On the Run is the first book in the More Than Conquerors series by DJanee. It opens with Sophie as she tries to escape a compound controlled by a group she refers to as Firebursts. As she tries to find her way out she gets attacked by what she calls a killer and narrowly manages to escape both the killer and the compound. Finding refuge in a nearby mansion she meets up with Josh, a friend and fellow escapee from the compound. Pooling their abilities they are able to call their friend Jules, yet another escapee from the compound, to their location. Deciding to hide there for the day they work on regaining their energy and figuring out what to do next as their prophecy of escape only led them to the mansion. That night they continue their escape by leaving the mansion and work on moving farther away from the compound. Something that potentially gets tricky when they end up running into what they believe might be firebursts from the compound. After a brief conflict it is revealed that they have instead run into a group of resistance members who were surveilling the compound.
This was a good book in that the story was pretty entertaining and interesting to read. At the same time there was a lot that was left unexplained it felt like. One of the biggest things was how this world functions as there was surprisingly little revealed about that. It mentions things like the three friends were all from the Conquest community but they don’t really explain the significance of that. Another is the firebursts working on taking over but they don’t really explain who they are or why they think they need to take over and then don’t explain who the group known as killers are or their relation to the firebursts. I feel like there is so much background information that is just left out but that could lend some considerable depth to the story being told and the world portrayed. The characters are well portrayed and seem to be pretty well rounded but there is also not a lot of backstory provided for them. A few bits and pieces, predominantly about Sophie since she is the narrator, but overall very little is actually revealed about how they came to be where they are now. I don’t think it even gives good idea of their general age for that matter. You can read and still enjoy the story without these types of details but I would honestly prefer to have a little bit more explained throughout the story just so I have a better idea of what is actually going on. I feel like we are only barely scratching the surface of this world and this setting and I kind of want to know more about it but that is also just me. The story was still decent though so I am giving it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
This is a young adult dystopian fantasy and while lacking some depth is still pretty good. If you happen to be someone who enjoys that type of story than I suggest you consider trying this one. I am not sure if it would appeal to readers who prefer something different though. In terms of content it could easily be read by teens as young as thirteen or fourteen as it is fairly mild all things considered both in terms of violence and just in general. It is a good book though and if it sounds interesting consider trying it. Remember to share your thoughts in the comments if you do. I acquired this through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.