Review: The Never Dawn by R.E Palmer

Publication Date: 21 November 2017
Publisher:  FrontRunner Publications
Source: Received a copy from the author 

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Blurb: 

All his young life, Noah has longed to see the sky he's only heard about in stories. For over one hundred years, Noah's people have toiled deep beneath the Earth preparing for The New Dawn - the historic day when they will emerge to reclaim the land stolen by a ruthless enemy. 

But when Rebekah, the girl of his forbidden desire, discovers a secret their leader has been so desperate to keep, Noah suspects something is wrong.

 Together, they escape and begin the long climb to the surface. But nothing could prepare them for what awaits outside. 

 Thank you to the author for contacting me and sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my full and honest review. 

So I went into this book not having heard anything about it before, and looking for a new exciting dystopia to pull me out of my recent sci-fi and dystopia lag where I just haven't been enjoying any. Unfortunately, although I enjoyed some aspects of this novel, it just didn't hit the spot for me. 


The pacing of the novel was incredibly slow. I feel that this was the case as it reflected the monotonous life of the characters within the novel as they had constant routine under the authoritarian "Mother". Although, I was slightly disappointed that even towards the middle / end when various aspects of the plot were shifting, it did not seem to increase to a pace which I would have enjoyed more. 

The characters of the novel were somewhat one dimensional and forgettable. I could not tell any of Noah's team mates apart, asides from Abraham- the leader, and Barnabas- the second in command. I was hoping for a little character building on Barnabas's character and thought there may have been a tense argument scene brewing which I would have enjoyed but sadly no. I also enjoyed the character of Jared. The semi-villain of the story and was hoping for more exploration of his character. 

Noah was an annoying main character. He is overly naive, scatter brained and develops an odd obsession with the "love interest" Rebekah. I really did not feel any connection the love story aspect of the novel and thought the feelings between them shifted so rapidly from one way to another without any real build up or communication that it felt very jarring. 

I enjoyed the mysterious plot of the novel and the story in its concept but overall felt the novel could have delved into more areas which would have bumped this up to a higher rating. The ending twist was interesting and I did not see it coming. I could definitely see this novel playing out in my head as a CW TV show. 

Overall a 1.5 star read. Unfortunately this book was just not the novel for me.