The story opens with the vivid description of Seth Wearing's death by drowning. We follow his sensations as Seth moves from the struggle to stay alive in the icy, merciless currents off the coast of SW Washington, to unconsciousness to awakening in a different world, weak, disoriented and clothed only in strange, foil-lined bandages. In exploring the new world, which appears suspiciously post-nuclear, Seth is surprised to discover his old home in England, where his family lived prior to their move to the Pacific Northwest. This discovery and the memories it elicits are enhanced by a series of nightmares in which Seth re-experiences scenes of his previous life--his guilt about his little brother's kidnapping and his ostracism in high school based on the spread of an ill-advised selfie, that pushed him to commit suicide.
Throughout the story, Seth wonders, What is real? His past life? Where he now is? Is this hell? Is it a test? As he looks for answers he discovers or, more accurately, is discovered by, two other teenagers who also experienced violent deaths. Together they try to solve the mystery of where they are and why as they hide from the relentless pursuit of a merciless automaton they call the Driver. Coming from lives marked by betrayals, they must learn to trust one another and work together to remain "alive" or real.
Written with far more questions than answers, the book nonetheless creates a believable and compelling character in Seth, as he recaptures memories of his sad and lonely childhood, and the burdens he was forced to carry by his grieving parents. The other teens--Regine and Tomasz, provide interesting back-stories as well, posing questions and possible answers to the unusual and hostile world that confronts them. With an unpleasant revelation around almost every corner , the story moves forward quickly, while keeping the mystery and philosophy about their deaths relevant. Recommended.
