An unforgettable storyline with kids you may find yourself praying for accidentally (true confessions here, you guys!).

Today we get to visit the Underground Book Readers Secret Society again, and see how they’re doing. If you recall, we first met them a few months ago, and I was eager for the opportunity to follow up with them. These kids are alone, with the “world force” in charge, but they have each other, and they have hope.

About the Book

Book: The Underground Book Readers: United Forces

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle grade, pre-teen, teen dystopian

Release date: March 1, 2023

In the second book of The Underground Book Readers, Leena, Kahn, Casey, Jairus, Asher, and Conroy face unpredicted challenges. The World Force tightens its grip on the remaining teens and children of the Blue Ridge Mountains area. Increased patrols and drones are seen nearly every day as they visit their underground cavern to read forbidden books and study the Bible. The Underground Book Readers attempt to find out the identity and purpose of a new threatening group seen on a nearby mountain while they continue to work on an escape tunnel. But they soon discover there is more under Leena’s house than a cellar. The underground group design a spy mission to the other mountain. Questions remain about possible escapees who left to find a free territory in what used to be called the United States in the world before.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

I think if you haven’t read book one, you really should go do that first. The story itself is self-contained, but a lot of groundwork was laid earlier, that will leave you puzzled if you jump in here.

Middle-grade dystopian is a unique genre, a bit eerie if you’re a mom, but still quite an adventure!

Leena is probably my favorite character. She’s got the experience and knowledge the team needs, and the confidence in that area, but is still a scared little girl who’s been on her own for years, and that shows in her behaviors, both the fear of losing her new friends and her empathy for others like herself.

There are a few minor story glitches, as far as timelines go, and some things are just accepted by the kids that really don’t feel likely, but the premise and the lessons in bonding and kindness, and being prepared are great, and it’s still such a fun story that I didn’t mind.

I received an advance copy of this book from #CelebrateLit and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

About the Author

Terry Overton obtained her Ph.D. in Psychology and her Ed. D. in special education. She taught in public schools and was a school psychologist and a professor before retiring in 2016. She began her second “career” after retirement writing Christian fiction books and devotionals. She hopes to share the Christian worldview through her writing and touch the lives of her readers. Her novels, middle grade readers, and picture books seek to entertain readers through the travel experiences and characters included in her books. Her books have earned Bookfest Awards, Firebird Award Winner, American Writing Award Gold, International Finalist Book Award, Reader Views Awards, Reader’s Favorite Awards and the Mom’s Choice Award. She currently resides in Laguna Vista, Texas, near the Texas-Mexico border. She enjoys Biblical history and general Bible studies, writing, and enjoying family and friends. She has seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

More from Terry

The series was motivated by discussions with local community and school librarians who expressed frustration with their inability to order and display classic books, and newer conservative or Christian based books, in their own libraries. The series reflects what is currently seen in many news stories where parents are outraged by the books their own children are being shown in schools. This Christian dystopian book series, written for middle grade readers and up, is an attempt to remind children of the blessings of books and of the Bible. In addition, several historic documents and time periods are discussed. It is my hope that introducing these topics in this way will pique curiosity of young readers who may not have had the opportunity to study these documents and events.