Momentum by Saci Lloyd is a futuristic, dystopian novel based upon a world where oils reserves are low and implanted technology is used constantly in everyday life. Levels of society are all important to what rights you have and many other oppressive schemes are run by the government restricting the thoughts and movement of all of those who comply. The citizens (those who accede with the government and have earned citizenship) have the most rights and power over the outsider’s (those who live in the favelas on the outskirts of London).

Hunter, a teenage citizen, is the central protagonist; despite his citizenship his desire for action and adventure gets him involved with the outsiders.  One night though when he snuck of and witnessed an outsider’s funeral, his secure, relaxed citizen life simply disappeared.  The Kossaks (police) raid the event, opening fire on the outsiders; Hunter hides, scared of being caught and ends up meeting an outsider girl, Uma, who gives him something precious to look after.  These turn out to be codes, codes so important that all of the outsiders rely on them not being found by the Kossack’s for their everyday needs; now they’re in the hands of a citizen. The question is how far will Hunter go to protect the outsider’s?

This novel leads you through an exciting puzzle as the codes are dealt with in accordance to the outsider’s emergency system. The dangers which Hunter and Uma have to go through for the end result are quite exhilarating and simply keep you turning the pages. Despite the slightly clichéd base story, all the rest was very original and unique, making this a truly great read.