Thank you so much to West 44 / Rosen Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

This was so unique and not really at all what I was expecting from it, I didn’t know it was going to be a dystopian story at all. This was a really entertaining read, I loved getting to learn about the way they lived in their tribe and the rules they all lived by. I liked that we learnt the truth along with Veny about why they live that way.

I really enjoyed the relationship that formed between Veny and Mateo they had a very interesting meet cute and then had a really unique but sweet relationship start to form. You read it and want so much for Veny to have it work out for him. He being an odd, not getting a life partner which is super sad, you wanted him to be happy, you see that glimmer of hope within Veny when he gets closer to Mateo.

These verse books always have the most fascinating and unique stories, that no matter the storyline will always keep you gripped and enjoying what you’re reading. This one was no exception, I got hooked into this world with these characters right away and there were even some unseen twists and shocks within too. It’s a very creatively written Dystopian.

The atmosphere of this book completely drew me in. The island vibes were so vivid and immersive, making it feel like you were right there on the shores of Isla Sola. The story itself reads like a timeless folktale, the kind of thing you’d hear passed down through generations. While the side characters were a little forgettable, it didn’t bother me too much since the real stars of the show were Veny and Mateo. They were absolute gold, carrying the emotional weight of the story beautifully. There’s also something uniquely profound about novels in verse. They almost demand a slower, more intentional pace, letting you really sit with the story and its layers. I even listened to oceanic sounds on Spotify while reading, which added this serene, almost meditative quality to the experience. It was beautiful.

Beyond its poetic style, the book has an important, slightly unsettling message. It offers a warning about the future—what might happen if we keep barreling down this path of overconsumption and idolizing billionaires. It’s a bit terrifying when you realize how realistic the world of Isla Sola feels. The circumstances surrounding it hit close to home in a way that makes you stop and think about where we’re headed. The combination of the book's setting, tone, and themes left me with a lot to digest, and I can’t help but appreciate how much thought it provokes. I can tell that this will be a book that lingers on my mind for a while.

A timely and thought-provoking glimpse into concepts that are dominating headlines at the moment. I don’t want to give too much away, as the reveal about three quarters of the way thru was fun for me. But this is a great read that really engages with meaningful topics and current events, while also remaining accessibly and beautiful written. The presentation of the text is also artful and intriguing. Huge thanks to the author and publisher for the advance copy!

Written in verse, the story follows Veny who lives with the secluded community of Isla Sola, which is a clean-energy safe haven. One day while surfing, he almost drowns but is saved by the blue-haired Mateo, a stranger from beyond the ocean. Mateo begs Veny to hide him before anyone else learns about his identity, or about the dark secrets and existence of the outside world.

This was my first novel written in verse, and I have to say that I was impressed! From queer romance to climate change (and a pinch of sci-fi), there is so much story packed into relatively few words. It’s a quick read, and well worth it!

Reviewed as part of #ARC from #NetGalley. Many thanks to @west44books for the opportunity to read and review. #SolarPunks

I feel like Gume has seen into our future and wrote a book about it. I love the worlds and characters he creates. I was invested in Veny and Mateo's friendship and the ending had me feeling all the emotions. I'm looking forward to what Gume writes next!

Gume Laurel III's Solar Punks is a refreshing dive into a future that's both hopeful and deeply unsettling.

This short, hi-lo story, written in verse, explores the complexities of a utopian society, examining themes of acceptance, community, and the ever-present challenges of climate change.

Like a skilled surfer riding a powerful swell, Laurel guides us through the world of Isla Sola, a secluded island paradise powered by renewable energy. We meet Veny, an outsider yearning for acceptance, and Mateo, a stranger washed ashore with secrets of his own. Their stories crash like waves, revealing the hidden currents beneath the island's idyllic surface. Veny's feeling of isolation within this outwardly perfect community really hit home. Sometimes, even when surrounded by others, we can feel like castaways adrift on our own lonely islands. This book beautifully captures that struggle.

Laurel's world-building is impressive, creating a vivid portrait of a society grappling with the consequences of climate change while striving for harmony with nature. He doesn't shy away from difficult questions, exposing the cracks in this Eden and the ethical dilemmas that arise when technology and nature collide.

Written with the rhythm of ocean waves, Solar Punks is a powerful reminder that even in paradise, challenges of acceptance and leadership persist.

This was a delightful read! Tackling the issue of climate change with all the seriousness the subject needs, yet still managing to instill a sense of hope in the readers is a difficult task and the author did it brilliantly. I especially liked the nuanced portrayal of Isla Sola's community and how Veny's character leaped off the page in so few words.

Fully appreciative to NetGalley and West 44 for providing me with the opportunity to read this eARC!

Solar Punks, set in the seemingly idyllic community of Isla Sola perfectly the reflects the prose. Written in verse, this story follows Veny, and in his community, he lives as an odd-numbered child, meaning he will not have a mate. Veny lives a rebellious life, often forgoing his chores for surfing. He seems lonely until one day, a boy washes up on the shores of Isla Vista that can change everything.

As mentioned above, I really loved the prose in this book! The island atmosphere was so beautifully captured, and I was really able to get entranced in the story. The only reason that I gave it 4 stars and not 5 is because I felt the story ended rather abruptly. I would definitely be interested to see if the author would be interested in continuing this story!

Solar Punks by Gume Laurel III
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***I received this free ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
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Another exceptional tale from Gume! Not gonna lie .. I was a liiiittle bit taken aback when spider farms were mentioned (eek!) but in all seriousness, this was a fantastic little story! I was endlessly curious about Isla Sola, and by the end of the story I was sad to be whisked away from that world already, as there must be so much more about it I don't know! Would thoroughly recommend if you're interested in reading something a little different and "out there" in verse form. A brilliant story to start the year!!

My first novel in verse and I really enjoyed the experience! I liked the atmospheric writing and how unique the concept and setting was! The only thing I didn’t love was the bantery dialogue between Mateo and the protagonist (not a fan of banter personally!)

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read Solar Punks by Gume Laurel III.
Stepping into the world of Isla Sola, I had little idea of what to expect. This was my first experience reading a novel written in verse, and I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down. By the end, I was craving more.
Solar Punks is a YA novel following Veny, a boy who is the odd one out in Isla Sola — a community where everyone has already been paired with a life partner. This sense of isolation might explain his tendency to rebel and ignore his responsibilities. Everything changes when he meets Mateo, an outsider and a secret to the rest of the island. Through their bond, Veny begins to feel less alone.
Mateo reveals to Veny that the world beyond the empty ocean surrounding Isla Sola holds more than he could have imagined — a revelation that contradicts everything the community leaders have always taught. But the truth that lies beyond Isla Sola’s peaceful shores is far more unsettling than Veny ever expected.

Thank you to NetGalley and West 44 Books for the ARC.

4.5

"My eyes burn
like fire

Tears
don't
fall out.

I hold
them
in.

Like breath
underwater.

Like air
in lungs.

Like sky
holding
stars
scared
to fall
in
the
night"

An easy and fast-paced read that leaves you thinking what the future might hold when it comes to climate change. I read this in less than a day, so it was an excellent read to wrap up 2024. The book is written in verse which is definitely new to me.

Isla Sola is a secluded island that is powered by clean, renewable energy. Each community member must deepen their scientific knowledge and work hard to ensure Isla Sola remains prosperous and in harmony with nature. The residents of Isla Sola are thought to believe they are the only remaining civilization in the world when in reality that is not the case.

The two main characters Veny and Mateo become quick friends when they first meet. Veny is a resident of Isla Sola, but Mateo is an outsider that needs to remain hidden because of a secret he is hiding that can cause ruin everything Isla Sola and its members stand for.

The friendship between Veny and Mateo happened rather quick, I would have loved for it to be more descriptive and would have enjoyed more bickering between them.

I NEED MORE ASAP!!!

Contains spoilers

Perfect! Readable in an hour or so and so much packed into it. Speaks to all ages though written for YA audience. Twisty and thoughtful. I call it queer Moana meets the Wild Robot. Will definitely recommend in my store.

Solar Punks by Gume Laurel III

"Seems my loneliness
has lasted so long that
now it’s fully anger."

I went into Solar Punks knowing little about it—only that I’d loved Gume Laurel III’s The Brujos of Borderland High. Now, I can confidently say this is my favourite verse novel.

Set on Isla Sola, a utopian island where Nature and technology coexist in perfect harmony, the story centres on Veny, the only young person in his generation without a life partner. Restless and out of place, Veny spends his days shirking his chores and seeking solace in the waves. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is rescued from drowning by Mateo, a blue-haired outsider who doesn’t belong on Isla Sola. Mateo’s sudden arrival sets off a series of revelations that force Veny to confront the hidden truths about his home and its people.

Throughout the novel, I was reminded of the African proverb: “The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” While there’s no literal burning of the island, Veny’s struggles to find acceptance within his tightly bound community echo this sentiment deeply. Both Veny and Mateo are, in different ways, outsiders—people living on the margins of others’ stories. Their bond, as they become each other’s comfort and protectors, is one of the most touching elements of the narrative.

The novel also explores the complexities of leadership and community. On Isla Sola, the elders make decisions for everyone, wielding power that is often obscured by secrecy. As Veny and Mateo challenge these dynamics, they raise important questions about fairness, transparency, and what it means to lead justly.

A central theme of Solar Punks is climate change, approached through a lens of cautious hope rather than despair. Isla Sola—literally “Alone Island”—represents what humanity might achieve through renewable energy, sustainable practices, and advanced technology—but not without raising serious ethical questions. While the island appears to thrive in harmony with nature, the story examines the cost of such harmony, particularly the decisions made by its leaders and the secrets they keep. These layers add depth to the narrative, offering a thoughtful reflection on the inequalities and moral dilemmas tied to our pursuit of a better world.

While technically a sci-fi story, Solar Punks is rich with vibrant descriptions of Isla Sola’s culture: the food, the clothing, the rituals, and even its fauna (dodos AND capybaras!). These details breathe life into the island, making it feel like a character in its own right.

Ultimately, Solar Punks left me with a rare and precious feeling: hope. Few dystopian novels manage to inspire optimism about the future, but Laurel accomplishes this through a beautifully woven story in verse. Without delving into spoilers, I’ll say this: I’m already yearning for a sequel.

Thank you netgalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book. This is one of my most anticipated reads of the new year. The book was filled with character development and plot development that I love. The book had elements of suspense that kept the story flowing and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rosen Publishing Group, West 44 Books, and Gume Laurel III for the opportunity to read Solar Punks in exchange for an honest review.

With super fun stories like The Brujos of Borderland High, and one of my personal favorites, Samson & Domingo, I know I can always expect greatness from Gume Laurel III. Like the other novels, Solar Punks is a HiLo novel written in a poetic verse style.

This novel follows Veny, who lives on an Isla Sola, a paradise where technology moves the future forward, there is peace, and since there are no other humans except them, they don't have to worry about much. They also have dodo birds (just FYI). In Veny's culture, everyone has a shell necklace that they share with their paired significant other, but Veny doesn't have someone to share his with.

When skipping out on work one day to surf, he encounters a stranger, Mateo. But how can that be? The council claims there are no other humans out there, so who is Mateo and where did he come from? Veny tries to find out while keeping Mateo secret from his friends, family, and the council, all while growing attached to Mateo as he learns more about the stranger. What Veny learns may change his perception about his home forever...

Another well-crafted verse novel that has so much characterization and story depth with so few words. Gume Laurel III's craft is certainly one to be admired. This is an excellent book with LGBTQ undertones meant for a high school audience, though some middle schoolers may enjoy this one as well.

A YA novel in verse that I couldn’t put down!
🏝️
In the future Veny Juarez lives on the island Isla Sola. They are the last community on earth…or so they think. When Veny is saved from drowning on his surfboard by a teen boy he’s never seen before, he starts to wonder what else is out there. Mateo must stay hidden because Veny doesn’t know what his village would do if he’s found, but the more he learns about Mateo and the outside world, the more he starts to question his own.
🏝️
This was phenomenal! I love the entire concept and truly hope there’s a sequel in the works because I want more! This dystopian book hit the nail on the head for where our planet is going, if we don’t start making changes now. Grab this one when it releases February 16 from @txauthor @west44

CW: violence, blood, climate crisis theme, environmental issues, death

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars.

I NEED A SEQUEL!!!

I finished this in one sitting, it was so good, I couldn’t put it down!

It was very fast paced. Even if the bond between the characters happened a little quickly, I didn’t care because I loved them together.

I loved the formatting of this book! I don’t know if I’ve read a book in verse before, but even if I have it hasn’t been very many, and I throughly enjoyed it.

The writing was insane in the best way. So simple but painted the picture of what was happening perfectly. I loved how so many of the lines were worded.

At first it reminded me of Moana, never being able to leave the island.

His friends made me so angry. I know they did what they thought was right, but it still frustrated me.

I loved Veny and I loved Mateo. We didn’t know them for very long but they were so easy to understand and to love right off the bat! Their personalities really shined, which is impressive to do in so little words.

As the story unfolded, I was shocked so many times. It touched on a deep topic that is very important to talk about in this day and age.

This was an amazing novel. I could have read hundreds of more pages. It went by too fast! Highly recommend.

Solar Punks is an accessible and quick read that delivers an original story and world in under two hundred pages. The story has an agenda in the best possible way as it includes queer characters and the hispanic/latinx/Mexican American community.

All this narrative is packed into the voice of the male main character, Veny. It allows the reader to quickly understand the island community and how much of a surprise it is when a new face Mateo pops up. There is a power in the poetry as we see things from Veny’s POV: we fall in love with the food, the nature based culture, and the cute new boy with shockingly blue hair. This environmental heavy sci-fi story is a way for different communities to be represented while presenting a message of hope, community, and a path forward in whatever dystopian environmental climate catastrophe humanity ends up creating for themselves.

A very insightful and heartbreaking look into a possible future that come to pass of unresolved climate change isn’t taken seriously soon. Gume spins a impactful story that echoes in your head and your heart long after turning the last page. Doing what he does best and pulling on your heartstrings while injecting blunt honesty and parts of himself into a one hell of a book.