Dubious gender politics and inadequate world-building hinder this post-apocalyptic adventure by Patneaude (Thin Wood Walls
). In the year 2067, a virus known as Elisha’s Bear kills almost every man on Earth. Patneaude’s story picks up 30 years later in a heavily restricted world ruled by women, free of war, crime, and poverty; men, a scarce minority, are all but powerless. Enter 14-year-old Kellen Dent, whose father lives as a fisherman in an isolated commune, and whose mother is constantly busy with the ruling Population Apportionment Council. When Kellen discovers that his father may be at risk from an intentional resurgence of Elisha’s Bear, he embarks on a quest, accompanied by his friends Sunday and Tia, to warn him. The trio’s discoveries, however, completely upset their understanding of the world. Though the characters show glimmers of depth and the premise has potential, the story never clicks into place. There’s far too much hand waving and glossing over of science, history, and culture, with obvious morals and messages painted in broad strokes. Patneaude shies away from really exploring the complex issues he raises. Ages 12–up. (Mar.)
