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A review by idkwhatimdoingg
Radio Apocalypse by Kayleigh Gallagher
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 4.5/5
Radio Apocalypse is set years after an apocalypse leaves most of Earth radioactive. Rachel and Lota both think they are the last people alive – until Rachel stumbles across the radio broadcast Lota has been sending out in the hope that somebody is listening. Realising she isn't alone, Rachel journeys across the Atlantic Ocean to find Lota.
One of the unique features of Radio Apocalypse is the style of narration. Lota's chapters are all transcripts of her radio broadcasts while Rachel's chapters are in the more standard prose, which provides variation. It's really cool to read in the two different types of narration and it highlights the differences between the characters, which you notice especially towards the end of the book.
The world-building and take on the apocalypse was new and refreshing. With the cause of the apocalypse and the origins of the creatures left unclear, there was a vaguely ominous atmosphere, but Gallagher's writing style kept it light for the most part (fans of Welcome to Night Vale will definitely love this book!). I also loved that both characters befriended/helped creatures despite being a bit afraid; it was such a human thing to do and I found it heartwarming to read about. It was nice to read a post-apocalyptic story that wasn't focused on death and instead revolved around friendship and love.
Diversity is difficult when there are only two living characters (and two others in flashbacks), but I would say this book meets the mark! Additionally, both Rachel and Lota were likeable, and had unique voices. However, I felt that their relationship went a bit too fast for me. I would have expected it to take a little bit longer for them to get together after they met in person as they both have limited experience with other humans, let alone romance, and of course even though they had spoken before they had met very recently. The middle section of the book was a bit slow and the ending was almost rushed, but overall the plot was engaging. The ending was also a bit too vague for my liking and didn't give me enough closure or explanation, but that's more personal preference.
Some of my favourite (spoiler-free) quotes:
Rating: 4.5/5
Radio Apocalypse is set years after an apocalypse leaves most of Earth radioactive. Rachel and Lota both think they are the last people alive – until Rachel stumbles across the radio broadcast Lota has been sending out in the hope that somebody is listening. Realising she isn't alone, Rachel journeys across the Atlantic Ocean to find Lota.
One of the unique features of Radio Apocalypse is the style of narration. Lota's chapters are all transcripts of her radio broadcasts while Rachel's chapters are in the more standard prose, which provides variation. It's really cool to read in the two different types of narration and it highlights the differences between the characters, which you notice especially towards the end of the book.
The world-building and take on the apocalypse was new and refreshing. With the cause of the apocalypse and the origins of the creatures left unclear, there was a vaguely ominous atmosphere, but Gallagher's writing style kept it light for the most part (fans of Welcome to Night Vale will definitely love this book!). I also loved that both characters befriended/helped creatures despite being a bit afraid; it was such a human thing to do and I found it heartwarming to read about. It was nice to read a post-apocalyptic story that wasn't focused on death and instead revolved around friendship and love.
Diversity is difficult when there are only two living characters (and two others in flashbacks), but I would say this book meets the mark! Additionally, both Rachel and Lota were likeable, and had unique voices. However, I felt that their relationship went a bit too fast for me. I would have expected it to take a little bit longer for them to get together after they met in person as they both have limited experience with other humans, let alone romance, and of course even though they had spoken before they had met very recently. The middle section of the book was a bit slow and the ending was almost rushed, but overall the plot was engaging. The ending was also a bit too vague for my liking and didn't give me enough closure or explanation, but that's more personal preference.
Some of my favourite (spoiler-free) quotes:
- "It reminds me of the medieval paintings in the art history books I used to pore over—not for the elements of the scene, but for the sad, hollow feeling of staring into some reminder of a time long gone."
- "Would they even be a serial killer if they were one of two people on Earth? Don't you have to, like, kill multiple people to be a serial killer?"
- "My emotions always come too late, after I’ve made up my mind."
(I loved that there were almost equal amounts of 'deep' and funny quotes!)
Overall, I loved this book. The concept of the radio broadcast, the world-building, and the characters were amazing. I had some minor issues with the pacing but these are definitely outweighed by everything else. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!
Overall, I loved this book. The concept of the radio broadcast, the world-building, and the characters were amazing. I had some minor issues with the pacing but these are definitely outweighed by everything else. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Gore, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent