When We Vanished

Call of the Crow Quartet: Book 1

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Pub Date 02 Jun 2020 | Archive Date 23 Jun 2020
Rootcity Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

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Description

When Andi Lin overhears details about a harmful research study at the food corporation Nutrexo, she’s instantly worried that her dad is involved. He left home to participate in one of the company’s clinical trials, and was in frequent contact at first—but her recent attempts to reach him have been met with silence.

Fearing he may be in danger, Andi sets out to investigate. She finds an unlikely ally in her neighbor Cyrus, whose mother once worked for Nutrexo and is hiding secrets of her own. Their search for answers leads them to the head scientist at Nutrexo’s confidential research facility, where they learn that the truth is more complicated—and more devastating—than they ever could have imagined.

This captivating debut is at once a page-turning thriller, a contemporary coming-of-age story, and a thought-provoking look at the consequences of our desires for power, success, and control.

When Andi Lin overhears details about a harmful research study at the food corporation Nutrexo, she’s instantly worried that her dad is involved. He left home to participate in one of the company’s...


A Note From the Publisher

Ebook Format (ISBN: 9781952149023)

Ebook Format (ISBN: 9781952149023)


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781952149016
PRICE $14.99 (USD)

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 48 members


Featured Reviews

Don’t Trust Your Cravings: A Review of When We Vanished
APRIL 24, 2020

When We Vanished (Call of the Crow Quartet, Book One)
Written by Alanna Peterson
Published by Rootcity Press
Available June 2, 2020

After Andi Lin’s family record store goes bust, her dad enlists in a clinical trial run by food corporation Nutrexo that promises big bucks. But when Andi cannot get in touch with him, she starts to worry—especially when she learns that Nutrexo’s involved in a harmful research study. Andi’s next-door neighbor Cyrus is also wary of Nutrexo; his mom worked for them years ago, and he knows she’s keeping secrets from her family.

Alanna Peterson writes a complex and compelling mystery that indicts the U.S. food industry. Even the most innocent-seeming things take on a scary new meaning in When We Vanished. Take Blazin Bitz, that delectable chip from Nutrexo: no one can resist them! And soon enough Andi, Cyrus, and Cyrus’ siblings know why when the break into SILO, Nutrexo’s top-secret research facility. What they discover there is not for the squeamish. These instances of violence, medical experimentation, and animal cruelty—while crucial to the plot—may upset readers. But there is also plenty for readers to enjoy: wonderful recipes and food imagery, teenage crushes, and unyielding family bonds. These enjoyable parts don’t play second fiddle to the action—the relationships and personalities that make up the characters’ world drive this thriller into unexpected places. With so many overlapping plots, even one concerning the main villain’s background, you’d think the reader would lose track. Not so—every single story sucks you in. Good thing When We Vanished is the only the first installment of the Call of the Crow Quartet. There is plenty of material here for a series.

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This was absolutely a 5 star read for me! The author masterfully penned a debut novel that kept you captivated the entire time and feeling like you were a part of the journey with the characters.

The book centers around the idea of GMOs, food justice, and corporations. I've never read a YA novel that focuses on these topics and the author's message never felt in your face. It makes you reflect on if and how things like human trials occur and the whole process of how food is made. The synopsis doesn't even scratch the surface of where this book goes which I loved because you almost go into it blindly and find so much more than what you were looking for.

When I first started, I thought it would be a slow-burn but it quickly jumps off within the first few chapters and turns from a 'who done it' kind of thriller to a 'Okay we know who's involved, so how do we stop them' story. And even when you know everyone involved, there are still secrets being discovered throughout the entire book. I liked how the characters in this were all unaware of the plans of the others and anything they did had an effect on the others without them realizing. It made the alternating POVs that much more gripping.

The author did a great job of attaching you to all of the characters. I especially wanted more of Erika and hope that we see more of her in a later book. The love found in this book ranging from Roya's flute playing to Cyrus' cooking was the greatest feature in this novel and gave the characters so much depth. I like that the author also gave the antagonists back stories and at times I almost found myself sympathizing with them which shows how amazing the writing is as it allows you to draw your own conclusions about the characters.

I especially loved how there's an actual website for a website mentioned in the book, and I can't wait to explore it as I love when authors have bonus features that allow you to keep learning more even after you've finished the book. The author skillfully set the story up to allow for more books, and I can't wait to see these characters again and learn more of their secrets.

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Thank you Netgalley for the free read in exchange for an honest review!

First the cover caught my eye, then the description sounded interesting. I rarely read YA but I am so glad I decided to read this! Turns out it is set in Seattle (where I live) and it is just so good!
The main characters are teenagers who uncover disturbing information about a large food corporation that is doing research on human subjects. It involves their parents in different ways and they jump headfirst into trying to save people and uncover the dangerous secrets. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say the story is very fast-paced and goes through a protest in downtown Seattle to a secret research silo in rural Washington, with the kids in danger throughout most of the book!
The writing was good; it was clear and drew me in immediately. The teens felt very real to me. One thing I like about YA is that it often deals with issues that adults think are too "grownup" for teens, even though teens actually are dealing with these things all the time. In this book, besides the food corporation evil research drama, the kids are also dealing with love, friendship, parental depression and drug abuse, decision-making, self-confidence, racism, and more.
The story also not so subtly advocates for food justice, which I also love. I am so glad I picked up this book and I look forward to reading the next three in the quartet.

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