In 2099, the former United States is divided by an electrified barrier that keeps smuggler Asher from reuniting with his true love. Then he discovers the elite Lazurites’ dark secret: a technology that grants biological resurrection but is withheld from the people. Forced to join The Defiance, Asher battles to expose the truth. The Wall by Brian Penn blends familiar YA dystopian themes with Christian heroes who wrestle with the implications of their violent resistance. This sci-fi adventure interweaves its heroes’ beliefs in seamless and natural ways. Storied references to the 1980s and Americana folklore provide a bonus to this action-packed ride through a frightening future that has not forgotten faith.

Best for: Young adult fans of Divergent, The Maze Runner, Ready Player One, and The Hunger Games.

Discern: Some war violence including mentions of wounds and decapitations, grief over lost parents and loved ones, other references to abuse and torture, occasional mild vulgarities, recovering addict resists temptations to relapsed alcoholism, chaste romance with references to long kisses; unmarried couple spends the night together, but with specific references to abstinence until marriage.