What is The Wild Unknown about?
A 12 year old boy named Eddie is concerned about a missing boy from his school. When he goes looking for him, it seems to kick off a series of events around him, and then frightening physical changes to his body. He feels increasingly strange inside and out and isn’t sure who to tell.
Surrounded by AI tech, it’s a secret that is hard to keep to himself. His parents have minimised the technology in their family home, but it’s 2045, and it is used in every aspect of human life. Finding a balance is an ongoing problem. Keeping his secret but continuing his search, Eddie tries to fight his body’s alarming changes. Soon the local authorities get more involved, which sparks a dangerous mission.
Plot summary of The Wild Unknown (No Spoilers)
Eddie isn’t looking forward to going back to school. His brother Jude is not only a good student but seems to excel at everything he does, which leaves Eddie feeling like he is always trying to catch up. When a boy named Theo from his school is reported missing, Eddie can’t let it go. He wants to help find Theo. Eddie and his best friend Kit begin to investigate near a river where Theo was seen last.
It is 2045, and Eddie’s parents try to limit the ever-increasing technology in their home. They are also very safety conscious with their sons. Eddie knows he’s not allowed near the river, so when he and Kit find something strange, they’re not sure who to tell. When the item goes missing, Eddie is more confused and worried about Theo. Soon after their river clue-finding expedition, Eddie begins to feel strange. Was something in the water?
When his body begins changing physically, he’s terrified someone will find out. It is far from normal and he can’t find answers. He’s relieved when he learns he’s not the only one. With his big brother and his friends, they dig deeper into the mystery of the missing boy, and Eddie’s changing body, whilst avoiding robot dogs, spy drones and strange deliveries.
Review
The Wild Unknown is something different and being set less than 20 years in our future, the featured technology is quite believable.
This novel for 10+ explores the ever increasing role of AI in our daily lives. Although much of it is helpful, The Wild Unknown highlights that it is a balance we must constantly keep track of and also always remember (no matter how much AI bots seem to be almost human) AI is a machine.
I enjoyed this look into our perfectly possibly future of AI, Science, family and friendships and the possible fallout caused by technology’s power.
Book Style
328 pages / 42 Chapters with Chapter headings in a futuristic font
FAQ’s
What age is it for?
10+
Where & When is it set?
Australia / 2045 – 2046
What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?
Third person / Past tense
Is there Violence?
Minor bullying at school, and threat of violence from robots
What genre is The Wild Unknown?
Middle Grade Dystopian
Themes
Future / Technology / AI / Artificial Intelligence / Mystery
Is it part of a series?
No
Author
Emily Gale
Publisher
Text Publishing Australia
(2026, Text Publishing Aust, Australia, Future, Dystopian, Friendship, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Missing Boy, Investigate, Clues, Politics, Computers, Robots, Technology, Bots, Science, Secret)