When a comet passes overhead, the pathogen it releases kills everyone who has gone through puberty. On the island the children have a degree of sanctuary, but the mainland has quickly devolved into warring gangs. The only chance they have is a set of isolated scientists working on a vaccine and cure, but that will take months, and in the meantime more of the children know they are going to die.

A world without adults isn’t a new idea in sci-fi or even literature. I expected a Lord of the Flies crossed with Day of the triffids, but it also reminded me of the Hugo award-winning Star Trek Episode Miri. However there’s no slowed ageing in this, and the ticking clock of ageing is very definite. When the first girl dies after hitting puberty, it brings it home.

What makes this stand out is the fact that it isn’t Lord of the Flies. The older children, near teens, quickly take over and are quickly forced to take decisions well above their years. The character development as they are forced to grow up too early is excellently done, and the creeping clock of ageing is something that is never far from their minds, or the reader’s. Most of the characters are basically decent and more harm is done by failing to think ahead than malice, which is realistic in a world of children. Without being gritty it manages to be a more emotional and stronger read than many of the adult dystopian titles. It takes a somewhat innocent view, which makes the contrast between the difficulties and the characters greater.

Recommended for YA readers, older children, and those who like their dystopia with communities who pull together.