Zack, Lucy, Liam, and their friends are on the Inside, living an easy life where their biggest problems are math homework and who is dating who. Meanwhile, Nick, Delilah, Luke and their peers live on the Outside, where it can be a struggle just to stay alive. Few things connect these two opposing sides, but Layna Johns is one of them. She is a spy for the Inside, a role that puts her very life in jeopardy. Nick leads his group of Outsiders, known as the Freedom Fighters, toward the ultimate goal of taking down the leaders of the Inside. And he will let nothing get in his way. Especially not a mole. Meanwhile, Zack’s romantic relationship with Layna gives him added reason for concern as the dangers against her increase.
A stark contrast is presented between the two opposing sides, and it is easy to let your imagination fill in the gaps of the dystopian world created by Hibberd. The cast populating Inside Out is vast, many of whom have distinct personalities and backstories that make their actions feel authentic. Adding a little levity to the otherwise serious plot is an oblivious and overbearing Inside girl that relentlessly pursues her crush on Liam. And I especially appreciated seeing the evolution of Nick’s personality. At first he is presented as nothing short of a ruthless killer, but in time a more compassionate side of Nick is shared that really helps readers to understand the motivations of the Freedom Fighters. The lines between right and wrong, good and bad, which at first seem so clear, become more and more blurred as the storyline develops. Featuring a little bit of teenage drama and a whole lot of dystopian intrigue, Inside Out is a thought-provoking, thoroughly absorbing young adult novel. Natalie Hibberd’s captivating writing will keep you reading to the very last word, and is sure to leave you wanting more.
