The GUARDIANS
Set in the year 2052, the novel depicts a future, authoritarian England divided into two distinct societies: the modern, overpopulated "Conurbs" and the aristocratic, rarefied "County"; the former consists of crowded city districts and all-pervasive technology while the latter is made up of manors and rolling countrysides typical of 19th-century England. The novel follows a young Conurban named Rob as he comes to experience life in both worlds, uncovering truths and choosing sides in the process.
Children's fiction, Orphans, fiction, Boarding schools, fiction, Runaways, fiction, Science fiction
Sam Youd
Sam Youd, who wrote under a number of pseudonyms is particularly noted for his works written as **John Christopher** such as the *Tripods Trilogy* or the *Sword of the Spirits Trilogy*.

Sam Youd was born in Huyton, Lancashire (though Youd is an old Cheshire surname). He adopted the name Christopher Samuel Youd for his professional writings, leading to the widespread but mistaken belief that that was his birth name. Throughout his life he was known simply as Sam to his friends and acquaintances.