Jessica Daniliuk Reviews “The Crash” by Isabelle Semas

Jessica is a recent Creative Writing graduate from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Through her studies she reconnected with the love of books she had as a child and is now thrilled to be involved in the publishing industry. When she’s not reading or writing you may find her playing board games, hanging out with her friend’s pets, or eating tiramisu.

“The Crash” by Isabelle Semas provides a unique view on a life a thousand years in the future, one where everyone is completely dependent on technology. Items and concepts our society believes to be common such as parking lots are just a memory from the “Before Time” for these characters. Two different narrators, Phybe and Taelor, describe how their lives are different, one living within the privileged society while the other fights for survival. But, everything changes after The Crash. When put into a position neither thought possible, both characters have to save the ones they love while trying to get used to their new circumstances.

The characters of this story are dynamic and believable. Semas is able to make these characters a product of their time, one the reader does not have any knowledge or experience of, while also making them universal. The story showcases teens that have insecurities found in any generation and varying family dynamics while also being set during rare circumstances. I found myself getting highly invested in some of these relationships. Both narrators have well defined voices and although the author does indicate whose point of view it is at the beginning of each chapter, it is clear based on the language and disposition who is speaking. 

At times, novels rich with worldbuilding can be hard to follow along with and you feel you are being spoken to, rather than living through the experience. In this novel that is not the case. The reader is immediately thrown into the world but not in a way that proves to be confusing. The reader is given as much information as they need and receives it at a proper pace. 

Through this coming-of-age story, the author presents themes of good and evil, found family, and faith. Numerous characters turn to their faith and show that the inner journey is an important one. If you are looking for a dystopian novel with a unique government system akin to the “Divergent” series written by Veronica Roth, this should be at the top of your TBR list.