Publisher:
Tellwell Talent

Publication Date:
01/19/2024

Copyright Date:
N/A

ISBN:
9781779414311

Binding:
Paperback

U.S. SRP:
16.99

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SIMULATION

By Angelica Mensah

IR_Star-black
IR Rating:
4.5
Featuring love, loss, drama, and moments of quiet contemplation—Angelica Mensah’s SIMULATION has an oddball alternative universe with obvious movie potential. Its characters have complex angles, perspectives, and grievances that convey the confusion of transitioning into adulthood. 
IR Approved
Four teenagers find themselves exploring a confusing alternative reality called “The Simulation.” Ever more confused, they slowly learn the secrets of a place that draws them from their shells and throws them ever-stranger curveballs.

The jobs available to school-leavers in the world of Angelica Mensah’s SIMULATION are mostly conventional: things like teacher or farmer. In order to get such a job, one must apply for their “preference” role on a landmark day that seems to dictate their future with no guarantee of being given the role requested. Amongst the more normal offerings is the leftfield choice: Simulation.

A role in the Simulation is a total unknown: a job that appears to mean leaving family and friends behind. Many past volunteers are never seen again. As they approach the day of reckoning, Emma Casey, Rich McCoy, Rachel Paterson, and Alex Stone all apply for their roles. For various reasons, three apply to step into that void. The fourth, to the surprise of everyone involved, is thrust into it.

The Simulation is a confusing place: a world behind a firm brick wall where the new graduates must fend for themselves. Initially, it’s not even clear why or how. Buildings are not real but concrete blocks with nothing behind their doors. Food and drink (protein bars, chicken soup, and water) are hard-won, and everyday locations have an air of creepiness to them—home to birds that don’t seem real and blind human-like enemies.

“We are not in control, but we will be” is the early mantra of the occupants, and that sense grows as it becomes clear that the foursome aren’t here alone. They are in for some harsh lessons about themselves and life. Aimed at older teenagers, Mensah’s book has an instantly relatable feel, turning the real-life shock of school departure into its own fantasy drama: a kind of dark and memorable metaphor for the way life transforms once you start making your own decisions, however off the wall they might be.

With no rules for their new lives to follow, and no true idea of what it is they’re supposed to be doing, the small group slowly uncover the truth. The result is a fast-paced adventure book that’s very relatable and told from the discreet and memorable angles of four different protagonists—each bringing something different to the table.

In simple terms, this is one of the more imaginative and enticing teen adventures out there. It contains nods to the colorful character arcs of The Hunger Games and Lord of The Flies, as well as the confusing and engaging world-development of an imaginative mystery novel.

Featuring love, loss, drama, and moments of quiet contemplation—Angelica Mensah’s SIMULATION has an oddball alternative universe with obvious movie potential. Its characters have complex angles, perspectives, and grievances that convey the confusion of transitioning into adulthood.

~James Hendicott for IndieReader

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