Corruption by Jessica Shirvington completes the science-fiction duology than began with Disruption.
But this is Maggie Stevens – giving up is not a possibility. It up to Maggie alone to take revenge on her father and the rest of M-Corp, just like it is her responsibility to try to win Quentin back. In doing so, she must learn to trust some surprising allies, but it’s difficult when she can hardly trust herself. Time is running out, and in Corruption, no one is going to escape damage-free.
Related: Hear author Jessica Shirvington discuss Corruption on Hypable’s Book Hype podcast
‘Corruption’ review:
It seems that everywhere you turn in the Young Adult section of a bookstore these days, you will spot another dystopian or science-fiction trilogy. A trilogy comes with its own merits and more than a few shortcomings. However, one clear benefit is the time readers are allowed to spend with the characters, and for the characters to develop over the course of three books. That said, the second book in a trilogy can often be the weakest – it must build on the first but it cannot achieve any real closure; that must wait for the conclusion.
In her Disruption duology, Jessica Shirvington tries something different. Without a second installment to allow for gradual plot and character development, Shirvington’s duology must race to fit everything in. This is a feat only achievable because of the excellent foundation laid in Disruption. It is also a testament to Shirvington’s skill that although these books charge ahead, they never feel rushed.
Disruption did much to actively break down the simplistic trope of the Strong Female Character. In Corruption, Shirvington similarly dismantles many other literary tropes in surprising and entertaining ways (no spoilers). Just when you think you know what direction the story will take, Shirvington disarms you with another plot twist.
Readers will turn to Corruption for answers, and they will not be disappointed. However, what is most striking about Corruption is Shirvington’s refusal to let her characters off easily. Readers can expect the same style of action-packed, fast-paced thriller that Shirvington established in Disruption, but in this book tragedy is never far off, and Shirvington strikes mercilessly.
Yet for all the darkness, there is an optimism to Corruption that balances the pain we feel for our favourite characters (and even those characters we may not like all that much). It is this message of hope that will remain after we, and the characters, say our goodbyes.
Corruption by Jessica Shirvington is available in Australia today. Add it to your Goodreads list, or purchase it on Amazon or through HarperCollins. International release TBA.