A review by barnesm31
Defender by G.X. Todd

dark mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 G/X Todd's debut Defender is standout in the rich field of post-apocalyptic literature thanks to interesting characters with heart and the high-concept genre conceit of independent inner voice based on the phycological concept of the bicameral mind. 

These inner voices are hinted as a possible source of the breakdown of civilization through several years later is a muddled one at best. 

Like many post-apocalyptic tales this one has sparse populations most of which involve encounters with the mad, the violent or a combination of both. Down these mean dusty pathways stumbles a taciturn loner called Pilgrim who is not himself mean, as he travels through ruined America, accompanied by his (mostly) non-violent Voice.  When they come across a headstrong teenage girl named Lacey who’s determined to travel east to find her sister, Pilgrim agrees to give her a ride. However, it’s a dangerous world out there, especially when you get tangled up with a terrifying gang of Voice-hunting survivors. 

A welcome introduction to an interesting series.