"People with abilities are not a threat to the Balance" 
 "I'm afraid you are. You bring forces into being that are too powerful and unstable to be allowed to exist unchecked" 
 Smart, original and utterly compelling. 'The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf' is the first book in a young adult dystopian series by Ambelin Kwaymullina set in a futuristic version of Australia devastated by ecological collapse. A little bit Alexandra Bracken's 'The Darkest Minds' meets Isobelle Carmody's 'Obernewtyn', this is an unexpectedly unique, complex and thought-provoking addition to an arguably oversaturated genre. 
 This is a grim depiction of our earth torn apart by environmental destruction. A divided society has risen from the ashes to a new world order, in which people born with strange powers - from the ability to manipulate memories, control the elements or heal physical wounds - are persecuted simply for existing. It is believed that these Illegals are a threat to the balance of the world and they are captured and incarcerated in detention centres to protect society from the supposed danger posed by their abilities. 
 The start of the story is infused with an almost claustrophobic sense of threat; opening to protagonist Ashala Wolf locked up in a detention centre and facing imminent interrogation by a machine designed to forcibly extract memories, even from an unwilling mind. A betrayal by someone she had trusted, someone she had thought she might even love, led to her capture by Chief Administrator Neville Rose, a man intent on finding and destroying the family she has made for herself from a group of Illegal runaways. These Illegals, known as The Tribe, survive outside of society by sheltering deep within the protection of the Firstwood, at one with the land and its many inhabitants. With her Sleepwalker ability blocked and at the mercy of a machine that will rip her darkest secrets from the depths of her mind, Ashala knows the fate of The Tribe is in grave peril. 
 But this game of wits and subterfuge will not break her. 
 I have a lot of feels about this book. Honestly, it is so bloody good. Deliciously intriguing and darkly relevant, layered with deeper messages about injustice, intolerance, oppression and discrimination. This is the sort of story that will keep you guessing, filled with unexpected twists and turns and a surprisingly unique plot. The entire novel plays out in the tense and treacherous quarters of a detention centre but is interspersed with vivid memory sequences that are used to gradually unravel layers of deceit and mystery to powerful effect. As past and present intertwine it is clear that nothing is as it seems. I honestly didn't expect this sort of high-stakes, psychological thriller element which really adds to the narrative as Ashala and Chief Administrator Rose do battle in an cerebral game of cat and mouse. This is such a different take on an otherwise familiar concept, and the style of storytelling combined with a sinister and forboding atmosphere just works. It is gripping and intense and keeps you so invested in the story and in what is happening to the characters. I loved it. 
 It was also so refreshing to read a book with an Indigenous main character, especially one as strong, smart and tenacious as Ashala. It was impossible not to empathise with her determination to survive, as well as her fierce loyalty towards her family and her deep, almost spiritual connection to the land. And it is this spirituality that is the true heart and soul of the story, blending elements of the post-apocalypse dystopia genre with Indigenous Australian culture and mythology to create a story with so much depth and nuance. The novel's Indigenous ties are grounded in The Dreamtime and in the forging of this powerful connection with, and sense of respect for, the natural world and all of its inhabitants that captures the essence of Aboriginal culture and spirituality. It is beautiful and powerful and vibrant, adding layers of symbolism to the story and the world-building in a way that ties all the concepts together to form a cohesive and breath-taking whole that is far stronger than the sum of its parts. 
 I also really appreciated that this story provided only a glimpse into one small piece of the world, a microcosm of a broader construct, and that there was such a strong independent narrative arc and satisfying conclusion. From the fascinating and strong cast of characters to the deep sense of respect for Indigenous culture to the powerful thematic elements woven throughout the story this is a must read for fans of dystopia looking for something new and thought-provoking. 
 On the whole an exciting opener to a series that clearly has a lot of potential to grow into something much wider in scope. 
 Actual rating 4.5 stars