Talon - (The Falcon's Nest Trilogy) by Jayden Jelso (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Could you survive as a fugitive in a world where tyranny rules, not even knowing why they're hunting you?

May 2492

It's been years since democracy died. America is no more, each state broken up into their own separate countries ruled mostly by cruelty and oppression. New York City is at the summit, having crushed those who opposed them, destroyed those who resisted.

Fifteen-year-old Talon lives alone in a sector known as Drudgen, just another place in what used to be The Bronx. He wants to keep it that way. Any family he's ever had... it's all led to grief... tragedy... torment. He can't let it happen again.

But his reclusive life is shattered when the tyrannical governor of New York sends his most dangerous assassin to kill Talon for unknown reasons.

Just when all seems lost, he is rescued by two kids his age: Castor and Amber, who live on an aircraft dubbed The Independence. They explain that they believe the reason behind his attempted assassination might have ties to his lineage... that his parents could've been a part of something dangerous to the government... something bigger than themselves.

They set out to crack the clues, to discover what his parents were involved in, what they might have kept secret from Talon all along. But, when they finally solve the mystery, he knows they can't stay silent. He knows they must continue what his parents started, even if it means death.

But... when Talon discovers newfound care for Castor and Amber... when he realizes he's forming a bond... he understands he has to make a choice: risk losing them or overcome his fear of loss.

Review Quotes

Well-paced, Talon never fails to engage. The story brims with life-like, relatable characters, and the overarching message hits hard, leaving the reader thinking. Additionally, Talon brings a breath of fresh air to the otherwise stagnant world of teen fiction. Devoid of factions, sappy romance, and "the chosen one" characters with special abilities, Talon delivers a simple yet weighty message. I really enjoyed reading it.

I have read many dystopian and fantasy novels from writers in their 30's whose prose isn't half as good as Talon. This was so inspiring to read!