THE STRANDED, a debut YA novel by Sarah Daniels

The first novel in a duology by Sarah Daniels, published by Sourcebooks, 2022

Does a dystopia set in the near-future and full of action and adventure capture your attention? If so, I strongly recommend you read THE STRANDED (no connection to the 2019 Netflix series). Sarah Daniel’s debut novel hooked me with the seventh line on the first page: “Days at sea: 15,934.” Okay Ms. Daniels, tell me more.

There are a fair number of characters, each undeniably unique and intriguing. The main character, Esther, is rather nondescript to start but her goals are honorable and relationships so sincere you believe in her. The novel chronicles her gaining a sense of self. As she learns who she is, we are rewarded for being on the journey. The second lead, Nik, is a bit mysterious, and one can’t help but wonder what’s beneath the surface as we hear from his point of view. And like Esther, we come to understand him more fully as they grow to understand each other. Of the minor characters, May is secretive, Alex adoring, Enid somewhat mystical, Silas menacing, the Captain stalwart, and Hadley is just the perfect villain: I hated him from the start. He’s also the 3^rd POV wherein Daniels shares with us his psychopathic thoughts.

The plot is riveting. It builds from the first page to the last. No saggy middle here. This novel originally grabbed my attention as a possible comp for my own work-in-process. I learned two things from THE STRANDED. I need a lot more drama and to create that, I’ve got to push my characters to their limits. Daniels puts these kids through WAR. Her plot is filled with alliances, betrayals, secret plots, budding romances, jealousies, bullies, tragedy and yes, all-out battle.

The premise: Cruise ships full of potential carriers of a plague that ravaged Europe are banned from entering the Federated States (part of the old United States). Forty years later and still dependent upon the Federation for food and other life necessities, the oppressed passengers have had enough.

Born aboard the ship, Esther, May, Nik, and Alex have never set foot on land. With any luck that will be changing soon – but if Hadley isn’t getting off the ship, no one is. A burning desire, perseverance, and that youthful spirit of invincibility lead our protagonists into a shipload of trouble and it’s fun to watch them while wondering if they will sink or swim.

               All the elements of a good read:

Hooked from the start 

Great characters

Intriguing plot

Pacing that supports the plot

Surprise climax

Satisfying conclusion

And we’re set up for a sequel (The Exiled was released in the UK, July 2023).