All the Wind in the World

Sarah Jac and James work as field laborers harvesting maguey plants on ranches in a near-future American Southwest. After trouble at one ranch forces them to flee, they find work at the Real Marvelous - a massive maguey operation with a dark reputation. The pair pretend to be cousins to hide their romantic relationship while they work brutal hours in the desert heat alongside other desperate laborers. Their goal is to save enough money to buy their own land up north, but the Real Marvelous holds secrets that threaten their plans and their survival. The story combines elements of dystopian fiction, magical realism, and romance in a harsh desert setting where superstition and practicality intertwine. The Real Marvelous serves as both refuge and potential trap for Sarah Jac and James as they navigate dangerous territory, both physical and emotional. At its core, this novel explores the tension between love and survival, and questions what people will sacrifice to pursue their dreams in an unforgiving world.

Readers describe this YA novel as atmospheric and gritty, with a focus on survival and romance in a harsh desert setting. The prose style and world-building receive consistent mentions in reviews. Readers appreciated: - The unique dystopian/Western blend - Complex relationship dynamics - Lyrical, descriptive writing - The desert atmosphere and setting details Common criticisms: - Slow pacing, especially in the middle - Underdeveloped secondary characters - Confusing plot elements and magical realism aspects - Abrupt ending that left questions unanswered One reader noted: "The writing is beautiful but the story meanders without enough forward momentum." Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (50+ reviews) Barnes & Noble: 3.5/5 (20+ reviews) The book earned a starred review from School Library Journal but reader responses trend toward mixed, with many noting they expected more resolution from the story.

The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi The combination of dystopian elements and southwestern desert setting creates a stark parallel to Mabry's dustbowl world while exploring similar themes of survival and power.

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson This historical fantasy follows a gold-sensing girl through a western landscape where magic and harsh realities intertwine with romance.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Butler's novel presents a climate-ravaged California where characters must navigate survival, faith, and community in a world of scarce resources.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young The story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic desert setting where a young woman's quest reveals truths about survival and connection in an unforgiving landscape.

The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez This contemporary narrative weaves together love and struggle in ways that mirror the economic and social dynamics found in Mabry's work.

🌵 Author Samantha Mabry drew inspiration from her own experiences growing up in Texas, incorporating the harsh desert landscape into her vivid world-building. 🌱 The book's fictional "jimsonweed" farms are based on real jimsonweed plants, which are highly toxic and have been used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices for centuries. 💫 The novel combines elements of magical realism with dystopian fiction, a blend that earned it a nomination for the 2017 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. ❤️ While the story features supernatural elements, Mabry wrote it primarily as a love story about survival and sacrifice in extreme circumstances. 🏜️ The setting was inspired by industrial farming operations in the American Southwest, where migrant workers face dangerous working conditions similar to those depicted in the book.