty much post apocalyptic all the way which I adored. I enjoyed the overall setting and feel of the story and it was great getting to piece together what happened right alongside the main character. Another fantastic thing about the story? The main character is asexual. I can only remember reading one other story where that was the case and it was a nice surprise here because really, not every story has to include sex. Matty does have a boyfriend, Arkady, so there are scenes showcasing intimacy and affection, just not the kind that typically takes place between the sheets. (or in the shower, or against the wall etc.) The main draw of the book for me was the story and characters, both of which were great. I loved Arkady and really enjoyed his interactions with Matty and Nisha was another fantastic addition because every story should have a woman that knows how to kick someone’s butt. These three together were just great and I enjoyed reading about them immensely.
Over the course of the book I found myself drawn into and intrigued by the world and apocalyptic scenario the author planned out. While the world as a whole wasn’t explored a great deal in this story, as it is the first of a new series I have high hopes that I’ll get to see more in the future. I thought this was a great start to a new series and I’m looking forward to seeing what the author does with it in the next novel. If you enjoy post apocalyptic novels or stories that feature spies I’d give this one a look.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS: