Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 06/01/2013 Ana wakes up aboard a spaceship on an unfamiliar planet with a note informing her that she has “surgical retrograde amnesia.” Indeed, as she begins to explore, she finds she has no idea who she is or why she is there—though her muscle memory indicates that she has experience rock climbing and fighting. Soon she meets up with three other teen voyagers, all of whom are aware that they have 27 hours to reach a human colony on the coast before something dreadful happens. Their treacherous journey is further complicated in two ways: Ana begins to experience slivers of memory about a superflu brought back by the first explorers of this planet, and the teens are being pursued by a gigantic, sharp-toothed worm: “Long white teeth raging out of a cloud of reddish-brown dust.” Paquette’s main characters and primary action feel a bit perfunctory. However, the backstory, initially revealed through interspersed newspaper articles, presents the intriguing notion of memories as a kind of infection. The result is a delayed, but eventually worthwhile, payoff. - Copyright 2013 Booklist.

Bulletin for the Center... - 09/01/2013 Emerging from her space capsule on a barren alien planet, sixteen-year-old Ana Ortez has no memory of who she is or how she came to be there. A brief exploration of her surroundings reveals the presence of a gigantic wormlike creature with rows of pointed teeth and a fellow explorer, Todd, who claims to have no memory as well. Ana and Todd make their way across the rough terrain in search of a colony or other signs of life, along the way trying to piece together what’s happening. As the monstrous worm closes in and the timers on their wrists tick down to zero, Ana and Todd grow closer to each other, but soon Ana begins to realize that Todd may know more than admits and that what she’s experiencing may not even be reality. This novel eschews overly descriptive prose and relies instead on the character’s actions to slowly reveal the layers of secrets surrounding Ana’s quest. Despite occasional clues in the form of news reports interspersed between chapters, readers’ knowledge of the mystery is limited to what Ana herself knows, so those who like to puzzle out the truth on their own will find themselves intrigued by Ana’s journey. The story’s premise and short length limit the possibility for thorough character development, but Ana still manages to emerge as a strong, resourceful fighter, a perfect balance for the more intellectually driven Todd. SF fans looking for a brief but intense read will find themselves devouring this inventive stand-alone survival story. AM - Copyright 2013 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.

School Library Journal - 10/01/2013 Gr 7–10—Ana wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of who she is or why she is wearing a timer that is counting down. She finds a letter informing her that she is on the way to planet Paradox and has undergone surgical amnesia. She meets Todd, who tells her that the timer is how long they have to reach a safe colony and also claims to have had his memory wiped. They eventually meet Chen and Ysa, who have their memories. They know Ana, but refuse to tell her anything about her past. A giant worm with rows and rows of razor sharp teeth that stalks them through their expedition only exacerbates their treacherous journey. In addition to Ana's story, there is also a smattering of newspaper clippings that helps readers understand why Ana and the others have been sent to this planet. Through these pieces, they learn Earth is falling apart due to a virulent infection that starts by targeting difficult memories and spreads quickly. The story moves slowly at times, and many of the events are rushed. Parts of the plot aren't particularly strong, including a forced love story. Most of the characters seem more like caricatures than actual people, except for Ana.—Kristyn Dorfman, The Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn, NY - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.