WE ARE HUNTED

A Black British teenager attempts to survive after a family vacation unexpectedly turns into a blood-soaked nightmare.

In another version of reality, Femi Fatona would be excited to visit Darlenia. The tropical island, discovered by entrepreneur and CEO Richard Jenkins, features a technologically advanced resort and is populated by strange, “vicious-looking” animals. Going there means accompanying his dad and older brother, Dapo, however. Femi isn’t on the best terms with either of them, for different but equally significant reasons. Mr. Fatona, who found his own “passion in organometallic chemistry,” disapproves of his son’s music career dreams and wants him to continue his formal education. Last summer, Dapo was severely injured in a life-changing accident that Femi feels was his fault. Femi’s mum opts out in favor of a Malta trip with her own friends and hopes the Darlenia excursion will force father and sons to repair their cracked bonds. But soon after their arrival, the animals break free of the island’s control systems and start hunting the tourists. As Femi and his family try to outsmart the terrifying predators, they uncover the island’s hidden history of exploitation and destructive corporate greed. Oyemakinde’s sophomore novel balances nail-biting action with explorations of guilt, forgiveness, familial relationships, and the consequences of neocolonialism. The first-person narrative highlights the depth of Femi’s inner thoughts and emotions. Vivid imagery captures the awe-inducing, colorful world of Darlenia.

An engaging thrill ride of a story that spotlights a complex, relatable hero.