The interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina

Welcome to the world of Ashala Wolf and the Tribe, it is a world where the Balance is the most important thing to many people, an order that must be kept at all costs to stop another Reckoning.  The Reckoning was a time of terror and natural disasters, when the world tore itself apart and what reappeared from the flood waters was not the Earth that we know now.  Settled into their cities, the Citizens live a simple life with no technology and exploiting the land - and people like Ashala are labelled Illegals because of the abilities they have.  Some can talk to animals, others can make the ground shake, or they might be able to make it rain, or in the case of Ashala, they can do amazing things when they are asleep. 

It is not a safe time or place for Ashala and her Tribe, Neville Rose from Detention Centre 3 is determined to stop Ashala - even if it means risking the lives of the Tribe and the staff at the Centre.  Captured by Neville Rose and detained in Centre 3, Ashala is wounded and at their mercy.  They want Ashala because of the secrets in her head, and when they can't get what they want by asking, Rose is prepared to use the machine to get the answers he wants - even though it may mean breaking Ashala's mind.  Trapped, wounded, and with her abilities hampered by the rhondarite collar she wears Ashala is at their mercy - but she is not as vulnerable as she appears.

The interrogation of Ashala Wolf was fresh, original, and kept me on the edge of my seat right from the start.  Kwaymullina has a unique and powerful voice, one that blends together a tense science fiction/adventure with a thoroughly envisioned world view and mythology that has echoes of Aboriginal beliefs.  There is no preaching here, while Ashala and her Tribe live in harmony with the land and the animals that live in/on it, that is not shoved down your throat - they are the way they are because that is the way they have to be. 

This book is gripping, intense, well written and keeps you guessing and off balance right until the end - hopefully the rest of the books in this series are as gripping as this book was a real treat eagerly devoured in one sitting. 

If you like this book then try:

• Origin by Jessica Khoury
• Slated by Teri Terry
• Eve by Anna Carey
• Legend by Marie Lu
• Revived by Cat Patrick
• Enclave by Ann Aguirre
• Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
• Wither by Lauren DeStefano
• Arrival by Chris Morphew

Reviewed by Brilla