The Flicker by H. E. Edgmon

H.E. Edgmon's middle grade debut is a captivating post-apocalyptic story told through an Indigenous lens, perfect for fans of The Marrow Thieves.

One year ago, a solar flare scorched the Earth and destroyed life as we know it.

With their parents gone and their supplies running low, grieving step-sisters Millie and Rose leave home with their infant half-brother in search of Millie’s grandma, a Seminole elder - who Millie knows in her gut is still alive, even if Rose isn't so sure. Along the way, they meet a group of other surviving kids calling themselves the Lost Boys and their lone adult leader, who reluctantly agree to help them brave the hostile wasteland to make it to Millie's grandma safely. But the landscape isn't the only threat - there's also the Hive, a villainous group that has spent the last year hoarding supplies and living in luxury . . . and will do anything to keep it that way.

Expertly balancing heartbreak and hope, The Flicker is both a thrilling survival story and a tender exploration of Indigenous ideas of identity and found family.

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The Flicker, H.E. Edgmon’s middle-grade debut, stands out as a post-apocalyptic story infused with Indigenous themes, offering a fresh perspective on survival and family. Set in a world devastated by a solar flare, the novel follows two step-sisters, Millie and Rose, along with their infant half-brother, as they embark on a perilous journey to find their grandmother. Edgmon carefully and thoughtfully blends themes of loss, resilience, and identity in a way that both middle-grade readers and adults can appreciate.

The world-building in The Flicker is striking, balancing a bleak, dangerous landscape with threads of hope and community. From the Hive, a menacing faction hoarding resources, to the Lost Boys, a ragtag group of surviving kids, Edgmon explores what happens when society breaks down and how bonds are formed in its place. There are some dark moments here - some you'll see coming and some you won't - but they're balanced with hope and lightness.

At the heart of the novel is the dynamic between Millie and Rose, two sisters who couldn't be more different. Millie's determination to find her Seminole grandmother contrasts with Rose’s more cynical worldview, but both girls are driven by the need to protect their baby brother. The exploration of Indigenous identity through Millie’s perspective adds a unique layer to the story, especially her connection to her grandmother’s wisdom and culture and her fear of forgetting it in this new world.

One of The Flicker's strengths is how it approaches the idea of found family. As the characters traverse the post-apocalyptic world, they learn that family isn’t just about blood; it’s about the people who stand by you in the hardest times. The relationships between the sisters, their baby brother, and the Lost Boys they meet along the way feel authentic and emotionally resonant, capturing both the heartbreak and the hope of their journey.

The book also doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of survival. Whether it’s the constant threat of the Hive or the mental toll of losing loved ones, Edgmon handles these themes with sensitivity, making it accessible to younger readers while still maintaining depth. The Indigenous lens adds a refreshing narrative that challenges common tropes, giving this post-apocalyptic tale a distinctive voice.

However, it's not all perfect. The book changes perspective between Rose and Millie, but there's no warning or flag to let the reader know which is which, so it can be quite confusing! It's also tricky to place this is terms of age - the writing is mostly middle grade, but some of the content feels more like teen or older. Neither of these issues should stop you from reading it, just be aware of them.

The Flicker is more than just a survival story—it's a reflection on family, identity, and the power of hope in the face of catastrophe. H.E. Edgmon has crafted a gripping, heartfelt novel that will leave readers thinking long after the final page.

The Flicker publishes on the 24th September, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.