Review: Dustborn

Title: Dustborn

Author: Erin Bowman

Release Date: April 20, 2021

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Find it here: Goodreads

Synopsis from Goodreads: Delta of Dead River sets out to rescue her family from a ruthless dictator rising to power in the Wastes and discovers a secret that will reshape her world in this postapocalyptic Western mashup for fans of Mad Max and Gunslinger Girl.

Delta of Dead River has always been told to hide her back, where a map is branded on her skin to a rumored paradise called the Verdant. In a wasteland plagued by dust squalls, geomagnetic storms, and solar flares, many would kill for it—even if no one can read it. So when raiders sent by a man known as the General attack her village, Delta suspects he is searching for her.

Delta sets out to rescue her family but quickly learns that in the Wastes no one can be trusted—perhaps not even her childhood friend, Asher, who has been missing for nearly a decade. If Delta can trust Asher, she just might decode the map and trade evidence of the Verdant to the General for her family. What Delta doesn’t count on is what waits at the Verdant: a long-forgotten secret that will shake the foundation of her entire world.

My Review: This is another great epic story from Erin Bowman. I loved the world building that she was able to create with this one. She turned the harsh landscape and raging sands into a character of their own and that added a lot to the story. I liked the main character but as is typical of Bowman's books the story was far more about the plot than the characters. There were a few slow points, and the twists were a little predictable but overall it was a great read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.*