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drakoulis's review
3.0
The Way of the Cicadas is a post-apocalyptic story, following a group of young friends who have spent their last 10 years in a nuclear bunker under the Nevada desert as they delve into the outside world after a girl with no memories stumbles upon their underground home.
As the story progresses, secrets from the past emerge, as well as information kept from the main characters who will fight for their survival amidst hardness, betrayal and new alliances.
Both the large-scale worldbuilding and the characters could use a bit more depth in my view, but nonetheless it's a pleasant read with growing stakes in the second half of the book.
The LGBT relationship is really minor (barely visible) and the book should not be advertised as an LGBT novel by the publisher.
Thank you NetGalley and Monodon Books for the ARC!
As the story progresses, secrets from the past emerge, as well as information kept from the main characters who will fight for their survival amidst hardness, betrayal and new alliances.
Both the large-scale worldbuilding and the characters could use a bit more depth in my view, but nonetheless it's a pleasant read with growing stakes in the second half of the book.
The LGBT relationship is really minor (barely visible) and the book should not be advertised as an LGBT novel by the publisher.
Thank you NetGalley and Monodon Books for the ARC!
readsbykali's review
2.0
2.5/5
The Way of the Cicadas is marketed as "[a] lyrical near-future post-apocalyptic LGBTQ novel with an ensemble cast featuring government conspiracies and secret military technology set in the Nevada desert." While all of the aforementioned is true, this book unfortunately just fell flat for me, with a lot of loose ends I did not feel were tied up.
I did find myself thoroughly enjoying this book in certain moments (notably - about 70% through). It was a quick read, and I do feel like this book could be a setup for a sequel or even a series.
Did it feature an ensemble cast? Yes. Do I feel like I connected deeply to the characters? No. With the multiple 3rd person POVs (with the characters all sharing scenes most of the time) it became muddy to me who was thinking what and who was being referred to. I wish that more time was spent in one person's POV, or that multiple chapters in a row existed in one POV, as to thoroughly flesh out one character's thoughts of an event before moving on to the next.
I feel like that's where the book fell flat for me - I so badly wanted to connect to one character and instead, I was getting a glimpse of everyone and right when I began to feel for someone, I was suddenly in someone else's POV. What I did love was the plot, and I feel like large events could have been expanded upon much more if they weren't sacrificed to be able to fit in everyone's POVs as they experienced it.
I felt like calling this book an LGBTQ+ novel is interesting - the inner thoughts of certain characters reveal a past gay relationship, but none of that is actually spoken aloud, nor is it really expanded upon between the two characters. There is only one kiss or "love" scene featured in the book, and it's straight. So marketing this book as an LGBTQ+ story, in my opinion, should be revised to say "contains LGBTQ+ characters" or should be left out altogether - it's not important enough of a storyline to market the entire book towards a community who consequentially will read this book and be let down by the lack of LGBTQ+ content the synopsis alludes to.
If this book does have a sequel, I hope it's just set in Hayden and Brita's POV. They are obviously the two main characters (and the only characters referred to by name in the synopsis), and I feel that the character development of the ensemble cast can be spoken and built upon through the POVs of the main characters.
The Way of the Cicadas is marketed as "[a] lyrical near-future post-apocalyptic LGBTQ novel with an ensemble cast featuring government conspiracies and secret military technology set in the Nevada desert." While all of the aforementioned is true, this book unfortunately just fell flat for me, with a lot of loose ends I did not feel were tied up.
I did find myself thoroughly enjoying this book in certain moments (notably - about 70% through). It was a quick read, and I do feel like this book could be a setup for a sequel or even a series.
Did it feature an ensemble cast? Yes. Do I feel like I connected deeply to the characters? No. With the multiple 3rd person POVs (with the characters all sharing scenes most of the time) it became muddy to me who was thinking what and who was being referred to. I wish that more time was spent in one person's POV, or that multiple chapters in a row existed in one POV, as to thoroughly flesh out one character's thoughts of an event before moving on to the next.
I feel like that's where the book fell flat for me - I so badly wanted to connect to one character and instead, I was getting a glimpse of everyone and right when I began to feel for someone, I was suddenly in someone else's POV. What I did love was the plot, and I feel like large events could have been expanded upon much more if they weren't sacrificed to be able to fit in everyone's POVs as they experienced it.
I felt like calling this book an LGBTQ+ novel is interesting - the inner thoughts of certain characters reveal a past gay relationship, but none of that is actually spoken aloud, nor is it really expanded upon between the two characters. There is only one kiss or "love" scene featured in the book, and it's straight. So marketing this book as an LGBTQ+ story, in my opinion, should be revised to say "contains LGBTQ+ characters" or should be left out altogether - it's not important enough of a storyline to market the entire book towards a community who consequentially will read this book and be let down by the lack of LGBTQ+ content the synopsis alludes to.
If this book does have a sequel, I hope it's just set in Hayden and Brita's POV. They are obviously the two main characters (and the only characters referred to by name in the synopsis), and I feel that the character development of the ensemble cast can be spoken and built upon through the POVs of the main characters.
randaisreading's review
4.0
I gave this a 7.9/10 (4.5 stars) but Goodreads only allows full stars.
I could not put this book down! I got so invested in the world and the characters. I felt like it was such an easy read that kept me intrigued the whole time. I was surprised at how much it kept me questioning with some of the mystery in it.
I really like that we have different settings in this book. The author did such an amazing job of describing locations that I felt like I was able to visualize everything in my head just like it was a movie playing. The characters felt real and I liked that they had a real range of emotions throughout the book.
The book did end on a questionable note of whether or not there will be a continuation. This isn’t a good or bad thing. Personally, I want to know what happens next and I immediately messaged the author to find out if there will be more in the future. But it can definitely be read as a standalone as well.
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic books, this is definitely one that I would recommend. Even my boyfriend read the back of the book and said he wants to read it at some point! He said it sounds great for anyone who likes Fallout.
I could not put this book down! I got so invested in the world and the characters. I felt like it was such an easy read that kept me intrigued the whole time. I was surprised at how much it kept me questioning with some of the mystery in it.
I really like that we have different settings in this book. The author did such an amazing job of describing locations that I felt like I was able to visualize everything in my head just like it was a movie playing. The characters felt real and I liked that they had a real range of emotions throughout the book.
The book did end on a questionable note of whether or not there will be a continuation. This isn’t a good or bad thing. Personally, I want to know what happens next and I immediately messaged the author to find out if there will be more in the future. But it can definitely be read as a standalone as well.
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic books, this is definitely one that I would recommend. Even my boyfriend read the back of the book and said he wants to read it at some point! He said it sounds great for anyone who likes Fallout.
ajohnson895's review
4.0
The Way of the Cicadas is a book about survival—in the face of war, of suffering, and of loss. Four young adults risk everything they’ve ever known to save the people in their bunker, but in the end, it’s themselves that need saving the most.
This book is a work of art. Not only does it masterfully blend different aspects of a genre I absolutely adore, but it builds a world all its own at the same time. As I was reading, I kept comparing it to the dystopian novels I love: the rationing in the City of Ember, the exploratory group of teens from The 100, the amnesiac technology of Divergent. But no matter how much I found that was familiar, something new and unique took its place.
I’ve read a lot of dystopian books, but none quite like this one.
The story of these young adults builds, and you have to let it simmer like a boiling pot of water. It’s slow at first, as you get to know each of them. That little act is lovely in and of itself because the characters are very well crafted to be unique. With a large cast, it can be hard to separate them all. I never had trouble drawing the line. Then, as the story picks itself up, you get sucked into the action. I was awake way too late to see the conclusion, and it had me gasping and clutching my pillow and crying a little all at once.
The only serious issue I had was that I felt like there was a little bit of a disconnect within the group, something that didn’t fit right. Where I expected this tightly knit, inseparable family of young adults, who had survived everything and then some, I found a wildly distrustful and hateful group of people. Maybe you’ll like that aspect of their found family! It is realistic, I’ll give you that.
Either way, this is a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time, and I cannot wait for the follow up.
(Side note: I finished this in record time.
This book is a work of art. Not only does it masterfully blend different aspects of a genre I absolutely adore, but it builds a world all its own at the same time. As I was reading, I kept comparing it to the dystopian novels I love: the rationing in the City of Ember, the exploratory group of teens from The 100, the amnesiac technology of Divergent. But no matter how much I found that was familiar, something new and unique took its place.
I’ve read a lot of dystopian books, but none quite like this one.
The story of these young adults builds, and you have to let it simmer like a boiling pot of water. It’s slow at first, as you get to know each of them. That little act is lovely in and of itself because the characters are very well crafted to be unique. With a large cast, it can be hard to separate them all. I never had trouble drawing the line. Then, as the story picks itself up, you get sucked into the action. I was awake way too late to see the conclusion, and it had me gasping and clutching my pillow and crying a little all at once.
The only serious issue I had was that I felt like there was a little bit of a disconnect within the group, something that didn’t fit right. Where I expected this tightly knit, inseparable family of young adults, who had survived everything and then some, I found a wildly distrustful and hateful group of people. Maybe you’ll like that aspect of their found family! It is realistic, I’ll give you that.
Either way, this is a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time, and I cannot wait for the follow up.
(Side note: I finished this in record time.
thisgayreads's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
3 / 5 ⭐️‘s
"The Way of the Cicadas" by Audrey Henley
This was a well-written post-apocalyptic story that takes you on a journey through a world devastated by nuclear war. The story is set in a bunker where Hayden, a young man who has lived there since childhood, is becoming increasingly disillusioned with the sterile and restricted life inside.
When a mysterious girl named Brita arrives with no long-term memory, she sparks hope in Hayden and the other residents that the outside world may be survivable. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey through an irradiated wasteland, facing challenges and betrayals along the way.
Henley's writing is lyrical and evocative, creating a vivid sense of place and atmosphere in the Nevada desert. The characters are well-drawn, with Hayden and Brita's relationship at the heart of the story.
As a fan of dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction, I found this to be an engaging enough story. However, I was expecting some kind of queer relationship as the book was labeled as "LGBT," but there was only a slight undertone of one. The author has since addressed this and corrected it, which I appreciate.
Out now: https://amzn.to/3nL1lPO
This ARC was provided by @netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
authorashleyyoung's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
The Way of the Cicadas was an unexpectedly phenomenal read!!
I love reading dystopia apocalyptic futuristic books, and this book covers all of that wonderfully!! And yet, it leaves you suspended, wanting to know what's going to happen next. And keeps you hanging on with each twist.
This book very well could reflect what our future could look like, with all the nuclear arms crap going on, so this brings forth a realistic sounding real world event. I hope we don't experience it, because this book doesn't shy away from the horrors an apocalyptic world would hold.
I initially understood the name of the book from the title, and the description of the book, but I understood it even more while reading The Way of the Cicadas, and it made me actually happy, because I may be one of the few people who actually love cicadas. They are music to my ears. And knowing how The Way of the Cicadas reflects the life of a cicada, in a way, it made me enjoy the book even more!!
I highly suggest giving The Way of the Cicadas a read!!! I can't wait to know more!!
I love reading dystopia apocalyptic futuristic books, and this book covers all of that wonderfully!! And yet, it leaves you suspended, wanting to know what's going to happen next. And keeps you hanging on with each twist.
This book very well could reflect what our future could look like, with all the nuclear arms crap going on, so this brings forth a realistic sounding real world event. I hope we don't experience it, because this book doesn't shy away from the horrors an apocalyptic world would hold.
I initially understood the name of the book from the title, and the description of the book, but I understood it even more while reading The Way of the Cicadas, and it made me actually happy, because I may be one of the few people who actually love cicadas. They are music to my ears. And knowing how The Way of the Cicadas reflects the life of a cicada, in a way, it made me enjoy the book even more!!
I highly suggest giving The Way of the Cicadas a read!!! I can't wait to know more!!
airxsouls's review
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I'll start with the advertising. This was said to be a queer dystopian story and when I tell you I ran to click the request button. I think that's why I'm so disappointed in it being such a minor subplot you can barely call it a plot at all. This definitely gave me Maze Runner or Divergant YA dystopia vibes and that's not a terrible thing by any means but it saying it was Adult kinda blows my mind.
I think there was tons of potential, there were so many points that held my interest but weren't really expanded upon. I'd love to see this fleshed out more or maybe marketed a different way, I'm sure those who love what I'm "eh" on about it would enjoy this book! It was pretty short and the ending left me hoping to read a second book one day!
I'll start with the advertising. This was said to be a queer dystopian story and when I tell you I ran to click the request button. I think that's why I'm so disappointed in it being such a minor subplot you can barely call it a plot at all. This definitely gave me Maze Runner or Divergant YA dystopia vibes and that's not a terrible thing by any means but it saying it was Adult kinda blows my mind.
I think there was tons of potential, there were so many points that held my interest but weren't really expanded upon. I'd love to see this fleshed out more or maybe marketed a different way, I'm sure those who love what I'm "eh" on about it would enjoy this book! It was pretty short and the ending left me hoping to read a second book one day!
luciameetsbooks's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
i was so excited to read this book but unfortunately it wasn't what i was expecting.
i loved the idea of a group of people escaping the underground city the government had created to protect them from the radiation outside and realizing everything was a lie. but that didn't happen. i was expecting the government to be the evil force of the book but it didn't feel like that at all, they were too bland to be actually evil.
and then we have the main characters, we get to see different povs and they are definitely different but i still didn't like any of them. i think the reactions to different situations and the way they behaved were unrealistic and not well flashed out. their personalities would change from scene to scene depending on what was happening.
the last couple of chapters were definitely the most interesting ones so that was a nice way to finish the book but i was bored throughout most of it so those couple of chapters couldn't really change my mind about the entire book.
also, i was expecting a queer relationship and there was an undertone of one but not really which was saddening and disappointing.
i loved the idea of a group of people escaping the underground city the government had created to protect them from the radiation outside and realizing everything was a lie. but that didn't happen. i was expecting the government to be the evil force of the book but it didn't feel like that at all, they were too bland to be actually evil.
and then we have the main characters, we get to see different povs and they are definitely different but i still didn't like any of them. i think the reactions to different situations and the way they behaved were unrealistic and not well flashed out. their personalities would change from scene to scene depending on what was happening.
the last couple of chapters were definitely the most interesting ones so that was a nice way to finish the book but i was bored throughout most of it so those couple of chapters couldn't really change my mind about the entire book.
also, i was expecting a queer relationship and there was an undertone of one but not really which was saddening and disappointing.
sdevine's review
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5