Inhuman

Falls (Rip Tide) begins a trilogy set in a dystopian America, a generation after a hybridized virus killed or mutated millions. Survivors live west of the Mississippi, with a giant wall protecting them from the “Feral Zone” to the east. When 16-year-old Lane McEvoy’s father goes missing, she learns that he was a “fetch,” illegally journeying east to retrieve precious artwork and other items. A powerful official blackmails Lane into helping find her father; when she’s unsuccessful, she must complete his assignment herself. Accompanied by rule-breaking bad boy Rafe and handsome border guard Everson, Lane ventures into the Feral Zone, trying to survive the legacy of the Ferae Naturae virus, including animal crossbreeds and feral “manimals.” Despite the obligatory love triangle, Falls presents Lane as a competent, admirable heroine who more than holds her own. The setting holds great promise, and its dangers are quite entertaining: from the dreaded chimpacabra and piranha-bats to people infected by lion, tiger, or fox DNA, there’s lovely and bizarre imagery involved. A solid start, even when the book falls into familiar patterns for the genre. Ages 12–up. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (Oct.)