Solar
Solar is a gripping and powerful dystopian YA novel about danger, love, and glimmering hope for young dystopian fans. It’s a survival story set in Iceland which becomes completely isolated.
In the midst of preparations for the first dance of tenth grade, the electricity is cut out. The phone signal and Wi-Fi disappear, cars stop working, and aeroplanes are grounded. Everyone is completely cut off, and darkness descends on the unprepared city of Reykjavik. After the first month, death rates rise, and everyone realises they are in for a long, chilling winter.
The story follows 15-year-old Unnar and her family as their lives are turned upside down when a massive solar flare hits Earth, followed by unprecedented ferocity as their community is plunged into darkness and chaos. Her budding relationship with new friend Tanja is a light in the darkness.
Solar is an intense and exciting story about a community where all the rules have evaporated and menace is the only currency. However, partnership, compassion and even love can be found within the chaos.
Publishing information
Awards & nominations
Nominations
2026
Icelandic Women's Literature Prize (Fjöruverðlaunin)
2025
Icelandic Literature Prize (Children’s books category)
Reviews
"Arndís Þórarinsdóttir's Solar is a brilliantly written book about what happens when the world changes in an instant, nothing is the same, and no one knows what the future holds. Through Unna's eyes, readers observe how the collapse of technology and communication is addressed, as well as what happens to morality and empathy. Solar is a sensitive story about issues that affect us all, and the big question is really: What matters most to us?"
“An impactful and thrilling disaster story where readers get to follow interesting characters in terrifying and suspenseful situations. The author successfully creates a believable picture of a changed society and captures the reader’s attention, holding on until long after the book has been read.”
“Sólgos is a well-written young adult book that urges readers to think about the past, present, and future. The plot is fast-paced and exciting, but it also asks challenging questions – questions that we should all be asking ourselves, young and old.”
“The story is artistically well written and raises various moral questions. Although the book is indeed written with young people in mind, it remains equally relevant to adults and is both concise and a quick read.”
“Solar is a sharp and moving book that I expect will resonate with the younger generation. The narrative is striking and leaves a lasting impression.”
“Overall, Sólgos is a strong YA novel, one which poses compelling questions, and manages complex topics in a manner both sharp and sincere. The reader is placed in a moral dilemma, the story terrifies to the bone but at the same time offers hope, based on human kindness, compassion, and beauty, which - as history has taught us - can thrive even under the harshest of conditions.” 4/5 star review
