Lost & Found: Book 1 of the E Apocrypha by Alex Andre is a dystopian adventure set in a future where technology has been obliterated by a fanatical movement known as E Apocrypha. This apocalyptic reset has left society scrambling to survive amid the ruins. With an intriguing cast of characters, each grappling with their role in this fractured world, Andre crafts a compelling tale of survival, resistance, and ambition.

The novel centers around Yun-mi, a determined young “Rat” — a scavenger who has spent two years honing her skills in the hope of becoming one of the finest scavengers in her city. When her mentor is murdered, Yun-mi finds herself on the verge of being sold to slavers, and her dream is shattered. Yet she’s fierce and resilient, refusing to give up. With both wit and grit, Yun-mi embarks on a journey that not only puts her survival skills to the test but also awakens a fierce desire for revenge within her. 

Supporting Yun-mi is a diverse ensemble of characters, each with unique motivations and backgrounds. Buck, who possesses precognitive abilities and a mechanical intuition, grew up sheltered in a religious enclave, wrestling with an inherited sense of fear and obligation. Rajan, a slave bound to haul train cars under backbreaking conditions, yearns for purpose, dreaming of a life beyond servitude. Ka Ya and Wai Lam, revered as “golden dragons,” aim to restore the integration of machines into society, symbolizing the remaining hope for technological rebirth. Meanwhile, Janet, a scholarly character, searches for a hidden cache of knowledge that could change the fate of their world. Andre gives each character a distinctive voice and perspective, making it easy to follow their individual storylines.

Andre’s world-building is immersive and richly textured, painting a bleak picture of a civilization fallen into ruin. The remains of ancient cities teem with “Rats” scavenging for remnants of technology to trade, offering a thought-provoking look at what society could devolve into if technology vanished overnight. The vivid, often chilling descriptions of this post-apocalyptic landscape remind readers of our deep dependence on technology and pose unsettling questions about how humanity might respond if that lifeline were severed.

The pacing is swift, with each chapter propelling the story forward, though the multiplicity of characters and factions occasionally makes the plot challenging to follow. The motives of certain groups are not always entirely clear, but this mystery adds to the intrigue, making the reader wonder who they can trust as the power dynamics shift. The intertwined plotlines and character arcs ultimately come together, revealing a deeper connection among the protagonists and creating anticipation for future installments in the series.

Despite some narrative complexity, Lost & Found is a gripping and thought-provoking adventure that will captivate fans of dystopian fiction. 

Check out my review on Goodreads HERE!