Neverseen, by Shannon Messenger, is a fantasy suitable for readers who want a quick, fun read, with real-world concepts such as the unavoidable dangers of fighting for what is right, and never letting go of hope even when others do not believe in it. The adventure is the fourth work in the series Keeper of the Lost Cities, which follows Sophie Foster, who has always felt out of place in both the human and elven worlds. After breaking the council’s rules time and time again alongside the Black Swan, an organization untrusted by the Lost Cities for neglecting their authority, Sophie and her friends are sent to Exillium. Exillium is a boarding school for troubled, “unworthy” kids, entirely secluded from the rest of society because of their mistakes that went against the Council’s secure laws. Sophie sees this as not a punishment, but as an opportunity to discover information about the plague infesting nature in the Lost Cities. During their time at Exillium, the kids realize how cruel and overlooked the facility is, with its inhabitants having little access to food and resources, the teachers being scarce and forced to work there, and the children not being given a second chance at life. The story alternates between the conflicts within this forbidden society and the Elven world, with both groups resenting one another and not realizing the benefits of working together. Neverseen is a very entertaining book because the author does not stay on one topic for too long— there is always something interesting going on, mysteries to delve into, and adventure to follow. Messenger has many realistic approaches to themes prevalent in society today, such as the idea that those from lower societal classes deserve equal opportunities rather than being limited to the circumstances they are born into. However, there are some perspectives of hers with which I disagree with. For instance, the books by this author often incorporate themes of sacrifice into the plot, particularly of the protagonist’s loved ones, who put themselves in danger for the greater good. While sacrifice can be a powerful narrative tool, I find myself disagreeing with the way Messenger sometimes portrays it. It often feels forced or unnecessary, since the characters may make decisions that put themselves in harm's way without a sufficient build-up or justification, which can make their sacrifices feel unearned. I believe there are other tactics to create an emotional impact of these moments, instead of jumping to a tragic ending that weakens the overall narrative. Sacrifice is a complex choice, and I believe it is important for authors to explore the consequences and moral implications of these sacrifices on the surrounding characters, instead of oversimplifying the complications of this approach. Neverseen raises several important issues, such as the consequences of challenging authority, the importance of hope and perseverance, and the idea of cooperation between and within groups of different beliefs, outlooks, and positions. The book suggests the possibility of change and reform within a society that is resistant to it, as seen through the oppressed groups within this uniform, pristine world. However, the book also leaves out certain matters, such as the complexities of governance. While it highlights the struggle against an authority who makes decisions without the entirety of the society, it does not have a fully developed system, considering how the Council wants everyone to behave and appear in the way that they assign them to but does not explain why or how they can do so. Neverseen holds a similar setting to Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, since both novels are centered around contained worlds in contrast to the outside ones, that hold individuals unaware of the flaws that hold their daily lives together. Both books use the concepts of peace and a problem-free world to support the leaders’ choice to ignore these problems. These themes contend the belief that "Ignorance Is Bliss," a phrase coined by English poet Thomas Gray, since the authors progressively unravel the harm that ignorance has on society. I agree with this idea, and admire how Messenger does not just point out the large-scale of her deeply built world, but instead encourages her readers to appreciate the details that created it at the start. Neverseen serves as a reminder of the value of empathy, understanding, and perseverance needed to uncover the truth. Reading this book inspired me to continue questioning the world around me and instead of simply following what I know is true for everyone else, to do what is true to myself no matter how appalling it may be to others who align with different values. Sophie and her friends experience the struggles people in Exillium face, and by discovering the neglect and cruelty that exist within their society, they are able to bring the pieces of their shattered world together.
- Leanne G.