Title: Deathless Divide
Author: Justina Ireland
First published February 4, 2020
560 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062570635 (ISBN10: 0062570633)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
In Justina Ireland’s Deathless Divide, Jane McKeene’s journey continues as she seeks revenge and redemption in a divided America. After the fall of Summerland, Jane’s plans to head west in search of her mother are thwarted by a devastating loss that leaves her questioning her own survival skills.
Her search for solace leads her to Nicodemus, a community that promises to be a safe haven, but is it too good to be true? As she uncovers the dark secrets of the town, she finds herself struggling to reconcile her own inner demons with the horrors of the undead.
Katherine Deveraux joins her on this treacherous journey, and together they navigate the blood and violence that threatens to consume them. But as they reach their breaking point, Katherine must find the strength to keep hope alive in a world where happily-ever-afters are hard to come by.
Deathless Divide is a heart-pumping tale of friendship, betrayal, and survival in a world gone mad.
About the Author
Justina Ireland is an acclaimed author and storyteller with a diverse range of works to her name. Among her most popular titles are the New York Times bestsellers Dread Nation and Deathless Divide, as well as the award-winning middle-grade novel Ophie’s Ghosts, recognized with the Scott O’Dell Award for historical fiction.
In addition to these, Ireland has also contributed to the Star Wars universe with a number of books, including Flight of the Falcon: Lando’s Luck, Spark of the Resistance, A Test of Courage, Out of the Shadows, and Mission to Disaster.
Ireland is also an accomplished editor, having served as the editor in chief of FIYAH Literary Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction, which earned her a World Fantasy Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in History from Armstrong Atlantic State University (now Georgia Southern), and went on to receive an MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University.
Excitingly, Ireland’s latest work, Rust in the Root, is set for release in September 2022.
Editoral Review
Justina Irelands Deathless Divide is a gripping and thought-provoking addition to the realm of young adult fantasy fiction. Published on February 4, 2020, the novel tells the tale of two young women, Jane and Katherine, who must navigate their way through a world overrun by the walking dead.
Deathless Divide is the second installment in Irelands Dread Nation series, following the critically acclaimed Dread Nation which was released in 2018. Irelands writing style is top-notch, with a strong emphasis on character development and pacing.
The book is set in post-Civil War America, and the author infuses her story with historical and cultural significance. Throughout the book, Ireland explores themes of racism, classism, and gender inequality, making Deathless Divide a socially relevant work that resonates with the current political and social climate.
The book picks up where the first installment left off, with Jane and Katherine continuing their fight against the undead. They find themselves in the west, a place where they hope to establish a safe haven for themselves and other survivors.
However, they soon realize that the western frontier is not as safe as they thought, and they face an even greater threat than the walking dead. One of the strengths of Deathless Divide is the character development.
Irelands characters are complex, multi-dimensional, and realistic. Their struggles with trauma, loss, and self-discovery are relatable and relevant, and readers will find it easy to empathize with them.
The relationship between Jane and Katherine is particularly well-crafted, with the two women forming a strong bond that transcends race and class. The pacing of the novel is also excellent.
Ireland maintains a steady rhythm throughout the book, keeping the story moving at a brisk pace without sacrificing character development or world-building. The plot is well-structured, with plenty of twists and turns that keep readers engaged.
However, Deathless Divide is not without its flaws. While the book is an enjoyable read, some readers may find it predictable at times.
The author also doesnt delve as deeply into certain themes as some readers might like, and some of the world-building could have been fleshed out more. Overall, Deathless Divide is a solid and entertaining addition to the Dread Nation series.
Its a well-crafted novel that explores relevant themes and features complex characters. Fans of the first book will be pleased with this installment, and new readers will find it easy to jump into the world that Justina Ireland has created.
I would recommend this book to young adult readers who enjoy fantasy fiction and are interested in stories that explore social issues. Its a book that will make readers think, and its themes are relevant to the current political and social climate.
I give Deathless Divide a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.