Anomaly is a sci-fi fantasy novel about a teenager named Piper Manning who has survived an apocalyptic virus. However, surviving has consequences and now she harnesses an uncontrollable power.

Piper reluctantly saves an injured stranger, Seth, and then discovers the true horrors and aftermath of the deadly pandemic; Reapers, mind-sucking creatures that feed on memories and power.

Piper and Seth must trust each other as they journey to find a military town, Eden, that is believed to hold the survivors of the apocalypse, and possibly even a cure for Piper’s dangerous side effects. However, they arrive at the control-freak town and find that there are other anomalies like Piper, locked up and tortured.

The Reapers are also coming for Piper, and a surviving population of three hundred are at risk from these horrifying creatures. Now, Piper must decide what to sacrifice and who to help.

This is an exciting read that is clearly inspired by the recent Pandemic. It combines apocalyptic and extra-terrestrial concepts, making the story feel slightly relatable, yet still out of this world. I would recommend this novel to teens who like sci-fi and fantasy.

Reviewed by Trisha, Year 10, Broughton Anglican College, Menangle NSW

Age Guide 14+

Read an interview with Emma Lord about Anomoly