A pre-post apocalyptic take on what America would like without fresh produce in the lead up to a famine. As always in these books the horror is in theA pre-post apocalyptic take on what America would like without fresh produce in the lead up to a famine. As always in these books the horror is in the human nature. At times this read as a action/crime book offset by some shady political back room dealings with interesting and well written characters who really made the story come to life. Personally I would’ve like to read more about the fallout from the famine. Still enjoyable nonetheless. ...more
I wasn't sure I was going to like Borne early on. The setting is clearly post extension level event (ELE) and the characters; two scavengers who live I wasn't sure I was going to like Borne early on. The setting is clearly post extension level event (ELE) and the characters; two scavengers who live off odd and difficult-to-imagine biotech / hybrid organic/man-made food gave little away by means of personality or purpose (other than to eat enough to make it through to the next day).
Then there's the huge flying bear described as being three stories tall that roams the skies and decimates the landscape when it lands by the name of Mord - a creation of an elusive though often referenced 'Company' which is hard to imagine and harder swallow with any degree of plausibility.
Lastly, there's Borne. He/she/it is something altogether different and highly imaginative; I'm thinking a blob-like entity but more colorful and personable. Borne doesn't do a lot early on.
So with that opening I wasn't sure if I was into the book. But this is Jeff VanderMeer and his books haven't let me down previously so I read on - and I'm glad I did as this is one heck of a read that really pulls on the readers heartstrings and slowly evolves into something completely different from what I was expecting.
Borne is a deeply driven character story that uses a post ELE setting to its advantage; not only as a means to introduce weird creatures but also to convey a struggle that has the reader rooting for the leading characters. There's great character development and some real emotion written into the interactions between Rachel and Borne which often set the plot spiraling in another direction.
My rating: 5/5 stars - I highly recommend reading Borne, it's one of my best finds of 2017. ...more
The thing I like about this series is each book brings something new to the table. WOOL introduced the world within the silo(s) and some of the intereThe thing I like about this series is each book brings something new to the table. WOOL introduced the world within the silo(s) and some of the interesting characters that inhabit it. SHIFT gave readers the answers to how the silo(s) came about and provided context and rationale to the story behind WOOL whilst also linking the events of the two books into a semi prequel/sequel. DUST again brings new elements to the rich, yet densely contained world author Hugh Howey has created by virtue of an outside hope, determined protagonist further evolved from WOOL, and an expansion upon the events that have unfolded in the preceding books.
For me, DUST is the highlight of the series. Not only does it takes readers on a new journey but also defines the core characters, casting them in distinctly humanist light without diluting the ‘road to ruin nature’ which led to the creation of the silos.
Howey does leave the door slightly ajar for further instalments which may/may not be directly related to DUST and silos 17, 18 and 1 (the prime featured silos). There are 50 other possibilities and hundreds of years’ worth of cleanings, uprisings, and mayor elects questioning the order to explore.
As Howey writes at the end of the edition I read; the characters live longer than the book, the story resonates, and this is not the end (I’m paraphrasing). That’s good enough hope for me.
Urban fantasy and legend meet the post apocalyptic in BLACK FEATHERS created from the wickedly dark imagination of author Joseph D’Lacey. This new worUrban fantasy and legend meet the post apocalyptic in BLACK FEATHERS created from the wickedly dark imagination of author Joseph D’Lacey. This new world takes all that it’s been given; decimating the populace and crumbling the society that has so scarred its land for as long as time can remember. Now, rivers overflow, volcanoes spill hot lava, the very crust of Earth splits and soil is borne anew. BLACK FEATHERS leads to a cleansing of the planet where savours are few and survivalists are the government made of single mindedness determination with a ‘control at all cost’ mantra.
For Gordon Black, a young boy blessed and cursed to follow the path of the Crowman, this new world takes everything from him while subjecting him to daily torment at the hands of the Ward and the ills of mankind in general. Gordon knows he’s special, his parents told him so all his life until the moment they were taken away for hoarding food and supplies during a time when rationing and natural disasters ran rife. Now on the path alone he looks deep within to discover what the Crowman is, and how he can influence the second coming of man.
The other side of the equation is Megan – a young woman set to become a Keeper; the person responsible for documenting and remembering the Crowman’s path and plight. Throughout BLACK FEATHERS she endures other worldly experiences and follows a distinctly similar path to that of Gordon, only, in Megan’s eye, past, future, and present blend into one. It’s a disturbing and slightly disorienting side to BLACK FEATHERS but makes the book that much more enjoyable.
The thing that impressed me the most about this book is the non conformity with the post apocalyptic genre in general – D’Lacey blends elements of the fantastical with almost spiritualistic remedies to provide a sense of hope to his characters that otherwise wouldn’t have had such a purpose.
Needless to say, book #2, THE BOOK OF THE CROWMAN has jumped near the top of my TBR. ...more
The Black Dawn duology closes with THE BOOK OF THE CROWMAN; the fantastical eco war mixed with a religious like mythology and spiced with the otherworThe Black Dawn duology closes with THE BOOK OF THE CROWMAN; the fantastical eco war mixed with a religious like mythology and spiced with the otherworldly spun around young man, Gordon Black and his quest along the black feathered path. Accompanying Gordon, on a parallel path, is Megan, a Keeper in training who evolves into something much more powerful than a designated scribe of the Crowman’s legend, as initially introduced.
Author Joseph D’Lacey fortifies his characters giving them unique powers such as the ability to heal/revive the dead/near dead, morph into animal form, and transpose through time in a mystical ‘weave’ which creates a ghost like apparition of the traveller seen by few and feared by more.
The Ward and the Green Men return but with more purpose than the search of the seemingly elusive Crowman, rather, the two groups engage in fierce battle for the land – one to maintain and nurture mother nature, the other to build and deface (hence the earlier reference to eco war). Gordon, still being chased by the Ward and haunted by his family’s earlier abduction is faced with a choice few could stand to make. The ultimate result is the gratification of a legend, a validation of belief and a sacrifice beyond measure.
Twists and turns aplenty in the later stages of THE BOOK OF THE CROWNMAN really turn the story on its head, making this reader question what was considered to be actual story or a retelling lent more towards fiction than historical fact (re: Megan’s account). I thought this was a nice way to end it all but could see how some readers would want more closure – personally, the openness and individual interpretation of the revelation at books’ end is a real highlight.
Overall, an enjoyable read that introduces some interesting concepts and other that don’t quite hit the mark. Well worth a look in as a form of escapism.
Melanie is a 10yr old girl with a unique and terrifying gift; one that challenges the status quo and threatens to change her way of life – and not forMelanie is a 10yr old girl with a unique and terrifying gift; one that challenges the status quo and threatens to change her way of life – and not for the better. In a dangerous post apocalyptic new world, this seemingly innocent and kind hearted young girl finds herself one of the most significant and important people on Earth. Within her lies the hope and bloody end to mankind in its present day incarnation.
Author M.R. Carey really grabs the reader with such a young and vulnerable protagonist who is thrust into a violent world where normalcy consists of scavenging for live food – be it human or animal whilst trying to outwit the ‘hungires’ and ‘junkers’ alike. Aided by a group of uninfected humans in Dr Caldwell, Sergeant Parks, and Helen Justineau she confronts horror upon horror – and not all necessarily amongst the decay of abandoned cities and burnt landscapes. This survival horror has the survivors on equal billing as those who hunt them.
Chapters written from multiple points of view provide a depth to the perspective; seeing the struggle to survive through the eyes of soldiers, educational professionals, scientists, and a young girl shine a unique light on the predicament this diverse cast of characters so find themselves. This is horror from multiple angles, each as heart pounding as the last.
I greedily consumed THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS, wanting to taste that bitter end for we all know full well these post apocalyptic stories don’t end in sunshine and rainbows – and this is no different. That said, M.R. Carey’s take on the ever growing extension-level-event genre and it’s shock and awe ramifications doesn’t stick to the script nor conform to norm – it’s heartfelt, emotionally evocative and visually vivid. One of the ‘must read’ books of 2014.
Post apocalyptic Melbourne is the place setting for this dystopian noir that's as much a homage to the great authors of noir as it is an ode to the puPost apocalyptic Melbourne is the place setting for this dystopian noir that's as much a homage to the great authors of noir as it is an ode to the pulp sci-fi futuristic storytelling greats.
Floyd Maquina is a seeker, a kind of private investigator/secret law enforcement agency operative who is tasked with hunting down Deviants for the purpose of relocation and, if need be, termination. It's a job that conjures up images of equal parts Mike Hammer, and Minority Report (just more gritty and hard edged).
Despite a smooth, smart mouthed, devil-may-care attitude, Floyd is not without his personal demons, having lost his wife and being haunted by his killing of a Deviant, his emotional perspective shifts to match each predicament he faces with each of those incidents paramount to his action/reaction.
TOBACCO-STAINED MOUNTAIN GOAT is a fusion of cultures both true and fantastical depicted through veil of murder, deception, and uncertainty. It's unique and ambitious. The plot doesn't drive this novel, rather an intriguing cityscape, interesting cast of characters, and a world very much alive despite the perceived death.
Never has a post-apocalyptic novel been so gripping, full of intrigue and suspense with an overarching sense of impending doom as Hugh Howey’s WOOL. TNever has a post-apocalyptic novel been so gripping, full of intrigue and suspense with an overarching sense of impending doom as Hugh Howey’s WOOL. The world within the silo supports humanity, constrained by a series of iron clad rules and regulations. Time has all but discarded life prior to the underground fortress with the inhabitants going about their day-to-day lives without thought nor fear for the way things are.
WOOL’s world is set post an extension-level-event, hundreds of years after the fact. However, Jules, a skilled mechanic working in the deep down of Silo 18 bucks the trend, questioning the Silo’s means and confronting the decision makers. She’s one woman who has the potential to end life on Silo 18 as its inhabitants have come to know it.
This is one of those rare books set in what has become an over indulged genre that sets itself apart by virtue of a brilliantly well paced plot, a desolate and overtly dangerous and mysterious landscape that captures the readers imagination, and a protagonist you can’t help but like.
I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough – this one has it all and will no doubt be on my ‘best of’ reading lists at year’s end. Now onto SHIFT...
In SHIFT, author Hugh Howey introduces the Silo’s chief architect, Donald, the designer of the containers intended to preserve a limited sample of theIn SHIFT, author Hugh Howey introduces the Silo’s chief architect, Donald, the designer of the containers intended to preserve a limited sample of the human population post an extension level event. His wife Helen, mentor, and work partners all play pivotal roles in crafting the world as depicted in WOOL (though Helen’s more-so from a character building perspective for Donald as opposed to directly influencing the disastrous chain of events that led to the habitation of these 100plus level silos). These characters are what drive SHIFT and provide a deeper context to the events of WOOL, notably the books final sequences.
The short synopsis for SHIFT is essentially just that. This prequel of sorts is told in shifts as members of Silo #1 come in and out of ‘deep freeze’ spanning hundreds of years to take up their respective shift(s) in order to keep the illusion of singularity and governance over the other silos going.
While a prequel, there are events, particularly towards the later stages that are all the better for having read WOOL. Howey manages to merge this distinct tale within his Wool universe seamlessly into the books predecessor whilst keeping the ideas fresh. SHIFT could’ve easily fallen into the ‘same-same’ yet is a different beast altogether.
I really enjoyed reading about the silo’s origins and how the world came to be in such a ruined state. The revelations will shock yet come across as plausible and within character of those few villainous decision makers.
SHIFT is a must read for those who have read WOOL and want to delve deeper into the questions surrounding this post-apocalyptic landscape. ...more
THE TWELVE is vastly different from THE PASSAGE in terms of plot focus and central theme. Apart from being set in the same world as its predecessor, TTHE TWELVE is vastly different from THE PASSAGE in terms of plot focus and central theme. Apart from being set in the same world as its predecessor, THE TWELVE reads as an entirely different book conceptually. The virals and humanity's struggle to thrive in a limited existence was bound to evolve, yet it may have been to the detriment of all that Cronin had achieved in THE PASSAGE.
Where THE PASSAGE excelled in elements of survival horror, post apocalyptic dread, horrific creatures and a truly depressing and desperate setting, THE TWELVE is more thriller, action, almost special ops orientated. This approach, while decent in its own right, paled in comparison to the THE PASSAGE. I was hoping for something that followed up from THE PASSAGE, something that picked up the bloodied pieces of the shocking conclusion and maintained the same horror of the first instalment.
THE TWELVE in turn, focuses more on the human dynamic and less on the virals themselves. Amy, the mysterious thirteenth test subject becomes something much more than an everlasting, slow ageing viral cousin so to speak. Her story is one of the highlights, along with the expanded sub plot given to Alicia Donadio.
You could easily be excused for thinking THE TWELVE was written by Stephen King. All the hallmarks of a popular King horror are paramount through Cronin's THE TWELVE. Characters are given ample time to develop, past and present conflicts morph as one, the slow burning plot cruises along leisurely at times taking a back seat to dialogue or less critical narrative, and the overall feel is very in tune with Kings craft.
If not for THE PASSAGE, THE TWELVE would read much better. That said, THE PASSAGE is essential in defining the world and establishing the core characters. As much as I enjoyed THE TWELVE, I couldn't help but think it would've been much better if had resembled THE PASSAGE more. The ending has me counting down the days until the third book is released though my thirst isn't that of when THE PASSAGE concluded. 3 stars.
'Hive 2' picks up where 'Hive' left off. The gore is just as plentiful, the Zees just as grotesque and the characters as enjoyable as ever. Azina, bit'Hive 2' picks up where 'Hive' left off. The gore is just as plentiful, the Zees just as grotesque and the characters as enjoyable as ever. Azina, bitten but not turned, introduces a delicate balance of humanity and flesh craving numbness as she battles with the will to survive and the hive mentality.
The game changes, secrets are brought to light and allegiance questioned. Sotercity leader Skuld, dabbles with genetic enhancements to conquer the desolate and dire post apocalyptic world. The change in direction from Sotercity's safe haven to monster inhabited death trap adds a more human dynamic. Greed and power corrupt and take precedent over survival and public good.
Hive 2, much like its predecessor finishes with another open-ended cliff hanger, not so much from a pure thriller perspective, more so in a ‘what will happen next’ observatory capacity. I want to give this (and Hive) 5 stars but the incomplete story and missing ending round this out to a solid 4. I will go back and re-read the Hive trilogy once the third novella is released and apply a rating in accordance with the entire story.
Beautiful Sins is a guilty pleasure of paranormal fantasy coupled with all manner of creatures typically suited for horror/occult outings. Leigha LoweBeautiful Sins is a guilty pleasure of paranormal fantasy coupled with all manner of creatures typically suited for horror/occult outings. Leigha Lowery, a 16yr girl is the centre of Alex’s (heir to the throne) attention and the core character in Beautiful Sins is carefree bookish type whisked to a world where nothing is quiet as it seems. Having moved cross country to the Dark Coast, the Pacific Coastline of the USA, she is forced to grow accustomed to high social standing and strange behaviour of the coasts inhabitants while comprehending death at first sight and the unique ever lasting smell of spilt blood. While targeted for teen readers, Beautiful Sins is the genesis of something darker and more harrowing – young adult escapism for all ages. 3.5 stars. ...more
Memorable passage: '...the truck offered them exactly what they wanted: a shelter with only one way in, a dark box that would serve as their butcher'sMemorable passage: '...the truck offered them exactly what they wanted: a shelter with only one way in, a dark box that would serve as their butcher's table and which would run with the blood of the fallen.'
The follow up to 'Aftertime', Sophie Littlefield's post apocalyptic California-based zombie (Beaters as they're known here) survival horror is just as suspenseful and vivid as any of its kind. A morbid opening unleashes a torrent of dread and sets the tone for the rest of the novel as a Box inhabitant is put to rest in a shallow grave following yet another untimely death. Apt given the life expectancy is significantly lower in this new world with a dwindling human population and a thriving (if I can use that word) Beater meat economy. In 'Rebirth' we reintroduced to Cass, as more of her dark back story is revealed from her battle with alcohol to various misgivings in her youth/early adult life to her varied and lengthy interactions with members of the opposite sex. Cass is one hard woman, no more so than in this book as she uses her bodily currency to make men do her bidding in an effort to save those she holds dear. Vivacious and vicious, the Outlier fights like a caged demon to protect her faithful at all costs, providing some of the most entertaining scenes I've ever read. On a mission to bring back lover, Smoke, she is once again thrust into the hardships of a broken world - interestingly enough, its not the Beaters who pose the most significant threat, rather, the Rebuilders, a faction of society hell bent on developing immunity to the virus while raping and pillaging the world of its resources. Similar in many ways to Aftertime but with an added layer of human emotion and world building depth, Rebirth is an adventure doused in noir on a hotbed of horror. I cant wait for third installment - 4 stars....more
Set 25 years after a zombie outbreak, 'The Reapers Are the Angels' portrays the struggle of mankind as it attempts to build a new society decimated bySet 25 years after a zombie outbreak, 'The Reapers Are the Angels' portrays the struggle of mankind as it attempts to build a new society decimated by death and consumed by hatred. Funnily enough, its not the zombies that pose the dominant threat to the new world, rather the survivors themselves (amongst who live inbreds, hunters, and criminals) who haven't learnt to live harmoniously without laws and governance. The protagonist, Temple, oozes classic southern gothic appeal and is instantly likable - the perfect heroin for the imperfect post apocalyptic time she lives in. Driven to the fight, Temple roams the USA encountering one band of survivor society to another and picking up some interesting wards along the way. The zombies are portrayed as little more than cattle (by some as a means food, others as a source of narcotic) adding a semi-original touch to a well used theme. Consistently fast paced, this is as good as a page turner I've ever read. 5 stars. ...more
Not so much a zombie (or Beaters, as they are known in Afterlife) romp as it is a lesson in humanitarian studies. Afterlife explores the inner human pNot so much a zombie (or Beaters, as they are known in Afterlife) romp as it is a lesson in humanitarian studies. Afterlife explores the inner human psyche and returns results less than flattering as primal survival instincts take over and compassion, for the most part, is lost. In a world decimated by warfare, chemical imbalance and a government experiment gone wrong, the protagonist, Cass, searches amongst the ruins for her missing daughter. The journey leads her from Beater infested towns to occult strangleholds and, in between, survivor factions where peace is balanced on a knife edge. Littlefield’s Beaters are the most horrific I’ve ever read and are as equally terrifying as Cass’ mourning is haunting. I cant wait for the next instalment – 5 stars. ...more
Rut reads like literature disguised as dystopian fiction. Set in a not too distant future when the world has turned for the worse, this not entirely iRut reads like literature disguised as dystopian fiction. Set in a not too distant future when the world has turned for the worse, this not entirely inconceivable tale is more a character and environmental study than a page turning fast moving plot thriller. Bridget, a research scientist is sent to the small off the grid rural town of Gower to study the amphibious life. What see encounters is small town scandal, corruption, and violence. Rut places a heavy emphasis of creating a setting and establishing a particularly mood over a core plot. We learn that the inhabitants suffer from some mild form of mutation and that parts of the landscape are decimated by radiation poisoning while the world itself seems to be ruled by the Chinese. I thought Rut was a solid foundation to build a more compelling story – while parts were good, I craved some action to go with the setting and colourful characters – 2.5 stars. ...more
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