In Liam's Wake by Ashlyn Forge

 For eight years, Liam has been trapped underground in The Colony—a sanctuary so determined to stay hidden it forbids anyone from leaving once they've entered. His only hope of returning home rests on his best friend Riley who, on the eve of their escape, slipped into a coma.

Despite staggering debt, vengeful mutants and bounty hunters, Liam continues a seemingly never-ending quest for a cure to end Riley's unnatural five-year sleep. Every night, Liam stares at the listless man who not only holds his escape, but his heart. The suffering can end, however; Liam must only forsake all hope of ever returning home again, abandon Riley to his fate, and wholeheartedly serve as a soldier for The Colony—the very people he's trying to escape.

Live the life within his reach, or continue chasing the one just beyond his grasp? He need only submit.

After eight years Liam can't escape the underground hell known as The Colony. This is the sanctuary that has forbidden anyone from leaving once they have dared entered. He needs his friend Riley in order to escape to the outside but Riley has fallen into an unnatural coma the night they were planning to escape. Liam is trying everything possible in this harsh new world to wake Riley from his five year rare sleep state. Riley holds Liam's heart and the possibility of escaping if he ever wakes up. He rarely leaves Riley's side just long enough to train for the Elite solider that guards the colony from intruders as he is hoping this is his way of making it outside!

The author has written such a complex character in Liam as you will want to scream at him for the crazy stupid mistakes he keeps making. Then you realize why he makes these choices because his one main goal is to keep protecting Riley at any cost. I liked how the author wrote these characters as they don't jump in love with each other and she builds such a strong emotional connection between them. At first you might think are they just friends or friends who care a lot for each other or is there something more meaningful in their special bond. I really enjoyed reading this dystopian novel as the author makes you feel that you are living in this world and that is not an easy task.

My only issue with the novel is that it is a little slow to start off as she builds the worlds so brilliantly. I also found the flashbacks a touch confusing at times and really not showing too much how Riley became in the state he was. Once things start off, you will love the story as I do and how well written the characters and the setting are.

In Liam's last ditched attempt to escape with Riley, he will risk everything that is important to him! Will the escape work? Will he lose everything that means the world to him? Will Riley wake up in order to help with the escape and make it outside with Liam?

The author takes you in time to a great fun read about the Sci-fi and dystopian world which I love very much. I highly recommend this intelligent novel by Ashlyn Forge called In Liam's Wake!