The Seclusion

The Seclusion Series, Book 1

By: Jacqui Castle

Narrated by: Lisa Beacom

In the year 2090, America has walled itself off from the rest of the world.

While on a routine assignment scouting the country's dwindling natural resources, Patricia, “Patch”, and her best friend, Rexx, discover a cache of dangerous contraband - printed books from before the Seclusion. These texts spark an unquenchable thirst for the truth that leads to the arrest of Patch's father by the totalitarian Board, which runs the entire country. Evading their own arrest, Patch and Rexx set out across a ruined future United States. Along the way they learn how their country came to be this way, but their newfound knowledge may lead to their own demise.

Winner of the 2020 Indie Author of the Year Award through Indie Author Project (in collaboration with Library Journal and BiblioBoard)

North Carolina Author Project Winner (in collaboration with Library Journal and BiblioBoard)

INDIES Book of the Year Award Winner in Science Fiction

“...a dystopian drama that shows the grim rise of totalitarianism with scenes that echo today's headlines. The author has crafted an intricately detailed world. Intriguing and surprising supporting characters give depth to a somber story that begs for a sequel. - Verdict: A must-have for all libraries and fans of sci-fi.” (School Library Journal)

©2018 Jacqui Castle (P)2021 Jacqui Castle

Dystopian thriller, what if America self-isolated?

Enjoyed the book and the audio edition was a great revisit. Plenty of the future-glimpsing and supposition that I love about dystopian fiction. Good arc and pacing for Patch. The Board is sufficiently malevolent and frighteningly plausible.