Sun Catchers is a dystopian thriller by Daniel Georgiev. In a world covered with snow, humanity has found refuge inside layers of concrete tunnels stacked upon one another, with the toppers defining the rules and controlling the lives of the underprivileged below. Sol Starcrest is an eighteen-year-old from Layer 5 who leads the Sun Catchers on energy harvest missions. But on one such mission, Sol's girlfriend inadvertently awakens her mysterious Redshift powers after an encounter with the Delver Beasts. Soon, Layer 5 is attacked and destroyed, leading to mass casualties. Left with no other choice, the Sun Catchers follow Clare's lead on a treacherous quest to the bottom layer, hoping to find answers for their survival. But things don't go according to plan.

Sun Catchers is tailor-made for fans of post-apocalyptic dystopian tales. Fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with wild twists and turns, Daniel Georgiev's engrossing narrative has you on the edge of your seat throughout. At its core, this is a gritty survival story. For me, the worldbuilding is absolutely spectacular. From the very first page, you feel like you've been placed in a hostile and cold world where shadows chase you, and danger lurks around every corner. I found the concept of the layers fascinating. The relationships between the characters are also very compelling. Sol, Clare, Kael, and Dallas were my favorites among the Sun Catchers. The ending is just heartbreaking. But I think it suits the tone of the story. I would love to read another novel set in this world. If you enjoy dystopian fiction, do not miss out on this book.

Sun Catchers by Daniel Georgiev is set in a world covered by snow, where people live in layers beneath it. Sol Starcrest is the Sun Catcher for Layer Five, and he leads a team on special missions for capturing sunlight and seeking other resources to keep their community alive. They are always in danger from the authorities of the top layer and the beasts that live in the shadows. Sol goes on secret missions to the bottom layers to find an alternative source of energy, but what he discovers are orbs and records of experiments done by his girlfriend Clare’s mother. When Clare starts hearing voices and exhibiting special abilities after a devastating incident, the team becomes hopeful. But all is not as it seems, as traitors lurk among them and are just waiting for the right time to pounce.

Sun Catchers is a thought-provoking and riveting read that plunges deep into environmental disasters, the ethical implications of scientific experimentation, and the dangers of unchecked power. It's also about hope and sacrifice, covering just how far humans will go to survive. The story is told mainly from Sol's and Clare's points of view, each page resounding with the love and trust shared by the two. What really makes this story stand out is the connection and camaraderie that surround members of Sol's team. They all have specific duties that fit their strengths perfectly. Daniel Georgiev has built a detailed world, with special rituals such as the fivers, five words written before a mission, and community send-off and welcoming gatherings for missions. The story has suspense with unexpected twists and turns, and suspicious characters that make it hard to discern their motives. I enjoyed this book and hope there are more stories about these characters, despite the shocking end.