I could not put down The Book of Seila and was sad when it was over. I was not ready to say goodbye to Selia or Jim, though the world they live in is dark and heavy. This is a fast-paced story, centered on two sisters, living in a world run by Redeemers, who are determined to build and control their own christian, extremist society. You will love the characters and will be kept on edge, wondering what will happen with them and those around them, from start to finish. It can definitely be seen as a warning, which is eerie but, hopefully, it is just a really great novel.

The Book of Seila is a great first book by author Wilda Hughes and I hope she considers a sequel! I read the advance review copy in a single sitting and was unable to put it down. The story unfolds in an oppressive, dystopian society on par with A Handmaid’s Tale – dark, scary and terrifying. We follow a brave heroine on a mission to save her sister from an unjust incarceration in a post-war government. There are a few surprising twists and turns, and the book feels totally relevant to our times. I highly recommend you read this book.