Title: Escaping Eleven

Author: Jerri Chrisholm

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Release Date: December 8, 2020

Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Summary: In Compound Eleven, the hierarchy of the floors is everything.

My name is Eve Hamilton, and on my floor, we fight.

Which at least is better than the bottom floor, where they toil away in misery. Only the top floor has any ease in this harsh world; they rule from their gilded offices.

Because four generations ago, Earth was rendered uninhabitable—the sun too hot, the land too barren. Those who remained were forced underground. While not a perfect life down here, I’ve learned to survive as a fighter.

Except my latest match is different. Instead of someone from the circuit, my opponent is a mysterious boy from the top floor. And the look in his eyes tells me he’s different…maybe even kind.

Right before he kicks my ass.

Still, there’s something about him—something that says he could be my salvation…or my undoing. Because I’m no longer content to just survive in Eleven. Today, I’m ready to fight for more than my next meal: I’m fighting for my freedom. And this boy may just be the edge I’ve been waiting on.

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My Review

Let me tell you, you are in for a w ild ride! Escaping Eleven is action-packed, sprinkled with intense and unforgettable moments, and beautiful prose. The characters are wonderfully developed and fiercely captured. Escaping Eleven will easily immerse you in the world and leave you wishing the sequel was already in your hands. This is definitely one of those books that will stick with you for a while.

Eve is one of those main characters you will have a hard time forgetting about. She’s wonderfully layered with a sharp and witty personality. She’s a fascinating character that you just want to piece together. Eve is strong-willed and knows she can only really rely on herself. Yes, she has those close friendships with people she trusts, but in the end, she knows only she will be able to save herself. Her budding relationship with Wren was something I loved seeing. Like most relationships, it starts out bumpy and unsure, but it was easy to see that these two characters needed each other. Wren makes Eve question the truths she’s always believed, especially about the upper castes. But one thing never changes: Eve’s desire for freedom, far away from Compound Eleven.

I’d definitely say Chrisholm’s debut is exquisitely written. Chrisholm has a way with words, a way with making the scenes come to life and dance in your mind. It felt as if I was there, in Compound Eleven, with Eve and Wren. I lived for that feeling of being immersed in the story. I loved being able to make those connections with the characters, especially with Eve. Chrisholm’s writing beautifully captures the essence of this story and lays it perfectly in her story. Her world building is phenomenal, and character development is just as good. Chrisholm is definitely an author to keep an eye on – I can already tell she’s going to create some truly magnificent stories.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see what happens in the sequel. If you are looking for a new exciting read, with several action-packed scenes, a blossoming romance, and exquisite character building, then I definitely recommend reading Chrisholm’s debut!

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars