Helpful Score: 1
This is an okay entry in the post-apocalyptic genre, but not really outstanding. The premise, of course, is that a supervolcano erupts from Yellowstone. We watch as the event unfolds and then follow the fate of California cop Colin and various members of his family, now scattered across the continent, as they go about their lives.
And that's the gripe. We can't get emotionally invested in these folks because they're not challenged. Except for Colin and Kelly, they're not particularly likeable folks either. They just kinda go about their lives with not too much inconvenience. Vanessa is in a refugee camp, which sucks, but the others are not doing so bad. Now, I know that major disasters in one part of the country (or world) don't always affect folks in other parts, so I might buy some of this. On the other hand, holy cow, Turtledove has just blown up about 4 states and scattered the population of a couple more, global winter is upon them, agriculture in the US has to be at least three-fourths gone - you'd think there would be some problems other than higher gas prices and a shortage of potatoes.
So it's readable - I finished it in a day - it's at least plausible, there are some interesting subplots to be continued, but not that engaging. I probably won't look for the sequel.
And that's the gripe. We can't get emotionally invested in these folks because they're not challenged. Except for Colin and Kelly, they're not particularly likeable folks either. They just kinda go about their lives with not too much inconvenience. Vanessa is in a refugee camp, which sucks, but the others are not doing so bad. Now, I know that major disasters in one part of the country (or world) don't always affect folks in other parts, so I might buy some of this. On the other hand, holy cow, Turtledove has just blown up about 4 states and scattered the population of a couple more, global winter is upon them, agriculture in the US has to be at least three-fourths gone - you'd think there would be some problems other than higher gas prices and a shortage of potatoes.
So it's readable - I finished it in a day - it's at least plausible, there are some interesting subplots to be continued, but not that engaging. I probably won't look for the sequel.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
