The world is dying. We all know it. Many pretend to think otherwise, but denial won't keep you safe. That's why Gabe Oximenko and his family Summary:
The world is dying. We all know it. Many pretend to think otherwise, but denial won't keep you safe. That's why Gabe Oximenko and his family are trying hard to find their way off the planet.
Unfortunately, the odds have never been in their favor. Opportunity struck – but for their next-door neighbors. Yet this family isn't inclined to take the end of the world sitting idly, so they made their own opportunity.
Review:
Eden tells the story of one desperate family trying to survive. Interestingly, their desperation comes in many forms. Gabe is a dreamer – he wants to see the good in everyone and everything. His wife is a realist – she'll look at everything in the worst light, so at least she'll never be disappointed. Meanwhile, their daughter is a tech genius who just needs to be given a chance to flourish.
Together, they end up in an impossible situation. In truth, there's something vaguely familiar about it. I can't quite put my finger on it – so I would love to hear from others on what they think it is! I loved seeing the family fight and work together.
The artwork is probably the biggest highlight for me. It made the story even more enjoyable, and I was happy to keep on reading it. That said – for some reason, I kept getting interrupted while reading Eden. I distinctly remember thinking, "Just let me read! I need to see what happens next." So please make of that what you will, and feel free to infer my investment from there.
I enjoyed Eden. Yes, it is taking the "billionaires are evil" beyond the logical extreme. But let's be real here; it's not that far off from many other cyber-punk-based plots. So maybe it's because I've been indulging in that media so much lately, but it didn't bother me.
Admittedly, I think I would have enjoyed Eden more had the scale been just a tiny bit smaller. When talking in the millions, it's hard to picture it. It's even harder to relate to that sort of loss. How does the saying go – one is a tragedy, one million is a statistic?
Highlights: Sci-Fi Family Bonds Know No Limits Corruption and Billionaires Dying Earth
Thanks to Humanoids, Inc. and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The world is coming to an end. Most of the time, that's a figure of speech. But that isn't the case here. The planet is dying, destroyed by aSummary:
The world is coming to an end. Most of the time, that's a figure of speech. But that isn't the case here. The planet is dying, destroyed by an environmental disaster. The few people that survived are struggling to keep on going.
Against all odds, Maceo and Mezzy found each other. More importantly, they gave each other a chance. Now, they're working together to find paradise. Only, is there such a thing as paradise in a dystopian world? And if so, can it last?
Review:
Hooolly cow. There's a lot to process after finishing Once Upon a Time at the End of the World Vol. 2. First, let's just say that this series does not pull punches. Given that Jason Aaron is at the helm, that's actually not all too surprising. But it is worth noting.
Readers knew from the start that things would go bad – the multiple timelines aspect made that clear. That said, knowing and seeing it are two different things...and a lot goes down between those two points in time.
My heart hurt while reading Once Upon a Time at the End of the World Vol. 2. At times, it was good, but obviously, it got rough pretty fast. Even when it was good, there was that foreboding sense that just left me waiting (painfully) for the other shoe to drop.
This volume is really well-written and brilliantly illustrated. It's darker than the first volume, which is an impressive feat. It also pulls at the heart more, which is a whole different story. Readers diving into this series should mentally prepare themselves for a whole lot of nudity and violence. There's no need to shy away from either when the world is ending.
For now, I have to count down the days for the release of the third (and, I believe, final) volume in the series.
Highlights: Dystopian Series Twisted Boy Scout Vibes “Love in the Wasteland” Lovers-to-Enemies Multiple Timelines
Trigger Warnings: Graphic Elements Graphic Deaths Suicide
The world is falling apart – that statement is more literal than not. Billionaires are ruling – and ruining – the world. The weather is gettiSummary:
The world is falling apart – that statement is more literal than not. Billionaires are ruling – and ruining – the world. The weather is getting worse and more unpredictable. Despite this unrest, one rich man has decided that now is the perfect time to prove that there is life after death.
Thus, he assembles a team. It may be a slightly predictable team, but he is hoping to prove something to the world, right? We've got the journalist, a televised demonologist, a grizzled military group for safety, and even a radical doctor. What could go wrong?
Review:
Okay, I have a confession to make: I'm a sucker for the "journalist getting thrown into the supernatural deep-end" trope. So the second I saw Haunt You To The End, I knew I had to read it. That it also included corporate dystopian elements just made it all the more compelling.
Haunt You To The End doesn't paint a pretty picture, to say the least. Here, we see a world similar to ours, but it's falling apart. The details are within the realm of believability regarding how everything has gone wrong. It makes for a morbid and harrowing foundation for everything that will follow.
The Ghost Island is a compelling story, to say the least. I wish we had more time to explore the backstory before the horror bits crept into the forefront. Likewise, I feel like we needed to get to know all the characters a bit more – to make the impact hit harder if nothing else.
The artwork for Haunt You To The End is so intriguing. It has more of a blended effect, but it actually works really well with more of a supernatural tale. It makes you question what you're seeing, and isn't that hauntingly on-point?
Highlights: Ghost Story Dystopian World (still in process) Investigative Journalists
They say the future is what you make it...but is that really true? Some of us have less power to affect the future, while others seem toBook Summary:
They say the future is what you make it...but is that really true? Some of us have less power to affect the future, while others seem to have all the power. Take Lai Zhen – she's a survivor through and through. She has lived through some of the worst, but there's only so much she can prepare for. Or is there?
What would happen to our future if a small group of friends came together to change it? Friends who happened to have the power to make significant and lasting change?
My Review:
Huh. The Future is one of those books that will make you stop and think. On the surface, it looks like a typical dystopian novel, with some thriller and action elements sprinkled throughout. But the closer you look, the more layers you'll spot.
The Future touches on many subjects and points, including (but not limited to) the damage/power of billionaires, cults, extremes of technology, survivalist scenarios, and so much more. How Alderman blended them together is wholly unique, and I'm honestly struggling to put words to it all.
This book would be perfect for a book club! I can see a group talking into the night about The Future, as there's much to discuss and debate. I'm sure some people would have very strong opinions about different parts – and I love that.
The world is dying. There are only two races left. Three, depending on how you look at it. The humans and the orcs have always been enemies, Summary:
The world is dying. There are only two races left. Three, depending on how you look at it. The humans and the orcs have always been enemies, but they might just have to work together to eke out an existence.
Certain groups are willing to work together if that means winning against the Vangol – a deadly and ancient race. Will this be enough? Worse, what happens should these groups fail? Will the rest ever consider trying again?
Review:
Okay, so there was a lot that drew me to this series. First, the dystopian vibes intertwined with a fantasy setting. Second, the author! I love G. Willow Wilson (famous for Ms. Marvel), so I had pretty high hopes for her new fantasy series.
The Hunger and the Dusk Vol. 1 is and isn't a strong start to the series. I know that sounds strange, but hear me out. On the one hand, a lot of it feels too rushed. The stakes are set, the characters introduced, and then we're off to the races. This sounds good in theory, but we didn't have time to connect with the characters, so the stakes felt shallow.
On the other hand, there is something really compelling about this world. After I finished reading it, I found my mind wandering back to it again and again. This likely means I was invested by the end, so I take that as a good sign. And to be clear, this story has some solid elements so far. We have a classic-looking D&D party (archer, bard, leader/rogue, a cleric, etc.), a forbidden love subplot, a dangerous enemy, and so on. I'm curious how these elements adapt and grow as the series continues.
Highlights: New Fantasy Series Dystopian Fantasy Dn&D Vibes
Thanks to IDW and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Nagi tends to spend most of her time alone, and it isn't entirely by choice. She and her father live in an isolated home, far into the mountaSummary:
Nagi tends to spend most of her time alone, and it isn't entirely by choice. She and her father live in an isolated home, far into the mountains. It's safe, which is important during these post-apocalyptic times.
Unfortunately, Nagi's father tends to travel often, leaving her alone. Enter her new and entirely unlikely friend – a giant spider. This creature is the friend that Nagi has always needed. They add brightness to her daily life and offer safety as needed.
Review:
Huh. Giant Spider & Me Vol. 1 has got to be one of the more interesting series I've read lately, and I think that's saying something. It should probably go without saying – but don't check out this series if you're arachnophobic. Seriously.
As with the first for many series, Giant Spider & Me Vol. 1 is sometimes a bit slow. We have to learn about the world and Nagi's life. Once that's settled, it's time to see the unique dynamic she and her giant spider friend have formed.
There is something so utterly sweet about this series. I think a lot of it has to do with how innocent Nagi is. The world may have fallen apart, but she hasn't lost that childlike innocence. Okay, her friend helps too. There's no denying that.
Highlights: Adorable Spider Fantasy Post Apocalyptic Slice-of-life
The world is coming to an end. Most of the time, that's a figure of speech. But that isn't the case here. The planet is dying, destroyedBook Summary:
The world is coming to an end. Most of the time, that's a figure of speech. But that isn't the case here. The planet is dying, destroyed by an environmental disaster. The few people that survived are struggling to keep on going.
Everyone has their way of coping with this life. Some find themselves stuck in a dystopian scout group, where everything progressive is shunned. Others live alone in an empty tower – safe but alone.
My Review:
Oh wow. I'll confess that I dove right into Once Upon a Time at the End of the World Vol. 1 without even reading the description (I'll follow Jason Aaron's writing almost anywhere!), so I was both blindsided and blown away by what I found here.
This is a dark and disturbing world, to put it lightly. Jason Aaron did a brilliant job of describing a world that is (not so) slowly turning humanity's survivors into something darker. The artwork helps to sell this scene – the colors are bold and vibrant, but in a way that makes it clear that life isn't sustainable here.
Mezzy and Maceo are such glaringly different characters. Yet you know how the saying goes – opposites attract. That attraction isn't instantaneous, and I think that makes their story all the more believable.
What makes their story harder to digest is their future situation. I'm not saying it isn't believable – we're just missing a massive chunk of the story. Aaron loves playing with multiple timelines here, and I'm excited to see where this goes.
Highlights: New Series by Jason Aaron Dystopian Twisted Boy Scout Vibes “Love in the Wasteland” Multiple Timelines
Trigger Warnings: Graphic Elements Animal/Child Death Suicide Homophobia
A runaway teenager is on a strange trek across the country. She has only a mobile toy robot for company, making the ruins of the countryBook Summary:
A runaway teenager is on a strange trek across the country. She has only a mobile toy robot for company, making the ruins of the country feel all the more bleak. Everywhere she goes, she sees the effects of this technological apocalypse.
The farther she goes, the closer she gets to the coast. The closer she gets to the coast, the worse the world seems. What will she find when she gets there? Moreover, what is it she's looking for?
My Review:
If there's one thing I can say about The Electric State, it would be that it is so utterly haunting. Haunting and beautiful. The artwork is stunning, perfectly complementing this runaway teen's tragic and concerning story.
It's safe to say that there are bleak undertones in The Electric State. That should be obvious, from the description to the cover art. But it's also oddly human, showing how hard one person can hold onto hope, even against all the odds. There's the beauty.
The atmospheric artwork occasionally stole the show. That is, until the words made a critical strike, hitting my right in the heart and pulling me back into the story. It was perfectly balanced, deeply emotional, and utterly unique. Seriously, I don't think I've ever read anything quite like The Electric State, and I doubt I ever will.
Highlights: Stunning Artwork Science Fiction Post Apocalyptic Dystopian - Technology
Criminal Action Penal Entertainment (CAPE for short) allows inmates to fight (to the death) for a chance at early release. Either you diBook Summary:
Criminal Action Penal Entertainment (CAPE for short) allows inmates to fight (to the death) for a chance at early release. Either you die, or you survive three years of brutal fights and earn your freedom.
Which would you choose?
Loretta Thurwar and Hamara (Hurricane Staxxx) Stacker are two of the biggest names out there right now. They are close to earning their freedom – especially Thurwar. Their lethality cannot be overlooked, and the fans love them. Or do they?
My Review:
Wow. If you're looking for a book that will hit you hard, it's gotta be Chain-Gang All-Stars. This book is everything. It's political and social commentary. It's a modern dystopia. It's a bloody battle. You name it, and it's probably here.
Naturally, that means there's a lot to unpack in Chain-Gang All-Stars. Aside from the overall plot, my favorite part of the book would have to be Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah's annotations. There are a lot of dark but real facts included in this book, and their insertion helps to drive certain points home. It was so well done.
This novel has a dozen (at least?) different perspectives. Thurwar and Staxxx hold the most weight, as they come up the most, but many other perspectives help flesh out the world. In truth, I think this was the one part I didn't love. While I enjoyed seeing differing perspectives, their sheer number made me feel lost for a time or two. Otherwise, this is a phenomenal book and absolutely worth the read.
Highlights: Gladiator-esque Modern Dystopia LGBTQ+ Full of Ethical Debates and Points
Trigger Warnings: Racism Graphic/Violence Sexual Assault/Rape Police Brutality Suicide Mentioned
The world is crumbling. Thankfully, places such as Prospera, an isolated archipelago, help protect humanity from the horrors of the worlBook Summary:
The world is crumbling. Thankfully, places such as Prospera, an isolated archipelago, help protect humanity from the horrors of the world. Well, mostly. In this world, everyone has their health (physical and mental) monitored. Should they drop below ten perfect, they must retire.
That's where Proctor Bennett comes into play. He's a Ferrymen – one of the people who help (or force) others to retire. The proximity to the process allows Bennett realize that things are not as they seem and that his world is built on lies.
My Review:
Do you remember that 2005 film, The Island? That's what The Ferryman immediately made me think of. And that feeling kept cropping up, even as I was in the depth of this book. So if you're looking for a modern rendition, The Ferryman is the book for you.
Interestingly, The Ferryman combines many different elements and genres together. It isn't wholly science fiction, nor is it wholly fantasy. And it certainly has more than a dash of thriller and dystopian elements. It felt like the right balance between these parts, keeping the tension rising as we go along.
The Ferryman is admittedly a larger book – clocking in at over 500 pages. That said, it's worth the read! The pacing makes it so that you don't feel the page count, and it is easy to stay invested when there's always some new twist peeking around the corner.
Highlights: Dystopian World Thriller “The Island” vibes
Thanks to Ballantine Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Kyr has spent her entire life on Gaea Station, training hard to become the best soldier she can be. Why? She must avenge the loss of theBook Summary:
Kyr has spent her entire life on Gaea Station, training hard to become the best soldier she can be. Why? She must avenge the loss of the Earth, which means taking the battle to the aliens that rained destruction upon the human race.
This had always been her goal. Then she and her twin brother got their assignments...and it was nothing like Kyr had expected. This sets off a series of events that will change Kry's life forever – along with everybody on Gaea Station.
My Review:
Okay, if you hand me a book and promise it's a queer space opera, you know I will read it! But seriously, Some Desperate Glory has been in my sights for a while now, and I'm so happy to finally sit down and read it.
Some Desperate Glory is full of action, drama, and Kyr's internal struggle to do right by her people. It's a lot to take in, yet I can see why people are absolutely gushing about this read. Throw in aliens, an evil character or two, and some sympathetic secondary characters, and you've got the perfect story in your hands.
The transition that Kyr goes through is fantastic. She goes from being a protagonist I almost want to root against to somebody I want to cheer for, all in one book. You can imagine how all the secondary characters felt watching that happen!
There's a lot of commentary in Some Desperate Glory, so don't go into this book expecting a light read. Kyr is basically part of a cult, and it takes her a while to fight through the brainwashing she's experienced her entire life.
My biggest complaint about Some Desperate Glory? The novel kept telling us how big and physically impressive Kyr is (I believe the term "built like a tank" came up at least once). Yet she looks relatively small on the cover. Maybe that's a perspective issue, but I would have loved to see them push this description more on the cover.
Highlights: Supersoldiers LGBT Lead Space Opera Aliens!
Trigger Warnings: Sexism Racism Sexual Assault/Rape Mental Health/Depression/Suicide
Thanks to Tor.com for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenge 2023 Prompt - Dystopian Fiction Read Harder 2023 Challenge Prompt - Read one of your favorite author's favorite books
How do you think humanity would survive if one of the world-ending scenarios scientists have been talking about came true? This story isBook Summary:
How do you think humanity would survive if one of the world-ending scenarios scientists have been talking about came true? This story is set in the near future, where precisely that has happened. Now humanity is desperate for survival, and you know what that means.
Camp Zero is somewhere in the far north of Canada. Supposedly, the project being worked on there may change the world. Or not. Rose has agreed to head to this camp alongside several other women and newcomers.
My Review:
I really, really wanted to fall head over heels for Camp Zero. Honestly, if you take any of my favorite genres and promise me that it'll have a feminist bend, you can rest assured that I will give it a go.
Unfortunately, I do feel like Camp Zero fell short on many of its promises. It wasn't bad...it simply wasn't all that compelling either. I kept struggling to stay invested in the story. Usually, when I'm reading a book with multiple POVs, I can find one to be more invested in, worst-case scenario.
Out of all the perspectives, the White Alice one had the most potential. I'm still not going to say I loved it – but boy, did it have potential! I wish the entire book had been more focused on that group. But it is what it is, right?
Highlights: Dystopian World Multiple Perspectives Feminist Dystopian Novel
Trigger Warnings: Abandonment Food Shortages Sexual Assault/Control
52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenge 2023 Prompt - A character who is a refugee ABC 2023 - "C"
PopSugar 2023 Reading Challenge Prompt - A book you bought from an independent bookstore
Book Summary:
Magdala was born into a cruel world. It's dry anPopSugar 2023 Reading Challenge Prompt - A book you bought from an independent bookstore
Book Summary:
Magdala was born into a cruel world. It's dry and hot, with very little to offer. While she and her father are fleeing their home, they are exposed to a new horror within the Sonoran Desert. A horror that will linger forever.
This puts Magdala on a new journey in life. At first, it's a quest for survival. Then it's a proper pilgrimage. But later? It morphs into something that defies definition, even by Magdala herself. One thing is certain, Magdala – and the whole desert – will never be the same.
My Review:
Huh. I'm not going to lie; I don't entirely know what to make of Desert Creatures. I was initially drawn due to the promise of feminist fiction meets Western horror, and I certainly got what was billed. I'm just not sure how it made me feel.
On the one hand, certain elements were compelling. The zombie-like illness, for example. On the other hand, the religious aspects were often confusing or off-putting, in equal measure. However, that might be my personal bias showing through.
Kay Chronister certainly didn't shy away from the dystopian elements of this story. It worked in some ways but probably could have used some fine-tuning in others. Ultimately, I almost feel like this book tried to do too much. Still, it was worth reading, so I don't regret that.
Highlights: Dystopian Fiction Western Horror Zombie Vibes Feminist Fiction
Trigger Warnings: Graphic Details Death Sexism Implied Sexual Assault (discussed but not shown)
What would you do if the world was falling apart? For Sasha Severn, it was time to go home. Her childhood home that is. It's been over aBook Summary:
What would you do if the world was falling apart? For Sasha Severn, it was time to go home. Her childhood home that is. It's been over a decade since she's been to this place, yet the calling is too strong to ignore.
Yet Sasha doesn't quite find what she was expecting at this home. For starters, it's full of squatters. More importantly, something impossible is happening here. There's a honey bee. Quite possibly the last.
My Review:
Ow. My heart. The idea of The Last Beekeeper hits hard. After all, we're talking about a dystopian world with no bees – except for the one our wayward character found. That idea hurts, especially as I'm confident Julie Crrick Dalton was thinking about how real this possibility could become.
Still, I have to admit that the overall concept is intriguing. More than that, the writing is beautifully done. It's compelling – one of those books you can't put down, regardless of how late the clock says it is. (Seriously, don't make my mistake. Don't pick this book up at 9 pm to "read a couple of chapters before bed." Ha).
If you're looking for a book that feels too real while giving you all the chills, pick up The Last Beekeeper. You won't regret it.
Highlights: Bees Literary Fiction Perfect for fans of Delia Owens
Trigger Warnings: Loss of Bees Dystopian
Thanks to Forge Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Five years ago, the world changed. Some people fell victim to what appeared to be a sleepwalking sickness. Others followed the walkers iBook Summary:
Five years ago, the world changed. Some people fell victim to what appeared to be a sleepwalking sickness. Others followed the walkers in hopes of protecting loved ones from the world they could no longer see.
As it turns out, this was a sign that the world as we know it was ending. Now, the survivors are trying to rebuild society, but it will require careful work. This will prove challenging, as there is still quite a lot of cruelty in the world.
My Review:
Wow. Chuck Wendig sure has a way with words, doesn't he? I'll be honest; I never expected a sequel to Wanderers, though now I question why. Wayward felt inevitable – a follow-up that we've all been waiting for.
As one might imagine, this is quite a heavy read. Both literally and figuratively. The book is MASSIVE, yet I can't think of a single section I would have cut out, given a chance. Much of the story feels painfully relevant, so I can see why people have latched onto this series so strongly.
As with the first novel, Wayward is made up of several perspectives. This helps to give us a better view of the world. It also reminds us of the diversity among people – even a limited number of survivors. I liked that little implication.
Highlights: Science Fiction + Horror Post Apocalyptic Dystopian Rebuilding Society
Thanks to Del Rey Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Liz (Quirky Cat)
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