This book has a fascinating premise: Human civilization has been devolved to pre-Industrial Revolution levels by the efforts of an alien race that controls human adults' minds. It is only young adolescents, not yet subject to the process that deprives their elders of free will, who can resist enslavement and bring about an end to their masters' rule.

The growing realization of the young hero, Will Parker, that he cannot help but reject his docile society, will resonate with passionate young readers who question their own world and their place in it. And his journey is a rite of passage much like adolescence itself. He becomes much more self-aware, but he has his doubts, and at one point he is prepared to settle for easy luxury among the nobility, even if it means abandoning his friends and his quest. It is only when the girl he loves jilts him (not for another boy, but for the promise of glorious service in the city of the masters) that he continues along the hard road.

The book's pace is slow--especially for today's young readers, who are used to roller-coaster movie action--but the rewards are great. This is an adventure for thoughtful young people.

The Giver and Gathering Blue are other provocative tales about youths who questions their society's validity. Ender's Game is faster-paced SF with kids fighting aliens. The Animorphs series, beginning with The Invasion, also has teens battling invading aliens.