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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
3.5 because it was kinda hard to follow until near the end of the book
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a fun one, and like many of Turton’s other books, incredibly hard to articulate why! If you liked his other books, you’re likely to enjoy this, as well.
This book is set on an island as we watch the last handful of humanity try to carve out a life in the only space protected by a fog that has killed the rest of the earth’s population. They are guided by “elders” who seem to have immunities and survive longer than other villagers, but the island inhabitants revere them rather than ask questions. But we have questions!! And when something terrible happens to one of the elders, fortunately the character Emory begins to ask the questions for us, working to reveal the ultimate truth about the elders, the fog, and the island’s purpose.
For the first half of the book, I had Horizon Zero Dawn vibes (if you have played those games) as the community survived by primitive means amidst the ruins of technology from just before humanity’s fall.
The second half felt very much like an action-based denoument like a Sherlock or Poirot story. If you like stories about unraveling how the world went south, dystopian communities run by seemingly benevolent “elders” with dark intents, and a few twists, this one will be a favorite for you.
Animal Alert Deer & Vulture:
What I Liked:
- I love that this author continually reinvents himself and tackles new environments and characters. Each of his novels so far has been unique. My favorite will still be The Eleven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle but I appreciate the variety.
- The story, while not entirely unique, still brought something fresh to the dystopian genre. I was impressed by the blend of mystery that kept propelling the story set alongside well-paced revelations and some very interesting science ideas.
- The characters here were fairly well done – I found most of them to be distinct, each with their own strengths and flaws. As was the case with most characters, it was ultimately hard to villify any one of them completely, and this book has left me thinking about who was "bad" or "good."
What I Didn’t:
- It was somewhat confusing to understand when Abi was talking in their heads versus when other actual people were speaking aloud to one another. This book would have benefited immensely from a different font type for Abi so that was made clear.
This book is set on an island as we watch the last handful of humanity try to carve out a life in the only space protected by a fog that has killed the rest of the earth’s population. They are guided by “elders” who seem to have immunities and survive longer than other villagers, but the island inhabitants revere them rather than ask questions. But we have questions!! And when something terrible happens to one of the elders, fortunately the character Emory begins to ask the questions for us, working to reveal the ultimate truth about the elders, the fog, and the island’s purpose.
For the first half of the book, I had Horizon Zero Dawn vibes (if you have played those games) as the community survived by primitive means amidst the ruins of technology from just before humanity’s fall.
The second half felt very much like an action-based denoument like a Sherlock or Poirot story. If you like stories about unraveling how the world went south, dystopian communities run by seemingly benevolent “elders” with dark intents, and a few twists, this one will be a favorite for you.
Animal Alert Deer & Vulture:
Spoiler
There is a deer that is caught by carnivorous plants – it’s not described very long, but it’s clear the deer will not make it. A vulture is smashed to death by one of the characters.What I Liked:
- I love that this author continually reinvents himself and tackles new environments and characters. Each of his novels so far has been unique. My favorite will still be The Eleven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle but I appreciate the variety.
- The story, while not entirely unique, still brought something fresh to the dystopian genre. I was impressed by the blend of mystery that kept propelling the story set alongside well-paced revelations and some very interesting science ideas.
- The characters here were fairly well done – I found most of them to be distinct, each with their own strengths and flaws. As was the case with most characters, it was ultimately hard to villify any one of them completely, and this book has left me thinking about who was "bad" or "good."
What I Didn’t:
- It was somewhat confusing to understand when Abi was talking in their heads versus when other actual people were speaking aloud to one another. This book would have benefited immensely from a different font type for Abi so that was made clear.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
ate down tho a wee bit predictable however that can be attributed to the characters being built too well LOL
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a ride
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A bit too ‘perfect utopia’ driven for me but still had enough plot to keep me interested.