Review: A Place Called Zamora

A Place Called Zamora by L.B. Gschwandtner
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Thanks to Library Journal for the advanced reader's copy!

Far away in the distance, there is a glimmer; a place called Zamora. Its possible existence brings hope to Niko and El, two young people living in a brutal and corrupt dystopian city. Premier Villinkash, the dictator who brought about The Collapse, and The Cleanse that removed everyone’s memory of life before, has instituted a mandatory and barbarous competition forcing the city’s young men to race to the death on motorcycles. Only one is allowed to survive. When Niko wins the race, he shuns a life of entitlement and wealth and chooses El as his prize. Enraged by his act of defiance, Premier Villinkash becomes unhinged and declares Niko and El traitors. A long awaited rebellion rises throughout the city, while Niko and El run for their lives, on a search for a safe haven on the horizon.

Gschwandtner’s novel has an intriguing premise that shows signs of inspiration from Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” and Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” series. The story as a whole is chaotic and disjointed, often moving from past to present events without any break in the text. Libraries with well circulating science fiction/fantasy collections may want this one; otherwise, pass.


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