Under This Forgetful Sky - by Lauren Yero

About the Book

"Sixteen-year-old Rumi Sabzwari has spent his entire life behind the armored walls of St. Iago, which protect citizens of the Union of Upper Cities from the outside world's environmental devastation. But when rebels infect his father with a fatal virus, Rumi escapes St. Iago, desperate to find a cure. In the ruined city of Paraíso, Rumi meets fifteen-year-old Paz, who agrees to guide him on his journey. As they travel together, Rumi finds himself drawn to Paz--and behind her tough exterior, she begins to feel the same way. But Paz knows more about Rumi's father's illness than she's saying and has her own agenda. With the powerful forces at play in their cities putting them at odds, can the two learn to trust in each other--enough to imagine a different world?"--Publisher marketing.

Book Synopsis

This "heartbreaking and heartfelt" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) star-crossed love story follows two teens in a starkly unequal future world who are struggling to find their places.

Sixteen-year-old Rumi Sabzwari has spent his entire life behind the armored walls of St. Iago, which protect citizens of the Union of Upper Cities from the outside world's environmental devastation. But when rebels infect his father with a fatal virus, Rumi escapes St. Iago, desperate to find a cure.

In the ruined city of Paraíso, Rumi meets fifteen-year-old Paz, who agrees to guide him on his journey. As they travel together, Rumi finds himself drawn to Paz--and behind her tough exterior, she begins to feel the same way. But Paz knows more about Rumi's father's illness than she's saying and has her own agenda. With the powerful forces at play in their cities putting them at odds, can the two learn to trust in each other--enough to imagine a different world?

Review Quotes

*Book Riot Best Books of the Year for Teens*

*Kirkus Reviews Best of the Month*

*Poets & Writers Get the Word Out pick*

"Under This Forgetful Sky is an exquisitely crafted debut set in a smartly realized world. Rumi and Paz are characters to cheer for, and their page-turning story is both a heart-rending romance and a nuanced exploration of inequity. Highly recommended."--Rae Carson, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl of Fire and Thorns series

"A love story, adventure tale, and science fiction work that reflects actions and events in our present world. . . . A unique and heart-pounding novel with an unexpected ending readers won't soon forget."-- "School Library Journal"

"Fans of dystopian romance will likely find much to enjoy in Under This Forgetful Sky. . . . [Yero] has built a complex and fascinating world, beautifully rendered. . . [a] gritty yet tender adventure with a conscience."-- "Chapter 16"

"Gorgeous writing and emotionally impactful character arcs. . . . Heartbreaking and heartfelt."-- "Kirkus Reviews, starred review"

"The fully fleshed-out characters and their distinctly human connections juxtapose the delicately crafted sci-fi world. . . . Yero molds a convincing dystopian society that explores how technological advancements and political corruption can affect future generations."-- "Publishers Weekly"