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john_the_captain's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a huge fan of post-apocalyptic books and love it when I find something I haven't heard of. Of course most of them are US based so it's nice to have a UK based novel (although of course I'm Irish I can still relate better)
This is the first of 2 books ... a huge meteor shower reigns down on Britain, destroying huge cities and small villages. Those that survive have to get to the coast and board a hastily organised fleet of ships to bring them to a new life. Both this and the sequel "End of the World Survivors Club" are well written and worthy to hold a spot in any post-apocalyptic book shelf. There is a third book ... The Last Dog on Earth ... written by the same author that is equally as goo but with a slightly different premise.
I actually read the 2 books in the wrong order but it wasn't a problem as they stand alone quite well.
If you love post-apocalyptic books and travelling on a journey with the main characters (both physically across the country and metaphorically as they become different people) give this a go.
This is the first of 2 books ... a huge meteor shower reigns down on Britain, destroying huge cities and small villages. Those that survive have to get to the coast and board a hastily organised fleet of ships to bring them to a new life. Both this and the sequel "End of the World Survivors Club" are well written and worthy to hold a spot in any post-apocalyptic book shelf. There is a third book ... The Last Dog on Earth ... written by the same author that is equally as goo but with a slightly different premise.
I actually read the 2 books in the wrong order but it wasn't a problem as they stand alone quite well.
If you love post-apocalyptic books and travelling on a journey with the main characters (both physically across the country and metaphorically as they become different people) give this a go.
amywoo's review against another edition
3.5
Nowhere near as good as the books compared to but adequate read
lyntwhit's review against another edition
5.0
Great book! Read it in one day! I liked the main character Ed. It was easy to relate to him. I thought the book was believable. Fans of books like A World Made by Hand will enjoy this book. I highly recommend!
jdeveret's review against another edition
3.0
I expected to like this book . Post-apocalyptic survival? Good. Protagonist is a husband and father? Good. Running is a featured theme? Good. So I was a bit disappointed to be underwhelmed in the end. The book read OK, and the plot, although somewhat contrived, moved along pretty well. My biggest issue was that Edgar is, frankly, a really unlikable guy. And I know that is kind of the point, and that Overall, I found the book to be a decent read, but I was hoping for more.
Spoiler
his experiences lead to some sort of character growth, but I couldn't quite buy it. His incompetence in many facets of basic survival should have led his companions to ditch him numerous times, yet they continually prop him up and deal with his faults, even at risk to their own well being. And I didn't feel like the others in the quintet, with the possible exception of Harvey, were developed much beyond 2D characters serving to bolster some aspect of Edgar's inadequacies. One thing I do like is that the twist at the end when he finds Beth and the kids seems a bit symbolic (in keeping with the religious theme of his vision while lost in the valley), in that he has atoned for his sins but must still do his penance.peaknit's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 actually. Post apocalyptic (meteors hit the earth) tale. At times it was a little draggy but overall a decent read.
barktea's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
dromwald's review against another edition
4.0
When I first started reading this I imagined it was going to be a black comedy. It does have humorous moments but it's pretty grim in places. However, the characters are brilliantly drawn and despite the grim subject matter - this does centre around the destruction of most of the Northern hemisphere via meteor storm after all - it illustrates throughout the resilience of the human spirit - and the human body.
It's part a story of survival but it is also a love story albeit not perhaps a conventional one. I particularly liked the main character who starts out as someone who is really pretty pathetic but through adversity and an epic slog across country turns into the sort of character that you find yourself cheering on.
Well worth a read.
It's part a story of survival but it is also a love story albeit not perhaps a conventional one. I particularly liked the main character who starts out as someone who is really pretty pathetic but through adversity and an epic slog across country turns into the sort of character that you find yourself cheering on.
Well worth a read.
heidi_mcj's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent survival story with great descriptions of how running can feel. There is a LOT of swearing involved so if that bothers you then I suggest you don't read it.
probablynotabot's review against another edition
The main character is an asshole, and I found the narrator grating.