A review by thisgayreads
The Way of the Cicadas by Audrey Henley

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.