The Boy Who Learned to Live

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Pub Date Nov 25 2024 | Archive Date Mar 15 2025

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Description

Seventeen-year-old Oliver Mc’Neil has never been outside. Like everyone else in the Fifth City in the year 2085, he and his mother live in an apartment where the air and water are sterile, their food is couriered to them, and all their activities—work, school, exercise, entertainment—are done indoors on sims, machines that simulate life using computer monitors, virtual reality headsets, and holograms.

When Oliver wakes up in the middle of the woods drugged and delirious, he has no idea how he got there, but he is certain it is a death sentence. He is taken in by the rugged and beautiful Autumn, whose family is loud, rambunctious, and three children over the legal birth limit. They are outlaws, living with thousands of others in a network of underground caves, where modern technology is forbidden and secrecy is paramount. Oliver must learn to survive in a land that is wild and dangerous, while battling voices in his head that haunt him day and night. He doesn’t know if the hallucinations are due to withdrawals from the mind-numbing medication he has taken every day of his life, or if he truly is the monster he appears to be. One thing he is certain of: he will do whatever it takes to protect Autumn, the girl who saved his life.

Cave sentries begin to go missing, leading to a series of disasters and growing suspicion about Oliver’s appearance in the caves. Now his choices will either save or endanger his friends. Will he ever be able to trust himself in this strange new life?

Seventeen-year-old Oliver Mc’Neil has never been outside. Like everyone else in the Fifth City in the year 2085, he and his mother live in an apartment where the air and water are sterile, their food...


Advance Praise

“Moore delivers enthralling set pieces… the entire cast is outstanding… a wholly absorbing, character-driven dystopian tale.”

-Kirkus Reviews 

“A visceral dystopian tale about the fight to live a full, free life. The book’s contrast between sun-bright hope and intense, violent shocks are compelling elements that make this story leap from the page. The Boy Who Learned to Live abounds with simple yet deep scenes that wouldn’t feel out of place in Anne of Green Gables. They’re passages to savor.”

-Independent Book Review

“A taut and compelling exploration of identity and freedom, set against the backdrop of a dystopian future. In a society ruled by technology and conformity, Oliver finds salvation in human connection and nature. Moore deftly portrays his internal struggle and transformation, crafting a haunting journey that asks not just how we survive in a fractured world, but how we rediscover ourselves within it. Simply un-put-downable.”

-The Prairie's Book Review

“Moore delivers enthralling set pieces… the entire cast is outstanding… a wholly absorbing, character-driven dystopian tale.”

-Kirkus Reviews 

“A visceral dystopian tale about the fight to live a full...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9798218495817
PRICE $4.99 (USD)
PAGES 251

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Average rating from 22 members


Featured Reviews

This was an incredibly thought-provoking dystopian novel that explored heavy themes of humanity and survival. The writing itself was amazing with the character development and immersive world building. This was definitely one of the most gripping reads of the year!

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In this gripping and thought-provoking novel, D.N. Moore masterfully crafts a tale of survival, self-discovery, and the true meaning of humanity. Oliver's journey from a sterile, tech-driven existence to a harsh yet vibrant world is both thrilling and poignant.

The author's world-building is exceptional, with a vivid portrayal of a dystopian future that feels eerily plausible. The contrast between the Fifth City's artificial comfort and the raw beauty of the natural world is stark and compelling.

Oliver's character development is equally impressive, as he grapples with his troubled past, hallucinations, and growing feelings for Autumn. His struggles to adapt to a new way of life are deeply relatable, and his determination to protect those he cares about is admirable.

The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, with Autumn's family and the cave community adding depth and warmth to the story. The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader on edge as Oliver navigates the dangers of his new environment and confronts the darkness within himself.

Through Oliver's journey, Moore raises important questions about the consequences of playing it safe, the value of human connection, and the resilience of the human spirit. This book will resonate with fans of dystopian fiction, adventure, and anyone looking for a story that will leave them thinking long after the final page is turned.

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"The Boy Who Learned to Live" by D.N. Moore is a captivating dystopian novel that offers a fresh take on the genre. Set in a futuristic world where technology has completely isolated humanity, the story follows seventeen-year-old Oliver Mc'Neil as he's thrust into a wild and unfamiliar environment.

Moore's world-building is impressive, painting a vivid picture of both the sterile, tech-driven Fifth City and the rugged, underground cave network where outlaws thrive. The contrast between these two settings provides a compelling backdrop for Oliver's journey of self-discovery and adaptation.

The characters are well-developed, particularly Oliver and Autumn. Their relationship adds depth to the narrative, and Oliver's internal struggle with his own nature creates an intriguing psychological element. The supporting cast, including Autumn's boisterous family, brings life and warmth to the story.

While the plot is engaging, with its mix of survival challenges, mysterious disappearances, and Oliver's personal growth, some aspects of the story feel familiar to seasoned dystopian readers. However, Moore's skillful storytelling and the unique elements of the setting help to overcome this minor drawback.

The novel excels in its exploration of themes such as the impact of technology on society, the importance of human connection, and the struggle to find one's identity. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing food for thought without being heavy-handed.

Overall, "The Boy Who Learned to Live" is an absorbing and thought-provoking YA dystopian novel that will appeal to fans of the genre and newcomers alike. D.N. Moore has crafted a compelling tale that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

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Most gripping and neat book i have read this year. This book draws a big parallel to where things are and where they could easily be heading. It was arm-hair raising how true to things/situations we have entered and how at the same time we can observe and distance ourselves. I liked the authors sense of humor and the growth of the main character, Oliver. It is truly profound how well of a job Moore does in writing this book so it comes off edgy and new and a science fiction type novel.

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