The Defectors drops readers into a near-future America reshaped by a devastating virus and the authoritarian systems created in its wake. Vaccinated citizens are kept under constant surveillance through implanted microchips, while undocumented people disappear into the ominous prisons of Sector X. It’s a chilling setup, made even more unsettling by its echoes of current real-world debates around immigration, government overreach, and public health crises.

Haven Allis, the 20-year-old protagonist, is an immediately likable character. She’s earnest, unprepared, and suddenly thrust into circumstances far beyond anything she has been trained for. When her best friend Greyson is arrested for his undocumented status, Haven is forced off the grid and into a dangerous world filled with virus carriers, private military checkpoints, and a growing underground resistance.

The novel is a fast, accessible read, and Benner builds a world that feels surprisingly close to home. At times, the large cast can be a little tricky to track, but the core emotional thread,  Haven’s loyalty and courage, keeps the narrative grounded. The dystopian elements are familiar in a satisfying way, and readers who enjoy pandemic-era fiction with a touch of rebellion and tension will find plenty to sink into.

Overall, The Defectors is a solid entry in dystopian fiction: timely, action-driven, and thought-provoking.