Thousands of students have lived comfortably inside the high walled, secluded boarding school in the countryside since they were six. They are fed, lodged and taught a strict curriculum. Every Sunday evening, five students graduate via the lottery. The Lottery selects the best students eligible for employment in the city and an opportunity to reunite with their parents.

Kate grows impatient with the lottery. Fed up living in the compound. Her heart yearns for a new exciting life beyond the walls, but there is no other way out.

Unexpected turn of events unravel. A mysterious explosion erupts. Blaze scorches down the compound into ashes. Forcing her to flee out of the yard for the first time. She is stuck in a difficult situation: wait for the authorities or escape with other students. She chooses the latter. As they maneuver through the treacherous terrain, they discover a gruesome secret about the Compound and the sovereign state of O2mata.

The Compound is a dystopian story about the teenagers' hope for a better life and reuniting with their parents in the city, but veers into black terror. They have no choice, but summon qualities they have never exhibited before: courage, defiance, self-preservation and camaraderie against the tyranny of the post-robocalyptic world.

Young adult readers will enjoy the novel, because it has a compelling plot, well-conceived and developed. Built and sustained by a fascinating cast of characters that are brought to life through their credible motivations and believable dialogue. Key to the success of the work is the presentation of the protagonist, Kate, whose complex relationship with characters such as her best friend, Jennifer, allows readers of the genre to better empathise with the protagonist and fully transfix on her story. Kate's character arc, trapped within the oppressive walls of the Compound, yearning to be free outside of its walls, before coming to a terrible realisation about the leadership of the Sovereign State of O2mata, is testament to the authenticity and innate personality of The Compound novel. Grounding the book in realism and deep emotion, whilst maintaining a background of more traditionally established literary elements - a hallmark of any well-written novel. The Mainframe is well-structured, allowing the story to build progressively, successfully building tension and atmosphere that will leave the readers hungry to continue reading. The prose style is engaging and well-suited for the Young Adult genre.

The Mainframe would be a worthy addition to your book collection.

Happy Reading!