Book Review: Pastworld by Ian Beck

To Eve, a lifelong resident of PASTWORLD, horse-drawn carriages and gas lamps are modern technology. Eve doesn't even know she's living in a simulation- until she is forced to flee the only home she's ever known, and to confront the truth about her city and herself.
To Caleb, a tourist visiting PASTWORLD, the theme park is the perfect antidote to the stifling conformity and regulations of 2048. Until he finds himself at the scene of a murder, holding the knife, and suddenly becomes a fugitive from an antiquated justice system.
And in the midst of it all, a dark and deadly figure prowls, claiming victim after victim. He's the Fantom, a creature both of the past and of the future, in whose dark purpose Caleb and Eve will find their destinies combined.

I was completely intrigued by the above blurb when this book arrived in the post. I was worried that I would find Pastworld too far fetched but after starting and finishing it in one day, I have to say that I think it is a fantastic book that will will appeal to young adults but I am sure to many adult readers also.
It's such a good idea and PASTWORLD, the Victorian simulation created by the Buckland Corporation is entirely believable. I thought it was very clever to have residents such as Eve who thought her world was entirely real juxtaposed with the character of Jago who she befriends; he has to explain how everything is simulated, right down to the sky which is in fact a large dome with projected images.
The Fantom is a terrifying creation, if anything, the more we learn about him, the scarier he becomes. We slowly discover how Eve and the Fantom are linked, what on earth does this kind, caring girl and a brutal murderer have in common?
I love anything to do with the Victorian era and Ian Beck describes the Victorian London simulation perfectly. He talks of the fog, the stench, the poverty, the death, the Fagan like characters and you can picture all that he describes in your mind.
Pastworld is one of my favourite Young Adult books that I have read so far this year. As I said, I started and finished this book in one day, once I had started I couldn't put it down so obviously I would very much reccommend it.

Many thanks to Bloomsbury for sending me a copy of this book to review, it is published today. If you would like to see a trailer for the book then just click here.