Life is good for Jay and his family at Karloff Country. The outside world has struggles with the economy, climate change, poverty and food shortages, but none of that exists inside the gates of Karloff Country. The commercials say it's the funnest place around, and that seems to be true. Jay and his friends live in a community created for employees on the massive Karloff complex. They go to school during the day and work at the theme park in the afternoons. They are training for guaranteed jobs in the future, so it's not a bad gig.
Everything is perfect...until it isn't. One night his friend Connie's dad comes home acting strange, and the next day the whole has is empty. It's like they never lived there, and Connie didn't even tell anyone she was leaving. Something is definitely wrong.
Then the richest of the rich start showing up in waves while regular ticket sales stop. It seems the Karloff family has been selling shares to the ultimate end of the world oasis. While the world falls to pieces on the outside, the rich will live a pampered life on the inside with the employees catering to their every whim whether they like it or not.
Lamar Giles's newest dystopian thriller is his best book yet! With every chapter the situation gets worse, and the book is filled with almost nonstop action all while managing to explore themes of racism and classism. Prepare for things to get super dark. I don't want to spoil anything...just be prepared. There is always room for things to get worse! Recommended for more mature readers and especially for Neal Shusterman fans.