Beneath Our Feet by Jack Hartley

Alfie watches as the city he calls home begins to shake and, within the blink of an eye, comes crashing down around him. In the wake of this tragedy, Alfie receives a second chance at life, finally getting the desperately needed organ for a heart transplant, forever linking Alfie to one of the Christchurch earthquake’s many victims. 

Meanwhile, Dani’s diagnosis is not good. She already beat cancer once but this time she knows there’s no escape. 

Alfie and Dani’s paths cross and together they venture to the sealed-off cordon of Christchurch’s red zone where they discover a world beyond anything they could have ever imagined; a world where time stops. 

Author Jack Hartley was born and raised in Christchurch and his love for the city shines through in this young adult fantasy. Told through the eyes of both Alfie and Danni, each chapter switches perspective. Sometimes stories like this can be a little confusing or hard to follow, but Hartley's strong characters make the story flow. They are complex, raw, lovable and authentic. 

With a background in psychology, Hartley tackles some big issues within his story - from blossoming teenage love, sickness, mental health and losing someone you love to cancer, not to mention friendships, family dynamics and living in the aftermath of an earthquake. Despite the intense themes, the story doesn't feel overly heavy, although it may be a little confronting. 

Hartley blends humour, truth and a touch of magic into this captivating story about connection.

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Scholastic