‘It's all part of an experiment that's been running for decades.’

The second book in the Edge of Light Trilogy, The Miracle (One Tree House, 2025) opens with Merel, the main protagonist, held hostage aboard a ship also called The Miracle. Overcome by grief after the loss of her best friend, Ren, she attempts to save a unique bird from being kidnapped for medical experimentation. Determined to prove that something is wrong in her hometown, Littleton, she ends up captured and unravelled, her world exposed and awry. 

Aboard the Miracle, Merel meets many characters, some welcome and some not so much. Estelle becomes her friend and companion, accompanying her on the journey, and equally determined to expose the truth about Littleton. Together, they meet scientist Hana who has overseen the experiments upon people in the community, genetically modifying people into obedience. Hana mocks Merel: ‘You really need to learn to think for yourself. Oh that's right. You can’t.’ 

Merel’s courage, empathy and rebellious nature makes her compelling. With Estelle, she has the strength to rebel against the system that programmed her, to fight for what she believes is right.

A.M. Dixon transports us into a dystopian post-apocalyptic world where control and obedience are valued above all else, and technology has taken a sharp turn, for better or for worse. The author uses the dreary setting of the main island, with its factories, machinery and lack of wildlife to draw attention to the emotionless, control driven environment. In a familiar yet distorted New Zealand-like setting, darkness symbolises the complex, sheltered community in Littleton and surrounds the lies that hold it upright. 

Just the right amount of hope and despair throughout the novel keeps the reader invested, on the edge of one’s seat. This was lucky, as the story overall is a relatively slow read, wandering here and there. Ultimately, it’s a tale of betrayal, secrets uncovered and self-discovery. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy dystopia in a familiar yet broken setting.