The Territory

Praise for the book

Winner of the Trinity Schools Book Award 2018 | Winner of the Gateshead YA Book Prize 2017

‘I love reading Sarah Govett – she’s whip-smart, funny and by plugging into the hope and energy of the young makes me feel better about these dark times.’ Dame Emma Thompson

‘Truly heart wrenching! Govett raises issues about our education system, the environment and questions the decisions governments across the world are making. I’d go as far as to call this the 1984 of our time and recommend this as a great read, with a fantastic political context.’ The Guardian Children’s Books online

‘Gripping dystopia with a keen political edge.’ Imogen Russell Williams, Metro

‘A thrilling and thought-provoking dystopian novel … with a lot to say about our education system.’ The Times

‘If you are looking for a book purely on the quality and uniqueness of the story then this is a great one for you.’ mrripleysenchantedbooks.com

‘A pacy dystopian fantasy thriller.’ Martin Chilton, The Telegraph 21 best YA books of 2015

‘This is a truly exceptional novel, exciting, gripping and intense, with relatable protagonists whose agonies become the reader’s own. It deals with complex moral dilemmas regarding loyalty, self-preservation and family, forcing the reader to answer the uncomfortable question: who deserves to live when spaces are limited? This is the first of a trilogy and the final cliff-hanger will leave you clamouring for more.’ Book Trust

‘Govett has created a powerful and shocking novel that makes the reader wonder how societies would deal with the environmental consequences of climate change and if there could ever be any ‘right’ course of action… an … excellent, thought-provoking book.’ Children’s Books Ireland

‘It’s an enjoyable, fast-paced read, and raises some interesting questions about how you would behave in difficult situations, as well as being a clear indictment of the UK education system. It’s the first in a trilogy and I’ll be interested to see how the story progresses.’ Books for Keeps

‘The Territory had me hooked from page one, gripped by its edgy and taut plot that provides a disturbing vision of Britain in 2059. I was immediately drawn into the life Noa, an engaging and spirited protagonist soon to face an exam that will ultimately decide whether she lives or dies. The tension was almost too much to bear. The Territory is an accomplished and compelling debut that left me hungry for the next book in the trilogy.’ Lovereading4kids  

‘More 10 Things I Hate About You than The Hunger Games; The Territory is a brilliant introduction to a dystopian society not too far removed from our own. It goes beyond the expected tropes of a grim and bloody fight for survival and instead focuses on the daily life being a second class citizen in that most relatable and terrifying of settings – high school… The Territory is a believable, exciting read that had me hanging on every word and left me wanting to find out more about a world that could be our future.’ Teen Librarian

‘A fast paced story, which kept me turning those pages to find out what would happen next. It has a satisfying conclusion, but is all set up for the rest of the trilogy, which I’m waiting impatiently for.’ BCF Books Reviews