Judith L. (jlautner) reviewed on 3/19/2021 + 105 more book reviews

Ines is a high school student who has never fit in. She leans toward being antisocial and doesn't do all that well in school. Yet she is accepted into the esteemed Catherine House. This institution is known for producing graduates who reach high levels of power in the world. Successes. Yet these former students never talk about their experiences at the school. The mystery is as much an attraction as the academic legacy.

Ines is thrown a bit by the rules. Students are required to commit to three years away from the "real world". No phones, no visits outside, rare chances for even a phone call home. The students are isolated, actually fenced in. The buildings and grounds are, however, beautiful, and the students accept the limitations for the greater rewards they expect later.

Ines actually makes a few friends, which is rare for her. She is not consistent in her studying, however, and is sent to "the tower" to recharge. The Tower is not punishment, they say, but students sent there are locked in for several days or even longer, until they feel ready to get back in the game.

Ines is not stupid but she knows she is not a top academic, so it confuses her when her mediocre work is praised. She also realizes that all of the students are in some way misfits. And that some of them choose to stay on, to work in the famed research lab or to teach.

As in most schools, Catherine House has its share of tragedies. Ines's roommate, "Baby", is one of them.

Over time Ines becomes increasingly curious about what is really going on. When she starts to have an idea, she is holed up in the tower again.

The story ultimately leans toward fantasy, sci-fi. I don't as a rule care for these genres, and this one left me shaking my head. I honestly don't know what to make of it.

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