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matey15's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting premise, lots of excitement for young readers, but as a native New Hampshire-ite, I found the dialogue uncharacteristic of how people actually talk. Maybe it's because I'm from downstate, but the dialogue sometimes distracted me. Otherwise, I found the story very engaging. The ending was satisfying and surprising. Additionally, it made me think: what if something like that were to happen? How can we prepare? Should we? I think the kids at my library will like it.
shellihuntley4's review against another edition
4.0
A good adventure story. The people is a small, north country, New Hampshire town try to survive winter without power. The town has a group of survivalists who use the crisis as an excuse to spread fear and anger. Opposed to the fear mongering group is the town police officer, Mr. Kingman. He does his best to take care of the weak, elderly and infirm. Everything is seen through the eyes of Charlie, a boy who tries to help his family survive.
23missb's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. Quick and easy read, great premise, but could use a little more oomph. Only took me this long to read because I lost it for a bit under my bed.
carmenhartjensen's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this but it has some themes of racism that are hard to read.
xemilyx's review against another edition
2.0
The story focused on the adults until about half-way through, when the main character started a cross-country winter journey. That was more interesting, but the brief portrayal of mentally ill characters was uncomfortable, and the ending was straight deus ex machina. So disappointing that after creating such a stressful central conflict (with a one-dimensional racist antagonist), the author didn't have any answers for how to resolve such a conflict!
car3b3ar's review
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
librariann's review against another edition
3.0
I read this in its entirety on my phone while Will napped on me. It read like a really really abridged Stephen King book from only one character's point of view. Which is to say: there were things about it that were appealing, but it just felt a little simplistic. (Okay, I get it, it's a book for kids - simplistic is okay.)
abigailbat's review against another edition
3.0
A mix of post-apocalyptic survival story and small-town drama. I liked the parts where Charlie is taking action to help his mom, but the stretches about the crazy recluse taking over the town were less interesting to me. The book takes a little long to get going, but once it does the action continues at a nice clip.
libscote's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this one. It was scarily realistic. I mean, how would we survive without electricity? No internet? How freaky! This one was so well written. It's only 178 pages, but you are kept on the edge of your seat and hoping that Charlie, his family and friends will make it through everything okay.
jillcd's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. An action-packed thought provoking quick read. Students who crave adventure/survival and are not fond of reading, may be enticed by this short book. I especially enjoyed the setting and plot.