Till Human Voices Wake Us

Gr 10 Up–Silencia, known as Cia, is the sole survivor of a fire that claimed her entire family, resulting in her bearing burn scars and a prosthetic leg. Cia is adopted by the compassionate fireman who rescued her and his husband; her story is one of survival. Set against the backdrop of a town plagued by a high rate of missing youth, often dismissed as suicides, overdoses, or victims of random fires, the book does not shy away from gritty realities. The plot thickens when Cia’s best friend, Alice, delves into the mysterious disappearances only to turn up dead in what authorities hastily rule as another suicide. This loss propels Cia into a quest for the truth, refusing to accept the official narrative. Roque’s debut tackles a range of complex themes, including abuse, teen pregnancy, and the concept of expendable people. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into Cia’s world as she navigates the challenges and dangers that come her way. The conclusion provides a satisfying resolution while simultaneously setting the stage for the next installment in the trilogy. Despite some slow moments, Roque delivers an engaging thriller with a kickass female protagonist at its heart.