2025 Winner of Young Adult Fiction Award
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Judges comment "This expertly crafted, very Wellington resistance narrative urges readers to think critically about where humanity is headed by probing ideas of autonomy, prioritisation of the ‘greater good’ and what happens when systems fail. Though set in the future, it reflects contemporary concerns around invasive technology, inequality and societal division. Rangatahi lead the charge throughout, thinking for themselves, challenging norms and breaking rules to right wrongs. They are – as in life – bold, heart-led, and capable of shaping society. The Paradise Generation is an extraordinary novel that balances both heart-pounding tension and emotional depth, from a highly talented, self-published, first-time author."
A standalone young adult dystopian adventure
Shortlisted for the Storylines Tessa Duder Award
They say we're the Paradise Generation. No more wars or plagues or rapid sea rise. Nothing bad is supposed to happen to us.
But it does.
When Kieran was twelve, he crashed a "liberated" car deep in the suburban wilds. The accident left his cousin Lucas in hospital and Kieran pretty much done with breaking rules.
Four years later, he's reconsidering. Lucas's Allocated recovery time is almost up, and if Kieran can't help him, Lucas is dead. Midnight hospital break-ins and dodgy internet remedies look a lot more tempting when you've tried everything else.
Meanwhile, Kieran finds an accomplice in Mira, a girl hiding losses of her own. He can't help being drawn to her, but there's one problem: their Match is outlawed.
In their search for solutions, Kieran uncovers truths that make the rules meaningless. The truth could save Lucas, could sanction his match with Mira.
Or it could get him killed.
Sanna Thompson lives in Pōneke Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand with a cat, some friends, and many books. She loves walking on wild, windy beaches - as long as there's coffee and gelato nearby. The Paradise Generation is her first novel, and draws inspiration from Gattaca and Brave New World. She can be found on Instagram at @sannathonz, and at www.sannathompson.com.
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