Escaping Eleven

This violent dystopian series starter by debut author Chisholm has a clear trajectory from the title forward—Eve Hamilton , 16, is determined to escape brutal Compound Eleven, an underground city funded by the ultrarich after climate change laid waste to above-ground life on Earth. Faced with pledging service to a leading member of the hierarchical class-based society, Eve, part of the lower class, has resolved to flee and possibly even find her younger brother, cast aboveground years earlier as a violation of the compound’s single-child policy. Though Eve was trained by her father to battle fiercely in the Fighter Bowl—no-rules hand-to-hand combat for communal entertainment—Eve is no match for upper-class Wren; despite the beating he gives her, he and Eve become close, complicating her choice to leave. Intense violence can be startling throughout, including frequent attacks and a “cleanse” of the society’s destitute lowest class. Though Chisholm works within well-trod themes and plot points—a sealed postapocalyptic society, star-crossed lovers, a strong-willed female lead—she offers solid treatments of each through Eve’s emotionally pitched voice. Teens who seek out tales with bright characters battling against the status quo won’t be disappointed. Ages 14–up. Agent: Rachel Beck, Holloway Literary. (Dec.)