The Sandcastle Empire

By: Kayla Olson

Narrated by: Andi Arndt

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Before the war, Eden's life was easy. Then the revolution happened, and everything changed.

Now a powerful group called the Wolfpack controls the earth and its resources. And even though Eden has lost everything to them, she refuses to die by their hands. She knows the coordinates to the only neutral ground left in the world, a place called Sanctuary Island, and she is desperate to escape to its shores.

Eden finally reaches the island and meets others resistant to the Wolves. But the solace is short-lived when one of Eden's new friends goes missing. Braving the jungle in search of their lost ally, they quickly discover Sanctuary is filled with lethal traps and an enemy they never expected.

This island might be deadlier than the world Eden left behind, but surviving it is the only thing that stands between her and freedom.

©2017 Kayla Olson (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

A Thrilling Dystopian Adventure

Kayla Olson's "The Sandcastle Empire" is a tour de force in young adult dystopian fiction. This gripping novel plunges readers into a vividly imagined future where the consequences of climate change and social upheaval have reshaped our world in terrifying ways.

From the very first page, Olson's masterful worldbuilding draws you in. The author's ability to blend current environmental concerns with a thrilling narrative is nothing short of extraordinary. Eden, our protagonist, is a compelling and relatable character whose journey of survival and discovery keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book.

What sets "The Sandcastle Empire" apart is its intricate plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Olson weaves together themes of friendship, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit with the skill of a seasoned storyteller. The pacing is perfect, alternating between heart-pounding action sequences and moments of introspection that allow the reader to catch their breath and ponder the deeper implications of the story.

The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each with their own motivations and secrets that gradually unfold as the story progresses. The dynamics between the characters feel authentic and add layers of complexity to the narrative.

In the Audible version, the narrator, Andi Arndt, brings an extra dimension to this already fantastic story. Her pacing and intonation perfectly complement the tension and atmosphere of Olson's writing, making for an immersive listening experience that's hard to pause.

"The Sandcastle Empire" is more than just entertainment; it's a thought-provoking exploration of where our world could be headed if we don't address pressing environmental and social issues. It's a wake-up call wrapped in an unforgettable adventure.

Olson's nuanced portrayal of Eden's pre-"Zero" life adds a layer of complexity to the narrative that elevates it above typical dystopian fare. While Eden yearns for the comfort and security of her past, the author skillfully reveals the flaws in that seemingly idyllic existence. Through Eden's memories, we glimpse a world already teetering on the brink of environmental catastrophe, where the pleasures of modern life came at a devastating ecological cost. More poignantly, Eden's recollections, though filled with moments of connection and physical ease, betray a lack of true fulfillment or purpose. This subtle critique of pre-collapse society forces both Eden and the reader to grapple with difficult questions: Was the old world truly worth saving? And if not, what kind of new world should be built in its place? By resisting the temptation to paint the past in purely golden hues, Olson creates a richer, more thought-provoking story that challenges readers to examine their own lives and values.

Poetically captivating!

I loved this book! I loved the story, the writing, and the performance. You felt like you were right there on the island, seeing what Eden sees, feeling what she feels, and hoping right along with her. If you're looking for a great new dystopian/sci-fi novel look no further!

Good, but with flaws

This is an odd book. It does not end as it begins. There are two twists that I didn't see coming that fundamentally change the nature of the story. The first one is pretty radical and didn't have solid in story build up. I wasn't quite sure why the character did it. It did seem like the right thing to do, but I didn't feel there was a reason given in the story. The second one will probably not surprise a lot of people and that's fine, but I wasn't looking for another twist and so didn't see it. That one was actually more interesting to me, even if was more obvious, because of how it unfolded and why it happened. Unfortunately the world building is a bit weak, but the world was interesting, so worth sticking with. I would have liked more background on the story and a more solid feeling of where the main character came from. Her fall was great, but she did not act like she come from the wealth that she apparently did (part of the 1%). Still, I did like it & would be willing to read a part 2 if ever were published.

Narrator delivery was real bad!

The Narrator overly dramatic voice through the whole book was overwhelming. Really struggled to finish it. Fast forwarded parts of it just because her one note reading can get boring real fast. I will not buy any audiobook by Andi Arndt.