Ariadnis by Josh Martin is set on a future earth, now called Erthe, that has been ravaged by natural catastrophe. It is set in a nation divided by a strange cliff, where one nation, Athenas, perches on top, while the other, Metis, is below.

Joomia and Aula are two 17- year-old girls, The Chosen, who have to compete to unite the two nations, or there will be a catastrophic war. But it is prophesised that only one girl will survive the contest. It is not only the cliff that divides the cities. Joomia writes that once she thought it was only the cliff that divided the two cities, but then ‘I learned about pride and tradition and prophecy, and those things are even harder than rock’.

Told in alternate first person by Aula, from Athenas, and Joomia, from Metis, the story rockets along at a smart pace. The plot has clever twists that I did not see coming, for the most part, and kept me reading. I finished the book in two days as I wanted to find out what was going to happen.

The author, Josh Martin, has created a vivid world, rich in detail, complete with a touch of magic. It is a unique and imaginative concept. The characters are fleshed out well with their own quirks and manner of speech. It easy to tell one narrator from the other, and no character is entirely good, none entirely bad, though there are power hungry nasties ready to sacrifice others for their own gain.

I cannot really find a bad thing to say about the book and really quite enjoyed it. It’s not perfect, but the story and good writing make up for any small deficiencies.

Josh Martin is a talented writer and it’s hard to believe this is only his first novel. The stage is set for a sequel (maybe even a series?) next year. I can hardly wait.

Ariadnis, the debut novel by Josh Martin,  (published by Hachette Australia) is available from Dymocks. Click here to learn more.