The Dividing Sky

“A masterpiece of speculative, postapocalyptic fiction that demands
to be devoured in a night or two.”

— School Library Journal, starred review ★

Lists & Accolades

A cunning teen memory merchant falls for the handsome rookie officer on her tail in this swoony dystopian romance that's “one to watch” (Amie Kaufman, New York Times bestselling author of The Isles of the Gods)

In 2364, eighteen-year-old Liv Newman dreams of a future beyond her lower-class life in the Metro. As a Proxy, she uses the neurochip in her brain to sell memories to wealthy clients. Maybe a few illegally, but money equals freedom. So when a customer offers her a ludicrous sum to go on an assignment in no-man’s-land, Liv accepts. Now she just has to survive.

Rookie Forceman Adrian Rao believes in order over all. After discovering that a renegade Proxy’s shady dealings are messing with citizens’ brain chemistry, he vows to extinguish the threat. But when he tracks Liv down, there’s one problem: her memories are gone. Can Adrian bring himself to condemn her for crimes she doesn’t remember?

As Liv and Adrian navigate the world beyond the Metro and their growing feelings for one another, they grapple with who they are, who they could be, and whether another way of living is possible.

Reviews

★ "Fans of writers such as N.K. Jemisin and Octavia Butler are in for a treat. A gutsy debut that will leave readers wanting more." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "A high-stakes story packed with slow-burn pining and plentiful tension." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "A masterpiece of speculative, postapocalyptic fiction that demands to be devoured in a night or two, this is a white-knuckle ride into the future that is both moving and frightening. If Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower were written for teens, it might look like Tew’s debut." - School Library Journal, starred review

"A simple, sweet romance with dystopian flavor and a hopeful ending that is perfect for genre beginners." - Booklist

“Dynamic, vivid, and electrifying.” - Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey

“Jill Tew paints a world so real you could step straight into it. A debut to watch.” - Amie Kaufman, New York Times bestselling author of The Isles of the Gods

“A compelling, clever, and endlessly swoony dystopian romance.” - Alechia Dow, award-winning author of The Sound of Stars

“A fresh, exhilarating adventure with swoon-worthy characters and an enthralling world. Truly unputdownable.” - Emily Thiede, author of This Vicious Grace

“This unforgettable sci-fi romance has it all: genius world-building, beautifully crafted characters, and twists I never saw coming.” - Angela Montoya, author of A Cruel Thirst

“A gripping dystopian romance with searing commentary. Action-packed and smartly written.” - Lyssa Mia Smith, author of Revelle

Published by Joy Revolution
Young Adult | ISBN 978-0593710357

Here’s a Discussion Guide I made for The Dividing Sky. I hope it leads to lots of meaningful conversations in classrooms and book clubs alike!

Resources for Educators

Interviews and Excerpts