kathrynwardle's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
tuftymctavish's review
4.0
I fair enjoyed this second title in the series. As the author notes in his afterword, setting it so much further on from the first book lets it be different and it's own thing. It's a pretty scary potential future, though set to an extreme - I really don't think self-sustaining little hamlets couldn't or wouldn't form for themselves - that leaves behind some thoughts on our rampant consumerism and unsustainable consumption.
Along the way we have a few surprises, a somewhat abrupt ending and a few "huh?" decisions, but I was happy reading this mostly easy-going, post-apocalyptic tale.
Along the way we have a few surprises, a somewhat abrupt ending and a few "huh?" decisions, but I was happy reading this mostly easy-going, post-apocalyptic tale.
nigelbrown's review
4.0
Very good.
It's impossible to agree or disagree as to whether this is how the collapse will finally come about (probably not in my lifetime but when, not if) but I think this scenario unlikely.Also, unless it was through some kind of warfare or disease I don't believe the powers that be would allow power to slip through their fingers so easily, communication would not breakdown so rapidly. They would be absolutely ruthless in their desire to keep control and ultimately law and order would be maintained. Not in a way we recognize, but it would be maintained.
Having said that I found this a very thought provoking works. Making me wonder how I would behave, long after I finished reading. It was an interesting read and even though Scarrow suggests this is the end of the story I can't help thinking how the next stage of survival would develop.
It's impossible to agree or disagree as to whether this is how the collapse will finally come about (probably not in my lifetime but when, not if) but I think this scenario unlikely.Also, unless it was through some kind of warfare or disease I don't believe the powers that be would allow power to slip through their fingers so easily, communication would not breakdown so rapidly. They would be absolutely ruthless in their desire to keep control and ultimately law and order would be maintained. Not in a way we recognize, but it would be maintained.
Having said that I found this a very thought provoking works. Making me wonder how I would behave, long after I finished reading. It was an interesting read and even though Scarrow suggests this is the end of the story I can't help thinking how the next stage of survival would develop.
5wamp_creature's review
4.0
This sequel is far better than Last Light. In fact the first book is barely needed. Better plot better characters better writing. In the afterword, Scarrow seems to admit that he figured things out after #1. I liked it more than I expected.
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