This Time of Darkness

In a far-flung future, the people are told the air above is too polluted to breathe-there is nothing left on the surface anymore. All that exists is the crowded underground city. Eleven-year-old Amy has always been the curious sort, but she has learned to hide her curiosity-and the fact she can read-from the adults who watch her. Until a strange boy tumbles into her world, claiming he is from the outside-and together the... Read Full Review

This is one of those stories that makes you think, "What if? If this world were REAL, would I be like a mindless, robotic moron?". I, for one, enjoyed this story of a futuristic, overpowered government of "authorities" that tries to control the citizens' knowledge. The main characters of the book, Amy and Axel, have dared to defy the somewhat ridiculous stipulations of the seemingly omniscient, omnipotent "authorities".Sypnosis:... Read Full Review

Like so many others who are writing reviews, this was one of my favorite books when I was a child in the mid-1980's. (In my case, I checked it out -- several times -- from the local bookmobile.) I was randomly hoping get a used copy, and am thrilled to discover that it is back in print!

My story in connection with this book is like many others. My brother owned it and aged about seven I read it, loved it and promptly forgot which book it was. Four or five years later I pulled it off the shelf again and when a I realised which book it was I put it on MY shelves. Now, it is a bit dog-eared, the pages are falling out and I plan to buy a new copy when it comes out, but that's not because it has been kicking about... Read Full Review

I first read this book when I was 10 years old (some 16 years ago) and still count it as one of my all time favorites. A grot plot, complete with conspiracies, pre-adolescent sexual tensions, issues with authority, and political mystery make this an excellent semi-sci-fi thriller for any age. A reprint is a moral imperative.