Sim

Good grief, Jak, why haven't I read this yet?

Love it. Read the first chapter and am left wondering at the dystopia Sim finds himself born into. One thought I had was that he is some kind of simulation (hence the name) but dropped that when I found out his given name: Simeon. Love the awfulness of the mother and sisters. The clone sister is funny; that the mother chose to clone herself...ugh. The story is well-written, dark and very mysterious. He is (he must be) of course, the genius that she expected, but perhaps not a genius in the _way_ she expected...

I want to read on, and will for sure. This is exciting stuff.

Thanks so much for sharing with us.

~Diane.

Hi Jak! What a strange and wonderful book. The writing is just exquisite, and the breadth of the imagination here is absolutely wonderful. I don't think I'm going to have any meaningful criticisms for you here; there just isn't anything I think I'd want to change. OH, well, there is one thing -- a typo! Towards the end of chapter 2, "Rowanoak rubbed Sim's shoulder as he explained explained."

I did not trust Sim when I first met him, and I am sorry for that, although it is unavoidable (given Sim's view of himself) and serves the story well when Dee (whose betrayal at first I took pretty hard, though it really wasn't a betrayal at all) reveals the background information that finally gives us a hook to be able to believe that those better, kinder thoughts and impulses of Simeon's are more important than the outbursts and can overcome them in the end. The imperfection of Sim's foresight keeps it from being too intrusive in the text so far (I am through chapter 3) -- with a device like this, you have to be careful that you don't drain out the tension by foreshadowing future events too plainly or making your character seem protected by fate. Thus far, though, the precognition works more to add threat and the sense of a broader plotline (notably those murders) than anything else.

GIVEN those upcoming murders, by the way, I think you might be well-served by dropping the "children's" category -- while kids can and sometimes do (I did, for one!) enjoy complex worlds with frightening elements and a certain level of violence, this multiple murder might push it over the edge (although it would be fine, I think, for YA). I also think you could get away with adding "science fiction" as a category, though the broader term that includes both sci-fi and fantasy, "speculative fiction," would probably be best, if it were an option!

The world-building that went into "Sim" is remarkable both in its scope and its detail -- I actually checked ahead to see if the appendices happened to be included in the excerpt, though unfortunately they're not! There is nothing about it that strained credibility, even though it is of course all quite odd (Shrike no less than Path) while familiar enough to be recognizable. You show a remarkably restrained hand with exposition; we learn things as Sim does, and he's not inclined to ask questions. However, the mind-darting (perhaps I shouldn't call it "darting" since evidently it is more like a herd of elephants in full flight) technique that he uses to TAKE ANSWERS lets you work in overview explanations efficiently, as does Rowanoak's mentorship.

I have quibbled with your categories; now I am going to quibble with your synopsis. I am the WORST synopsis-writer in this or ANY world, so I'm only going to say some general things that I would be looking for on the back cover when I picked this up in the store. This blurb is accurate (up to where I can judge) but almost makes it seem as though we are going to spend the entire book wandering through Simeon's internal ruminations rather than, as actually happens, follow a strange, hated boy as he becomes a strange, loved one in a new world that teaches him how to develop his gifts. At last, he understands the flashes of insight he's had all his life, and learns to make them stronger -- and then discovers that somehow, in his future, he is destined to be a murderer.

The ironic humor that flashes out occasionally (heh heh -- LOVE his Shrike-family's names!) adds a lot of interest, as does the particularly inventive cursing! Little touches like people on Path trying to speak in meter so that their vocalized words are well-considered -- just in case! -- are wonderfully done.

This is just a splendid book, and, while it is definitely on the odd side, I think it could be quite commercial -- you've got a "special defective" protagonist under a cloud and with a destiny, a classic plotline that anchors all the invention on an accessible structure that gives it a lot of momentum. So, really great work, and I'll be back for more later, and best of luck!

I think without doubt this book should be published. I don't know how to get/help/make this happen? I haven't read much nor do I really comprehend the 'logic' if any as to how to go about this on this site, but if you know how it is possible for you to get on the editors listing then let me know and i will help you as I'm sure many others will. It seems to my mind at the moment and I may be wrong that there are an awful lot of regular contributers to the Forum that feel by being there it will help promote their book and that to mind is not right! If the big HC people have any sense they will see those people for what they are...this book is the dogs bollocks!

Sim spent all of one hour on the watchlist before jumping to the bookshelf. This is stunning, Jak. The concept is fascinating, the writing masterly. I can't think of anything on authonomy except Bee Bones that has gripped me so quickly and so thoroughly - I was cheering for Sim within a sentence. You've created a great character here. Thanks for your kind comments on Blind Like Us but this is not a quid pro quo - I mean it. Well done

ARISE, AUTHONOMY GHOST!

Ease those weary, withered limbs from your coffin. Push away the stone from the mouth of the tomb.

You have one last task to perform. One last, sacred shelf to confer.

Whether you were plugger, spammer, gusher or troll, whether you flirted or fought in the forum or beavered away in the shadows, now is the time for your resurrection.

One last time. Marshall your strength, muster the last vestiges of your power and carry out your final Authonomy act:

Back my book, MIRROR IN THE SKY.

Then, only then, you may rest easy in your Authonomy grave.

Nick Poole2 (formerly known as NickP)

Jak, what's been happening with SIM since the HC review? I'm really curious.

Dear Jak,
What a well drawn world unfolding inside Sim's mind.
Love the opening. Your writing is crisp, a pleasure. I look forward to reading more chapters, wanting to know what happens, especially Sim's experiences in Shrike - brilliantly evokative name. Keep going, I'll will look out for the new kind of anti/pro hero you'r creating. Let him grow. Keep going.
Pia

Jak,
Congratulations on the review by Harper Collins. I hope you are taking the criticism constructively and working on some of the revisions suggested. This writing is certainly and interesting and challenging process.

I wanted to let you know that I have finished uploading all of NowHere, and I would love to have your insights on the rest of the story. Please put it on your watchlist so you can read another chapter whenever you have the time.

Mardeen

Mardeen

This is strong stuff - you don't indicate on your tags the age group this is aimed at? Hey what do I know, not being a fan of sci-fi. However judging by the comments you can't go wrong! Best luck.

Good to see Sim refreshed and back. The worlds will be better places. Ken

Good to see Sim refreshed and back. The worlds will be better places. Ken

Good to see Sim refreshed and back. The worlds will be better places. Ken

A really strong start, I am sure it remains strong, but have only read chapter one. The realization of the world of Sim is adroitly done, dark, Bladerunner bleak, with a nod to William Nicolson's Windsinger in terms of testing and failure. I like the short, staccato sentences at the start, Shrike works well, but want to say watch you don't over-use it, I am sure you don't, will let you know as I read on. The end of the chapter is strong, like the camera flash descriptions, the way it lets the read paint the bits in between the flickering strobe of each sentence...strong start to chapter two - thought HC comments a little churlish considering how strongly rated this book has been by so many people...although I cannot help on the bits they mention in terms of long, rambling internal focus as I haven't read them yet, but I will...and hey, I've never spoken to a genuine Blue Peter badge winner, was it Peter Purves, John Noakes and Val Singleton or earlier...now those names date me pretty effectively, best wishes - Andrew

Hi Jak

I'm sorry you didn't get something a bit more positive from HC. What happens now? It seems to me that there has been very little serious interest from them to date, and as they say they will only read each top fiver once, I assume that's that for 'Sim' as far as HC are concerned?

If they are making constructive suggestions, I can't understand why they are not willing to review titles when their advice has been acted upon?

At risk of sounding a little cynical, I do sometimes wonder if the site was primarily intended to keep HC's editor's desks uncluttered.

Let me know what you think, Jak.

Best wishes.

Michael Ashley Torrington. Author, 'Kristin.'

AGGGGGH!


Perfect right to the last line! (and similar to my crit so, I'm feeling good. you should be too. You should be able to place this at one of the other houses even without revision.

AWESOME!

I think thats a nice review - you should be proud of yourself. Sounds like just a little tweaking is in order (or just a different reader, even) and you've got great potential. Congrats, really.

I must be shriking Path--was reading Sim as the HC reviews came in! I don’t know what they’ve written, but I hope it’s positive (I’ll definitely be the first to buy Sim when it’s published). Anyway, I took up reading where I’d left off--chapter 17--and read right to the end, every last word... Still think it’s brilliant, love the worlds, words, characters you’ve created and the different perspectives in the appendix (speaking of which, his mother’s story reminded me of Eva Khatchadourian in We have to Talk about Kevin--have your read the book? Felt slightly more sympathetic towards Twinkly Diamond Splendour after that). I devoured your glossary (liked the definitions of “Hale and Hearty” and “Path”!)--what an imagination you have--love “zitpoxed”--can’t remember it in the story! Loved your “Regulations for the Deportment of Apprentices” (never seen so many different spellings of the latter!); your fables (especially the “Unstrung Pearls”)--they’re as similarly dissimilar and Sim-twisted as everything else in the book; Tutt’s letter--it filled in some of the gaps (suggestion: why don’t you give it some spelling mistakes?) and his perspective on the ending, it was moving and also satisfying to think that life goes on and that Tutt is older, wiser (and obviously a preceptor) now (liked the mention of her Ladyship in a gardening apron…). In the extra scenes, I liked “mindshot” and the explanation of poltergeists, loved “Stop pouting like a pigeon.”; “Ungainly as an eggbound duck.” and I chuckled at Sim’s thoughts of what to do with the spider!
Back to the actual story, I admit I first thought that Sim was gloating right after the murders, but I soon discovered he was repentant (trying to cleanse himself with cold water--shades of Lady Macbeth!). And I knew that Dee was a slime bag! Love the way Sim looks down on the invaders/defenders of Freshworld and sees them as toys. Love the lines: “There are so many doors to death and all of them are open.” and “… trailing mud into another world.”.
Finally, I spotted a couple of typos which you’ve probably rounded up, but thought I’d mention them in case you hadn’t, in chapter 17: “He remmbered (remembered) Dee leaning out to pick a…” and in the Appendix (Light at the end of the Tunnel) “I didn’t even pay much attention to (the) letter when it arrived.”
I love Sim. Now that you’ve uploaded the extra scenes, I realise that I’ll have to read it all over again (when it’s published!). Good luck and Merry Xmas!

Well I see this has got to another stage entirely, if my memory is correct.

The crafting of the first chapter seems more coherent now. Its a good balance between 'its wierd I don't know what's happening' and 'this world is similar enough that I can orientate to the context'. Its clearly Sci-Fi and as such I'm disqualified from being able to offer the same quality of feedback that others have done. Its the kind of thing I used to read when I was 16 I think. I haven't read anything like it for a while and so my imagination doesn't 'slip-into' the whole world as easily as it could. So for me, I'd still like a few more clues as to what's really going on (I got as far as chapter 4 and its still no where near clear to me what's the thing with him). But I see from other reviewers comments that you're probably spot on for their SF appetites and so I wish you good luck with it. By the way, the constand repeating of the term 'shriking' I really didn't get. But I'm figuring that its all related to what's going to happen, so somewhere I'm trusting your over-use of the term because you know what you're doing. Generally, your prose is excellent though, and your dialogue sharp and natural sounding. I get an instant feel for the characters from how they speak. Plus its all very visual. I guess you write other stuff as well? You seem experienced. I wonder how the HC editor will respond to it, hopefully they assign someone who relates well to this whole genre. They'll see its true potential - fingers crossed!

OK, again, best of British with it,

Julie

Jak,

Firstly, congratulations on your gold star - lovely to see. I'm taking you off my shelf seen as you don't need the vote anymore. But maybe you're still interested in some feedback so I'm off to take a look now. And thanks for your support so far with 'From Magic to Memphis' I thought your comments were spot on. I've just re-written the first few chapters from scratch, I'd love to know what you think to them now. In particuar, you thought my writing got stronger with Finch. I need that to be true of chapter 1 as well, please let me know if it grabs you a ittle more quickly this time.

ok, off to have a read of your stuff...


Julie

I've just spent the past few hours reading the first eleven chapters of Sim, and would read more except that my eyes are hurting from reading on-screen so much. It's really gripping and I couldn't stop reading it to do what I was meant to be doing this afternoon! I'll definitely come back and finish it in the next few days. I think it's fantastic and I really hope that the editors did too.

I'm new to this site (signed up specifically so I could say how great I think your book is!), so I don't understand everything about how it works yet. But I will definitely put this on my bookshelf.

Can't wait to find out what happens :-)

Hi,

Really like this so far, like the starting, you kept me wanting to read on which a really good does, will read the rest some other time. Keep up the good work.

What did the editors say about this book?

Really like the starting of this, you get into it right away, which is what i like about books. Only read a bit so far, but i've back you, so i can come back to it later and carry on reading it.

Hey Jak –

I just stopped by to say I read the opening chapters weeks ago and actually had you shelved for about a month, but I failed to comment and drifted away from Authonomy for a while. I’ve only just noticed that you made last month’s ED – congrats. I’m sure that you were well outside the top ten when I shelved you, so I’m very pleased as it’s very well deserved.

The closest thing to sci-fi I’ve read in years were the central portions of ‘Cloud Atlas’ (awesome book), and Sim achieves what I loved about those portions (while avoiding all that I normally loathe about sci-fi). His world is described organically, through the process of the story (without any Second Empire of the Futur-Wiggle, or whatever) and the horrors of his environment slowly envelop the reader. It is a very accomplished work. (And selfishly, it made me even more pleased about your friend’s comment about ‘Stephen’!)

Best of luck with it, and I have my fingers crossed for you to receive a good crit from HC.

david

I have put this on my bookshelf, as I think it is one of the strongest reads I have come across. I am not usually a fan of such an ambiguous opening as you did in the first chapter, perhaps because of my impatient nature as a reader, but by the end of chapter 3 I was suitably impressed and the previous chapters started to make sense. I will definitely be returning to finish reading this when I have more time available.
Well done on a good read!

I have put this on my bookshelf, as I think it is one of the strongest reads I have come across. I am not usually a fan of such an ambiguous opening as you did in the first chapter, perhaps because of my impatient nature as a reader, but by the end of chapter 3 I was suitably impressed and the previous chapters started to make sense. I will definitely be returning to finish reading this when I have more time available.
Well done on a good read!

I have put this on my bookshelf, as I think it is one of the strongest reads I have come across. I am not usually a fan of such an ambiguous opening as you did in the first chapter, perhaps because of my impatient nature as a reader, but by the end of chapter 3 I was suitably impressed and the previous chapters started to make sense. I will definitely be returning to finish reading this when I have more time available.
Well done on a good read!

Hi Jak, Just got done reading chapter one. I'm really excited by this piece; I'm a huge sci-fi fan and I can ususally tell instantly if someone is faking it, or if they have an authentic mythology with robust rules. This certainly feels like the latter; I think Sim himself is shaping up to be a very interesting character, and the way you drip feed details about his 'conception' means we have enough knowledge to keep us interested.

His family are like refugees from a fairytale, and that's not a criticism; it lends the story a surreal edge, which I like. His Ma, with her alcofizz sachets, is well drawn, and grotesque, as are the sisters. The settings are also authentic, including the computer and the curfew etc. You are creating a world typical of a lot of sci-fi (oppressive dystopia) but it is done in an even-handed way and your touch is light.

I'm not being over the top when I say that this is the first work I've read on authonomy for a while that really has me interested, and I WILL be back to read the rest. Well done!

I loved the first chapter, I can't wait to read more. I'm hooked.

Oh my God!!! Despite the fact Science Fiction isn't really my cup of tea, I love this book. I've only read the first chapter, but I can already feel for the lead character. His anger and frustration at the world and the situation he finds himself in really comes across quite vividly. I didn't quite get the slang he uses, but that's just a small point...it doesn't detract from how good this book is.

I particularly like the dystopian setting for the story. I could really picture the dank and squalid living conditions. It reminded me of 1984, especially with the ever watching cameras

I definately think this is a hit and I plan to read the rest. Are there plans for publication? I certainly hope so. It certainly is 'a shriking good read!'

JAK, I have read the first three chapters of your book. It took some time to get my mind into the proper mindset to keep up with it.

It is intriguing. The premise is interesting. I am assuming it is a cloning, genetic engineering experiment gone awry? A 'special' individual, unrecognized due to the families lack of caring. Their selfindulgence is blinding their perception.

I started out reading because you promised to read my book, The Quest, when you got caught up.

It is interesting and I will read more, though I normally would not choose the genre. You write with skill and imagination that I appreciate.

Uncle Ed.

THANK YOU sooo much for giving me pointers..I wont b able 2 fix anything until the weekend due 2 the two evil weeks before midterms when teachers give us loads of homeworks and tests and projects so I am a bit bogged down....but I am definately fixing everything u noticed. The thing is I really did want 2 get this publshed..a lot of my friends wanted a copy of it and such, so should I take out the whole part about it being magical? but then a lot would have to change i dont know..help!

Very Good. Orson Scott Card good. Go for it! Carla Jo

Pure, unadulterated shrike. No wonder you're on the editor's desk.

Write on.

Luke Keioskie

It's interesting. I found that I couldn't put it down, read the whole thing. I think your deleted scenes would be wonderful if included in their proper places -- it read a bit choppy without them and they reinforced it well. Also, I think the ending could be developed in a little more depth -- it wasn't that clear what came next for him and I'd prefer to think that life will go well for him at least for a while until he matures and the aging problem can be tackled. If you're planning a sequel, the ending doesn't need much more, but I would like to see his actual return to the city and his friends as well as his staying with the farmers in that world. The legends in the appendices show what happens, but the ending felt vaguely unsatisfying. Not quite enough closure.

Other than that I loved it, this book is magnificent. I added critique only because it is so close to perfect, it's probably publishable as it stands. I just think the ending can be improved -- and I do mean only a few pages of it, not much.

Hi i'm new to authonomy and you're one of my first five reviews. I'm going to have to read more just to see if you managed to keep up the chaotic pace you start at. Having not liked the first few lines are then started to find itthe way you unravel your main character quite enthralling.
Good luck Tim.

Jak, I'm late joining the bandwagon, but I do so with enthusiasm for your very original and compelling book. As a parent with a special needs son, this tore my heart out up through chapter three. Please tell me things get better for Sim. I will read on to find out. Congratulations on your rank and review. This is the best thing I've picked up here at authonomy, by far. Your discovery and success here encourages me that the system works. Best to you!
oh, and I have shelved you.
Kathy

Jak this is brilliant writing and a great opening. Your writing is well worthy of publication. Yes, I have bookshelved you, although it seems to make little difference with the score you already have. Well done - and good luck with this.

PS.

If nothing good comes out of HarperCollins, have you considered entering in the Amazon.com competition?

I have to be totally honest, I stayed up all night, until two in the morning even though that would mean only three hours of sleep, and reading till the very last period. And all I can say is that I'm hoping for a sequel.

What's really amazing is I'm not quite sure why I chose to read this book, the pitch was intriguing, but I disregarded it and even went away from the page. It was like a force of attraction, though, and I was suddenly drawn back to the page, so I could read the first chapter. So I could see where you were going with it. And of course, I couldn't put it down (figuratively speaking, of course, since it was not something I was holding =p.)

The world you have created is ingenious, inspiring, original, and horrible (in the best way possible) at the same time. You had me cursing your name, screaming at you for letting Sim go through such terrors. I was ready to jump into the book and fight for him on his behalf. I was smiling as he did the impossible!

Unfortunately, this is the first book I have read on this site, and I now feel as though it is entirely ruined for me. I, one who hasn't read science fiction in the last three years apart from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (a favorite) and Ender's Game (another favorite), do not want to read anything else unless it revolves around the same world (or worlds, I suppose I should say) that you have created. You are probably wondering, at this point, why I feel this site is entirely ruined for me. It is because I now expect every book to possess the same quality and dedication that is present in this book, and I am quite honestly terrified to be disappointed.

Cheers to a book well written, I shall buy three copies when (and yes, I do say when, because if HarperCollins does not publish it I shall start my own publishing company and do so, forget my own work) it is published. The first to cherish, the second to read, and the third to replace it when the pages fall out from reading it so many times.

Obviously a fan,
Deba

Just finished chapter 4 - seems like a good point to pause and tell you how much I have enjoyed reading Sim.
So far, everything hangs together, everything is believable and 'fits' the story. Going to pop your book onto my bookshelf, I certainly intend finishing it.

I see it's been selected for review - good luck.

Congratulations!

Hi Jak

Many congratulations! What happens now—how long 'till you hear and how many that make it through end up going to print?

Best wishes, Michael, Author, 'Kristin.'

I have finished reading this story. It is wonderful. Congratulations.

Hi Jak,

I have read the first chapter and want to read more. It grabbed me right from the word go which every book should do. It reads well, it's interesting and different which I think we need in books now. Well done, I'll be reading more! :)

Jak-
I have only read the first chapter, but I can see that your imagination and passion are exceptional. This genre is not my cup of tea at all, but you managed to catch my interest. I will try to get back to read more later to make constructive comments, but time is dear for me right now.

I like Jak's use of vision to create the space in this book. It didn't take long for the characters to have depth. A very good read. Witty and fresh while a bit haunting.

The first four chapters are excellent, but for those that stop in for a quick glance-over, intending to pull yourself away before too much time spent?

Stick around for Chapter Five. Trust me on this; believe it or not, the story shifts gears and -

Ah, but that would be telling, wouldn't it?

(... and I'd quibble over it being for young readers: it's young reader friendly, but not restricted to them.)

Nice intro into this whacked world.
~Escape from the disfunctional family~
Good building of energy.

I don't read Sci fi. Any more. Since I read Brave New World when I was 15 (on my list of all time favourite books). Since every one I seemed to pick up after that was full of Amenofatribulana illegible names of unrealistic evil forces...yuk! Until I just read the first chapter of Sim... and now (thanks a lot Jak! As if I haven't got enough on here to read! LOL!) I'm hooked.
Love the beginning. Love the way it's a future that we can relate to as an obvious progression from the present!
Shelf here it comes!

Jak, it's edgy, anxiety-producing, brilliant, nightmarish, full of uncertainty and desperation, but with just a hint of something next, behind? in front? where? I know this will take us to a new level of understanding in a minute, but in the first chapter I'm busy losing my boundaries, apart from a room with locks. The only other certainties : the cameras and the keyboard and whoever is watching. I rush around in Sim's head, cool and observant at one moment, desperately trying to connect the next. Who is this mother? This sister? Why in god's name was I born? Sim is terrifyingly unloved - and I am fascinated to see whether he will find something, anything, someone, anyone, to make him feel less alone... Good stuff, Jak. Original, funny, sad, But with the rawness of fledgling emotion that only happens at a certain age. Talent to observe - you have it!!

Hi Jak, I absolutely love this ! The style reminds of Ben Elton who, I think, is a terrific writer. It's fresh, engaging, original and where, oh where, did you get fiskstupid, fartsucking, Fluorescent Peach and Daintyfresh ? Love them, love them, love them.

By the end of chapter one I was really empathising with Sim and, for me, it doesn't get much better than that ! I really hope you make it into the Top 5 and are properly read as, in my opinion, this book deserves to be published.

I'd love you to read 'Leon' if you like fantasy, or 'Dark Angel' if you prefer violent crime. Let me know what you think, and best, best of luck. You deserve to do well. Laura.

Hi Jak,
Sim is a wonderful story. Intriguing and with the feeling of depth... that there is a whole other world behind Sim's that we are not privy to. The language, especially the swearing is fun altho there was far too many "Shrikes" in Ch 1.
Ch 1 "bored of asking" should be "bored with asking".
His family are suitably weird. I couldn't understand exactly who was controlling what with regard to bedroom and bathroom doors initially. The court explained it was his family altho I wondered if it were the rehab computer program. The sisters and mother were suitably mean and quite bizarre. I didn't believe that the mother was revealing the info about his conception for the first time. I didn't feel that he was hearing anything new. So it was a surprise at the hearing when they said it was new news to Sim. I also wondered if he looked weird. She seemed to despise his looks.

I liked the old woman wrapped in a sheep and the worlds convergence room. V. cool.
Pacing:
Chs 1 & 2 felt a little slow, 3 & 4 were nice, altho the courtroom scenes were a little drawn out. Ch 5 started out rushed and messy suddenly it felt all fantasy so I ran away at that point to write this up. ;) Altho I liked the invisible doors.
I would've liked to have seen more people making decisions for him without his input during the courtroom scene. That is usually how it is when you're only 13, and if the interrogator had found out he was dangerous, then they may take more precautions against him earlier?

I liked that he could will himself away and then later he found out that was something special he could do to pass between worlds.
Great stuff,
Bren.

Dear Jak

Many congratulations and the best of luck for fourteen hours time! You're surely going to do it.

Cheers. Michael Ashley Torrington. Author, 'Kristin.'

This is great work. I don't think you can tumble down twenty concrete steps and not suffer serious injury, can you? I haven't finished the second chapter, though. You wanted my opinion on the American market? I don't know a whole lot about YA, but I do know that teens read a lot of fantasy and science fiction, so I think they can follow you. Teens are always saying they want intelligent pieces of work and this is one. I think they will relate to the rebelliousness and feeling of being imprisoned. I'm going to put Sim on my bookshelf for a bit. It isn't my genre, but is so well done.