Necropolis

by Bethan Evans

Necropolis is a young adult novel, set in the near future when society has been re-oppressed and trying to stop women from doing anything. One brave girl who is fed up with feeling trapped, attempts to get into the army as an undercover soldier. Her goal: to prove that women can still do anything.
However, everything takes a turn for the worst when other organisations get involved, complicating matters.
As the story progresses, we discover romance blooming as our main character pushes herself and has to find her own inner strength to grow and push past the restrictions set in place.
With unexpected twists and turns, this story will take you on a wild ride.

#Dystopian #youngadultreads #amreading #Bookstagram #suspensestories

Genres: Young Adult

215 pages, Paperback

Published February 9, 2021

About the author

Bethan Evans is a YA author with her debut novel, NECROPOLIS, released in February 2021 and the sequel IDEOPOLIS released in April 2025. She is now writing fantasy. She draws inspiration from experience working in health and social care as well as in the academy for the local fire service, where she assisted with training scenarios; often as a casualty being cut out of cars or doing special effects make-up.

An only child, born in Wales and raised in the South of England, she has always had an active imagination and been an avid reader, often living with her head in the clouds. She has dreamt of being an author since she was six and has the childhood stories to prove it - including one that consists of three pages of the word ‘very’ repeated, just to make it the longest story she had ever written (although I'm not sure how she thought nobody would notice).

With a passion for not only writing but anything to do with the theatre and spending time with friends and family, she is also an advocate for mental health and hopes, in the future, to use her writing to help others particularly regarding mental health.

Reviews

[Ahaana Bhargava · Rating 4 out of 5]

Necropolis is a YA fast-paced, dystopian novel, filled with twists and an intriguing storyline. Once you get past the first few chapters, you start feeling for all the characters and are secretly rooting for them to achieve all their goals. Everything was very well structured and then fleshed out in an even better way. I know it’s not very well-known, but Necropolis is such an amazing book, especially if you like dystopian novels!!

[Amy Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book
It was so easy to read and with being a military family myself I really connected to the story and the characters.
The support Wyn received from everyone was so refreshing to read and I'm so glad it was written that way. She had an hard begining in life but she's definitely made the best of the rest of it. With a loving family, supportive teacher and the military bringing out the best in her she managed to achieve everything she wanted.
I'm really hoping there is another book coming as i'm dying to know how the exercise and coming out went!!

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyn lives in a world of female oppression in a futuristic, dystopian world ruled by men. Her schooling is basic and focused on "women's jobs" while the boys have separate lessons. Wyn doesn't seem to fit in with the other girls who are planning their jobs for when they shortly leave sxhool and she can't understand why till one day she realises she wants to be in the army with the boys. With the support of one of her teachers Wyn must infiltrate the ranks in a bid to show that women are just as capable as men.
This is written superbly. The characters are fantastic and you have real feelings for them. I love the blossoming relationship between Wyn and Cole and Carter's redemption. The introduction of S.A Maddox and the special forces through a curveball in that escalated the story full pelt.
I found the start a little slow, once Wyn and Lydia started working together I really got into it and felt like it flew.
The last 20% felt slightly rushed, considering it has ended on a cliffhanger it could have taken a bit more time but it's still interesting nonetheless.
I will be honest in that I really didn't think this would be my cup of tea but I very quickly got over that and became very invested in the story.
I cannot wait to see what happens to the gang next!

[Bookswithacuppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to read a lot of YA in my 20s but not so much anymore. However, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read this and I’m glad I did. What a great book. Bethan has a softness to her writing, which I thought was actually quite a nice contrast to the military theme throughout. Her characterisation is brilliant - Wyn, Carter, Lydia and the others, along with the world they find themselves in, really came to life through Bethan’s descriptive writing. I loved Wyn’s determined personality and watching her self confidence grow, with the help and encouragement of the “suffers no fools” Lydia. Carter was a perfect example of why we should never base our judgement’s of others on face value.

This was a great coming of age story, full of determination, understanding oneself and finding where we belong in the world, while trying to lift and encourage others to find their potential too.

It ended on a cliff hanger so I really hope there is a second book to continue Wyn’s (and the others’) story. Recommended!

[Daisy Hollands · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by saying that at 55, I am definitely NOT the target audience for a YA novel. That having been said - I loved it! Necropolis may not be intended for me, but it was a really good solid read. Hugely surprised to discover this is a debut novel. Bethan Evans is a skilled writer with a real eye for detail and a talent for dialogue. I was really drawn in. This is a story that pulls you in and keeps you engrossed. I enjoyed it way more than I thought I was going to. A strong start for Bethan Evans - I would love to read more. Highly recommended, a storming debut novel.

[Rhianydd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this dystopian read this is a emotion story you enjoy I loved wyn character she was full of adventure and wanted to be a boy and join the army and she achieved it such loving character wyn was I enjoyed her I easy connected with her. I love reading ya books even at my age I still enjoy them. I hope there book two il be excited to find out what happens next. The writing was brilliant easy to understand such a good read x Thank you for the E book

[theweebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wasn't sure what to expect after reading the blurb about this YA book especially as I'm a lot older, however, I was really surprised.

Wyn wants adventure in her life and she sure gets that. From pretending to be a boy to join the army this book had me hooked. It was so interesting and had lots of twists and turns and some wonderful characters.

The downside for me is how it finished, I really want to know what happens next. However, I'm hopeful that this means there may be a second book. Brilliant debut book by Bethan evans.

I was gifted a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Enzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"With twists and turns, this story will take you on a wild ride."
Words used by the author; Bethan Evans to describe her new novel: Necropolis. You know that feeling you get after you’ve been on a rollercoaster, and the first thing you do is shake off the adrenaline and are just eager to share your experience of the ride with someone? Well that’s exactly how i felt after reading my copy of Necropolis.
Bethan doesn’t disappoint, with this highly thought out dystopian world, and not just a world build; but a structured framework with underlying foundations!
We follow Wyn, a sixteen-year-old wanting to defy the current world order, where women unfortunately have been re-oppressed to more 'traditional' roles as men are now the predominant force. Wyn lives in a city named Suthchester (Suth = Slang for “so use to haters”..interesting choice Bethan😉) and is part of a family made up of “Brothers and Sisters.” Together they form: The Old Collection. Instantly i felt held a deeper meaning, that they are merely a number and have been placed in a systemic forced society with undermined roles. A life where modern technology is prohibited; with essential and minimal belongings being the world that they now know.
This is all Wyn has ever known throughout her young life and wants to fight for the right to be classed as an equal in her society! To prove this, Wyn enlists into the army as a male cadet for The Southern Company as part of their National Service. This is where the story unfolds and takes you on a rollercoaster of excitement, emotion and nail-biting exhilaration!
I am at heart, a horror reader, sinking my teeth into anything gory, psychological and paranormal. So, when I had the opportunity to read Necropolis; a dystopian story following a young girl who joins the army in a male dominant oppressed world, and had nothing to do with horror, I was like “sure! I’m intrigued”. I was curious how this girl would manage to pull off such a bold move and at such a young age, where the unveiling of her true identity would be a risk to her very own existence!
Necropolis has everything from adventure to suspense! The world build is simply luxuriant which is ironic as it builds up a meagre society where everyone has a role to play in this astringent society! No wonder such a young girl who only knows of this inhibited life would want to fight for something more. Freedom! Especially since Wyn is aware of a life before hers, where equality once prospered.
I had so many questions drill into my head throughout each chapter, as I routed for Wyn. Such as: How will Wyn get into the Army? Will Wyn have help? What about on the inside? What about Wyns training both physically and visually to pull off being a man!? If successfully enrolled, how would Wyn hide her femininity? What will Wyns call herself amongst the cadets? Finally, would Wyn succeed in her mission? See! Sooo many questions all of which unravel in a dazzling plot and like the author describes “with twists and turns.”
Necropolis: A dystopian world which will leave you mesmerised and wanting more! The protagonist; Wyn, has the edge of Offred in Handmaid’s Tale, the fight of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games and the passion of Tris in The Divergent trilogy! I am thrilled to have read this prior to its release, as I am excited now for you to buy Necropolis and live the adventure with Wyn! It is no secret, but if you enjoy this book AND YOU WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK, then there will be a sequel!

#Dystopian #youngadultreads #amreading #Bookstagram #suspensestories

[Sourav sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW:- NECROPOLIS

AUTHOR:- BETHAN EVANS

FORMAT:- EBOOK/PAPERBACK

MY RATINGS:- 9/10

The onces who have a goal in their life or follow their dreams will be able to connect with the protagonist better.
The story is a about a teen ager who wishes to chase her dream and follow the profession that makes her happy even if it is challenging.

Bethan has such amazing writing skills that when you start reading the book you will almost dive into the story complete and visualize everything in your mind. This is her debut book but you can't figure that out by the quality of her narration. It looks like she is a complete writer and has tons of experience.

The book cover itself is so tempting that you might jump onto this by just having a look at the cover.
The details are just perfect and the main thing is that it suits the storyline.

The story will motivate, fill positively in you, give that belief of achieving anything and everything by your hardwork.

The story is about Wyn who is just sixteen years old.
She wants to explore her life despite of the society's pressure. She makes up her mind to go undercover as a Cadet in The Southern Company.

It is going to be a physical aswell as mental test for her, it will be interesting to see if she can overcome all this and achieve her goals.

Join Wyn on her journey and find out what happens further in the story.

Thankyou
Happy reading

[Jennifer Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Necropolis by Bethan Evans is an empowering story about a young girl from an oppressed regime that goes undercover as an army cadet.

It’s nearly graduation and sixteen-year-old Wyn is tired of the lackluster opportunities available to women. She doesn’t want to work as a secretary, get married, or be a teacher. What Wyn wants is adventure.

Since the Breakdown, the government has cracked down on what women can do and what they are taught. With the help of her teacher, Mrs. Clay, Wyn develops a plan to manage basic training and live life, undetected as a boy in the military.

The concept behind Necropolis is not new, but it is a welcome anthem for women’s rights. I gave it three stars out of five because I believed in the potential and message of this book. However, I felt it needed to be refined a bit more in terms of editing, story arc, and character development.

With its restrictive societal norms governing women, it’s a YA mix of The Handmaid’s Tale meets G.I. Jane and She’s the Man.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. You can read my full review on Reedsy Discovery.

[Neil Gunfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent teen read

I was recommended this book by a friend and , although it didn't appear to be my usual style, I thought I'd give it a go.
It was, admittedly, a little slow to get started I soon got into the story and couldn't put it down until I had finished it.
Plenty of little twists and turns to keep my attention and every time I thought I knew something, the author would throw in another curve ball!
This is certainly no Tom Clancy, but if you're after a well written Sunday afternoon read you could do far worse than Necropolis.

[Louise Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable work that showcases the author's extraordinary talent, firmly establishing her as one of the leading voices in contemporary dystopian literature.

The narrative is enriched by a protagonist whose determination and ambition are not only compelling but also deeply inspiring. This character's journey resonates particularly well with teenagers and young adults, encouraging them to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges and strive for transformative goals that have the potential to impact lives profoundly.

Its immersive nature is amplified by the complex plot twists and rich character development, creating a strong emotional bond with the audience and allowing them to experience their struggles and triumphs intimately. Consequently, the story lingers in your mind, making you excited to explore its world again as soon as you turn the final page!

I truly believe this book would be a significant enhancement to schools and libraries globally, enabling it to connect with and influence a diverse readership. Evans is clearly immensely gifted, and I for one am very much looking forward to her future works!

[Progress Wings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never lets me put it down

The book centers on Wyn, who masquerades as a man to join a military that excludes women, aiming to demonstrate women's abilities, especially in the elite Special Forces.

Wyn's journey includes intense training, forming deep bonds, particularly with Special Agent Maddox, another woman who has covertly excelled in the military.

Although rich in detail and engagement, the book sometimes moves too quickly, especially as characters embark on a mission, needing more development for smoother transitions and greater depth of character insight.

Despite pacing issues, the story compellingly addresses defiance, courage, and the pursuit of equality, highlighted by Wyn's challenge to societal norms and the backdrop of military life.

It will absolutely catch your attention until the last page.

[Geoffrey Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn into Wyn’s life from the beginning, along with her hopes for a future, hers and the changes she wanted bring to the lives of women, and thus society at large. I was just feeling the long period of training needed to change, when there was a great twist. The enhanced danger making the book hard to put down. Not long after, I was hit by two more surprises. Wyn’s life, her Story, picked up pace, running through to the end. Dystopian, yes. But also what can be described as “hopepunk”.