clarisreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
joxertd's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kifkathleen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.5
dianefw's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
pennym_'s review against another edition
made it more than a quarter of the way through and its just not hooking me. however, in the aftermath of covid, it is hilarious to read about how people are "too afraid to gather" in this
alexdangerg's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
4.75
hc9's review against another edition
5.0
This book was well-paced and refreshing. Prior to the rise of COVID-19, I read a slew of post/during-apocalyptic fiction in advance of a Tucson Festival of Books panel that I was set to escort the authors to and from (Mike Chen, Kimi Eisele, Chuck Wendig), and this stood out for sure.
The plot is well-organized and I enjoyed navigating this new world with such a developed group of characters. Though some could fall into stereotype (rock star that's moved on with her life, over-controlling dad-ager, precocious child), each of our central figures are complex beyond their immediate wants. Chen did a wonderful job subverting expectation, which can be a difficult feat in a genre that usually follows a predictable storyline.
The audio book was pleasant, as well. I switched between listening to it (download Libby by Overdrive if you have not done so already) and reading the hard cover. Though I'm sad that TFOB was cancelled, I am glad that it led me to this book and this author.
The plot is well-organized and I enjoyed navigating this new world with such a developed group of characters. Though some could fall into stereotype (rock star that's moved on with her life, over-controlling dad-ager, precocious child), each of our central figures are complex beyond their immediate wants. Chen did a wonderful job subverting expectation, which can be a difficult feat in a genre that usually follows a predictable storyline.
The audio book was pleasant, as well. I switched between listening to it (download Libby by Overdrive if you have not done so already) and reading the hard cover. Though I'm sad that TFOB was cancelled, I am glad that it led me to this book and this author.
swirls's review against another edition
3.0
Eh. The first third interested me as the author beautifully illustrated a quietly tense, fragile, post-pandemic world built up after a societal collapse, but then the novel disintegrated into a sort of dull action movie/family drama feel. Ended with me feeling mildly disappointed. Strong writing and great world-building - with a plot worthy of the Hallmark Channel.