The Narrowing Path – David J. Normoyle

Pages:  262

Genre: YA, Dystopian

Sources:  I received a copy to review, the opinions expressed here are my own

Warning: Extreme Violence

From Goodreads:

Only the strongest, smartest and most ruthless will survive.

Every six years, the world draws nearer to the sun. In Arcandis, those who want to live must claim the limited places in the Refuge, a series of underground caverns cooled by the sea.

The teenage boys of noble birth are sent out into the city to demonstrate their wits and strength. Some prove themselves in combat, others display their empire building skills, still others attempt to kill off their rivals. Out of over a hundred, only six will be selected by the leaders of the great families and allowed a place in the Refuge. The rest will perish, one way or another.

Not only is thirteen-year-old Bowe younger and weaker than most of the other boys, he has no family to support him. He is expected to die on the very first day of the narrowing path. Instead he begins a journey no one could have anticipated.

My Thoughts:

I have to say that the synopsis drew me in and the story finished me off.  This was a wonderful book.

Bowe Bellanger was the only survivor of his family.  As an infant his entire family committed suicide. He was of noble birth and raised  to participate in the Green Path.  He must win one of the coveted spots if he is to survive the Infernam, the time when the sun bakes their planet and the lucky ones survive for those two weeks in the Refuge, a series of caves under the ocean.  Bowe was raised in a caste society where he needs the help of those beneath his status, yet looks and talks down to them.  However, as the story moves along we see Bowe begin to change and question those in charge of this competition.  He is a leader.  No one thought he would survive.  They figured he would be the first to die.  They were wrong. He begins to think about others who might not win a spot. He wants to find a way to save them all.  What will he do?  Is it possible? Read to find out, then watch for the second and third book both due out in 2014. The second book is called the Treacherous Path and is due out in February. The third book is called the Collapsing Path and is due out in August.

You can find out more about the author and his books at:  http://davidjnormoyle.com/