"A superb piece of storytelling. Rahman takes us deep into a future world bereft of light and hope. As her characters begin to awaken to the deadness around them, we also become awakened. Annie's struggle becomes our struggle. We too look for resolution and cling to the vision that somehow, someway, hope will prevail. This is a debut novel not to be missed!"
--James Mathews, Author of Last Known Position
A government lying to its people.
What else is new?
Well, in this dystopian world, the lies have reached a breaking point.
That's because the government rulers of the new era, known simply as "The Leaders", have managed to convince all United States citizens that they are the only country in existence. The USA is perceived from within to be an island on a planet made up of almost complete ocean. The idea that other land masses on Earth exist has become simply a fable, a legend. A legend known as The Outer Lands.
Of course, no one believes such a silly concept. Other countries? Ridiculous. That's definitely what Annie Bender thinks, a curious, but naïve 17 year-old going through the motions of a corrupt school system. She doesn't have time to worry about children's stories and myths. She has a life to start living. A life of endless labor. Fun, right?
That is, until she meets Colton Diaz. A mysterious, troublesome, and unbelievably irritating boy who insists on showing her his discovery; something he found hidden in an old, halfway underground library. With her interest successfully sparked, she joins forces with Colton and her strangely adventurous teacher to unravel the mystery of the Outer Lands. However, none of them know exactly how much trouble they're getting themselves into. Will they be able to handle the consequences that come with the secrets they attempt to unravel?
About the Author: Aliya Rahman was born and raised in Maryland, where much of The Outer Lands - her debut novel - takes place. As a competitive basketball player, an aspiring artist, a songwriting guitarist, and a full-time student, writing an entire novel was a tall task, especially when the first draft was in the process of being written when she was only the age of 12. However, after 4 years of writing, writing, and more writing, she is pleased to introduce her first book.
