Casa Grande is one of the most beautiful cities in the state of Arizona. So why did author and former middle school teacher, Kennedy Plumb, destroy it in her new book, "Buried?" Well, to be honest, all of America is pretty much devasted in this, her debut novel. But it also makes for great storytelling in this nail-biting young adult thriller about survival, family devotion and a corrupt caste system.
"I love the dystopian genre because of the opportunity to build a whole new world-society," Plumb said about her favorite literary genre.
Plumb, 26, is an Arizona native. She grew up in the beautiful suburbs of the aforementioned Casa Grande. From there she attended college in Flagstaff and eventually settled in the Queen Creek/San Tan Valley area with her high school sweetheart, Aaron. Their non-fictional world-building includes a 2-year-old son named James and a furry duo named Granger and Bellatrix.
That's a lot to handle, but not nearly as much as what the character Sam in her debut novel "Buried" must tolerate. Sam is a 16-year-old orphan who has sworn to protect his younger sister, Ella, at any cost. After America endures World War III, the terrain and air have become toxic. The survivors move underground to a class system in which Sam and Ella are employed by the elite to do their lowly duties.
Eventually, Ella goes missing and Sam must rely on his wits and evolving friendships to find her. This thriller could sit among other popular adventure series such as "The Maze Runner" or "Divergent." Plumb credits authors Karen McManus, Nicola Yoon, Tiffany D. Jackson, Sarah J. Maas and Neal Shusterman as her literary idols. That makes sense because all of those writers put their young adult heroes in treacherous circumstances. "Buried" is no exception.
Although the story is derivative of a hero's journey, Plumb's reason for creating her story is actually two-fold.
"As a former middle school teacher, I had many students, especially boys, who were resistant readers," said Plumb. "These boys would complain that there weren't many options with a male protagonist that weren't about sports. They would just keep reading 'The Maze Runner' over and over again. So, I started writing my book with those students in mind, to write something they would like. I was inspired by the relationship my husband had with his late sister, how protective he and his brothers were over her, and how much they loved her. I wanted to create a similar sibling relationship and explore how far a brother would go to protect his little sister."
The period in which her story takes place isn't too far from the future. But it's also a cautionary tale for what's happening in the world right now. From politics to abuse of authority, the themes, although fantastical, are relatable today and could be interpreted as anti-conservative. Arizona historically tilts to the right so this reporter asked the native Arizonan if she was apprehensive about some of the liberal-leaning context in her book.
"No, I feel the themes and ideas in my book are universal and human issues and even when in a fictional story, are ones that anyone can sympathize with and relate to regardless of political affiliations or beliefs," Plumb said.
Modern government allegories aside, Plumb (a proud Slytherin) is as much an adventurer as the hero in her book. She loves the outdoors "and anything free." But one gets the sense that she is most happy when tapping away at the keyboard, creating massive, immersive worlds for others to envision in their mind's eye. "Buried" is that and so much more.
"Readers can expect an action-packed plot, rich and relatable characters, and a unique new dystopian society," she said. "Plus, a cute hero animal sidekick, rag-tag group of outcasts and a cliffhanger ending."
The former educator has some advice for aspiring writers, too. She says that planning out the story is important, but don't get discouraged if things don't pan out exactly as you forecast.
"I outlined and outlined and outlined, but then as I was writing, it unfolded in completely different ways than I expected and that's okay," Plumb said. "I would say just keep the plot true to what the characters need."
When all is said and done, these personas will forever live inside the writer's head; some good, some bad, but they're always there.
When asked of all the characters in "Buried," which one would she like to sit down and have a meal with, Plumb said, "Beardsley because he seems like he'd be a good time and I think he'd get along really well with my husband's family-they're all crazy in a good way," she laughed. "And either Lala or Q for selfish reasons because I think we'd be besties."
Plumb seems to have found her perfect literary niche. Buried is a dystopian fantasy where normal life turns into a nightmare. But that could also be said for a teenager's real coming-of-age. Just because this is a young adult adventure novel doesn't mean it's juvenile. The characters are fleshed out, the relationships seem genuine, and the unresolved finish hits the perfect stopping point.
That being said, the author's plans for the future of the series will have fans reading her second book by this fall.
"I know, readers probably hate me for the cliffhanger," Plumb said. "But yes, the second book will be released in September of this year, and the third and final book is estimated for summer of 2023."
You can buy Plumb's "Buried" at Amazon.com.
