Review: Deleted Dreams by Ren Ellis

Author Ren Ellis releases a bold and visionary novella with Deleted Dreams, a YA speculative fiction novella that delicately pulls from multiple genres and demonstrates exceptional storytelling skill. With remarkable world-building and creativity, as well as a deep focus on character depth and vulnerability, this book is electric and memorable.

Derra is an exceptional young woman torn between two worlds – The Ring of Ruins and the Ring of Radiance. She may be an Incident-stained young woman, but she is well on her way to redemption and the future she has dreamed of: becoming a Fixer to mend the broken parts of her city.

However, the brutal realities of what her job may entail, along with the sinister intentions of those in power above her, make her question whether the deletion of dreams is the best way forward. She soon begins to question whether this invasive system of control may be the inevitable source of their destruction.

Beneath this epic level of storytelling is an intensely personal tale of family and reconciliation, and of best friends connecting on the most intimate levels imaginable. The premise of being able to read the minds of others is always an interesting one to explore, but the relationship forged as a result of that shared gift between Marc and Derra is wholly unique and beautifully stretched out across the story. The plot rarely lets up in terms of its spiraling sci-fi depths, so for a YA novella, it may be a bit intimidating and abstract, but it pays off exceptionally well, and it will also appeal to free-thinking older readers.

Set upon the premise of a great divide between the Ruined and the Radiant, the story bounces between elements that are alternately Shakespearean, contemporary, and futuristic with surprising dexterity. The sci-fi and fantasy elements are immediately woven into the exposition, forcing readers to quickly dive into their suspension of disbelief and accept the rules of this new world. There is something matter-of-fact about the tone and the gradually revealed history, but there is also a prophetic edge, a social commentary buried right below the surface.

Rich with symbolism and philosophical import, Ellis is able to paint a completely original world, yet still make it feel like a story being told directly about society today. With inequality running rampant, the world on the verge of collapse, and families being torn apart by twisted ideology and miscommunication, this is a timely read indeed. The boundless imagination is reminiscent of anime masterpieces, while the writing has glimpses of true brilliance, reaching the magical tone of Murakami.

In terms of technical details, there are some misspellings and grammatical errors, as well as a handful of clumsy sentences that could be reworked to maintain the smooth, easy flow of key passages. However, these are minor critiques in an otherwise engaging and ambitious creation; the author packs a great deal in every chapter, without the pace ever feeling rushed.

A story exploring timeless themes in a hyper-specific “other” world makes for very good reading, and Ellis’ bubbling creativity is a marvelous thing to savor.