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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Electric Kingdom by David Arnold is a gripping and inventive dystopian novel that effortlessly weaves together timelines and characters, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply engaging.
Set against the backdrop of a world devastated by the Fly Flu, Arnold introduces us to a diverse cast of survivors, each on their own quest for meaning, connection, and survival. The story follows Nico, an eighteen-year-old with her loyal canine companion, a young artist named Kit raised in an abandoned cinema, and the mysterious Deliverer, whose journey spans multiple lives as they strive to piece together a shattered world.
Arnold's storytelling prowess is evident in the intricate way he unfolds the plot, seamlessly blending elements of survival, hope, and love. The post-apocalyptic New England setting is vividly portrayed, with swarms of infected Flies adding an extra layer of tension and urgency to the characters' quests.
One of the standout features of The Electric Kingdom is the authenticity of its characters. They feel remarkably real, each with their unique struggles, aspirations, and fears. Arnold skillfully explores themes of art, storytelling, and the eternal quest for beauty even in the bleakest of circumstances.
The novel's pacing is impeccable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the characters navigate the unknown, encountering others with their own tales of resilience. The mythical portal, Nico's father's creation, adds an element of mystery and anticipation that propels the story forward.
In the vein of Station Eleven and The 5th Wave, The Electric Kingdom stands out as a genre-smashing masterpiece. Arnold's ambitious narrative explores the depths of human connection and the enduring power of hope in a world forever altered. If you're a fan of dystopian fiction that combines suspense, heart, and a touch of the extraordinary, The Electric Kingdom is a must-read.
The Electric Kingdom by David Arnold is a gripping and inventive dystopian novel that effortlessly weaves together timelines and characters, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply engaging.
Set against the backdrop of a world devastated by the Fly Flu, Arnold introduces us to a diverse cast of survivors, each on their own quest for meaning, connection, and survival. The story follows Nico, an eighteen-year-old with her loyal canine companion, a young artist named Kit raised in an abandoned cinema, and the mysterious Deliverer, whose journey spans multiple lives as they strive to piece together a shattered world.
Arnold's storytelling prowess is evident in the intricate way he unfolds the plot, seamlessly blending elements of survival, hope, and love. The post-apocalyptic New England setting is vividly portrayed, with swarms of infected Flies adding an extra layer of tension and urgency to the characters' quests.
One of the standout features of The Electric Kingdom is the authenticity of its characters. They feel remarkably real, each with their unique struggles, aspirations, and fears. Arnold skillfully explores themes of art, storytelling, and the eternal quest for beauty even in the bleakest of circumstances.
The novel's pacing is impeccable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the characters navigate the unknown, encountering others with their own tales of resilience. The mythical portal, Nico's father's creation, adds an element of mystery and anticipation that propels the story forward.
In the vein of Station Eleven and The 5th Wave, The Electric Kingdom stands out as a genre-smashing masterpiece. Arnold's ambitious narrative explores the depths of human connection and the enduring power of hope in a world forever altered. If you're a fan of dystopian fiction that combines suspense, heart, and a touch of the extraordinary, The Electric Kingdom is a must-read.
dnf at 23%
I really wanted to like this but it was so dry and cliche
I really wanted to like this but it was so dry and cliche
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Living in a pandemic, some of these dystopian worlds come a little close for comfort. Though that isn't quite the case here, the scenario certainly provides plenty of food for thought.
It would seem that dystopia is a dangerous place and it must be tricky living in a before and after world. It is a combination of happy sad, on edge, purpose, faith, friendship, realness, stories, coincidence and suspense in a crazy incredible future. Definitely intelligently out there.
It would seem that dystopia is a dangerous place and it must be tricky living in a before and after world. It is a combination of happy sad, on edge, purpose, faith, friendship, realness, stories, coincidence and suspense in a crazy incredible future. Definitely intelligently out there.
#isuckatreviewsandalsogettingmypointacrosscouldbedonebetter
I just finished this and am pretty sure I will be re-reading it immediately. This is a beautiful story, poetic, full of emotion, and full circles. Attachments are made to characters who deserve to have their stories known, characters who beg to be known. Hearts are broken more than once (basically mine) but there is peace in the contentment that comes with seeing such a long and varied life. So much room for spoilers (is that a spoiler?).
The title seems such a small piece of the whole I wonder what I'm missing. Nothing written in this book is by accident.
Also, not a fan of the cover.
I just finished this and am pretty sure I will be re-reading it immediately. This is a beautiful story, poetic, full of emotion, and full circles. Attachments are made to characters who deserve to have their stories known, characters who beg to be known. Hearts are broken more than once (basically mine) but there is peace in the contentment that comes with seeing such a long and varied life. So much room for spoilers (is that a spoiler?).
The title seems such a small piece of the whole I wonder what I'm missing. Nothing written in this book is by accident.
Also, not a fan of the cover.
Fantastic!! Heartbreaking. Heartwarming. Will be reading it a second time.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-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:
No
*3.75 STARS*
Ok it’s not even been 10 minutes since I finished reading this book and I already can’t wait for future me to re-read this one day and pick up on all the hints along the way about that ending.
AND WHAT AN ENDING.
I wasn’t 100% convinced about this book for the quarter of it and then I went back and forth liking it and then not liking it and then the last quarter?? Hoo boy.
Heartbreak, confusion, even more confusion and then suddenly: ALL the answers.
Honestly the whole book felt very reminiscent of Station Eleven. (Another book I really enjoyed) the things I loved about that book, are exactly what I loved about The Electric Kingdom.
Whilst I may have been ‘?????’ During some of the chapters, as a whole, the plot is just so clever.
I would have liked to have known more about Echo and the role he played. Same thoughts for the old woman with the book at the end. Does this mean the cycle ended? I guess we’ll never find out!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
What an exceptional piece by Arnold! I was not sure what I was expecting but this post-apocalyptic novel held my attention throughout. There were so many challenging twists that kept me guessing until the end. There were The Road, Twin Peaks, Last of Us, and German TV Series "Dark" vibes, which are all some of my favorite narratives.
Can't wait to see what David comes up with next.
Can't wait to see what David comes up with next.
So this post apocalyptic novel...sort of isn't.
I mean, it is. It's set in a world devastated by a mutated bee carrying a deadly fly. Most of the characters are children who have grown up in this world and don't know anything else. They go scavenging and grow a lot of their own food, and at various points we meet a gang of raiders and a truly unpleasant Bible basher. So far, so post apocalyptic.
But there's also some sci fi going on in there, and I didn't feel like the storylines meshed very well. Either story on its own would have been really cool, but for me, they didn't make sense put together. It felt a bit like Patrick Ness' Release, which had a great story about a teenager on the day everything in his life changed, and also something weird about a ghost and a faun that never really crossed over with the main story or made sense.
It's a shame, because individually the two stories - children grown up in a post apocalyptic world who are now moving out from the protection of adults, and the strange sci fi ness of the Deliverer - are entertaining. But by grafting them together, everything got confused, and plenty of storylines didn't get finished up properly. What was the illness killing the adults? Where did (redacted character) vanish to? Why did Kit seem to be remembering past lives when the person living them over and over was someone else entirely?
Not awful; definitely worth a look. But not one of the better ones, either.
I mean, it is. It's set in a world devastated by a mutated bee carrying a deadly fly. Most of the characters are children who have grown up in this world and don't know anything else. They go scavenging and grow a lot of their own food, and at various points we meet a gang of raiders and a truly unpleasant Bible basher. So far, so post apocalyptic.
But there's also some sci fi going on in there, and I didn't feel like the storylines meshed very well. Either story on its own would have been really cool, but for me, they didn't make sense put together. It felt a bit like Patrick Ness' Release, which had a great story about a teenager on the day everything in his life changed, and also something weird about a ghost and a faun that never really crossed over with the main story or made sense.
It's a shame, because individually the two stories - children grown up in a post apocalyptic world who are now moving out from the protection of adults, and the strange sci fi ness of the Deliverer - are entertaining. But by grafting them together, everything got confused, and plenty of storylines didn't get finished up properly. What was the illness killing the adults? Where did (redacted character) vanish to? Why did Kit seem to be remembering past lives when the person living them over and over was someone else entirely?
Not awful; definitely worth a look. But not one of the better ones, either.