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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very much like the stand, but nukes instead of a super flu
I first read this book in 1998 and I could not put it down.
I have lost count of how many times I have reread it.
It remains one of my favorite books of all time.
I have lost count of how many times I have reread it.
It remains one of my favorite books of all time.
challenging
dark
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
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:
Complicated
Summary: This is a post-apocalyptic story about the after effects of nuclear war. It follows multiple groups of characters and explores how they function in this new world. There are also fantastical elements, mainly through the eponymous character Swan, who has the ability to commune with plants. There is also another character with a magical ring that shows her visions and a character who represents a demonic force.
Favorite Quote: Because, after his madness had passed, Colonel Macklin had realized he now wore the face of the Shadow Soldier. They were one and the same now. It was a miracle that told Macklin God was on the side of the Army of Excellence. (pg. 722)
Review: In the early parts of this novel, I was a little distracted because it was reminding me so much of The Stand by Stephen King. The characters and their relationships have a lot of parallels with that book, but as it goes on, it starts to diverge. I liked that it took place over a long time period and really explored how different groups adapt to the situation. I actually liked the antagonist group the best. Even though they are clearly the villains, I could understand their thought process and feel a bit of sympathy for them. My least favorite element was the fantastical elements. I feel like they could have been left out and had it just be a nuclear holocaust story and I would have liked it better.
Favorite Quote: Because, after his madness had passed, Colonel Macklin had realized he now wore the face of the Shadow Soldier. They were one and the same now. It was a miracle that told Macklin God was on the side of the Army of Excellence. (pg. 722)
Review: In the early parts of this novel, I was a little distracted because it was reminding me so much of The Stand by Stephen King. The characters and their relationships have a lot of parallels with that book, but as it goes on, it starts to diverge. I liked that it took place over a long time period and really explored how different groups adapt to the situation. I actually liked the antagonist group the best. Even though they are clearly the villains, I could understand their thought process and feel a bit of sympathy for them. My least favorite element was the fantastical elements. I feel like they could have been left out and had it just be a nuclear holocaust story and I would have liked it better.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
Well written characters that navigate a dystopian future that feels prescient to today's path. Interesting plot and worth a read. Would recommend.