When We Vanished

This was absolutely a 5 star read for me! The author masterfully penned a debut novel that kept you captivated the entire time and feeling like you were a part of the journey with the characters.

The book centers around the idea of GMOs, food justice, and corporations. I've never read a YA novel that focuses on these topics and the author's message never felt in your face. It makes you reflect on if and how things like human trials occur and the whole process of how food is made. The synopsis doesn't even scratch the surface of where this book goes which I loved because you almost go into it blindly and find so much more than what you were looking for.

When I first started, I thought it would be a slow-burn but it quickly jumps off within the first few chapters and turns from a 'who done it' kind of thriller to a 'Okay we know who's involved, so how do we stop them' story. And even when you know everyone involved, there are still secrets being discovered throughout the entire book. I liked how the characters in this were all unaware of the plans of the others and anything they did had an effect on the others without them realizing. It made the alternating POVs that much more gripping.

The author did a great job of attaching you to all of the characters. I especially wanted more of Erika and hope that we see more of her in a later book. The love found in this book ranging from Roya's flute playing to Cyrus' cooking was the greatest feature in this novel and gave the characters so much depth. I like that the author also gave the antagonists back stories and at times I almost found myself sympathizing with them which shows how amazing the writing is as it allows you to draw your own conclusions about the characters.

I especially loved how there's an actual website for a website mentioned in the book, and I can't wait to explore it as I love when authors have bonus features that allow you to keep learning more even after you've finished the book. The author skillfully set the story up to allow for more books, and I can't wait to see these characters again and learn more of their secrets.

Thank you Netgalley for the free read in exchange for an honest review!

First the cover caught my eye, then the description sounded interesting. I rarely read YA but I am so glad I decided to read this! Turns out it is set in Seattle (where I live) and it is just so good!
The main characters are teenagers who uncover disturbing information about a large food corporation that is doing research on human subjects. It involves their parents in different ways and they jump headfirst into trying to save people and uncover the dangerous secrets. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say the story is very fast-paced and goes through a protest in downtown Seattle to a secret research silo in rural Washington, with the kids in danger throughout most of the book!
The writing was good; it was clear and drew me in immediately. The teens felt very real to me. One thing I like about YA is that it often deals with issues that adults think are too "grownup" for teens, even though teens actually are dealing with these things all the time. In this book, besides the food corporation evil research drama, the kids are also dealing with love, friendship, parental depression and drug abuse, decision-making, self-confidence, racism, and more.
The story also not so subtly advocates for food justice, which I also love. I am so glad I picked up this book and I look forward to reading the next three in the quartet.