Imagine a world where everything you grew up with is gone. No adults, no internet, no rules.
The world is facing the deadliest virus ever known.
When the KV17 virus kills everyone above the age of seventeen, life becomes a battle of survival for the children left behind. Seeking to escape the escalating violence in the city, two sisters, Lexi and Hadley flee to the Australian outback. Finding sanctuary in the small town of Jasper’s Bay, they soon realise it is far from safe, as a gang of lawless teenagers terrorise the town.
Caught in a bitter feud leading to betrayal, deceit and murder, the girls must quickly uncover who their enemies are, and who they can trust.
In a world drastically changed from everything they once knew; can the sisters and children of Jasper’s Bay learn to adapt? Can they maintain control of their town, and protect it from those who would destroy it?
Book One in the YA Seventeen Series
Winner of the New Apple YA horror/Sci-Fi award
About Suzanne Lowe
International Writers Inspiring Change (IWIC): Tell us about yourself …Suzanne: I was born in Perth, Western Australia, and as a young adult, grew up in the small country town of Tom Price, situated in the outback of Western Australia. The summers were often very hot and dusty and I would spend my weekends with my friends, swimming in the cool water of the gorges, trying to escape the heat. As I grew to adulthood I travelled extensively throughout Australia and grew to love the unique and diverse landscapes of the country. My current home, is back in Perth with my husband, two teenage daughters and our black and white cat Abby. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Sport Science and have worked as a library assistant, personal trainer and barista. When I’m not working, writing or being a mum, I love to travel to new places. I’m also a keen photographer. My favourite genres are definitely sci-fi and fantasy and I particularly enjoy watching movies and reading books with dystopian style scenarios. Some of my favourite authors include, John Marsden, Suzanne Collins, Anne Rice, Stephen Donaldson and of course J.K Rowling.IWIC: What prompted you to write …Suzanne: My novel, Seventeen, came about as I wanted to write a story for young adults that featured two sisters having to survive in a world, that was suddenly vastly different from the one they had grown up in; one without adults or any rules. This was a scenario that my own two teenage daughters would often discuss and theorise about at the dinner table. I wanted to set the story in Australia, somewhere that is quite isolated and a unique setting for most dystopian stories. I am currently working on a book for younger children, then I am planning on a sequel to Seventeen.IWIC: Is there a message in your book …Suzanne: My main message I hope to portray to my readers is that you have to stand up to bullies. Even if you are not directly involved, you can’t just stand by and watch it happen. Also, everyone is capable of a lot more than they think they are. Sometimes, like the two sisters in my book, you have to force yourself to step outside your comfort zone to realise this.
IWIC: Tell us about your book …Suzanne: Seventeen is a YA novel about two sisters caught up in the turmoil of a world suddenly devoid of adults. When a deadly virus spreads across the globe killing every adult on the planet, the girls are left to fend for themselves. As violence and desperation spread to the girl’s town, they must leave the sanctuary of their home and seek refuge in the countryside. They soon discover that the quiet looking town is not as peaceful as it first seemed. The sisters are abruptly thrown into a bitter conflict, leading to mistrust, betrayal and murder. In a world without adults and without rules, they must decide who they can trust before it’s too late.
