Book Review: “Oasis”

“Oasis” by Katya de Becerra

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Science Fiction

Summary:

The oasis saved them. But who will save them from the oasis?

Alif had exciting summer plans: working on her father’s archaeological dig site in the desert with four close friends . . . and a very cute research assistant. Then the sandstorm hit.

With their camp wiped away, Alif and the others find themselves lost on the sands, seemingly doomed . . . until they find the oasis. It has everything they need: food, water, shade—and mysterious ruins that hide a deadly secret. As reality begins to shift around them, they question what’s real and what’s a mirage.

The answers turn Alif and her friends against one another, and they begin to wonder if they’ve truly been saved. And while it was easy to walk into the oasis, it may be impossible to leave . . .

Oasis is a blend of my very favorite elements in a good adventure story: the mundane basics of survival and the bizarre-what-is-happening? of science fiction/fantasy. I guess technically the elements of survival aren’t exactly mundane but they also aren’t the most exciting either. Either way, I always enjoy that in a book.

The characters are pretty lackluster though. I really couldn’t tell you much about any of the characters. They moved the story along but didn’t stand out in anyway.

The ultimate mystery or payoff was underwhelming. I was hoping for something that would have ultimately more exciting or interesting.

The story was definitely readable & I enjoyed looking forward to picking it up at lunch everyday. The story didn’t drag or become a chore to read.

All in all, the book was just fine. Great ‘popcorn’ book. Easy to read & enjoy; doesn’t fill you up though.

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