Coda

Music provides both damnation and freedom in this gripping futuristic fable, first in a two-book series from newcomer Trevayne. The Corp maintains a crushing grip on the population through addictive, mood-influencing music that takes a heavy toll on its users. Anthem, 18, sells his body’s energy to fuel the city’s grid and rebels at night as part of an illegal underground band. When he loses a friend to the Corp’s music, he sparks a musical rebellion aimed at overthrowing the shadowy President Z and her cabinet. But a traitor close to Anthem could destroy everything, just as he finds the strength to go for what he wants in life and love. Atmospheric and emotionally rich, this intense story practically sings with defiance, swaggering like the rock and punk of old. Trevayne conjures up a convincingly corrupt dystopia, full of dangerously misused technology, an omnipresent Big Brother, and heroes worth rooting for. Without shying away from the story’s darker themes, she balances them with positive messages regarding family, friendship, and optimism. A strong debut from an author to watch. Ages: 13–up. Agent: Brooks Sherman, FinePrint Literary Management. (May)