Scavenging Book Stores and Libraries

I initially put this novel off -- though it was highly recommended -- because it seemed like it would be the same old thing.  You know, EMP burst so that new societies must arise after most of the technology we are over-reliant on is suddenly gone and then there's the zombie-ish concept...  We know that's been done. 

Wow, was I wrong to put this off.

I was absolutely gripped pretty much as soon as I finished chapter one.  Alex's viewpoint is so genuine -- a mixture of flaws and strengths like all of us -- and you can't help but admire her strength, even though it arose from a place where she'd almost run dry.  The other main characters seem just as well crafted, even though we don't get to see inside their minds.  It's obvious that the author, Ilsa Bick, really understands the importance of good details.

I can't speak to the science of the disaster, but the characters can't either (at least at this point), so I have no issues with that.  There's certainly some fantasy-science going on because we do have the "Changed" -- horrifying, cunning, feral "people" who are a great danger in the world.  However, Bick shows us that people don't need to be literal monsters to be monstrous.

This book just has so much depth to it!  At it's heart, though, I think it is about the relationships we have, the families we create, and the great and terrible things that humanity is capable of.  

I don't usually read series straight through, but I think I'm going to have to get book two right away.  I'd read it tonight if I didn't have to be up early for work in the morning!