Future Leaders of Nowhere

Future Leaders Series, Book 1

By: Emily O’Beirne

Narrated by: Cat Gould

Finn's solid. Not in body, but in being. She's gravity and kindness and all those good things that anchor.

Willa's confusing. Sometimes she's this sweet, sensitive soul. Other times she's like a flaming arrow you hope isn't coming for you.

Finn and Willa have been picked as team leaders in the future leader camp game. The usually confident Finn doesn't know what's throwing her more, the fact she's leading a team of highly unenthusiastic overachievers or coming up against fierce, competitive Willa. And Willa doesn't know which is harder, leaving her responsibilities behind to pursue her goals or opening up to someone.

Soon they both realize that the hardest thing of all is balancing their clashing ideals with their unexpected connection. And finding a way to win, of course.

Contains mature themes.

©2017 Emily O’Beirne (P)2022 Tantor

Genius Teens

it's haRd to remember that these are all 16 year olds in this camp. The majority have maturity way above their age. Plus, to have minds that can think of these strategies is amazing. Most adults I know would fail this camp. There is also a teenage Sapphic story within.

I ❤️ Cat

Great, quirky young love story set in an awkward youth coming of age summer camp sitch! Well written and narrated! Enjoyed the refreshing banter and youthful antics/predicaments! And a satisfying ending of first love and acceptance winning in the end!

Sweet YA romance

This was a very sweet YA love story. Another reviewer mentioned that she had to remind herself these were teens. If you have met teens outside of the US they sound like these. Particularly if they are academically inclined. I am always surprised at dinners with Europeans friends and their teen kids to hear the “ kids” participating in pretty intellectually sophisticated conversations. Their insights and contributions to the conversation is always well above those of their American equivalents. For this reason, these characters sounded believable to me! The “game,” a combination of Model UN and Settlers of Catan where decisions are then supported by historical precedent kept me interested. The romance between the two main characters was heartwarming and it was great to see how their friends accepted them as a couple with open arms and friendship! Great narrator too, though not performative (as in not great variation of voices).