Semper is the first book in the New Eden series by Peter Dudley.
Hundreds of years in the future, after technology has imploded, a young man named Dane is dreading his 16th birthday and all the extra duties and responsibilities that come with it. That’s because on Dane’s birthday he’ll become “Semper”—the new leader of the Southshaw people. He’ll also be forced to choose a wife.
While out hunting one day, Dane sees an alluring, mutant-like girl being captured by ghost people who are rumored to slaughter children and eat them alive.
Feeling both intrigued and compelled to save the dark, beautiful mutant girl, Dane follows her kidnappers miles into the forest. When he helps her escape, he questions whether she is truly a mutant, which compromises his long-held Southshaw beliefs. He also discovers some centuries-old artifacts that open his mind to new possible truths and revelations about the world as he knows it.
Shortly after returning to Southshaw, Dane is exiled for coming into contact with the “dangerous” mutant girl and the artifacts. He leaves Southshaw with his new wife by his side to discover what the rest of the world truly holds.
Semper reminds me of The Hunger Games, M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village, and the Lost show on ABC, so if you like all those things, you’ll probably enjoy Semper.
Dane is the narrator, which is a great angle because Dane’s world is mysterious. You’ll have fun trying to figure out why his world is the way it is.
Semper reads like one big mysterious conspiracy. I had so many questions while reading this novel. Why and how did technology ruin Dane’s world? Why does Southshaw consider some humans “mutant?” Why are some regions still considered dangerous and radioactive? Why are some people bald and white, and what types of “mysterious” food is Dane actually describing? These are just some of many questions I had, so I hope these are addressed in any sequels.
Semper is adventurous and fun! It gives readers a lot to speculate and chew on.
The books that come after Semper in the New Eden series by Peter Dudley are:
What did you think about this book?
Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Sarah Ann
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