From critically acclaimed author Cindy Pon comes an edge-of-your-seat sci-fi thriller, set in a near-future Taipei plagued by pollution, about a group of teens who risk everything to save their city.
Jason Zhou survives in a divided society where the elite use their wealth to buy longer lives. The rich wear special suits, protecting them from the pollution and viruses that plague the city, while those without suffer illness and early deaths.
Frustrated by his city’s corruption and still grieving the loss of his mother who died as a result of it, Zhou is determined to change things, no matter the cost.
With the help of his friends, Zhou infiltrates the lives of the wealthy in hopes of destroying the international Jin Corporation from within. Jin Corp not only manufactures the special suits the rich rely on, but they may also be manufacturing the pollution that makes them necessary.
Yet the deeper Zhou delves into this new world of excess and wealth, the more muddled his plans become. And against his better judgment, Zhou finds himself falling for Daiyu, the daughter of Jin Corp’s CEO.
Can Zhou save his city without compromising who he is, or destroying his own heart?
PRAISE
Pon does a bang-up job packing in skyscraper-scaling, flying (on airborne mo-peds), hand-to-hand combat and high-tech espionage. The world she’s created is positively chilling.
Catherine Hong for The New York Times
Want by Cindy Pon paints a vibrant picture of futuristic Taipei, with characters that will stay with you long after you finish. A fresh, compelling–and timely–addition to YA science fiction.
Veronica Roth, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Carve the Mark and the Divergent series
Cindy Pon’s sci-fi debut envisions a world that could very easily become our own: the haves and have-nots must disparately survive a world where corporations rule and pollution poisons the air. In a long con game full of thrilling adventure and daring escape, Jason Zhou looks to even the odds…if he can survive.
Beth Revis, author of the New York Times bestselling Across the Universe series
Pon weaves an intricate world and a carefully crafted cast into a story brimming with high octane action. What a roller coaster!
Marie Lu, author of the New York Times bestselling Young Elites trilogy
You will not find a more plausible or terrifying dystopian future, and if you’ve always wanted to visit Taipei, this book is a first-class ticket.
Ann Aguirre, author of the New York Times bestselling Razorland trilogy
Fast paced, utterly engrossing, and highly recommended.
Leah Cypess, author of Mistwood
With expert pacing and poignant social commentary, Pon tells the story of a world in which the line between haves and have nots has never been more stark. Pon also creates an excellent, vibrant character within Jason, whose emotions run deep.
Swapna Krishna for Los Angeles Times
An exciting, socially conscious futuristic thriller.
Kirkus Reviews
A strong sci-fi novel that will entice an array of readers.
Amy Reddy for School Library Journal
Pon excels as this society’s architect, constructing sights, sounds, and smells that make this Taipei come alive.
Ilene Cooper for Booklist
Sci-fi fans, especially those with any knowledge of the current city of Taipei, will find this to be a gripping, fast read that blends cultural elements, edgy tech, and a future coming out of a recognizable pollution-heavy current path.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
The strength of Pon’s story lies in the way it immerses readers in its gritty Taiwanese setting, and the emotional and cultural conflicts that arise as a result of this perspective.
Publishers Weekly
Pon is a science fiction writer of the highest order, and her intelligent prose creates a rich, complex world.
Jim Nicosia for VOYA